Today we are going to look at the behaviors Jesus gives us to identify what a true follower of His looks like?

If not, is He calling you now?

Why did you fail?

What has influenced you to live the way you do?

Today we’re going to look at how we are to live and how we are to be influenced and how we are to parent our children.

Today we're going to look at what we should do when we face difficult circumstances.

Today we're going to look at what we must do to atone for our sin. 

Today we see we’re going to look how a person becomes a Christian.

Today we see we’re going to look at one of God’s most loyal followers and what happened when God gave him the biggest test of his life!

Today we are going to look at God’s plan and how it can impact our lives

Today we are going to look at how what you believe about creation shapes your world view!

WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM ME? 

WHAT IF I DON’T OBEY GOD?

Today we look at the God plan for those who turn to Him!

How do you learn God’s plan for your life?

Today we look at the how we find God’s plan for our life!

Today we look at why the church is having problems and is becoming less effective!

 GREAT FOR LEADERS, FOLLOWERS, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS 

Today we’re going to take a look at how a man put God to the test by challenging a world leader and his people!

Today we are going to look at people that experienced tremendous difficulties and how they responded

• Today we look at a man that had a troubling dream and look at what it meant

·        Non-existent

·        I call on God when I need something

·        I talk to God a few times a day

·        I have a close intimate relationship with God in a daily quiet-time and maintain my communication with Him throughout the day for the most part

3.   What kind of prayer life do you want?

·        I’m fine the way it is now

·        I want to do better

·        I need an extreme overhaul and desire a close intimate relationship with God 

•A love that labors

•A steadfastness of hope

·        What are evidence’s of praise?

·        What does the Bible tell us about praising Jesus?

·        How do some religious people treat others?

·        What does Jesus say about those who are thought to be insignificant?

•       How would that affect your life?

•       How can you make better decisions going forward?

•       Have you asked God tough questions?

•       What do you think God wants from you?

•       Who did Jesus say He was?

•       What did the teachers and leaders of religious law think about Jesus?

•       What is the reason people get sick?

•       What is more important, physical healing or spiritual healing?

•       What did you learn by going through that situation?

•       What is your greatest concern right now?

•       How will my decisions going forward affect my life?

•       What is the biggest decision you have or will ever make?

•   How should I react to those who hurt me?

•   What does Jesus tell His followers to do?

·         What is evident in a person who has decided to follow Jesus? 

·         What does producing “Good fruit” mean?

·       Do I pray enough?

·       Why should I never stop praying?

·       What is the Millennium?

·       What changes are there going to be on planet earth?

·       How do these events impact my life?

• What did you do the last few times you received bad news or were fearful about a situation? 
• When you pray, do you truly believe God will hear your requests? 
• Do you stop and think about how your own needs and desires fit with life that should be characterized by a love for God over self?

God is the supreme authority and all things are under His control.  

1.Omnipotent: Having unlimited Power, able to do anything

2.Omniscient: Knowing everything

3.Omnipresent: Everywhere at the same time

Study Passage:  Proverbs 14:8-15

• There may be people that want to destroy your marriage-Be on guard!
• Stay AWAY!
• Understand the consequence
• Be faithful to your own wife

• Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
• Keep off the path of the wicked
• Pay attention to God’s words
• Carefully consider the path for your life and what you really want
• Those who are serious about their walk with Jesus TAKE ACTION!

• Internalize God’s teachings
• Always trust in the Lord with all your heart
• Allow God to show you what path to take
• Honor the Lord with your wealth
• A father only disciplines those he loves

 REASONS NOT TO DESPISE DISCIPLINE

• The Lord discipline is an expression of His love (3:11-12)
• Despising correction leads to regret (1:29-31, 5:11-14)
• Corrective discipline leads to life (6:23, 10:17, 15:10)
• The one who hate correction is stupid (12:1, 15:5)
• Correction leads to knowledge and wisdom (19:25, 29:15) 

• The power of the Holy Spirit will fill us with all peace and joy that we may overflow with hope
• Believers are sanctified by the Holy Spirit
• Jesus accomplishes his plan and purpose through believers
• Our purpose is to share the gospel and be Jesus to everyone God puts in our path

Context Passage: Romans 14:1-15:13

Study Passage: Romans 14:1-12

Insights you can take away to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

• Don’t argue about matters of religious practices
• Don’t look down on or judge others
• We live or die for the Lord.  He’s got our lives in His hands
• Each of us will give an account of himself to God

Romans 13 - Study Passage: Romans 13:1-14

 Insights you can take away to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

• Authorities that exist are instituted by God
• Submit to the authorities that God has put in place
• Love our neighbor as yourself
• Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Focus: Believers are to demonstrate Christlike character by presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice

Context Passage: Romans 12:1-21

Study Passage: Romans 12:1-2,9-18

 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

 Christian Ethics

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. 11 Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

What insights can you take away to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

• We should present our bodies as a living sacrifice
• Genuine love comes from a transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit by the renewing of your mind
• The supernatural life of a Christ-follower that totally surrenders their life to Jesus produces amazing Christ-like qualities

Focus: The gospel continues to be offered to all people, Jews and Gentiles

Context Passage: Romans 11:1-36

Study Passage: Romans 11:17-32

Insights to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

• We should not boast or think we are better than someone because of our salvation
• Salvation will always be through faith in Christ’s completed work on the cross
• God has had mercy on us all and desires that we come to Him through faith in His son Jesus!

Focus: Salvation has always been granted through faith in Jesus

Context Passage: Romans 9:1-10:21

Study Passage: Romans 10:5-15

 5 since Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven? ”that is, to bring Christ down 7 or, “Who will go down into the abyss?” that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. 8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, (1) Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, 12 since (2) there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For (3) everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

14 (1)How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? (2) And how can they believe without hearing about him? (3) And how can they hear without a preacher?15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. 

Context Passage: Romans 8:1-39

Verses 1-11 tells us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  We are set free from the bondage of sin because Jesus was our sin offering in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those that have not put their faith in Jesus for salvation have their mind set on things of the flesh while those that have put their faith and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 

THE MINDSET OF THE FLESH IS DEATH (SPIRITUAL)

•  mindset of the flesh is hostile to God
• it does not submit to God’s law
• it is unable to do so
• cannot please God
• he does not belong to Jesus

BUT THE MINDSET OF THE SPIRIT IS LIFE AND PEACE

• Spirit of God lives in you
• Spirit gives life
• brings our mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you

Study Passage - Romans 8:12-25

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba,[i] Father!” 16 The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

Focus: Salvation comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection

Context Passage: Luke 24

Study Passage – Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen!Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.

9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.

What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? 2 Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness[a] of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be[b] in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self[c] was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin[d] might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed[e] from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, 9 because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. 10 For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.[f]

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey[g] its desires. 13 And do not offer any parts[h] of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.

The gospel is the power of God for salvation and radically changes the lives of all who put their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul’s passion for the gospel is seen from the opening verse to the closing of the letter.  He had been set apart to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers.  The same gospel would strengthen believers in Rome                                  

Study Passage - Romans 5:1-11

5 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, (1)we have peace[a] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also (2) obtained access through him by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and (3)we rejoice[c] in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 How much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

Focus: All who accept the gospel by faith are justified before the Father

Context Passage – Romans 3:21-4:25

 The Theme of Romans

The gospel is the power of God for salvation and radically changes the lives of all who put their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul’s passion for the gospel is seen from the opening verse to the closing of the letter.  He had been set apart to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers.  The same gospel would strengthen believers In Rome

 Study Passage - Romans 3:21-4:3

The Righteousness of God through Faith

21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as an atoning sacrifice in his blood, received through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. 26 God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.

Boasting Excluded

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith. 28 For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Abraham Justified by Faith

4 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found] 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. 

  What insights can you take away to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

·        We are all sinners in need of a savior

·        Most people believe they are good enough to get into heaven

·        We are justified by faith not by works

·        We need to tell people our story about how we came to Christ and what we had to overcome to do that

Context Passage – Romans 2:17-3:20

The Theme of Romans

The gospel is the power of God for salvation and radically changes the lives of all who put their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul’s passion for the gospel is seen from the opening verse to the closing of the letter.  He had been set apart to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers.  The same gospel would strengthen believers in Rome

Study Passage - Romans 2:17-29

Now if you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law, and boast in God, 18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law, 19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law— 21 you then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself? You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal? 22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob their temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.

25 Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So if an uncircumcised man keeps the law’s requirements, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 A man who is physically uncircumcised, but who keeps the law, will judge you who are a lawbreaker in spite of having the letter of the law and circumcision. 28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. 29 On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God.

1.   What are some things that you are really good at”?

2.   How close to perfect are you in those areas?

3.   In what ways do you fall short?

4.   Who is God speaking to in verse 17?

“IF” CAN ALSO MEAN “SINCE”

5.   How did the Jews see themselves in verses 17-20?

a.   Call yourself a Jew, rely on the law, boast in God, know His will, have discernment, instructed by the law, a guide for the blind, light to those in darkness, instructor of the ignorant, teacher of the immature, believed they were the embodiment of knowledge and truth, 

6.   How would you describe how the Jew felt about themselves? (Superior attitude, better than everyone else)

7.   What’s missing here? (A humble loving attitude, walking the talk)

8.   Who would Paul be talking to today? (All Christians both Jew and gentile)

9.   Look at verse 21.  What is Paul saying? (If you think this way of yourself shouldn’t you act like it?

10.  Paul continues with rhetorical questions: You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal? 22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob their temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? What point is Paul driving home? (Their walk did not back up their talk) 

WE SAY WE ARE PEOPLE OF FAITH, BUT IN THE LIGHT OF THIS PANDEMIC WE ARE FACING, ARE WE LIVING OUT OUR FAITH. WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING? 

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

President Trump declared on Friday a National Day of Prayer for this upcoming Sunday, shortly

• Daniel AGAIN WAS PRAYING when supernatural events take place!
• When we PRAY, things happen!!!
• God’s Plan will unfold at the perfect time-Wait on Him!!!
• God will strengthen us when we are down and our energy is gone!
• We are in a SPIRITUAL BATTLE and need to always put on The Full Armor of God and be ready to battle evil

Three Archangels mentioned in Scripture

• Michael – The Powerful Warrior Angel who is the chief angel of heaven and most likely seized the dragon (Satan) with a chain, bound him and threw him into the abyss for 1000 years.  Revelation 20: 1-3
• Gabriel – The Powerful Messenger Angel-Luke 2
• Lucifer – A powerful archangel who “became proud in his heart” and became Satan

Ezekiel 28:12-15 - “‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings[c] were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. 14 You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. 

Ignoring God leads to destruction

Context Passage – Romans 1:18-2:16

The Theme of Romans

The gospel is the power of God for salvation and radically changes the lives of all who put their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul’s passion for the gospel is seen from the opening verse to the closing of the letter.  He had been set apart to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers.  The same gospel would strengthen believers in Rome

 Study Passage - Romans 1:18-28:32

1.   What might a person turn to in his or her search for meaning? (chart answers)

2.   How would you rank the items you listed from most tried to least?

3.   Who is God’s wrath revealed against? (against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people)

a.   2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.

4.   Who are unrighteous? (For all have sinned)

5.   When you were to ask 100 people on the street, (If you were to die today where would you go”, how do you think most people would answer that?  (to heaven)

6.   When you ask them why, what do you think they would say? (because I’m a good person)

7.   What’s the problem with that answer? (they don’t believe they need to repent)

8.   How would you respond to a person that said they were a good person?

9.   Why does God say that people are without excuse in verses 19-23?

a.   His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen in creation

10.  What aspect of God reveal the most about God to you?

11.  How could you use that revelation to help other know God?

12.  What are the characteristics of a person that has not truly repented and asked Jesus to save them? (Verses 21-25 – CHART)

13.  Why do people serve man-made “gods” rather than honor the Lord?

14.  How would you convenience people that they need to repent and turn to God? (tell them your story)

15.  What happens to people that refuse to acknowledge God in verses 24-28?

16.  According to verse 32, what do people know about God?

17.  What do people do that are unrepentant? (applaud other who don’t do what is right?

What insights can you take away to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

·         God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against ungodliness

·         God is revealed in creation

·         Everyone need to repent and come to God through Jesus or there will be extreme consequence

• When faced with a death sentence, Daniel went to his three friends “that they might seek mercies from the god of heaven concerning this secret so they would not perish”
• The secret was revealed to Daniel and he blessed the Lord God of heaven
• In the presence of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel tells the King, “There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets and He has made known to the King”
• Daniel tells the King, “For the God of Heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength and glory”
• Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face prostrate before Daniel and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets since you could reveal this secret.”

• Daniel “purposed in his heart” not to defile himself with the food offered to idols
• God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams
• King Nebuchadnezzar interviewed them all and none was found like them in all wisdom and understanding and the king found them 10 times better than all the magicians and astrologers in his realm
• God honors those who “purpose in their hearts not to sin” 
• God raises up his people and puts them in positions of influence for his plan and purpose
• Daniel and his friends show us that it is possible to live an exemplary life in a pagan world

Focus: God provides believers with all the resources needed to live Christlike lives

 Study Passage - Ephesians 6:10-20

Christian Warfare

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

 Was there a time in your life when you repented of your sin and asked Jesus to save you?

Were there changes in your life after you made that commitment?

Ask yourself, “Are there changes that need to take place now in my walk with Jesus?”

 Are you a casual Christian or Fully committed Christ follower?

The sanctification process is falling more in love with Jesus everyday

SALVATION IS FREE BUT SANCTIFICATION TAKES A LIFETIME AND IS HARD

Where does our strength come from? (The Lord)

1.   How is God’s strength described in verse 10? (Vast strength)

a.   1 John 4:4 - You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

2.   Why should we put on the Full Armor of God? (So we can stand against the schemes of the devil-THIS IS THE 1ST TIME PAUL STATES THIS)

3.   What are these schemes? (anything to make us ineffective in our walk with Jesus)

4.   What are some examples of the devil’s schemes? (group discussion)

5.   According to verse 12, what is our struggle against? (Not people “flesh and blood”, but demonic forces under the direction of Satan)

It doesn’t mean Satan won’t use people, but that Satan is the source of our struggle

6.   Paul tells us a second time to “take up the Full Armor of God”. 

a.   Why does Paul tell us again? (This is of utmost importance in the Christian life)

b.   How much of the armor should we put on? Why?

c.   What reasons does verse 13 give us? (so that I can resist the devil and HAVING PREPARED EVERYTHING to take a stand!)

7.   What ha

Father, Son (Jesus), Holy Spirit, Angels

OR

Domain of Darkness

Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet, Demons

Babylon: Refers to the entire worldwide political, economic, and religious kingdom of the Antichrist

Great harlot: Idolatry or apostasy: abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief

Scarlet beast: The Antichrist

7 heads and 10 horns: Antichrist’s political alliances

Fornication: Spiritual prostitution to the Antichrist’s false system

Unfaithful to God

Harlotry: False devotion

Blasphemy: Changing what God has done, false religion

Beast: Final world government

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Lesson 11

 Christ and His Kingdom

Revelation 19:1-20:15

• First Bowl-Festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
• Second Bowl-The sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.
• Third Bowl-The rivers and springs of water became blood.
• Fourth Bowl-The sun was allowed to scorch people with fire.They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
• Fifth Bowl-The throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.
• Sixth Bowl-The great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up
• Seventh Bowl-A severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.

8 - The Terrible Triumvirate - Revelation 12:1-13:18
Antichrist, False Prophet, Satan

Murders - Even prior to birth.  The pagans respected the womb.  Abortion was punished by death

Sorcery - Use of drugs to dull the senses for seances, witchcraft, and cavorting with mediums

Fornication - sexual intercourse between people not married to each other.

Theft - Institutional theft, stealing of your property, socialism is the worst kind of theft

Revelation 9:20

The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.

Luke 24:47 - and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3:19 - Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Acts 20:21 - I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Revelation 3:19 - Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Matthew 28:18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

2 Corinthians 1:9 - Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

The Divine Outline

Revelation 1:19

Write the things which you have seen

The Vision of Christ                                                      Chapter 1

And the things which are    

The Seven Churches                                                   Chapters 2, 3

And the things which will take place after this

Which Follows After the Churches                              Chapters 4-22

Key Verses From Week 1

1:3 - Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Application to All Churches

Ephesus – Devotion, not just doctrine-neglected devotion

Smyrna – Endure persecution – Satanic opposition

Pergamos – Purify your ambassadorship-spiritual compromise

Thyatira – Abandon Pagan practices

Sardis – Watchfulness, Diligence

Philadelphia – Missionary/Evangelistic 

Laodicea – Prosperous compromise with the world

 Personal Application – ME!

Ephesus – Neglected Priorities

Smyrna – Persecution-We will suffer for Jesus

Pergamos – Avoid Worldly Compromise

Thyatira – Flee Pagan Practices

Sardis – Be Watchful and Diligent

Philadelphia – You are an ambassador of Jesus Christ

Laodicea – Repent and be Committed

Repentance: 

Definition - to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life

Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 59:20 - “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.

Ezekiel 14:6 - “Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!

Ezekiel 18:32 - For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

Matthew 4:17 - From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Mark 1:4 - And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 13:3 - I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

Luke 15:10 - In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Luke: 14X, Acts: 10X, Revelation: 10X

Old Testament: 24X, New Testament: 54X

The Antichrist - “Instead of Christ”

Lesson 6 - God’s Trumpets - Revelation 8:1-9:21

The 7 Trumpets

1st Trumpet – Hail & fire-Third of the trees and green grass burned up

2nd Trumpet – Large asteroid hits the sea third to blood, creatures, ships

3rd Trumpet – Star falls from heaven, 1/3 rivers bitter, many men die

4th Trumpet – 1/3 of sun, moon and stars struck-earth darkened

5th Trumpet – Satan falls from heaven, given the key to the bottomless pit    to loose the demons to torcher mankind for 5 months

6th Trumpet – Four fallen angels are loosed along with 200 million demons to kill 1/3 of

Sesson 5

Opening of the Seals, Start of the 7 year Tribulation, Enter the Antichrist, 144 Messianic Jews

Revelation 6:1-1:17

Wrath   noun

Definition of wrath

1: strong vengeful anger or indignation

2: retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement

Revelation 6:17 - For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Lesson 5

Opening of the Seals

Revelation 6:1-1:17

The Antichrist

“Instead of Christ”

NEXT WEDNESDAY

God’s Trumpets

Revelation 8:1-9:21

The Christian’s Ultimate Victory 

Revelation

“The Unveiling”

·         The consummation of all things

·         The only book in the Bible that promises a special blessing to the reader

·         404 verses containing over 800 allusions from the Old Testament

·         It presents the climax of God’s Plan for you and me

Revelation 1:1-3

·         The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

The Divine Outline

Revelation 1:19

 Write the things which you have seen

o   The Vision of Christ                                                                                     Chapter 1

·         And the things which are    

o   The Seven Churches                                                                                  Chapters 2-3

·         And the things which will take place after this

o   Which Follows After the Churches                                                            Chapters 4-22

Personal Application

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”

·         Ephesus – Neglected Priorities

·         Smyrna – Satanic Opposition

·         Pergamos – Avoid Worldly Compromise

·         Thyatira – Flee Pagan Practices

·         Sardis – Be Watchful and diligent – Wake up!

·         Philadelphia – We are ambassadors of Jesus

·         Laodicea – Repent and be Committed

Lesson 4 

A Vision of Christ in Heaven 

Revelation 4:1-5:14

Seven Raptures 

Harpazo – Caught up/snatched up

·         Enoch                                    Gen 5:42, Heb 11:5

·         Elijah                                     2 Kings 2:1, 11

·         Jesus                                     Mk 16:19, Acts 1:9-11, Rev 12:5

·         Phillip                                    Acts 8:39

·         Paul                                &nbsp

“The Unveiling”

·         The consummation of all things

·         The only book in the Bible that promises a special blessing to the reader

·         404 verses containing over 800 allusions from the Old Testament

·         It presents the climax of God’s Plan for you and me

The Divine Outline

Revelation 1:19

·         Write the things which you have seen

o   The Vision of Christ                                                                         Chapter 1

·         And the things which are    

o   The Seven Churches                                                                       Chapters 2, 3

·         And the things which will take place after this

o   Which Follows After the Churches                                                   Chapters 4-22

How to Study!

·         Set aside quality time

·         Start with prayer asking God to guide you

·         Read the book of Revelation 

·         Read the chapter - Review notes in margin

·         Answer the questions that you can

·         Come back to the questions you didn’t answer

Levels of Application

·         Local – Real churches with real problems

·         Admonitory- ALL churches everywhere

·         Homiletic-(Personal) Applies to each of us to some degree

·         Prophetic-The order they are in they lay out a history of the church

Seven Design Elements

·         The name of the church

·         Title of Christ chosen

·         Commendation

·         Concern

·         Exhortation - (Emphatically urging)

·         Promise to the overcomer

·         Message to all of us-He that has an ear to hear

Application to All Churches

·         Ephesus – Devotion, not just doctrine-neglected devotion

·         Smyrna – Endure persecution – Satanic opposition

·         Pergamos – Purify your ambassadorship-spiritual compromise

·         Thyatira – Abandon Pagan practices

MESSAGE TO THE CHURCHES (Part 2)

Revelation 3:1-22

 |Application to All Churches

·         Ephesus – Devotion, not just doctrine-neglected devotion

·         Smyrna – Endure persecution – Satanic opposition

·         Pergamos – Purify your ambassadorship-spiritual compromise

·         Thyatira – Abandon Pagan practices

·         Sardis – Watchfulness, Diligence

·  &amp

HAVE YOU EVER ASKED JESUS TO SAVE YOU?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20

Key Verses From Week 1

• 1:3 - Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
• 1:19 - Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.

How to Study!

• Set aside quality time
• Start with prayer asking God to guide you
• Read the book of Revelation through this week
• Read the chapter to be studied multiple times
• Answer the questions that you can

Statistics on Prophesy in the Bible

Many in Revelation

• 8,362 prediction  verses
• 1,817 predictions
• 737 separate matters

MESSAGE TO THE CHURCHES 

(Part 1)

Revelation 2:1-29

• Levels of Application
• Local – Real churches with real problems
• Admonitory- ALL churches everywhere
• Homiletic-(Personal) Applies to each of us to some degree
• Prophetic-The order they are in they lay out a history of the church

Seven Design Elements

• The name of the church
• Title of Christ chosen
• Commendation
• Concern
• Exhortation
• Promise to the overcomer
• Message to all of us-He that has an ear to hear

Overcomer’s Promises

• Ephesus – Eat of the tree of life
• Smyrna – Not be hurt by the 2nd death
• Pergamos – Manna, stone, name
• Thyatira –  Power over the nations

Overcomer’s Promises

• Ephesus – Eat of the tree of life
• Smyrna – Not be hurt by the 2nd death
• Pergamos – Manna, stone, name
• Thyatira –  Power over the nations

Application to All Churches

• Ephesus – Devotion, not just doctrine-neglected devotion
• Smyrna – Endure persecution – Satanic opposition
• Pergamos – Purify your ambassadorship-spiritual compromise
• Thyatira – Pagan practices

NEXT WEDNESDAY

MESSAGE TO THE CHURCHES (Part 2)

Revelation 3:1-22

The Christian’s Ultimate Victory

±  Revelation of Jesus Christ: Comes from the Greek word apokalypsis and means “an uncovering,” “an unveiling,” or “a disclosure.”

±  Letters from Jesus to Christians at 7 churches in Asia Minor (Modern day Turkey)

±  Written simplistically by a first century Jewish fisherman

±  The Jewish mindset: God says what He means and means what He says

±  In order to understand the book of Revelation you need to understand the Old Testament.  Of the 404 verses in Revelation, 275 refer to the Old Testament

±  It’s the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read it

±  It’s a book of wrath, judgement, hope, grace, justice, victory, a wedding, happily ever after

±  It’s a book of severe warnings

±  John was commissioned to write down what he saw and distribute to the 7 churches listed in chapter 1

±  Apocalypse: Catastrophic End crisis of the present age and spectacular reappearance of the King of Kings, King Jesus to reign forevermore

±  Revelation is a “Book of “SEVENS”

±  Revelation presents the climax of God’s plan for man

±  Apocalypse: Catastrophic End crisis of the present age and spectacular reappearance of the King of Kings, King Jesus to reign forevermore

±  Revelation is a “Book of “SEVENS”

±  Revelation presents the climax of God’s plan for man

Presuppositions

v  God means what He says and He says what He means – Literal interpretation of scripture unless it’s a metaphor or figure of speech

v  The Bible is an integrated whole.  Every detail is there by design.  Matt 5:17, 18

v  Nothing in the text is trivial.  Rom 15:4-For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Author John the Apostle

v  Exiled by the Romans to the small, barren island of Patmos

v  Received a series of visions that laid out the future history of the world

v  Revelation’s primary contribution is to eschatology, that is, the doctrine of last things

v  The futuristic approach insists that the events of chapter 6-22 are yet future and that those chapters literally and symbolically depict actual people and events yet to appear on the world scene.  It describes the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ (Chs. 6-19), the Millennium and final judgement (ch. 20) and the eternal state (cha 21 and 22).  Only this view does justice to Revelation’s claim to be prophesy and interprets the book by the same grammatical-historical method as chapters 1-3 and the rest of scripture

±  Statistics on prophesy in the Bible - Many in Revelation

°  8,362 prediction verses

°  1,817 predictions

°  737 separate matters

THE ULTIMATE ISSUE

±  We are in possession of a message of extraterrestrial origin

±  It portrays us as objects of an unseen warfare

±  Our eternal destiny depends upon our relationship with the ultimate victor in this cosmic conflict

±  Where do you stand with respect to this?

How to study!

±  Set aside quality time

±  tart with prayer

±  Read the book of Revelation through this week

±  Read the chapter to be studied