Sunset Service. Christian Foundation Class

Transcription

1 Sunset Service Christian Foundation Class 1

2 Lesson One: Bible The Theme of the Bible The Structure of the Bible Uniqueness of the Bible 2

3 The Theme of the Bible What is the theme of the Bible? Jesus Christ fulfilling God s salvation plan What does the word testament mean? A covenant initiated by God When did the covenant start? The covenant starts since the downfall of men (Gen.3:15 the promise of a saviour) Did the covenant materialise soon after? No, flood reset the world Tower of Babel dispersed the people 3

4 The Theme of the Bible but God renewed the covenant through Abraham (Gen. 12:3 all people be blessed through you) Renewed through Jacob (Gen.28:14 All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. ) Did the dawn of blessing slowly appeared? Famine, migration to Egypt, slavery God renewed his covenant and issued Ten Commandments to the Israelites. (Deu.5:6-21) When his covenant was delayed, God issued prophesies. (Is.7:14; Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. ) 4

5 The Theme of the Bible This prophecy was finally fulfilled through Jesus Christ in New Testament s time. Is the covenant completely fulfilled? No, the covenant has a second part which is to be fulfilled after the Second Coming of Christ NT the preparation of the 2 nd coming of Christ 5

6 The Structure of the Bible - OT Law 5 History 12 Wisdom Prophets 5 Minor Prophets 12 6

7 The Structure of the Bible - OT Law (Pentateuch): creation, election, redemption, disciplining, teaching History: entered promised land, judges ruled, combined kingdom, split nations, exile, return, rebuilt temple, Messiah prophesy Prophets: prophases, deliver message, rebut, console Wisdom: story, poems, songs, proverbs, apocalyptic 7

8 Uniqueness of the Bible How is the Bible written differently from other books? Written independently by more than 40 authors over 1,500 years An integrated message system, with a consistent central message Inspiration from God 8

9 Uniqueness of the Bible How do I know Bible is the word of God? Consistency Comprehensive (No other book covers that length and dept.) Wisdom Prophecy Solutions Does not require great wisdom to read 9

10 End of Lesson 1 10

11 Lesson Two: Prayer What is Prayer Attitude of Prayer Types of Prayer Content of Prayer 11

12 What is Prayer? Christian Foundation Class Intimate and sincere communication with God, our heavenly father (Mat 6:9) Like talking to dad Pouring out our problems, thanksgivings, our requests, our resolutions, our feeling, our love and sorrow Feel free in expressing 12

13 What should our attitude of prayer be? Sincerity the most important element Woman by the well (John 4:24) The woman s hope for the Messiah a sincere prayer, an intimate experience with God Search our heart before we speak to God Have faith (faith-stretching) In line with God s will (1 John 5:14-15) This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14 13

14 What are the types of prayer? Corporate Prayer Personal Prayer Routine Prayer: specific time of the day Spontaneous Prayer: anywhere, anytime Fast and Prayer partial & full 14

15 What should we pray about? Adoration (God) Confession (Sin) Thanksgiving (Grace) Supplication (self) Intercession (others) Pray for His kingdom - The Lord s Prayer (Mat 6:5-13) We always start with childish prayer but mature over the years The Spirit intercedes (Rom 8:26) 15

16 Does God promised to answer all our prayer? Matthew 7:7 18:19 Mark 11:24 Luke 11:13 John 14:13-14 God's promise and conditions to answer prayer : Ask with the right motives James 4:3 Have faith James 1:6, 7 Confess our sin James 5:16 Obey his commands 1 John 3:22 Have a sincere heart Matt 6:7; Luke 18:11, 12 Be persistent Luke 11:5-9 Your will be done! 16

17 And God Said No I asked God to take away my pride. And God said "No". He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said "No". He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No". He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned. I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No". He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me. 17

18 And God Said No I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No". He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him. I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No". He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said "No". He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things. I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. And God said "Ah, finally you have the idea!" 18

19 End of Lesson 2 19