NativeNewDay. Our Father. Who Is in Heaven

Transcription

1 NativeNewDay 1 Our Father I Who Is in Heaven n the past many Native folk along the Northwest coast of Canada and Alaska have regarded the raven as sacred. However, other tribes view the raven as a negative influence. There were reasons for the Northwest Natives to view the raven positively, because in many ways the raven uniquely stands out.

2 It is a smart, crafty scavenger, able to survive in the harshest climates. When food is scarce, it always seems to have enough to eat. The raven has an interesting way of communicating that sometimes sounds like a person talking. The raven is tough. In severe weather a gull at times is seen standing frozen to the ground like a statue. The raven, however, survives and does well in spite of the cold and snow. Key Thought. In some countries people look to snakes, monkeys, and other animals as sacred though these reptiles and animals have a limited life. But the great Creator God is eternal. He doesn t die or fade away. We can always look to God, the Creator, knowing He is always available to help us. BIBLE ANSWERS 1. What capability sets the God of heaven apart from the gods of this world? Acts 14:15*. Men, why are you doing these things [worshiping idols]?... you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who the heaven, the earth, the sea. *All quotations from the Bible in these lessons are from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted. You can also use the King James Version (KJV) or the New King James Version (NKJV) when you look up the Bible references (texts) in your Bible. The New International Version (NIV) or any other version may be used, but there may be a variation in some of the words and in the arrangement of the sentences; however, the meaning is the same. 2

3 NOTE: The living God has the power to create. But animals or wooden idols have no power to create. A man can take wood and create a piece of furniture. But he must have something to start with. God has power that no created man or animal has He can make something out of nothing. This ability sets Him apart from other beings in the universe. T he Creator is the source of life. He offers us peace of mind, purpose, and hope. 2. How many persons make up the Godhead? Matthew 28:19. Go therefore... in the name of the and of the and of the. NOTE: The Bible brings out the very interesting fact that the Godhead is made up of three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three had a part in creation. God said, Let us make man in our image (Genesis 1:26, emphasis supplied). All through the Bible we find descriptions of each person in Native New Day 3

4 the Godhead working individually in our behalf, yet working together as One to accomplish their purpose for us. 3. How does Jesus describe His relationship with His Father? John 10:30. I and My Father are. NOTE: When Jesus took the form of a man, He stayed within His Father s purpose. He knew the Father s purpose for Him before coming to this earth. And the Father was with Him here on earth in carrying out those purposes (see John 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 5:19). Thus we see the two together as one in goals, ideals, and thinking. As we work and live in agreement with His will, health and happiness are ours. Being aligned with God brings us strength and victories beyond our abilities. 4. How did Jesus begin His model prayer? Matthew 6:9. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our in heaven. NOTE: The Godhead s plan is to rescue mankind. Jesus and the Holy Spirit have the same powers and abilities as the Father, and they all work together for our salvation. For example, the first three astronauts who went to the moon each had their agreed-upon activities. One stayed in the mother ship and circled the moon while the other two went down and walked on the moon. Not one of these three men was more important than the other two; they all worked together as one to accomplish the same mission. 4 Native New Day

5 W hen we are aligned with God, He is able to give us strength and victories beyond our own abilities. 5. Who is Jesus? John 1:1-3, 14. In the beginning was the, and the Word was with God, and the Word was...all things were through Him,...And the Word became and dwelt among us. NOTE: Some think Jesus was just another person like you and me, but He wasn t. Jesus is also God, with the ability to create. But He refused to use His divine powers while He was on this earth in the form of a man (Philippians 2:6-8). However, He used His divine powers after His death when His mission was accomplished (John 10:18). While living here as a man, Jesus relied wholly on the power of His Father (John 14:10). Only the Creator could die as our substitute because He, our Savior, created all of us. His life is worth all of our lives. If He were just a created man, His life would only be worth one of ours. 6. Who else besides God the Father and God the Son was active in the creation? Genesis 1:1-2. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth....and the was hovering over the face of the waters. NOTE: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were all active in the creation of our world. Native New Day 5

6 And all three are likewise active in God s plan to save sinners. Each member of the Godhead is all-powerful, all-wise, and all loving. The Bible explains that before Jesus left this earth, He said the Comforter or Holy Spirit would come to comfort and guide all of us, because the Holy Spirit is able to be present everywhere (John 16:7). 7. Of what three things does God the Holy Spirit convict us? John 16:8. And when He has come, He will convict the world of, and of, and of. When we are in the middle of the wilderness, God is there. He can speak to our minds. He can even impress and change our hearts if we allow Him to. 6 Native New Day

7 O nly the Creator could die as our substitute because He, our Savior, created us. His life is worth all our lives. NOTE: God wants us to live a balanced life. It is a daily, personal relationship with God that brings us balance. The Holy Spirit points out our imbalance. He convicts, teaches, and guides us to recognize our personal needs and the solution to our problems. Listening and responding to the Holy Spirit brings us true peace and happiness. There are tremendous advantages in understanding that there are three members of the Godhead and also in realizing the power they have to offer us. They know the end from the beginning. They can guide us and prepare us for the things that will be coming our way. They know the answers to all our questions no matter how complicated. Jesus can be present with us through the Holy Spirit no matter how difficult life gets. Even if we are in the middle of the wilderness where no one is around to help us, God is there. He can speak to our minds. He can even impress our hearts to do good if we allow Him to. Consider these promises: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2). God is all-powerful and can protect us. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, Whenever you turn to the right Native New Day 7

8 N o matter what we are struggling with God wants to help us. He hears us no matter where we are or what we are doing. hand, Or whenever you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21). The Holy Spirit is all-wise and all-present able to be everywhere at once. Closing Thought. Our great Creator God invites us to call on Him for help. He urges us not to wait until we are good enough before calling on Him for help. He hears us no matter where we are or what we are doing. No matter what you are struggling with, God wants to help you. People who have had problems with drinking or other addictions have sensed the voice of God speaking to them even in a tavern. God can and will help you and change you, if you only ask Him to. Next Lesson. Who was Jesus, and why was His birth so important to us? Native NewDay P. O. Box 53055, Los Angeles, CA EDITORS: NATIVE MINISTRIES NORTHWEST EDITORIAL COMMITTEE; RUSSELL HOLT ILLUSTRATIONS: A. J. MCCOY DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY: ED GUTHERO DESIGN: MICHELLE C. PETZ COPYRIGHT NORTH AMERICAN MULTILINGUAL MINISTRIES

9 Native New Day A N S W E R S H E E T Our Father Which Is in Heaven 1 The Native New Day Bible Guides have been prepared by Native people living in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Thus the stories and illustrations referred to in the guides naturally reflect the culture of these regions. However, the biblical messages and spiritual principles apply to all Native people regardless of where they live. R ead through the lesson, then fill in this Answer Sheet. You should refer back to the lesson to find the correct answers. Referring to the lesson helps fix the answers in your mind. Place an X before each TRUE statement. 1. Why is God above all gods? He is the only One who can create. He alone can give life. 2. The Godhead is made up of what persons? God the Father and the angels. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 3. Although Jesus came to Earth and took on the form of a man, in what way is He one with His Father in heaven? In goals, ideals, and thinking. He and God the Father are the very same individual. 4. Why did Jesus instruct us to pray to the Father? Because He, along with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is always working for our salvation. Because Jesus doesn t have the power to answer our prayers. 5. What demonstrates that Jesus is a member of the Godhead and equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit? His ability to create. His ability to work miracles. 6. The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son because: He is all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving, and present everywhere. He is the first being that God created. 7. Why does the Holy Spirit convict us of what is right and what is wrong? He enjoys seeing us feel bad. He wants to bring us true peace and happiness and to show us the solution to our problems.

10 Answers to questions most often asked about the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Does Jesus, the Son of God, have the same power and authority as God the Father? Yes. The Bible says that when Jesus came to Earth as a baby, His name was to be Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). The Bible teaches that Jesus was the One who created everything on the earth (John 1:1-3, 14). Jesus Himself stated that He is the Almighty, the Beginning and the End of all things (Revelation 1:7 8). Does God the Holy Spirit have the same creative power and authority as God the Father and God the Son? Yes. Job stated that the Spirit of God created him gave him life (Job 33:4). The Holy Spirit had a part in the creation of the earth (Genesis 1:2). TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL LESSONS 1. Read each lesson, and fill in each Answer Sheet. 2. Additional Native New Day Bible Lessons will be sent/given to you as we receive your filled-in Answer Sheets. 3. If someone gave these lessons to you personally then return to that person the filled-in Answer Sheet. If the lessons were mailed to you, then follow these instructions: a. If your name and address do not appear in the box to the left, please PRINT them clearly in the box. b. If you have had a change of address, please draw a single line through your old address and write your new address below the box. c. Send the Answer Sheets in the envelope that is provided or use another envelope. d. We will return your corrected Answer Sheets and send additional lessons to you. If you have misplaced your return envelope and do not know the address, write to Native New Day, Box 53055, Los Angeles, CA Your Answer Sheets will be forwarded to the local branch school. Native New Day Answer Sheet 1