Instructions for, Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me.

Transcription

1 Instructions for, Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me. This Bible study is very simple to teach. Here are a couple of ways to teach it: 1. It can be taught the traditional way, by studying the lesson, and then teaching from the book. 2. It can also be taught a different way, and this is the way that I feel is most effective. A. Of course you will study your lesson before you go to your Bible study. Then when you teach your Bible study, if you are teaching one person, you will give them an outline of the lesson. You will then read the first paragraph, and then you will ask the person that you are teaching questions from that paragraph: this is to make sure that they understand. After you have read your paragraph and asked questions to the one that you are teaching, you will then have him/her read the next paragraph and you will ask him/her questions from that paragraph. What happens is that they are not only confessing what is written, but they are also defending it, thereby possessing what they are being taught. B. If you are teaching more than one person in the Bible study, you will not read a paragraph, but have them do all of the reading. Have them alternate. You will go from one person to the next, have them read their paragraph, and then you ask them questions from it, and then you go onto the next person, etc. 3. When starting this lesson, I usually start with lesson number 2, and end with lesson number 1. The reason for this is by the time that we are done with the Bible study they are ready to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, and by this time they are so excited, that lesson number 1 is a key for them to reach out to their friends and family. It prompts soul winning. This way we can then ask them if they have anyone that we can teach a Bible Study to from their friends and family. 4. The results from this Bible study have been astounding. Everyone that we have taught (as far as I can remember) has been baptized in Jesus Name.

2 Bro. Gary Sones is the one that put this Bible study together, and they taught this in Spain, where they started with 35 members, and in five years they were around 1,000 members. I highly promote this Bible study for the purpose of soul winning. Mark Shutes Missionary to Belarus and the Baltic Republics

3 LESSON 1 RIGHTLY DIVIDING GOD S WORD Before we get started with our study, we suggest that you chain reference your Bible instead of using a reference sheet. This can be done by lightly underlining the Scriptures and then writing the next Scripture reference in the margin beside the current reference. The Word of God is the only authority concerning matters of salvation, instructions for this life, and our eternity. This point must be established in every heart. It will be God s word, not man s word, that will determine our future. With that understood, let us begin remembering that it is not who wins the argument that matters, it is who wins the soul... John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Rev. 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Some people say that it does not matter what a person believes. The only quality that matters is sincerity. However, the question must be asked; can one be sincerely wrong? In one occasion, a small boy from Mexico became very excited when he found out that the Americans had gone to the moon. Running down the street and bursting into the house of his grandfather he shouted, Abuelito! Abuelito! The Americans have gone to the moon. The grandfather was from a small ranch, so he did not believe that could happen. The boy really trying to convince his grandfather said, Oh yes they did Abuelo, and I will tell you something else. They are going to go to the sun too. The grandfather was growing thin of patience; Hijito, they would burn if they went to the sun. However, the little boy would not be deterred; Abuelo, you just do not understand. The Americans are very smart. They will go to the sun at night time Abuelo. Although the boy was very sincere, he was very mistaken. The quality of sincerity does not guarantee the right life or practice. When we are talking about salvation, we must be right! Does doctrine really matter? If the bible says no, then the answer is no, but if the bible says yes, then yes doctrine is important.

4 2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 1 Tim 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Matt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: In light of these scriptures, we must be very careful who we believe and what we believe. God s Word has the right answers. 1 Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said 2 OF 3

5 before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. We should do a careful study of the gospel that the apostles preached. According to the next few scriptures, obedience to the gospel is very important. 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 2 Thess 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Cor 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Thess 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. We must love the truth! 3 OF 3

6 LESSON 2 THE GOSPEL We will now examine the gospel according to His Word in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and the Epistles. Jesus taught the same message to all men in the Gospels. He taught that there was and is only one way. He taught this to his disciples, the multitudes, the religious leaders, the government officials, and individuals. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. In the beginning, the Word was God and became flesh. Jesus Christ is the living Word of God. John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God. If we believe in him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of God by a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews. John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. The Lord told Nicodemus anyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God must be born again of the water and the Spirit. John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

7 Here we discover that if we believe on Him (according to the Word), we will receive the Spirit. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think. It also results a scriptural experience. John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Many people in our day are like those of Jesus day. They believe on Him, but they will not confess Him for fear of what others will do or say. John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that his Word will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we should obey it no matter what others say or do! John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. In Jesus prayer for His disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God s Word is truth. He also prayed for us; and all of those who would believe on Him through the Apostles word. To find out what the Apostles word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24 is just before the Lord s ascension into heaven. Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Did the apostles preach the message that Jesus commanded them to proclaim? How was the promise of the Father fulfilled? Next Lesson: Let s go to Jerusalem! 2 OF 2

8 LESSON 3 THE GOSPEL (CONTINUED) In the book of Acts, the Apostles preached the same message to all men. To the Jews in Jerusalem To the religious leaders To the Samaritans To the Gentiles There was and IS only one message for ALL men! Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. As we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the. Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet,...13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The Apostles and many others (about 120) were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other. Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language., 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?... (17 nations) 11..., we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with

9 the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon ALL FLESH... The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked, What meaneth this? Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original apostolic plan of salvation. Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. When the people who heard Peter s words believed, they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the other Apostles (including Matthew) what they should do. Peter replied by preaching the message that Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24. Let us review Jesus commandment... Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem...49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Three Things Must Be Preached: 1. Repentance 2. Remission of sins in his name 3. Receive the power or the Holy Spirit Let s See If Peter Obeyed Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Let s compare Jesus command with Peter s message: 1. Repentance 1. Repent 2. Remission of sins 2. Baptism for remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ. 3. Receive the Holy Spirit 3. Receive the Holy Ghost 2 OF 5

10 NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the two new birth requirements Jesus mentioned in John 3:5 that were necessary to enter the kingdom of God! Water birth = baptism in the name of Jesus Christ! Spirit birth = infilling of the Holy Ghost! Need more examples (I was hoping that you would ask...) Let s look at 3 more examples of how others were born into the Kingdom of God through the preaching of the apostles: 1. The Samaritans 2. The Gentiles 3. The Ephesians Philip Preaching To The Samaritans In Acts 8... Some people think: That when they have experienced joy Or when they have believed Or when they were baptized Then automatically, they were filled with the Holy Ghost. What does the Word say? Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. Did they have great joy? Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Did they believe in Jesus Christ? Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Were they baptized in His name? 3 OF 5

11 Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a separate and distinct experience? Peter Preaching To The Gentiles In Acts Some people say: That being religious is enough That tongues was only for that day Again... What does the Word say? Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Was Cornelius a religious man? Did he give alms? Was he a praying man? Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. Did God have more for him to do? Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Did they receive the Holy Ghost after the day of Pentecost? Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. How did the Jewish believers know that the Gentiles had received the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. 4 OF 5

12 Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord... Did they still have to be baptized in Jesus name? What about Paul s preaching to the disciples of John the Baptist in Acts 19? Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Some say that baptism or re-baptism is not necessary. But what does the Bible say? Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. They were believers, but had they heard of or received the Holy Ghost? Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Did those baptized unto John s baptism have to be re-baptized in Jesus name? Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues? The Early Church Preached The Same Message Of Salvation: Jesus Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection, Belief in Christ, Repentance, Baptism by immersion in Jesus Name, And Receiving The Holy Ghost (with speaking in other tongues). Let us continue! 5 OF 5

13 LESSON 4 Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: First of all, we must not just repeat this verse, we must obey it! To properly obey it, we must properly understand what it is saying. What does it say? 1. Go 2. Teach 3. Baptize 4. In The Name Of: a. The Father b. The Son c. The Holy Ghost What is the name of the Father? What is the name of the Son? What is the name of the Holy Ghost? The easiest name to know is the Son s name. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. His name is Jesus... Now for the Father s name... WHAT ABOUT MATTHEW 28:19? Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. So Jesus inherited his name from his father. Now we understand the name of the Father is Jesus, and He gave His own name to His son.

14 What could the name of the Holy Ghost be? John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. So this is why Peter, Philip, Paul, and the rest of the disciples always baptized in Jesus name! Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Peter summed it up so well. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. We Have The Message!!! Let s Preach It In Our Churches! Let s Teach In As Many Homes As Possible! Acts 18:9...speak,... for I have much people in this city. Acts 8:4... they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 2 OF 2

15 LESSON 5 To understand God, we must see the whole picture. It is expedient that we consider the revelations of God to many men, and then put the pieces of the puzzle together. Confusion abounds concerning this all important subject, but seeing the complete picture will help clarify scriptural teaching. Let us consider: I. God is one. A. According to Old Testament scriptures WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? 1. Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: a) In Mark chapter 12, Jesus said that this was part of the greatest commandment. b)in the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy, the Lord instructs the children of Israel to teach this to their children. He also instructed them to talk about this when they were sitting in their houses, when they woke-up, when they were walking in the streets, and before they went to bed. 2. Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. 3. Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. 4. Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. 5. Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 6. Isaiah 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 7. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 8. Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

16 9. The reason why this subject is so important is because there is only one name given unto men whereby they can be saved. (Acts 4:12) B. According to New Testament scriptures 1. Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment Corinthians 8:4...We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 3. Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 4. Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 7. Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 8. Therefore, we see that in both the Old and New Testament, GOD IS ONE! II.God Is Spirit A. The Nature of God is Spirit 1. John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 2. This is the very nature or substance of God. 3. What is a spirit? a) Webster s Dictionary a supernatural, incorporeal, rational being usually invisible to human beings but having the power to become visible at will. A being having an incorporeal or immaterial nature. b)the Hebrew word translated as spirit, ruwach, can mean wind, breath, life, anger, unsubstantiality, region of sky, or spirit of a rational being. (Strong s Concordance) c) The Greek word that is translated as spirit, pneuma, can mean a current of air, breath, blast, breeze, spirit, soul, vital disposition, angel, demon, or God. (Strong s Concordance) d)all three definitions emphasize that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). 2 OF 3

17 e) Similarly, Jesus indicated that a spirit did not have flesh and blood (Matthew 16:17). f) Therefore, when the Bible says God is a Spirit, it means that he cannot be seen or touched physically by humans. As a Spirit, He is an intelligent supernatural Being who does not have a physical body. B. God s Spirit is invisible 1. John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 3. Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: C. God is omnipresent 1. 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? 2. Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 3. Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Jesus Christ is both Lord and God! 3 OF 3

18 LESSON 6 WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? I. There is one Spirit A. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 1.The Bible clearly states that there is only one Spirit. II. The Father is Spirit. The Holy Ghost is Spirit. Therefore, they are the same Spirit. A. Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. B. Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. C. Jesus is telling the disciples not to worry about what they ought to say when they are delivered up before people. In Matthew, He says the Spirit of the Father will give them the words. In Mark, Jesus says the Holy Ghost will give them the words. Since there is one Spirit, they are obviously the same Spirit. III. The Bible says that there is a Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9). The Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost are one Spirit. A. 1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. B. 2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. C. Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost wrote in First Peter that it was the Spirit of Christ that moved the Prophets of the Old Testament, but in Second Peter he wrote that it was the Holy Ghost that moved the Prophets of the Old Testament. Since there is only one Spirit, they are obviously the same Spirit. IV. The Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of the Father are one and the same. A. John 10:30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

19 B. The Jews had it backwards; It wasn t that he was a man making himself God; He was God that made himself in the form of man. C. The Father and the Son of God are one because they have the same Spirit. V. Jesus is God A. God was manifest in the flesh Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory 2. 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. B. God used His Word to create the universe. 1. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 3. Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 4. That is why Jesus could say in John 14:9,...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;.... C. Why was it necessary for God to come in the flesh? God needed a body because He needed blood. The man Christ Jesus was the mediator and sacrifice. 1. Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 2. Hebrews 9:11 But Christ by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 2 OF 3

20 3. 1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; D. All the fullness of the Godhead dwelleth in Jesus Christ. 1. Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. 2. Matt 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Jesus has it all! He WAS God Manifest in the Flesh! 3 OF 3