CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS Things Christians Need to Know By: David Istre ABSTRACT This is a Bible- intensive training course designed for new Christians that will help them understand core concepts and provide a challenge that should be studied daily. 2011 David Istre

USEFUL BIBLE PASSAGES SALVATION What must I do? Believe in Jesus John 3:16 John 8:24 Repent of sin Acts 2:38 Luke 13:3,5 Confess Jesus as the Son of God Matthew 16 Acts 8 Romans 10:9,10 Be baptized Matthew 28:18-20 John 3:3-5 Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:1-6 1 Peter 3:20 Instances of people being saved: Acts 2:1ff Acts 8:1ff Acts 16:25-34 Acts 22:6-21 2 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS What/Who saves us? Ephesians 2:8-10 2 Corinthians 5:21 Isaiah 53 WORSHIP Singing Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16 1 Corinthians 14:15 Preaching Acts 2:14-36 Acts 20:7-12 Romans 10:14,15 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Prayer Acts 2:42 Acts 4:23-31 Acts 12:5,11,12 Philippians 4:6 1 Timothy 2:8 Lord s Supper Matthew 26:26-28 Luke 22:17-22 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Acts 20:7 Giving 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 2 Corinthians 8 9 Importance of assembly Hebrews 10:25 Acts 2:42 PERSONAL CONDUCT Importance of Love 1 Corinthians 13 1 John 4:7,8 John 13:34,35 Romans 12:9-21 Sins of the World Romans 1:18ff Galatians 5:19-21 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Matthew 5:21-48 Christian Virtues Galatians 5:22 2 Peter 1:5-11 Romans 12:1-21 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Ephesians 4:1-4 Philippians 2:1-4 Colossians 3:12 4:6 1 Thessalonians 5:12-

22 1 Peter 1:13-21 Importance of spiritual growth Hebrews 5:11 6:1 2 Peter 1:5-11 1 Corinthians 14:20 Ephesians 4:13 Philippians 3:12-16 Importance of faithfulness Revelation 2:10 Galatians 5:22 Matthew 13:1ff DOCTRINE Importance of Doctrine Galatians 1:8,9 2 Timothy 4:1-6 2 Peter 3:14-18 Colossians 2:8 Who should we obey? John 12:48 Matthew 15:1-9 Matthew 28:18-20 Mark 7:1-13 Acts 5:29 How many ways can I be saved? John 14:6 Matthew 7:13,14 Ephesians 4:4-6 Identity of the church Ephesians 1:22,23 Acts 2:47 1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 5:22ff 1 Timothy 3:15 Colossians 1:12,13 Organization of the church Head: Ephesians 1:22 Elders: 1 Tim. 3:1ff & Titus 1:5ff Deacons: 1 Tim. 3:8ff Ephesians 4:11 Matthew 20:16 Resurrection of the dead Matthew 22:23ff 1 Thess. 4:13 5:11 1 Corinthians 15 The Return of Christ 1 Thessalonians 4:13ff Matthew 24:30-51 The hope of Heaven Revelation 21;27 Matthew 19:14 1 Cor. 2:9 Revelation 21,22 The horror of Hell Matthew 18:82 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Revelation 20:14 Revelation 21:8 Answers for trying times Romans 8:28 Proverbs 3:5 Hebrews 12:1ff Romans 5:6-8 Lamentations 3:19,20 Isaiah 20:29-31 Psalm 37:7-11 Add More? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 3

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Christian Essentials Training Course: 1 st Edition. Paul spoke out very clearly concerning God s righteousness: 1 Brethren, my heart s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. Romans 10:1-3 Zeal, passion, and fervor are wondrous things and pleasing to God, indeed. But have you ever heard about the crash experienced after new Christians come off their conversion high? This course seeks to build on the foundation of Christ, through His gospel and the Word of God, in order to align the Zeal of new Christians with the righteousness of God in accordance with the true knowledge. Whether you re being led by a teacher, working collectively as a group Bible study, or are seeking individually as a new believer yourself, you will find in this study a fluid and challenging Bible- intensive training course. The most important thing to remember in this study is that we are relying on the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher. With dedication, participants in this course are expected to spend time reading and praying over this course before they meet so that they are adequately prepared for the outpouring of God s word. Your group may decide to study this course chronologically, or move from unit to unit as needed. This may take you 15 weeks or 30 weeks. One final important note: this study does not address thoroughly salvation. I consider that something that will have already been preached when the gospel was preached. I assumed that you believe that justification comes through faith alone and the believer is sanctified through baptism as the work of the Holy Spirit. Though essential, the issue of baptism is not addressed in this study. If members are in need of that fundamental teaching, preaching the gospel to them will be most beneficial. 4 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

I pray that those who undertake this study will be blessed from the Word of God and that the Holy Spirit will guide them through His will in order to firmly establish them upon the Holy foundation of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who enters college without preparing for it? Do you try to fly an airplane without first studying navigation? You should prepare yourself and your group for undertaking this study- not because this study itself is so well designed- but because you are preparing yourself to study the Word of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I suggest that you spend one week in prayer and meditation before beginning this course. Each person is bringing with them their own concerns and struggles. Address these things and commit them into the Lord pray for forgiveness and restoration, for revelation and wisdom, and for unity in the Body of your believers. If the gospel has not been preached to you, or to your brethren, you need to hear the gospel first. Pray for the Lord to send the gospel to be preached to your group. You will need nothing other than your Bible. For the purposes of this course, I reference the NASB, but freely welcome any legitimate translation. Some suggestions: NASB, NKJV, and ESV. A Bible Concordance will be useful in looking up and conducting further study yourself. A notepad, pencil, and a printout of this course are also encouraged. Teaching notes are not provided. By removing the teaching notes section, the teacher is forced to rely upon the Holy Spirit. That is why I suggest spending a week or more in prayer before beginning this study. You may lead this in any format you are able to: discussion, lecture or any combination you can imagine. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 5

Table of Contents USEFUL BIBLE PASSAGES 2 INTRODUCTION 4 AUTHORITY 7 GOD S PATTERN 9 AUTHORITY 10 GOD S WORD vs MAN S TRADITION 11 THE BODY OF CHRIST 13 THE CHURCH 13 THE FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH 14 ELDERS 17 DEACONS 18 EVANGELISTS 19 TEACHERS 20 WORSHIPING GOD 21 SINGING 23 THE LORD S SUPPER 24 GIVING 25 What is Giving? 26 How should I give? 26 CHRISTIAN MORALITY 29 4 PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN MORALITY 29 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT 29 THINGS unsuitable FOR THE CHRISTIAN 33 THINGS fitting FOR THE CHRISTIAN? 33 CHRISTIAN GROWTH 36 THE BEGINNING POINT OF GROWTH 36 ON LIVING DEVOTED TO CHRIST 37 HADES & HELL 40 DEATH, SIN, AND PRISON 40 THE PROMISE OF CHRIST 41 A PARABLE 41 THE FIRST DECEPTION REVIVED AGAIN 41 THE GREAT LAKE OF FIRE 42 GEHENNA & TARTARUS 43 A Heavenly Abode 46 HEAVEN 46 THE PLACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST 46 EARLY OLD TESTAMENT REVELATIONS 46 NEW TESTAMENT REVELATIONS 47 A BATTLEGROUND 47 GOD S RENOVATION 48 BIBLICAL TIMELINE 49 6 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

AUTHORITY Does God Care How We Practice Religion? Thus says the Lord, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls Jeremiah 6:16 Exodus 25:40 What s the Story? Did God care how they practiced religion? Philippians 3:17 What s the Story? Does our behavior matter? Romans 6:17-18 What s the Story? To what were the Roman Christians obedient? What has humanity s tendency been with God s plan? Why? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 7

Judges 2:8-13 Galatians 1:6-7 2 Timothy 4:1-5 What has God s plea with humanity been? Isaiah 1:16-20 & Jeremiah 6:16 SUMMARY: ROMANS 6:16-18 OBEDIENT FROM THE HEART TO THE FORM TUPOS means form or mold. Having become obedient from the heart, the Roman Christians became obedient to what? What happens when something is put into a mold? What would happen to a person if you put their heart into a mold? THOUGHTS? 8 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

GOD S PATTERN Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all What does this teach us about the form we have in Christ? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Can we change these things? Galatians 1:6-9 Revelation 22:18-19 Deuteronomy 5:32 Then why are there so many different denominations in the Church? Is the Word of God too hard to understand? Ephesians 3:3-5 2 Cor. 1:13 1 Cor. 1:10 WHAT DOES GOD S WORD SAY IS THE PROBLEM? 2 Timothy 4:3,4 2 Peter 3:16,17 2 Peter 2:1-3 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 9

Titus 1:10,11 What should I do about this? Romans 6:16,17 Jeremiah 6:16 QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS FOR FURTHER STUDY AUTHORITY There are many people claiming to speak on behalf of God Deuteronomy 18:18-22 What is the Test for knowing who speaks for God? But to whom shall we listen? Who speaks for God? APPLICATION: apply this test to the Bible and see how it does What are some prophecies made in the Bible? Isaiah 53 Jeremiah 50:39-40 Daniel 2 Jeremiah 29:10 Matthew 17:22,23 Matthew 24:15-22 DID THESE PROPHECIES COME TRUE? 10 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

CAN YOU FIND MORE? GOD S WORD vs MAN S TRADITION What if the teachings of man conflict with those of God s Word? What s the story? Explain what Colossians 2:8-10 says? Acts 17:10-12 What did these people do with the apostle Paul s teachings? Why did this make them more noble? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 11

Who should we listen to? Hebrews 1:1-5 Matthew 28:18-20 2 Timothy 3:16,17 Consider the following thoughts for a moment: - When it comes to salvation, I think that it s only a matter of opinion. o (Jn. 14:6) - When I asked my preacher (priest) about, he said o (Acts 5:29) - So many people believe this, it must be true. o (Matt. 7:13,14) - That s just the way it s always been done. o (Mk. 7:6 9) Consider what attitudes we should take about what God says we should do. List them below and describe how they can be implemented: 1. Diligent: 2. Humble: 3.? 4.? 5.? 6. More? 12 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

THE BODY OF CHRIST Ephesians 1:22,23 And He (God) put all things in subjection under His (Jesus ) feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. First and foremost, Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and all things are in subjection to Him. THE CHURCH What is the Church?...Describe what each passage says Ephesians 1:22,23 Ephesians 4:4 and John 17:20,21 Acts 11:22 and 2:46,47 1 Corinthians 1:2 Ephesians 5:22ff 1 Timothy 3:15 Colossians 1:12,13 Using these passages, try to list a few things that are needed to be a Church. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 13

Is the Church 1. An institution? Yes, No 2. Any/All religious groups? Yes, No 3. A building? Yes, No 4. The followers of Christ? Yes, No THE FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH Given that the Church is a collection of the Christian body headed by Christ Himself, what, then, are the functions of the Church? HEBREWS 10:25 & ACTS 20:7 TITUS 3:8 & REVELATION 2:1-7 1 TIMOTHY 3:15 EPHESIANS 3:20,21 MATTHEW 28:19-20 & ACTS 8:1-4 14 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

The Church- One Body 12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you ; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 15

Time To Understand In your own words, summarize this passage: Pay Careful Attention (what each verse mean?): 1. Verse 13 - Baptized by? - Into? 2. Verse 18 - How are the Body parts assigned? 3. Verse 26 16 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

What about leadership? ELDERS (πρεσβύτερος) ACTS 20:17-28 1 PETER 5:1-2 TITUS 1:5-7 What s an Elder s job description? What is a Shepherd? What s an Overseer? Ephesians 4:11-16 Acts 20:28-31 Hebrews 13:17 1st Peter 5:1-3 1st Thessalonians 5:12-15 What are some qualities an Elder should have? 1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9: more qualities? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 17

Are there restrictions on an Elder? 1. 2. 3. 4. Any more? Acts 20:17-28 1 Peter 5:1-3 Titus 1:5 With all the responsibility these men have, what obligations do I have to them? 1 Thess. 5:12,13 Heb. 13:7 1 Tim. 5:19 1 Tim. 5:17,18 Answer in your own words: DEACONS διάκονος servant Read Acts 6:1-6 What happened? What was the solution? Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13 What Qualifications does 1 st Timothy 3 give us? Why? 18 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

EVANGELISTS (εὐαγγέλιον) How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? What is the job of an evangelist? 2 Timothy 4:1-5 2 Timothy 1:12-14 2 Timothy 2:15 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Titus 1:5ff Explain the role of an Evangelist? Is he a marketing director?...yes, No. Is he a gospel preacher?...yes, No. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 19

TEACHERS -------------------Ephesians 4:11------------------ WHAT S THEIR JOB? Are there any other jobs? Romans 12:3-8 Mathew 25:14-30 STILL MORE TO CONSIDER? Matthew 20:16 John 13:1-15 Phil 2:5ff Matthew 25:14-30 20 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

WORSHIPING GOD JOHN 4:23-24 What s the story in John 4:7-38? How did Jesus say God s true worshippers would worship? What does Worshipping God in Spirit mean? What does worshipping God in Truth mean? What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me? - Isaiah 1:10-17 Let Justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream! - Amos 5:21-27 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the God on high? - Micah 6:6-8 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 21

Let s Listen to What Jesus Said: Matthew 6:1-18 DOES GOD WANT MY SHOW? CONSIDER WHAT GOD WANTS JOHN 4:23 ROMANS 12:1-3 Time To Understand What Does God Want from Me in my Worship? Where can I worship? With whom can I worship? What is the attitude of my worship? Do I worship God enough right now? 22 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

SIMPLICITY IN WORSHIP SINGING Ephesians 5:18-21 Colossians 3:16-17 What relationship do you see between singing to God and encouraging one another? What makes this possible (Hint: Ephesians 5:18 & Colossians 3:16)? What is the attitude we have in our worship (Hint: Colossians 3:17)? What is the purpose of singing? - Colossians 3:16-17 - Ephesians 5:18-21 - Romans 15:9-1Corinthians 14:15-26 - James 5:13 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 23

THE LORD S SUPPER READ: Matt. 26:26-30 Mark 14:22-26 Luke 22:14-20 Acts 20:7 What does the blood represent? When would Jesus drink this anew with them? What was the bread? Who were they to share it among? In whom did they share this in remembrance of? When did the disciples observe this each week? THE ATTITUDE OF THE LORD S SUPPER 1 st Corinthians 11:17-34 What was the attitude? (v24) (v25) (v26) (v27) (v28) (v29) (v31-32) (v33-34) What caused many of them to be weak, sick, and asleep (v30)? 24 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

GIVING Who owns everything? Genesis 14:19,20 Deuteronomy 10:14 Psalms 24:1 Leviticus 25:23 Psalms 50:10-12 Haggai 2:8 What do I own? What is my position over my possessions? 1 st Corinthians 4:2 What is a trustworthy steward? What greater things have we been given? 1 st Corinthians 12:12-26 Is there anyone in the church who doesn't have a talent or gift? Read This Parable: Matthew 25:14-30 What does this teach us about receiving a gift? What should we do with the gifts we receive? How does the Lord, who gives us our gifts, view the gifts He gives us? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 25

Read Romans 12:1, What are our gifts, our lives, bodies, and our everything for? What is Giving? 2 nd Corinthians 8:1-7 2 nd Corinthians 8:4 2 nd Corinthians 8:8,9 2 nd Corinthians 8:13-15 2 nd Corinthians 9:1-5 How should I give? 1 st Corinthians 16:1,2 2 nd Corinthians 8:1-4 2 nd Corinthians 9:7 2 nd Corinthians 8:12 Matthew 6:2 Consider giving as a form of worship? Philippians 4:18 Matthew 2:11 Ephesians 5:2 Hebrews 13:16 1 st John 3:16-17 26 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

PRAYER - Acts 4:23-31; 1 Corinthians 14:12-19 What did the early Church do? Acts 1:12-14 Acts 4:23-31 1 st Timothy 2:1-8 Why is praying as a Church special and powerful? Matthew 18:19,20 Acts 4:23-31 What are some elements of prayer? Matthew 6:9-13 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ATTENTION: What does verse 5 and verse 7 have to say about my attitude in prayer? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 27

28 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS SUMMARIZE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW

CHRISTIAN MORALITY "For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you " 1 Peter 4:3,4 4 PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN MORALITY 1 st Peter 1:13-21 1. 2. 3. 4. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT What are the Blessings of Christ? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Have you ever considered things like mourning, gentleness and purity, to be blessings? What does verse 14 say about Christians? Have you ever experienced the darkness? - Give some examples: o o o What does verse 17 say? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 29

- - - Has Heaven & Earth passed away yet? Is the Law still in effect, then? Read: 1 st Timothy 1:8-11 o What does the Law govern? o Who is under the Law, then? o Are Christians under the Law? Why Not? READ: Write down and explain, using these passages above, the relationship of the Law to the world and the Christian to the Law and to Grace. 30 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

What is our attitude to be about: Giving? Prayer? Fasting? What is the lamp of the body? : (verse: ) HIGHLIGHT BUT SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED TO YOU v33 Compare Matthew 7:1-6 & Matthew 7:15-23 - Should I judge? (v1-2, 5 & 16, 20) - In what way should I judge? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 31

Key Passages: Matthew 7:7-11 Explain this in your own words: Matthew 7:13-14 & 24-27 - Who is the way? - - - - How many ways are there? Is the way easy? Should we expect many to enter? What is the firm foundation? A Golden Rule? In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets What do these have to say? Colossians 3:17 Matthew 22:35-40 32 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

THINGS unsuitable FOR THE CHRISTIAN What things are unfitting for the Christian? Read: Galatians 5:19-22 Romans 1:18 1 st Corinthians 6:9-11 1 st John 2:15-17 Why are these things unfitting for Christians? 1 PETER 1:13-15 THINGS fitting FOR THE CHRISTIAN? Galatians 5:22-25 Ephesians 4:17-5:21 1 st Corinthians 13:4-7 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 33

These are so hard, how can we do them? I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 You cannot do these things, or abstain from sin, apart from Christ! The flesh, weak as it is, will fail- and we require Christ in this. The Spirit, strong as it is, will be righteous- and we require Christ in this. Colossians 3:1-2 o What does this say? 1 John 2:1-6 o And what does this say? In your own words, explain what this says: 34 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

Can we practice Sin? Why not? What does it mean to walk in or practice sin? What happens if we walk in the Light? (verse 7) When I sin, what should I do? 1 st John 1:9 1 st John 2:1-2 Romans 2:4 By this, we may know that we have come to know Him when we, if we keep His commandments (1 st John 2:3) CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 35

CHRISTIAN GROWTH The work of God But I give on Sunday and I volunteer at the homeless shelter Matthew 7:22 What does this say: Why is anything not of faith a sin? For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2 Christ has given resurrection to our bodies so that we no longer live by the flesh, and therefore, under the Law of Sin and Death: now, we live under the Law of Christ, through which we walk in righteousness by the Light, Life, and Truth of Christ. THE BEGINNING POINT OF GROWTH John 3:3-5, 16 1 st Peter 2:1-5 1 st Peter 3:21 36 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

Can we just stay this way? - - Matthew 25:14ff- - What happened? ON LIVING DEVOTED TO CHRIST Acts 2:42-47 John 7:18 Matthew 13:44-45 Psalm 119:97-104 2 nd Timothy 3:14-17 Romans 12:1-2 & 9-13 I m afraid I can t do this it s too much! John 14:18 James 1:5 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Are we without support in our journey of faith? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 37

Who supports us? 1. Matthew 6:26 & 33 2. James 1:5 3. John 14:18 4. Hebrews 10:23-25 Others? Seeking God Through the Holy Spirit with an Active Faith Luke 11:13 Will God Give to those who ask, seek, and knock? o Matthew 7:7-8 Matthew 6:21 You seek the things that you treasure: where is your treasure? Matthew 25:40 In what ways can we seek God? 38 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

Colossians 3:2 What are you setting your mind on? o Entertainment? o Success? o Money? o Romance & Relationship? o Or God? James 2:14-26 Can an inactive faith save someone? (v14) What are your actions to be a result of, then? What is the result of action upon faith? So then, on the one hand, works will perish without faith, and on the other hand, faith is perfected in our work. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 39

HADES & HELL And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged from the things that were written in the books, according to their deeds Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15 The scriptures teach a different and distinct function of Hades and Hell. DEATH, SIN, AND PRISON The Sting of Death is Sin - 1 Corinthians 15:56. What relationship exists between death and sin? ROMANS 6:23 Sin, therefore, is much like a poison. IS THERE ANYONE EXEMPT FROM THESE WAGES? And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, Hebrews 11:38 What did Jesus have to do for these approved and faithful brothers? 1st Peter 3:19 Ephesians 4:8-10 Isaiah 42:7 40 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

What has Jesus done to Hades? THE PROMISE OF CHRIST I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matthew 16:18 In other words, death will not prevail against the Church. A PARABLE Luke 16:23 24 Parables are stories told to reveal a hidden Truth; some elements are figurative (like names), while other elements are revealed with physical equivalents. What elements are present in this parable regarding Hades? 1. Consciousness 2. Suffering 3.? 4. more? THE FIRST DECEPTION REVIVED AGAIN Recall the story of the fall of man- Genesis 3 What was Satan s first lie? Genesis 3:4 What has been happening to mankind since the Fall? CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 41

Did Adam and Eve understand death? What produced death in them? Genesis 3:7 1 st Corinthians 15:56 Romans 6:23 Some people desire, today, the annihilation or oblivion of death seeking in it the comfort of unconsciousness and release from pain. Will we experience this? After sin, and after all this pain, will we experience release in death? THE GREAT LAKE OF FIRE And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged from the things that were written in the books, according to their deeds Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15 What awaits all those who are not raised to life in Christ? Then they will go forth and look on the corpses of the men that have transgressed against Me. For their worm will not die and their fire will not be quenched; they will be an abhorrence to all mankind. Isaiah 66:24 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these (the faithful) will arise to everlasting life, but the others (the unfaithful) to disgrace and everlasting contempt Daniel 12:2 42 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

What will not die? What will not be quenched? Who will awake? Where will the faithful go? Where will the unfaithful go? What is everlasting? GEHENNA & TARTARUS The name comes from the Hebrew expressions gê hinnōm, gê ben- hinnōm, and gê b e nê- hinnōm, which mean respectively valley of Hinnom, valley of the son of Hinnom, and valley of the sons of Hinnom. All refer to a valley south of Jerusalem which became infamous for its sacrificial site called Topheth where children were offered to the god Molech during the reigns of such wicked kings of Judah as Ahaz and Manasseh (2 Chr. 28:3; 33:6). King Josiah defiled the site during his reforms so that children no longer would be sacrificed there (2 Kings 23:10), but the valley may have been used again for such practices after his time (Jer. 7:31 32; 19:2 6; 32:35). As punishment for this, Jeremiah proclaimed that in the future the valley of the son of Hinnom would be called the valley of slaughter since many would be slain there and, for lack of room elsewhere, the dead would be buried in Topheth (7:32; 19:6). 1 Consider these passages about hell: Matt. 5:22; 18:9; Mark 9:43; Jas. 3:6; cf. Matt. 3:10, 12; 7:19; 18:8; 25:41; Luke 3:9, 17), and as a valley or pit into which one s body may be cast (Matt. 5:29 30; Mark 9:45, 47; Luke 12:5). 1 Myers, A. C. (1987). The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (478 479). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 43

Peter uses the word in 2 nd Peter 2:4, saying, For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment. Can we question the eternality of Hell? Read the following passages about Hell: Matthew 3:10, 12 (cf Luke 3:9, 17) The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 5:22, 29-30 (cf Mark 9:43-49); But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, You good- for- nothing, shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, You fool, shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell. Matthew 7:19; Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 8:8-12; 8But the centurion said, Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, Go! and he goes, and to another, Come! and he comes, and to my slave, Do this! and he does it. Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant was healed that very moment. Matthew 25:41, 46; Then He will also say to those on His left, Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Luke 12:5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Matthew 25:46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. 44 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

Revelation 14:9-13 9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. 12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on! Yes, says the Spirit, so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them. Revelation 20:10 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Jude 12-13 These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever. Genesis 3:2-6 The woman said to the serpent, From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die. The serpent said to the woman, You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 45

A Heavenly Abode HEAVEN Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? Isaiah 66:1 To begin, let s ask the most basic of questions, Where does God live? Jonah 1:9; Matthew 5:16, 45; Matthew 6:1, 9 Psalm 11:4, 14:2; 33:13 Isa. 66:1 Deuteronomy 4:36 Nehemiah 9:13 It s from this dwelling of God that the temple was patterned: Hebrews 8:5; 9:24. Gen. 21:17 Mt. 18:10 1 st Kg. 22:19-22 According to the passages read so far, what happens from Heaven? THE PLACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST Where is the The Son of Man from? John 3:13 Where did Jesus go after completing His earthly ministry? Acts 1:11 Where will He return from? Matthew 24:30 1 st Thessalonians 1:10 EARLY OLD TESTAMENT REVELATIONS 2 nd Kings 2:11 Genesis 5:24 46 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

Even though there were many mysteries still hidden in Christ (1 st Corinthians 4:1, & Romans 16:25), this revelation that Heaven is the abode of the righteous began to be shown to mankind. Where did Elijah Go? Where did Enoch Go? NEW TESTAMENT REVELATIONS Explain what happens in each of these passages: 1 st Peter 1:4 Philippians 3:20 2 nd Corinthians 5:1-5 Matthew 5:12; 6:20 John 14:2 Colossians 1:5 A BATTLEGROUND Heaven itself has not been immune to the sufferings caused by Satan, his rebellions, and sin. Haggai 2:6 Mark 13:31 Revelation 12:7-12 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 47

GOD S RENOVATION God predicts of a change coming. Isaiah 65:17 What will happen to the former things? Isaiah 66:22 Will the new Heaven/Earth endure? Will the offspring endure? 2 nd Peter 3:13 What are we looking forward to? How is this hope guaranteed? What dwells in Heaven? Revelation 21:1 What passed away? What is missing from this picture of the new heaven and new earth? What is Heaven? Daniel 4:23 Matthew 3:2 Mark 11:30 Luke 15:18, 21 John 3:27 48 CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS

BIBLICAL TIMELINE 1. PATRIARCHAL AGE- Adam to Moses (Genesis 1 to Exodus 19) 1. Creation - Genesis 1,2. 2. Antediluvian Period - Genesis 3-5. 3. The Flood and Patriarch Noah - Genesis 6-9 4. Repopulation and Distribution - Genesis 10,11. 5. Abrahamic Period Genesis 12-25. 6. Canaan Sojourn of Isaac and Jacob - Genesis25-36. 7. Joseph Period - Genesis 37-50 8. Egyptian Bondage and deliverance Period - Exodus 1-12. 9. Journey from Egypt to Sinai - Exodus 13-19 10. The life of Job probably falls in this period. - Job. 2. JEWISH AGE --- From Moses to Christ; From Sinai to Jerusalem. (Ex.20 Acts 1) 1. Giving of Law and Journey on Wilderness- Ex. 19-40; Lev. 1-27; Num. 1-36; Deut. 1-34. 2. Conquest of Canaan-Joshua 1-24. 3. Period of the Judges-Judges 1-21; Ruth 1-4; I Samuel 1-8 4. The United Kingdom 1. Saul - I Samuel 8-31. 2. David - II Samuel 1-24; I Chronicles 1-29; Psalms. 3. Solomon (970-930 B.C.)- I Kings 1-11; II Chronicles 1-9; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon 5. The Divided Kingdom (930-586 B.C.) - I Kings 12-22; II Kings 1-25; I Chronicles 10-36; Prophets: Joel, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Hosea, Isaiah, Obadiah, Zephaniah. 1. The Kingdoms of Judah and Israel co-existing (930-722 B.C.)- I Kings 12-22; II Kings 1-17; II Chronicles 10-32. 2. The Kingdom of Judah alone (722-586 B.C.)- II Kings 18-25; II Chronicles 33-36. 6. The Captivity Period (586-536 B.C.)- Ezekiel; Daniel; Jeremiah. 7. Post Captivity Period (536-423 B.C.) 1. The return and rebuilding of the temple under Zerubbabel and Jeshua (536-516 B.C.)-Ezra 1-6; Haggai, Zechariah. 2. The ministry of Malachi (516-485 B.C. (?))-Malachi. 3. Story of Esther (485-465 B.C.)-Esther. 4. The return and ministry of Ezra (458f) - Ezra 7-10. 5. The ministry of Nehemiah (445f) - Nehemiah 1-13. 8. Between the Testament Periods (423-6 B.C) -Apocrypha and secular history 1. Life and ministry of John and Jesus-Preparation-Matt. 1-28; Mark 1-16; Luke 1-24; John 1-21; Acts 1. 3. CHURCH AGE 1. History and Doctrine by Inspired Record -Acts to Revelation. 2. Church History by Human Record (A.D. 100-Now). CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS 49

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