Bible Lessons
for
THE CHURCH OF GOD
7th Day
————
1st Quarter
2016
—————
FOR
January, February, March.
To be used with the Bible
—————
Workers are needed, for the harvest
is great, but laborers are few…
—————
Address all orders to P.O. Box 568,
Jerusalem — Israel
———————————————————
Lesson for January 2, 2016.
ACCEPTING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS
The very word “Christian” means “Christ-like.” If we are to be like Christ, we must accept His teachings. The Christian cannot take the attitude of the world regarding the teachings of Christ. He cannot say: “Well, He was a super good man, and what He said is good, but it just doesn’t work in reality.” Or, “It just won’t work for an ordinary person like me.” The true Christian must believe in the reality of Christ’s teachings. He must not only know them, He must live them.
Scripture Reading: Mark 10:17-30.
Memory Verse: Mark 10:21, 22.
- For the sake of the kingdom of God, what portion of one’s lot must one give up? Luke 12:33.
- What question did a certain man once ask Jesus and what was Christ’s response to him? Mark 10:17-19.
- What was the response to Jesus? Verse 20.
- What was the second requirement which Jesus made known? Verse 21.
- Did the man accept the above requirements? Verse 22.
- What is the Christian’s passport into the kingdom of God? Revelation 22:14; 12:17.
- What type of teaching did Jesus present to the multitudes? Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 14:25-27, 33.
- Did all accept Christ’s teaching? John 6:60, 66.
- Did some of Jesus’ disciples accept the teachings? John 6:67-68. Compare Matthew 19:27, Luke 5:11.
- What were Jesus’ promises to those of His disciples who endured His teachings? Matthew 19:28, 29; Luke 18:29, 30.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for January 9, 2016.
CHRISTIANITY, A HEROIC RACE
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11.
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:20.
- After Satan and his evil angels were cast down into this world because of their rebellion, what loud voice was proclaimed in heaven? Revelation 2:10, 11.
- How dangerous and powerful are the powers that the child of God is continuously battling with? Ephesians 6:12.
NOTE: A hero is one who sees the danger, fears it and yet meets it, and is victorious.
- What is the motive of our opponents? 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:17.
- In order to face the destroyer and be victorious, what is one advised to do? Nahum 2:1; 1 Peter 5:8 [first part]; Deuteronomy 31:6.
- What are some armaments one is advised to put on? Ephesians 6:13-18.
- How mighty and powerful are these weapons? 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.
- Why should one not be afraid to face the enemy? 1 John 4:4.
- Who is the first among heroes? Hebrews 12:2; John 16:33 [last part]; Revelation 3:21 [last part].
- What is the devil utilizing to abridge the lives of many heroes? 1 Timothy 6:9,10; 1 John 2:15.
- In order that one will be a valiant hero, what is necessarily required of us? Hebrews 12:1,2; Philippians 3:14.
- Was the Apostle Paul among the successful heroes? 2 Timothy 4:7,8.
- How did Caleb fearlessly admonish the people of Israel? Numbers 13:30.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for January 16, 2016.
LABORERS TOGETHER WITH CHRIST JESUS
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-30.
Memory Verse: Matthew 25:30.
- For what purpose are we all created and made new creatures? Ephesians 2:10.
- What question does the Lord ask those who are not engaged in some way in His work? Matthew 20:6.
- What does He command such to do? Matthew 20:7.
- What will be done to those who refuse to honor God by bringing forth fruit in His vineyard? John 15:2.
- In what way does the Lord exhort those who see no work to be done? John 4:35,36.
- What did the Lord say of the harvest and the laborers? Matthew 9:37.
- What does the Lord say to those who are already engaged in the work of the Lord? Matthew 9:38.
- How much is saved if our work results in the turning of one sinner from the error of his way? James 5:20.
- How valuable is one soul? 1 Corinthians 3:9,10.
- Is the salvation of one soul enough to cause the angels of heaven to rejoice? Luke 15:10.
- What does Paul say of the laborer? 1 Corinthians 3:9,10.
- What assurance is given to all who are co-laborers with the Lord? 1 Corinthians 15:58.
- What prayer should we make in order to succeed in this Great work? Psalms 51:9-13.
- Of whom are we to learn how to work with success? Matthew 11:29,30.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for January 23, 2016.
FRUITS IN DUE SEASON
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-30.
Memory Verse: Matthew 25: 30.
- Is God expecting to receive fruit from His laborers? Matthew 21:34; Matthew 25:20-23.
- What are we to follow after and desire? 1 Corinthians 14:1.
- When we hear the Word and understand it, what are we to do? Matthew 13:23.
- What will He do to those of us who do not bear fruit? Matthew 21:41; 25:28-30.
- How are we warned concerning comfortable salvation? Luke 3:8,9.
- Is there wisdom that will also produce fruits? James 3:17.
- What is one of the ways to discern false doctrine? Matthew 7:16-20.
- How can we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Luke 11:13.
- What are some of the reasons we should seek after the Gifts of the Spirit? 1 Corinthians 14:12. Read also Colossians 1:9,10.
- What kind of fruit must we bear if we are to posses the Spirit of God? Galatians 5:22,23. Read also Ephesians 5:9.
NOTE: Along with every job there is a requirement to produce a certain amount of fruit. When we accept the Kingdom of God we accept also the responsibility to serve under the leadership of Christ. Through the Spirit of God we are sent as laborers in His vineyard. It is, therefore, necessary to render Him the fruits in due season. Let us use our talents wisely and forget not the calling to which we are called.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for January 30, 2016.
THE BREAD OF LIFE
Scripture Reading: John 6:22-71.
Memory Verse: John 6:51.
- After Jesus fed the multitude of five thousand, what effort did they make to pursue him? John 6:22-24.
- On finding Him, what did they ask Him? John 6:25.
- How did He express His disapproval of their attitude? John 6:26,27.
- On hearing this, what did they want to know? John 6:28.
- What did they require of Him that they might believe? John 6:30,31.
- How did Jesus explain this? John 6:32,33.
- What did they now desire? John 6:34.
NOTE: Their demand for a sign was consistent with the instructions given in Isaiah 7:11 and 8:18. Still, the Lord did not grant this, for His entire life’s work was attested by signs (Acts 2:22), which were enough.
- What bread did Jesus introduce to them? John 6:35,36.
- In what words did He impress this vital truth on them? John 6:40.
- Why did they murmur at this saying? John 6:41,42.
NOTE: This is the ‘Gibraltar’ of the Jewish experience. They could not see how He came from heaven, nor how they could believe on Him to be saved. That was a mystery which required a personal revelation.
- What prophecy did Jesus cite to them? John 6:45; Isaiah 54:13.
NOTE: This refers to the spiritual vision of those who believe in God. We see Him, in that He dwells in us through the Spirit.
- What truth did Jesus express to them again? John 6:47-51.
- What reaction did He get? John 6:52.
- How did Jesus re-emphasize this? John 6:53-55.
- How is the eating and drinking of His flesh and blood interpreted? John 6:56; John 17:23; 1 John 3:24.
NOTE: We eat of Jesus in the spiritual sense, when we believe on Him as our Savior. It is then that He is to us the ”Bread of Life.” He wants us to have abundant life, like they had in the days of the early Church. Head knowledge belief will not accomplish this.
- How did this teaching affect some of His disciples? John 6:59,60.
- When Jesus knew this, what did He say? John 6:61-64?
- What was the effect of this on some of His disciples? John 6:66.
- What question did Jesus ask some of the Twelve? John 6:67.
- What was Peter’s answer? John 6;68,69.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for February 6, 2016.
THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:1-20.
Memory Verse: Matthew 16:17.
- Which two classes came to Jesus? What was their purpose in asking for a sign? Matthew 16:1.
- What was the answer Jesus gave? What may we learn from the way He answered? Matthew 16:2,3.
- In what words did Jesus expose the condition of their hearts? What was the only sign they could expect? Matthew 16:4.
NOTE: The signs and wonders that our Savior did, did not appeal to their carnal mind. They wanted something spectacular, something to exhibit the natural man. Jesus could not satisfy them in this, but pointed them to the sign of Jonah [also in Matthew 12:40.]
- What did the disciples discover at this time? Matthew 16:5.
- What warning did the Lord give them? Matthew 16:6.
- How did the disciples interpret this warning? Matthew 16:7.
- In upbraiding them for their lack of faith, of what did He remind them? Matthew 16:8-11.
- After Jesus spoke, what did the disciples then realize? Matthew 16:12.
- What potent question did Jesus ask His disciples at Philippi? Matthew 16:13.
- How many replies did He get? What were they? Matthew 16:14.
- What direct answer did He demand of them? Matthew 16:15.
- What affirmation did Peter give? Matthew 16:16.
- How did the Savior regard this answer? Who was the author of this revelation? Matthew 16:17.
- On the basis of this revelation [and Peter’s confession], what did Jesus say to Peter? What guarantee did He give him? Matthew 16:18.
- Great consolation was given to us in the spiritual representation of the Kingdom Keys. How effective would be the use of these keys? Matthew 16:19.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for February 13, 2016.
THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH
Scripture Reading: Romans 6:1-18.
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:24.
- In the beginning of Romans 6, is Paul introducing a new subject, or is it a continuance of the subject of the previous chapter? Do you think Paul and other evangelists should dwell so much on this subject?
- In preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, did Paul lay more stress on the above subject, or more upon grace, love, etc? Romans 6:23.
- Just what do you think is meant by the title of this lesson? See Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5-9 as well as many others.
- According to Romans 6:3,4, what does baptism signify?
- Now, if we die with Christ in the watery grave, are we set free from the curse of Adam? Romans 6:6,7.
- Do you think the suffering of the flesh mentioned in I Peter 4:1,2 refers to physical pain? Explain.
- How could the gospel have been preached to the dead as expressed in I Peter 4:6 and how can one be baptized for the dead as mentioned in I Corinthians 15:29?
- Will being dead unto sin and all things in this life benefit us in the life to come? Consider Romans 6:8-11.
- What wonderful admonition does Paul give in Romans 6:12,13?
- Why did he give this admonition? Romans 6:14,15.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for February 20, 2016.
THE GIVING OF THANKS
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:4-20.
Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:15.
- Is there a sacrifice of thanksgiving? Psalms 107:22; Psalms 116:17.
- How are we to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving? Leviticus 22:29.
- Can we witness through thanksgiving? Psalms 26:7.
- Can we magnify the Almighty with thanksgiving? Psalms 69:30.
- How should we come before Him? Psalms 95:2.
- Whose name are we to bless with thanksgiving? Psalms 100:4.
- Does our thanksgiving glorify the Father? 2 Corinthians 4:15.
- What is the attitude shown in 2 Corinthians 9:11 concerning the blessings we receive from the Father?
- How are we to make our requests known to the Father? Philippians 4:6.
- What does Colossians 2:7 tell us we are to abound in?
- How long shall we be thankful to the Creator? Revelation 7:12.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for February 27, 2016.
CHEERFUL AND LIBERAL SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.
Memory Verse: Leviticus 27:30
- What great gift did God make to the world? John 3:16.
- What is the great commandment? Matthew 22:37.
- How can we show our love toward God? 1 John 5:2.
- In which way will giving effect us? Proverbs 11:24,25.
- What command was given to us? Proverbs 3:9.
- When this command is observed, will it effect our temporal possessions? Proverbs 3:10.
- How may those who have abundance here, lay hold on eternal life? 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
- Does God watch our giving and hear our prayers? Acts 10:4.
- What system of giving for the ministry is set forth in the Old Testament? Numbers 18:21; Leviticus 27:30.
- Is there a similar provision also spoken of in the New Testament? 1 Corinthians 9:12-14.
- Was this same system in force at the time of Abraham? Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22.
- How did Jesus speak of giving? Acts 20:35.
NOTE: It has been proved beyond any question of doubt, that God is still blessing those who are putting their tithes and offerings into the storehouse. We must give a portion of our substance in the same manner as Jesus gave His life. Our tithes and offerings represent a part of our love; and if it is withheld, the Lord will withhold from us His blessings, both spiritual and temporal.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for March 5, 2016.
PROPHETICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN JEWISH IMMIGRATION
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62.
Memory Verses: Isaiah 62:6,7.
- Because of transgression, what decree did God pronounce against the Jewish nation? Jeremiah 29:18,19.
- Would the time come, however, when the Lord would again bring them back to their own land? Jeremiah 32:37.
- As the Lord brought evil upon them, did He likewise promise to bless them in the latter days? Jeremiah 32:41-44; Hosea 3:4,5.
- What particular reference to day and night did God make as proof that the Jews would be gathered again? Jeremiah 31:35-37.
- What does the prophet Joel also affirm regarding Judah’s blessings in the latter days? Joel 3:6,7.
- How extensive was to be the final gathering? Isaiah 11:12.
- During their dispersion among the Gentiles were they to lose their identity, and thus not be recognized as a people? Isaiah 61:9.
- ls the Lord bringing them back into their own land because of their goodness, or is it to vindicate His sure word of prophecy? Ezekiel 36:1-12,21-28.
- What will their attitude be towards God in the final re-gathering? Jeremiah 31:6-11,23-28.
- How do we know that these prophecies do not refer to the re-gathering of the Jews after their captivity in Babylon? Isaiah 11:11; Jeremiah 16:14-16.
- During this re-gathering, were they to repair the ruined cities of a recent period in the past or those laid desolate many ages ago? Isaiah 61:4.
NOTE: Jerusalem today is a wonderful modern city, which has been built up in the years since the Jews have returned.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for March 12, 2016.
PROPHECIES OF DANIEL
Scripture Reading: Daniel 9.
Memory Verse: Daniel 9:22.
- After the Temple of Solomon was destroyed, Israel was taken captive into Babylon, but how long were they to remain there? Jeremiah 25:10,11.
- After they were gathered back from this dispersion, what was to happen to Babylon? Jeremiah 25:12,13.
NOTE: It is a known fact, according to the Scriptures as well as history, that the Jews were re-gathered to Jerusalem and another Temple was erected where Solomon’s Temple stood.
- As Daniel was praying for the restoration of Israel, who visited him? Daniel 9:20,21.
- For what purpose did Gabriel visit Daniel? Daniel 9:22,23.
- What was the length of time then given to the people of Israel to make atonement for sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity? Daniel 9:24.
- In regard to the punishment of Israel, what period of time did one day represent? Ezekiel 4:5,6.
NOTE: As there was appointed unto Israel, a year for each day, during these periods of punishment, it is logical and scriptural to apply the same rule to the periods of punishment that were to follow. Therefore this 70 week period would be 7 times 70 or 490 years, as there are seven days in a week.
- Gabriel gave Daniel the assurance that a commandment was to go forth to rebuild Jerusalem. After it went forth how long was it to be until the Messiah? Daniel 9:25 [first part]
- Was Jerusalem to be rebuilt during a time of peace or trouble? Daniel 9:25 [last part].
- What was to happen to the Messiah after the sixty-two weeks plus the first seven weeks, making 69 weeks? Daniel 9:26 [first part].
- Who was to follow after the Messiah? What was he to do? Daniel 9:26 [last part].
NOTE: This was Titus the commander of the Roman armies that besieged Jerusalem in the year 66 A.D., totally destroying the city and the 2nd Temple in 70 A.D. Those that had received Jesus, believing His words [Luke 21:20,21} had fled the city. According to history, the Roman armies first surrounded Jerusalem and then withdrew for a short time before the actual siege. Many that remained in the city cried out in prayer seeking for their ”promised Messiah” to deliver them. Not until our time [close to 2000 years later] have the Jewish people been reunited again with the land.
- What was to happen in the middle of this last and 70th week? Daniel 9:27 [first part].
NOTE: This was the cutting off, or the crucifixion of the Messiah, which event brought to an official end the purpose and the need of the law for pardon by the blood of the ”Sacrificial Lamb” and brought on a new dispensation of grace.
- What was to happen after the crucifixion in connection with the abomination of desolation? Daniel 9:27 [last part]. How long was the desolation to last?
NOTE: If the Messiah has not already come then according to Daniel 9:26, Israel would not be here to stay and Jerusalem would be overthrown again and destroyed. Some among the religious Jews, living in Israel today, do not recognize the State of Israel because of this prophecy. They do not understand that this prophecy was fulfilled at the coming of Jesus and in the years soon following, in the first century this side of Christ; that Jesus is Messiah; therefore Israel is here to stay; and that Israel today is a direct fulfillment of the good and lasting prophecies for which the Jewish people have continually prayed and have so long awaited. [The time periods are exact].
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for March 19, 2016.
THE JEWS IN THE HOLY LAND
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 38:14-23.
Memory Verse: Ezekiel 38:16.
- What special blessing did the Lord promise to Abraham and to his seed? What is promised for those that bless the chosen people and those that curse them? Genesis 12:1-3.
- What race of people hold the legal deed to the Holy Land? Genesis 15:18, 17:8.
- Has God disinherited the literal heirs to this estate? Jeremiah 31:35-37; Romans 11:1-4.
- What is said of them when among the nations? Isaiah 61:9.
- Is the Lord gathering the same race of people back to the Land of Israel that He removed from the land? Jeremiah 32:37.
- Is the Heavenly Father bringing the Jews back to their own land because of their own merits, or for His own name’s sake? Ezekiel 36:22.
- Will they be given a new heart and spirit? Verse 26. What is said of the waste land and the ancient cities? Verses 34-36.
- When the north country and her satellites come against Jerusalem, will it be the people of Israel (the Jews) in the land or another race? Ezekiel 38:14,15.
- When does this war and destruction take place, and against whom? Verse 16.
- When the Lord gathers the nations to judgment before Jerusalem, which tribe of Israel is especially mentioned as being gathered to Jerusalem? Joel 3:1-2.
- Which tribe does Zechariah associate with Jerusalem when the Lord fights for Israel? Zechariah 12:2,3.
**********************************************************************************************
Lesson for March 26, 2016.
FINAL EVENTS AND CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY
Scripture Reading: Luke 21.
Memory Verse: Daniel 12:10.
- How long was Jerusalem to be trodden down by the Gentiles with the Jews scattered all over the world? Luke 21:24.
- At the end of this period, of what is known as Gentile times, what is said of the conditions all over the world? Luke 21:25.
NOTE: This prophecy was fulfilled to the very letter. Jerusalem was captured by the Romans 70 A.D., the temple destroyed, and the city became heaps of rubble and ruin. The Jews were scattered all over the world, and remained so for nearly 2000 years. Now they have their nation, Israel, and are returning by the hundreds of thousands.
- What is said of this time in respect to men’s hearts filled with fear? Luke 21:26.
- What great event is next in order? Luke 21:27.
- What simple comparison did our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ use? Luke 21:29-31.
- Will the generation witnessing the returning of the Jews etc. pass away? Luke 21:29-32.
- What warning characteristic of this time is given? Luke 21:34.
- What shall we do in order to escape this pending destruction? Luke 21:36.
- What solemn responsibility rests upon those who understand? Ezekiel 3:6,7.
- What about increase of knowledge and travel before the end?Daniel 12:4.
- What work is assigned to the wise? Daniel 12:3.
- Will this special class of the wise understand the prophecy concerning the “time of the end” and will many (both Jew and Gentile) be turned from sin unto righteousness? Daniel 12:10.
NOTE: The angel Gabriel also informed the prophet Daniel that the people whose sins were forgiven and had been made, white would be tried. We are now in that testing time of trial, when only the presence of the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer will assure the victory.
**********************************************************************************************