A.1: I Am Sure About My Salvation.

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What gives you confidence that you are going to heaven?

How do you know you have eternal life?

A Story

Recently, a young high school student came into our class and announced that she had prayed to receive Jesus into her life. She shared how wonderful it was and that she knew something had happened. However, she also shared that doubts were bugging her, and she wanted to know what to do.

Digging Into The Bible

We shared with her I John 5:11-13:

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the son of God does not have eternal life.” The verse goes on: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (v.13).

Discussion & Discovery

  1. In this verse, who gives us eternal life?
  2. How does He give us eternal life?
  3. Where is this eternal life?
  4. How did it get into the Son?
  5. What happens if we have the Son?
  6. What happens if we don’t have the Son?
  7. What does one have to do to get the Son?

Application & Accountability

  1. Describe how you invited the Son of God (JESUS) into your life.
  2. Where is the Son of God now?
  3. In verse 13, what does God want for us due to your belief?
  4. How are you feeling now about your decision to follow Christ?
  5. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith?
  6. How will memorizing this verse be a strength to your faith?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

Similar Verses In The Bible

List similar verses in the Bible:

Review Story – The Farmer

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This reminds me of a time when my dad told me about a farmer who was working in his field one day.

He noticed a man coming down the driveway and stepped out to talk with the man. Unknown to the old farmer, the man had a bad case of amnesia. The farmer approached the man with a willing heart to help him on his way. He asked three questions:

The first was normal curiosity. The farmer said,  “ Where you coming from?”   The man answered  “I don’t know.”

Then the farmer asked,  “Where are you going?”   The man answered the same “I don’t know.”

Finally asked the farmer,  ”Who are you?”   The man answered the same, “I don’t know.”

The farmer told the man,  “ Man, you are LOST!”

How we answer these questions clarifies whether we are LOST or FOUND in the Bible.

What is the rest of the story?

The farmer cares about the stranger and wants to help, so he invites the fellow up to the farmhouse where his wife is fixing lunch. They eat together and through conversation, they begin to get a picture of the man’s history. Some comments remind the farmer of where on the map this man may be from. So he brings out a map and they begin to discuss things that make sense to the man. Over dessert, he begins to see things more clearly and he sees where he is from. He remembers who he is and then where he needs to go. He is no longer lost.

That is the heartbeat of this section of the website.

Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost.

John 3:16 says in the Bible. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him (found) should not perish  (lost) but have everlasting life. (found).

L.15 I understand what Jesus taught about the final judgment.

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How do you feel about the concept of final judgment in your life?

What is your response to that possibility?

A Story

“God won’t send anyone to hell, will he?” asked a businessman in Portland. This question has been asked by many people wondering where their future eternity will be heading. In the Bible, in the book of Matthew, Jesus taught about this using a parable.

Digging Into The Bible

Matthew 14:24-30

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’

Discussion & Discovery

  1. What do we learn from this parable?

Digging Into The Bible (Part 2)

Matthew 14:24-30

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’

Discussion & Discovery (Part 2)

  1. Who did he explain the parable to?
  2. Why did he just explain it to these people?
  3. Who is the one who sowed the good seed?
  4. What is the field?
  5. What is the good seed?
  6. What are the weeds?
  7. Who is the enemy who sows the people of the evil one?
  8. What is the harvest? Who are the harvesters?
  9. How will the angels deal with the harvest?
  10. What does the weeding out accomplish?
  11. What happens to the righteous ones?

Application & Accountability

  1. When you read and understand this, do you know how to be born again?
  2. What are the barriers to making that decision?
  3. When will you decide to experience the new birth and the promise of eternal life?
  4. What steps can you take to carry out that decision?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.14 I know what it means to be born again.

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How has the statement “being born again” impacted you?

What are the implications of that statement?

A Story

In a neighborhood in a Northwest city, a lady decided to follow Jesus. Over some time, through many challenges, she grasped the truth of what the Bible said about Jesus. She believed it and experienced a new birth. She was born again spiritually. Her new hunger, new questions, new hope, peace, purpose, and joy were evident to everyone. She experienced something new as her faith was fulfilled.

She experienced what the Bible calls “Being born again.” In this study, the new birth will be explored.

Digging Into The Bible

John 3:1-16

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 9:23

 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. Who met Jesus? What was his occupation?
  2. Why do you think he came by night?
  3. What did you discover about what Jesus meant when he said, “You must be born again?
  4. How did Nicodemus respond?
  5. By the end of the conversation, did he understand?
  6. How is God’s love connected to new spiritual birth?
  7. What does it mean to believe in the Son of God?
  8. What will be the results of that belief?

Application & Accountability

  1. When you read and understand this, do you know how to be born again?
  2. What are the barriers to making that decision?
  3. When will you decide to experience the new birth and the promise of eternal life?
  4. What steps can you take to carry out that decision?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.13 I know what it means to follow Jesus.

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What has been your experience in encountering Jesus?

What has he invited you to do?

A Story

A German theologian was asked about the story of Jesus and what it means to be a Christian. After much persecution for his faith, he wrote a book called The Cost of discipleship. He was later killed by the Nazi Germans for his stand again the fascist regime and his commitment to follow Christ. It has cost many their lives in the commitment to follow Jesus. This phenomenon is present to this day. Determining what a person wants to do about this decision is imperative. Take a look at the words of Jesus and the commitment he asks.

Digging Into The Bible

Matthew 4:19

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

Luke 9:23

 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. Where was Jesus walking?
  2. Who did he ask to follow him? What was their career?
  3. What does this statement “Come, follow me” imply?
  4. What did he promise he would do if they did so?
  5. What do you think are the implications of their decision?
  6. How is fishing for men an appropriate metaphor?
  7. In Luke 9:23, what are the requirements?
  8. What does this tell you are the implications of following Jesus?

Application & Accountability

  1. What do you think it will cost you to follow Jesus?
  2. What are the barriers to making that decision?
  3. What are the implications of not making that decision?
  4. What steps can you take to carry out that decision?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.12 I know what steps it takes to increase my faith.

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How would you describe your definition of faith?

What do you feel like you trust the most in your life?

A Story

Lord, increase our faith!  The disciples implored Jesus after seeing him accomplish miracles and teach about faith.  In Matthew 17:19-20 you see Jesus responding by saying, “If you have the faith of a mustard seed…..” Over the next days of their life, they saw things, miracles and tragedy, and the outflowing of the Holy Spirit…which increased their faith. They remembered the words of Jesus and then taught them to others. Their faith was increased as they acted by faith in his words and then passed them on.

Digging Into The Bible

Romans 10:17

 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. What is your definition of faith?
  2. What does this verse tell us is the first step to faith?
  3. How does one hear the message?
  4. Where do we find the words about Christ?

Application & Accountability

  1. How will you pursue the words of Christ?
  2. What actions and passion will you pursue in these words?
  3. How will you act on what they say?

Digging Into The Bible (Part 2)

Hebrews 11:6

Without faith it is impossible to please God for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

Discussion & Discovery (Part 2)

  1. What does this tell us about faith?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.11 I understand what repentance means.

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What would you like to see changed in your life direction?

What can you do to make that change?

A Story

The sign said, REPENT YOU SINNER! “What does that mean?”  One of the international students asked. He was curious to discern what it meant. It would mean that the words repentance and sinner must be explained.   The setting is that the Apostle Paul, before his repentance, was persecuting Christians for their faith. During this time, he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus to persecute followers of Jesus.  During this time, he experienced repentance (a turning around from persecution to following) and turning from his sinful ways. This verse in Scripture gives us a look into his words to the early followers of Jesus as they met together as a  church. Take a look at this passage of the Bible.

Digging Into The Bible

Acts 20:21-22

20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. Who is the speaker of this first sentence?
  2. How did he provide teaching?
  3. Why does he mention Jews and Greeks?
  4. What does he encourage them to do?
  5. What are they turning away from?
  6. How does repentance connect with turning away?
  7. What are they turning away from, and to what?
  8. What does it mean to have faith in the Lord Jesus?

Application & Accountability

  1. What kind of experience have you had with repentance?
  2. What do you think you need to do to turn to God?
  3. What do you need to repent from?
  4. How will you make this repentance a genuine experience?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.10 I know why Jesus invited his disciples to “come and see.”

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What is it about God and Jesus that you would like to come and see?

How can you continue this search?

A Story

All relationships are a dimension of time and commitment. If a person wants to grow in their relationship with their children and their wife, they must increase their time and commitment. This concept was shared with a man who was skeptical about who Jesus claimed to be. The point was if a person wanted to get to know Jesus, they would need to increase their time and commitment to being with that person…namely Jesus. This is illustrated by what some curious disciples had heard about Jesus from John the Baptist. They ran after Jesus, and Jesus’ reply was insightful. The following passage may give a clue as to how to increase a relationship with Jesus.

Digging Into The Bible

John 1:33-39

And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”  35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”  37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”  They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”  39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”  So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. Who is the speaker of this first sentence?
  2. What was his claim about Jesus?
  3. The man with two disciples made a statement about Jesus. What did that mean?
  4. What made these disciples curious about who Jesus was?
  5. What did they then do?
  6. Why do you think they were so curious?
  7. How did Jesus answer their curiosity?
  8. Why do you think this is important as we learn more about Jesus?

Application & Accountability

  1. How does this impact you if you were curious? What would Jesus say to you?
  2. Would you be interested in reading the rest of John and discovering more about who Jesus is?
  3. When would be a good time to start that reading?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.9 I know what Jesus meant when he said “I am the way, the truth and the life.

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What questions do you have about Jesus being the only way?

How do his words impact you?

A Story

Many people over the years with so many beliefs and ways of thinking have asked, “How can Jesus be the only way to God?” This has been asked on college campuses, in the business world, and throughout many nations. This is a great question to be asked!  When asked, this referral was made to Jesus ‘ sayings recorded by someone who knew him and experienced his words and deeds. This leads to the question, “Who is Jesus?”

Digging Into The Bible

John 14:1-6

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. Why would Jesus say, “Not let your hearts be troubled?
  2. Why would he say this to his disciples?
  3. When he says, “You believe in God, believe also in me? Who is he equating himself to?
  4. How can he be preparing a place for us? Where is this place?
  5. What was Thomas’ question?
  6. How did Jesus answer it?
  7. How do you understand this phrase: “NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER BY ME?”

Application & Accountability

  1. What did you discover about Jesus from this author who knew him personally?
  2. Would you be interested in readying the rest of John and discovering more about who Jesus is?
  3. When would be a good time to start that reading?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?

L.8 I understand what the Bible says about who Jesus is.

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What have you done to ask the question, “Who is Jesus?”

What can you do to deepen that search?

A Story

A sailor in the Navy came aboard the ship and was totally unaware of Bible teaching and clarity of who Jesus was and is. He was eager to learn about the Bible. Over the cruise of 6 months, he decides to get to know Jesus and begin to follow him. He studied the Bible and seemed to grow in his faith. After the cruise, he left for his hometown, where he ran into a group of people who believed that all religions were unified and that Jesus was not God. He rejected his faith and began to live a self-centered life. We never heard from him again. What places in the Bible can help answer the doubts this sailor experienced?

Digging Into The Bible

John 1:1-14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. What does it mean in the beginning?
  2. What is the meaning of “the Word”?
  3. What does it mean that the Word was God?
  4. How did the Word make all things?
  5. What does this tell us who the Word is?
  6. What does “the true light” tell us about who the Word is?
  7. In verse 11, what clues do we discover about the Word being Jesus?
  8. When it says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, who is this?

Application & Accountability

  1. What did you discover about Jesus from this author who knew him personally?
  2. Would you be interested in readying the rest of John and discovering more about who Jesus is?
  3. When would be a good time to start that reading?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?