OUTSIDE FELLOWSHIP EVANGELISTIC BIBLE STUDY (EBS) MATERIALS Zhong Ri Jia Mei 139 Speyside Dr. Oakville, ON Canada L6L 5Y1 You are free to use these materials as you see fit. Suggestions for improvements would be appreciated. If you have other materials that you have found to be effective in Evangelistic Bible Studies (particularily for non-North American students) in either English, Chinese (GuoBiao format), or Japanese (any format), a copy on computer disk would be appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------- "AN INTRODUCTION TO JESUS" A.1 Overall Objectives: 1. To see non-Christian friends gain a cognitive knowledge of the basic kerygma of the Christian faith. 2. To awaken a hunger in non-Christian friends for further study of God's word. 3. To see non-Christian friends make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. 4. To train and give confidence to another brother/sister in leading an EBS. A.2 Target Group: The target group is primarily Chinese university students who have not had an atheistic educational experience (i.e. not mainland Chinese scholars), and who for one reason or another are unable or unwilling to attend the regular CCF meetings. As such it includes contacts made in dorm and cafeteria visitation, as well as, non-Christian friends or colleagues. A.3 Format: Five, one hour sessions covering five topics plus one, one-half hour introductory lesson constitutes the total time commitment of the group members (it is imperative that the leader starts the sessions on time and also ends them after one hour--whether the topic is finished or not). These sessions should start in the second week of term to allow: 1. the members to fit the study into their schedule before being overwhelmed by other demands, 2. the study to be completed before midterms start, and, 3. follow-up of new converts and additional study with those group members who desire it. "Why Study the Bible", "Sin", "Life of Jesus", "Death of Jesus", "Resurrection of Jesus" and "How to Become a Christian" are the topics to be covered over the the six week period. The initial lessons often take more than five weeks to complete. If this happens the final lesson should be eliminated and the leaders should talk individually to the group members about how to become a Christian. For each topic the focus of the session should be the Bible. The leader should never say, 'this is who Jesus is and this is what it means to be a Christian'. Rather, the leader should lead the group members to discover in the Bible for themselves who Jesus is and what it means to be a Christian. Although this may seem slower, it is better in the long run in developing a Christian who relies on God's word and not man's opinion of God's word. Secondly, it is God's word that is "sharper than a two-edged sword". A.4 Composition of Group: Each EBS group should be composed of one experienced leader, one inexperienced leader and three to five group members. The leaders should be the only Christians in the group. Ideally, one person should lead 5 out of 6 meetings. (I would suggest that the inexperienced leader be assigned the leading of the second half of the life of Jesus). A.5 Reference Materials: Clearly the most important reference is the Bible. From my experience, a modern English translation is best for use in the study, possibly accompanied by copies of the texts being studied in a modern translation in the students' native language) It is also imperative that both leaders read and are familiar with the relevant chapters of Josh McDowell's Evidence that Demands a Verdict (volume 1). A parallel Bible (such as that published by the International Bible Society) is quite helpful in looking at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (A parallel Bible is a Bible that lists all passages dealing with similar events in the life of Jesus next to each other.) A Bible atlas (to see where events in Jesus's life happened), a dictionary and commentary (suggest: Expositor's Bible Commentary for Matthew, Mark and Luke) complete the list of suggested tools. A.6 Required Preparation: Both leaders should prepare each lesson in advance. This preparation includes reading, understanding (all unfamiliar words looked up in dictionary for both meaning and pronunciation!) and applying the Bible text to their own lives. All questions should be worked through first with a view of answering the questions from ones own perspective and secondly with an attempt to understand how the group members will interact with the passage. This independent study should then be followed up by joint preparation, one or two days before the study. This time can include evaluation of the previous study and the responses of the group members. In addition to this physical preparation, each leader should consistently intercede with the Father on behalf of the group members. In addition, leaders should encourage brothers and sisters in the CCF to pray for the EBS group. Prayer is important since it is only the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin and brings a man or woman to God. No preparation is required of the group members other than attendance at all meetings. A.7 Required Materials for Bible Study One Modern English Bible should be provided for each group members use in the study. All members should use the same edition. This is to allow all passages to be referred to by page number rather than by book and chapter during the study. Alternatively, or in addition, photocopies of the texts to be studied can be handed out (in both Chinese and English). If this method is followed, one should consider whether to hand out the text for the next weeks study at the end of the current study. A.8 Introducing the Topic A basic introduction is given to each topic, but the specific slant that this introduction takes will depend a lot on the concerns and interests of the group members. The questions asked should prompt the members to think and question, "why?". A.9 Format of this Report The report is structured as follows: A. Introduction to these EBS bible study materials. 0. Notes for introductory lesson on "why study the bible" 1. Man's Condition: Sin 2. Life of Jesus 3. Death of Jesus 4. Resurrection of Jesus B. Review notes for Lesson 1 -- Part I and lessons 1 - 4 C. Handouts or outline sheets: D. A few notes on this format based on Waterloo CCF (Keith Chan) E. Scripture Passages ------------------------------------------------------- 0.0 INTRODUCTORY LESSON -- WHY STUDY THE BIBLE Objective: To interest 3 - 5 non-Christians to participate in an EBS Is there some activity that you regret not getting involved with during high school? Why did you not get involved? (likely study). There are many things that we regret not doing (other than study), but we have only so much time. Thus we must choose the activities in which we will get involved. What activities should we choose? I would like to try to explain why this EBS is a good thing to get involved in. 0.1 EBS/IBS and cell groups 0.1.1 both are 6 -10 people studying the Bible together 0.1.2 a cell group is all Christians, while EBS members are non-Christians 0.1.3 Christian groups on campus: 0.1.3.1 CCF: 4 cell groups 0.1.3.2 KCF: 1 cell group 0.1.3.3 IVCF: 10 cell groups 0.1.3.4 NAVS: 8 cell groups 0.1.3.5 UBF: ???? 0.1.3.6 Emmanuel: ???? 0.1.3.7 Chaplaincy: ???? 0.1.3.8 a number of church oriented groups 0.2 importance 0.2.1 Why are so many people interested in studying the Bible at McMaster? : does it seem boring to you? 0.2.2 Why an increasing Christian presence overseas? Chinese University in HK 25% Christian Singapore Medical School 85% Christian 0.2.3 Why have CCF's expanded rapidly all across the USA, Canada and the UK in the last 10 years? 0.3 time requirement minimal for this study 0.3.1 five hours 0.3.2 one half (1/2) school term --> not too much time to sacrifice for an initial investigation into the Bible and Christianity 0.3.3 may withdraw at any time. no commitment is necessary, but by courtesy you should call and tell us if not coming so we do not wait for you 0.4 uniqueness of the Bible 0.4.1 time period over which written 1500 year span; 40 generations over 40 authors (Evidence that Demands a Verdict, page 16) 0.4.2 parts in 4 different languages: Hebrew;Chaldea;Aramaic;Greek 0.4.3 discusses hundreds (100s) of controversial subjects with remarkable harmony and continuity 0.4.4 circulation more copies than any other book produced (Evidence that Demands a Verdict, page 18); read by more people 0.4.5 translation more languages than any other book produced 240 languages or dialects (in 1979); portions in 739 others believe now the complete translations in well over 300 languages believe now portions in a total of 1500 languages 0.4.6 survival 0.4.6.1 through time --more manuscript evidence than any 10 classical pieces of literature combined. --recently discovered portions found of OT from BC found to be in essential agreement with modern texts 0.4.6.2 through persecution AD 303 Diocletian edict to destroy Christian scripture 0.4.6.3 through criticism Hittites (discussed in Bible) believed made up until the discovery of the ancient city of Ebla in 1976. 0.4.7 teachings 0.4.7.1 Prophecies (specific) i.e. Tyre: Nebuchadnezzar to destroy left a bare rock (Alexander building a causeway) debris thrown into water (Alexander) never rebuilt, and now a fishing village 0.4.7.2 History 5 centuries of Israelite history oldest extant history writing highly accurate (unlike Chinese dynastic histories that distort history in favour of the ruling dynasty) 0.4.7.3 Personalities weakness of its heroes pointed out (i.e. David--"man after God's own heart", murdered and committed adultery. no cover up. Moses got angry at rock: God punished) 0.4.8 influence on surrounding and current literature allusions criticisms quotations studies 0.5 introduction of topics 0.5.1 SIN * What is sin really? * Some people think... lying; raping a girl; murder * from Romans we will look at the Bible's view of sin and its effects 0.5.2 LIFE OF JESUS 0.5.2.1 who was Jesus 0.5.2.2 the diagram of alternatives: ideas put forth by others. 0.5.3 DEATH OF JESUS will discuss: Why did Jesus die? a clue: What did Jesus say wrong during his trial? Most of the time he was silent but he answered once. 0.5.4 RESURRECTION OF JESUS 0.5.4.1 first look at the historical records 0.5.4.2 then look at the main counter-theories that have been proposed 0.5.4.2.1 Swoon theory: Christ never actually died on the cross but only fainted. once in the cold tomb he revived and convinced his followers that he had risen from the dead. 0.5.4.2.2 Theft theory: disciples stole the body (earliest explanation) then preached that Jesus was alive 0.5.4.2.3 Hallucination theory: Jesus's followers hallucinated that Jesus was alive. 0.5.4.2.4 Wrong Tomb: confusion after Jesus's death and his disciples went to the wrong tomb. 0.5.5 HOW CAN ONE BECOME A CHRISTIAN 0.6 setting up of a good time to meet for EBS ------------------------------------------------------- 1.0 MAN'S CONDITION -- SIN Objectives: 1. to show that man's basic problem is sin 2. to show that sin comes from a rejection of God 3. each group member should recognise that they are sinners 1.1 introduction 1.1.1 Do you think that there are problems in the world? Why do these problems exist? 1.1.2 Bible says something is wrong with man and calls it sin. 1.1.3 What is your concept of sin? Why does man have this "defect"? Romans 1:18-32: discuss sin (man's basic problem) and its origins 1.2 part I -- descent of man 1.2.1 background of Romans 1.2.1.1 Author: Paul 1.2.1.1.1 preconversion -- Pharisee leader in executing Christians because they: claimed Jesus alive claimed Jesus God 1.2.1.1.2 conversion 1.2.1.1.3 post conversion -- missionary; Writer 1.2.1.2 Book: written to Christians in Rome 1.2.2 read passage: everyone 1 paragraph 1.2.3 verse l8-20 1.2.3.1 reread individually: vocabulary 1.2.3.2 against who/what is God's wrath directed? 1.2.3.3 note the 2 things that are coupled together. Do we find them together today? Why do you think they are coupled together? 1.2.3.3.1 accountable to God, prefer to have self as God 1.2.3.3.2 if believe in God, then must do what is good [reason for laws to control; if believe God then he is watching you] 1.2.3.4 What are men doing? What does it mean to "suppress the truth"? Why does man suppress the truth? (How does man's wickedness do this?) The truth being suppressed by men due to their wickedness is God's attributes. 1.2.3.5 What attributes of God can all men see and understand? Answer: concept of God. What can be learn (if no Bible) about the divine nature? 1.2.3.5.1 creative 1.2.3.5.2 loves order 1.2.3.5.3 majestic 1.2.3.5.4 powerful 1.2.3.5.5 caring (sun gives creation warmth, food provided for his creation) 1.2.3.5.6 assume he is good: else why go to temple and feel he listens? 1.2.4 verse 21 - 23 1.2.4.1 verse 20 "so that men are without excuse". Why without excuse? 1.2.4.1.1 suppress the truth about God 1.2.4.1.2 although knew God refused to: 1.2.4.1.2.1 glorify (what does this mean?) 1.2.4.1.2.2 give thanks 1.2.4.2 What happened to man as a result? What does it mean to "have thinking become futile and hearts darkened"? 1.2.4.2.1 intentionally confuse self to excuse sin--what is right is wrong 1.2.4.2.2 thinking and heart are the 2 keys to man 1.2.4.2.3 i.e. in experiment, measure length using our own units (i.e. 6 jons long) What mark would the lab instructor give? 1.2.4.3 What else has man done (verse 23)? Is this a good trade? Why would man make this trade? [Worship Chairman Mao?] 1.2.4.3.1 verse 18 -- images don't require accountability or tell you how to live your life [In OT: it is difficult to be disciplined; ie if teacher is strict, want to go to mild teacher] (*can make money) 1.2.4.3.2 stupid not to go to the top of the ladder. Why beg a waitress for a job when your dad is good friends with the manager or owner? 1.2.5 verse 24 How has God responded to man's not thanking or glorifying him? [Why does God give over? People have firm decision: they will not give up easily] 1.2.6 verse 25 What trade does man make? What are some examples of things man worshiPsalm? * money - materialism * science * sex 1.2.7 verse 26-27 How does God respond? What are these shameful lusts? 1.2.8 verse 28-32 read quietly 1.2.8.1 Man is not content with just not glorifying or thanking God but adds to this another sin. What is this sin? 1.2.8.2 What has been God's response? 1.2.8.3 As a result of a depraved mind what has man become like? What sins are mentioned in verse 29-31? 1.2.8.4 verse 32 tells us that man knows God's righteous decree that those doing these things deserve death. How does man respond to his knowledge about God's decree? in repentance? 1.3 part II -- the nature of man 1.3.1 How does the Bible describe man? 1.3.2 Man is like this? What evidence of sin do we see in our world? What are the effects of sin . 1.3.2.1 child abuse, divorce crime 1.3.2.2 war, famine, poverty 1.3.3 Are we like this? we may agree that something is seriously wrong with man, but is something wrong with us? Romans 2:1 [1.4 other questions: Is this man as an individual or man as a race? ie a general description of mankind or the specific descent of every man. Is this a history of mankind?] ------------------------------------------------------- 2.0 LIFE OF JESUS Objective: to show that Jesus was the Son of God 2.1 introduction of method of approach: talk through summary sheet ("F2.1") 2.2 power to heal sickness : authority to forgive sins references Mark 2:1-12 cf Luke 5:17-26, Luke 7:36-50 2.2.1 three people read by paragraphs, vocabulary 2.2.2 verse 1 - 4 Describe the setting. What is the man's problem? What do they want Jesus to do? (heal him physically!) 2.2.3 verse 5 What does Jesus do? Why does Jesus say this--rather than doing what the men want? i.e. if you go to the doctor you want to be healed, not to hear--"your sins are forgiven" 2.2.3.1 to show Jesus had power beyond physical healing 2.2.3.2 to show sin is a deeper and more serious problem (i.e. emotional verse physical sickness) 2.2.3.3 maybe sin --> sickness in this man 2.2.3.4 to show reason person should have come to Jesus was for forgiveness of sins 2.2.4 verse 6 - 7 What is the significance of Jesus saying "your sins are forgiven"? [claim to be God--blasphemy, if not, claim is recognised as such by the religious leaders--and rejected] 2.2.5 verse 8 Jesus realises what these men are thinking. 2.2.6 verse 9-11 What does Jesus say/do? [healed the man] 2.2.7 How do people respond? 2.2.7.1 amazement 2.2.7.2 praise to God 2.3 power over nature references Mark 4:35-41 2.3.1 read by paragraphs: vocabulary 2.3.2 What is the setting in verses 35-38? 2.3.2.1 very intense storm (common on Lake of Galilee, bring map) 2.3.2.2 Jesus is asleep [Did Satan send storm to stop Jesus getting across? Jesus knew but went to show disciples through action that he was the son of God. To be with Jesus is safety.] 2.3.3 What does Jesus do when his disciples wake him up? 2.3.4 How do the disciples react? 2.3.4.1 amazement--who is this man? 2.3.4.2 (refer back to this when talking about post-resurrection disciples) 2.3.5 Conclude: Jesus has power over nature 2.4 authority over demons references Mark 5:1-15 (across the lake) 2.4.1 read paragraph by paragraph: vocabulary 2.4.2 What is this man's condition (1-5)? How does he live/act? Paint a picture with words. 2.4.3 From verses 6 - 8 we see even the demons recognise Jesus as God. 2.4.3.1 Why doesn't the man just hide? 2.4.3.1.1 because of who Jesus is, the demons are forced to worship Jesus. Shows Jesus' power/authority as God 2.4.3.1.2 plead for mercy (demon) -- Jesus had told the demon to come out of the man 2.4.3.1.3 nowhere to go where Jesus would not find them 2.4.3.1 4 maybe restricted to the area of the tombs 2.4.4 What does Jesus do in verses 11-14? (forces the demons to enter pigs and then they destroy the pigs) 2.4.5 What is the condition of the man after meeting Jesus? (healed and in right mind) 2.4.6 Why are the people afraid? 2.4.6.1 power of Jesus over demons 2.4.6.2 loss of pigs and hence income 2.5 summary - Jesus showed he was deity 2.5.1 he has power and authority to forgive sins 2.5.2 he has power to heal sickness 2.5.3 he has power over nature 2.5.4 he has authority over demons 2.6 gaining or losing freedom Note the demoniac. Did he gain or lose freedom after meeting Jesus? lost freedom: chains could not bind him -- too strong; no one could subdue him no longer naked gained freedom: before demons controlled, now he is in control of his thinking processes no longer suffering by cutting himself for us: before Christ: we feel we have all freedom, no restrictions. If you come to Christ what freedoms do you gain, what freedoms do you lose? **no restrictions, feel free to make our own decisions **freedom to control our thinking by the grace of God--free as a Christian to choose to do right or wrong ---> freedom is internal to selves is most important. [ Everyone obeys law in society. As join a group in society take on more restrictions, more responsibilities. One gains priviledges but pay price. For example, if you have a car you must follow rules of the road but you gain freedom to go places. If follow rules gain safety.] ------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 THE ARREST AND CRUCIFIXION OF Jesus Christ Objectives: to show Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and was therefore put to death to show that Jesus was innocent of anything else worthy of death to show the significance of Jesus's death for us to show the required response from us 3.1 review events leading up to arrest: last supper Judas Gethsemane 3.2 (Delete if 1 hour study) arrest Luke 22 47-52 cf Mark 14:51-52 (eyewitness) Why did the leaders seek to arrest Jesus by night? (not daytime) Answer: [evil always appears at night] popularity with people. [no evidence to arrest Jesus] Lead in question: Jesus silent in trial except for one thing he says and that convicted him. Do you know what this was? 3.3 Sanhedrin trial: Matthew. 26:57-68 3.3.1 read by paragraphs: vocabulary 3.3.2 illegal trial (at night!) 3.3.3 verse 57-63 Jesus remains silent. What are the leaders trying to do? 3.3.4 verse 64-68 in desperation they try to get Jesus to incriminate himself. 3.3.4.1 How does Jesus answer? 3.3.4.2 Why does Jesus answer this question? (it seems up to this point Jesus has not directly, publicly claimed to be the Son of God. Now he is asked directly and he must reply.) [Jesus knew from prophets he was going to be killed. put under oath. other points false witnesses so need to answer.] 3.3.5 What is the crime for which Jesus is being put to death? 3.4 Pilate's first trial: Luke 23:1-4 3.4.1 What charges are brought against Jesus? True? Taxes?: What does Jesus say -- Matt 22:17--> True? King?:No where can I find Jesus saying he is King.... True? Christ: Answered Samaratan woman's question Yes: He was. Commended Peter when he said Jesus was the Christ. (not openly claim) 3.4.2 What is Pilate's decision? verse 5-7 Jews object, so what does Pilate do? 3.5 before Herod verse 8-12 What is the scene at Herod's palace? Note the suffering of the accused--not yet convicted. What does Herod decide to do? 3.6 back to Pilate verse 13-25 3.6.1 Again Pilate tells the people Jesus has done nothing worth of death--What does Pilate want to do? 3.6.2 Crowd objects, Pilate appeals again. What is crowd's response? 3.6.3 What does Pilate finally do? (Matthew (27:24) adds Pilate washed his hands) 3.7 Crucifixion (Luke 23:26-38) 3.7.1 Describe the scene verse 26-38 3.7.2 What is Jesus's attitude?--What is he like? verse 34 --[to women show concern] --requesting father to forgive them --? doesn't Jesus have authority to forgive sins, why ask?? [because he is involved? respect to father? => if father would be angry] 3.7.3 How are the people reacting to Jesus? 3.8 two criminals -- 2 other people crucified vs 38-43 3.8.1 What are the two responses? 3.8.2 Why can one of these people be in heaven? 3.8.2.1 not works! 3.8.2.2 sin confessed/repented (sin recognized) 3.8.2.3 recognition of Jesus's innocence 3.8.2.4 belief in Jesus' word 3.8.2.5 he asked 3.9 death of Jesus (John 19:28-37, Mark 15:33-38) XXXXXXX [loud shout --> death was of own accord] 3.9.1 Jesus was dead -- water and blood (cf McDowell) 3.9.2 Why did Jesus have to die? Miracles give insight: 3.9.2.1 eclipsee: darkness as evil triumphs, Son of God dies, wrath of God the Father directed against God the Son 3.9.2.2 veil of temple ripped into 2: separation of God and man due to sin eliminated 3.10 application: dealing with problem of sin/wrath of God 3.10.1 to man 3.10.1.1 Jesus death breaks down separation (veil of temple) between God and man 3.10.1.2 required response (criminals) 3.10.2 to you 3.10.2.1 What has Jesus done to end the alienation you feel from God due to your sin? 3.10.2.2 How does God require you to respond? 3.10.2.3 How will you respond? ------------------------------------------------------- 4.0 THE BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS Objectives: to show Jesus rose again from the dead to show alternate explanations are invalid * ask group members to pretend they are WESTERN STYLE reporters, trying to cover the "facts" 4.1 pre-resurrection scene 4.1.1 Jesus was dead (blood and water from wound) 4.1.2 The Burial (Matthew 27:57-61) List the bare facts. 4.1.2.1 body taken by Joseph and put in tomb 4.1.2.2 body wrapped in linen cloth (like Egyptian mummy) 4.1.2.3 great stone moved to door of tomb (gohel, takes several men to remove) 4.1.2.4 two women (Mary and Mary) watch the burial 4.1.3 Guarding the Tomb (Matthew 27:62-66) 4.1.3.1 What is done to secure the tomb? 4.1.3.1.1 Roman seal: cord drawn across rock sealed at both ends with sealing clay. to break seal was to break the law of Rome (very serious). criminal act to even tamper with seal of Rome and could result in death. 4.1.3.1.2 Roman guard: 4 men, one acts as sentinel, 3 at ready resting beside. military discipline, quitting post meant death (Dion. Hal., Antiqui. Rom. VIII, 79) 4.1.3.2 Where are the disciples? 4.2 post-resurrection scene(Matthew 28:2-4) 4.2.1 Report of the Watch (Matthew 28:11-15) 4.2.1.1 What did they report and to whom? 4.2.1.2 What do the leaders tell them to say? 4.2.1.3 Why do they agree to lie? 4.2.1.3.1 money 4.2.1.3.2 escape from death penalty. Would a Roman governor believe their story? 4.2.2 First follower to arrive at tomb (John 20:1-2) 4.2.2.1 Who was it? (Mary) 4.2.2.2 What sex? (female: no value as witness, if fabricated should have man as witness) 4.2.2.3 What did she see? (stone taken away from tomb) 4.2.2.4 What does she conclude? (body has been removed by someone) XXXXXXXXXXX 4.2.3 Simon Peter and John investigate (John 20:2-10) 4.2.3.1 Mary tells Simon Peter and John and the men go to investigate 4.2.3.2 What do they find? 4.2.3.2.1 no body in tomb 4.2.3.2.2 linen clothes lying there 4.2.3.2.3 head covering rolled up in place by itself 4.2.3.3 What are their conclusions? (one believes, other ???) 4.2.4 Jesus appears to disciples (John 20:19-21) 4.2.4.1 Before Jesus arrives, where are the disciples and what is their state of mind? 4.2.4.2 After they see Jesus, what is their emotional state? 4.2.5 Thomas (John 20:24-25: John 20:26-29) 4.2.5.1 Who is absent and what is his response when the disciples tell him they have seen Jesus? 4.2.5.2 What is Thomas's response now? Why has it changed? 4.2.5.3 (incidentally Jesus here accepts being called GOD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, the evidence has now been presented, let us now look at the theories to account for the evidence. **allow free discussion of the data and counter-theories (cf 0.5.4) ------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN This lesson is never used. The leaders should make appointments to talk to each group member individually. ------------------------------------------------------- B.O REVIEW At the beginning of each lesson, the work from the previous lessons should be reviewed. The following are a couple of sample reviews. The first to be used after lesson 1, Part I if you have stopped there after the first week. The second may be used before the last discussion on the resurrection. B.1 review of lesson 1 Part I B.1.1 reread quietly Romans 1:18-32 B.1.2 review B.1.2.1 God's wrath directed against mans's wickedness and godlessness. Why? B.1.2.1.1 man suppresses truth about God (power, creator, majesty, nature love) B.1.2.1.2 knowing God refuses to glorify or give thanks B.1.2.2 result of this is darkened thinking B.1.2.2.1 man convinces himself that wrong is right B.1.2.2.2 man sets up a false creator that agrees with him B.1.2.3 God responds: How? B.1.2.3.1 allowing man to commit sexual sins B.1.2.3.2 allowing man to worship false Gods B.2 review of lessons 1 to 4 B.2.1 nature of man--sin B.2.1.1 basic sin? rejection of God (Romans 1:21) B.2.1.2 results? B.2.1.2.1 God's wrath directed against man's ungodliness (Romans 1:18) B.2.1.2.2 [] --> ]] --> ][ : facing each other, we turn away, God turns away B.2.1.2.3 God allows evil to be done in world (Romans 1:24) B.2.2 some incidents in Jesus Christ's life B.2.2.1 What does Jesus have the ability to do? B.2.2.1.1 authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12) B.2.2.1.2 power to heal sickness (Mark 2:1-12) B.2.2.1.3 power over nature (Mark 4:35-41) B.2.2.1.4 authority over demonic world (Mark 5:1-20) B.2.2.2 these show Jesus as Son of God B.2.2.3 What was the response of others to Jesus? (rejection/curious/acceptance) B.2.2.3.1 Pharisees: recognised implicit claim Jesus made to deity--and rejected it (Mark 2:6-7) B.2.2.3.2 Demons: recognise Jesus as Son of God but do not repent (Matthew 5:7) B.2.2.3.3 disciples: amazement at Jesus's power--Who is this? (Mark 4:41) B.2.3 death of Jesus Christ B.2.3.1 What was Pilate/Herod's legal opinion? innocent of wrong doing (Luke 23:4) Roman law doesn't put people to death for claiming to be God! B.2.3.2 Why then was Jesus crucified? claim to be Son of God (Matthew 26:63-64, Luke 22:69-70) B.2.3.3 Jesus Christ was dead. How do we know? blood & water from side (John 19:34) B.2.3.4 What miracles point to the meaning of Jesus's death? (Luke 23:44-46) B.2.3.4.1 Sun stopped shining --> God's wrath at sin directed towards Jesus B.2.3.4.2 temple curtain torn in 2 --> separation between God and man ended B.2.3.5 Criminal told he would be with Jesus in paradise. Why? B.2.3.5.1 recognition of his own sinfulness (Luke 23:41) B.2.3.5.2 recognition of Jesus's innocence and who Jesus is B.2.3.5.3 he asked B.2.3.5.4 obviously not because of good works before or after salvation B.2.4 But all this is no use if Jesus is still dead... C. Handouts and Charts C.2.1 Contents of Summary Chart for use in lesson 2 ALTHOUGH JESUS DID NOT DIRECTLY CLAIM TO BE GOD, BY HIS ACTIONS HE SHOWED THAT HE WAS THE SON OF GOD. 1. AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS 2. POWER TO HEAL SICKNESS 3. POWER OVER NATURE 4. AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS C.3.1 Time Chart for use in lesson 3 The Chronological Order of Events - Jesus arrested on the mount of Olives - Jesus stood before the elders and high priests He answered to the claim of Son of God - Jesus sent of Pilate - Jesus sent to Heriod - Jesus sent back to Pilate Pilate finds no fault in Jesus - Jesus condemned to crucifixion C.3.2 Two possible handouts illustrating choices: C.3.2.1 ----- Jesus Claimed to be God | False True Jesus Knew his Jesus did not claims were know his claims false were false He was a liar He was a lunatic He was the Son of God Accept Reject C.3.2.2 ------ Jesus did not refute the religious leader's belief that he claimed to be deity. he allowed the people He believed he to be deceived was deity false true Jesus did not know his claims were false He was a liar He was a lunatic He was the Son of God accept reject D. A few notes on this format based on Waterloo CCF (Keith Chan) [My apologies to any errors in this text]. Series of 5 Topics for 5 studies 2 leaders (only 2 Christians in the group) start 2nd week of term and end by midterm (to allow follow-up) not during CCF meeting, although general EBS in CCF meeting stay close to the Bible never exceed 1 hour even if group desires Key Reference: Josh McDowell, Evidence that demands a Verdict D.1. FIRST MEETING (30 MIN) a. EBS vs Cell Groups: the difference EBS: for non-Christians interested in learning about Christianity Cell Groups: many people study the Bible (Christians) give statistics at University including, Navs, IVCF, Emmanuel, CCF, Chaplain, Korean, UBF b. Importance. What do you regret not doing in High School? share personal regrets. if spend all 4 years only studying at U will regret not getting involved in anything. but what get involved in. many activities can get involved in so must be careful in what you choose. Why choose EBS ? * % Christians at Chinese Universitv in HK is 25% * % Christians at Singapore Medical School is 85% * find out why so many people are interested in this * CCF's right across USA, Canada and Britian * Why are people willing to do so many boring things? c. Time requirement. * only 5 hours total, not much to sacrifice * only go 1/2 term * may withdraw at any time. no commitment is necessary. but by courtesy should call and tell us if not coming so we do not wait for you (be flexible, if everyone busy just postpone topic one week) d. Uniqueness of Bible. believe Bible is the Word of God try to convince worth studying (cf Josh McDowell) e. Introduction of the topics (make interesting, may think they know about Christianity, make feel don't really know) * sin. What is sin really? people think.... * draw the liar/lunatic/Lord tree (McDowell) * death of Jesus. Why die? What did Jesus say wrong during his trial? Most of the time he was silent but he answered once. * resurrection. propose some counter theories. will discuss their possibility * how one can become a Christian D.2. WHAT SIN IS (ROM 1:18-32) 28-32 correlation between these sins. What sin leads to other sins (wilful disobedience-->sins) *consequences. Gen 3: alienation from God * personal experience * separated from others * hurt others physically * Macbeth * hurt self emotionally/worse than physical suffering D.3. LIFE OF JESUS * draw the tree (liar,lunatic,Son of God) * will discuss this John 8:1-11: sin/sins result of sin *claim that Jesus is God (cf other passages, Pharisees reaction) * observe love, wisdom in answer question (if so wise, a lunatic) Mark 4 how Jesus calms the water * power over nature * Lord over nature * even disciples amazed who had been following him (will refer back to this as talk of his death) Mark 5 Demon possessed man *even demons recognise Jesus as God. Why not hide? worship, pleading for mercy * person is loosed from suffering, looses his freedom. yet he gains his freedom. i.e. before could not be chained, now can. * normal person looses his freedom. * before Christ felt all freedom but now have freedom to control thinking by grace of God now free as Christian to do right or wrong (note that these first 2 topics may last either 2 or 3 weeks, i.e. may split) D.4. DEATH OF JESUS. Why Jesus has to die? * Guess what Jesus said wrong during trial. What did Jesus say wrong during trial, most of the time he was silent? * Why did Jesus have to answer this question? * Luke * focus on trials (3x tried) * 2 other people crucified * Why this person can be in heaven * sin confessed//repented * believe Jesus * Jesus response * Why Jesus has to die? * miracles--> meaning of death if liar then a fool since would not have to die. draw tree again! D.5 RESURRECTION OF CHRIST (flipping book to book) 1. Discuss how Jesus buried to how appeared Conclusion should be Jesus resurrection (Josh McDowell), reaction of twelve (12). change dramatically all die but John --> look at Thomas * discuss burial in detail, tomb location, how sealed 2. Discuss the counter theories D.6 HOW ONE CAN BECOME A CHRISTIAN (this is never used) * call up people personally. give invitation as Spirit leads, Bridge D.7 . EXTRA MEETINGS (in CCF or for any who want to continue on) * Honest Answers to Tough Questions... * Luke 14 (commitment) * Ecclesiastics (3 weeks) * Lazarus & Rich Man * Nicodemus * Possible introductory Psalm 90 (prayer of Moses) D.8 OTHER NOTES * don't force/encourage strongly to come to CCF. EBS is more important * if side question * explain your position for S minutes, no discussion * give handout (photocopy) * discussion is not always beneficial * all visitation is tied to EBS. clear let know more people desire to join * first 2 topics may last 3 weeks. so cancel last meeting. * if extra studies don't call up * for first studies call up and remind group * about 2 leaders, 5 non-Christians. E. Scripture Passages: