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. I am not sure of the origin of the following study. If you know of the writer or contact person for the original version of this study, please inform me at the above address so the correct citations can be made. ------------------------------------------------------- AN INVESTIGATIVE BIBLE STUDY 0.0 The background of every well-educated student should include an understanding of the essential message of the oriental and universal Judeo-Christian faith. It is the aim of this study to provide representative Bible passages that describe the relationship that each individual can have with God. The student can circle, mark, or make marginal notes on each lesson as well as answer the study questions. Since the content does not seek to answer every personal question nor to be exhaustive, it is recommended that each investigator always pursue an opportunity to share his thoughts with either a small study group or with a knowledgeable study leader. The study includes ten lessons and requires a minimum of preparation; a ten week time span is suggested. Before distributing this study the Bible passages referred to (not as cf) should be copied, from an appropriate Bible study program (ie The Online Bible or Seedmaster) into the handout sheet so as to facilitate discussion and marking of the text by the students. Ease of use suggests that a modern translation be used -- copywrite restrictions suggest an older translation be used! For convenience, the questions should be spaced so that each study fills one sheet. 0.1 Table of Contents (15 studies) 1. The Nature of God (8 Studies) 1.1 His Existence (2 Studies) 1.2 His Perfection (2 Studies) 1.3 His Love (2 Studies) 1.4 His Rule (2 Studies) 2. The Nature of Man (2 Studies) 2.1 His Physical and Spiritual Nature (1 Study) 2.2 The Problem of Good and Evil (1 Study) 3. God's Plan: The Historical Timeline (1 Study) 4. The Claims of Christ (1 Study) 5. The Work of Jesus Christ (1 Study) 6. Eternal Life in Christ (1 Study) ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.1.1 Introduction: Describe Moses and his historical setting. 1.1.1.1 Underline the nouns, verbs, and adjectives in the following passage that reveal something about the God of the Bible: Moses and the Burning Bush Exodus 3:1-7 and 3:10,13,14 cf Hebrews 11:6 1.1.1.2. Which of the things you underlined impress or interest you the most about God? Why? 1.1.1.3. Which of these qualities or attributes of God are like those of people? 1.1.1.4. You can know God in much the same way that you can know a person. If this description of God is true, in that God is alive and has a personality, how can you become more acquainted with Him? 1.1.1.5. What further questions does this passage provoke for you? ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.1.2 Introduction: Describe Paul and this historical setting. 1.1.2.1. As you read this passage, underline those words which reveal something to you about God: Paul and the Athenians Acts 17:21-29 1.1.2.2. Which characteristics of God most impress you from this passage? Why? 1.1.2.3. What does this passage say about why it is possible to know God or how one goes about knowing Him? 1.1.2.4. Why do you think Paul is not happy with visible representations of Diety? 1.1.2.5. What further questions does this passage bring to mind? ------------------------------------------------------- 1 THE NATURE OF GOD 1.2.1 In the following passage, mark each word that tells you something about the God of the Bible: Moses Given the Law Exodus 19:20,21; 20:1-7, 18-20 1.2.1.2. Which of these words marked seem the most important to you? Why? 1.2.1.3. Why do you feel thatMoses could come to God and the people were prevented? 1.2.1.4. 'What differences or similarities exist between this passage and your religious background? 1.2.1.5. why does fear of the L0RD seem to be given importance here? ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.2.2.1. As you read the following passage, circle any words you think. reveal something about God. Write a synonym in the margin. Isaiah 6:1-8 (Cf. II Chron. 26:16-21 - Uzziah) 1.2.2.2 Of the things circled, which ones impress you the most about God? Why? 1.2.2.3. Write a further statement to clarify what you feel that "holy" means: 1.2.2.4. Why did Isaiah respond in the way that he did? (How would you?) 1.2.2.5. What significance do you see in the action of the seraph? 1.2.2.6. What things do you not understand and need clarification? ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.3.1.1. In the following passage, Moses makes a second appearance before the LORD after Israel had temporarily turned aside. Underline the words that describe God. The Covenant Renewed Exodus 33:18 - 34:10 1.3.1.2. How does this passage make you feel? 1.3.1.3. What do you like or dislike about it? 1.3.1.4. If God is perfect, is it consistent for him to be forgiving too? Why or why not? 1.3.1.5. Clarify further: What is the nature of a covenant? cf Genesis 22:17,18 ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.3.2.1. The 23rd Psalm is probably the most famous passage in the Old Testament. David, the shepherd boy who became king, Wrote this psalm to describe his personal relationship with God. Look for at least one thought about God in each verse. Psalm 23 1.3.2.2. What things have you discovered about God? 1.3.2.3. What do you know about the nature of sheep and their required care and feeding? 1.3.2.4.What are the necessary responsibilities of a good shepherd? 1.3.2.5. Do you feel this sense of security in your relationship with God? Why or why not? cf. John 10:11-18, 27-29 ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.4.1.1 The Psalms offer many descriptions of God which were sung to music. Underline the words that describe what God is like: Psalm 95:1-7 Psalm 96:10-13 1.4.1.2. What things most impressed you about this description? why? 1.4.1.3. If God is the creator of all things, would we expect him to have the rulership of those things? explain. 1.4.1.4.1 Are there injustices or inequities in the world about you that you would like to see resolved? Name some. 1.4.1.4.2 If you are responsible for those inequities, would you still want them changed? ------------------------------------------------------- 1. THE NATURE OF GOD 1.4.2.1 The present condition of international politics and social injustice often makes us wonder if their is any hope at all for the human race. The human heart cries for equity! Both the Old testament and the New Testament in the Bible promise a final judgment by God the Creator and Ruler of the races. Read the following passages: Psalm 2:1-6,10-11 Revelation 19:11-16 1.4.2.2 What is your reaction to these verses? 1.4.2.3 Has the human race yet demonstrated a capacity to resolve its conflicts and to bring a universal justice? 'why or ;~h~ not? ------------------------------------------------------- 2. THE NATURE OF MAN 2.1.1. Certain philosophies tell us that man is simply a random, chance, purposeless collection of molecules in space/time history, exhibiting function and adaptation to environment. The Bible tells us that man is much more: Genesis 1:26-28a,31; 2:7,18,21-24 2.1.2. List the things that describe man: 2.1.3. from what you have already learned about God, describe what you think man should be like since he is made in God's image: 2.1.4. What kind of relationship do you see in this passage between a man and a woman? 2.1.5. 'What other questions do you have? 2. THE NATURE OF MAN 2.2.1 The creation of man is described as good. But now we see a tendancy to serve self-interest and thereby to bring harm to others. The origin of this great conflict of good and evil is written in the bible: Genesis 3:1-7, 15-21 2.2.2. What questions does this passage bring to your mind? 2.2.3. What characteristics of human nature do we see here? 2.2.4. What are the consequences of these actions? 2.2.5. What can we learn about God through this passage? 2.2.6. Can you think of a personal experience where conflict between you and another occurred? what were some of the reasons for the problem and how was it resolved? ------------------------------------------------------- 3. THE HISTORICAL TIMELINE 3.1. The Bible describes history as linear, having a beginning and an end. God has revealed himself through the writers of scripture and the prophets. Cf. II Tim 3:16,17 Old Testament + New Testament ----------------------------------------------------------- Innocence/Conscience/Family/Law Grace/Tribulation/Kingdom 3.2. Jesus Christ, although a documented historical figure (Annals XV.44, Cornelius Tacitus; Antiquities XVIII.33, F. Josephus), is claimed to be more: the Focus and Finale of human history! Cf. Luke 24:27; John 5:39,40 and Gal. 4:4,5 3.3. Over 300 Old Testament prophecies reveal the coming of a Messiah who was to be a Prophet (revealer of God), a Priest (mediator between God and man), and a King (world ruler). Micah 5:2 Cf. Matt. 2:1 Isaiah 7:14 Cf. Matt. 1:23 Deuteronomy 18:18 Cf. Matt. 21:11; John 4:19 Psalm 110:4 Cf. Heb. 5:5,6 Psalm 2:6,8 Cf. Matt.27:37;24:30 Zech. 9:9 Cf. Luke 19:35-37 "....despised...wounded...bruised...chastised...scourged...numbered with transgressors...grave with the rich..." Isaiah 53:3-f Cf. Matt. 27:26,38,57-60; John 7:5,48 If just 48 prophecies were considered, the probability that one man would literally fulfill all of them would be 1 in 10**157! (Science Speaks, Peter Stoner, Moody Press,1963) 3.4. What is your reaction to the material above? 3.5. Approximately 1 out of every 25 verses in the new Testament tells us that Jesus Christ is still coming as King. Rev. 1:7 What should be your response to this possibility? ------------------------------------------------------- 4. THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST 4.1. The Gospel of John contains more than 125 unusual claims about Jesus Christ, some direct and some implied. Examine the following direct "I am" claims: 4:25, 26 6:35, 51 8:12 8:57,58 10:9 10:11 11: 25 13:13 14:6 15:5 4.2. Which passages do you find most interesting? Why? 4.3 If these claims were not true, Jesus either knew that his claims were false or he did not know that his claims were false. What conclusions would you make of Christ on either possibility? 4.4. If these claims were true, what conclusions would you come to? Summary verse: John 20:21 ------------------------------------------------------- 5. THE WORK OF JESUS CHRIST 5.1. Read the following excerpts of Jesus' death: Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges." But they shouted, "Crucify him!" So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted. At the place called The Skull they crucified him with two criminals. And Jesus said, ~Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." One criminal kept saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingly power." And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus down and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb. Luke 23:13-f What observations do you make about Jesus' dying? 5.2.1 Jesus never mentioned his death without also referring to his resurrection from the dead. Read the following excerpt: Luke 24:1-8 5.2.2 What perplexities do you feel these women may have had either before or after the explanation was given? 5.3.1 Some explanation must exist to answer an event of this nature. Note first Jesus' words: "I have power to lay down my life and to take it again." John 10:18 and "For the Son of man goes as it has been determined..." Luke 22:22 Now consider the apostle Peter's conclusion: For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. I Peter 3:18 5.3.2 What conclusions do you make of these statements? ------------------------------------------------------- 6. ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST 6.1.1 Peter first publicly preached the message of Christ: Acts 2:21,23,24,36-39 6.1.2 What response does this message require of us? 6.1.3 What does God give to us? 6.1.4 What further questions do you have? 6.2.1 The second and third preachings warn us against rejection: Acts 3:22,23 and 4:12 6.2.2 What are the results of rejection? why? 6.2.3 How will a commitment to Christ affect your lifestyle and the background from which you came? 6.3 Summary: I John 5:11,12