God speaks through nature

GOD HAS SPOKEN THROUGH NATURE

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

With these words the Bible opens the history of our world. It does not try to prove that God exists. From the very beginning God already is, and He is already active. The writers of the Bible never doubt or question God’s existence. Nor do they go into long arguments to show to others that God is real. Why is this?

GOD'S PRESENCE IS WELL KNOWN

”No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18).

The fact that God is not directly seen does not have to lead to doubt.

The wind is unseen. Does anyone really doubt that wind exists? We are sure it exists because we see the results of its blowing. Though God is invisible, we know He is there because of the results of His powerful work. The world around us, called "nature," is one of those results (Genesis 1:1). With other results of God’s work, nature speaks clearly of its Creator.

People through the ages, and all over the world, have come to the same conclusion: Creation points to an amazing Creator. Rulers who have tried to make people deny God have ended in failure. When those rulers fall, their people are seeking God more than ever.

SEEING THE CREATOR THROUGH CREATION

The apostle Paul speaks of those who try to hide the truth about God. He shows why God is angry with them:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes [qualities], namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived [seen], ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19-20).

Realities about God can be ”clearly perceived”! How? ”In the things that have been made.” Just looking at the wonderful creation around us helps us to know about God!

We know of the wind is real by seeing how it moves dust and leaves. In a far greater way, we know things about God by the effect of His work around us. God has made it clear to those who are willing to look. That is why people have ”no excuse” when they twist the truth about God.

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CREATION BY ACCIDENT?

Some want to live as if there is no God to whom they must answer. To avoid the need for God they teach that all we see exists by accident.

Matter has always existed, they say, but at some time long ago matter exploded. Some flying pieces from this "Big Bang" came together by chance and they formed our system of sun and planets, with our own wonderful world. Much smaller pieces later came together in such a way that they happened to form living things. They say that over ages these slowly changed their form in many ways - all by accident, too - and we humans are the result. We have no spirit and no real purpose. From a long line of accidents, we are an accident on its way to its final accident! Does such a picture make sense?

How could so many accidents result in such order? What would happen if you caused a great explosion to scatter a pile of rocks and wood? Even if you repeated this many times over, would the millions of pieces ever have the chance of coming together in such a way as to form a normal house? Would the heavier rocks happen to come down first to make a perfect foundation? Would smaller pieces then fall in by chance to make straight walls on all sides, with doors and windows all in place? Would other pieces finally fall in such order as to make a roof that keeps rain out?

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EVERY HOUSE HAS A BUILDER

No one would dare say that a house came about by accident. Its order and design show beyond doubt that it had a builder. Notice the simple force of Hebrews 3:4,

For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.

Look closely at the simplest leaf in nature. It is far better planned than a house. It has tiny openings for the flow of gases. Its green coloring catches sunlight and uses it for energy. It carry water and food from the soil. It is more like a highly ordered city! And that is just one leaf. We have not considered jungles and forests full of different plants. We have not pointed out the many, many kinds of land and sea animals, nor all that it takes to provide them life.

He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts [animals] their food, and to the young ravens [birds] that cry (Psalm 147:8-9).

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CREATION TELLS THE GLORY OF GOD

What about the order of the stars and the planets? The nation of Israel once had a great king called David. He wrote many songs. Here are words from one song:

The heavens declare [tell] the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

King David was right. If our sun (just one of billions of stars) is so powerful, how much more powerful is the One who made all suns! He is even called "the Father of lights" (James 1:17)!

Yet the sun’s strength is strictly controlled. If the earth changed its course even a little, all life on our planet would end. Everything is in perfect place for life to exist on this earth. Such careful design in every detail must have a Builder! But we have not yet mentioned the man and woman, with their children, who live in this amazing home. The brain of even the smallest child has many more active parts than all the stars the eye sees at night! Our minds work with great thoughts. Our eyes see beauty in living colors. The human spirit has power to choose and to love. Our hearts reach high in praise and worship. King David thought about his own body and soul. He realized how well God had worked. So he praised God with this song:

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well (Psalm 139:14).

David wrote in the Hebrew language. In that language he actually said, "My soul knows it very well." The person who pretends there is no God and no soul is like a mouse eating bread in the dark. With its mouth full, the mouse announces, "I do not believe there is a baker. I do not believe there is such a thing as grain for making bread, for I have never seen these things." We stand on the evidence! The proof is all around us and within us! The Bible describes those who refuse to see it:

For although they knew God, they did not honor [respect] him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile [empty] in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:21-22).

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GIVE GLORY AND THANKS TO GOD

Notice that Paul, in Romans 1:21, shows that it is only right that we should give to our Maker glory and thanks. The air we breathe is God’s good air—its gases mixed in just the right parts to give life and not death. When you eat, remember that the food and drink you enjoy are God’s good gifts for you.

Yet he did not leave Himself without witness, for He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17).

That we exist and live at all is itself a wonderful gift. The truth is that we owe all that we are and have to our Maker! When we truly understand that, it is not hard to give to God the praise due to His name. It is not hard to give back in service to Him the life that He first gave to us. It is the right thing to do. And our lives are far better in every way when we respect, worship and serve our Creator. Such service takes time and effort. Yet isn’t that time actually the time He is giving to us? "Our" time on earth can and will end some day. Since it is really His gift of time, we can afford to take time for Him. Believing in God goes beyond simply knowing facts about God. It leads us to praise God and to seek Him. Even those who do not yet know how to come to God can begin to seek Him. A Roman soldier named Cornelius was one such person (Acts 10). Because he was truly seeking God, his prayers were heard. God helped him. Through this help Cornelius became a follower and friend of God. Prayer is an important part of this friendship. For that reason each lesson has an example of prayer. OUR PRAYER, at the end of the lesson, offers a suggested beginning to a prayer about the lesson. This start may lead to many other thoughts which should be given to God in prayer. We can briefly sum up the main points of the lesson in this way:

LET'S SUM UP

God does not need to prove that He exists for it is already obvious. Just look around you! Look in the mirror at how you are put together! You know that this life and universe are far too orderly to be accidents. That means that behind all this there is a very wise, very powerful Creator. His work shows also that He really cares about what He made. It’s time we cared enough to thank Him for the life He gave us.

O God, Maker of all things, we are filled with wonder and awe when we look around us. How great is Your power and wisdom! Thank You for making us, and for supplying our needs. Help us as we seek to know You better. For we owe to You life itself…

The Good News

The Good News

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:34-35).

Who is this sacrificed Servant? Philip points to Jesus. Yet Isaiah was written over 700 years before Jesus was born. (The oldest existing copy of Isaiah dates from long before Jesus’ birth.) How could Isaiah foretell so many details of the torture that, in fact, Jesus did suffer? How could Isaiah foresee—long before Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross—the human sacrifice that takes away all our sins? Only God has the power to foretell and to fulfill in this way.

When Philip and the Ethiopian meet, it has not been long since Jesus died in great pain on a Roman cross. Yet Philip has Good News about Jesus! This is news about a Person, not merely about new religious ideas. This is news with a Name!

When Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus, he gave Him the highest titles. Like other prophets of the Bible, Isaiah emphasized that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6). Yet Isaiah foretold the birth of a Son who would rightfully be called “God.”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom… forevermore (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Remember, these words were written long before Christianity began. They, and many other passages, predicted the coming of the divine King (the Messiah, or Christ) from King David’s family line. After Jesus died and then returned to life—as seen and reported by many witnesses—He showed how the Old Testament prophecies had come true.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:44-47).

Good News Of Forgiveness

We all can enjoy “forgiveness” be­cause Jesus suffered the punishment we deserved. Our sins condemned us. They separated us from God and killed us spiritually. When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He took our place. Now the Father gives to us the gift of His Son’s own purity and goodness.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

How can we be sure of God’s promise to us? Christ’s return from death proves the truth of His Good News! That is why the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the Good News.

By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you… For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:2-4).

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)

As we hear the Good News of Jesus, the same question comes to us today. Do you believe this? If so, how should you respond to such Good News? What is God’s will for you as a believer? 

The Joyful Response

And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:36-39).

Do you see how faith responds? Philip shares “the Good News about Jesus” and immediately the Ethiopian wants to be baptized (Acts 8:35-36). Baptism is a word that comes from Greek. In that language it means an immersion or dipping. What has water to do with the Good News?

John the Baptizer was a prophet who prepared people to accept Jesus. He did this by “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). “Repentance” refers to the decision to change, to stop living in sin and start following Christ. Baptism marks that change with this purpose: “for the forgiveness of sins.” When Jesus came, He also had people baptized (John 3:22,26; 4:1). His enemies, including the Pharisees, “rejected God’s purpose” by rejecting baptism (Luke 7:30). In this setting, when John and Jesus were requiring baptism in water, a leading Pharisee visited Jesus. To him Jesus said,

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Thus Jesus Himself created the link between entering the kingdom and “water and the Spirit.” This link continued as Jesus sent His followers to tell the Good News (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:12; 22:16).

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”… So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:38,41).  

For Me?

Does “every one of you” mean this applies to you and me too? And why? What makes the baptism of a believing, repentant person so essential? As the New Testament unfolds its message, the reason becomes clearer.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).

[You were] buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12).

The Gospel events are not distant facts. Jesus lives today. He calls you to share His death, burial and resurrection by baptism. The result is that you are “raised with Him through your faith” (Colossians 2:12, which shows that baptism is for people who have believed the Good News). From baptism you rise with Christ to “a new life” (Romans 6:4). As Romans shows, this is a life free from sin. First, God no longer sees you as guilty. Christ’s blood washes away all sins and you receive God’s free gift of complete purity. Second, God gives you power to change and overcome sinful habits, the power to live with Him and for Him. Nothing can ever separate you from this loving relationship.

There is therefore now no condemnation [rejection] for those who are in Christ Jesus… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors [winners] through him who loved us… [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:1,37,39).

This “new life” begins at the believer’s baptism (Romans 6:4). No wonder the Ethiopian wants to be baptized immediately! His trust leads him to obey Jesus. In the water, he joins Jesus in death, so that he can rise with Jesus to life that is “new” in every way. That is why the baptized Ethiopian goes “on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Though Philip is taken away, the rejoicing continues because it focuses on the living Lord who promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Now, in the best sense, the Ethiopian is on his way home because he has found the Way! And you… where is your life going? Are you rejoicing in the relationship that leads you home? Do you know the Way? Jesus assures you,

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also (John 14:6-7).

Like Philip, your Study Helper is a friend to encourage you and to assist you with God’s Word. Please take a few moments now to complete the lesson exam questions. Then submit them so that you can be assigned the first in-depth course. After your exam is completed, WBS will match you with a Christian Study Helper to study the Bible with you. Explore God’s spiritual Map. Learn the Way to the full life Jesus plans for you. May God bless your personal journey of discovery!  

Source worldbibleschool.org

More than RELIGION

More Than “Religion”

As the Bible addresses your needs, do you sense the importance of relationship? We find God’s wonderful riches “in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

Some people see Christianity as another “religion.” But the word “religion” is rare in the Bible. The two times where it applies to Christianity, “religion” is shown to be worthless if it does not care for needy people (1 Timothy 5:4; James 1:26-27). The Bible calls to you. This call is to meet a Person, not just plans or ideas. This call emphasizes relationships, not religious acts. Indeed, the main rules have to do with love, first for God and then for each other (Mark 12:30-31).

Sadly, some judge Christ without knowing Him. They have heard about Him, which may include bad reports:

• Wars, cruelty and crimes committed in His name
• Hard rules imposed in His name
• So-called “miracles” claimed in His name
• Pretenders who cover up their lies in His name
• Leaders who get rich and powerful in His name
• Supposedly “Christian” governments and nations that do wrong

Such evils are the exact opposite of Jesus’ life and teaching. Jesus and His messengers, called apostles, warned that enemies would give Christ’s way a bad name (give it a bad reputation).

There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies [hurtful lies], even denying the Master who bought them… And many will follow their sensuality [shameful ways], and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed [cursed]. (2 Peter 2:1-2)

The Way of Truth

Peter shows that he follows “the way of truth” given by Jesus. He warns against “shameful ways” from others. They claim His name, but they are enemies who work against Him (Matthew 7:15-23; 13:24-30, 36-43; 24:24). They twist and change Christianity for their own selfish purposes (2 Timothy 3:5; 4:3-4).

How can we tell the difference between “the way of truth” and false ways? Here is the greatest value of the Bible: It describes the Way from the beginning. It keeps that truth safe for all future ages. From this original record we can know the true Jesus. We can learn the Christianity that Jesus created and continues.

The key is the Bible. That is why we invite you into the Bible experience. In these World Bible School courses, all graded questions come from the Scriptures themselves. The Word of God is the pure source—the unique, reliable and respected record of Jesus and His Way. Man-made rules and divisions came later, and they turned into many muddied streams about Christianity. You will not be tested on those or anyone else’s opinions. Rather, we aim to go back to the clear source that flows from God Himself. We seek the real Jesus. We want to learn His Way as He first revealed it. If you share that desire, join us on a journey into the heart of the Good News.

The Way We are glad you are studying the Bible with us. Sign up for free Bible study at World Bible School. The Map The little boy watches his father study a city map. The boy asks, “Why do you need a Map?” “Because we’re going where we’ve never been before. Perhaps I can find work in this city,” replies his father. The boy thinks more. Suddenly he says, “Father, my birthday is coming soon. I shouldn’t ask for much, but there is one thing you can give me.” “I’ll give you whatever I can, son. What is it you want?” The boy answers, “A map.” The father is puzzled. “Why do you want a map?” The boy explains, “Because I am growing older. I will be going where I have never been before. And you said, ‘For that, I need a map’.” Suppose you are the boy’s father or mother. What would you give to meet your son’s need for a sense of direction in life? Why Consider The Bible? Consider the Bible as the Map for life. Its wisdom spans many thousands of years, yet millions today find its message as fresh and meaningful as ever. They find that its truths work in daily life—in every time of life. They discover purpose for living. That purpose gives them hope for now and for the future—even beyond this life. They believe in a home with God forever. In other words, they believe the Bible when it claims to speak for God. In seeking a map for life, consider the Bible’s claims. Again and again, it assures us that it is the pure word from our Maker. Yes, the Map for life. In over 2,000 places the messengers of the Bible say things like this: The Lord said to me … These are the words of the Lord … This is what the Lord says … Moses said that God’s laws, the Ten Commandments, were written “by the finger of God” on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). He reported that God spoke with him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11). King David said, “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; His word is on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2). The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth'” (Jeremiah 1:9). We must seriously ask, “Did these prophets lie to us? Or were they telling the truth, and God really did speak through them?” Jesus tells us that the Bible messengers, called prophets, spoke the truth. He used their reports of history (Matthew 12:40; 24:37-39). He trusted all their writings—also called Scriptures— and taught us the same trust (Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 16:17,29; 24:27,44; John 5:39-47). He based His teachings on the same words they used (Matthew 19:5-6; 22:32). He asked, “… have you not read what was said to you by God?” (Matthew 22:31-32). He reminded us, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). The apostles [Jesus’ spokesmen] Paul and Peter taught the same thing: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof [disapproval], for correction, and for training in righteousness [right living], that the man of God may be complete, equipped [ready] for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). For no prophecy [God's message] was ever produced by the will [decision] of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The Book How can a book come to have such a title—The Book? The Bible fully deserves such a special title. Any way we look at facts about books, the Bible stands out as The Book. OLD COPIES How many ancient copies from the New Testament still exist? In the original language alone, well over 4,000! The oldest of these dates back close to the time when the New Testament was first written. Among very old writings, no other is so well supported by so much proof. TRANSLATIONS The Bible was first written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It has come into our modern languages through translation. The Bible’s message is so important that it has been translated into 2,000 languages. No other book has been translated more often, and this work continues. PRINTING The Bible was the first book printed for ordinary people. It remains the most printed and read book of all time (billions more than the next top book). HONESTY The Bible’s complete truth and honesty make it quite different from other histories. The Bible shows both the good and bad, even in Israel’s greatest leaders. Whether king or slave, rich or poor, man or woman, all were measured by the same ruler, “the law of the Lord.” FOLLOWING Over a quarter of the world’s population claims some belief in the Bible. Three great world religions claim roots in the Bible. Whoever seeks a Map for life should consider the Bible. WRITING The Bible was written by 40 men during a period of over 1,500 years. Most of these writers were not alive at the same time. They could not work together in any direct way. Yet the Bible has one continuing story flowing through it. THE BOOK OF BOOKS The Bible deserves this title because it is outstanding among books. But in another sense, it is The Book of Books because it is a library. Its first 39 books make up the Old Testament. They were written mainly in Hebrew between 1,500 and 400 years B.C. The second part, the New Testament, has 27 books written in Greek between A.D. 50 and 100. (Many today divide history into two parts. B.C. refers to time before Jesus Christ’s birth. A.D. refers to time after Jesus Christ’s birth.) The New Testament books complete the Gospel—which means "good news"—about Jesus. Together, these 66 writings form a complete, united picture. No other book has been written like this. In the most amazing way, the Bible joins centuries of history with the highest wisdom. Above all, it shows us the Way to come home to God. 1.  How long have you been reading or learning from the Bible? What Are Your Needs? There are many reasons for taking the Bible seriously. Among them is its practical wisdom for successful living. What is your need? See if the Bible addresses that need or its root. NEED FOR LOVE For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish [die] but have eternal life (John 3:16). I have been crucified [killed on a wooden cross] with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). NEED FOR FAMILY In love he predestined [planned] us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5). So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [foreigners], but you are fellow citizens with the saints [believers] and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). NEED FOR LIFE I came that they may have life and have it abundantly [fully]. (John 10:10) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). (Resurrection means coming back to life after death). NEED FOR GUIDANCE You have been acquainted with [know] the sacred writings [Scriptures], which are able to make you wise for salvation [new life] through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). If any of you lacks wisdom [right thinking], let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach [criticism], and it will be given him (James 1:5). NEED FOR STRENGTH All things are possible for one who believes… With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God (Mark 9:23; 10:27). God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure [resist] it (1 Corinthians 10:13). NEED FOR SECURITY My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth… The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121:2,7-8). “I will never leave you nor forsake [turn away from] you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6). NEED FOR FORGIVENESS Repent [change your heart] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Act 2:38). If we confess [admit] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). NEED FOR HEALTH Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray… And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up (James 5:13,15). NEED FOR PEACE Do not be anxious [worried] about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication [asking] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses [goes beyond] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27). NEED FOR FOOD AND CLOTHES Do not be anxious about your life… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:25,33). I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken [left alone] or his children begging for bread. He is ever [always] lending generously, and his children become a blessing (Psalm 37:25-26). NEED FOR FRIENDSHIP Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends … No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:13,15). NEED FOR HOPE According to his great mercy [forgiveness], he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable [never dies], undefiled [always pure], and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4). ALL YOUR NEEDS And God is able to make all grace abound [grow] to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). 1.  [John 3:16] God so loved the world that He gave His only.. 2.  [John 10:10] Jesus said, "I came that they may have ... 3.  [Hebrews 13:5-6] “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to… Relationship More Than “Religion” As the Bible addresses your needs, do you sense the importance of relationship? We find God’s wonderful riches “in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Some people see Christianity as another “religion.” But the word “religion” is rare in the Bible. The two times where it applies to Christianity, “religion” is shown to be worthless if it does not care for needy people (1 Timothy 5:4; James 1:26-27). The Bible calls to you. This call is to meet a Person, not just plans or ideas. This call emphasizes relationships, not religious acts. Indeed, the main rules have to do with love, first for God and then for each other (Mark 12:30-31). Sadly, some judge Christ without knowing Him. They have heard about Him, which may include bad reports: Wars, cruelty and crimes committed in His name Hard rules imposed in His name So-called “miracles” claimed in His name Pretenders who cover up their lies in His name Leaders who get rich and powerful in His name Supposedly “Christian” governments and nations that do wrong Such evils are the exact opposite of Jesus’ life and teaching. Jesus and His messengers, called apostles, warned that enemies would give Christ’s way a bad name (give it a bad reputation). There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies [hurtful lies], even denying the Master who bought them… And many will follow their sensuality [shameful ways], and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed [cursed]. (2 Peter 2:1-2) The Way of Truth Peter shows that he follows “the way of truth” given by Jesus. He warns against “shameful ways” from others. They claim His name, but they are enemies who work against Him (Matthew 7:15-23; 13:24-30, 36-43; 24:24). They twist and change Christianity for their own selfish purposes (2 Timothy 3:5; 4:3-4). How can we tell the difference between “the way of truth” and false ways? Here is the greatest value of the Bible: It describes the Way from the beginning. It keeps that truth safe for all future ages. From this original record we can know the true Jesus. We can learn the Christianity that Jesus created and continues. The key is the Bible. That is why we invite you into the Bible experience. In these World Bible School courses, all graded questions come from the Scriptures themselves. The Word of God is the pure source—the unique, reliable and respected record of Jesus and His Way. Man-made rules and divisions came later, and they turned into many muddied streams about Christianity. You will not be tested on those or anyone else’s opinions. Rather, we aim to go back to the clear source that flows from God Himself. We seek the real Jesus. We want to learn His Way as He first revealed it. If you share that desire, join us on a journey into the heart of the Good News. 1.  [Ephesians 1:3] God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing ..... The Way To Faith The New Testament tells the story of Jesus. The first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—report His time on earth. The book of Acts shows the result as more and more people believe in Jesus as the Christ. (“Christ” comes from Greek, and “Messiah” from Hebrew; both refer to the supreme King promised by the Old Testament.) Acts shows detailed examples of how people become “Christians”—followers of Christ. In Acts 8 we find one man’s journey. It begins by telling how the man first hears the Good News of Jesus. It ends with the man’s happy response to Jesus. Let’s join this man—a sincere seeker from Ethiopia—on his journey to faith. His helper on the journey is Philip, a Christian who shares the Good News of Jesus wherever he travels. The Journey And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot" (Acts 8:27-29). Philip’s meeting with the Ethiopian is no accident. Philip is on a mission. God’s Spirit is at work to bring Philip and the Ethiopian together. In a similar way, we believe that important encounters come from God, not random chance. God cares about us. He knows how the Good News meets our deepest needs. God especially wants true seekers to find Him. The Ethiopian is an important government minister. Yet he takes the time to travel to Jerusalem, the historic center of worship. Now, on his return, he reads a copy of “Isaiah the prophet.” And you … are you a seeker? Do you recognize that God is at work—this very moment—to meet your needs? Is your heart open to new discoveries from His Word? The Guide So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30-31). Perhaps, at times, you also ask, “How can I understand?” Sometimes we need help. Consider, for example, what the Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah 53. Someone is suffering in silence. He is judged unfairly. He is killed. Who and what is that all about? The Bible raises questions, and also provides the answers. A guide can prove helpful for finding your way through the Bible. World Bible School is designed to serve you as a guide like Philip. As you take WBS courses, your Study Helper will be there for you also, helping you find the Bible’s answers for your own questions and needs. The Scripture Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth" (Acts 8:32-33). The Ethiopian is reading from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, written by the prophet Isaiah in about 700 B.C. Isaiah foretells the success and glory of God’s special “Servant” (for example, Isaiah 52:13). Yet Isaiah 53 then describes in great detail the Servant’s horrible death—“His life was taken from the earth” (Acts 8:33; Isaiah 53:8). The surprises continue. Isaiah’s prophecy then foretells the Servant’s pleasure in the results of His death. Out of the anguish [great pain] of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities [sin]. (Isaiah 53:11) Why will the Servant feel satisfied? Because His sacrifice will “justify” people (make them right with God). How? He will lift from sinners their load of iniquity (sin) and place that load on Himself. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6,11). The Servant Himself is innocent and pure (Isaiah 53:9). Why should He take our sins on Himself? Isaiah 53:10 says, “The Lord makes His life a guilt offering.” This wording is truly remarkable since Isaiah followed the Law of Moses. In that Law, the term “guilt offering” always applied to flawless animals killed for people’s sins. God hated the sacrificing of humans. Yet, by God’s power, Isaiah foresaw a human as the “guilt offering”! God would sacrifice His Servant to rescue “us all” from our sins.