|
|
Lesson Abstracts & Introductory Stories |
|
|
|
Lesson 1 - The Depravity of Man
The depravity of man is a term that relates to man's inability to operate in a strict moral fashion. We are often aware of our physical limitations, however, we are seldom aware of our spiritual limitations. Romans 5:12. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned” A baby’s cry echoes for the first time in his new world. We celebrate his life. His parents count every finger and toe. We marvel at his perfection that gives promise and hope for a new beginning. We do not despair over his life of sin which has already begun...we do not grieve for his death. But with each new life, each beautiful child--the story of man and his separation from God is told again and again.
Adam and Eve lived in Paradise—eternally with God. But because God gave them free will (the very essence of humanness), they were disobedient to God and tasted the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. And now, through the generations of man, women and men are reminded of that sin through the pain of childbirth and the certain death of their offspring. The gap that separates us from God is replayed in every birth, every miracle, every precious child born into this ungodly world. Praise God that we can again use our free will to close this gap, to be free from sin, and to, once again, have an eternal and glorious life with our eternal Father.
|
Lesson 2 - Sin? What is it?
Some people think that sin is just something church people talk about so they can prevent people from having fun. Others think that sin is doing those big things, like killing someone or stealing from others. What is the difference between happiness and pleasure? Psalm 14:2. “The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, To see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God.”
Have you ever chosen a puppy from a litter? or rescued a dog from the pound? Inevitably, many are sniffing, eating, sleeping, roughhousing or totally focused on the surroundings. They are oblivious to you. If they knew the wonderful life that they would receive by being your loyal follower, they would immediately beg for your attention the moment you stepped into their environment. But they don’t...at least not all of them. You look and look.
Then, there’s THE ONE. He looks right at you. His tail tentatively wags. You smile. He wags harder. You move ever so slightly. He senses it and jumps wholeheartedly into your reaching arms. And whole-body wiggling begins. And you KNOW. He is yours and you are his-- for life. So it is with God. For God brings unto himself those who seek Him, not those whose search is in the world.
Lesson 3 - Body, Soul, Spirit - Building on Exchange Life Principles
“The man who would enter the kingdom of God must be born in a radically new fashion, and this second birth is from heaven. Entry into the kingdom is not by way of human striving, but by the re-birth which only God can effect.” L. Morris. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Your dream car sits in the driveway--a cherry red ‘65 Mustang. Chrome glints in the sun. Pure white leather interior. Jet black convertible top. You ease into the driver’s seat, and your hand slides to the ignition. NO KEY! Panicked, you pop the hood and gasp. NO ENGINE! Just a hollow shell--beautiful and perfect outside, but empty inside and useless to its true purpose.
You are God’s dream. He knew you before you were born and knows the hairs on your head. But He is not finished with you. It does not fulfill His purpose to simply exist in your earthly body. Your inner self--your soul--your spiritual engine--the Holy Ghost--needs to be in place for you to reach your potential. Spiritual birth through Jesus Christ is the key and He holds it for you in his hand if you will just reach for it.
Lesson 4 - How do we overcome temptations of the Flesh - Making the Body God's temple.
I know that I am a Christian. I have been baptized. However, I still sin…I cannot seem to help it. What is wrong with me? 1 Timothy 1:15,16. “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”
It’s her birthday. The cake is magnificent with its pink frosting and dancing ballerina. Your toddler touches the icing edge and licks her finger. “Not yet,” you say, “Stay away from the cake.” She withdraws her hand for a moment. You turn your back. The hand sneaks again. “I saw that! Keep your hands away!” You turn your back. Her face moves forward, ever so slightly, until her nose caresses the velvety sugar. You laugh at her half-hearted obedience and whisk her off her feet, laughing and dancing in the kitchen.
Just as icing evokes an uncontrollable urge in a child, worldly temptations lure the Christian heart. Praise God that we have a patient Savior who loves us anyway.
Lesson 5 - Who am I? What is my Soul? How do I renew my mind?
What is my place in life, my purpose for living? As our society becomes more centered on material values and a secular worldview, as we try to find ourselves in our work, careers, material things, and the ever seeking next thrill, these questions become more and more important. Ephesians 2:1,2. “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.”
Pretend that your life is like a house. Pretend that you can place old sin in storage boxes in the basement. Some sins are bigger than others and take up more space, but you still have plenty of room. Now, fast forward a few years. A few more. A few more. The basement is full and you are storing sins in other places...your den and bedroom, and kitchen and closets. Your house is filled with boxes and they are spilling into the yard and street. You are desperate and constantly reminded and tripping over your sin; it plays like a tape playing over and over with no escape. Your life feels cluttered and dirty.
When you accept Christ as your personal Savior and ask for forgiveness, He brings a moving van and takes EVERY SINGLE box away. He doesn’t look inside the boxes; He just sees what’s left--a pure and perfect dwelling place.
Lesson 6 - Have I been born again?
The interaction of my spirit with the Holy Spirit. The fact remains that the gate to salvation is narrow and we must be very careful as to which road we take. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:13,14. “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.”
Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is an enormous cave system discovered in the 1800’s after settlers were drawn to the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of bats rising into the evening from the entrance. Today, thousands of visitors tour underground chambers such as The Big Room, The Temple of the Sun, and The Hall of Giants. Visitors sometimes dress in rugged hiking boots and carry water and flashlights, not knowing that there are smooth paths, handrails, and lights.
It is not likely that you will find a real spelunker in the crowd. The true caver is not taking the easy path; he is not walking in familiar territory with the rest of the crowd. He searches for and finds the narrow gap; he squeezes through with great difficulty, often leaving comforts and friends behind. But his reward is great. He finds an unmapped chamber with a formation more spectacular that any ever seen...his bruised knees forgotten, his thirst delayed, he sits in humbled awe at the beauty that surrounds him. In your search for spiritual fulfillment, are you a tourist or a true seeker?
|
|
|
|
