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The Essentiality of Baptism

Lesson 4a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson is to be used if the previous lesson was not enough to convince the student that baptism is essential to salvation. If he/she is still not convinced after Lesson 4a, this indicates a heart problem and it may be a waste of time to continue the studies.

Lesson 4a: The Essentiality of Baptism (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

ESSENTIALITY OF BAPTISM THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

1. Read each passage inside the circle and write down the special blessing found “in Christ.”

Blessings in Christ

2. Read Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27, then write inside the arrow what one must do in order to enter “into Christ.”

Since these blessings are “in Christ,” and one enters “into Christ” through baptism, is baptism therefore necessary to receive these blessings?

Note the relationship between baptism and the blood of Christ in questions 3-9.

3. Revelation 1:5

Does Christ’s blood wash away sins?

4. Acts 22:16

Are sins washed away at baptism?

5. Hebrews 9:14

Does the blood of Christ cleanse one’s conscience?

6. 1 Peter 3:21 

Does baptism lead to a good conscience?

7. Romans 5:9

 Does Christ’s blood save us?

8. Mark 16:15-16 

Is baptism involved in one’s salvation?

9. John 19:33-35

What flowed at Christ’s death

10. Romans 6:3-5

How does one receive the benefits of Christ’s death?

11. Acts 10:33, 48

Is baptism a command of God?

12. 1 John 2:3-6

Do you want to obey God’s commands?

 

CONCLUSION

A. Do you believe baptism is necessary for salvation?

B. What do you need to do to have your sins forgiven?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:14; 2:10
  2. Mark 16:15-16; John 3:5; Acts 2:37-38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13
  3. Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22, 28
  4. Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-5, 17-18; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5
  5. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 7:14
  6. Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:16; 1 John 1:7
  7. Ephesians 2:11-13; 1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9
  8. Matthew 7:21; John 3:5; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 Peter 3:21
  9. Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 5:8
  10. John 3:5; 1 John 5:8; Acts 8:35-36; Colossians 2:12
  11. Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 6:46; James 1:21-25
  12. John 14:15, 21, 23; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 John 5:3

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

 

 

 

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Jesus Christ According to Mark’s Gospel, Part 3

Lesson 2c in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson should be shared with the person who doesn’t know much about Jesus or who isn’t strongly committed to Jesus. If one of these lessons (Lesson 2a-c) is used, all three should be shared.

Lesson 2c: Jesus Christ According to Mark’s Gospel, Part 3 (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

1. Mark 1:14-15

What did Jesus call on people to do?

What does this mean to you?

2. Mark 3:34-35

Whom does Jesus consider to be family?

Do you want to have this relationship with the Lord?

3. Mark 4:14-20

Which type of “soil” best characterizes the condition of your heart?

☐ wayside

☐ stony

☐ thorny

☐ good

 If you picked any of the first three, will you allow God to help you change the condition of your heart?

4. Mark 8:34-38

What must one be willing to do to be a disciple of Jesus?

Is this what you want to do?

What does Jesus consider more valuable than all the world?

5. Mark 9:35; 10:42-45

How does the Lord view the person who puts “self” first?

6. Mark 10:26-30

Is it possible to be saved without God’s help?

Whatever we give up for the Lord, has he promised to greatly bless us both now and in the age to come?

Do you trust the Lord’s promise?

7. Mark 12:28-34

Do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Do you love your fellow-man as yourself?

Jesus said that one who does these things is:

☐ in the kingdom of God, OR

☐ not far from the kingdom of God

 8. Mark 12:38-40; 13:5-6

Does Jesus warn against false religionists?

Are you careful about what you accept religiously?

9. Mark 13:31-37

Is Jesus coming again?

When is Jesus coming again?

Are you prepared for the Lord’s return?

10. Mark 14:22-24

What did Jesus institute on this occasion?

Do you regularly observe this memorial?

11. Mark 16:15-16

What did Jesus instruct his disciples to do?

What is necessary in order to be saved?

Do you want Jesus to save you?

 

CONCLUSION:

A. What do you believe about Jesus?

B. Do you understand that Jesus loves you?

C. Do you love Jesus?

D. Do you trust that Jesus has your best interests at heart?

E. Are you willing to do whatever Jesus asks or requires of you?

F. Do you want to study further to see what Jesus has in store for your life and future?

 

Additional Scripture References:

  1. Matt. 10:32-33; Luke 13:3, 5; John 3:15-21; 20:30-31; Acts 26:15-20
  2. Matt. 7:21; 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21; John 3:21; Heb. 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:22-23; 1 John 2:3-5, 29; 3:10, 18-19, 24
  3. Mark 4:2-13; Matthew 13:3-23; Luke 8:4-15; Rom. 6:17; Eph. 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Proverbs 2:1-5
  4. Matthew 10:37-39; 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-26; 14:27-33; John 12:25-26
  5. Matthew 20:16, 25-28; 23:1-12; Luke 18:14; 22:24-27; John 13:1-17; 1 Corinthians 10:24, 33; Philippians 2:3; James 4:10
  6. Matthew 6:24-34; 19:26-30; Luke 6:38; Acts 4:34-35; Phil. 4:15-20
  7. Matthew 22:35-40; Luke 10:25-37; John 14:15; Romans 10:8-10
  8. Mark 13:21-23; Matt. 7:15-23; Acts 20:29-30; Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor 11:14-15; Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7-11
  9. Matthew 24:35-51; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thess.1:7-8; 2 Peter 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24
  10. Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:17-20; John 4:23-24; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29
  11. Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:37-41; 1 Peter 3:20-21

 

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Jesus Christ According to Mark’s Gospel, Part 2

Lesson 2b in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson should be shared with the person who doesn’t know much about Jesus or who isn’t strongly committed to Jesus. If one of these lessons (Lesson 2a-c) is used, all three should be shared.

Lesson 2b: Jesus Christ According to Mark’s Gospel, Part 2 (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

1. Mark 3:6; 11:18; 14:1

Did Jesus have enemies?

Did the enemies of Jesus hate him enough to want him dead?

2. Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:32-34

Did Jesus know about his suffering and death before it happened?

3. Mark 14:43-50

Who came to arrest Jesus?

How do you feel about what Judas did?

What did the disciples do when Jesus was arrested?

4. Mark 14:55-64

Were there legitimate reasons for condemning Jesus?

Was there consistent testimony against Jesus?

Whom did Jesus confess to be?

5. Mark 15:1-5

Jesus acknowledged that he was whom?

How did Jesus respond to the false accusations?

6. Mark 15:6-15

What kind of man did the Jews want released rather than Jesus?

What was the real reason the chief priests had handed over Jesus?

What did the crowd demand to be done with Jesus?

7. Mark 14:65; 15:15-20

 Which of the following was done to Jesus?

☐ spat upon

☐ a crown of thorns on his head

☐ blindfolded

☐ beaten (with fists) and slapped

☐ scourged

☐ mocked

☐ beaten on the head with a reed/staff

What does it mean to be scourged?

How do you feel about the things done to Jesus?

8. Mark 15:21-28

Since John’s account (19:17) says that Jesus was carrying his own cross, why do you think this account says that someone else was compelled to bear it?

What does it mean to be crucified?

Who else was crucified with Jesus?

9. Mark 15:29-32

How did the onlookers add to Jesus’ humiliation?

Were the two robbers any more respectful?

10. Mark 15:33-39

Why do you think Jesus cried out these words?

When Jesus died, what happened to the veil of the temple?

11. Mark 15:42-47

What was done with the body of Jesus after his death?

12. Mark 16:1-14

What amazing thing happened after Jesus’ death?

On what day of the week did this take place?

Did Jesus’ disciples have trouble believing this had occurred?

Did these people actually see Jesus alive?

13. Mark 16:19

What followed Christ’s resurrection?

14. Mark 13:31-37

Has Jesus promised to come again?

 

CONCLUSION:

A. Considering the information covered in this study, what are your feelings about Jesus?

B. Do you want to learn more about Jesus and his will for your life?

 

Additional Scripture References:

  1. Mark 3:21-22; 6:3-4; 8:11-12; 12:12-13; Matt. 2:13-16; 4:3-11; 8:34; 9:34
  2. Mark 9:9, 12; 10:45; 14:8, 27-28; Matt. 16:21; 17:12, 22-23; 20:18-19, 28
  3. Matt. 26:45-56; 27:3-10; Luke 22:1-6,22,47-54; John 18:1-12; Acts 1:16-20
  4. Matthew 26:59-66; 27:3-10; Luke 22:63-71; 23:6-12
  5. Matthew 27:2, 11-14; Luke 23:1-15; John 18:29-38
  6. Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:16-25; John 18:39-40; 19:6-16
  7. Matthew 26:67-68; 27:26-31; Luke 22:63-65; 23:11; John 19:1-5
  8. Matthew 27:31-38; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16-24
  9. Isaiah 53:3-12; Matthew 27:39-44; Luke 23:35-39
  10. Matthew 27:45-51; Luke 23:34-45; John 19:25-30; 2 Cor. 5:21
  11. Matthew 12:40; 27:57-66; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42
  12. Mt. 28:1-17; Lk 24:1-45; Ac 1:1-8; Jn 20:1-31; 21:1-25; 1 Co 15:1-8
  13. Luke 9:51; 24:50-53; Acts 1:2, 9-11; 3:21
  14. Matt. 24:35-51; 25:6-31; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 2 Thess. 1:7-8

 

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Jesus Christ According to Mark’s Gospel, Part 1

Lesson 2a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
These lessons should be shared with the person who doesn’t know much about Jesus or who isn’t strongly committed to Jesus. If one of these lessons is used, all three should be shared.

Lesson 2a: Jesus Christ According to Mark’s Gospel, Part 1 (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

IDENTITY OF JESUS:

1. Mark 1:9-11; 9:7

How was Jesus identified from heaven?

2. Mark 3:11; 5:7

Evil spirits recognized Jesus as whom?

3. Mark 8:27-29

Jesus’ disciples acknowledged Him as whom?

4. Mark 15:39

This pagan soldier admitted what about Jesus?

 

HUMANITY OF JESUS:

5. Mark 1:12-13

Was Jesus tempted by Satan?

6. Mark 6:3

Did Jesus have an occupation and a family?

7. Mark 14:33-36

Was Jesus subject to negative emotions?

 

INFLUENCE OF JESUS:

8. Mark 1:16-20; 2:14

Does there appear to have been something about Jesus that

made people want to follow Him?

9. Mark 1:22; 6:2

What was unique about the way Jesus taught?

10. Mark 3:7-8

Were people drawn to Jesus?

11. Mark 5:22

Did even prominent men humble themselves before Jesus?

 

CHARACTER OF JESUS:

12. Mark 1:41; 6:34

What quality of Jesus stands out in these verses?

13. Mark 10:21

Was Jesus a loving person?

14. Mark 11:15-17

Was Jesus weak and cowardly?

Was Jesus a man of conviction and zeal?

15. Mark 7:5-9

Did Jesus have the courage to stand up to hypocritical religious leaders?

 

SPIRITUALITY OF JESUS:

16. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32

What did Jesus spend a lot of time doing?

17. Mark 1:38; 2:2

What was the primary thrust of Jesus’ ministry?

18. Mark 12:28-30; 14:36

Did Jesus put the will of God first?

 

MIRACLES OF JESUS

19. Which of the following did Jesus have the power to do?

 ☐ Heal the sick: Mark 3:10; 6:5, 56

☐ Cast out demons: Mark 1:39

☐ Cure leprosy: Mark 1:40-42

☐ Cure paralysis: Mark 2:3-12

☐ Cure deafness: Mark 7:32-37

☐ Cure blindness: Mark 10:46-52

☐ Calm storms: Mark 4:35-41

☐ Raise the dead: Mark 5:22-42

☐ Feed multitudes with little food: Mark 6:35-44; 8:1-9

☐ Walk on water: Mark 6:47-51

 

CONCLUSION:

A. Whom do you believe Jesus to be?

B. How do you feel about Jesus?

 

Additional Scripture References:

  1. Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Luke 3:22; 9:35; John 1:34
  2. Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:41; Acts 19:15; James 2:19
  3. Matthew 14:33; 16:16; John 1:41, 49; 4:42; 6:69; 9:35-38; 11:27; Acts 9:20
  4. Matthew 27:54; Luke 23:47; John 3:1-2; 19:7; 20:30-31
  5. Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16
  6. Matthew 12:46-47; 13:55-56; John 2:12; Acts 1:14
  7. Mark 3:5; Matt. 26:37-38; Luke 19:41; 22:44; John 11:33-35; 12:27
  8. Matthew 4:18-22; 9:9; 27:55; Luke 5:1-11, 27-28
  9. Matthew 7:28-29; 13:54; Luke 4:22, 32; John 7:46; 12:48-50
  10. Mark 1:45; 2:2, 13; Matthew 12:15; 27:55
  11. Matthew 8:5; 9:18; 27:57; Luke 8:41; 18:18; John 3:1-2
  12. Mark 2:15-17; 5:19; 8:2; 9:36-37; 10:13-16; Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Luke 7:13
  13. John 13:23; 15:12-13; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:25; Revelation 1:5
  14. Mark 16:14; Matthew 11:20-24; 21:12-16; Luke 19:45-48; John 2:13-17
  15. Matthew 15:1-9; 23:1-36; Luke 11:37-54; John 18:19-24
  16. Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:28; 11:1; 22:41-45; 23:34, 46; Hebrews 5:7
  17. Mark 2:13; 4:2, 33; 6:6, 34; Matthew 11:4-5; 17:35; Luke 4:43
  18. Mark 7:6-13; Matthew 6:33; John 4:34; 6:38; 9:4
  19. Mark 1:23-28, 30-34; 3:1-5; 5:1-20, 25-34; 7:25-30; 8:22-25; 9:17-27

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Forgiveness of Sin

Lesson 4 in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
It is imperative that the initial review questions are answered before this study begins. Use additional open-ended questions to find out what the student’s understanding is of what he/she has done, has been taught, or has believed in the past. Make sure you and the student both write down these answers on your respective outlines. Otherwise, if there is (or has been) strong religious ties and the student has probably undergone some kind of baptism, there is a tendency to take the newly learned information in this study and apply it to past experiences. By determining beforehand what was previously done and believed, this problem can be avoided.

The student needs to become aware of any potential differences between what was done in the past and what has now been learned from the Bible so that he/she can see the need to comply with God’s directives.

Lesson 4 picks up where Lesson 3 left off — the necessity of being a member of Christ’s body. In addition to baptism, it also covers the prerequisites of belief and repentance. On question 6, if the student does not understand what repentance is, use the additional scripture references on the back page to help explain it.

Lesson 4: Forgiveness of Sin (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

REVIEW OF YOUR PAST OBEDIENCE:

  • Have you tried to obey Jesus in the past?
  • What specifically have you done in response to Jesus?
  • Have you had your sins forgiven by God in the past?
  • What specifically did you do to have your sins forgiven?
  • Are you currently saved or have you been saved in the past?
  • At what point in your response to God were you saved?
  • Have you ever been baptized?
  • If so, explain how and why you were baptized.

1. Ephesians 5:23

Must one be in the body to be saved?

2. 1 Corinthians 12:13

How does a person enter into the one body?

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

3. Colossians 2:12

How is baptism pictured here?

How would you describe a burial?

4. Acts 8:35-39

How is the action of baptism depicted here?

Baptism is a burial (& resurrection) in what?

 

WHO IS TO BE BAPTIZED?

5. Acts 8:12

What had these people done prior to baptism?

Would infants be excluded? If so, why?

6. Acts 2:37-38

What must precede baptism?

What does it mean to repent?

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM?

7. Acts 2:38

Baptism is for what purpose?

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

 

IF YOU HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANY OTHER WAY OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON:

9. Acts 19:1-5

Had these disciples been immersed? (cf. John 3:23)

Had they believed and repented? (v. 4)

Is there any reason to think they were insincere?

Since they were initially baptized for the wrong reason, were they baptized again?

Is understanding what you are doing an important part of being baptized correctly?

10. John 14:15

Is it important to obey Christ exactly as He directs?

 

CONCLUSION
A. Must one be a member of Christ’s church (body) to be saved?

B. How does one enter Christ’s church (body)?

C. Do you believe in Jesus and are you willing to repent of your sins?

D. What do you now need to do to have your sins forgiven?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4-6; Col. 1:13-14, 18; Acts 2:47; cf. Heb. 5:8-9
  2. Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 1:22-23; 3:21; Acts 2:41, 47
  3. Rom. 6:3-5; Eph. 2:4-6; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Acts 8:35-39
  4. Matt. 3:13-16; John 3:23; Acts 10:47; 1 Peter 3:20-21
  5. John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39
  6. 2 Cor. 7:9-10; Acts 3:19, 26; 26:18-20; cf. Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30
  7. Acts 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4, 17-18; cf. Eph. 1:7; Matt. 26:28; Rev. 1:5
  8. Mark 16:15-16; John 3:5; Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:26-27; Eph. 1:7
  9. Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; Rom. 6:3-4, 17-18; (cf. Matt. 13:13-23; Mark 12:30, 33; John 12:40; Eph. 5:17; 6:6).
  10. Matt. 28:18-20; Heb. 5:8-9; Acts 10:33, 48; 1 John 2:3-5

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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The Church

Lesson 3 in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
In this lesson, after question 6 is answered, briefly explain the diagrams on the opposite page.

The first one (“Christ’s church”) shows one head (Christ) and one body (the church). You can ask, “Does this illustrate what the Bible teaches?” You can also explain that the Bible often uses physical things to illustrate spiritual concepts, and we can easily understand that all normal human beings have one head and one body; and this is what the Lord’s church is like.

The next diagram shows a deviation from the original design. A few hundred years after the church had been established, a number of changes had been made (as the Bible predicted, e.g. Acts 20:28-30), and an organization had evolved that was completely different from the church we read about in the Bible. There was one body (called “the Catholic Church”), but there were two heads — Christ was acknowledged as the head in heaven and the pope was considered the head on earth. Is this what the Bible teaches? (You may want to share Matt. 28:18 to show that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth).

A few hundred years after the Roman Catholic Church had been established, a number of people realized that there were many things different from what the Bible taught, and they attempted to make changes (or reforms), and this was the beginning of the Reformation Movement. The Catholics accused these reformers of “protesting” against the Catholic Church, thus they were called “Protestants.” These Reformation leaders had good intentions, but when they died their followers merely adopted the teachings of these men rather than following the Bible alone. They all acknowledged Christ as the only head, but now there were many different bodies, all wearing different names, teaching different things, worshipping in different ways, etc. (You may want to write the names of local denominations in some of the circles of the last diagram). Is this according to what the Bible teaches?

After the next two passages are covered, you can say something like: “This is what we’re trying to do, simply restore the one church we read about in the Bible.”

Lesson 3: The Church (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH
1. Hebrews 5:8-9 

Jesus is the Saviour of whom?

2. Ephesians 5:23

Jesus is the Savior of what?

3. Ephesians 1:22-23

What is the body of Christ?

4. Ephesians 4:4-6

How many bodies does Christ have?

5. Matthew 16:16-18

What did Jesus promise to build?

Whose church did Jesus promise to build?

How many churches did Jesus promise to build?

6. Which of the following best describes the church?Lesson 3 Churches

WHAT DOES THE LORD DESIRE OF HIS CHURCH?

7. John 17:20-21

What did Jesus pray concerning those who would believe in Him?

What kind of unity does Christ and the Father have?

Do we see this kind of unity in the religious world today?

8. 1 Corinthians 1:10
What kind of unity is pictured here?

Does this describe the current situation in the religious world?

CONCLUSION

A. Must one be a member of Christ’s body (church) to be saved?

B. Which church do you want to be a part of?

Additional Scripture References
1. Matthew 7:21-27; James 1:21-25; 1 John 2:3-4, 17, 29

2. Acts 2:47; Ephesians 2:11-22; Colossians 1:13-14

3. Ephesians 2:16-19; 4:12, 16; 5:23, 29, 39; Colossians 1:18, 24

4. Romans 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 2:16; 5:23; Col. 3:15

5. Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 12:23

6. Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:13

7. John 10:30; Rom. 15:5-7; Philippians 1:27; 2 Cor. 13:11

8. Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 12:25; 1 Peter 3:8

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Overview of the Gospel Message

Lesson 2 in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints

This lesson is simple, basic, non-controversial, and concisely sums up the fundamental truth of the gospel.

You may want to begin the study by asking, “Are you familiar with the word ‘gospel’ and what it actually means?” If there is uncertainty, then share the information in the “Introduction.”

This lesson concludes with an emphasis on obedience, which is picked up again in lesson 3.

Lesson 2: The Gospel Overview (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath.

For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

INTRODUCTION

The word “gospel” literally means “good news.” But in order to have good news, there must be bad news. In this lesson we will compare the bad news with the good news of the gospel.

 BAD NEWS

1. Psalm 5:4-5

What is God’s attitude toward sin?

 2. Isaiah 59:1-2

How does sin affect a person’s relationship with God?

 3. Romans 3:10, 23

How many have sinned?

How many lies have you told?

What do you call a person who tells lies?

Have you ever stolen anything?

What do you call a person who steals?

Have you ever looked at a person with lust?

What do you call someone who has looked at a person with lust? (see Matthew 5:28)

How has your sin affected your relationship with God? (see 1Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8; 22:15)

GOOD NEWS

4. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

What is the good news about this statement?

5. John 3:16-17

What has God done to save you?

6. Romans 5:6-8

What has Jesus done to save you from your sins?

How does that make you feel?

7. John 14:6

Can anyone other than Jesus reconcile you to God?

BAD NEWS

8. Matthew 7:13-14, 21

Will everyone be saved?

Will most people be saved?

Is it enough to simply call Jesus “Lord”?

9. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

What will happen to those who do not obey the gospel?

GOOD NEWS

10. Romans 6:16-18

Is it possible to be set free from sin?

What must one do to be set free from sin?

Is that what you want to do?

11. Hebrews 5:8-9

Jesus is the Saviour of whom?

Do you want Jesus to save you?

12. Matthew 28:18-20

How much of Jesus’ teachings must we obey?

Are you willing to do all that Jesus commands?

CONCLUSION

A. Why is your sin “bad news”?

B. What is the “good news”?

C. What must you do to be freed from your sins and be saved through Jesus?

Additional Scripture References

1. Psalm 11:5; Prov. 6:16-19; Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Rev. 2:6, 15

2. Psalm 94:20; Jeremiah 5:25; 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 1:6

3. Gal. 3:22; 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-9; Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11

4. Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11-12

5. John 17:1-8; 1 Cor. 1:29-31; Titus 3:3-7; 1 John 4:9-10

6. Isa. 53:3-9; Mark 15:1-39; John 15:13; Phil. 2:5-8; 1 John 2:1-2

7. Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Cor. 1:30; 3:10-11; 1 John 2:1-2

8. Matthew 7:21-23; 22:1-8; 25:41; Luke 6:46; Rev. 20:15

9. Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:5-11; 1 Pet. 4:17; Rev. 20:12-15

10. Luke 8:15; John 8:31-36; Romans 10:16-17; James 2:17-26

11. Matthew 7:21-27; 12:50; James 1:21-25; 1 John 2:3-5

12. John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:10, 14 Acts 3:22-23

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).