Pastor Alejandro Bullón · 2020. 12. 2. · Pastor Alejandro Bullón With gratitude to Eunice I. Dupertuis for her excellent and diligent work on the translation of this material

Pastor Alejandro Bullón

With gratitude to Eunice I. Dupertuis for her excellent and diligent work on the translation of this material.

4 JESUS, OUR GREAT HOPE

LESSON 1 THE SOURCE OF TRUE HOPE

Welcome! The purpose of this Bible study is to teach you to be happy. Happiness can not exist without hope. Therefore, in the first lesson, we will learn where to find information about true hope. Why do we believe that the Bible is the Word of God? Who wrote it? How did it reach us? How can such an ancient book be so important for people in the twenty-first century? Let us see.

We are all interested in knowing about our origin. And, many people wish to know how it is that man came into existence. When God created man, in whose image was he created? Genesis 1:27, 28 says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”

Thus, in the beginning, God and man communicated face to face just as friends talk to each other. But something occurred. Everything changed when sin entered the world. What happened after Adam and Eve sinned? The Bible says, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you? So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself’” (Genesis 3:8-10).

It is evident here that a breach occurred between God and Man. After sin entered the world, man no longer spoke face to face with God. Man could not see the face of God but could hear His voice. However, with the passing of time, man was no longer able to hear the voice of God. This is shown when the people of Israel made a strange request to Moses: “Then they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” (Exodus 20:19).

What a tragedy! Sin caused man to no longer want to hear the voice of God. What did God then do so He could continue communicating with His children? The Lord made use of messengers (or prophets) to transmit His message to the people. This is found in 2 Peter 1:21. “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Can you see? God found some people, like the prophets, and trusted them with the message He wanted to give His children. What command did these prophets receive from God? According to Revelation 1:11, God commanded that these messages be written and passed on. “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

These holy men, inspired by God, wrote of His will to reprimand and guide His children on this earth. It is clear that this message was received from God, for “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

5JESUS, OUR GREAT HOPE

LESSON 1 THE SOURCE OF TRUE HOPE

Welcome! The purpose of this Bible study is to teach you to be happy. Happiness can not exist without hope. Therefore, in the first lesson, we will learn where to find information about true hope. Why do we believe that the Bible is the Word of God? Who wrote it? How did it reach us? How can such an ancient book be so important for people in the twenty-first century? Let us see.

We are all interested in knowing about our origin. And, many people wish to know how it is that man came into existence. When God created man, in whose image was he created? Genesis 1:27, 28 says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”

Thus, in the beginning, God and man communicated face to face just as friends talk to each other. But something occurred. Everything changed when sin entered the world. What happened after Adam and Eve sinned? The Bible says, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you? So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself’” (Genesis 3:8-10).

It is evident here that a breach occurred between God and Man. After sin entered the world, man no longer spoke face to face with God. Man could not see the face of God but could hear His voice. However, with the passing of time, man was no longer able to hear the voice of God. This is shown when the people of Israel made a strange request to Moses: “Then they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” (Exodus 20:19).

What a tragedy! Sin caused man to no longer want to hear the voice of God. What did God then do so He could continue communicating with His children? The Lord made use of messengers (or prophets) to transmit His message to the people. This is found in 2 Peter 1:21. “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Can you see? God found some people, like the prophets, and trusted them with the message He wanted to give His children. What command did these prophets receive from God? According to Revelation 1:11, God commanded that these messages be written and passed on. “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

These holy men, inspired by God, wrote of His will to reprimand and guide His children on this earth. It is clear that this message was received from God, for “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

If the messages they received were inspired by the Holy Spirit, then, the only way to comprehend them correctly is through the understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

For this reason, before reading the Bible, you must pray and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By doing this, the teachings of the Bible will accomplish at least four purposes in your life:

1. John 5:39 – You will study the Bible.2. Romans 15:4 – You will be filled with the knowledge of God.3. John 17:17 – You will be sanctified by His Word.4. Psalm 119:105 – You will be illuminated by His Word.

The Bible is the means through which God wishes to communicate with you. If you study it daily, you will see the fulfillment of the divine promises in your life, and you will be happy. Yet, you must not read it in haste. You need to feel the heartfelt desire that God speak to you. Ask yourself, “How can this passage help me to solve my problems today? Is there something I must do in order to be happy?” Read the same passage several times. Meditate on its meaning. A short passage well understood is better than a long text read superficially.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE STUDIED THIS TOPIC, PLEASE SPEND A FEW MINUTES ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

1. According to Genesis 1:27, 28, in the beginning, in whose image was man created? a. There is no way to know. b. The concept of the image is not important. c. In God’s image

2. Genesis 3:8-10 says that when sin entered the world, man... a. continued communicating with God as it was in the beginning. b. hid from God. c. understood God better.

3. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, Scripture is profitable... a. for amusement. b. for instruction in the arts. c. for instruction in doctrine and righteousness, for reproof and correction.

4. As stated in John 14:26, in what two ways will the Holy Spirit help us?... a. to see our ignorance and wickedness. b. to remember everything Jesus has said. c. to be more receptive to the Word of God.


LESSON 2 SALVATION AND HOPE

It is very frightening and distressing to feel lost. For this reason, Jesus offers you salvation and hope. But, what should you do to attain salvation? How much is human effort and merit worth? Can someone deserve salvation because of his or her sacrifices and penance? Can obedience earn you points for salvation? What does the Bible say about this? Let us see. We will now see that salvation is a divine provision which can be obtained more easily than we think. The following illustration explains this well. What did the jailer in Philippi ask Peter and Silas? What was their response? “And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30, 31). We see then that the benefits of salvation begin when we believe in Jesus Christ.

Yet, we need to analyze this wonderful blessing a bit more. Why do you need to believe in Jesus in order to be saved? According to Acts 4:12, salvation can only be found in Christ. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” It is useless to seek here and there for a solution to our spiritual problems if we do not go where we can find Jesus.

After reading the previous quote, you might ask, “And why do I need to be saved? I am not a bad person nor am I wicked. I behave well socially.” Well, the next text tells us why we do need to be saved. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). We are all sinners and subject to death.

What is surprising about this fact is that it is not limited to two or three human beings. Romans 3:23 says something amazing, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Impressive. We are all sinners. Not one person in this world is not a sinner. Thus, we are all condemned to die. But what happens when you go to Jesus? The apostle Paul says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1).

How comforting it is to know that if we are in Christ, we are no longer condemned to death. This leads us to think of Christ and wish to know who He truly is. When Jesus entered the home of Zacchaeus, what did He bring with Him? “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9).

Yes, Jesus is the author of salvation. What must you do to be saved from death? “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- The sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:3). We are encouraged when someone brings us good news. And knowing that we can be freed from the death that separates us from Christ is very good news.

By nature, man wishes to live forever. The heavenly desire for man is found in Ezekiel 33:11. “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!


LESSON 2 SALVATION AND HOPE

It is very frightening and distressing to feel lost. For this reason, Jesus offers you salvation and hope. But, what should you do to attain salvation? How much is human effort and merit worth? Can someone deserve salvation because of his or her sacrifices and penance? Can obedience earn you points for salvation? What does the Bible say about this? Let us see. We will now see that salvation is a divine provision which can be obtained more easily than we think. The following illustration explains this well. What did the jailer in Philippi ask Peter and Silas? What was their response? “And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30, 31). We see then that the benefits of salvation begin when we believe in Jesus Christ.

Yet, we need to analyze this wonderful blessing a bit more. Why do you need to believe in Jesus in order to be saved? According to Acts 4:12, salvation can only be found in Christ. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” It is useless to seek here and there for a solution to our spiritual problems if we do not go where we can find Jesus.

After reading the previous quote, you might ask, “And why do I need to be saved? I am not a bad person nor am I wicked. I behave well socially.” Well, the next text tells us why we do need to be saved. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). We are all sinners and subject to death.

What is surprising about this fact is that it is not limited to two or three human beings. Romans 3:23 says something amazing, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Impressive. We are all sinners. Not one person in this world is not a sinner. Thus, we are all condemned to die. But what happens when you go to Jesus? The apostle Paul says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1).

How comforting it is to know that if we are in Christ, we are no longer condemned to death. This leads us to think of Christ and wish to know who He truly is. When Jesus entered the home of Zacchaeus, what did He bring with Him? “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9).

Yes, Jesus is the author of salvation. What must you do to be saved from death? “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- The sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:3). We are encouraged when someone brings us good news. And knowing that we can be freed from the death that separates us from Christ is very good news.

By nature, man wishes to live forever. The heavenly desire for man is found in Ezekiel 33:11. “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!

For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” It provides us with the guarantee that this is so. But there is more good news. We pay nothing for salvation. Salvation is free. Ephesians 2:8 clearly says that salvation is free. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Salvation is a gift from God.

When we receive a gift, we are gladdened and have warm feelings toward those who have treated us well. The same will happen to those who receive salvation. They will express their joy in a song of victory. What will the redeemed sing during eternity? “And crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:10).

When hope comes into your heart, it changes your attitude, and reasons for living multiply. What should your attitude be today? It should be of joy and hope. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” (Hebrews 2:3).

If Jesus Christ is where salvation is found, and you desire salvation, all you have to do is go to Him and spend time with Him. It is only in Him that you are saved. He is the only source of salvation. After having understood this, what will your decision be?

PLEASE SPEND A FEW MOMENTS REVIEWING GOD’S BLESSINGS IN RELATION TO SALVATION AND HOPE, AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

1. According to Acts 16:30, 31, what must one do to be saved? a. Be a good Christian. b. Believe in Jesus Christ. c. Live a joyful life.

2. What does Ezequiel 33:11 say about the heaven’s desire for man? a. that the wicked turn from his way and live. b. that man be wealthy. c. that man have good health. 3. Write down your impressions about the topic of salvation and hope presented in this lesson.


LESSON 3 LOVE AND HOPE

Today we will study the essence of God’s character. The Bible affirms that God is love. And if God is eternal, then God’s love is eternal. Therefore, God’s love for you is eternal. It never ends. This love should capture your heart and inspire you to walk in the ways of the Lord. In other words, give you hope.

Character is always a determining factor when generating feelings of affection or rejection towards someone. In God’s case, it is His character that attracts man. What is the essence of the character of God? “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). The biblical writer says who God is in very simple words. Someone who loves us intensely. According to God’s Word, what is God’s declaration of love for you? “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”(Jeremiah 31:3). God’s love is revealed in His lovingkindness and compassion towards you. This truly comforts the heart and brings hope to those who do not have it.

What does our Lord Jesus Christ tell you regarding His love for you? “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” (John 15:9). Just as the Father loves His Son, His Son loves you with infinite love, a love that is incomprehensible to man.

Do you need to love God for Him to love you? 1 John 4:10 tells us, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” On account of sin, neither you nor I have the inclination to love God; therefore, it is God who takes the initiative and comes to us because He loves us. Because of His wonderful love, what type of relationship does He wish to have with us? 1 John 3:1 says the following, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

Because He is our Father, He loves and treats us as His children. Do you believe that this dear Father can love you even though you are a sinner? Romans 5:8 says “yes.” “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This is clearly evident by the manner in which the Lord treated Adam and Eve. Did the Father abandon them when they sinned? Or, did they separate themselves from Him? When we read Genesis 3:8-10, we learn who abandoned whom. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” As you can see, it was not God who separated Himself from Adam; it was Adam who hid from God. This is what is so dreadful --The sinner does not want to be in the presence of God.

Is there anything that you can do that would cause your heavenly Father to stop loving you? Here is what Romans 8:38, 39 says, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor


LESSON 3 LOVE AND HOPE

Today we will study the essence of God’s character. The Bible affirms that God is love. And if God is eternal, then God’s love is eternal. Therefore, God’s love for you is eternal. It never ends. This love should capture your heart and inspire you to walk in the ways of the Lord. In other words, give you hope.

Character is always a determining factor when generating feelings of affection or rejection towards someone. In God’s case, it is His character that attracts man. What is the essence of the character of God? “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). The biblical writer says who God is in very simple words. Someone who loves us intensely. According to God’s Word, what is God’s declaration of love for you? “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”(Jeremiah 31:3). God’s love is revealed in His lovingkindness and compassion towards you. This truly comforts the heart and brings hope to those who do not have it.

What does our Lord Jesus Christ tell you regarding His love for you? “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” (John 15:9). Just as the Father loves His Son, His Son loves you with infinite love, a love that is incomprehensible to man.

Do you need to love God for Him to love you? 1 John 4:10 tells us, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” On account of sin, neither you nor I have the inclination to love God; therefore, it is God who takes the initiative and comes to us because He loves us. Because of His wonderful love, what type of relationship does He wish to have with us? 1 John 3:1 says the following, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

Because He is our Father, He loves and treats us as His children. Do you believe that this dear Father can love you even though you are a sinner? Romans 5:8 says “yes.” “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This is clearly evident by the manner in which the Lord treated Adam and Eve. Did the Father abandon them when they sinned? Or, did they separate themselves from Him? When we read Genesis 3:8-10, we learn who abandoned whom. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” As you can see, it was not God who separated Himself from Adam; it was Adam who hid from God. This is what is so dreadful --The sinner does not want to be in the presence of God.

Is there anything that you can do that would cause your heavenly Father to stop loving you? Here is what Romans 8:38, 39 says, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor

life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Would it be possible for this marvelous Father to someday forget about you? Isaiah 49:15 says that God will not forget you. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.” How comforting it is to hear this from God. How did God show you His infinite love? “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Here is the best evidence of God’s selfless love for sinners.

What is the purpose of God’s divine love? What is it that God desires to do with you in the end? God wants to give us eternal life. In John 3:16 Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This is the greatest promise ever given in this world. It is only God, who in His infinite love is able to do this for you and for me. God’s love for you is infinite. This is not because of who you are but of who you could become. Nothing you have done or have not done can in any way make you worthy of that love. You can accept or reject that love. If you accept it, God’s transforming love will revolutionize your life. If you reject it, the heavenly Father will continue loving you, but that love will not be of any use to you. In spite of God’s infinite love, you will be lost. What will your decision be?

WE ASK YOU AGAIN TO PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW.

1. 1 John 4:8 says that God is:a. arbitrary or inflexible.b. a strange being who has no interest in you.c. love.

2. In Jeremiah 31:3, God makes a declaration of love towards man. What did He say?a. I love you because I am your Creator.b. I have loved you with an everlasting love.c. I love you, but with some conditions.

3. Is it necessary for you to love God so that He will love you, too?a. Yes, I must love Him so that He will love me.b. No, because nothing else that has been created can separate us from God’s love.c. I don’t know.

4. According to John 3:16, God wishes to give you...a. riches and fame.b. a superior intelligence than that of any other man.c. eternal life.


LESSON 4 CREATION AND HOPE

To have hope, you need to know your origin. How did you come to be? Are you the fruit of an evolutionary process, or were your created through love? If you are the result of evolution, your life is a mere coincidence and has no purpose. However, if you were created by a God of love, in spite of the difficulties you may face, your life has a purpose. This hope will guide you through a life of victory. Let us see. You live in a marvelous world despite the problems you encounter. Planet Earth did have a beginning, and it is convenient for you to know how it came into existence. How were the heavens and the earth created? The words found in Psalm 33:6-9 clearly state how this took place. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” It seems almost incredible that God brought into existence something so complicated in such a simple manner. And precisely because it was done so simply, some question this origin. This is a matter of faith.

What is one evidence of God’s creative power? “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1). Creation itself testifies of its Maker. But the surprises continue. What was the human being like when God created him/her? Genesis 1:27 says God created man with characteristics similar to His. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This means that you look and are more like God than what you suppose. Yet, God’s great handiwork was affected by sin.

How did sin enter the world? “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?.” (Genesis 3:1). And, who was the serpent? Revelation 12:9 assures the following, “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Then, the serpent was Satan.

WHAT WAS LUCIFER LIKE ORIGINALLY? “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you” (Ezekiel 28:14-17). So, God created a perfect angel. However, to be perfect, it was necessary that Lucifer be free. And to be free meant that he needed to be able to choose between two paths. The reason Lucifer made the wrong decision is a mystery. The Bible gives no explanation; it only tells what happened.

WHAT TOOK PLACE AFTER LUCIFER’S REBELLION?“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with


LESSON 4 CREATION AND HOPE

To have hope, you need to know your origin. How did you come to be? Are you the fruit of an evolutionary process, or were your created through love? If you are the result of evolution, your life is a mere coincidence and has no purpose. However, if you were created by a God of love, in spite of the difficulties you may face, your life has a purpose. This hope will guide you through a life of victory. Let us see. You live in a marvelous world despite the problems you encounter. Planet Earth did have a beginning, and it is convenient for you to know how it came into existence. How were the heavens and the earth created? The words found in Psalm 33:6-9 clearly state how this took place. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” It seems almost incredible that God brought into existence something so complicated in such a simple manner. And precisely because it was done so simply, some question this origin. This is a matter of faith.

What is one evidence of God’s creative power? “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1). Creation itself testifies of its Maker. But the surprises continue. What was the human being like when God created him/her? Genesis 1:27 says God created man with characteristics similar to His. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This means that you look and are more like God than what you suppose. Yet, God’s great handiwork was affected by sin.

How did sin enter the world? “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?.” (Genesis 3:1). And, who was the serpent? Revelation 12:9 assures the following, “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Then, the serpent was Satan.

WHAT WAS LUCIFER LIKE ORIGINALLY? “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you” (Ezekiel 28:14-17). So, God created a perfect angel. However, to be perfect, it was necessary that Lucifer be free. And to be free meant that he needed to be able to choose between two paths. The reason Lucifer made the wrong decision is a mystery. The Bible gives no explanation; it only tells what happened.

WHAT TOOK PLACE AFTER LUCIFER’S REBELLION?“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with

him.” (Revelation 12:9). Evil cannot coexist with God, and Satan, in his sin, was cast out from the presence of God. Why did he come to this world? We do not know. However, we can learn more regarding this evil being.

What does the devil focus on today? 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is directing his efforts against you and me. But in this life, who is our struggle against? In Ephesians 6:12, 13, the apostle Paul assures us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Hence, in this life, our struggle is against Satan. How can we break free from his power? How can we claim victory over the enemy? “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1X`1 5:57).

Based on what is written in the Bible, we have the certainty that God can give us hope, protection and salvation. Isn’t this marvelous? Do you understand? God created a perfect world in which He placed human beings where they can be happy.

Unfortunately, the enemy, who in the beginning was also created as a perfect angel, chose evil and brought sin to this world. He deceived Adam and Eve and deformed God’s perfect world. Today, the “devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” However, Jesus has assured our victory.

After having understood that man was created perfect, and that the enemy of God tarnished His perfect handiwork, but that it is still possible to be victorious in Jesus, what is your decision?

ONCE AGAIN, WE ASK THAT YOU DEDICATE A FEW MINUTES TO RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.

1. According to what you have read, how did the heavens and earth come into existence?

2. Based on Salm 19:1, in what way can we learn of God’s creative power?a. Through human intelligenceb. By study of complex planetary systemsc. From the heavens which declare the glory of God

3. According to Genesis 3:1, what means did Satan use to bring sin into the world?a. A marvelous and enchanting fruitb. An unfortunate oversight by Godc. One of the animals in the field, a serpent

4. Knowing that the serpent represents Satan and is acting against us today, what does 1 Peter 5:8 ask of us?

a. To defy the devilb. To resist by being temperate (alert, vigilant, awake) and watchful c. To consider the enemy as a good joke


LESSON 5 CONVERSION AND HOPE

The perfect world created by God was disfigured by sin. After the fall of Adam and Eve came pain, death, violence, treason and all that is evil in this world. Man’s perfect character became selfish and sinful, and regardless of how hard he/she tries, it is not possible to be happy. Is there any hope for you? What is the heavenly solution? Let us see.

Millions of people in this world are unhappy. Happiness is a state in which one feels a sense of fulfillment and total satisfaction. However, it is very difficult to achieve this feeling in our hurried and agitated lives. The Bible gives many examples of people who experienced unhappiness, and we can learn from these stories. Nicodemus is one example. He was a church leader, but apparently, he was not happy. According to the words of Jesus, what event needed to take place in the life of Nicodemus before becoming a happy church member? “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(John 3:3).

Why was it necessary for Nicodemus to be born again? ” ...That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). The new birth which Jesus refers to is a new life in Christ. It is the conversion from doing evil to doing that which is good. It is stopping to follow the enemy to doing the will of God.

Nicodemus, you, I and all human beings were born in “the flesh.” How do those who were born in “the flesh” live? In this sense, in Ephesians 2:3, the apostle Paul reminds us of the following: “Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

In this sinful nature and apart from God, you and I were without hope. Those who have not been born again continue in that same condition. Then, what are the fruits, works or results of living in the flesh? “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21).

The Bible gives an explanation for the behavior of the sinner. Why does a person born in the flesh commit evil acts? Jesus says, “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:17, 18). You are not a sinner because you do evil acts. You do evil acts because you are a sinner. Then, what is it necessary for Jesus to do in your life so that you stop doing “the old things?” “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The past is gone, and you are discovering who, without Christ, you truly are. What will you be like after Jesus transforms your life? “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3).


LESSON 5 CONVERSION AND HOPE

The perfect world created by God was disfigured by sin. After the fall of Adam and Eve came pain, death, violence, treason and all that is evil in this world. Man’s perfect character became selfish and sinful, and regardless of how hard he/she tries, it is not possible to be happy. Is there any hope for you? What is the heavenly solution? Let us see.

Millions of people in this world are unhappy. Happiness is a state in which one feels a sense of fulfillment and total satisfaction. However, it is very difficult to achieve this feeling in our hurried and agitated lives. The Bible gives many examples of people who experienced unhappiness, and we can learn from these stories. Nicodemus is one example. He was a church leader, but apparently, he was not happy. According to the words of Jesus, what event needed to take place in the life of Nicodemus before becoming a happy church member? “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(John 3:3).

Why was it necessary for Nicodemus to be born again? ” ...That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). The new birth which Jesus refers to is a new life in Christ. It is the conversion from doing evil to doing that which is good. It is stopping to follow the enemy to doing the will of God.

Nicodemus, you, I and all human beings were born in “the flesh.” How do those who were born in “the flesh” live? In this sense, in Ephesians 2:3, the apostle Paul reminds us of the following: “Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

In this sinful nature and apart from God, you and I were without hope. Those who have not been born again continue in that same condition. Then, what are the fruits, works or results of living in the flesh? “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21).

The Bible gives an explanation for the behavior of the sinner. Why does a person born in the flesh commit evil acts? Jesus says, “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:17, 18). You are not a sinner because you do evil acts. You do evil acts because you are a sinner. Then, what is it necessary for Jesus to do in your life so that you stop doing “the old things?” “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The past is gone, and you are discovering who, without Christ, you truly are. What will you be like after Jesus transforms your life? “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3).

As you can see, a radical change takes place in the life of sinners. Before, they sustained themselves with the garbage of this world and received nourishment from filthy sources; now their sustenance is certain, they prosper and depend on God. And, what are the fruits of the “tree planted by rivers of water?” “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Indeed, the law should not persecute those who have the character of God and give forth fruits of repentance. Do you understand?

Now you can produce good fruits. You are a “good tree” because you have accepted Jesus. Now that you are in the company of Jesus and that He is your friend, what have you become in Him and what has He given you? “...by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). This is the experience of those who go to Jesus. In Him there is not variation, and His promises are faithful and true.

Isn’t this extraordinary? You accept Jesus, and He makes you a “participant of the divine nature.” You are a new creature. What existed before was contaminated by sin. Jesus gives you a new nature and a heart with the capacity to love. Before, you were of “the flesh.” Now, you are of the Spirit and produce fruits of the Spirit. The good works that now appear in your life are not the artificial results of your efforts. They are natural fruits of your new nature. You have been converted. You are a good tree and naturally produce the fruits of love. What will your decision be?

ONCE AGAIN, WOULD YOU PLEASE DEDICATE A FEW MINUTES TO RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.

1. According to John 3:3, how can man attain happiness?a. Accumulating richesb. Being born again in Christc. Doing good works in favor of the needy

2. Galatians 5:19-21 gives a list of fruits of “the flesh.” Write down at least three.a. b.c.

3. In contrast, Galatians 5:22, 23 offers a list of “fruits of the Spirit.” Select and write down three of them.

a.b.c.

4. In your words, write down what you have felt while studying this topic.


LESSON 6 RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOPE

From the point of view of the Bible, what is righteousness? Is it behaving well and following all Bible teachings, or is it living a marvelous experience of daily communion with Jesus? What can you do when you want to be good and you cannot? What hope does Jesus offer? Let us see.

Injustice reigns in the world because humanity is unrighteous. And injustice produces unfair laws, governments and practices. This leads to the next question. How many human beings are righteous? According to Ecclesiastes 7:20, none. “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” So, when you desire justice or to be treated fairly, well, that justice is relative.

What is the dramatic situation of an unrighteous person? “From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment.” (Isaiah 1:6). Then, unrighteousness, which is related to sin, causes sickness and disruption to man.

God’s righteousness is amazing, and His righteous character is revealed in His Word. In accordance with the Bible, what does the unrighteous or sinful human being deserve? “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Therefore, human unrighteousness leads to death. Although God is a witness to the behavior of an unrighteous person, He does not wish him/her ill. According to Ezekiel 18:32, what is God’s attitude toward the unrighteous sinner? “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!.” (Ezekiel 18:32). This is an impressive call. God Himself says He does not want the unrighteous person to die, but to live. This is the point where hope arises for the unrighteous.

You can “live” only if you become converted. How can you be converted and become righteous? “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our righteousness is unrighteousness. In order for us to become righteous, we need to accept Christ as our Savior. If we do not, we will continue to be unrighteous.

In Christ we are made righteous for two reasons. First, He forgives us. But that is not all. What else does the Lord promise to do for us? “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Notice that to be righteous, being forgiven is not enough. We must also be purified. So, what is it necessary for us to do besides confessing our sins? “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Can we separate ourselves from sin by our own efforts? “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23).

Our unrighteousness is a part of who we are. Even if we made an effort to liberate ourselves from this evil, we would never be successful unless we have the assistance of a superior power. Because of this, what is the only solution for us? 1 John 3:9 tells us we must be born of God. “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed


LESSON 6 RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOPE

From the point of view of the Bible, what is righteousness? Is it behaving well and following all Bible teachings, or is it living a marvelous experience of daily communion with Jesus? What can you do when you want to be good and you cannot? What hope does Jesus offer? Let us see.

Injustice reigns in the world because humanity is unrighteous. And injustice produces unfair laws, governments and practices. This leads to the next question. How many human beings are righteous? According to Ecclesiastes 7:20, none. “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” So, when you desire justice or to be treated fairly, well, that justice is relative.

What is the dramatic situation of an unrighteous person? “From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment.” (Isaiah 1:6). Then, unrighteousness, which is related to sin, causes sickness and disruption to man.

God’s righteousness is amazing, and His righteous character is revealed in His Word. In accordance with the Bible, what does the unrighteous or sinful human being deserve? “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Therefore, human unrighteousness leads to death. Although God is a witness to the behavior of an unrighteous person, He does not wish him/her ill. According to Ezekiel 18:32, what is God’s attitude toward the unrighteous sinner? “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!.” (Ezekiel 18:32). This is an impressive call. God Himself says He does not want the unrighteous person to die, but to live. This is the point where hope arises for the unrighteous.

You can “live” only if you become converted. How can you be converted and become righteous? “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our righteousness is unrighteousness. In order for us to become righteous, we need to accept Christ as our Savior. If we do not, we will continue to be unrighteous.

In Christ we are made righteous for two reasons. First, He forgives us. But that is not all. What else does the Lord promise to do for us? “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Notice that to be righteous, being forgiven is not enough. We must also be purified. So, what is it necessary for us to do besides confessing our sins? “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Can we separate ourselves from sin by our own efforts? “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23).

Our unrighteousness is a part of who we are. Even if we made an effort to liberate ourselves from this evil, we would never be successful unless we have the assistance of a superior power. Because of this, what is the only solution for us? 1 John 3:9 tells us we must be born of God. “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed

remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” This birth is possible when we surrender ourselves to Christ and accept Him as our personal Savior.

Our sins are like a heavy load that weighs down our lives and makes us debtors before God. What does God promise to do with our confessed sins? “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). This is forgiveness. When your sins are forgiven, you receive the greatest gift you will ever be given. And when you are forgiven, you become joyful and free in Christ.

Many of your sins are public; that is, they are known by people who know you. However, some sins are private and hidden from others. Both the public sin as well as the private sin drive you away from God. Confession is necessary, but to whom do you confess? Should you confess your sins to an intermediary such as a pastor or priest in order to be forgiven? “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5). We confess our sins to God and to those we have offended.

Isn’t this amazing? Although we might be the greatest sinners, we can become righteous simply by accepting Jesus. He is righteousness. No one can be righteous if separated from God. Your only way out is Jesus. Go to Him just as you are, like the prodigal son, dressed in rags. The Lord Jesus is there, waiting for you with open arms. Enter into the dimension of love!

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO ANSWER THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS BELOW.

1. According to Ecclesiastes 7:20, how many righteous are there in the world today?a. The majority of the inhabitants of the worldb. Nonec. Only those who participate in one of the current religions

2. When you read Isaiah 1:6, do you understand that those who are unrighteous are:a. joyful and full of life.b. very preoccupied about their sinful condition.c. sick spiritually “from the sole of the foot even to the head.”

3. When you read 1 John 1:9, what do you feel you should do if you wish to rid yourselves of your unrighteousness?

a. Confess our sinsb. Pay our debtsc. Join a rehabilitation program

4. 1 Timothy 2:5 says we should confess our sins to...a. a best friend.b. God.c. the pastor or priest.


LESSON 7 REST AND HOPE

We live in a world that is permeated with turbulence and confusion. How necessary it is for us to wait and rest for a bit. Stress has become the disease of the century. People are anxious without knowing why and are desperately searching for a cure for their anxiety. They are not aware of the divine remedy for their malaise. Jesus is that peace and who gives us hope.

Rest is necessary not only for physical health but also for mental health. Many diseases affecting humanity today are related to the mind and lack of rest. You and I need to have mental and spiritual health. The biblical Sabbath is related to rest. Let us see what three things God did for your good at the end of creation: “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made” (Genesis 2:1-3).

According to this text, three things took place on the first Sabbath: Jesus rested, blessed the Sabbath and sanctified it. How should a human being approach that which God has sanctified? “Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5). What has been made holy by God must be treated with respect. That which is holy or has been sanctified by Him has been set apart for a special purpose.

According to Exodus 20:8-10, what did God ask of Israel before giving the Sabbath commandment? “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.” The word “remember” indicates that knowledge of the Sabbath existed before the commandments were given at Sinai.

Evidently, the Sabbath was considered to be a day of special communion with God much earlier than when the Ten Commandments were given. What does God want the Sabbath to mean to you? “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words...” (Isaiah 58:13, 14). For many, and perhaps even for you, the Sabbath is not important. However, for God it is very significant, and it is His desire that you understand what He expects you to do on that day. What should God’s people know before keeping the Sabbath? “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2). God liberated His people from Egyptian bondage before giving them the Sabbath commandment. You must understand that God has liberated you from the bondage of sin before the Sabbath can become a day of delight for you. The Sabbath was given to man as a memorial of two great events:

a. Exodus 31:17 – Creation

b. Deuteronomy 5:15 – Liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage.Some people argue that the Sabbath was a specific ordinance for ancient Israel. Yet the Bible gives the Sabbath a universal value. During His earthly ministry, Christ Himself gave emphasis to the Sabbath. Did Jesus keep the Sabbath? “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.” (Luke 4:16).


LESSON 7 REST AND HOPE

We live in a world that is permeated with turbulence and confusion. How necessary it is for us to wait and rest for a bit. Stress has become the disease of the century. People are anxious without knowing why and are desperately searching for a cure for their anxiety. They are not aware of the divine remedy for their malaise. Jesus is that peace and who gives us hope.

Rest is necessary not only for physical health but also for mental health. Many diseases affecting humanity today are related to the mind and lack of rest. You and I need to have mental and spiritual health. The biblical Sabbath is related to rest. Let us see what three things God did for your good at the end of creation: “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made” (Genesis 2:1-3).

According to this text, three things took place on the first Sabbath: Jesus rested, blessed the Sabbath and sanctified it. How should a human being approach that which God has sanctified? “Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5). What has been made holy by God must be treated with respect. That which is holy or has been sanctified by Him has been set apart for a special purpose.

According to Exodus 20:8-10, what did God ask of Israel before giving the Sabbath commandment? “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.” The word “remember” indicates that knowledge of the Sabbath existed before the commandments were given at Sinai.

Evidently, the Sabbath was considered to be a day of special communion with God much earlier than when the Ten Commandments were given. What does God want the Sabbath to mean to you? “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words...” (Isaiah 58:13, 14). For many, and perhaps even for you, the Sabbath is not important. However, for God it is very significant, and it is His desire that you understand what He expects you to do on that day. What should God’s people know before keeping the Sabbath? “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2). God liberated His people from Egyptian bondage before giving them the Sabbath commandment. You must understand that God has liberated you from the bondage of sin before the Sabbath can become a day of delight for you. The Sabbath was given to man as a memorial of two great events:

a. Exodus 31:17 – Creation

b. Deuteronomy 5:15 – Liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage.Some people argue that the Sabbath was a specific ordinance for ancient Israel. Yet the Bible gives the Sabbath a universal value. During His earthly ministry, Christ Himself gave emphasis to the Sabbath. Did Jesus keep the Sabbath? “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.” (Luke 4:16).

It is important to note that the use of the word “custom” indicates a habitual, repeated and continuous occurrence. What did the disciples do after Jesus died? “That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.” (Luke 23:54-56). After these events, the women kept the Sabbath “according to the commandment.” This is a powerful expression when we take into consideration that Luke wrote it twenty years after Jesus had risen from the dead.

What was Paul’s attitude in relationship to the Sabbath? “And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 18:4). In this text, the expression “every Sabbath” is a direct reference the Sabbath as it was known by the Jews then, and as we know it today. And this brings it to our time and reality; the Sabbath was established for all mankind for all time. What does the author of Hebrews say that still remains for the people of God? “For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works,’... There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:4, 9).

Although this text certainly refers to the seventh day, the biblical vision goes beyond the idea of the weekly cycle. The words, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God,” also have an eschatological meaning. They refer to the type of rest that the redeemed will enjoy for eternity.

The Sabbath day has been holy since the time of creation. It existed before and after Sinai. It was respected by Jesus and the apostles as a day of special communion between God and His people. In the time of Israel, the Sabbath had lost its spiritual meaning. Jesus did not come to this earth to abolish the Sabbath but to return to it to its spiritual sense. This is why He performed many of His miracles on the Sabbath. If you are a Christian and love Jesus, you are left with no choice but to accept the Sabbath as the weekly rest God wishes to give you.

WE ASK YOU, AGAIN, TO PLEASE SPEND A FEW MINUTES TO RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.

1. According to Genesis 2:1-3, what three things did God do when He created the Sabbath?

a.b.c.

2. Isaiah 58:13, 14 assures us that the Sabbath is a special day in which you should not...

a. rest.b. follow your own ways, find your own pleasure, speak your own words.c. do good.

3. In accordance with Luke 23:54-56, after the death of Christ, the disciples...a. forgot about the Sabbath.b. changed the day of rest.c. “rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.”


LESSON 8 JESUS, YOUR HOPE

This world is filled with pain, sadness and death, but Jesus has promised He will return and put an end to the history of sin. How will Jesus come? When will He come? How many will see Him in the second coming. Let us see.

You do agree that the situation in the world is going from bad to worse. And surely, you have asked yourself more than once when will these problems which afflict you and others be solved.

The Bible, the book of hope, has good news for all who search it carefully. What is one of the most beautiful promises Jesus has made to you? “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3). Jesus, in His own words, promised to return to this world. In addition, He asked us to not be afraid. According to the Bible, Jesus’ coming will be a visible, universal event. What does the Bible say?

a. Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

b. Revelation. 1:7 – “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.”

c. Matthew 24:27 – “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

When Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven, what will your reaction be if you have lived a life of communion with Him? Based on Isaiah 25:9, the children of God will say, “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

But the reaction of those who rejected Him will be different. “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?.”(Revelation 6:15-17). When they see they are lost, they will live moments of unspeakable despair for having rejected Him who tenderly invited them to follow Him.

Secular society today does not believe that Christ will return. What kind of people will appear in the last days? “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning


LESSON 8 JESUS, YOUR HOPE

This world is filled with pain, sadness and death, but Jesus has promised He will return and put an end to the history of sin. How will Jesus come? When will He come? How many will see Him in the second coming. Let us see.

You do agree that the situation in the world is going from bad to worse. And surely, you have asked yourself more than once when will these problems which afflict you and others be solved.

The Bible, the book of hope, has good news for all who search it carefully. What is one of the most beautiful promises Jesus has made to you? “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3). Jesus, in His own words, promised to return to this world. In addition, He asked us to not be afraid. According to the Bible, Jesus’ coming will be a visible, universal event. What does the Bible say?

a. Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

b. Revelation. 1:7 – “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.”

c. Matthew 24:27 – “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

When Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven, what will your reaction be if you have lived a life of communion with Him? Based on Isaiah 25:9, the children of God will say, “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

But the reaction of those who rejected Him will be different. “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?.”(Revelation 6:15-17). When they see they are lost, they will live moments of unspeakable despair for having rejected Him who tenderly invited them to follow Him.

Secular society today does not believe that Christ will return. What kind of people will appear in the last days? “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning

of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3, 4). Yet, the delay in His coming has a purpose. What is the apparent reason of Christ’s delay? “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

The subject of the coming of Christ is a matter that keeps us in suspense. Has the day of His coming been revealed to anyone? “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36). Since no one knows the day nor the hour of Jesus’ coming, how should those who love Jesus live? “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” (2 Peter 3:11). This call is for you and for me. If you believe that what the Bible says about the second coming of Christ is just as it is written, you must cling to that promise and prepare yourself to meet your Savior.

The coming of Christ will be the most extraordinary event in history. He will come to give closure to the history of sin. Jesus’ death on Calvary would not have had much meaning without His triumphal return. Why would He have saved you? To continue living in this world of pain and death? His return to this earth will be the beginning of a day that will never end. Sin will not arise the second time, and you will live with Him forever. You only need to do what Noah did: Accept Jesus’ grace and walk daily with Him.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS....

1. According to John 14:1-3, what promise did Jesus make?a. Because of evil in the world, He will destroy it with fire.b. He will return again.c. He will help us solve our problems.

2. Based on Revelation 1:7, the coming of Christ will be...a. spiritual.b. visible to all eyes; every eye will see Him.c. a local event.

3. Revelation 6:15-17 says that when Jesus returns, some people will ask for...a. help.b. patience with them.c. mountains and rocks to fall upon them.


LESSON 9 HOPE AND ETERNAL LIFE

What hope do you have in relationship to the people death has taken from you? Where do the dead go? Is it possible to communicate with them? What does the Bible say about this? Let us see.

For man, all of creation is a remarkable and unfathomable act. But the manner in which God created man is even more so. What two elements did God join together when He created the human being? According to Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

If the “living soul”, who is the human being, came to be when the dust of the ground was joined with the breath of life, what happens when he/she dies? The event of death is the opposite of life. Ecclesiastes 12:7 says that when man dies, “the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.”

The Bible presents four characteristics of the dead:a. Ecclesiastes 9:5 – “The dead know nothing.”b. Ecclesiastes 9:5 – “The memory of them is forgotten.”c. Ecclesiastes 9:6 – “Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.”d. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “For there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom.”

There are some who would have you believe that the dead continue to live. We saw that is not so. Who is the only one who has immortality? It is God. “He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15, 16). Therefore, the idea of immortality of the soul is not supported by the Bible.

And if the Bible is clear when it says that only Jesus is immortal, who first offered the idea that man does not die? “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4). Then, what is the only way for man to receive immortality? Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

However, this blessing is not for the present. When will this take place? “... in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?.” (1 Corinthians 15:52-55). As you can see, immortality is not in us; it is something we will receive when Christ returns.



What hope do you have in relationship to the people death has taken from you? Where do the dead go? Is it possible to communicate with them? What does the Bible say about this? Let us see.

For man, all of creation is a remarkable and unfathomable act. But the manner in which God created man is even more so. What two elements did God join together when He created the human being? According to Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

If the “living soul”, who is the human being, came to be when the dust of the ground was joined with the breath of life, what happens when he/she dies? The event of death is the opposite of life. Ecclesiastes 12:7 says that when man dies, “the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.”

The Bible presents four characteristics of the dead:a. Ecclesiastes 9:5 – “The dead know nothing.”b. Ecclesiastes 9:5 – “The memory of them is forgotten.”c. Ecclesiastes 9:6 – “Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.”d. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “For there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom.”

There are some who would have you believe that the dead continue to live. We saw that is not so. Who is the only one who has immortality? It is God. “He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15, 16). Therefore, the idea of immortality of the soul is not supported by the Bible.

And if the Bible is clear when it says that only Jesus is immortal, who first offered the idea that man does not die? “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4). Then, what is the only way for man to receive immortality? Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

However, this blessing is not for the present. When will this take place? “... in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?.” (1 Corinthians 15:52-55). As you can see, immortality is not in us; it is something we will receive when Christ returns.

To what does the Bible compare the state of the dead? “Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:18-20).

If you are heartbroken because you have lost loved ones, remember that they are only asleep in Jesus. When will they awaken? “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This hope is very encouraging for God promises that if believers are faithful, He will reunite them.

Because of the hope we have in Jesus, how should we react to death? “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). These promises are true and certain for all believers who surrender themselves to Jesus. You can be one of them.

One of the greatest deceptions of the end times is that the enemy will attempt to confuse even “the chosen.” He will try to have people believe that when human beings die, they do not really die. Their “spirit” continues living and becomes reincarnated in other forms of life or appears again if summoned.

The Bible is categorical in its teaching that when human beings die, the end for them is definitive until the coming of Christ. On that day, the righteous will arise to live and the unrighteous to condemnation after the millennium.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.

1. When you read Genesis 2:7, did you notice that God joined two elements to form man? They were:

a.b.

2. Genesis 3:4 tells us that the doctrine of immortality of the soul is based on...a. scientific facts.b. the serpent’s lie.c. popular assumptions and stories.



Hello! To be a Christian is to live in Jesus’ circle of love. A person who does not love has not met Jesus. Christianity is maintaining a daily relationship of love with Christ. If you want to be a victorious Christian, you need to keep in mind that Christianity is not primarily obedience, good behavior and obeying the law. All of these are simply fruits. You need to be a Christian to be able to obey.

What is necessary for two persons to be in harmony? “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?.” (Amos 3:3). Then, for two persons to be able to coexist, they need to be in agreement. Accordingly, if you desire to be in harmony with Jesus, you need to be in agreement with Him. However, at the beginning of your Christian journey you will discover that your points of view are different. For example, what does Jesus say you should do if you truly love Him? “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). A very simple but valuable petition.

From the divine perspective, it is not an obligation or a requirement to keep the commandments in order to attain salvation. It is done as an expression of love for Jesus. Yet, can someone who has not received a new heart love Jesus and keep His commandments? The Bible says “no” in the following words: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23).

We need to recognize that we have a very strong propensity to do what is evil. For this reason, before keeping the commandments we need to have the assurance of our salvation. What do we need to be saved? “So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31). Then, all you need to do to be saved is believe in Jesus Christ. Yet, will all those who believe be saved? According to James 2:9, even the demons believe, but they only believe. The text says: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble.”

Now, if the demons also believe, why will they not be saved? “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). The main thought in this lesson is that salvation comes from Jesus; if you are truly saved in Christ, you must walk as He did. This has to do with conduct. What was Jesus’ attitude in relationship to the law? Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17). Thus, the law of God guides you as to how you should behave.

But the law is more than that. It goes beyond telling you how to act. What is the function of the law? “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.” (Romans 7:7). One of the purposes of the law is to show what sin is. The law has no saving power, but it has always existed. Was there law before Sinai? “...because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my



Hello! To be a Christian is to live in Jesus’ circle of love. A person who does not love has not met Jesus. Christianity is maintaining a daily relationship of love with Christ. If you want to be a victorious Christian, you need to keep in mind that Christianity is not primarily obedience, good behavior and obeying the law. All of these are simply fruits. You need to be a Christian to be able to obey.

What is necessary for two persons to be in harmony? “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?.” (Amos 3:3). Then, for two persons to be able to coexist, they need to be in agreement. Accordingly, if you desire to be in harmony with Jesus, you need to be in agreement with Him. However, at the beginning of your Christian journey you will discover that your points of view are different. For example, what does Jesus say you should do if you truly love Him? “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). A very simple but valuable petition.

From the divine perspective, it is not an obligation or a requirement to keep the commandments in order to attain salvation. It is done as an expression of love for Jesus. Yet, can someone who has not received a new heart love Jesus and keep His commandments? The Bible says “no” in the following words: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23).

We need to recognize that we have a very strong propensity to do what is evil. For this reason, before keeping the commandments we need to have the assurance of our salvation. What do we need to be saved? “So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31). Then, all you need to do to be saved is believe in Jesus Christ. Yet, will all those who believe be saved? According to James 2:9, even the demons believe, but they only believe. The text says: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble.”

Now, if the demons also believe, why will they not be saved? “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). The main thought in this lesson is that salvation comes from Jesus; if you are truly saved in Christ, you must walk as He did. This has to do with conduct. What was Jesus’ attitude in relationship to the law? Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17). Thus, the law of God guides you as to how you should behave.

But the law is more than that. It goes beyond telling you how to act. What is the function of the law? “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.” (Romans 7:7). One of the purposes of the law is to show what sin is. The law has no saving power, but it has always existed. Was there law before Sinai? “...because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my

instructions.” (Genesis 26:5). If the law of God had been invalidated at Calvary, would sin exist today? And if there were no more sin, what would Jesus have to save us from? “...because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.” (Romans 4:15). Without the law there is no transgression nor transgressor. Still, the law exists, and although you may not want it to, it will tell you that you are a sinner who needs to repent to be able to have hope.

If you have been converted by Jesus, it will give you joy to do His will. Keeping His commandments will be a delight. On the other hand, if you only have theoretical knowledge of Jesus and not had a personal encounter with Him, you will be looking for reasons to abolish the law from your life. For this reason, it is vital that you have been converted and become a true Christian.

ONCE AGAIN, WE ASK THAT YOU SPEND A LITTLE OF YOUR TIME TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IMPORTAN

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Pastor Alejandro Bullón · 2020. 12. 2. · Pastor Alejandro Bullón With gratitude to Eunice I. Dupertuis for her excellent and diligent work on the translation of this material