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WHEN WALKING out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy "walking in the light". This Bible study is designed to allow us to "walk" into the marvelous light of the Word of God. We will be journeying into the scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation. In order to do this, we will be careful to "rightly" divide the word of the truth (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order, including:
We believe the scriptures are divinely inspired and, "of no private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to, or taking away from its teachings (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6). It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord. Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination. We simply desire to share the truth as it is written. Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end. Let us read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God. . . And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
To find out what the Apostles' word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after the Lord's death, burial and resurrection. . .and just before His ascension into heaven. "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understandthe scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM? HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED? Let us continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem. . . NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the birth requirements Jesus mentioned in John 3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God.
Now, let's look at some more examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts. . . Phillip preaching to the Samaritans in Acts 8 NOTICE: Some people say when they experienced joy; or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Ghost. But what does the Word say? Acts 8:5-8
Acts 8:12
Acts 8:14-17
Peter preaching to the Gentiles in Acts 10 NOTICE: Some people say being religious is enough, or that the Spirit-baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But the Word shows us through Cornelius' experience that this is not true. . .then it is not. . . . Acts 10:1-2
Acts 10:5-6
Acts 10:44-46
Acts 10:47-48
Paul preaching to John's disciples in Acts 19 NOTICE: Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also, some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptize (if you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized. If the Bible indicates it does not matter,then it does not matter. . .but, what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter? Acts 19:1-2
Acts 19:3-5
Acts 19:6
We have found that the Apostles preached the following message:
Now, let us read what the Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they proclaimed in the Book of Acts. We can do this by reading the epistles (letters) they wrote to their converts. Supplemental Study Scriptures As we read the Epistles, we will notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of salvation. This is not because they were being judgmental, it is because they knew the Word Jesus had given them to proclaim was going to judge all men.
(1) Matthew 7:13-24
(2) Matthew 16:15-19 Paul Gave the answer: (3) Other "Great Commission" scriptures": (4) Matthew 16:15-19
(5) Acts 8:35-39
(6) Acts 10:34-43
(7) I Peter 3:20-21
We encourage you to read through the Gospels. . .in detail. . .and continue to walk "into His marvelous light"! |
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