- Unshakable Truth 12: The Return of Christ
- Canadian Catholic curriculum: Grade 7 Unit 9: On the third day he rose. He ascended into heaven.
- Colson: Chapter 13: Last things
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Return of Christ Index
The Church Index
- Unshakable Truth 11: The Church
- Canadian Catholic curriculum: Grade 7 Unit 1: ...We
- Colson: Chapter 10: The Church
God became Human Index
- Unshakable Truth 4: God became Human
- Canadian Catholic curriculum: Grade 7 Unit 5: We believe in Jesus Christ his only Son
- Colson: Chapter 7: God above, God beside, God within
Original Sin Index
- Unshakable Truth 3: Original Sin
- Canadian Catholic curriculum: Grade 7 Unit 10: He is seated at the right hand of the father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- Colson: Chapter 5: What went right, What went wrong
God's Word Index
- Unshakable Truth 2: God's Word
- Canadian Catholic curriculum: Grade 7 Unit 2: We believe in God
- Colson: Chapter 3: He has spoken
God Exists Index
- Unshakable Truth 1: God Exists
- Canadian Catholic curriculum: Grade 7 Unit 3: We believe in God the Father Almighty
- Colson: Chapter 1: Everywhere, Always, By All
Unshakable Truth 3: Original Sin
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
Where does evil come from—from our environment and culture, or from within a person?
“I believe evil comes from…
because
”Read Isaiah 64:6. Select the point of view below that you most agree with and complete the answer.
“I believe there is some good in every person and here’s why:
“I believe we are all infected with sin and here’s why:
Isaiah 64:6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2064:6&version=CEV)
6 We are unfit to worship you;
each of our good deeds
is merely a filthy rag.
We dry up like leaves;
our sins are storm winds
sweeping us away.
1 Peter 2:22-23 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%202:22-23&version=CEV)
22 Christ did not sin
or ever tell a lie.
23 Although he was abused,
he never tried to get even.
And when he suffered,
he made no threats.
Instead, he had faith in God,
who judges fairly.
Romans 12:15a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:15a&version=CEV)
15 When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.
Also see Original Sin Index
Unshakable Truth 2: God's Word (Chapters 8-11)
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
Do you trust the Bible to be true and reliable? There’s a reason you can trust the Bible to be reliable, and that is…
Or, do you struggle with trusting the Bible to be reliable because…
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Based on this verse, what would you say the purpose of Scripture is in your life?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:16-17&version=CEV)
16 Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2011:26-28&version=CEV)
26 You have a choice—do you want the Lord to bless you, or do you want him to put a curse on you? 27 Today I am giving you his laws, and if you obey him, he will bless you. 28 But if you disobey him and worship those gods that have never done anything for you, the Lord will put a curse on you.
Psalm 119:33-34 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:33-34&version=CEV)
33 33 Point out your rules to me,
and I won’t disobey
even one of them.
34 Help me to understand your Law;
I promise to obey it
with all my heart.
Luke 6:38 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:38&version=CEV)
38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.
1 Peter 5:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%205:7&version=CEV)
7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.
Exodus 20:12 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2020:12&version=CEV)
12 Respect your father and your mother, and you will live a long time in the land I am giving you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%203:5-6&version=CEV)
5 5 With all your heart
you must trust the Lord
and not your own judgment.
6 Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
for you to follow.
Matthew 5:4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:4&version=CEV)
4 God blesses those people
who grieve.
They will find comfort!
1 John 1:9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201:9%20&version=CEV)
9 But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Psalm 119:4-16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:4-16&version=CEV)
4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings;
5 I don’t ever want to stray
from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7 I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them!
Don’t turn your back on me.
to obey your teachings;
5 I don’t ever want to stray
from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7 I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them!
Don’t turn your back on me.
9 Young people can live
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10 I worship you
with all my heart.
Don’t let me walk away
from your commands.
11 I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12 I praise you, Lord!
Teach me your laws.
13 With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14 Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15 I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16 I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10 I worship you
with all my heart.
Don’t let me walk away
from your commands.
11 I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12 I praise you, Lord!
Teach me your laws.
13 With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14 Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15 I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16 I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
Also see God's Word Index
Unshakable Truth 1: God Exists
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
What is your perception of God—what is he like? How would you define his qualities?
God has these characteristics:
Where did you get your view of God?
Check one or more.
Mostly from my parents
Mostly from the church
Mostly from my friends
Other
Many people get their view of God based on the dominant authority figure from their childhood. Is that true of you? Who was that person, and how accurately did he or she reflect who God is?
Day 1
John 14:6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014&version=CEV;NKJV)
6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father."
Unshakable Truth Book Chapters 1-2 Unshakable Truth Study Guide: Preface
Day 2
Genesis 1:26-27 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201:26-27&version=CEV)
26 God said, “Now we will make humans, and they will be like us. We will let them rule the fish, the birds, and all other living creatures.”
27 So God created humans to be like himself; he made men and women.
Book Chapter 3
Day 3
Genesis 2:18 and 23-24 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202:18&version=CEV)
18 The Lord God said, “It isn’t good for the man to live alone. I need to make a suitable partner for him.”
23 and the man exclaimed,
“Here is someone like me!
She is part of my body,
my own flesh and bones.
She came from me, a man.
So I will name her Woman!”[a]
She is part of my body,
my own flesh and bones.
She came from me, a man.
So I will name her Woman!”[a]
24 That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.
Book Chapter 4
Book Chapter 4
Day 4
1 Thessalonians 2:8-9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%202:8-9&version=CEV)
8 We cared so much for you, and you became so dear to us, that we were willing to give our lives for you when we gave you God’s message.
9 My dear friends, you surely haven’t forgotten our hard work and hardships. You remember how night and day we struggled to make a living, so that we could tell you God’s message without being a burden to anyone.
Book Chapter 5
Day 5
5 “Jeremiah, I am your Creator,
and before you were born,
I chose you to speak for me
to the nations.”
Book Chapter 6
and before you were born,
I chose you to speak for me
to the nations.”
Book Chapter 6
Day 6
32 The Lord doesn’t like
anyone who is dishonest,
but he lets good people
be his friends.
anyone who is dishonest,
but he lets good people
be his friends.
Book: Chapter 7
Guide: Session 1
Friday, July 27, 2012
Unshakable Truth 12: The Return of Christ
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
Without getting into end-times prophecies, what do you think Jesus is ultimately going to do when he returns?
According to 1 Corinthians 15:42-43, what does Jesus have in store for our bodies?
What does Jesus have in store for this earth? Read Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, and Revelation 22:3.
What does Jesus have in store for the devil and for sin and suffering? Read 1 John 3:8 and Revelation 21:4 and 21:27.
Some people think God’s children will live in heaven for eternity—meaning we live in God’s home. But what does Scripture say—are we going to God, or is God coming to us? (Read Revelation 21:3.)
Acts 1:6-11 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201:6-11%20&version=CEV)
6 While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?”[a]
7 Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9 After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud. They could not see him, 10 but as he went up, they kept looking up into the sky.
Suddenly two men dressed in white clothes were standing there beside them. 11 They said, “Why are you men from Galilee standing here and looking up into the sky? Jesus has been taken to heaven. But he will come back in the same way that you have seen him go.”
John 14:1-3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:1-3&version=CEV)
14 Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.[a] 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.
1 Corinthians 15:42-43 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:42-43&version=CEV)
42 That’s how it will be when our bodies are raised to life. These bodies will die, but the bodies that are raised will live forever. 43 These ugly and weak bodies will become beautiful and strong.
Isaiah 65:17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2065:17&version=CEV)
17 I am creating new heavens
and a new earth;
everything of the past
will be forgotten.
2 Peter 3:13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%203:13&version=CEV)
13 But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that!
Revelation 22:3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2022:3&version=CEV)
3 God’s curse will no longer be on the people of that city. He and the Lamb will be seated there on their thrones, and its people will worship God
1 John 3:8 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%203:8&version=CEV)
8 Anyone who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. He has sinned from the beginning, but the Son of God came to destroy all that he has done.
Revelation 21:27 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:27&version=CEV)
27 But nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life[a] will be in the city.
Revelation 21:3-4 and 21:27 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:3-4&version=CEV)
3 I heard a loud voice shout from the throne:
God’s home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. 4 He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.
Extra Reading all of Rev. 21,22 and I Cor. 3
Matthew 19:28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:28%20&version=CEV;NKJV)
Matthew 25:31,34
Eph. 1:10
II Cor. 5:18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Cor.%20%205:18%20&version=CEV;NKJV)
18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.
Matt. 6:19-21
II Cor. 4:8-9,14-18
Also see The Return of Christ Index
Extra Reading all of Rev. 21,22 and I Cor. 3
Matthew 19:28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:28%20&version=CEV;NKJV)
28 Jesus answered:
Yes, all of you have become my followers. And so in the future world, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, I promise that you will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matthew 25:31,34
Eph. 1:10
II Cor. 5:18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Cor.%20%205:18%20&version=CEV;NKJV)
18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.
Matt. 6:19-21
II Cor. 4:8-9,14-18
Unshakable Truth 11: The Church
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
How would you define the Christian church—the church as God intended it?
“I define the church as God meant it to be as….”
The true nature of the church is explained in this excerpt from chapter 45 of The Unshakable Truth book.“The late author and Christian historian Dr. Robert Webber passed along this startling quote:
• ‘The church started as a missionary movement in Jerusalem.
• It moved to Rome and became an institution.
• It traveled to Europe and became a culture.
• It crossed the Atlantic to America and became a big business.’
“While there may be some truth to that quote, Christ’s true church is still alive and well today. It’s true that ‘church’ organizations and institutions disappoint, and many may have lost their way as God’s visible expression of himself. But if you look, you can find the church active and involved in the world. Bob Roberts Jr., pastor of a megachurch and author of the book Transformation, said he had to travel halfway around the world to see firsthand what the church looked like. He relates this story:“‘I didn’t even realize how lost I was until I saw what the church was really supposed to look like. At first, I didn’t even recognize it; then I wanted to rationalize it. I had to go halfway around the world to find it
—in the persecuted underground house church in Asia. I had heard the stories and statistics, but I had never met anyone face to face. They were nothing like me. They were nothing like any believers I had ever met. Not just culturally, but spiritually they blew me away. Sure, their theology is fuzzy. Some don’t even have whole parts of the Bible, only perhaps an entire book or a few passages. But they know God at a depth I never had nor knew anyone else who had.“‘Worship takes on a completely new expression on the other side of the world. No sound systems, no calculated transitions, just sweaty believers crammed together into small rooms, weeping as the Holy Spirit oozes out among them, as I never before experienced. I don’t know if they are charismatic or not (all I knew was it wasn’t my tongue), but it doesn’t matter. No one is getting rich, and no one is fighting for control or position. If there is a favored position, it is the privilege of being the first to die. Living on the edge as they do leaves little room for insincerity or self-promotion. These people are living what I grew up hearing the church should be.
Luke 19:1-9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019:1-9&version=CEV)
19 Jesus was going through Jericho, 2 where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes[a] and was very rich. 3-4 Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree.
5 When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.” 6 Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus.
7 Everyone who saw this started grumbling, “This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him.”
8 Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much[b] to everyone I have ever cheated.”
9 Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved,[c] because you are a true son of Abraham.[d]
15 When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.
Romans 12:15b (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:15b&version=CEV)
15 When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.
34 But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Luke 19:1-9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019:1-9&version=CEV)
19 Jesus was going through Jericho, 2 where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes[a] and was very rich. 3-4 Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree.
5 When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.”6 Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus.
7 Everyone who saw this started grumbling, “This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him.”
8 Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much[b] to everyone I have ever cheated.”
9 Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved,[c] because you are a true son of Abraham.[d]
Also see The Church Index
Unshakable Truth 10: God's Kingdom
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
Can you define your worldview and explain how you formed it?
If you can, explain in brief what your worldview is and how you formed it.
Most of us can’t clearly define our worldview verbally, even though we all have one. The thing about Jesus’ kingdom worldview is that it is a whole new way to see God, ourselves, life, and relationships. It is a view of life that is defined by God and his Word.
Has Jesus’ kingdom worldview, as lived out by his followers past or present, made a positive difference in the world? Name some people or groups and their actions toward others that have been honorable and good.
John 18:36 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2018:36&version=CEV)
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn’t belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. No, my kingdom doesn’t belong to this world.”
Matthew 5:43-45 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:43-45&version=CEV)
43 You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” 44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 45 Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.
Matthew 5:27-28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:27-28&version=CEV)
27 You know the commandment which says, “Be faithful in marriage.” 28 But I tell you that if you look at another woman and want her, you are already unfaithful in your thoughts.
Matthew 6:31-33 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:31-33&version=CEV)
31 Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Corinthians 2:12-14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1&version=CEV)
12 We can be proud of our clear conscience. We have always lived honestly and sincerely, especially when we were with you. And we were guided by God’s wonderful kindness instead of by the wisdom of this world. 13 I am not writing anything you cannot read and understand. I hope you will understand it completely, 14 just as you already partly understand us. Then when our Lord Jesus returns, you can be as proud of us as we are of you.
Hebrews 1:3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%201:3&version=CEV)
3 God’s Son has all the brightness of God’s own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together.
After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side[a] of the glorious God in heaven.
Genesis 1:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=CEV )
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.[a]
Genesis 1:26 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201:26&version=CEV )
26 God said, “Now we will make humans, and they will be like us. We will let them rule the fish, the birds, and all other living creatures.”
John 17:3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2017:3&version=CEV)
3 Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.
Deuteronomy 32:4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
search=Deuteronomy%2032:4&version=CEV)
The Lord is a mighty rock,[a]
and he never does wrong.
God can always be trusted
to bring justice.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%2012:13-14&version=CEV )
13 Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God!
This is what life
is all about.
14 God will judge
everything we do,
even what is done in secret,
whether good or bad.
This is what life
is all about.
14 God will judge
everything we do,
even what is done in secret,
whether good or bad.
Also see God's Kingdom Index
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