The Basic Message Bible Summary

The Basic Message

Bible Summary

3) The New Testament

The New Testament is concerned with the rise and growth of Christianity and its relationship to the promises given to the Fathers of ancient Israel, the extension of the hope of life eternal to all people and the requirements that God expects of the faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

The Bible and History

In the New Testament, the first four books, known as the Gospel records, deal with the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give first hand accounts of the teaching and commandments of Jesus. Just as God created Adam and Eve, God used his great power to cause Mary to conceive a child, who was destined to be the means of salvation for all who believe in God's promises and who do his will.
Under the laws of the Israelites the sacrifice of animals had been the means by which sins could be recognised and forgiven. The death and sacrifice of Jesus, through the crucifixion of Jesus. was the fulfilment of the law by the provision of a sinless man who would take away the sins of believers through the shedding of his blood. Baptism was instituted as a symbol of a person's identification with the Messiah's death, burial and resurrection, an acknowledgement of sin needing to be covered and forgiven and a necessity to live one's life as required by the Creator.
The Gospel records describe the ability that the Messiah had to perform miracles, which were the sign of the power given to him by God and that identified him as the Son of God. They record his conflict with the leaders of the Jews and their ultimate betrayal of Jesus by demanding that the Romans have him crucified. The Gospels close with the resurrection of Jesus, the first man granted eternal life.
The book of Acts is about the preaching of the Kingdom of God by the Apostles, who had been closely involved in the work of Jesus' ministry. The first Christians were Jews who had followed Jesus and believed his teaching. Christianity spread to other regions of the Roman Empire through the work of the Apostles. Acts gives accounts of the work of such men as Paul, Barnabas and Peter and their experiences and difficulties in preaching about the promise of God's future Kingdom on earth.

The Bible and the Christian Faith

Paul wrote many letters to the early Christian believers: Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Thessalonians, Hebrews, Timothy, Titus and Philemon. The letters were designed to instruct and guide the communities of believers. Difficulties related to matters of doctrine and the expectations related to morals and behaviour were addressed.
The letters of James, Peter, John and Jude were concerned with issues such as faith. courage in times of persecution, the manifestation of love and contending against those who attempted to destroy their faith and beliefs by turning them to the worship of idols.

The Bible and Prophecy

The last book of the Bible is a prophetic book. In the opening verses it is stated that this is a prophecy given to the Apostle John in AD 96 when he was on the Isle of Patmos. It is given by Jesus and John is clearly told that the things contained in the prophecy would shortly begin to come to pass. The prophecies detail the decline of the Roman Empire, the rise of the Catholic Church and the Papacy, the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the growth of Protestantism and religious conflict. The book concludes with details of Armageddon and the glories of God's Kingdom which will follow this war, which will affect all people who survive its calamities and an earthquake.

The Bible thus concludes with the Kingdom of God on earth and an age of peace, beauty, justice and righteous rule with the Lord Jesus Christ as King.       

The Basic Message Bible Summary 2) The Old Testament

The Basic Message

Bible Summary

This Article: 

2) The Old Testament

The first section of the Bible is known as the Old Testament and deals with the history of Ancient Israel and the nations of the ancient world of the Middle East. It contains a significant amount of prophecy relevant to the ancient Jewish nation and to both Jew and non-Jew in the modern world.

The Bible and History

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, introduces the Creator and the record of Creation. Adam and Eve the first humans, because of disobedience to God's command, were punished with death and their descendents inherited their nature. Genesis deals with the early history of man and the selection of Abraham and his descendents to play a special role in God's plan with the earth. Abraham was selected for this purpose because of his great faith in God, as many of the world's inhabitants had shown a total disregard for God and had turned to idolatry and immorality. From Abraham's descendents emerged the nation of Israel, which was to be the witness to God's promise that the earth was to be filled with His glory and ultimately inhabited by a people who reflected his character.
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy trace the growth of the nation of Israel. Following a period of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were saved from slavery by God through the leadership of Moses and they are led into the wilderness for forty years. It is there they are taught the Law of Moses which set out the principles of worship, laws related to many aspects of daily life, morality, hygiene and behaviour. The ideals of God were set before the people and although they failed to attain to the high standards they learnt of God's great love and mercy and provision for forgiveness.
Abraham had been promised the land of Canaan as a possession and it was under the leadership of Joshua that the nation of Israel took possession of the land of promise, details of which are given in the book of Joshua. In the book of Judges it is revealed how the nation failed to obey God and Judges were appointed to govern the nation. The book of Ruth shows how some of the people remained faithful despite the general faithlessness of the nation.
In 1 & 2 Samuel a monarchy is established to satisfy the demands of the people to be like the nations around them and a faithful servant David is elevated to kingship. However in 1 & 2 Kings the nation is divided into two parts, Israel in the north and Judah in the south of the country. The nation again fails politically with some good kings but many were corrupt and the people turned from the true and acceptable worship of God into idolatry a immorality. 1 & 2 Chronicles also describes this period of the nation's history and the Assyrian destruction of the northern kingdom and then the captivity of Judah, the southern kingdom, by the Babylonians when the Jews were taken captive to Babylon.
Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther deal with various aspects of Israel's return to their land and Jerusalem from Babylon and the reconstruction of their worship and society and their preservation from hostile occupants in the land.

The Bible and Poetry

The book of Job is a dramatic epic that shows the blessing that can come through suffering. The Psalms are poetic and deal with faith in the Creator, who is a God of love and mercy, obedience to His laws, and songs of reverence and praise. Many of the Psalms are prophetic and speak of the Messiah and the coming kingdom that will bring righteousness and justice for all mankind. Proverbs is a book of practical wisdom for life and the advice to seek wisdom and understanding. Ecclesiastes gives advice that we should not seek treasure in earthly things but seek the treasure that comes from on high. The Song of Solomon is an allegory that uses figurative language and abounds in metaphorical language.

The Bible and Prophecy

There are eighteen prophetic books in the Bible, which deal with the destiny of Israel, its dispersion and the ultimate return of a remnant in the last days to their traditional homeland, after years of persecution in many countries. They deal with the destiny of nations, the kingdom of men, and the war that will lead to a major world conflict and the establishment of Jerusalem as the world capital of a government that will rule the world in peace and righteousness. All men will then recognise their Creator and worship him and a Temple will be built as a House of Prayer for all nations. These books also speak of the greater son of David who will be King in the future. They also give prophecies about the destiny of other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean nations and the Arabs. The prophetic books are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

The Basic Message Bible Summary 1) About the Bible

The Basic Message  

Bible Summary

1) About the Bible

The Bible has two main functions for today. It contains prophecies that reveal that God guides the destiny of the nations, the approaching great crisis of Armageddon and the results of the return of Jesus. It is the book of life. It examines human's nature and explains why we are mortal and subject to death. It shows how mankind can gain eternal life, that is, immortality. There is the promise of an age when the Kingdom of God will be established on this earth, bringing peace and justice to the earth.
The word Bible means 'book'. It is really a library of sixty-six books which were compiled over a period of about 1600 years. The authors came from many classes of society and wrote in various places. There is however a harmony and unity in their works.
The Bible claims to be the inspired word of God. This Divine authorship is the reason for the unity and harmony of the books of the Bible. In the first five books of the Bible there is the assertion “The Lord said” or “the Lord spake”. In the following books there are three hundred similar statements and in the prophetic books similar expressions occur over twelve hundred times. The claim of Divine inspiration is supported by the revelation of the failings of many of the prominent characters in the Bible, together with their great faith, acts and endurance in their attempts to obey God. The failings and disobedience of the Jews, condemned by God, is recorded in detail and has survived to this day. In a human account such blemishes would be unlikely to be recorded. History and archaeology have also confirmed the reliability of this book.
The Bible's claim to Divine inspiration is most obvious in the fulfilment of Bible prophecy. Humans cannot predict the future with any certainty. God has made predictions in the Bible that have been confirmed by history and archaeology. Babylon, mentioned extensively in the Bible, was long regarded as a mythical city and was used to bring the accusation of unreliability to the Bible. However, as predicted, it had remained in heaps and was a lost city until discovered by archaeologists in the middle of last century. (Jeremiah 51: 37). Other examples are:

Nineveh still lies empty, void and waste. (Nahum 2: 10).

Egypt remains a base nation. (Ezekiel 29: 15)

Tyre was submerged by the sea and remains a place for the spreading of nets. (Ezekiel 26: 5)

Israel would be scattered among the nations. (Deuteronomy 28: 64 and many other places in the prophecies)

Jerusalem would come under the control of other nations. (Luke 21: 24)

It was prophesied that the Jews would become a nation again after being scattered among the nations. Since 1948 the Jews have been returning to their traditional homeland, restoring the wastelands, draining swamps and bringing fertility to a land long ravaged and desolate. (Jeremiah 30: 18-24; Amos 9: 14 and many other places in the prophecies of the Bible)

Basic Bible Teaching – Baptism

1. WERE THE EARLY FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST BAPTIZED?

Yes, the early followers of Jesus were baptized. Why? Because Jesus commanded them to be. It was one of the most important commandments he gave. Baptism was the way in which people showed that they believed in Jesus and his teaching. Each new convert became a member of a special group of people, the disciples of Jesus. They preached God’s Word and looked forward to the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Can you imagine a man being accepted into the army of any country, if he refused to obey the orders of the Commander-in-Chief? Jesus Christ, the Christian Leader, said, “If you love me you will obey my commands” (John 14:15). He also said, “Those who believe it (the gospel—the good news of his teaching) and receive baptism will be saved” (Mark 16:16). We must take Jesus at his word if we want to be accepted by him.

Baptism is a life-saving command from Jesus Christ. Philip believed that. He preached in Samaria, so successfully, that “when they came to believe Philip, with his good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, men and women alike were baptized (Acts 8:12). The message of belief, followed by baptism, is at the heart of the New Testament.

2. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BAPTISM?
Today, many churches sprinkle infants on the head and call it Baptism. This is not the baptism of the Bible. When the Bible speaks of baptism it tells us of adult men and women who make a deliberate choice. They wanted to obey the Lord Jesus and be baptized. They were completely covered in water. This is the baptism of Bible times.

A good example to prove this, is found in Acts 8. Philip talked with an Ethiopian eunuch. He “told him the good news of Jesus” (verse 35). No doubt, while they talked, they were both carrying water for their journeys. It would have been easy for Philip to sprinkle water on the eunuch’s head. But the eunuch, who believed the words Philip preached about Jesus, was not baptized until “they came to some water” (verse 36). The eunuch then said, “Look, here is water: what is to prevent my being baptized?” So “they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up from the water … the eunuch … went on his way rejoicing”.

Notice, they both “went down into” and “came up from” the water. The eunuch was a mature person who believed the things preached by Philip concerning Jesus Christ. He was completely covered by water.

3. WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

Why do we have to be completely covered by water when we are baptized? God chose immersion in water because it is a very powerful way of showing us that our sins must be forgiven. Believers realise that they need saving from sin and require God’s grace. They go under the water in baptism, and die to an old way of life. They come up out of the water to a new life. In baptism, believers identify with the death of Jesus Christ, who died for us. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, they also rise from the waters of baptism to “set out on a new life” (Romans 6:4).

Now, believers are God’s children, and they desire to please Him. If they do so, He will give them His great gift of everlasting life.This will happen when Jesus comes to rule the world (Luke 1:32,33). No wonder Jesus regarded baptism as being so important.

4. WHY DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED?

You need to be baptized because, like all mankind, you are dying. We have all earned the wage of sin. Paul tells us “the wage is death” (Romans 6:23). Without God, death is the end. People have a very bad habit of not wanting to think about important issues that they do not like. Death is one of those issues. We must be wise enough to face it. The good news is that God offers us everlasting life; but on His terms. That is fair, as He is the giver of life. Peter tells us, in Acts 2 and 3, that we must take fivesteps to salvation. They are:

(1) Believe in Jesus Christ and his message.
(2) Repent (have a change of mind, realising that we need God and His forgiveness).
(3) Be converted (turn round and walk towards God).
(4) Obey Jesus by having our sins washed away in baptism.
(5) Continue faithfully in God’s way (Acts 2:27-42; 3:18-21).

God always keeps His promises. He will never let us down. As Jesus said, “No one can snatch them out of the Father’s care” (John 10:29).

5. WHY MUST I OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS?

The Bible tells us, from Genesis to Revelation, that God is serious. Obedience to God’s commands brings life, and disobedience results in death. God always means what He says.

Noah preached to the wicked people of his day (Genesis 6). They had a choice. They could believe Noah’s message, repent and be saved, or ignore it and perish. They ignored it and perished. God did not change His mind. Noah also had a choice. He could build an ark and be saved, or he could reject God’s word. He built an ark. “Noah carried out exactly all God had commanded him” (verse 22). Because he was obedient, Noah was saved. For us to ignore God’s clear command to be baptized is to choose death rather than life.

The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The answer came: “Put your trust in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” He obeyed and was baptized.

Jesus himself, though sinless, was baptized. He said: “It is right for us to do all that God requires” (Matthew 3:15). Can we, who are sinners, ignore baptism when Jesus didn’t? We must follow his steps in this, as in all things.

6. WHAT MUST I DO NOW, SO THAT I CAN ENJOY LIFE FOR EVER IN GOD’S KINGDOM?

To enjoy life for ever, you must take the five steps to salvation; every one of them. The record in Acts 10 concerning Cornelius shows us that just to live a good life, without being baptized, is not good enough. Peter ordered Cornelius “to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (verse 48). Baptism is the start of a new life which will bring you great joy. It will give your life a renewed purpose. In an uncertain world, the God of Peace will give you peace.

Are you wise enough to follow the command of Jesus Christ to believe and be baptized? What a blessing awaits you if you are! God will bless you with life for evermore, when Jesus returns to establish his kingdom. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Basic Bible Teaching – What True Christians Should Believe

1. WHY SHOULD I ACCEPT THE BELIEFS OF 1ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS?
It is very important that 21st century Christians have the same beliefs as those in the 1st century. Why? Because 1st century Christians lived closest to the time when Jesus Christ preached, “the Gospel of the Kingdom of God”.
If we want to drink the purest water from a stream we must get as close as we can to the water source. We know that further down the stream, pollution will have affected the purity of the water.

It is just the same with understanding Bible teaching. Jesus is the source of pure water. The closer we get to his teaching, the purer our understanding will be. The apostles Peter and Paul lived at the same time as Jesus. We cannot go wrong if we believe what they taught. Sadly, what they taught is rarely spoken about by modern preachers.

2. WHAT DID 1ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS BELIEVE?

We must examine the first speech made by Peter, after Jesus went to heaven. He tells us in Acts 2:14-47 what Christians should believe.

Acts 2:21,23 Jesus did not die by accident. It was part of God’s plan that Jesus, His sinless son, should give his life to save sinners. Because of Adam’s sin, a death sentence was passed by God on Adam, Eve and all the human race. Jesus, by his sinless life, made everlasting life possible for all who believe in him and keep God’s commandments.
Acts 2:24-28 Because Jesus lived a perfect life, God raised him from the dead. King David, who lived 1,000 years before Jesus, was also a prophet. He foretold the death and resurrection of Jesus. David said, of Jesus, God “will not abandon my soul to Hades (the grave), or let your Holy One see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10)

Jesus died and was laid in a tomb. God brought him back to life again (resurrection). God gave Jesus an immortal body (one that does not die). It is important to notice that the Bible does not say that Jesus had an immortal soul that went to heaven when he died. That is a Greek idea, not a Bible one. Jesus still had a body. He could eat, be handled and recognised, in his immortal state

Acts 2:29-36 King David was loved by God. Even so, Peter tells us that David “both died and was buried”. That is the natural end of all of us. Peter did not teach that David had an immortal soul. The Christian hope is that when Jesus returns from heaven, he will raise the dead. He will give his faithful followers an immortal body just like his own.

God promised that, “He would set one of his descendants on his (David’s) throne”. David was speaking of the “resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades (the grave), nor did his flesh see corruption”. So Jesus went to Hades (the grave) when he died, not to heaven. God raised his body from the tomb. Notice also that Jesus is to sit on David’s throne. Where was that? It will be in Jerusalem, in the land of Israel. Jesus will return to be a real king on earth. The Kingdom of God is to be on earth, not in heaven. Jesus is coming to claim his kingdom. His faithful saints (those who have believed in him) will live forever. They will reign with Jesus over the world’s mortal people in his kingdom.

Peter explains that David’s prophecy told us that Jesus would sit on God’s “right hand” (where he is now). However that is only until God makes the enemies of Jesus his footstool. Then God shall “send the Christ” to be king of the world (Acts 3:19-21).

Peter reminds the crowd, “that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” People in the crowd were very upset when they understood that they had helped to put Jesus, God’s son to death. They asked an important question, “what shall we do?” Peter told them, “Repent and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Note that mature adults asked the question, “what shall we do?” Christian baptism is for mature people who choose to follow Jesus and repent of their sins. The sprinkling of babies (christening) is not taught in the Bible.

To summarise what Peter, Jesus’ disciple, believed and taught:

§ Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
§ He lived a sinless life and died for us.
§ He went to Hades (the grave) after death.
§ God raised Jesus from the dead.
§ In his immortal state, Jesus still had a body.
§ Jesus went to heaven, to sit on God’s right hand.
§ He will return to the earth to be king on David’s throne in Jerusalem.
§ Christians must believe in Jesus, repent of their sins and be baptised.
§ They should meet often to remember Jesus by “breaking bread”.
§ They must believe that the Old Testament was inspired by God.
If we are to call ourselves Christians, we should believe all the statements listed above.

The word “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. What do we learn about them?

Acts 11:19-26 Christians must “remain faithful … with steadfast purpose”. It is a serious commitment. They should also share their beliefs with all who are willing to listen.

Acts 26:19-28 Paul tells King Agrippa and the Roman Governor, Festus that:
§ Christians must “repent and turn to God.”
§ They must also believe in the Old Testament scriptures.
§ They should always speak “true and rational words.”
§ Jesus rose from the dead. He was the first to inherit everlasting life.
1 Peter 4:12-19
§ Christians may have to suffer for their belief in Jesus Christ.
§ Jesus will return to judge those who God decides are responsible to him.

All these statements add to our understanding of what Christians should believe and how they should behave. They are fully in tune with what Peter taught in Acts 2.

3. IF MY CHURCH DOES NOT TEACH WHAT 1ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS BELIEVED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

In Acts 18:24-28, we learn about a Jew named Apollos. He was a keen preacher but he only understood some of the things that Christians should believe. Was that all right? No. Aquila and Priscilla, who had a fuller understanding, taught him “the way of God more accurately.” From this example, it would be wise of you to join a group of Christians who fully accept the beliefs of 1st century Christians. Christadelphians certainly do accept all those beliefs.
What can be more important than believing, and teaching, the true gospel as taught by Jesus, Peter and Paul? If you do, it will lead to everlasting life in the Kingdom of God.

Basic Bible Teaching – Jerusalem

When you have read this leaflet you will know the answers to these questions:
1. Why will Jerusalem be the future everlasting capital of the world?
2. Who will be the king in Jerusalem?
3. How can I share in God’s future kingdom?

1. WHY WILL JERUSALEM BE THE FUTURE EVERLASTING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD?
Why Jerusalem, and not London, Beijing, New York, Rome or Moscow? The Bible answers this question. Jesus Christ himself said, ”do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:34,35).
No ‘great king’ was reigning in Jerusalem when Jesus spoke those words. The Romans had conquered the Jews, Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor, and Herod (not a Jew) was a puppet king. Worse was still to come for Jerusalem. Jesus made this sad, but accurate prophecy, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near …and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles” (Luke 21:20,24).
In AD 70, after a Roman army had long surrounded the city and one million Jews had died in the siege, Jerusalem fell. No king saved the people or the city. From that day until his, no Jewish king has ruled in Jerusalem. Over the centuries, wars have raged there, conquerors have come and gone. Suffering and death have reigned. How sad, for Jerusalem means ‘City of Peace’.
But, after 1900 years of being away from their land, tens of thousands of Jews returned to Palestine in the 1940’s. The State of Israel was established in 1948, and in 1967 Jerusalem was taken back into Jewish hands. Since then, wars and discord between Jews and Arabs have prevented any lasting peace, and still no king rules in Jerusalem today. We should not be surprised at this. Because of Israel’s disobedience, six hundred years before the birth of Jesus, God spoke through his prophet Ezekiel (21:26,27 –NKJV). He said of the king in Jerusalem at the time: “take off the crown…I will make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, until He comes who right it is, and I will give it to him.” So no king will reign until the rightful one comes – God’s king.
Jesus, the Son of God, was not wrong when he said that “Jerusalem is the city of the great king”. He was making a prophecy. He was seeing far into the future. So far into it, that it is still future to our own day. There are many kings, queens and republics in the world. However, God’s plan for the world is to have only one kingdom and one king. Centuries before Jesus was born, Daniel was told by God Himself, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed … and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).
God’s kingdom, with Jerusalem as its capital, will fill the earth. He has chosen one king who shall “have dominion from sea to sea … to the ends of the earth … May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him (Psalm 72:8-11).
Yes, Jerusalem will be the city of the great king. Man’s kingdoms will be no more. God’s kingdom will replace them all.
2. WHO WILL BE KING IN JERUSALEM?
God has chosen his son, Jesus Christ, to be king in Jerusalem. Why? Because Jesus is the only perfect, sinless man who has ever lived. God raised him from the dead and he is alive forever. Because of this, the world will never need another king.
Jesus has all the personal qualities a great king needs. As prophesied of him, he had “wisdom and understanding … counsel and might … knowledge and the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). Jesus will judge “with righteousness” (v4). This is just what the world needs. He is the best qualified king ever. “Worthy is the lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom, and might and honour and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
The “Kingdom of God” is a common phrase in the Bible. We now know it will begin when God shall “send the Christ” back to the earth (Acts 3:20-21). God promised to “set My King on Zion, my holy hill” and to Jesus He says “I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:6-8).
Jesus, “the Prince of Peace” will “speak peace to the nations”, from Jerusalem “the City of Peace”. No wonder God said, “Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you” (Zechariah 9:9-10). When Jesus reigns as king, then “out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).
Grasp this fact: Jesus Christ is coming back to the earth to be King of the World.
3. HOW CAN I SHARE IN GOD’S FUTURE KINGDOM?
Each of us has two futures. How can this be? The first future has to do with the days, perhaps months and years, which lie ahead in our natural lives. What we believe, and how we spend time now, will determine our much more important everlasting future. That future will either be everlasting joy in God’s Kingdom, or everlasting death. The choice is ours and we must make it soon. Compared with eternity, our natural lives are very short indeed. We don’t have long to make up our minds.
Jesus is coming back to the earth to rule as king in Jerusalem. He will reign over the natural people of Israel. His kingdom will then spread throughout the world. He will be the world’s only king, and will reign over everyone. He will have special helpers to teach the world about God and his purpose. These helpers, his “saints”, will have been given everlasting life at the Judgement. This Judgement will be held when Jesus returns to the earth (please read the item in this series entitled “Resurrection and Judgement”).
Jesus will not give everlasting life to everyone when he comes. He will give it only to those who believe in God’s word, the Bible, and who follow it’s teachings. It involves understanding that we are sinners, seeking God’s forgiveness, accepting Jesus as our saviour, being baptised “into Christ”, and keeping God’s commandments. If we commit ourselves to this life of service, then by God’s grace, He will grant us everlasting life through Jesus Christ, our great saviour and king (Matthew 16:27). The gift of everlasting life is the greatest blessing that has ever been offered. Imagine the joy of living with Jesus and all his faithful saints forever. What a prospect! Will you choose to follow Jesus? If you do, he will choose you to live and reign with him forever, when he comes to be king in Jerusalem.

Basic Bible Teaching – Jesus Christ is Coming Back

Jesus is coming back to earth soon! Will you be with him when he returns?
Here’s what you will learn:
1. How do we know Jesus will return?
2. What are the “signs of the times”?
3. What did Christ mean when he told us to pray, “Your Kingdom come”?
4. What is God’s plan for the earth?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful? Jesus Christ back on the earth. He would heal us, help us, lead us—all the things that our human leaders cannot do. Most Christian churches are supposed to teach it, but we, the Christadelphians, actually believe it. In fact, if you read the Bible for yourself you must come to the same conclusion.

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK.

We are sure that the Bible says he will come back to this wicked earth, and change it into something much, much better.

The Old Testament prepared people for the first coming of Christ—it told them where he would be born, what he would come to do, and how he would die. The New Testament tells us, similarly, many details about his second coming—what the world will be like, what he will come to do, and the power that will be his when he sets up his Kingdom. In fact, the Bible isn’t two separate books, the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is one whole book. It has one continuous message:

“Jesus Christ is coming back.”
THE PROMISES
Way back in Genesis chapters 12 to 25 we are told that God chose one man out of all the others, and promised that the whole world would be blessed through him. The man’s name was Abraham and this promise was then repeated to his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob—who was also named Israel. Very soon this one family of twelve tribes grew into a great nation, and God repeated the same promises to other members of the same family several times.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, came from this family and by the time Jesus was born into the nation of Israel very many people were looking for a Saviour and a King. They all knew the promises and
were expecting someone great and strong to chase away the Romans, who had conquered them, and to be their king. Here are some of the Promises God made to Israel:
· They would inherit the land of Israel for ever. (Genesis 13:15)
· King David’s house and kingdom would be established for ever. (2 Samuel 7:16)
· “In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely.” (Jeremiah 33:16)
When Jesus was 30 years old he was revealed to the people of Israel as the Son of God. Many really believed that he had come to be their Saviour and King, but most leaders did not accept him. They did not know, or they would not accept, what God had promised to Mary, or what angels had told the shepherds. Most of the leaders did not believe in his miracles of healing, or in his powerful words. Within three and a half years they had persuaded the Roman rulers to kill him. Even the disciples forsook him and fled.
THE RESURRECTION
But Jesus didn’t stay dead! God brought him out of the tomb and gave him a completely new life. Never again would he die—now Christ is immortal. He said of himself: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This now sounded like a Saviour and King!
This was only the beginning!
Jesus was not seen by anyone who did not believe in him. Gone was their chance to question and attack him. Only the disciples or followers saw him and talked to him. And 40 days after his resurrection he ascended to heaven, leaving a promise behind him—one of the greatest promises ever made.
“This same Jesus, who has beentaken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
That has not happened yet. But surely you can see from the summary of God’s plan we have already looked at, that Jesus Christ will keep the promises and return to earth.

THE RETURN
Now we shall look at a few more passages of Scripture to give a clearer picture:
1. God said that all nations of the earth would be blessed in Abraham’s family. (Genesis 12:3)
2. The King of the world would be descended from King David. (Luke 1:32)
3. This King would die but would not remain dead. (Psalm 16:8-11)
4. At the return of God’s Son the desert will blossom and human sickness will be cured. (Isaiah 35)
5. The world will be governed by God’s Son, from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-5)
It therefore seems obvious that God’s plan right from the beginning was to send His Son as a saviour and a King. Jesus’ birth and life on this earth were to enable people to understand him, and for us to appreciate what he will do when he comes again.
WHAT IS JESUS DOING NOW?
Jesus is in heaven, at God’s right hand, preparing his kingdom. That’s why he told us to pray, “Your kingdom come”. Soon it will! Jesus will return from heaven and set up God’s kingdom on earth. He will raise the dead, purify the world, and reign on David’s throne, from Jerusalem.
THE SIGNS
God has not given a date for all of this to happen, but He has given some signs to show us when to expect him. Below are just a few of the prophecies of the Bible where the return of Jesus is mentioned.
1. The Jewish nation will return to their homeland. (Jeremiah 23:5-8) —This has been happening in our lifetimes!
2. World-wide problems will be veryclear to everyone. (Luke 21:25-27) —This is more true now than ever before.
3. Many nations of the world will threaten and attack Israel. (Zechariah 14:1-11) —We should watch for this to happen soon.
It is becoming more and more clear that the scene is being set for the return of Jesus to this earth. We don’t know for certain when he is coming back, but we can surely see what is happening in the world around us. The prophecies are coming true. The Jews have even been allowed to leave Russia (see Jeremiah 23:8). This is a very recent addition to a long list of prophecies which have been fulfilled.

Basic Bible Teaching – Life After Death

When you have read this you will know the answers to these questions:

1. Why is the view of Jesus Christ about life after death so important?
2. What is the Bible hope for a future life?
3. When will the chosen ones be with Jesus Christ?
4. What is “the resurrection of the dead”?
5. What is “the judgement”?
6. What does the Bible say about “immortal souls”?
7. How do future events fit together?
1. WHY IS THE VIEW OF JESUS CHRIST ABOUT LIFE AFTER DEATH SO IMPORTANT?

The world has had many leaders, some political and others religious. Of all the great leaders, Jesus Christ is the only one who has been raised from the dead. Hundreds of people saw him after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). This makes Jesus unique. Because he has experienced life after death, he is the best one to tell us about it. If we are wise, we shall listen to what he has to say.
2. WHAT IS THE BIBLE HOPE FOR A FUTURE LIFE?
A soldier once prayed before a battle: “Oh God, if there be a God, save my soul, if I have a soul.” How sad, that when he may have been about to die, he did not know anything about a future life. Yet many people today are just like that soldier. They do not know what to expect when they die.
The Bible hope is centred on three great truths:
1. The return of Christ from heaven;
2. The resurrection of the dead; and
3. The establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth by His Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus himself states these three great truths when he says, “When the Son of man (Jesus) comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31); and, “the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear his voice and shall come forth” (John5:28,29).
Knowing about this hope will help us to understand what the Bible teaches about life after death.
3. WHEN WILL THE CHOSEN ONES BE WITH JESUS CHRIST?
Jesus makes this very clear to us. He says, “The Son of man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27). Notice the order of events:
1. Jesus shall come in glory, and afterwards
2. He shall reward.
First of all he comes, and then he rewards. As Jesus has not yet come back to the earth, he cannot already have rewarded anyone. Jesus also said, “You shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14). As the resurrection has not yet taken place, nobody can already have been rewarded.
The return of Jesus to the earth, the resurrection of the dead and the reward of everlasting life to faithful followers, are all still in the future.
4. WHAT IS “THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD”?
Jesus spoke of “Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob” being in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, when the dead are raised, they will be recognisable as people. They will have bodies, just like Jesus did when God raised him from the dead. After his resurrection, Jesus could be seen and touched (John 21:27). He was not a spirit without a body. The Apostle Paul’s promise was that Jesus “will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). So, just like Jesus, those given everlastinglife will have immortal bodies.
The resurrection of the dead will take place when Jesus returns to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Paul tells us: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive … Christ the firstfruits; afterward those who are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22,23).
Until that day, for those who havedied, death is like a sleep (1 Corinthians 15:51; Psalm 6:5). Their next waking moment will be the resurrection. Time has no meaning in the grave.
The Bible hope of the resurrection was well expressed by Martha long ago. Speaking of her brother Lazarus, she said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24).
5. WHAT IS “THE JUDGEMENT”?
The Bible makes one thing clear from the beginning. God has given us the freedom either to choose His way or to reject it. He tells us what will happen if we serve Him, or if we reject Him.
People who know about God, and are therefore answerable to Him, “must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). To those who have served him, Jesus will say, “‘Come you blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Those who “do not obey the truth” (Romans 2:8) will not be in God’s kingdom.
Jesus confirms these teachings. He says that those who have “done good” will be blessed with “the resurrection of life”, and those who have “done evil” will suffer “the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:29).
6. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT “IMMORTAL SOULS”?
The Bible says nothing about “immortal souls”. Yes, that’s right, absolutely nothing. Although “immortal(ity)” and “soul” occur, the words “immortal soul” never appear together anywhere in the Bible.
The word “soul” (Hebrew, nephesh in the Old Testament, and Greek psuche in the New Testament) refers to:
1. Life: for example, 1 Samuel 22:23: “he that seeks my life, seeks your life”
2. A living being (human or animal): for example, Genesis 46:18: “These she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen persons (AV, souls)”.
Sailors use the word “soul” in the same way. When they are in danger at sea, they send out an “SOS” signal. This means “Save Our Souls”. It is a cry for help, asking someone to save their natural lives.
In the Bible, we find that a soul (Nephesh, person) can:
1. Touch (Leviticus 5:2)
2. Eat (Leviticus 7:20)
3. Sin (Leviticus 5:15)
4. Die (Joshua 11:11; Ezekiel 18:4)
The idea that people have immortalsouls came from Greek philosophers. This idea is not correct. It is not supported by the Bible. Jesus always teaches that he is coming from heaven, not that we are going to him.
7. HOW DO FUTURE EVENTS FIT TOGETHER?
We can summarise Bible teaching about the future like this:
When we die, we are simply dead, with no knowledge of anything. It is like a long sleep, until Jesus Christ returns to the earth, to raise the dead, and Judge the responsible living and dead. Then, finally, he will establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
Daniel tells us: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2).
In which group will you be? Do you have the wisdom to follow Jesus now? If you do, you will live forever with him when he comes in glory to establish God’s Kingdom.
Yes, there is life after death. May this wonderful promise touch your heart, and encourage you to serve God now, because “those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Basic Bible Teaching – The Promises of God

When you have read the information below, you will know the answers to these questions:

1. What promises has God made in the Bible?
2. Which promises has God already kept?
3. How do we know that God will keep all His promises?
4. Which promises does God still have to fulfil?
5. Has God made any promises to you?

We have all suffered from broken promises. They may have been made by politicians before an election. Few of such promises have been kept. Perhaps employers, or friends, have not kept their promises to us. Most painfully of all, sometimes our relatives have let us down.
Thankfully, God does not behave like that. He is “abounding in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). He will keep all His promises. Because He knows everything and controls the universe, His promises cannot fail.

1. WHAT PROMISES HAS GOD MADE IN THE BIBLE?
God has made many promises. Here are just a few of them:
To Moses God said: “But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD” (Numbers 14:21). This proves that men will never destroy the earth.
To Abram (later Abraham), who became the father of the Jewish race, God said: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2,3).
When God led Abraham to the land of Canaan (modern Israel), He promised:
“All the land which you see I give to you and your descendants for ever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth” (Genesis 13:15,16). God repeated these promises to Abraham’s soon, Isaac, and his grandson, Jacob (Genesis 26:4;28:13,14).
Many nations, like the once mighty Babylonians, no longer exist. But God made a special promise to the Jewish nation: “For I am with you, says the LORD, to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a complete end of you” (Jeremiah 30:11).
The Jews have been scattered all over the world, yet they still exist as a nation. A man once asked, What is the secret of the indestructible Jew?” The secret is, that the Jews are God’s chosen people, and His witnesses on the earth. God has great plans for them. We shall look at them later.
King David was a great king of Israel, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Because of this, God made a wonderful promise to David: “I will set up your seed after you … and I will establish his kingdom … and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. Your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel7:12-16).
The Apostle Peter tells us that these promises will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, and Saviour of the world. He is the great “son of David”. Peter said that God will “raise up the Christ to sit on his throne” (Acts 2:29-32).
Jesus has been raised from the dead, just as God promised in Psalm 16:10. One day he will return to be king upon David’s throne in Jerusalem (Acts 1:11; Revelation 11:15; Matthew 5:35). God has promised: All kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him” (Psalm72:11).
God confirmed these promises about Jesus to Mary, his mother, by an angel: “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David … and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32, 33).
God has made many more promises in the Bible. However, we have looked at enough to show that God is serious about His future plans for the earth, and for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Jesus and the Jews.
2.WHICH PROMISES HAS GOD ALREADY KEPT?
God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that Israel would become a great nation, has been kept. God also kept His promise to the Jews that they will never die out, in spite of terrible persecutions. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, exactly as God promised.
However, God still has many important promises to keep.
3. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT GOD WILL KEEP ALL HIS PROMISES?
We know this for two very good reasons:
1. Every single promise God ever made, that relates to the past, has been kept. That gives us confidence that He will keep those which are promised for the future.
2. God’s power is supreme. Nothing can go wrong with His future plans.
4. WHICH PROMISES DOES GOD STILL HAVE TO FULFIL?
Abraham has not yet inherited the land of Israel for an everlasting possession. Nor have all nations on the earth yet been blessed in Abraham. Hebrews 11:13 says Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all “died in faith, not having received the promises”.
Is it too late, then? No. God will raise them from the dead, just as He raised Jesus. God will then keep His promises to them. Jesus himself said that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be in God’s kingdom (Luke 13:28).
Jesus has not yet become king, sittingupon the throne of David. But he will,when he returns to the earth (Acts 3:19-21).
The Jews still exist as a nation. They are back in Israel, the land God promised Abraham. This is the first phase of God’s developing plan for them, because, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock” (Jeremiah 31:10).
After a time of trial, the Jews will receive God’s promised blessing: “They shall be my people, and I will be their God.” In that day, “One king (Jesus) shall be king over them all” (Ezekiel 37:22,23).
5. HAS GOD MADE ANY PROMISES TO YOU?
Yes, He has—if you are prepared to do two important things:
1. Believe the good news of the Kingdom of God, and be baptized (Mark 16:16); and
2. Love Jesus Christ and keep his commandments (John 14:21).
If you do these things, what has God promised you? A share in all the blessings you have just read about. For, “There is neither Jew nor Greek … slave nor free … male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Imagine it. God has promised that you can be raised from the dead. You can have everlasting life. You can live for ever with Jesus in His kingdom. No greater promises will ever be made to you.
For true believers, life today is a great joy. These precious promises give peace of mind now. This hope is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).
God invites you to share in the greatest promises ever made. To receive the blessings, you must “fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Do that, and by God’s mercy you will live forever. That’s a promise!

Basic Bible Teaching – Resurrection and Judgement

When you have read this material you will know the answers to these questions:

1. What does the Bible say about immortality (living for ever)?
2. What happens to us when we die?
3. When will the resurrection of the dead take place?
4. Who will be judged by Jesus Christ and why?

Many people believe that when they die, an immortal soul inside them will go to heaven.
The Bible tells a very different story. It talks about people who “may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11, New King James Version). They also “must appear before the Judgement seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). God will raise the dead and judge them. Faithful followers of Jesus Christ will live forever with him.
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT IMMORTALITY?
The word “immortal” is used only once, and “immortality” just five times in the Bible. When we look at all the passages where they are used, we learn:
· Only God has always lived and will always live (1 Timothy 1:17).
· Man is never included in any reference to having immortality now (1 Timothy 6:16).
· Jesus Christ has “brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).
This means that there was no immortality for man before Jesus came. So man could not have had an immortal soul from the beginning. Our hope of immortality entirely depended on the victory of Jesus Christ over sin. Only since his resurrection to everlasting life has this become possible for us. For the faithful, that will only be by God’s grace, when Jesus returns to raise the dead. Immortality was not built into us.
· We must “seek for glory, honour and immortality” (Romans 2:7). If we have to seek for immortality, it cannot already be within us. The day is coming when “God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (verse 16). Eternal life is “the gift of God”, not the right of man (Romans 6:23).
· The Bible talks about kinds of bodies. There is “a natural body” and “a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). The spiritual body is not part of the natural one. Paul tells us “this mortal must put on immortality” (verse 53).
A change of nature is needed. That will happen when “this mortal has put on immortality”. Then (and only then), “Death is swallowed up in victory” (verse 54).
This teaching is the exact opposite of the common view that the body is “put off” to free the immortal soul within. That idea is not found in the Bible. For those aware of God’s purpose, the Bible gives us this important order of events:
· We now have a natural life in a natural body.
· Sooner or later, we shall die.
· Jesus will return to raise us from the dead.
· We shall be judged by him.
· We shall either be given a spiritual body, and everlasting life, or we shall die for ever.
If Jesus comes before we die, he will judge us with the responsible people living at that time.
The Bible says nothing, anywhere, about human beings having “immortal souls”. It always talks about the body being raised from the dead.
2. WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE DIE?
The Bible often calls death, “a sleep”. In the story of Lazarus (John 11), Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him… However, Jesus spoke of his death… Then Jesus said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead’ ” (verses 11-14).
Why did Jesus use the word “sleep”? Because when we are asleep, we know nothing until we wake up. The Bible says the same thing about death: “In death there is no remembrance of you” (Psalm 6:5) .
Lazarus had been dead for four days before Jesus raised him (John 11:39). If his soul had been in heaven during this time, Lazarus could have told people about his experiences. But he said nothing. He could not talk about “out-of-body experiences”, because he did not have any. His silence shouts out this message: Lazarus was simply “asleep” in the grave, knowing nothing. No part of Lazarus went anywhere.
Our hope for the future must be the same as Martha’s. She believed that we “will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (verse 24).
3. WHEN WILL THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD TAKE PLACE?
The resurrection will take place when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to set up God’s kingdom (Luke 1:32,33). Jesus says: “Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).
The Apostle Paul says: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive … Christ the first-fruits, afterwards those who are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22,23).
Jesus and the Apostle Paul are in perfect agreement about:
· The truth of the resurrection from the dead, and
· when it will take place.
They know best. Don’t believe anyone who tells you a different story.
4. WHO WILL BE JUDGED BY JESUS CHRIST AND WHY?
The Bible tells us that many people will be judged when Jesus comes. Paul says:
“The Lord Jesus Christ … will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1).
Responsible people are those who know about God. They “shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ … that each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10,12).
If Jesus has not yet returned to judge, how can anyone already be enjoying everlasting life?
Not all responsible people will be saved. Jesus told some people that they will “see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out” (Luke 13:28).
Thankfully, to those who have tried to serve him well, Jesus will say: “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).
People who have never known about God will not be raised for judgement. They are not responsible to Him. Daniel tell us: “Many (but not all) of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake” (Daniel 12:2).
Why will there be a judgement? Because from the beginning of creation, God has given mankind a choice. We can either follow His way, or please ourselves. That includes you.
God is pleased if we choose to follow His way. For those who do, it will be our “Father’s good pleasure” to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32).
Surely, you want to be in God’s kingdom? Faithful believers can now look forward to this wonderful blessing. God is going to send Jesus Christ to bring peace to a world in need. He will reign as king over the whole earth (Psalm 72:8-11). After the resurrection and judgement, those who are saved will help Jesus preach to the nations. He wants them, also, to learn about him, and finally have the joy of everlasting life.
Do you know of any hope as great as this one? Christadelphians don’t. If you serve God now, you will belong to Him in the day when “there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4).
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Basic Bible Teaching – The Bible

When you have finished reading this material, you be able to answer these questions:

1. What is the Bible?
2. Can we believe the Bible?
3. Why should we read the Bible?
4. How can the Bible help us?
5. What does the Bible say about the future?

THERE is no book anywhere that can compare with the Bible. Forty different writers were used—some were kings, prophets, priests, leaders, doctors, fishermen or shepherds. They wrote over a period of 1,600 years.
It is unique. It is the WORD OF GOD.
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19,20)
“All scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Bible is no ordinary book; it does not contain man’s ideas. It is God speaking to us. Start to read the Bible, today.
WHY READ THE BIBLE?
Only from the Bible can we find out what God is like. Read these few verses. You are listening to God talking to you.
“You are kind and forgiving, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psalm 86:5)
“And God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.” (Psalm 115:16)
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
“The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.” (Psalm 34:16)
How many facts has God told you about Himself in these verses?
THE BIBLE GIVES US A PURPOSE TO OUR LIVES
As we read we are listening to God. We are learning what God wants us to do. We are learning how to make every day worthwhile.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet.” (Psalm 119:105)
“What does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commandments and decrees … for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12,13)
We ask God to help us each day.
“… lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)
THE BIBLE ALWAYS PRESENTS THE SAME MESSAGE
As you read a little of the Bible every day you will see that God wants us to obey Him.
In the Old Testament we have the guidelines in Exodus 20:1-17, often called the Ten Commandments. Similar guidelines are found in the New Testament too, for example in Matthew 5:21-48.
To please God we try to keep to these guidelines. As you read more about the lives of the people in the Bible, you see that they find it hard always to obey God. Jesus, God’s Son, was the only person to obey God in every way. Jesus understood the same message. He remembered:
“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)
“Fear the LORD your God, serve him only.” (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Read Matthew chapter 4 to see how Jesus obeyed these commands.
HISTORY SHOWS THAT THE BIBLE IS RELIABLE
Jesus looked back at the prophecies about himself:
“And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
All of these were fulfilled. Here are some other examples of Bible prophecies which have proved to be true:
· Look at Jeremiah 51:37 and Isaiah chapters 13 and 14. What was to happen to Babylon? Did it happen? Yes!
· Read Ezekiel 26:4, 5, 12, 14. What would happen to the city of Tyre? This is another prophecy which has been fulfilled.
· Deuteronomy 28:64,65 tells us about the people of Israel. They would be sent to every part of the world. Sure enough, the people of Israel, the Jews, are to be found everywhere today.
· God said that He would bring the Jews back to Israel: “I will … restore them to the land I gave to their forefathers to possess” (Jeremiah 30:3). Today we can see the Jews in their own land — another prophecy fulfilled.
The Bible does not just tell us of the past, it also tells us of the future. We know that what it said in the past really happened. Bible prophecies were fulfilled. So we can confidently believe what God says about the future.
God never lies. He tells us about real places, real people and the nations of today. The Bible is true!
THE BIBLE TELLS OF FUTURE EVENTS
God tells us that these things will happen:
· He will not allow a wicked world to continue for ever. (2 Peter 3:10)
· He will send His Son, Jesus Christ, back to the earth to judge mankind. (Acts 17:31)
· He will make Jesus the king of the whole world. (Psalm 2)
· All who oppose the king will be destroyed. (2 Thessalonians 1:8)
· All who become followers of Jesus and wait for his coming will be saved and given a place in God’s Kingdom. (Romans 2:6)
· It will be a kingdom of peace and happiness with plenty of food for all. (Psalm 72)
Only the Bible tells you of all these things and of God’s great plan for the earth. Read the Bible today for yourself to find out more about your future. In it you can find how you can have a share in the peace and blessings of the kingdom of God. You can be there. Pray that God will guide you as you read and learn.

Basic Bible Teaching – The Devil

When you have read this material you will know the answers to these questions:

1. Is there a supernatural devil?
2. Why does the Bible talk about the devil?
3. Is a supernatural devil tempting you to sin?
4. How can you be saved from sin and death?

1. IS THERE A SUPERNATURAL DEVIL?
God makes one thing very clear in the Bible: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9, New King James Version). No superhuman power resists God’s will. The devil of popular opinion does not exist. If we want to know the source of evil, we have to look elsewhere.
The Bible leaves us in no doubt as to where the blame lies. Man is tempted from within himself. Hear what Jesus, the Son of God, said: “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:18,19).
Jesus confirms what God had told Noah long ago: “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21). Jeremiah 17:9 says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.”
James agrees with all these sayings. He concludes: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14,15).
Notice that no mention is made in any of these passages of a supernatural devil. We need to look no further than ourselves to see from where evil comes.
2. WHY DOES THE BIBLE TALK ABOUT THE DEVIL?
It is true that the Bible talks about the devil as if it had a real personality. We must remember, however, that the Bible is rich in using “picture language”. It gives personalities to other things also which are not people. In the story of Cain and Abel, blood is given a personality. Speaking to Cain, God said: “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). It happens again with wisdom, which is spoken of as a woman: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom … she is more precious than rubies; and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her ” (Proverbs 3:13-15). In Matthew 6:24, Jesus himself speaks of money (“mammon”) as being a master. This should not surprise us. We often talk like
that ourselves. We say, “Fire is a good servant, but a bad master”. We don’t really believe that fire is a man.
In the same way, evil and sin are sometimes given a personality. This helps us realise just how big sin is, and how dangerous sins are to our salvation. This is proved by comparing two Bible passages. Listen to the “picture language” used in Hebrews 2:14: “… that through death he (Jesus) might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
What is this devil? What has the “power of death”? Romans 6:23 tells us: “For the wages of sin is death.” Sin is powerful and brings death. Your life is a constant battle against sin. Sin is your real enemy, not a supernatural devil.
Particularly in the Old Testament, theword “Satan” is often used for forces which stand in the way of God: “Satan” means ‘adversary’, but it is mostly left untranslated. In the New Testament, the Greek word diabolos occurs 38 times; 35 times it is translated “devil”. Its original meaning was ‘one who accuses’. In fact it is twice translated “false accusers” and once as “slanderers”, because in those passages, the translators of the Bible knew that it would not have made sense to use the word “devil”. In Titus 2:3, the advice given by Paul to older women was to be reverent in the way they lived, “not slanderers” (diabolos). And in 1 Timothy 3:11, Christian wives are told to be reverent, “not slanderers” (diabolos).
It would have been foolish for the translators to use the word “devil” in either passage. Older women and Christian wives are obviously not “the devil”. You must not picture a supernatural
devil every time you read the word “devil”. That would be a big mistake.
Jesus said in John 6:70: “Did I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” But Judas was a man, not “a devil”. If the translators had said, “One of you is a slanderer”, the meaning would have been very clear. Judas later betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He was a false friend indeed, but he was not a supernatural devil.
We need to look carefully at the Scriptures to understand who or what is the devil. Think about Revelation 2:10, where believers at Smyrna were told: “The devil is about to throw some of you into prison.” Does it make sense to you that a supernatural devil literally put believers into prison? It cannot be so, because we know the Romans did that. It is an example of evil at work. Time and again we see the word “devil” used to symbolise evil.
Sin is at work because men, left to themselves, do not follow the ways of God. The terms “devil”, “satan” and “demons” do not refer to immortal tempters in their original meanings. There is no such being as a supernatural tempter.
3. IS A SUPERNATURAL DEVIL TEMPTING YOU TO SIN?
From what we have considered so far, the answer must be “No!” We must take full responsibility for our own sins. We have already seen that evil thoughts and actions come from the heart (Matthew 15:18,19). Paul says: “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23). Do you think that God would blame us, if the fault lay with a supernatural devil? Surely not!
We are mortal because of Adam’s disobedience to God’s laws. But we each deserve our own death sentence. We have all earned “the wages of sin” for ourselves. Those wages are death (Romans 6:23).
Only when we are willing to admit that we are fully to blame for our own sins can God work with us. Only then shall we marvel that in spite of our weakness, Godis willing to save us.
4. HOW CAN YOU BE SAVED FROM SIN AND DEATH?
One thing is certain. You cannot save yourself. The Bible makes that very clear. However, you can be saved, thanks to God’s mercy. He has given us a way of escape from sin and death. By the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, He has opened the way to everlasting life. He invites you to share in the victory of Jesus over sin.
Jesus lived a perfect life and then he “died for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:10). Through faith in Jesus as your Saviour, God is willing to forgive your sins. By baptism into the name of Jesus (Mark 16:16) and by obeying His commandments (John 15:8-13), you can be saved from sin and death. Resurrection from the dead to live forever can be your hope. Jesus came to take both sin and death away, for, “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), and “the last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26).
God asks you to take responsibility, not only for your sins, but also for your life. You have no need to fear a nonexistent supernatural devil. Rather you should listen to these words of wisdom: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
If you live like that now, the ultimate blessing of everlasting life will be yours, when Jesus returns to Jerusalem to establish God’s kingdom on earth: “For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life for evermore” (Psalm 133:3).

Basic Bible Teaching – The Jews in Gods Purpose

When you have read this material you will know the answers to these questions:
How did the Jewish race begin?
Why were the Jews chosen as a special people?
What has happened to the Jews in history?
What is the future for the Jews?
I am not a Jew—can God save me?
Keys are essential to open locked doors. Here are five “golden keys” which will help you to unlock the Bible message about the Jews, and us:
· Understanding God’s promises to Abraham.
· Knowing about the promises God made to David.
· Looking at God’s relationship with the Jews.
· Understanding the work of Jesus Christ.
· Knowing about the coming kingdom of God on earth.
We need to use them all to understand “The Jews in God’s Purpose”.
1. HOW DID THE JEWISH RACE BEGIN?

The Jewish race began with a man called Abram. God knew his man. Abram’s faith is still a great example of trust in God and His promises. God brought Abram from Ur, near the Persian Gulf, to the land we now know as Israel.
God made special promises to Abram (his name was later changed to Abraham):
· “I will make you a great nation” (New King James Version).
· “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.”
· “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2,3).
· “All the land which you see I give to you and your descendants for ever.”
· “I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth” (great in number, Genesis 13:16).
· “I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.”
· “I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you … to be God to you and your descendants” (Genesis 17:6-8).
Abraham’s grandson Jacob had twelve sons. Over generations, they became a great nation—The Jews.
2. WHY WERE THE JEWS CHOSEN AS A SPECIAL PEOPLE?
God had a great regard for the faithfulness of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Jews were chosen, “because he loved your fathers, therefore he chose their descendants” (Deuteronomy 4:37). God said: “Understand that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people” (9:6).
Nothing had changed centuries later, when they crucified God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51).
However, by working through one special people, God was able to draw attention to His character and purpose with the earth. He said to Moses: “For this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show my power in you, and that my name may be declared in all the earth” (Exodus 9:6).
This was vitally important, for God later said: “But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD” (Numbers 14:21). This wonderful promise will be fulfilled after Jesus Christ returns to the earth.
3. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE JEWS IN HISTORY?
The history of the Jews is mainly a sad one. Although they had the great privilege of knowing about God, they were disobedient. God said that if they were obedient—”the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth”. But, if not, “you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations where the LORD will lead you” (Deuteronomy 28:1,37).
The Jews have suffered in many countries of the world: banished from Israel on pain of death (AD 135); expelled from England (1020) and France(1306); expelled from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1498); expelled from Russia and the Ukraine, many being killed and persecuted in the process (1918); and in the Second World War, six million died in the Holocaust” (1939-1945).
Yet, miracle of miracles, they have survivedas a nation! That is because God still has a purpose with them: “You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36:28).
4. WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR THE JEWS?
The future for the Jews is firmly rooted in God’s promise to Abraham that they would possess the land of Israel for ever. God later promised King David: “I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body … and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12,13).
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is descended from David through Mary his mother. He died for our sins and rose from the dead to live forever. He will return to the earth to fulfil the promises made to David: “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32,33).
Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, reminded the Jews that, “The patriarch David … is both dead and buried,” but “God had sworn with an oath to him that … he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne” (Acts 2:29,30). What God has promised, He will surely perform.
Though scattered and persecuted, the Jews still exist as a nation. That is because God promised: “I will save you from afar … I will not make a complete end of you” (Jeremiah 30:10,11).
In 1948, the State of Israel was established. The Jews returned from over 100 countries. They survived, in spite of wars with Arab nations. They will yet go through a time of great trouble (Zechariah 14:1,2). God will send Jesus Christ to save them, “and the LORD shall be king over all the earth” (verses 3-9). The message is clear: “Rejoice greatly … your King is coming to you … He shall speak peace to the nations; his dominion shall be … to the ends of the earth” (9:9,10).
Many Bible passages speak of Israel being regathered to their own land (Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 36:24-28). Many more talk about Jesus coming as king (Psalm 72; Acts 1:11). Our five “golden keys” work together to unlock God’s message about “The Jews in God’s Purpose”.
5. I AM NOT A JEW—CAN GOD SAVE ME?
Yes, God’s salvation is also offered to Gentiles (non-Jews). Jesus will rule the world from Jerusalem. “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory” (Isaiah 62:2).
God does not just offer a good natural life to Jews and Gentiles when Jesus comes to be king. To individual Jews and Gentiles He offers everlasting life, if they believe, are baptized and follow His Son, Jesus Christ. His offer is open to everyone, including you.
Yes, you can live forever, joyfully helping Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God. The day will come when sin and death will be no more. God’s chosen ones will live with him forever. Faithful Jews and Gentiles will be there. Will you be with them?
“Let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

Basic Bible Teaching – The Resurrection of Jesus

When you have read this information, you will know the answers to these questions:
Can we be sure that Jesus died on the cross?
How does the Bible prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Where is Jesus now?
Can God give me an immortal body like that of Jesus?
CAN WE BE SURE THAT JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS?
There is no doubt that Jesus Christ died. Cruel Roman soldiers, expert killers knew a dead body when they saw one. Soldiers on duty at the crucifixion “came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead”. To be doubly sure, “one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water” (John 19:33,34).Yes, Jesus was dead. Let the Apostle Paul have the final word, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

HOW DOES THE BIBLE PROVE THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS?
Just as there is no doubt that Jesus died, so also is there no doubt that God raised him from the dead. Look at the witnesses to Christ’s resurrection. They are all the more credible because none of them were expecting his resurrection. They were all amazed by it. Jesus had told them to expect it, but they had not understood his words. After all, nobody had been raised from the dead to everlasting life before Jesus. Many events took place before the apostles, (his closest friends) were convinced:
The dead body of Jesus was laid in a tomb. Faithful women saw the body and knew he was dead. When they returned later, the body of Jesus had gone! Two angels appeared with wonderful news, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” They reminded the women that Jesus must “be crucified and on the third day rise” (Luke 24:5-7).
Suddenly the light dawned. The women remembered his words, and for the first time, they understood them. They returned and “told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest” (v9). What was their response? “These words seemed to them an idle tale (as nonsense), and they did not believe them” (Luke 24:11). Doesn’t their response ring true? They were certainly not expecting the resurrection of Jesus.
Peter ran to the tomb. Jesus was nowhere to be seen! Could his resurrection be true?
The same day, two other disciples were walking to Emmaus. The risen Jesus joined them. Not recognising him, they spoke of Jesus being crucified, saying “we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel” (v21). Surely, this was now impossible? Jesus told them the scriptures foretold that the Christ ” should suffer these things and enter into His glory”. “Their eyes were opened and they recognised him” (v31). Jesus vanished, and they rushed to find the eleven apostles, who also said “The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon!” (v34).
Jesus stood in the midst of the apostles, saying “Peace to you”. Did they welcome him? They did not! “They were startled and frightened, and thought they saw a spirit”. But the resurrected Christ was not a spirit. Jesus said, “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have” (v36-39).
He ate in their presence, and reminded them, “it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead” (v46). Were the apostles convinced at last about the resurrection of Jesus? Yes, including ‘doubting’ Thomas! “They worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy”. (All quotes from Luke 24).
Paul tells us Jesus appeared after his resurrection to: Cephas (Peter); the twelve; more than five hundred brothers at one time; James; all the apostles; and himself (1Corinthians 15:5-8). Truly, Jesus “presented himself alive after His suffering by many proofs” (Acts 1:3).
There is one final, powerful proof. Only the physical resurrection of Jesus could have changed the apostles. Before his death, they feared for their lives. Sadly, “They all left him and fled”. Not any more! They became fearless preachers. Peter boldly spoke about Jesus on the day of Pentecost, “him you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up … God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:23,24,36).
Peter healed a lame man. He told Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas and the rulers, “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified” the man was healed. The apostles had seen the risen Christ. Nothing was going to stop them telling everyone about him! Only the resurrection of Jesus could have caused such a profound change from being fearful to becoming fearless men.
The most striking evidence of the resurrection of Jesus is the Apostle Paul. Previously he was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples (Acts 9:1). Nothing less than seeing the risen Christ on the Damascus road could have caused such a dramatic change in him. Paul, the persecutor of Christians was now willing to be persecuted for the gospel’s sake.
To summarise this section:
Jesus had been killed. His body was laid in a tomb. That same body became alive again. It was seen and handled. It even showed the nail marks from the cross. Jesus, in his immortal state, had flesh and bones, and could not die again. He was not a spirit or an immortal soul.

WHERE IS JESUS NOW?

Jesus is in heaven. “He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight”. Two angels said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?

This Jesus … will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11).
Jesus is now sitting at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). He is alive for evermore (Revelation 1:18). He is our mediator, and presents our prayers to our Heavenly Father.

The great news for us is that he will not stay in heaven. He is going to come back to the earth to set up God’s Kingdom and to be King of the world. Peter tells us God shall “send the Christ … whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke” (Acts 3:19-21).

When Jesus comes, Paul tells us he “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). Jesus now has an immortal body. He is going to be a visible King. His faithful saints (followers) will all have immortal bodies, after they are “repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14).

They will teach God’s word to the mortal people living on earth. The Bible calls this time “The Kingdom of God”.

CAN GOD GIVE ME AN IMMORTAL BODY LIKE THAT OF JESUS?

Yes He can, and He will, if you take God at His word. Seriously, God offers you everlasting life, but on his terms. If you love God and keep His commandments, Jesus will be pleased to change your mortal body to be like his glorious resurrected body, when he returns. You will live and reign on earth with him forever.

Basic Bible Teaching – Bible Advice on Money

When you have read this leaflet you will know the answers to these questions:
1. What is the root of all evil?
2. What is a worldly attitude to money?
3. What should be the Christian’s attitude to money?

Money can be Good or Bad
“Money is the root of all evil”—many people think that this is Bible teaching. But they are wrong! Look up the quotation from 1 Timothy 6:10. This says that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”. Jesus told us a similar thing: “The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word” (Matthew 13:22).

In itself money is not a bad thing. Without it modern life would not be possible. It is money that pays for food and shelter, for clothes and education. Money can help the sick and support the aged. However, money can also do many evil things. It can give a person power over others, making them proud and cruel. It can become a terrible master, making people discontented with what they have, and eager to grasp more of this world’s perishable treasures. Money becomes a great evil when it is used wrongly.

The Worldly Attitude to Money
The worldly person has one aim: to get more money and the things money can buy, in the quickest and easiest way possible. This constant lusting after money and worldly things Jesus calls “covetousness”—a word which means ‘eagerness to get more’. Gambling, sweepstakes, raffles, avoiding income tax, giving short change, workers deceiving employers and stealing—all these are examples of covetousness. These evils are very common because unconverted men and women are naturally selfish.

A person who wants to be Godly and contented will resist this desire for worldly things. Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15). There are many people who possess fine houses, motor-cars and many attractive things, and yet they are inwardly sick and without that true joy and contentment which Paul says are “great gain”. He also says that covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). He means that the worldly man makes a god of the things he possesses, or wants to possess, and forgets the one true God.

Pride
Money is often used—or rather, misused—by people who want to impress others with their own importance. This is a dangerous form of pride. Some people spend far more than they ought to spend (more than they can afford to spend) on belongings just to show off. They get seriously into debt because they are not content with simpler, humbler things which they can afford. So they are never in a position to help others with their money. Just to show off, such people “fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9).

The Christian Attitude to Money
Money which a Christian possesses should be the result of honest labour. The Bible has not one good word for men and women who try to live off other people, or the Church, when they are capable of providing for themselves. “If a man will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Paul writes very sternly to the person who is idle and a busybody. Such a man must learn to “labour, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28). The life of Paul is also a witness against those who live off others in the name of religion. Although he was an apostle, he worked hard with his hands as a tentmaker, so that he did not become a burden on those to whom he preached.

Money should first be used to provide food and other necessities for the family, and where necessary for the children’s schooling, and not on luxuries. Some children have to go hungry because their father spends too much on drink and tobacco, or because their mother spends on expensive clothes and hair setting. Such people sin against God.

Giving to God
The Jews of Old Testament days gave a tenth of their income for the temple service. This was a kind of income tax to pay the wages of teachers, judges and other necessary people. But over and above this, Godly Jews gladly offered “freewill offerings” when they went to worship. “They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:16,17).

This freewill offering is held up as an example to Christians. Paul urges each believer to set something aside for the service of God, according “as God has prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2). On the first day of the week the members of the ecclesia met together to “break bread” (Acts 20:7). It was then that they took up these offerings. This formed a very important part of the communion service. To give like this is one very small way of expressing our thanks to God for His great gift of forgiveness and salvation through Christ. The community cannot work without funds, but these should always be freewill offerings, not compulsory payments. They should be given gladly by the members, and not begged from those who are not members.

Faithfulness
A true Christian must be absolutely faithful and trustworthy in money matters. Only to such men will Jesus entrust the “true riches”, that is, everlasting life in God’s Kingdom (Luke 16:11). If a payment is due to someone else, the true disciple will make that payment promptly, and will not conveniently ‘forget’. In regard to debts, the ideal is: “Owe no man anything” (Romans 13:8). The Christian will remember that failure to repay what is owed (unless hard poverty makes it impossible) is considered by God as robbery. A servant or employee is not to “purloin” his employer’s things—that is, take for his own use, without permission (Titus 2:10). It is often by a right attitude to money, both our own and other people’s, that we show how faithful to Christ we really are. It was the mishandling of money that led to the downfall of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).

A Wonderful Example
When the Lord Jesus wanted to show us a supreme example of how to use money to God’s glory, whom did he choose? A millionaire spending huge sums to provide schools and hospitals and libraries? No, a poor widow who gave 2 mites (the smallest coins) as a freewill offering: so small, yet how great—greater than all the other offerings, for it was all that she had. She is a great example to us of someone with the right priorities in her life. She knew that service to God was far more important than worldly wealth.