Lesson 7, Anger and your Brother

Sunday School Lesson for the Adult Class

Witnessing as Jesus and the Bible instructs us to witness

VII. Anger and your Brother.                                       Matthew 5:21 – 26

          A. Jesus reminds of the law, then expounds it.   Matthew 5:21, 22

If a person obeys the commandments but wishes evil, or longs to give into lust, is that person truly just?

Are you justified to obey the letter of the law, but not the intents of it?

Jesus was removing all false interpretations of the law. The law was external, but the Spirit of God was internal.

          B. Gift to God while living in sin.                        Matthew 5:23, 24

What good are our outward or external motions of Christianity if our heart is far from God?

          C. Don’t let a standing disagreement hurt your light of the Gospel. Matthew 5:25, Luke 12:58

          D. Uttermost farthing.                                         Matthew 4:26, Luke 12:59

If we as Christians cannot rectify our wrongs and sins after being forgiven of such great sins ourselves by Jesus Christ, what example is it for us to let sins and hardships exist between us and our acquaintances?

Lesson 6, Jesus Fulfills the Law and Prophets.

Sunday School Lesson for the Adult Class

Witnessing as Jesus and the Bible instructs us to witness

VI. Jesus fulfilling the Law and Prophets                    Matthew 5:17, Romans 8:3 – 6, Romans 10:4

People might say that the original commandments, or the Old Testament no longer matter, but this is not true, Jesus life didn’t destroy the Old Testament but fulfilled it.

          A. Jot and tittle                                                    Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:17

We serve a savior that leaves nothing undone. Most prophecies have been fulfilled, but there a some yet to come.

          B. Commandments and Heaven                          Matthew 5:19, James 2:10

Do the Old Testament commandments matter? Are there degrees in Heaven?

          C. Righteousness of God matters, not man        Matthew 5:20, Romans 10:3

Christ was speaking in a way the Pharisees didn't speak about the Jewish faith. Christ was speaking in such a way, except for John the Baptist, no one had spoken in hundreds of years. The Old Testament prophets for the most part were despised by the ruling class of Israel. Many leading Christians today may look down upon the rightful interpretation of the Bible.

Who matters when it comes to our discipleship and how we tell Gods word?

Lesson 5, Seasoning and Light of the World

Sunday School Lesson for the Adult Class

Witnessing as Jesus and the Bible instructs us to witness

V. Christians are the seasoning and light of the world                   Matthew 5:13 – 16

          A. Salt of the earth                                                        Matthew 5:13, Luke 14:34, 35, Mark 9:50,

If you are not full of God’s power and spirit are you any good for spreading the Gospel? Luke 14:33

          B. Light of the World                                                    Matthew 5:14, Luke 8:16, 11:33 – 36

Notice that we ARE the light and salt and not merely ‘have’ the light or salt. Once we accept him as our savior, we have a purpose that exists whether we choose to serve him or not. We can hide our light or salt, but we cannot remove it; we are made those things by Jesus Christ when we accept him.  –From ‘Cost of Discipleship’ Dietrich Bonhoeffer pg. 116

          C. City set on a hill -               When you are traveling at this time in history, you long for the cities. The highways and byways are where the robbers and bandits are. Traveling at night has its own hazards when there are no lights or electricity.

Do people look forward to our presence? Do people see us a haven in a sinful and dangerous world?

          D. Hidden candle -                  We can hide our lights, but it goes against common sense, the point of the candle, nature, and our God-given purpose.

          E. Light to the whole house - We are always to be a light everywhere we go, all the time.

          F. You let your light shine for God’s glory -       God gets the honor and glory if we are a light for him.

          Is there any self or ego in being a light for Christ?

Lesson 4 in Matthew, the Beatitudes

IV. The Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount                Matthew 5:1 - 12

            A. After attracting a following he begins to preach     Matthew 5:1, 2, Luke 6:20

Is a Christian’s work done in the church or outside the church building? Church is for worship and teaching, but Christ preached and taught in the church and evangelized outside the church.

Did Jesus convert more in the synagogues or outside them?

          B. The Beatitudes                                                Matthew 5:2 – 12, Luke 6:20 – 23

                   1. Blessed are the poor in spirit

                   2. Blessed are they that mourn

                   3. Blessed are the meek

                   4. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness

                   5. Blessed are the merciful

                   6. Blessed are the pure in heart

                   7. Blessed are the peacemakers

                   8. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake

                   9. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you

                             a. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Cost of discipleship chapter 6 expounds this well.

          C. The opposite of the Beatitudes – Proverbs 6:16 – 19

                   1. proud look

                   2. lying tongue

                   3. hands that shed innocent blood

                   4. heart that deviseth wicked imaginations

                   5. feet swift running to mischief

                   6. false witness

                   7. he that soweth discord

Can we be successful in winning souls to Jesus without these characteristics described in the beatitudes?

Does Christianity require that we are willing to suffer for the cause of Christ? (Verse 12)

Does the ‘American’ or ‘modern’ way of life conflict with the beatitudes?

I believe (the Great Commission in Matthew Chapter 10) that Christians are better to suited to witness when they have been taught to witness; not to go uninformed of God’s word. 

Lesson 3 of the New Adult Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson for the Adult Class

Witnessing as Jesus and the Bible instructs us to witness

III. Jesus fulfills scripture and calls disciples Matthew Chapter 4 v.12 – 25

          A. Jesus heads north Galilee, Naphthalim, Zebulan    Mark 1:14, Luke 4:14, John 1:39

         

          B. Fulfilled prophecy Matthew 4:14, Luke 4:17          Isaiah 9:1, 2, Isaiah 61:1, 2

Does God fulfill prophecy in our lives?

          C. Preaches just as John did                                        Matthew 4:17

          D. Starts to gather the disciples                                   Matthew 4:18, 19, Mark 1:16, 17, Luke 5:3, 4, John 1:39

         

Do we look for converts the same way? Were the disciples already converted? Is calling disciples the same as calling out the lost?

          E. Gathers more disciples                                            Matthew 4:21, 22, Mark 1:19, 20, John 1:42 – 49

Do we ever stop evangelizing? Is God’s Church supposed to be ‘big enough’? Do we retire from our Christian work?

          F. Jesus starts to teach, heal, and change lives           Matthew 4:23 – 25, Mark 1:21 – 28, Luke 4:22 – 37

Should our ‘fame’ in God’s work be known to others? Maybe not on the night news, but should it be known in circles that our church has powerful prayers, or that God’s work is done here?

I think (Great Commission in Matthew Chapter 10) that Christians are better to suited to witness when they have been taught to witness; not to go uninformed of God’s word. 

Witnessing as the Bible instructs us to witness: Matthew 4:1 - 11 The temptation of Jesus

Sunday School Lesson for the Adult Class

Witnessing as Jesus and the Bible instructs us to witness

II. Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted - Matthew Chapter 4 v.1-11

          A. Who takes Jesus into the wilderness – The Spirit                      Mark 1:12, Luke 4:1

Will the spirit take us to places where he will be tried?

          B. Jesus fasts 40 days and nights before his temptation       Luke 4:2

What is the significance of Jesus’ fasting?

Whose strength must Jesus rely on?

Could we clear our calendar to meditate on God and his word for 40 days?

Does God speak to busy people? If he did would they hear?

          C. The first temptation comes after he has fasted.                Luke 4:2

          D. Stones to Bread temptation                                               Luke 4:3

Hunger, lust, fatigue, all tempts us to give in to sin. Jesus proved we don’t have to give in to sin.

          E. Trying what God says, another temptation                      Luke 4:9 – 12

Similar to Adam and Eve, testing God to see if he means what he says is a sin because it goes contrary to his word first, and shows a lack of faith second.

          F. All the world for your soul - temptation                                      Luke 4:5 – 8

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

While the temptation of ‘stuff’ is powerful, you can’t take it with you when you die.

          G. Angels ministered unto him                                               Mark 1:13

When God attend to you after you have overcome temptations and persecutions in his name?

Is any persecution comparable to eternity? Isn’t a soul saved worth persecution?

I think (Great Commission in Matthew Chapter 10) that Christians are better to suited to witness when they have been taught to witness; not to go uninformed of God’s word. 

New Adult Sunday School Lessons

This week we will be doing new lessons for the Adult class at our Church. I want to try and show the best way to be a light and spread the Gospel to the world by looking at how Jesus and the apostles themselves witnessed. I'm starting in Matthew the third chapter. If you get some use out of these lessons, please leave a message and let me know.

Lesson 1 Matthew Chapter 3

Witnessing as Jesus and the Bible instructs us to witness

I. John the Baptist comes onto the scene (Who is John and What does he do) - Matthew 3

A. Who is John?

1. John was the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth and Cousin to Mary and Joseph the parents of Jesus. Luke 1:5, Luke 1:36

2.  His birth was a miracle to aged parents as foretold by the angel Gabriel.           Luke 1:18, Luke 1:19

3.  John was set aside to be different and pure and full of the Holy Ghost.                Luke 1:15

Questions for the class

Is the birth of John and his purpose in life that different from what your purpose is?

Were you called by God? 2 Timothy 1:9, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13,14

         

          B. What does John do?

                   1. Preaches in the Wilderness

                   2. Preaches repentance for the kingdom is at hand and make ready people for the Lord     Matthew 3:2, Luke 1:17

Is our message any different from John’s message?             Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8

                   3. Preaches as prophesied by Isaiah and in the spirit of Elias        Matthew 3:3, Luke 1:17

                   4. Baptizes with water unto repentance.                                Matthew 3:11

                   5. Tells of the one to come; Jesus.                                         Matthew 3:11,12, John 1:29  

What is the story we are to tell?                                            Matthew 28:19,20

                   6. He baptizes Jesus.                                                              Matthew 3:15               

C. God Proclaims/Declares that Jesus is his Son.                                    Matthew 3:17, Luke 3:22, Mark 1:11

Is our job to proclaim him? Can you proclaim who you do not know? Matthew 10:20

Article of Faith 18 - the final Article

XVIII.  OF THE WORLD TO COME

We believe that the end of the world is approaching; (1 Peter 4:7; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12 Matthew 25:31; Matthew 28:20; Matthew 13:39-43; 1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:3-13)

that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, (Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; (Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; John 6:40; John 11:25-26; Acts 10:42)

that a solemn separation will then take place; (Matthew 13:49; Matthew 13:37-43; Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 25:31-33)
that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; (Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 4:18)

and that this judgement will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.  (Romans 3:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12; Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:2-16; Revelation 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17; 2 Peter 3:11-12)

Articles of Faith 13 through 17

In our Sunday School class we are still going over the Articles of Faith. We are almost finished, but we are now covering articles 13 through 17. 

Article of Faith XIII – Of the Gospel Church

Of a Gospel Church We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers

1 Cor. 1:1-13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5

associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel

Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13

observing the ordinances of Christ

1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:6; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:17

governed by his laws

Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thess. 4.2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; all the Epistles

and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word

Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 12:14

that its only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons

Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1

whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8

 XIV.  OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, (Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:5; John 3:22-23; John 4:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 16:32-34; Acts 18:8)
into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Galatians 3:27-28)
to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 22:16)
that it is prerequisite to the previleges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper; (Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles)
in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; (1 Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20)
preceded always by solemn self-examination.  (1 Corinthians 11:28; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 10:3-32; 1 Corinthians 11:17-32; John 6:26-71)

 XV. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH 

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian  Sabbath; (Acts 20:7; Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, (Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10; Psalms 118:24)
by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations: (Isaiah 58:13-14)
by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private  (Psalms 118:15)
and public; (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 11:26)
and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. (Hebrews 4:3-11)

 XVI.  OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT 

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society;  (Romans 13:1-7; Deuteronomy 16:18; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21-23; Jeremiah 30:21)
and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed;  (Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-3)
except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:15-18; Daniel 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20)
who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. (Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalms 72:11; Psalms 2:1-12; Romans 14:9-13)

XVII.  OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE
WICKED 

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 6:16)
that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; (Romans 1:17; Romans 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7; Romans 6:18; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:17-18)
while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; (1 John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; Psalms 10:4; Isaiah 55:6-7)
and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. (Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Proverbs 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; Luke 9:23-26; John 12:25-26; Ecclesiastes 3:17; Matthew 7:13-14)

Articles of Faith 11 and 12

We are continuing our study of the Baptist Articles of Faith in our Adult Sunday School class. It is good we are reminded of why we believe what we believe and not just to follow after something because 'that's the way we've always done it'.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS 

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18)
that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matthew 13:20-21; John 6:66-69)
that a special Providence watches over their welfare; (Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30-33; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalms 121:2); Psalms 91:11-12)
and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12-13; Jude 1:24-25; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:4) 
  

XII.  OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL 

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; (Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15)
that it is holy, just, and good; (Romans 7:12; Romans 7:7; Romans 7:14; Romans 7:22; Galatians 3:21 ; Psalms 119
and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfil its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; (Romans 8:7-8; Joshua 24:19; Jeremiah 13:23; John 6:44; John 5:44)

to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. (Romans 8:22-4; Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:10; Romans 12:14; Jude 120-21)

Articles of Faith 9 and 10

 IX.  OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE 

We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;  (2 Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; John 15:16; 1 John 4:19)
that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:14)
that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (Exodus 33; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11 Romans 9:23-24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32-36)
that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; (1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Romans 3:27; Romans 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7)
that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10)
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)
that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (Romans 8:28-31; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29)
and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.  (2 Peter 1; Philippians 3:12; Hebrews 6:11) 
   

  

 X.  OF SANCTIFICATION 

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 13:9; Ephesians 1:4)
that it is a progressive work; (Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 6:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16)
that it is begun in regeneration; (1 John 2:29; Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11)
and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.  (Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 9:23; Luke 11:35; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18) 

Baptist Articles of Faith 7 and 8

We continue to cover the Articles of Faith in our Sunday School class. 

VII. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or  born again; (John 3:3; John 3:6-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Revelation 14:3; Revelation 21:27)

that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;  (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7)

that it is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth; (John 3:8; John 1:13; James 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:13)

so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel;  (1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20-23; Colossians 3:9-11)

and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.  (Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:14-21; Matthew 3:8-10; Matthew 7:20; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 5:18) 
 

VIII.  OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8;1 John 5:1)

whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ; (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 16:30-31)

we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (Luke 18:13; Luke 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Romans 10:12-13; Psalms 51)

at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. (Romans 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23; Hebrews 4:14; Psalms 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Timothy 1:12) 

Baptist Articles of Faith - V - VI

V. Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ; (John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8)
secures to such as believe in him is Justification;  (Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11-12; Romans 8:1)
that Justification includes the pardon of sin; (Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43)
and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;  (Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Romans 5:21)
that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; (Romans 4:4-5; Romans 5:21; Romans 6:23; Philippians 3:7-9)
by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; (Romans 5:19; Romans 3:24-26; Romans 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12)
that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. (Romans 5:1-3; Romans 5:11; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8) 

  

VI. The Freeness of Salvation

  

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the  gospel;  (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17)
that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; (Romans 16:25-26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17)
and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; (John 5:40; Matthew 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24Acts 13:46)
which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation; (John 3:19; Matthew 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8)

Spotlight on Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell was born in 1902 in Tianjin (pronounced Chen-gen) China to Mr and Mrs Liddell who were Scottish missionaries to China. Eric spent the first years of his life in China until him and his brother were enrolled in a school for children of missionaries in London England. While attending school in London, Eric did well in academics, but excelled at sports. He played rugby, but it appears right away that he could run almost like no one else.

He was recruited to speak for the Glasgow Students’ Evangelical Union because of his strong Christian faith and what was believed to be his ability to draw large crowds because of his new feats in running.

Mr Liddell went on to school at Edinburgh and excelled at running setting the 100 meter record at 9.7 seconds. He would hold this record for twenty three years before it was finally broken. In the 1924 Olympiad he won a bronze in the 200 meter race and a gold in the 400 meter race. He did not run his favored race which was the 100 meter race because it was on Sunday and Liddell wouldn’t run on the Sabbath because of his convictions.

Eric would later go back to China in 1925 as a missionary in Tianjin as well as Xiaozhang. (pronounce shoa ghong). He taught and evangelized in this poverty stricken part of China for years. He would compete against other runners from time to time, and eventually married another missionary and had three girls; the last of which he would not meet.

When the Japanese invaded China during World War II, they eventually made it to Tianjin and Liddell and other missionaries were imprisoned. He would eventually become a leader to the prisoners and help out the best he could even though supplies were scarce at best.

The last letter he wrote to his wife he describes a ‘nervous breakdown’ he had because of the pressure and work in the prison camp. He actually had an inoperable brain tumor to go along with his malnourishment and mistreatment. When he died it was said to have a great impact on the whole camp, especially the young prisoners. His last words are said to be ‘It’s complete surrender’ talking about his life for Christ.

The 1981 movie Chariots of Fire is based on Eric and Harold Abrahams life and the Olympics. This is also a memorial dedicated to his honor in the former Weihsien Internment Camp.