100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS - LESSON # 11 - THE HUMANITY OF CHRIST

                                          100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS
                                        LESSON # 11 - THE HUMANITY OF CHRIST


                                        INTRODUCTION

     In order to be the Savior, Jesus had to be not only divine and virgin born, but He must also be a true man. He was like us in every respect except sinful.
1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man (human) Christ Jesus."
Jesus had to be made like us in order to be a "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God," Hebrews 2:17.
Jesus was born under the law that He might redeem us from the law, Galatians 4:4,5.
The first Adam brought death. Christ, the second Adam, brought resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:22.
In this lesson, we present some of the proofs of the humanity of Christ.


                                    I - JESUS WAS GIVEN HUMAN NAMES

     Matthew 1:21 "Thou shalt call His name Jesus," fulfilled in Matthew 1:23.
In 1 Timothy 2:5 (above) Jesus is distinctly called a man.
The phrase "Son of man"--which emphasizes His humanity--occurs 77 times, Luke 19:10.
Stephen, just before his death, saw Jesus and called Him "Son of man," Acts 7:56.


                                   II -   JESUS HAD HUMAN ANCESTRY

     To get a kitten, you must have cat parents. For Jesus to be human, He must have a human parent, which He did in the person of His mother, Mary.
Luke 2:7 "And she (Mary) brought forth her firstborn Son."
Galatians 4:4 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law."
Jesus was born of the seed and lineage of David. Acts 13:23 "Of this man's seed (David) hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus."
The genealogy in Matthew 1:1-16 traces the ancestry from Abraham to Christ.
Hebrews 7:14 "For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah: of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood."


                                 III -  JESUS POSSESSED A PHYSICAL NATURE
  
      John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh (human nature), and dwelt among us."
Hebrews 2:14 "For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same (that is, flesh and blood)."
To not confess that Jesus Christ is a man is a mark of antichrist. 1 John 4:3 "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist."
To test a demon possessed person, ask this question: "Has Jesus Christ come in the flesh?" and they will answer with an emphatic "No."


                                IV -  JESUS WAS SUBJECT TO THE LAW

1. HE GREW. Luke 2:40 :And the Child (Jesus) grew, and waxed strong in spirit."
2. HE ASKED QUESTIONS. Luke 2:46 "And it came to pass that after three days they found Him (Jesus) in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions."
3. HE INCREASED IN WISDOM. Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature."
4. HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE. Hebrews "Though He (Jesus) were a Son yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered."
5. HE SUFFERED. Hebrews 2:18 "For in that He (Jesus) Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:10 "For it became Him (Jesus), for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering."      
6. HE WORKED AS A CARPENTER TO THE AGE OF THIRTY. Mark 6:3 "Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses?"Jesus age is given in Luke 3:23.
Jesus was so human that he was mistaken for an ordinary carpenter.
7. HE WAS TEMPTED---the temptations in Matthew 4:1-11.


                              V -  JESUS WAS MOVED BY THE INSTINCTS OF A NORMAL HUMAN BEING

1. HE HUNGERED- Matthew 4:2 "And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungry." See also Matthew 21:18.
2. HE THIRSTED. John 4:7 "There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, give Me to drink." The fifth cry from the cross, "I thirst."-- John 19:28.
3. HE BECAME WEARY. John 4:6 "Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well."
4. HE SLEPT. Matthew 8:24 "And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but He was asleep."
5. HE LOVED. Mark 10:21 "Then Jesus beholding him loved him"--the rich young ruler.  John 11:36 "Then said the Jews, Behold how He loved him." ---Jesus loved Lazarus.
6. HE HAD COMPASSION. Matthew 9:36 "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted."
7. HE WAS ANGRY AND GRIEVED. Mark 3:4 "And He saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?" John 2:16, righteous indignation was manifested in the cleansing of the temple.
8. HE MANIFESTED REVERENTIAL TRUST. Hebrews 5:7 "Who in the days of His flesh when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared."
9. HE GROANED. John 11:33 "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the Spirit and was troubled."
10. HE WEPT. John 11:35 "Jesus wept." Probably also in Gethsemane Matthew 26:38.
Luke 19:41, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem.
11. HE PRAYED. Matthew 14:23 "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray."


                           VI -  JESUS POSSESSED BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT  

1. JESUS HAD A BODY. John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 26:12. Jesus body was buried, Luke 23:52-56.
2. JESUS HAD A SOUL. Matthew 26:38 "My soul is exceeding sorrowful." Jesus soul went to Paradise at death, Luke 23:43.
3. JESUS HAD A SPIRIT, WHICH RETURNED TO THE FATHER AT DEATH. Luke 23:46 Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit."


                        VII -  JESUS DIED

     The biological culmination of life is death. Man is born to die. Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die..." Jesus must keep this rule.
Jesus was in the prime of His life when He was crucified on the cross of Calvary.
Luke 23:33 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
Hebrews 2:9 "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
Jesus came to earth to die, and death was the major proof of His humanity.


                     CONCLUSION

     Jesus still possessed a body, even after His resurrection. Luke 24:39 "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see Me have." John 20:27 "Reach hither thy finger and behold My hands."
Jesus was human and like us all but for two points: 1) He did not possess a sin nature or original sin; 2) He was sinless for He never committed one sin.




                 SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS by ALBAN DOUGLAS     




TOPIC OF THE NEXT LESSON -  THE SINLESSNESS OF CHRIST


GOD BLESS US ALL ALWAYS.                                    

100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS - LESSON # 10 - THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE SON TO THE FATHER

                             100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS
               LESSON # 10 - THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE SON TO THE FATHER


                                 INTRODUCTION
 
     This is a controversial point with many cults who deny the deity of Christ. They say that Jesus, like us, is a son of God, but not God. They maintain that He is a son who is subservient to the Father and quote Scriptures to prove it. How do we evangelicals answer their seemingly unanswerable arguments? I believe that in brief, the answer is this: As God, Jesus, in His pre-incarnate state, was, is and always will be equal with God the Father. However, in His incarnate state, He is definitely subservient to the Father. A study of the pre-incarnate Christ will help us to appreciate what the Son emptied Himself of in order to become our Savior, Philippians 2:5-8.


                                 I - JESUS CHRIST AS GOD IS EQUAL TO THE FATHER 1 John 2:23

     John 5:18 "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him because He not only broken the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." The Jews recognized but one God, "The Lord our God is one Lord," and considered Christ's as blasphemous and worthy of death by stoning, Leviticus 24:12. John 10:30 "I and My Father are one," is certainly a proof of His equality with God.
John 14:9 "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou (Philip) then, Shew us the Father?" They are one and indivisible.
Colossians 1:15 "Who (Christ) is the image of the invisible God...." Jesus Christ is the visible reflection of the invisible God---invisible because He is a Spirit.
John 10:33 "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because Thou being a man, makest Thyself God." Jesus was trying to prove to them that He was God but they stubbornly refused to believe.
Philippians 2:5,6 "....Christ Jesus who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." Jesus was honestly equal with the Father God.
The writer of Hebrews also adds his testimony. Hebrews 1:8, But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever." God the Father calls His Son, "God." To say the least, Christ is perfect and complete in deity---lacking not one thing.   


                               II - JESUS CHRIST AS MAN IS SUBORDINATED TO THE FATHER

     When Jesus Christ became man He voluntarily took the lower place- a place of humility and subordination to the Father God.
John 14:28 "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come unto you. If you love Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I." Jesus the human, is speaking of the eternal God.
When Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, then Christ entered into a new relationship with God.
Hebrews 1:5 "For unto which of the angels said He (the Father) at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?" This occurred in Luke 1:35.
The begetting refers to that which transpired in Luke 1:35, when the Holy Spirit came upon the Virgin Mary and the human Jesus was conceived, Luke 1:35.

A) WAYS IN WHICH THE SON WAS SUBORDINATED TO THE FATHER

1. Jesus' earthly life was lived because of the Father: John 6:57 "As the living Father hath sent Me, I live by the Father." The Father sustained the Son.
2. Jesus could not do anything independently of the Father: John 5:19 "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."
3. Jesus Christ was sent to earth by the Father. John 6:29 "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." Also John 8:29, 42.
4. The Father gave the Son authority and directions: John 10:18 "I lay it (My life) down of Myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father." Also John 13:3.
5. Jesus Christ received His messages from the Father: John 8:26 "I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him."
6. The Father gave to the Savior certain works to accomplish: John 5:36 "The works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me." Also John 17:4
7. The Father assigned a kingdom to the Son: Luke 22:29 "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me."
8. During this present Church age, Jesus is subjected to the headship of the Father: 1 Corinthians 11:3 "The head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
9. Christ has become the way by which men are able to approach God: Hebrews 7:25 "Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."
10. Jesus has become the way to God, the way of salvation. He is the only way: John 14:6.
11. Jesus referred to the Father as "My God." John 20:17 "Jesus saith unto her...I ascend unto...My God." Also in Matthew 27:46, the forth saying from the cross.

B) THE EXTENT OF THIS SUBORDINATION--HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
     Luke 22:29 says that the Father gave the Son a kingdom. The Son will return this to the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:24 "then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father."
The period of subordination to extend beyond this--beyond the consumation of this age, even beyond the Great White Throne judgment.
1 Corinthians 15:27,28 "For He hath put all things under His feet...then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all."


                         CONCLUSION

     If we understand the Scripture aright, there is no conflict here. The pre-incarnate Christ is and always has been equal to the Father God Almighty.
The human incarnate Christ laid aside this position and in His self humiliation, chose a place of subordination to the Father as a child to his parent.
The more we study the seven fold humbling of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8), the more we see manifested His tremendous love for us while we were still ugly sinners. Let us hasten this wonderful message to all nations.




            SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS by ALBAN DOUGLAS        

100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS - LESSON # 9b - ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE DEITY OF CHRIST

                                        100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS
                         LESSON # 9b - ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE DEITY OF CHRIST


                                        INTRODUCTION

     This lesson is in addition to lesson nine on the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This precious doctrine is attacked mercilessly in this country so it is good to know the arguments and Scriptures used by these opponents. The materials in this lesson are from the excellent study, Christ Deity by Efren Alvier. We list the 21 arguments with brief replies.


                                       THE ARGUMENTS

CHRIST IS NOT GOD, BECAUSE......
1. Because He had flesh and bones, and God- being a spirit- has neither flesh nor bones- John 4:24; Luke 24:39.
ANSWER: Jesus Christ as man had flesh and bones but as God He was spirit. This objection arises from the problem of the dual nature of the Savior. In order for the invisible God to become visible, He must become flesh and bones. 1 Timothy 3:16 "God was manifest in the flesh," in the person of Jesus Christ.

2. BECAUSE CHRIST HAD A BEGINNING AND GOD HAD NO BEGINNING - John 8:4; Psalm 90:20

ANSWER: Jesus as a man had a beginning when He was conceived of the Holy Spirit but Jesus as God is without beginning and without end. John 8:56-59; Colossians 1:17; John 1:18; Isaiah 9:6.
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3. BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN CREATED, AND GOD HAS NO BEGINNING - Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14

ANSWER: A true translation of Revelation 3:14 is something like this, "He was the witness of the beginning of the creation of God, "not a creation but a witness of the creation. Proverbs 8:22, 23 speaking of wisdom personified in the person of Christ, "Christ was from everlasting, from the beginning or ever the earth was."

4. BECAUSE HOSEA 11:9 SAY THAT GOD IS NOT A MAN, WHILE EZEKIEL 28:2 SAYS THAT MAN IS NOT GOD.

ANSWER: Hosea does not say that God could not assume human form of body and flesh. Nothing is too hard for God, Jeremiah 32:17, 18, and He can be manifest in the flesh.

5. BECAUSE HE CALLED GOD HIS FATHER- Matthew 27:46 and John 20:17

ANSWER: Jesus as the human Person called God His Father, God in Hebrews 1:8 calls Jesus "God," but that does not lessen the Father's position of deity.

6. BECAUSE THE FATHER SENT HIM TO EARTH - John 8:42

ANSWER: The Father sending the Son to earth (Jesus volunteered to come) does not lessen His position as being the Almighty God, Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; Galatians 4:4-5.


7. BECAUSE HE APPEARED WITH FLESH - 1 John 4:23; 2 John 7. Since Jesus is flesh, bones and blood, He is merely a man and no more.

ANSWER: Jesus assumed flesh, bones and blood merely for the incarnation. As God He is eternal but to be our Redeemer it was necessary that He becomes partaker of humanity.


8. BECAUSE GOD IS HIS HEAD - 1 Corinthians 1:3

ANSWER: In a triumvirate it is necessary that one be the chairman but that does not mean that he is greater than the other two. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal but for administrative purposes, the father acts as the executive administrator.


9. BECAUSE HE IS CALLED MAN - John 8:40; 1 Timothy 2:5

ANSWER:  Jesus was both true God and true man in one person without an intermingling of the two natures. Emmanuel means "God with us."


10. CHRIST IS NOT GOD, BUT HE IS A SON OF GOD JUST AS WE MAY BECOME SONS OF GOD.

ANSWER: By conversion we become a "son of God" (John 1:12), but Jesus Christ is the "only begotten Son of God" (John 3:16), a unique and special position. God's Son is equal to the Father, Philippians 2:6, and the saints become heirs with Christ.


11. BECAUSE THE FATHER GAVE HIM POWER - Matthew 28:18

ANSWER: In Philippians 2:5-8, the Son surrenders this power and God restores or returns it to Him after the resurrection. It was always His but He voluntarily yielded it.


12. BECAUSE HE WAS MADE LORD BY GOD - Acts 2:36

ANSWER: It is not made in the sense of a promotion for though He always was God, the Father takes this opportunity to proclaim this fact to all humanity.


13. BECAUSE HE IS SUBJECT TO GOD -  1 Corinthians 15:28

ANSWER: This does not refer to Christ's nature but rather to His position. Christ voluntarily chose subjection. It was not imposed on Him against His will.


14. BECAUSE CHRIST DIED AND GOD IS IMMORTAL AND CANNOT DIE -  1 Timothy 1:17; Luke 23:46 and Acts 2:32

ANSWER: Jesus as man died but Jesus as God could not and did not die, Hebrews 2:9, 14. It is the physical that dies. The spirit does not die for it returns to God.


15. BECAUSE HE WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT -  Matthew 1:18-20. As a creature of the Holy Spirit, He is therefore neither God nor Creator.

ANSWER: The humanity of Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit. The deity of Christ has always existed, John 1:12. Jesus existed long before the Virgin Mary,

16. BECAUSE HE SAID "I ASCEND UNTO MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER, AND TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD." THEREFORE THE TWO MUST BE QUITE DISTINCT- John 20:17

ANSWER: The Father and Son are two Persons but one God. "I and My  Father are one." John 10:30, See also John 17:11, 21, 22.


17. BECAUSE HE PRAYED TO THE FATHER AND ADDRESSED HIM AS THE ONLY TRUE GOD -  John 17:3 and 1 Corinthians 8:6

ANSWER: This objection ignores the fact that the Son co-exists with the Father. They are one. They are one in nature (eternal Spirit), but distinct as to office and responsibilities. The Father and the Son are indivisibly linked together, Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 12:45.


18. BECAUSE IF HE WERE GOD, THEN THERE WOULD BE MORE THAN ONE GOD.

ANSWER: This objection is dealt with in lesson 4, under the Trinity.


19. BECAUSE HE WAS ONLY AN "IDEA," "WILL" OR "PURPOSE" OF GOD, HAVING NO MATERIAL EXISTENCE OR MATERIAL FORM IN THE BEGINNING.

ANSWER: This is perhaps a play on the words in John 1:1,2 but verse 1 answers it definitely and authoritatively. The Word (Jesus) was God.


20. BECAUSE HE SAYS, "MY FATHER IS GREATER THAN I." - John 14:28.

ANSWER: This refers to His position and certainly not to His being or nature. Positionally, Jesus has chosen a position in subjection to His Father God.


21. CHRIST IS NOT GOD BECAUSE THOUGH HE IS ONE WITH GOD, THAT REFERS MERELY TO PASTORING (shepherding), TEACHING AND JUDGMENT BUT NOT GODHEAD.

ANSWER: The Father and Son are one God (but two Persons) co-existing as one Jehovah God. The Father was the Jehovah of the Old Testament, Psalm 23:1, Jesus in the New Testament, John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25; Revelation 7:17.


                             CONCLUSION

     Jesus Christ is God. He is Jehovah. The Lord Jesus Christ is God Almighty. Though we cannot satisfactorily answer all queries, we believe that Jesus is God.




                        SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS       
  

100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS - LESSON # 8 - VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST

                                         100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS
                                          LESSON # 8 - VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST


                                                INTRODUCTION

     Jesus did not have a human father for the Holy Spirit was His Father. Mary was the mother but did not pass on a sin nature to the baby Jesus.


                              I - THE VIRGIN BIRTH FORETOLD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

     Genesis 3:15 was the first promise of the Redeemer given to man after his fall into sin.
2 Samuel 7:8-16, the Savior to be born of the family of David; to be a "son of David."
Isaiah 7:14, the actual prophecy, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel." This is repeated in Matthew 1:23.


                             II - THE HISTORIC FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHECY

     Matthew 1:18-25 records the story as does Luke 2:4-7.
Mary was engaged to Joseph but they were not married yet. Christ was born of a virgin but a betrothed virgin so that she could be married to protect her good name. Mary's conception was definitely from the Holy Spirit and not from her fiance Joseph or any other man whatsoever. God guarantees this to give us a perfect Savior. Matthew 1:25 tells us that though Joseph and Mary were married, they never lived together as husband and wife until after the birth of the Savior.


                            III -  THE VIRGIN BIRTH IS TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURES

     Isaiah prophesied of the Savior's birth 740 years before it actually happened. Matthew explicitly states that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Matthew 1: 18, 20, 23.  Luke carefully explains the unusual conception in Luke 1: 27, 31, 34, 35.
Luke 1:34, Mary asks the sensible question of the angel, How can I have a child when I am not married and inferred that she was a pure virgin abhorring immorality.
Luke 1:35, the angel carefully explained that the Holy Spirit would be the Father.


                           IV -  THE PURPOSE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

1. TO REVEAL GOD: John 1:18, Jesus came to declare and reveal the Father to humanity.
2. TO BRIDGE THE CHASM BETWEEN GOD AND MAN: 1 Timothy 2:5,"For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus."
3. TO SAVE MEN: Hebrews 2: 14, 16, this was the basic purpose that brought Christ to earth.
4. TO RESCUE THE WHOLE CREATION: Romans 8 :19-23, "We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now...waiting for ...redemption..."


                         V -  THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

     Modernists and liberals attack this doctrine today as they attack the doctrines of the total depravity of man, the deity of Christ and the inspiration of the Scriptures. If man is totally depraved the he needs a Savior to redeem him. Jesus Christ is the only possible Savior of the world. The only way that Jesus could become a man without a sin nature is by the virgin birth.

1. IT IS UNDENIABLE TRUTH. It is definitely taught in the Bible.
2. IT IS UNCHANGEABLE TRUTH. This doctrine stands with the Scriptures and does not change with the changing times, thoughts and theories of mankind. Hebrews 13:8.
3. IT IS URGENT TRUTH. This doctrine is essential to the plan of salvation. Without a virgin-born Savior, the salvation of one soul is utterly impossible.
4. IT IS INDISCERNIBLE TRUTH. It is a mystery hidden in God. There is a sense in which all life and birth is a mystery.
5. IT IS UNCONDITIONAL TRUTH. I believe that this truth must be accepted as supreme.
6. IT IS USEFUL TRUTH FOR THE ALMIGHTY GOD HAS NOW ENTERED THE WORLD AS A MAN- but a sinless man, a man without a sin nature, a man who can save others. "Emmanuel" means God with us.
7. IT IS UNAVOIDABLE TRUTH for we face it yearly as we hear the Christmas story.


                            VI -  THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

     Jesus Christ was not a phantom. He was a real human being, truly man, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. Philippians 2:7, He has become our "elder brother."Jesus Christ was also God and remained God because of the Holy Spirit conception. Jesus Christ was sinless because He was virgin-born without inheriting a fallen sinful, corrupt human nature. He was without original sin.


                           VII -  OBJECTIONS TO THIS DOCTRINE
1. IT IS ONLY FOUND IN A FEW PLACES IN SCRIPTURE. One Scripture is sufficient but it is confirmed by Isaiah, Matthew and Luke, three inspired writers.
2. JESUS DID NOT PERSONALLY CLAIM TO BE VIRGIN-BORN. He infers it in John 6:51.
3. SCIENTISTS DO NOT ACCEPT IT FOR IT IS NOT BIOLOGICALLY TRUE. Jesus did not come by natural conception but by a miracle conception.
4. OTHERS REJECT IT BECAUSE IT IS MIRACULOUS.  All life is a miracle, wonderful, mysterious'
5. LIBERAL THEOLOGIANS DO NOT ACCEPT THE DOCTRINE.  That does not alter the fact that it is true, for it is taught in the Holy Scriptures in prophecy and history.


                                         CONCLUSION

     Make much of Christmas to teach this wonderful truth to our children and students. Let us thank God that He found a way to bring the Savior into the world without the taint of original sin.




                   SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS by ALBAN DOUGLAS  

100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS - LESSON # 6 - FEAR OF THE LORD

                                               100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS
                                             LESSON # 6 - FEAR OF THE LORD

                                        I - MEANING OF FEAR OF THE LORD

    Fear of the Lord means piety. It is used to express our religious duty toward God. Fear of God is required from each of us. It is one of the purposes of creation. Deuteronomy 6:13 "Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve Him."


                                       II -  THINGS THAT WE ARE NOT TO FEAR

     We are not to fear idols or other gods.
We are not to fear man. Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare." We are to fear the Lord only.
We are not to fear earthly calamities for they signify the near return of our Savior.
The true believer does not fear future punishments.
We are not to fear "fear". 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him..."
Only one fear remains and that is a holy fear of the Lord God Himself.


                                     III - THE FEAR OF GOD IS COMMANDED

     Deuteronomy 13:4 "Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments,
and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him."
1 Peter 2:17 "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.Honor the king."
The earthly disciples set up a noble example in this matter. Acts 9:31 "And walking in the fear of the Lord....
were multiplied."
Cornelius was a man who feared God. Acts 10:2 "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house," Is it any wonder that God sent Cornelius the Gospel?
2 Corinthians 7:1, the fear of God teaches us to live circumspect lives, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This godly fear becomes a powerful motivating force in our lives.


                                   IV - DESCRIPTION OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD

1. It is a hatred of evil. Proverbs 8:13 "The fear of  the Lord is to hate evil."
2. It is wisdom. Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
3. It is a treasure. Proverbs 15:16 "Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith."
4. It is a fountain of life. Proverbs 14:27 "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life."
5. It is clean. Psalm 19:9 "The fear of the Lord is clean." It is sanctifying.
6. It endures forever. Psalm 19:9 "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever."
7. It is godly.  Hebrews 12:28 "Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." There is difference between reverence and fear.


                                 V -  WHAT MOTIVES CAUSE US TO FEAR GOD?

1. The holiness of God causes us to fear Him.  Revelation 15:4 "Who shall not fear Thee O Lord and glorify
Thy Name. For Thou only art holy."
2. The greatness of God causes us to fear Him.  Deuteronomy 10:12-17 "And now Israel, what doth the Lord Thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God.....for the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and a terrible."
3. The goodness of God causes us to fear Him.  1 Samuel 12:24 "Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done."
4. The forgiveness of God causes us to fear Him.  Psalm 130:4 "But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared."
5. The wondrous works of God cause us to fear Him.  Joshua 4:23-24 Joshua reviews these works.
6. Coming judgments cause us to fear the Lord.  Revelation 14:7 "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come."


                              VI -  THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS NECESSARY

1. It is necessary to worship.  Psalm 5:7 "In Thy fear will I worship."
2. It is necessary in service.  Psalm 2:11 "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
3. It is necessary to keep us from sin.  Exodus 20:20 "Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not."
4. It is necessary to good government.  2 Samuel 23:3 "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of the God." This is lacking in governments today.
5. It is necessary for administration of justice.  It is necessary for the perfecting of holiness in our Christian lives.  2 Corinthians 7:1


                           VII -  RESULTS OF FEARING THE LORD

1. It brings pleasure to the Lord.  Psalm 147:11 "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy." Let's bring much pleasure to the Lord.
2. It causes the Lord's pity to increase upon the child of God.  Psalm 103:13 "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him."
3. It brings acceptance with God.  Acts 10:35 "But in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him."       
4. It brings the mercy of God.  Psalm 103:17 "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him." 
5. It brings blessings.  Psalm 112:1 "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord."
6. It brings confidence.  Proverbs 14:26 "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence."
7. It brings separation from evil.  Proverbs 16:6 "By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil."
8. It brings Christian fellowship.  Malachi 3:16 "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it."
9. It supersedes the fear of man.  Isaiah 8:12-13 "....neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of Hosts Himself ; and let Him be your fear."
10. It brings answered prayer.  Psalm 145:19 "He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry and will save them."
11. It brings long life.  Proverbs 10:27 "The fear of the Lord prolongeth days."


                          CONCLUSION

     Let us pray that God will teach us to fear Him.  Psalm 86:11 "Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: Unite my heart to fear Thy name."




                       SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS 
        
    

100 Bible Lessons - Alban Douglas - Lesson # 5 - NAMES, FATHERHOOD AND SILENCE OF GOD

            
                                   100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS                            
                LESSON # 5 - NAMES, FATHERHOOD AND SILENCE OF GOD


                                    I - THE NAMES OF GOD

     The Names of God are found in three forms: 1) Primary, 2) Compound with EL 3) Compound with Jehovah.

1. PRIMARY - One word only: El, Elah, Elohim, Jehovah, Adon, Adonai, God, Lord.
2. COMPOUND with El - Almighty God, Most High God; Everlasting God.
3. COMPOUND with JEHOVAH - Lord God; Jehovah, the Everlasting God, etc.

ELOHIM  -  Genesis 2:4  -   The One Who is Mighty        -         The Lord Who Creates
EL ELYON   -   Genesis 14:22 -  The One Who is Supreme  -     The Lord Who Owns
ADONAI   - Genesis 15:2  - The One Who is Ruling   -               The Lord Our Master
EL OLAM  - Genesis 21:33 - The One Who is Mysterious -        The Lord Who Reveals
JIREH  -       Genesis 22:14 - The One Who Redeems  -              The Lord Who Provides
ROPHI  -     Exodus 15:26 - The One Who Heals    -                   The Lord Who Heals
NISSI  -     Exodus 17:15  - The One Who Fights for us   -           The Lord Our Banner
YEKADDIA - Exodus 31:13- The One Who is Sanctification-      The Lord Who Sanctify
SHALOM - Judges 6:24 - The One Who Gives Peace   -             The Lord Our Banner Who is
SABAOTH - 1 Samuel 1:3 - The One Who is Possessing  -          The Lord of Hosts
ZIDKENU - Jeremiah 23:6 - The One Who is Justifying   -           The Lord Our Righteousness
SHAMMAH - Ezekiel 48:35- The One Who is Present    -           The Lord at Hand
ELYON  - Psalm 7:17  -      The One Who is Blessing  -               The Lord Who Blesses
ROI  -       Psalm 23:1  -   The One Who is Caring     -                  The Lord is Our Shepherd


                                  II - THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD

     God is revealed as Father in two ways:
1) As the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, John 5:17, John 1:14
2) As the Father of those who believe on the Lord Jesus, John 1:12, "But as many as received Him,
to them gave He power to become the sons of God."
It is as a Father that He hears and answers our prayers, sifting the requests as a true Father.


                                III - THE SILENCE OF GOD

     Why is God silent?
1. COMMON SENSE VIEW - Many difficulties are a result of deliberate sin due entirely to man's
carelessness, neglect and folly, such as accidents. Galatians 6:7, "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall  he also reap."
2. REVERENT VIEW - Is it right that my puny mind should question the workings of the Almighty God?
(Isaiah 55:8,9). Doubtless God's master plan for my life will include sorrow, suffering and pain.
3. THE PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW - Human free will involves the consequences of those actions. Human
freedom means moral responsibilities.
4. LOVER'S VIEW - God is a jealous Lover. Exodus 20:5, "I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God."
He seeks to divorce us from everything and cause us to cling closely to Him.
5. DISPENSATIONAL VIEW - This is the day of man, the day of sin, the day of grace, when God beckons, "Come Home," but a day of judgment is coming and the silence of God will be broken with
audible condemnation. God will yet reckon accounts with men and their relationships with God and
society.
6. FAITH VIEW - John 13:7 "Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Lord teach me to wait patiently.
7. THE TESTING OF MY FAITH - 1 Peter 1:7, "That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
8. THE MYSTERIOUS WORKS OF GOD - John 9:3, "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but the works of God should be made manifest in him." This is the story of the man that was born blind. Perhaps I may suffer, not for my sin but to be made a blessing to someone else. Those who have passed suffering and sorrow are uniquely able to comfort others.


                                  CONCLUSION

     Live in a conscious sense of His presence even though He seems to be silent. The Quiet Hour is our opportunity to deepen our acquaintance with the Lord God.




       SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS by ALBAN DOUGLAS

100 BIBLE LESSONS - by ALBAN DOUGLAS - LESSON NUMBER 4 - THE TRINITY

                             100 BIBLE LESSONS - LESSON NUMBER 4 - THE TRINITY

                                                INTRODUCTION

     So far we have learned that there is one God- the Creator of the world. But a careful study of the Scriptures will show that God exists in three Persons, that is, a Godhead manifested in three Persons.


                                               I - BASIS OF THE DOCTRINE OF TRINITY

1. In the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3: 13-17, we see the Trinity at work. God the Father spoke from
heaven, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ was being baptized. God the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on the Savior.

2. The baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

3. The benediction in 2 Corinthian 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen."

4. The creation of man uses plural terms: Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in Our image, after
our likeness: and let them have dominion."


                                           II - ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

1. SHAMROCK - A three leaved plant said to have been used by St. Patrick to illustrate this doctrine. It is
but one leaf but it has distinct sections.

2. WATER - Revealed in three forms - liquid, ice and steam yet all three have the same chemical formula,
H2O.

3. LIGHT - Red heat rays that are invisible, picturing the Father, yellow light rays that are seen picturing
the Son, blue chemical rays that are seen by their effects, picturing the Spirit.

It must be emphasized that the Trinity remains a mystery and that no single illustration can possibly explain everything. God is infinite and we are finite. To attempt a philosophical explanation of the tri-unity of God is an attempt to put the facts of the infinite in finite terms.


                                          III - THE TRINITY ACTING IN UNITY

1. IN CREATION - God the Father spoke, Genesis 1:3 "And God said, Let there be light. God the Son
was the Word spoken, John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word." God the Holy Spirit moved upon the face
of the waters, Genesis 1:2.

2. IN THE INCARNATION - God the Father gave His only Son, John 3:16.
God the Son was born into the world, Luke 2:11.
God the Spirit came upon Mary to cause conception. Luke 1:35.

3. IN REDEMPTION - God the Father accepted the sacrifice of Calvary, Hebrews 9:14.
God the Son offered Himself  as our substitute, Hebrews 9:14
God the Spirit - Jesus offered Himself  "through the eternal Spirit." Hebrews 9:14.

4. IN SALVATION - God the Father received the prodigal from the far country, Luke 15:22. The Father
welcomes the sinner, forgives him, supplies robe, ring and a feast.
God the Son is the Shepherd that goes to seek the lost sheep, Luke 15:4.
God the Spirit seals the new convert, Ephesian 1:13.

5. IN COMMUNION - God the Father invites us to come to Him for fellowship, Ephesians 2:18.
God the Son is the reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:19.
God the Spirit effects this union and communion, Ephesians 2:18.

6. IN PRAYER - God the Father is the One who receives the requests, John 16:23.
God the Son is the One in whose Name we pray, John 16:23.
God the Spirit directs us in our request, Romans 8:26.

7. IN GLORY - God the Father is eventually to receive the millennial kingdom, 1 Corinthians 15:24
God the Son is the One who will change our vile body to one like His, Philippians 3:21
God the Spirit gives the invitation, Revelation 22:17.

8. IN REGENERATION - God the Father records the new name in glory, Luke 10:20.
God the Son cleanses the sin in His precious blood, Ephesians 1:7.
God the Spirit performs the transforming miracle of the new birth, John 3: 3-6.


                            CONCLUSION

     Do not be troubled if you cannot understand this perplexing doctrine. It is a mystery and will remain
a mystery until we meet the Lord in glory.



SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS

100 BIBLE LESSONS by Alban Douglas - LESSON # 3

                                      100 BIBLE LESSONS by Alban Douglas
                                            LESSON NUMBER 3
                                       GOD IS A BALANCE BEING

     God is holy, loving, merciful, faithful, yet just and righteous. God's love allows Him to forgive sin
and show mercy to a repentant sinner. The holiness and justice of God demand that sin must be punished
to the full extent of the law.The holiness of God demands that we be holy. The law of God pronounces
eternal damnation on the guilty sinner in accordance with justice of God. One of the greatest marvels of our age is that God found a way of salvation that satisfied both the holiness of God and the love of God. This
solution also satisfied the law, yet left man a creature with a free will who could choose salvation or damnation, heaven or hell.

                                           I - GOD IS HOLY

     We cannot imagine a God who could be anything but perfect holiness. To be holy means to be free from all defilement, to be pure. God is absolutely pure. The holiness of God separated Him from fallen man. The only way that man can approach this holy God is through the blood of Christ. God is holy. God hates sin.
His holy wrath must punish sin. The holiness of God demanded punishment for sin. This demand was voluntarily assumed by the Savior on the cross and completely satisfied the Father.   

                                    
                                          II - GOD IS LOVE

     What is love? Love is a desire for and delight in the welfare of the one on whom the love is bestowed.
True love even loves sinners and enemies. The love of God is manifested toward the Son and all believers
in particular. God, as a loving Father, manifests His love to the Christian by chastening.


                                         III - GOD IS FAITHFUL

     What does the word faithful mean? It means someone who can be safely trusted, who is reliable and
dependable. God is faithful for He is honest and never changes. God's faithfulness is manifested in keeping
His promises and fulfilling every word that He has spoken. God is unchangeable for He neither lies nor repents. God will keep every promise to protect, assist and guide His child in need.


                                        IV - GOD IS MERCIFUL

     Instead of inflicting pain and death as punishment for sin, the Lord is merciful and gives many blessings-
health, comforts and earthly joys-- to the saved and lost. God is sovereign and can choose to whom He
desires to show His mercy. The Lord extends mercy to those who trust in Him. When the repentant sinner
comes to Jesus for forgiveness, he claims not merit but throws himself upon the mercy of the Lord.


                                        V - GOD IS JUST

    Our God is just and righteous and will mete out just judgment for every individual. God being just, righteous and holy must act in a manner that is just, fair and upright. God's nature or character leads Him to do that which is right at all times. God as the just One will be the final Judge of all things.


                                       CONCLUSION

     How can God be loving and demand holiness at the same time? How can He at the same time be both merciful and just to a guilty sinner? The answer can only be found in Calvary. Calvary was the expression
both of the wrath of God against sin and the mercy of God toward the guilty sinner. Calvary satisfies the
holiness and justice of God by fulfilling all the requirements of the law and permits the sinner to enter heaven
legally. Let us bow in true worship before this great God who is a perfect Being.



SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS by ALBAN DOUGLAS
 

ONE HUNDRED BIBLE LESSONS - THE PERSON OF GOD

                   ONE HUNDRED BIBLE LESSONS
                 LESSON # 2 - THE PERSON OF GOD

                                    I - GOD'S PERSONALITY

Our God is an individual who is living and has definite characteristics. God is a Person. He is not an
influence or unseen force or power like electricity.

                                    II - GOD'S NATURE

God is Spirit. A spirit has neither flesh, bones nor blood.

                                    III - GOD'S UNITY

The Lord our God is one God in contrast to the plurality of pagan gods.

                                    IV - GOD'S NATURAL ATTRIBUTES

1 HE IS ETERNAL - To be true God, He must have neither beginning nor ending.
2. HE IS UNCHANGEABLE - He is so constituted that He cannot change. Malachi 3:6 "For I am
the Lord, I change not."
3. HE POSSESSES ALL POWERS (Omnipotent) - To lack this, He could not be God. Man makes
things out of existing materials. God creates out of non-existent materials, objects that are good and
perfect.
4. HE IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE AT ONE AND THE SAME TIME (Omnipresent)
Psalm 139:7-9 "Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I
ascend up into heaven, Thou art there. If I make my bed in hell, behold Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me." 
5. HE HAS ALL KNOWLEDGE (Omniscient)
Nothing is hidden from the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28:9 "....know thou the God of thy father....for the Lord
searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts." Psalm 94:11 "The Lord
knoweth the thoughts of man." Job 42:2 "No thought can be hidden from Thee."

                                   V - GOD'S MORAL ATTRIBUTES

1. GOD IS HOLY - Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:16
2. GOD IS RIGHTEOUS - Psalm 116:5; Ezra 9:15; Psalm 145:17; Jeremiah 12:1
3. GOD IS MERCIFUL - Psalm 103:8; Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalm 86:15; Romans 9:18
4 GOD IS LOVE - 1 John 4: 8-16; John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; John 16:27
5. GOD IS FAITHFUL - 1 Corinthian 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:13; Deuteronomy 7:9 & 32:4

Love Him. Worship Him. Serve Him. Obey Him. Fear Him.


SOURCED FROM - ONE HUNDRED BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS


                                   

ONE HUNDRED BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS

                ONE HUNDRED BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS           

     LESSON NUMBER 1 - THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

      The Bible is not a textbook that attempts to prove the existence of God. The Bible opens with a
positive fact that God does exist. It did not occur to any other writer of the Bible to prove this fact. Anyone
with any intelligence would acknowledge the evident fact of a living God.

                          I - PROOF FROM SCRIPTURE

Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being under-
stood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

                          II - PROOF FROM CONSCIENCE

Man is born with a universal belief in a supreme Being; no tribe has yet been discovered that lacks this. The existence of God is written in the human conscience.
Romans 2:15 "Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them." The honest man will find that the
inner still small voice says that God exists and is alive today. Men deny the existence of God not because
they cannot find Him, but because they are afraid to face the responsibility of being accountable to Him after
death.

                        III - THE ARGUMENT FROM CAUSE (Cosmological)

The world is here. It must have come from somewhere. Somebody or something must have caused it to
come into being at one time or another. The only sensible answer to the problem of the existence of the world is the existence of an intelligent Being whom we call God.

                      IV - THE ARGUMENT FROM DESIGN (Theological)

An examination of the world and the things large and small shows that each is designed by an intelligent mind
for a specific purpose in life.

                     V - THE MORAL ARGUMENT (Anthropological)

Man has an intellectual and moral nature showing that the Creator must not be merely an inanimate force
but a living, intelligent and moral Being. Conscience teaches man right and wrong, good and bad; for the
Creator is a moral Being that is holy, and loves righteousness but abhors evil.

                    VI - THE LIFE ARGUMENT

Life comes from life and the original life must have come from a Being possessing eternal life, that is, life that
existed before physical life was created. All life proceed from God. The theory of spontaneous generation
have been proved false and completely unacceptable to authoritative science. Life must have a beginning.
The only logical answer is that the beginning was with God.

                   VII - THE ARGUMENT FROM CONGRUITY

The theory of atheism solves no problems but only multiplies unsolved mysteries. The acceptance of God as Creator of the world is like a magic key that fits all the facts of Scripture, revelation, knowledge and science.
This irrefutable doctrine is held tenaciously by multitudes of souls who are willing both to live and die in the
consolation of this assurance.

Let us come as children in simple faith, based on the revelations of God in Scripture and nature, believing
and trusting Him completely. 


Sourced from ONE HUNDRED BIBLE LESSONS by ALBAN DOUGLAS