(Page 5 Illustration) (5 of 16 Statements of faith)

1. The Holy God in heaven created all things. God gave the world to Adam and Eve. They lived in a paradise called The Garden of Eden.

2. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to be like God by eating from the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.” They disobeyed God.

3. God broke fellowship with Adam and Eve. Satan became the new ruler of this world. He brought sin, rebellion and death into the world.

4. God removed Adam and Eve from The Garden of Eden. They had to work for their food, shelter and clothing without God.

5. God sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to save people from the curse of sin and death. Jesus showed everyone how to live.

(Page 15 Illustration) (The truth.)

You were made to carry, hold, or be filled with God’s Holy Spirit in your heart, and to love and be loved by God. Here’s your problem: Whatever is in you, defines and shapes you as you grow and mature. God allows you to satisfy your desire to be filled or loved by Him; or sin, selfish pride, the stuff of this world and Satan can fill you. God will not force you to choose Him or love Him. You cannot choose both God and the bad things. They cannot be mixed together. God is good and holy. Satan, selfish pride, sin, and the love of stuff from the world are very bad or evil. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps (harvests) what he sows (plants). Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” – Galatians 6:7-8 NIV. So you have a problem because the evil stuff is visible and available. For example, it can be found on the internet, television, in the movies, music, video games and magazines. It is very appealing. God is invisible (not seen) and his words are in a book, The Bible. The question is this: “Who are you?” The Bible: God’s Word, explains the truth and leads you to your solution. That is the good news.

(Page 29 illustration) (Scripture 1 of 7)

“For troubles without number surround me, my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.” - Psalm 40:12 NIV

(Page 47 illustration) (Scripture 1 of 7)

For what I received, I pass onto you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then the Twelve.” - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NIV

(Page 64 illustration) (Scripture 1 of 4)

“At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence.” – Colossians 1:21-22 MSG

(Page 57 illustration) (Prayer 1 of 1)

I believe this with all my heart: 1. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 2. Jesus came to this earth and lived as a man. 3. Jesus died on a cross for my sins, wrongs and rebellion. 4. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin, death and Satan. Dear Father God, 5. I am a sinner. I have gone my own way without God. 6. I ask you God to forgive me for all my sins. 7. I turn from sin and all wrongdoing. I repent. 8. I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. 9. I give you complete control of my life. 10. Jesus, I choose to follow you. 11. Thank you, God, for saving me today. Amen. 12. Congratulations! You are now a child of God. 13. Tell someone about your decision. 14. Get a Bible. Read it. 15. Ask God to place you in a church of believers, who believe you are saved by grace and not works.

(Page 113 Illustration) (Scripture 1 0f 5)

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV

(Page 115 illustration) (Scripture 1 of 6)

“Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.” – Hebrews 4:15-16 GNT

(Page 134 illustration) (Scripture 1 of 1)

“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” – John 4:25-26 NKJV

(1 of 10 Hymns)

Verse One: “Love Lifted Me” I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I. Love lifted me! Even me! Love lifted me! Even me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

Verse Two: All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling, In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing. Love so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs; faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs. Love lifted me! Even me! Love lifted me! Even me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

Verse Three: Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; He will lift you by His love out of the angry waves. He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey; He your Savior wants to be – be saved today. Love lifted me! Even

(From Page 32)

Why does God save sinful people? (He loves them. He knows we live in a sinful, cursed world and we need His grace.)

How does God’s grace find you? (You realize and confess you are a lost, broken sinner in need of God’s life.)

How does God’s grace save you? (When you realize the significance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and your need for a Savior, your sins are forgiven. Jesus said, “It is finished.” In this faith in the work of Jesus Christ, you become secure in God. Your conscience is washed clean of your past shame, guilt and sin. Satan loses control over you. You become an adopted child of God. An intimate relationship with Abba Father God develops. You can talk to Him about anything. He likes you and loves you. God gives you a good destiny. Your life in this world and eternity are made new. You are free in Jesus Christ from sin.)

5 of 62 Definitions:

Jesus Christ: God’s one and only son; the second person of the Trinity. Some of his names are: “Savior of the World,” “Jesus Christ–The Messiah,” “All,” “God’s Son,” “Son of Man,” “The Gate” (door), “Author and Perfecter of Our Faith,” “Bread of Life,” “The Stone the Builders Rejected,” “The One Who Makes Men Holy,” “Master,” “Your Life,” “Teacher,” “My Intercessor,” “Our Peace,” “Physician,” “Light of Life,” “Friend of Tax Collectors and ‘Sinners’,” “He Who Searches Hearts and Minds,” and “My Friend.”

Judge: to determine a final decision about a matter or person; to criticize; to condemn a person.

Justified: made right with God; God’s justice.

Lies: speaking false statements with the intent to deceive; creating a false impression. A liar speaks lies.

Love: a deep and tender feeling of affection for a person or thing, usually passionate; to delight in.