search the scriptures

110
Search the Scriptures a comparison of the apostles’ teaching with the traditions of denominations including How To Become A Christian and A Course in the Way of Jesus prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Upload: daniel-keeran

Post on 23-Jul-2016

216 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

a comparison of revealed teaching with the traditions of denominations

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Search the Scriptures

Search the

Scriptures

a comparison of the apostles’ teaching

with the traditions of denominations

including

How To Become A Christian and

A Course in the Way of Jesus

prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Page 2: Search the Scriptures
Page 3: Search the Scriptures

3 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria,

Canada.

No rights reserved. Print and distribute freely. Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture references are from the New International Version. Date of Publication: August 17, 2015 ISBN-13: 978-1516948765 ISBN-10: 1516948769

Translate this book into your own

language here https://translate.google.com

Printed in the United States of America.

Page 4: Search the Scriptures

4 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Page 5: Search the Scriptures

5 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Dedicated to

The Word of God

Page 7: Search the Scriptures

7 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Search the Scriptures a comparison of the apostles’ teaching

with the traditions of denominations

“They worship me in vain; their teachings are

merely human rules.” - Matthew 15:9

“They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching,

the breaking of bread, and in prayer.” – Acts 2:42

Directions: Followers of Jesus desire to

follow the apostles’ teaching rather than

human rules and traditions. Read the

scripture passages for each numbered set

below, then decide which statement is the

Truth of God’s Word and which is false

human tradition. Enter (T) for the Truth of

God’s Word and (F) for human tradition.

Remember that other scriptures may also

be relevant.

Page 8: Search the Scriptures

8 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

JESUS

1. ( ) Mary is a mediator between God and man. ( ) Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5

2. ( ) Mary remained a perpetual virgin and had no children other than Jesus. ( ) Jesus had other brothers and sisters, the children of Mary.

Scripture: Mark 6:3; Matthew 13: 55, 56

3. ( ) Jesus Christ was God in the flesh or God in the form of a man. As deity, He is to be worshipped. Christians can pray to Jesus. ( ) Jesus was only a man with special wisdom and power. He had a special relationship to God, but he is not God and should not be worshipped.

Scripture: Matthew 1:23; John 20:28; Hebrews 1: 6; John 1:1, 14; Acts 7:59, 60

Page 9: Search the Scriptures

9 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

THE CHURCH

4. ( ) Jesus’ followers are called

Christians.

( ) Jesus’ followers are called

Methodists, Catholics, Lutherans,

Pentecostals, etc.

Scripture: Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4: 16

5. ( ) Christians should assemble

regularly together.

( ) A Christian need not meet

regularly with other Christians.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

6. ( ) There is one church, one body of

Christ. Divisions are sinful.

( ) It is good to have many

denominations among professing

Christians.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:24;

1 Corinthians 1:10

Page 10: Search the Scriptures

10 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

7. ( ) Women are to be silent in the

church assembly and may not have

authority over men.

( ) Women may preach to the

church and may be leaders in the

church and have authority over

men.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:34-3; 1

Timothy 2: 11, 12; 1 Timothy 3: 1-13

8. ( ) The church can be called the

United church, Anglican,

Pentecostal, Orthodox, Roman

Catholic, Baptist, Mennonite, etc.

( ) The church should be referred to

as the church of God, churches of

Christ, the body of Christ, the

household of faith.

Scripture: Romans 16:16;

2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 6:10;

1 Corinthians 12: 27

Page 11: Search the Scriptures

11 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

9. ( ) One does not have to be a

member of the body of Christ, the

church, in order to be saved.

( ) Jesus bought the church with his

own blood. He is the Saviour of the

church and gave himself up for her.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:23-25; Acts 20:28

CHURCH LEADERS

10. ( ) Saints are a special group of holy

ones among God’s people.

( ) Every follower of Jesus is a saint.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1: 2; 14:33;

Romans 1:7

11. ( ) All of God’s people today are a

royal priesthood.

( ) Only a special class among

God’s people may be called priests.

Scripture: Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9

Page 12: Search the Scriptures

12 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

12. ( ) The title “Reverend” belongs only

to special church leaders.

( ) All of God’s people are to be holy

or reverend.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15, 16

13. ( ) Jesus is the head over everything

for the church, and the church

headquarters is therefore in heaven.

( ) The church may have a human

head such as a pope, patriarch, or

other appointed individual, and the

church headquarters may be on

earth.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians

1:17, 18

Page 13: Search the Scriptures

13 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

14. ( ) The terms bishop (overseer),

elder (presbyter) and pastor

(shepherd), refer to one office in the

church.

( ) A bishop is higher than a pastor

who is higher than an elder.

Scripture: Titus 1: 5-9; 1 Peter 5: 1-4; Acts

20: 17, 28

15. ( ) A bishop is a ruler over several

congregations.

( ) A bishop is one of a plurality of

bishops who rule one congregation.

They are served by deacons.

Scripture: Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1

Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5-7

16. ( ) Bishops must not be married.

( ) Bishops must be the husband of

one wife.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3: 2, 4, 5; Titus 1: 6, 7

Page 14: Search the Scriptures

14 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

17. ( ) Peter alone was given power to

bind and loose.

( ) All the apostles had power to

bind and loose.

Scripture: Matthew 16: 16-19;

Matthew 18: 1, 18

18. ( ) Peter held first place among the

apostles and was the recognized

head of the church.

( ) There was a plurality of leaders in

the Jerusalem church including

James, Peter and John. James

gave the final judgment at the

Jerusalem council. Jesus is the

head over all things for the church.

Scripture: Galatians 2:9; Acts 15: 13-21;

Ephesians 1: 22

Page 15: Search the Scriptures

15 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

BAPTISM

19. ( ) Baptism does not save us.

( ) Baptism saves us. It is the pledge

to God of a good conscience. It

saves us by the resurrection of

Jesus Christ.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:21

20. ( ) We are baptized so that our sins

may be forgiven and that we may

receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

( ) We are baptized to show that our

sins have already been forgiven.

Scripture: Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16

21. ( ) He who believes, is saved and

should then be baptized.

( ) He who believes and is baptized

shall be saved.

Scripture: Mark 16:16

Page 16: Search the Scriptures

16 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

22. ( ) Baptism is a sprinkling or pouring

of water.

( ) Baptism is a burial or immersion

in water.

Scripture: Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4

23. ( ) To be forgiven after baptism, one

should confess his sins to a priest

who will pray to the Lord.

( ) To be forgiven, a Christian should

repent and confess his sins directly

to the Lord.

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; Acts 8:13, 22

Page 17: Search the Scriptures

17 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

24. ( ) Salvation is obtained by praying

to receive Jesus as Lord and

Saviour.

( ) Salvation from sin is obtained by

believing the gospel, plus

repentance, plus confessing Jesus

as the Christ and Son of God, plus

being immersed into Christ and His

death in order to receive the

forgiveness of sin. By baptism one

pledges to keep a good conscience

toward God.

Scripture: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38;

Matthew 10:32, 33; Romans 6:3,4;

1 Peter 3:21

Page 18: Search the Scriptures

18 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

25. ( ) Babies and little children need to

be baptized.

( ) Little children are innocent. No

one inherits the sins or guilt of an

ancestor. Only older people who

have sins of their own need to be

baptized.

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6, 10, 11;

Acts 8:12; Ezekiel 18:19-32

26. ( ) After believing the gospel, people

should be baptized immediately.

( ) After believing the gospel, people

should wait until the church can be

assembled or until relatives can

observe this special occasion. One

should wait for a special day like

Sunday or Easter.

Scripture: Acts 2:41; Acts 8:35-38;

Acts 16:32,33; Acts 22:16; Acts 19:4,5

Page 19: Search the Scriptures

19 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

27. ( ) One does not have to be

baptized in order to enter the body

of Christ, the church.

( ) In order to be united with Christ

and His body, the church one must

be baptized.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:13;

Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27

28. ( ) In order to enter the kingdom of

God one only needs to be born of

the Spirit. Water is not necessary for

salvation.

( ) Unless one is born of water and

the Spirit, he cannot enter the

kingdom of God.

Scripture: John 3:5

Stari Grad, Hvar, 6th century A.D.

Page 20: Search the Scriptures

20 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

29. ( ) We receive salvation and

forgiveness simply by praying for it

and asking Jesus to come into our

hearts.

( ) We receive salvation and

forgiveness by being baptized into

Jesus’ death so that we may live a

new life.

Scripture: Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3, 4;

Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16

THE COMMUNION

30. ( ) The practice of the early church

was to take communion or the

Lord’s Supper on the first day of the

week.

( ) The communion or Lord’s Supper

may be taken quarterly or annually.

Scripture: Acts 20:7

Page 21: Search the Scriptures

21 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

31. ( ) In the communion or Lord’s

Supper it is the real flesh and blood

of Christ that we eat.

( ) In the communion or Lord’s

Supper, it is bread and fruit of the

vine (the cup) that we eat and drink.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:25,26;

Matthew 26:29

32. ( ) Only the priest may drink the cup

in the communion or Lord’s Supper.

( ) All Christians are to receive both

the bread and the fruit of the vine

(the cup).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

Page 22: Search the Scriptures

22 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

THE HOLY SPIRIT

33. ( ) Special gifts or manifestations of

the Holy Spirit were given by the

laying on of the apostles hands.

( ) Gifts of the Holy Spirit were

received through prayer with any

Christians laying on hands.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 1:11;

Acts 8:14-18; Acts 19:6

34. ( ) The baptism of the Holy Spirit

was received simply by praying for

it.

( ) The baptism of the Holy Spirit

came unexpectedly and was never

prayed for, did not save anyone, nor

was it a sign that the person

receiving it was saved.

Scripture: Acts 1:4,5; Acts 2:1-4; Acts

11:13-17; Acts 10:44-48

Page 23: Search the Scriptures

23 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

35. ( ) The gift of tongues was the ability

to speak a foreign language without

learning it. This was to be a sign to

unbelievers that the gospel was

true.

( ) The gift of tongues was the ability

to make ecstatic sounds, not a real

human language but a prayer

language that could be received by

human prompting.

Scripture: Acts 2:4-12; 1 Corinthians 14:22

Page 24: Search the Scriptures

24 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

36. ( ) God is the same yesterday,

today, and forever. This means His

Will has never changed and that He

still performs miracles like those

recorded in the Bible.

( ) God’s Will for man has changed.

The old Will or testament has been

replaced by the New Testament.

Miracles were for the purpose of

confirming the word of God, the

message of salvation. The record of

miracles in the Bible is given so that

we might believe in Jesus.

Scripture: Hebrews 8:7, 13; Hebrews 9: 14-

18; Mark 16: 20; Hebrews 2: 3, 4; John

20:30, 31

Page 25: Search the Scriptures

25 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE

37. ( ) Any additions to or deletions from

the Bible are forbidden. The

scriptures are sufficient.

( ) Inspired prophecy and

revelations are still being given and

can be added to the New Testament

as instruction in righteousness.

Scripture: Revelation 22: 18, 19

38. ( ) The tradition of the church is just

as true as the Word of God. The

scriptures are not adequate to

explain everything a Christian must

believe and do.

( ) The tradition of the church may

nullify the Word of God. The

scriptures thoroughly explain what a

Christian must believe and do.

Scripture: Matthew 15:3,6-9;

2 Timothy 3: 16,17

Page 26: Search the Scriptures

26 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

39. ( ) The apostles were given all the

truth we need, and this faith has

been delivered once for all.

( ) Additional truths of the faith are

still being given and revealed to

special men who God has chosen.

Scripture: Jude 3; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3

OLD TESTAMENT RULES

40. ( ) God’s people today must observe

the Sabbath day, Saturday, as a day

of worship and rest.

( ) God’s people today worship on

the first day of the week. The

Sabbath kept by Jews was a

shadow of a reality found in Christ.

Scripture: Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2;

Colossians 2:16, 17

Page 27: Search the Scriptures

27 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

41. ( ) Christians should not eat pork

and certain other meats.

( ) Everything God created is good,

and nothing is to be rejected if it is

received with thanksgiving.

Scripture: Colossians 2:16; 1 Timothy 4:3-5

BEFORE AND AFTER MARRIAGE

42. ( ) Divorce should be granted for

incompatibility or any other good

reason.

( ) Divorce should not be permitted

for any reason.

( ) Divorce for any reason, except

for the cause of fornication, should

not be practiced.

Scripture: Matthew 5:31,32;

Matthew 19:3-9

Page 28: Search the Scriptures

28 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

43. ( ) Sex before marriage (a life

commitment) is healthy and may

help a couple discover if they will be

compatible in marriage.

( ) Sex is good and honourable but

belongs only in marriage. Sex

before marriage (fornication) is

condemned.

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:4

44. ( ) Marriage to the one you love can

last through eternity in heaven.

( ) In heaven no one will be married

but will be like the angels.

Scripture: Mark 12: 24, 25

OTHER RELIGIONS

45. ( ) It doesn’t matter what you believe

as long as you are sincere.

( ) One may be zealous for God yet

still be wrong about what he

believes and not please God.

Scripture: Romans 10:1-3

Page 29: Search the Scriptures

29 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

46. ( ) All world religions are true and

teach basically the same thing. It is

not absolutely necessary to believe

in Jesus to be saved.

( ) Unless one believes that Jesus is

who He claims to be, the Word that

was God and became flesh, one

shall die in his sins and not see

eternal life.

Scripture: John 3:36; John 8:24; Acts 4:12

47. ( ) A person should not try to change

his religion but should die in the

religion he was born with.

( ) Both the Jews and the Gentiles

had to change their religion in order

to be saved.

Scripture: Romans 10:13-15;

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Page 30: Search the Scriptures

30 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

48. ( ) People who have not heard the

gospel, would not need to hear and

obey it in order to be saved.

( ) Unless someone takes the

gospel to those who have not heard

it, they will not be saved.

Scripture: Romans 10:13-15;

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Page 31: Search the Scriptures

31 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

49. ( ) Everyone must die once, then

face purgatory.

( ) Everyone must die once, then

face judgment.

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27

50. ( ) Most people will go to heaven.

Only a few really bad people like

Hitler or Judas, will go to hell.

( ) Most people will go to hell.

Punishment for not obeying God’s

Word will be never-ending.

Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15;

Matthew 7:13, 14; Matthew 25:45, 46;

2 Thessalonians 1:8-10

Page 32: Search the Scriptures

32 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

51. ( ) Hell is only the misfortune and

suffering that people experience in

this life. There is no hell after death.

( ) There will be a final judgment of

all people and many will then suffer

eternal punishment.

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46;

Revelation 20: 11-15

52. ( ) After becoming a child of God, a

Christian is unable to sin to the point

that he would be lost eternally.

( ) After becoming a child of God,

one may be severed from Christ.

The possibility always remains that

a Christian may so sin that he would

be lost eternally.

Scripture: Luke 8:13; John 15:1-7;

Romans 11:19-22; Hebrews 4:11;

Hebrews 6: 4-6, 12; Hebrews 10: 26, 27;

Hebrews 12:15-17; 2 Peter 2:17-22;

2 Peter 3:17

Page 33: Search the Scriptures

33 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

53. ( ) There is no forgiveness for sins

committed after baptism.

( ) If we repent and confess our sins,

God will forgive us even after we are

baptized. But shall we sin knowing

this is true?

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; Acts 8:13,22;

Romans 6:1-3

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN

WWW.BOX.COM/LOVEGOD

Page 34: Search the Scriptures

34 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Page 35: Search the Scriptures

35 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

How To Become a Christian

Page 36: Search the Scriptures

36 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Page 37: Search the Scriptures

37 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Dedicated to The Author of Life

and my loving Wife, Jennie

Page 38: Search the Scriptures

38 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Page 39: Search the Scriptures

39 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

CONTENTS

How To Use This Guide 41

Foretold 43

God With Us 43

Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ 44

The Lamb Sacrificed For Our Sins 45

What Jesus Wants Everyone To Do 46

Forgiveness of Sins 47

Crucified With Him 49

How To Be Happy 50

Why Be Baptized 51

Encouraging Words 52

Shall We Go On Sinning After Baptism? 54

What About Little Children? 58

Can One Be Forgiven After Baptism? 59

How To Stay Faithful To God 60

A Final Question 61

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled 65

Page 40: Search the Scriptures

40 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

What People Say About This Book 79

Page 41: Search the Scriptures

41 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

How To Use This Guide

Reading this guide will change your life. If you want to help someone decide to become a Christian, ask the person to read the scriptures aloud from this guide book or from the Bible. Then ask them to read and answer the questions aloud. Then ask the person if they believe what they have read. Another approach is to refer to the guide while inviting the person to read the scripture verses from their own Bible. Then after each reading, ask the corresponding questions from the guide. If you are not yet a Christian, simply read the scriptures and answer the questions for yourself. If you decide you want to become a Christian as described in this guide, contact the person who gave you this booklet or find a Christian community by doing searches on the internet. God bless you as you travel farther down the path that leads to a life of love, compassion, peace, and adventure in reaching the lost.

Page 42: Search the Scriptures

42 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Page 43: Search the Scriptures

43 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

FORETOLD

Read Isaiah 53 (written in the 8th century before Christ)

Question: Who is this chapter speaking about?

GOD WITH US

Read Matthew 1:21-23 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).

Question: According to the verses above, who is Jesus and what was he to save people from?

Do you believe it?

Read John 1:1-3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things

Page 44: Search the Scriptures

44 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.... The Word became flesh and lived among us.

Question: According to the verses above, who was the Word?

Do you believe it?

Read John 20:28-29 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Question: According to the verses above, who is Jesus?

Do you believe it?

DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I

Page 45: Search the Scriptures

45 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to 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....

Question: According to the verses above, what must we believe that is of first importance?

Do you believe it?

THE LAMB SACRIFICED FOR OUR SINS

Read John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Read 1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Question: According to the verses above, what did Jesus do?

Page 46: Search the Scriptures

46 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Do you believe it?

WHAT JESUS WANTS EVERYONE TO DO

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Read Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Question: According to the verses above, what does Jesus want everyone to believe and do to be saved?

Do you believe it?

Page 47: Search the Scriptures

47 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

FORGIVENESS OF SINS

Read Luke 24:46-49 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Question: According to the verses above, where would forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name begin to be preached to all nations?

Do you believe it?

Several days after the above words were spoken, the disciples were in Jerusalem.

Read Acts 2:14,36-41 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven (apostles), raised his voice and addressed the crowd.... “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the

Page 48: Search the Scriptures

48 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Question: According to the verses above, what two things were the people told to do to receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit? Is the same promise also for us today? What did people do when they accepted the message?

Do you believe it?

Page 49: Search the Scriptures

49 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

CRUCIFIED WITH HIM

Read Romans 6:1-4,6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.... 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin...

Questions: According to the verses above, how do we enter into Christ and his death, in order to live a new life? When is a person crucified with Christ, to give up sin?

Do you believe it?

Page 50: Search the Scriptures

50 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

HOW TO BE HAPPY

Read Acts 8:32-39 This is the passage of Scripture (Isaiah 53) the eunuch was reading:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch

Page 51: Search the Scriptures

51 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Question: According to the verses above, what does the eunuch want to do immediately after he was told the good news about Jesus? When does the eunuch rejoice? Why do you think he was so happy?

Do you believe it?

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

Read Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

Question: According to the verse above, why should one be baptized?

Do you believe it?

I wonder if you have thought about being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and to start a new life following the teaching of Christ.

Page 52: Search the Scriptures

52 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

ENCOURAGING WORDS

Read 2 Timothy 1:10 ...it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Read 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Read 1 Peter 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Question: Do you want to be happy knowing your sins are forgiven and hopeful that you will go to heaven when you die? What will you do?

Page 53: Search the Scriptures

53 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Sixth century immersion baptismal basin at Nocera Superiore, Italy

Page 54: Search the Scriptures

54 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Crucified with Christ

Fourth century immersion baptismal basin in the shape of a cross, San Pedro Alcantara, southern

Spain

SHALL WE GO ON SINNING AFTER BAPTISM?

Read Romans 6:1-5 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus

Page 55: Search the Scriptures

55 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Read Romans 6:6-13 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your

Page 56: Search the Scriptures

56 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Read Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Read Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins...

Questions: According to the verses above, when is one done with sin, crucified with Christ, made alive with Christ, and forgiven of sins?

Page 57: Search the Scriptures

57 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Read 1 Peter 3:20-21 ...in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ...

Question: According to the verses above, what saves you? What is our pledge to keep a clear conscience before God? Do you believe it?

Immersion baptism of Christ, depicted by Paolo Veneziano, artist of the 14th century, Venice, Italy

Page 58: Search the Scriptures

58 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

WHAT ABOUT LITTLE CHILDREN?

Read Matthew 18:2-5 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Question: According to verses above, what is the spiritual condition of little children?

Read Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Question: According to the verse above, what did people do when they heard the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ? Were little children baptized?

Page 59: Search the Scriptures

59 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Do you believe it? What will you do?

CAN ONE BE FORGIVEN AFTER BAPTISM?

Read Acts 8:13,18-23 Simon himself believed and was baptized.... When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Question: According to the verses above, what was Simon told to do to be forgiven when he sinned after being baptized?

Page 60: Search the Scriptures

60 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Do you believe it?

Read 1 John 1:8-9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Read 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Question: According to the verses above, how can we be forgiven of sins committed after baptism?

Do you believe it?

HOW TO STAY FAITHFUL TO GOD

Read Hebrews 3:12-14 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s

Page 61: Search the Scriptures

61 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

Read Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Question: According to the verses above, what can help us stay faithful to the end?

Do you believe it? What will you do?

A FINAL QUESTION: HOW SOON WERE PEOPLE BAPTIZED?

Read Acts 2:40-41 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Page 62: Search the Scriptures

62 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Read Acts 8: 35-38 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture (Isaiah 53) and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Read Acts 16: 32-33 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.

Question: According to the verses above, how soon were people baptized after they heard the message or good news about Jesus? Why do you think they wanted to be baptized so soon?

What will you do?

Page 63: Search the Scriptures

63 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Are you thinking of being baptized to receive the forgiveness of your sins, new life, and the Holy Spirit?

To find someone to assist you to be baptized, email Daniel at [email protected]

Or phone 1-778-433-1547

Page 64: Search the Scriptures

64 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Mosaic of the immersion baptism of Christ

13th century, Florence, Italy

Page 65: Search the Scriptures

65 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Messianic Prophecies

Fulfilled HOW CAN WE KNOW JESUS IS THE

ONE WHO WAS PROMISED TO SAVE

THE WORLD?

"As to this salvation, the prophets who

prophesied of the grace that would come to

you made careful searches and inquiries,

seeking to know what person or time the

Spirit of Christ within them was indicating

as He predicted the sufferings of Christ

and the glories to follow. It was revealed to

them that they were not serving

themselves, but you, in these things which

now have been announced to you through

those who preached the gospel to you by

the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things

into which angels long to look."

- 1 Peter 1:10-12

Page 66: Search the Scriptures

66 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Given the eyewitness accounts of the life

of Jesus of Nazareth are accurate, the

following details selected below out of

hundreds contained in ancient Hebrew

writings (Old Testament) that pre-date

Jesus, appear to confirm his identity as the

Messiah, the promised one who would

save Israel as well as the Gentiles who

turn to God.

1. He would be born in the town of

Bethlehem. - Micah 5:2 (700 BC) fulfilled

in Matthew 2:1-6

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of

Judah, out of you will come for me one

who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins

are from of old, from ancient times.

Matthew 2:1-5 After Jesus was born in

Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of

Page 67: Search the Scriptures

67 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

King Herod, Magi from the east came to

Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one

who has been born king of the Jews? We

saw his star when it rose and have come to

worship him.” When King Herod heard this

he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with

him. When he had called together all the

people’s chief priests and teachers of the

law, he asked them where the Messiah

was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,”

they replied, “for this is what the prophet

has written…”

2. He would be born of a virgin. - Isaiah

7:14 (700 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-25

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will

give you a sign: The virgin will conceive

and give birth to a son, and will call him

Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus

the Messiah came about: His mother Mary

Page 68: Search the Scriptures

68 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

was pledged to be married to Joseph, but

before they came together, she was found

to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

3. He would perform miracles. – Isaiah

35:5-6 (700 BC) fulfilled in all the gospel

accounts.

Isaiah 35:5-6 Then will the eyes of the

blind be opened and the ears of the deaf

unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a

deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.

4. He would calm the storm.- Psalm

107:29 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Mark 4:39

Psalm 107:29 He stilled the storm to a

whisper; the waves of the sea were

hushed.

Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and

said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then

Page 69: Search the Scriptures

69 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

the wind died down and it was completely

calm.

5. He would speak in parables. – Psalm

78:2 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Mark 4:34

Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth with a

parable; I will utter hidden things, things

from of old.

Mark 4:34 He did not say anything to them

without using a parable. But when he was

alone with his own disciples, he explained

everything.

6. He would enter Jerusalem as a lowly

king, riding on a donkey. – Zechariah 9:9

(500 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 21:6-9

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter

Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See,

your king comes to you, righteous and

Page 70: Search the Scriptures

70 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on

a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matthew 21:6-8 The disciples went and did

as Jesus had instructed them. They

brought the donkey and the colt and placed

their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A

very large crowd spread their cloaks on the

road, while others cut branches from the

trees and spread them on the road.

7. The price of his betrayal would be

thirty pieces of silver. – Zechariah 11:12-

13 (500 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 26:14-15

and Matthew 27:3-10

Zechariah 11:12-13 I told them, “If you

think it best, give me my pay; but if not,

keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of

silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to

the potter”—the handsome price at which

they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces

Page 71: Search the Scriptures

71 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

of silver and threw them to the potter at the

house of the Lord.

Matthew 26:14-15 Then one of the

Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—

went to the chief priests and asked, “What

are you willing to give me if I deliver him

over to you?” So they counted out for him

thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 27:3-10 When Judas, who had

betrayed him, saw that Jesus was

condemned, he was seized with remorse

and returned the thirty pieces of silver to

the chief priests and the elders. “I have

sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed

innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s

your responsibility.” So Judas threw the

money into the temple and left. Then he

went away and hanged himself. The chief

priests picked up the coins and said, “It is

Page 72: Search the Scriptures

72 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

against the law to put this into the treasury,

since it is blood money.” So they decided

to use the money to buy the potter’s field

as a burial place for foreigners.

8. His death would be as a sacrificial

lamb. – Isaiah 53:5-8,10-11 (700 BC)

fulfilled in John 1:29

Isaiah 53:5-8 But he was pierced for our

transgressions, he was crushed for our

iniquities; the punishment that brought us

peace was on him, and by his wounds we

are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone

astray, each of us has turned to our own

way; and the Lord has laid on him the

iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and

afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he

was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as

a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he

did not open his mouth. By oppression and

judgment he was taken away. Yet who of

his generation protested? For he was cut

Page 73: Search the Scriptures

73 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

off from the land of the living; for the

transgression of my people he was

punished.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus

coming toward him and said, “Look, the

Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of

the world!”

9. Lots would be cast for his garment. –

Psalm 22:18 (1000 BC) fulfilled in John

19:23-24

Psalm 22:18 They divide my clothes

among them and cast lots for my garment.

John 19:23-24 When the soldiers crucified

Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them

into four shares, one for each of them, with

the undergarment remaining. This garment

was seamless, woven in one piece from

top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said

to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will

Page 74: Search the Scriptures

74 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

get it.” This happened that the scripture

might be fulfilled that said, “They divided

my clothes among them and cast lots for

my garment.” So this is what the soldiers

did.

10. His manner of death (crucifixion):

hands and feet pierced. – Psalm 22:16

(1000 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 27:38 (see

nail marks in his hands in John 20:25)

Psalm 22:16 Dogs surround me, a pack of

villains encircles me; they pierce my hands

and my feet.

John 20:25 So the other disciples told him,

“We have seen the Lord!” But he said to

them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his

hands and put my finger where the nails

were, and put my hand into his side, I will

not believe.”

Page 75: Search the Scriptures

75 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

11. Specific words would be spoken by

those mocking him at his death. – Psalm

22:7,8 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Matthew

27:42-43

Psalm 22:7,8 All who see me mock me;

they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He

trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord

rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he

delights in him.”

Matthew 27:42-43 “He saved others,” they

said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the

king of Israel! Let him come down now

from the cross, and we will believe in him.

He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now

if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son

of God.’”

Page 76: Search the Scriptures

76 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

12. He would be buried in a rich man’s

tomb. – Isaiah 53:9 (700 BC) fulfilled in

Matthew 27:57-60

Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with

the wicked, and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence, nor was

any deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:57-60 As evening approached,

there came a rich man from Arimathea,

named Joseph, who had himself become a

disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked

for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it

be given to him. Joseph took the body,

wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and

placed it in his own new tomb that he had

cut out of the rock.

Page 77: Search the Scriptures

77 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

13. After his death, he would return to

life. – Isaiah 53:10-11 (700 BC) fulfilled in

Matthew 28:5-6

Isaiah 53:10-11 Yet it was the Lord’s will to

crush him and cause him to suffer, and

though the Lord makes his life an offering

for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong

his days, and the will of the Lord will

prosper in his hand. After he has suffered,

he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will

justify many, and he will bear their

iniquities.

Matthew 28:5-6 The angel said to the

women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that

you are looking for Jesus, who was

crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just

as he said. Come and see the place where

he lay.”

Page 78: Search the Scriptures

78 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

14. He would be Light to the Gentiles. –

Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 49:6 (700 BC) fulfilled in

Luke 2:29-32

Isaiah 42:1 “Here is my servant, whom I

uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I

will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring

justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 49:6 he says: “It is too small a thing

for you to be my servant to restore the

tribes of Jacob and bring back those of

Israel I have kept. I will also make you a

light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may

reach to the ends of the earth.”

Luke 2:29-32 “Sovereign Lord, as you have

promised, you may now dismiss your

servant in peace. For my eyes have seen

your salvation, which you have prepared in

the sight of all nations: a light for revelation

to the Gentiles, and the glory of your

people Israel.”

Page 79: Search the Scriptures

79 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

15. He would bring a new testament or

covenant. – Jeremiah 31:31 (600 BC)

fulfilled in Luke 22:20

Jeremiah 31:31 “The days are coming,”

declares the Lord, “when I will make a new

covenant with the people of Israel and with

the people of Judah.”

Luke 22:20 In the same way, after the

supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup

is the new covenant in my blood, which is

poured out for you.”

Do you believe Jesus of Nazareth is the

one who was foretold by the ancient

Hebrew prophets; the divine son of God

who came to earth, died for the sins of

the world, and rose to life again?

Page 80: Search the Scriptures

80 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Phyllis B. (Oklahoma-Catholic) “It is so

inspirational! Just the little I've read, brought

me to God's dwelling place, and I can see how

it'd be very effective! Very beautiful, Daniel!”

Cherylyn Roddenberry (Florida – Mennonite)

“I believe there is great potential for

effectiveness. It is well written and the

questions are thought provoking. I think it

would be a great witnessing tool.”

Febin John (Bangalore – YWAM) “It's really

fantastic, Mr. Daniel. Awesome..... Explained

well too... God Bless you....”

Miguel Abaunza (El Paso – Catholic) “I believe

that this would be an excellent and effective

tool to evangelize.”

Sean St. Jean (Vancouver- Church of Christ) “I

just read through your booklet and I really like

it. Specifically, I like that it is Jesus-focused,

built on scripture references, and generally

Page 81: Search the Scriptures

81 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

keeps to the essentials.... Of course one could

argue that there are many additional points

that ought to be communicated when leading

someone to Christ, but I think you do a fine job

of communicating the fundamentals. I hope

that helps, and good luck! I am sure that God

is already blessing your efforts.”

Deanna Magistad (British Columbia) “Sir, I

have read your booklet. It was easy to open

and read. I do believe it has potential and can

be effective.”

Donna Saumell Golder (California - Catholic) “I

very much like your booklet. It is to the point

and contains all of the important elements

addressed to adults. Thank you for this

wonderful booklet. Our Lord desires each soul

He created to know and love Him.”

Peter Tucker (New York – Anglican) “Well

done from a road-to-Damascus (Bible)

perspective.”

Sam Lalonde (Victoria, British Columbia –

Church of Christ) “Hey Dan, I just scrolled

through the booklet you sent me. I definitely

like the simplicity, yet effectiveness of the

Page 82: Search the Scriptures

82 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

message the booklet is trying to send to the

reader. The format is good. I give it a thumbs

up! Thanks for sending it to me.”

Nathaniel Ogden Kidd (Wisconsin – Anglican)

“Without question, to the extent it IS effective, it

is a very clear testament to the Scriptures as

the core and foundation of Christian faith and

theology. I appreciate that emphasis --

whatever ways we win people to Christ, this

certainly needs to be emphasized, and the

sooner we can get people thinking this way,

the better.”

Suzanne Gyles (New York – Catholic) “Good

morning, Daniel. Thank you for the booklet. I

appreciate it and had no trouble downloading

on my tablet. I will print it and give it to my

family.”

Victoria Patricia (Philadelphia – Catholic) “You

did an excellent job as always, Daniel! I

enjoyed reading this! I think it may be helpful to

those who choose to read it.”

Barry Leonard (Kentucky – Methodist) “I think

this would be a very effective tool for

evangelism, especially in a discipling situation,

Page 83: Search the Scriptures

83 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

One-on-one or in a group. I like the logical

progression of the material and the way it is

laid out. Thanks for allowing me to preview this

and to comment on it.”

Shawn Paden (Texas – Church of Christ) “It

looks good to me. Keep up the good work” (1

Cor. 15:58).

West Nigeria Christian College: “The booklet is

definitely a solid potential and very effective

means of evangelism. It has a general link of

better understanding of salvation. God bless

you.”

Diana Cooper (California - Baptist) “Hello

Daniel, I very much enjoyed your booklet, and I

think that it has the potential for effectiveness

in the very best of ways. I understood it; in fact

it was very well understood. I personally liked

the layout, and being a child of God is a very

special place. Yes we ask for forgiveness

through Jesus Christ, but we also need to be

baptized. I would enjoy reading some other

books, God Bless.”

Roger L. Leonard (Georgia - Church of Christ)

“I think the booklet is clear and straightforward.

Page 84: Search the Scriptures

84 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Well done. Do you mind sharing the program

used to make this electronic book?”

Towers Chelsea (Tennessee) “I enjoy reading

and found it very interesting from the start. It

started off well. The time flow was well

designed. I was very impressed with the visual

pictures that were added. I was trying also to

figure out what particular audience of readers

you were or maybe applying to in this book.

Could you have been writing to someone who

backslide and need a refresher or a person

who do not know Christ at all who needs a

starter? But according to your title the answer

is well enough said. I say thank you for writing

such material and hope to see you continue to

share God's words. Thanks.”

Denise Gansmann (Illinois – Pentecostal) “Well

it seemed OK to me....a person new to

Christianity needs simple basics to receive

....had some nice pics to it to help it be

interesting...is simple so I like it.”

Katherine Mary Martin Osb (Alabama –

Anglican) “Daniel, several thoughts and

questions: Who is the intended reader? Your

Page 85: Search the Scriptures

85 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Denomination only? Looks like a booklet to be

discussed with someone who has knowledge.

Not sure it is a stand-alone booklet without a

mentor. But would be a good "structure" for a 1

on 1 discussion set. Thanks for allowing me

the privilege of reading and the gift of time to

respond.”

Christa Smith (British Columbia – Church of

Christ) “First of all, I really appreciate you

made a resource to this end. I think this is

important. One thing I've learned over the past

few years in ministry is the need for breaking

things down for people, helping them interpret

what is going on in their lives. I really like the

part on baptism, particularly how you've

incorporated the photos of the baptismals you

came across while in Europe.”

Adaeze Emilia Mbakwe (Nigeria – Catholic)

“Viewed it on Academia and consider it a good

medium for spreading the Gospel. This simple

booklet contains basic truths about our faith

which every Christian should know and

answers certain questions which the curiosity

of a new believer may raise. The questions you

ask after each Bible Verse makes one think

Page 86: Search the Scriptures

86 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

deeply about what the verse says and come to

their own decision about it. Keep up the good

work.”

Karen Songe (Louisiana – Catholic) “I find this

guide How to Become a Christian, to be very

well laid out for the person discerning

becoming a Christian, but more than that, it

gives basic answers to many Catholics who

were not properly catechized in their formative

years. This of course has been the cause of a

number of Catholics turning away from the

Church or even turning to another religion. This

Guide reminds me of the Baltimore Catechism,

which was the way many of us learned about

the Catholic faith. I am on our RCIA team and

believe it to be one effective tool to those

Catholics who were baptized, but never were

catechized and did not receive the other

Sacraments of the Church. I believe you did a

great job in putting this together and offering it

at no cost, showing us where your heart is.

Hopefully this will lead to other material to help

many in their journey to follow the narrow path

to the Father.”

Page 87: Search the Scriptures

87 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

James D. Suiter (Tennessee – Church of

Christ) “I have read, posted and sent to many!

Great book!!”

Maybe you are thinking of being baptized to receive the forgiveness of your sins, new life, and the Holy

Spirit? To find someone to assist you to be

baptized, email Daniel at [email protected]

Page 88: Search the Scriptures

88 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Page 89: Search the Scriptures

89 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

A Course in the

Way of Jesus for mental health and

well-being

"Come to Me, all who are

weary and heavy-laden,

and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you

and learn from Me, for I

am gentle and humble in

heart, and you will find

rest for your souls."- Jesus

Page 90: Search the Scriptures

90 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

A Course in the Way of

Jesus

for mental health and well-being

Instructor: Jesus of Nazareth (assisted by

Daniel Keeran, MSW)

Location: Your home or office computer

Date/Time: When you are ready

You will gain knowledge and skills for:

Having a healthy marriage and

family

Managing anger, conflict, and

violence

Coping with anxiety

Understanding and demonstrating

love and compassion

Strengthening a deep sense of

hope, meaning, and inner peace

Understanding and applying the

power of forgiveness

Developing wisdom and direction for

making healthy choices

Page 91: Search the Scriptures

91 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Finding support and encouragement

to face life’s difficulties

Tuition: donations accepted but not

required.

Course Material (provided at the links

below):

Are The Teachings Of Jesus Relevant

Today?

https://app.box.com/s/rqir7lrvri8xvfncywdr

Radical Christianity: Peace and Justice in

the New Testament http://goo.gl/htnoj0

How To Become A Christian

http://www.box.com/lovegod

Search the Scriptures

https://app.box.com/s/2yz3i9aaonm2xoir28

8ks4e6nth4a1qg

Assignments: Read the course material,

then create and design 100-120 questions

and answers reviewing the scope and

depth of the course material. Provide your

Page 92: Search the Scriptures

92 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

answers taken from the course material,

and reference each answer with the title

and page number where the answers are

found. On completion of assignments, the

Certificate of Discipleship is sent.

Instructor: Daniel Keeran, MA, MSW, has

been a college instructor as well as a

counsellor and therapist for over 30 years.

He is author of Effective Counseling

Skills and founder of the College of Mental

Health Counselling in Victoria, British

Columbia, Canada.

To Register, take a moment to email the

instructor (with “Jesus” in the subject line.)

at [email protected]

Page 93: Search the Scriptures

93 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Ideas of Hell and Salvation

in Scripture

Prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria, Canada

(All scripture references are from the New

International Version.)

The idea of hell is fundamental to the meaning

of the cross and the good news about Jesus

Christ. Three ideas about hell are believed by

those who identify themselves as Christians:

ANNIHILATION: Those who die outside of

Christ will be utterly destroyed or annihilated at

the final judgment of all humanity. Edward

Fudge advocates this view in his book The Fire

That Consumes.

TEMPORARY PUNISHMENT: Those who die

outside of Christ will be punished or disciplined

for a temporary period of time depending upon

their sin or works. Eventually everyone will

spend eternity with God in heaven. Arthur

Page 94: Search the Scriptures

94 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Chambers advocates this view in his book Our

Life After Death.

ETERNAL CONSCIOUS TORMENT: Read the

scriptures below to determine whether or not

this view is true.

The Idea of Hell

Daniel 12:1-2 At that time shall arise Michael,

the great prince who has charge of your

people. And there shall be a time of trouble,

such as never has been since there was a

nation till that time. But at that time your people

shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall

be found written in the book. And many of

those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall

awake, some to everlasting life, and some

to shame and everlasting contempt.

Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he

will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his

wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the

chaff with unquenchable fire.

Page 95: Search the Scriptures

95 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Matthew 8:12 But the subjects of the kingdom

will be thrown outside, into the darkness,

where there will be weeping and gnashing

of teeth.”

Matthew 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes

you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is

better for you to enter life maimed or crippled

than to have two hands or two feet and be

thrown into eternal fire.

Matthew 22:13 “Then the king told the

attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw

him outside, into the darkness, where there

will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 25:30 And throw that worthless

servant outside, into the darkness, where

there will be weeping and gnashing of

teeth.’

Matthew 25: 41,46 “Then he will say to those

on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are

cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the

devil and his angels.... Then they will go away

Page 96: Search the Scriptures

96 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

to eternal punishment, but the righteous to

eternal life.”

Mark 8:36-37 For what shall it profit a man, if

he shall gain the whole world, and lose his

own soul? Or what can anyone give in

exchange for his soul?

Mark 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble,

cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed

than with two hands to go into hell, where the

fire never goes out.

Mark 9:48 “…hell where 'the worms that eat

them do not die, and the fire is not

quenched.' “

Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, “Go into all the

world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be

saved, but whoever does not believe will be

condemned.”

Luke 12:4-6 “I tell you, my friends, do not be

afraid of those who kill the body and after that

can do no more. But I will show you whom you

Page 97: Search the Scriptures

97 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

should fear: Fear him who, after your body

has been killed, has authority to throw you

into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

Luke 16:22-28 The rich man also died and was

buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he

looked up and saw Abraham far away, with

Lazarus by his side. So he called to him,

‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send

Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and

cool my tongue, because I am in agony in

this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son,

remember that in your lifetime you received

your good things, while Lazarus received bad

things, but now he is comforted here and you

are in agony. And besides all this, between us

and you a great chasm has been set in place,

so that those who want to go from here to you

cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there

to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father,

send Lazarus to my family, for I have five

brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will

not also come to this place of torment.’”

Page 98: Search the Scriptures

98 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not

condemned, but whoever does not believe

stands condemned already because they

have not believed in the name of God’s one

and only Son.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has

eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will

not see life, for God’s wrath remains on

them.

John 8:23-24 But he continued, “You are from

below; I am from above. You are of this world; I

am not of this world. I told you that you would

die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am

he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and

the truth and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through me.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other name under heaven given

to mankind by which we must be saved.

Page 99: Search the Scriptures

99 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Acts 17:29-31 “Therefore since we are God’s

offspring, we should not think that the divine

being is like gold or silver or stone—an image

made by human design and skill. In the past

God overlooked such ignorance, but now he

commands all people everywhere to repent.

For he has set a day when he will judge the

world with justice by the man he has

appointed. He has given proof of this to

everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Romans 2:5 But in accordance with your

hardness and your impenitent heart you are

treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day

of wrath and revelation of the righteous

judgment of God…

Romans 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking

and do not obey the truth, but obey

unrighteousness—indignation and wrath…

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now

been justified by His blood, we shall be saved

from wrath through Him.

Page 100: Search the Scriptures

100 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 So we make it our goal to

please him, whether we are at home in the

body or away from it. For we must all appear

before the judgment seat of Christ, that each

one may receive what is due him for the things

done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with

empty words, for because of these things the

wrath of God comes upon the sons of

disobedience.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 …and to wait for His Son

from heaven, whom He raised from the dead,

even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath

to come.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 God is just: He will pay

back trouble to those who trouble you and give

relief to you who are troubled, and to us as

well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is

revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his

powerful angels. He will punish those who do

not know God and do not obey the gospel

of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with

Page 101: Search the Scriptures

101 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

everlasting destruction and shut out from

the presence of the Lord and from the glory

of his might on the day he comes to be

glorified in his holy people and to be marveled

at among all those who have believed.

Hebrews 2:2-3 For since the message spoken

through angels was binding, and every

violation and disobedience received its just

punishment, how shall we escape if we

ignore so great a salvation?

Hebrews 3:10-11 That is why I was angry with

that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always

going astray, and they have not known my

ways.' So I declared on oath in my anger,

'They shall never enter my rest.'

Hebrews 10:28-29 Anyone who rejected the

law of Moses died without mercy on the

testimony of two or three witnesses. How much

more severely do you think someone deserves

to be punished who has trampled the Son of

God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy

thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified

Page 102: Search the Scriptures

102 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

For we know him who said, “It is mine to

avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will

judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall

into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 12:25, 27-28 See to it that you do not

refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape

when they refused him who warned them on

earth, how much less will we, if we turn away

from him who warns us from heaven?...

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom

that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and

so worship God acceptably with reverence and

awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare angels

when they sinned, but sent them to hell,

putting them in chains of darkness to be

held for judgment;

2 Peter 2:9-10 …the Lord knows how to rescue

the godly from trials and to hold the

unrighteous for punishment on the day of

judgment. This is especially true of those who

Page 103: Search the Scriptures

103 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and

despise authority.

2 Peter 2:17 These people are springs without

water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest

darkness is reserved for them.

2 Peter 3:7 By the same word the present

heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being

kept for the day of judgment and destruction

of the ungodly.

Jude 6 And the angels who did not keep their

positions of authority but abandoned their

proper dwelling—these he has kept in

darkness, bound with everlasting chains for

judgment on the great Day.

Jude 7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the

surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in

sexual immorality and pursued unnatural

desire, serve as an example by undergoing a

punishment of eternal fire.

Jude 13 …wild waves of the sea, casting up

the foam of their own shame; wandering stars,

Page 104: Search the Scriptures

104 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

for whom the gloom of utter darkness has

been reserved forever.

Revelation 14:9-11 If anyone worships the

beast and its image and receives a mark on

his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink

the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength

into the cup of his anger, and he will be

tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence

of the holy angels and in the presence of the

Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up

forever and ever, and they have no rest, day

or night, these worshipers of the beast and its

image, and whoever receives the mark of its

name.

Revelation 20:10-15 And the devil, who

deceived them, was thrown into the lake of

burning sulfur, where the beast and the false

prophet had been thrown. They will be

tormented day and night for ever and

ever.... And I saw the dead, great and small,

standing before the throne, and books were

opened. Another book was opened, which is

Page 105: Search the Scriptures

105 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

the book of life. The dead were judged

according to what they had done as recorded

in the books. The sea gave up the dead that

were in it, and death and Hades gave up the

dead that were in them, and each person was

judged according to what they had done. Then

death and Hades were thrown into the lake of

fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

Anyone whose name was not found written

in the book of life was thrown into the lake

of fire.

Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it (the holy city), nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Page 106: Search the Scriptures

106 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

When we hear the bad news about the wrath of God against all ungodliness, we are glad to hear the good news about the forgiveness and salvation offered through Christ our Lord.

The Idea of Salvation

2 Timothy 1:10 "...our Savior, Christ Jesus,

who has destroyed death and has brought

life and immortality to light through the

gospel"

John 1:1-8, 10-14 “In the beginning was the

Word, and the Word was with God, and the

Word was God. He was with God in the

beginning. Through him all things were made;

without him nothing was made that has been

made. In him was life, and that life was the

light of all mankind. The light shines in the

darkness, and the darkness has not overcome

it. The true light that gives light to everyone

was coming into the world. He was in the

world, and though the world was made through

him, the world did not recognize him. He came

to that which was his own, but his own did not

Page 107: Search the Scriptures

107 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to

those who believed in his name, he gave the

right to become children of God— children

born not of natural descent, nor of human

decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his

dwelling among us. We have seen his glory,

the glory of the one and only Son, who came

from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Acts 26:23 “that the Messiah would suffer and,

as the first to rise from the dead, would bring

the message of light to his own people and to

the Gentiles.”

1 John 4:9-10 “This is how God showed his

love among us: He sent his one and only Son

into the world that we might live through him.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he

loved us and sent his Son as an atoning

sacrifice for our sins.”

Mark 16:15-16 “He said to them, Go into all the

world and preach the good news to all

creation. Whoever believes and is baptized

Page 108: Search the Scriptures

108 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

will be saved, but whoever does not believe

will be condemned.”

Luke 24:46,47 “He told them, ‘This is what is

written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from

the dead on the third day, and repentance for

the forgiveness of sins will be preached in

his name to all nations, beginning at

Jerusalem.’“

Acts 2:36-38 “ ‘Therefore let all Israel be

assured of this: God has made this Jesus,

whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ ”

When the people heard this, they were cut to

the heart and said to Peter and the other

apostles, “ ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ ”

Peter replied, “ ‘Repent and be baptized,

every one of you, in the name of Jesus

Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And

you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit...’”

Acts 22:16 “And now what are you waiting for?

Get up, be baptized and wash your sins

away, calling on his name.”

Page 109: Search the Scriptures

109 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

After your baptism, you will be “giving joyful

thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to

share in the inheritance of his holy people in

the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us

from the dominion of darkness and brought us

into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom

we have redemption, the forgiveness of

sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).

1 Peter 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he

has given us new birth into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from

the dead, and into an inheritance that can

never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance

is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are

shielded by God’s power until the coming of

the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the

last time. In all this you greatly rejoice,

though now for a little while you may have had

to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Do you believe? Do you repent of your sins?

Will you be baptized? If so, email

Page 110: Search the Scriptures

110 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

[email protected] and let me assist you

in your adoption to become a child of God. I

will arrange your baptism as soon as possible.

Here is more on understanding how to become

a Christian http://goo.gl/W0ukQX