1. powerpoint presentation designed by claro ruiz vicente http://clarovicente.weebly.com Adult Bible Study Guide Apr May Jun 2009 Adult Bible Study Guide Apr May Jun 2009

2. Dear User … This PowerPoint Show is freely shared to all who may find it beneficial. While intended primarily for personal use, some find it useful for teaching the lesson in church. There are those, however, who add illustrations, change background, adjust font size, etc. While their intention may be good, this is not right. Slide #1 says “designed by claro ruiz vicente.” For honest Christians, it is not necessary for another’s creation to be copyrighted in order to be respected. PLEASE USE AS IS. The Christian Life An Appeal

3. Reinder Bruinsma Contributor Principal Contributor Reinder Bruinsma Contributor Principal Contributor

4. The Christian Life Contents 1. Love 2. Faith 3. Hope 4. Life 5. Revelation 6. Sin 7. Grace 8. Rest 9. Heaven 10. Discipleship 11. Stewardship 12. Community 13. Mission

5. The Christian Life Our Goal {181} We want to look at both aspects of our faith: doctrine and experience. Not only to understand these themes better but also to have been enriched as far as Christian experience is concerned. One focus: the One in whom “we live, and move, and have our being.”

6. The Christian Life Lesson 2, April 11 The Christian Life Lesson 2, April 11

7. Faith Key Text Ephesians 2:8, 9 NIV “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

8. Faith Initial Words {196} Faith in the biblical sense is not based primarily on our reason (even though it is not unreasonable or irrational!); nor is it based on our emotions (though emotions do play a role). Faith is a principle that governs the life. Faith is the means by which we reach out and grab hold of the promises of a God we can’t see yet we know is there.

9. Faith Quick Look 1. Finding Faith (Habakkuk 2:4) 2. Living Faith (Hebrews 11:1, 16) 3. Evidencing Faith (James 2:14, 17)

10. Faith 1. Finding Faith Habakkuk 2:4 NIV “ ‘See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous will live by his faith….’ ”

11. 1.Finding Faith A Gift From God {197} What is faith? “Faith is a confident and obedient trust in the reality, power, and love of God as revealed in His acts and in His promises to us.” Have you ever tried to discover where your faith originated? Did you have believing parents? Have you always attended church? Did your study of the Bible convinced you?

12. 1.Finding Faith Basis of Our Faith {199} Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation and source of our faith. Experience is an essential and powerful component of our spiritual life. But faith also must have content, and revelation provided in the Scriptures plays the major role in establishing us in our faith. If we neglect them it will be at our own peril.

13. Faith 2. Living Faith Hebrews 11:1, 6 NIV “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

14. 2. Living Faith Exercising Faith {201} Our faith will be strengthened by the experience of seeing God at work in our own lives and in the lives of others, but our faith often will precede God’s interventions. Faith will expect God to show His hand. God has promised that He will act through us and in our behalf if we have faith in Him. In that trusting faith we must take Him at His word.

15. 2. Living Faith Growing in Faith {203} Faith will increase if, we press on, claiming the promises of God regardless of how we might feel or regardless of how hostile the circumstances might be. Faith in Jesus will grow as you become better acquainted with Him. The goal of the Christian is to become “mature” in faith. This is a lifelong process.

16. James 2:14, 17 NIV “ What good is it … if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead. ” Faith 3. Evidencing Faith

17. By What We Do {207} Faith is experience. It has to do with certainty. And with trust. The Scriptures play a role in the awakening, the strengthening, and the sustenance of faith. But faith isn’t just belief; it is a principle that guides how we live our lives before God and others.

18. By What We Do James 2:15, 16, 18 NIV “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? … Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”

19. Faith Final Words {207} “When the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end.” Steps to Christ 112.