The Christian and the Means of Grace Lesson 15

Acts 2 Read all of Acts 2 from your Bibles.

The Means of Grace Definition: The tools or instruments by which God gives us the gifts of his undeserved love. The Means of Grace are: The Gospel of Jesus Christ revealed in 1) God's Word and 2) the Sacraments

Baptism and Lord's Supper The Means of Grace God's Reservoir God's Word (Bible) GOSPEL Forgiveness New Life Salvation Forgiveness New Life Salvation Sacraments Baptism and Lord's Supper

What is a sacrament? A Sacrament is a sacred act, Instituted by Jesus uses visible elements connected with God's Word Offers and gives forgiveness of sins, new life and salvation

How many sacraments are there? There are two sacraments: Baptism Lord's Supper

What does the Holy Spirit do through the Means of Grace? Through the Means of Grace the Holy Spirit ... Creates faith in Jesus Strengthens faith in Jesus

John 5:39 These are the Scriptures that testify about me.

God's Word, the Bible ... Leads us to Jesus

Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

God's Word, the Bible ... Leads us to Jesus Gives us faith and keeps us in the faith

Psalm 119:105 Psalm 119:11 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

God's Word, the Bible ... Leads us to Jesus Gives us faith and keeps us in the faith Guides us in Christian living

Luke 16:29-31 "Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 "`No, father Abraham,' he said, `but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 "He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

God's Word, the Bible ... Cannot be replaced by anything else

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

God's Word, the Bible ... Cannot be replaced by anything else Has two main messages--Law and Gospel

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

God's Word, the Bible ... Cannot be replaced by anything else Has two main messages--Law and Gospel Is used regularly for growth in faith and life

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

How should we use the Bible? Regularly participating in church, Sunday School and Bible study.

Acts 17:10-11 As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

How should we use the Bible? Regularly participating in church, Sunday School and Bible study. Daily, personal Bible study; studying with other Christians.

How should we use the Bible? Bible study helps: 1) Pray before you begin! 2) Ask yourself some questions:

1. What does it say?

2. What does it tell me about myself?

3. What does it tell me about my God?

4. What will it lead me to do?

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