Lesson 1 for the 3 rd of April, 2010

He is the Creator of everything we know. He made man as the jewel of Creation, and made him morally free. “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."” (Genesis, 1: 26)

Before the man sinned, God had already prepared a plan for his redemption. That plan included a great sacrifice: the death of Jesus at the cross. “For you know that you were redeemed from the empty way of life… with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake” ( 1 Peter, 1: 18-20)

God prepared the redemption plan and offers it, individually, to each of us. Besides this free salvation, He gives us the desire of obtaining it and the faith to do it. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians, 2: 12-13)

God’s Word is filled with promises for us. Protection, health, joy and peace promises … “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (Psalm, 37: 25) “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears… This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm, 34: 4, 6) “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah, 40: 29) “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm, 34: 7)

God gives us the hope of a better world, the hope of an eternal life with Jesus. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation, 21: 4)

Every law God has prepared is for our welfare, from the Ten Commandments to the smallest law we can find in his Word. If we follow those rules, we’ll have a better life in this Earth. “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you” (Exodus, 15: 26)

CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm, 139: 13-14) CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for creating me, Lord

“How wonderful is the plan of redemption in its simplicity and fullness. It not only provides for the full pardon of the sinner but also for the restoration of the transgressor, making a way whereby he may be accepted as a son of God” (E.G.W. “That I may know Him”, March 31) This must fill our heart with praises to God. CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for your wonderful redemption plan, Lord

We thank for the salvation God gives each of us individually. We show this gratitude when we speak about how we love God and thank Jesus for what He did. Works prove that our faith is real. Works that don’t try to earn salvation (we cannot do that), but are born in a grateful heart. CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for saving me, Lord

Praise should grow in our heart as an answer to God’s love. This praise is shown in our love relationship with God, and how we love our neighbours. CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for your great love, Lord

Every time we see God’s promises become true in our lives, we need to praise Him. CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for keeping your promises, Lord

A powerful reason to praise God is the hope of a glorious future which He has prepared for us. We will be forever with Jesus there. CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for the hope of eternal life, Lord

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans, 12: 1) True praise involves all our being. We praise God spiritually, emotionally and mentally, and also with our physical bodies. Having healthy habits creates mental brightness and general balance in us. CreationRedemption planPersonal salvationLoveHis promisesHopeLaw I thank You for taking care of my welfare, Lord

“That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever” Psalm, 30: 12