In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was barren, with no form of life; it was under a roaring ocean covered with darkness. But the Spirit of God was moving over the water God said, "I command light to shine!" And light started shining. God looked at the light and saw that it was good. He separated light from darkness and named the light "Day" and the darkness "Night." Evening came and then morning--that was the first day. [Genesis 1:1-5]

Only God lives forever! And he lives in light that no one can come near. No human has ever seen God or ever can see him. God will be honored, and his power will last forever. [1 Timothy 6:16]

Isaiah 41:4

Who has accomplished this? Who has determined the course of history from the beginning? I, the LORD, was there first, and I will be there to the end. I am the one!"

We come to know God by his actions and through his revealed word (recorded the bible) that he gave through prophets, angels and finally his most beloved creation Jesus. His “face” is of no consequence as his physical being and power are way above the comprehension of humans.

 “From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly observed in what he made. As a result, people have no excuse.” [Romans 1:20]

Reasoning:  What about the theory of Evolution? Is it true? Did we come from monkeys or was the hand of a Master Designer involved?

 The current scientific explanation for the various forms of life is gradual evolution through random mutations and natural selection. In contrast, the Bible reveals that God created each kind of animal and plant—he did not just let them happen through natural processes which he had set in place. There are not only biblical objections to evolution—there are also many scientific objections to the theory.

• Many parts of living things are so complex, they could not have come about through a process of gradual change. They must have been designed to function as they do. In fact there is really no such thing as a 'simple' organism, for even a 'simple' one-celled organism operates on unseen chemical processes every bit as complex as those in the cells of our bodies. For example, recent scientific discoveries around the ‘genome’ and DNA demonstrate the impossible odds of our complex human bodies coming into being by chance. The genome is the complete list of coded instructions needed to make a person. There are 3.1 billion letters in the DNA code in every one of the 100 trillion cells in the human body. If all of the DNA in the human body were put end to end, it would reach to the Sun and back more than 600 times. This marvelous and complex design of our own bodies and the living world all around us endorses the Bible’s claim of creation by an all powerful God

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”. (Psalm 139:14)

• If evolution was true, there would have been many intermediate species, whereas the fossil record shows no such gradual changes between species. In other words, there are many “missing links”.

• To say that life arose by chance, evolved from simple to complex organisms by chance, and produced mankind by chance may be a plausible theory, but the proof just isn't there.

Jesus teaches us that God is reachable through a simple analogy:

                                          Matthew 7:7-11

7  Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.

8  Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.

9  Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread?

10  Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish?

11  As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:4-5

4  God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,

5  There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us

 
The prophet Isaiah recorded in Isaiah 55:6-11

6  Turn to the LORD! He can still be found. Call out to God! He is near.

7  Give up your crooked ways and your evil thoughts. Return to the LORD our God. He will be merciful and forgive your sins.

8  The LORD says: "My thoughts and my ways are not like yours.

9  Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.

10  "Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don't return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat.

11  That's how it is with my words. They don't return to me without doing everything I send them to do.

Reasoning: Why does Jesus compare God to our earthly fathers?

Jesus compares God to our earthly fathers to demonstrate how strong God’s love is and His willingness to do good to people who trust him and seek his help.   God provides what we need in life, but also disciplines us, and requires us to endure hardship for the development of our character.    He has the same loving and caring response to our trust and our need that a loving and caring father has to a small child

 Jesus points out that earthly fathers naturally have some good parenting instincts even if they may be involved in other evil activities.  Because God is a perfect and all-powerful father he has a much greater capacity for doing good for us than our human fathers.

Reasoning: How does one find God?  (i.e. what does it mean to Ask, search, knock?)

Jesus tells us that finding God requires the same simple process that we use in everyday life to find physical things: When we want someone to do something for us we ASK them;  If we need to find out how to get to a destination we SEARCH until we find the way; and when we want to enter a house we KNOCK. 

So, to find God we must:

• Ask God for guideance through prayer, persistently
• Diligently search to know the truth about God; and
• When we find out the truth about what God wants, we must enter into a relationship with God through the way that he has provided (becoming a disciple of Jesus).
• Then the door to LIFE will be opened to us!

 To repeat the words of Paul to the Athens “God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us” Acts 17:27

Reasoning:   Why does God compare his words with Rain and Snow in Quote

God points out that he is superior to humans in all his ways – his thoughts, his power, his wisdom. People talk many futile things, and make many plans and promises that come to nothing.   But God’s words never go to waste, and he delivers on all his promises. Just like the rain that falls from heaven serves it’s purposes (of watering the earth), so also God’s words will achieve their purpose.

Some quotes to ponder upon

“Let the things which are past come to your memory: for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me; Making clear from the first what is to come, and from past times the things which have not so far come about; saying, My purpose is fixed, and I will do all my pleasure;” Isaiah 46:9-10

 “He planned to bring all of history to its goal in Christ. Then Christ would be the head of everything in heaven and on earth. God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends. He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory.” Ephesians 1:10-12
 

God warns the people of Israel through his prophet Moses in Deuteronomy 4:19

Don't let yourselves be tempted to worship and serve what you see in the sky-the sun, the moon, the stars, or anything else. The LORD your God has given them to all people everywhere.

Jesus once taught a woman about worshipping God:

Indeed, the time is coming, and it is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for people like that to worship him. God is a spirit. Those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." [John 4:23-24]

Reasoning:  Why does God not want us to worship his creation?

The all powerful Creator does not want us to worship the things he made. God has created the universe and everything in it for the benefit of all creatures.  It would not make sense for one man to worship a created thing for his personal benefit (e.g. a tree) when the natural benefit (shade, oxygen) was intended by God for everyone. 
 

       Paul – a great Christian teacher  - explained about God to the religious  people of ancient Greece:

So if we are God's children, we shouldn't think that the divine being is like an image made from gold, silver, or stone, an image that is the product of human imagination and skill.

Reasoning:  What were the people of Athens like?  Why do you think they might have constructed an altar to “an unknown God”?

The Athenians were intellectual and broad minded people who liked to debate new ideas.  They worshipped many gods. They probably constructed an altar to an “unknown god” to ensure they did not neglect any god they were not aware of.  It is interesting that Paul also appealed to their interest in "a new teaching" about their “unknown God” and correctly explained the Almighty God.

Reasoning:  Is it important to worship God in a church or a temple?  Why, or why not?

God is everywhere and thus cannot be confined to any building. He does not require man to build his temple. The prophet Isaiah writes: “The LORD said: Heaven is my throne; the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you build for me? In what place will I rest? I have made everything; that's how it all came to be.” Isaiah 66:1-2  

Though God does not require us to worship him in a special literal building, he encourages people to meet and share together in fellowship and worship.  In “true” Christianity the community of believers (not the bricks) is considered to be the “temple” or “church” of God.  The place of worship is not important.

Reasoning:  Why did God create the human race?

From one man God has made people of every nation to live all over the earth.  God did this so that people would seek him and develop a relationship with him.  God is never far from anybody who seeks him.   God desires our love and respect, just as any father desires the same from his children

Reasoning:  How should we worship the invisible God?

God does not want us to create pictures or idols to represent him.  These are simply the product of human imagination or design. God expects his creation to search for him and worship him in spirit and truth. It is an insult to God to liken him to an ‘image’ which he is not..

When someone is convinced that God exists, they have to base their worship on faith i.e. believing in and having confidence in the unseen God because of real things that we know about him.

We pray to an invisible God in our minds. God is present everywhere through his spirit and he even knows what we are going to ask even before we ask him.

Reasoning:  Why should we think of God as our father?

 We should think of God as our Father because:
(1)  He created us
(2)  He provides for us every day (rains, plants, etc.)
(3)  By understanding goodness and severity of God we are encouraged to live the kind of life He desires of us.  

All the best characteristics of human parenthood serve to teach us something of what God is like.    A rejection of God is like being separated within a human family which is destructive and disastrous.

Jesus teaches his disciples the principles of prayer – our means of communication with God:

Matthew 6:5-18

5  When you pray, don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

6  When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.

7  When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers.

8  Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.

9  You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, let your name be kept holy.

10  Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.

11  Give us our food for today.

12  Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others.

13  Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory to the ages. Amen.

14  If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you.

15  But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

16  When you go without eating [fasting], don't try to look gloomy as those show-offs do when they go without eating. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

17  Instead, comb your hair and wash your face.

18  Then others won't know that you are going without eating. But your Father sees what is done in private, and he will reward you

Reasoning:  Is God impressed by long or repetitive prayers? Why?

Long, repetitive or loud prayers do not impress God; God is present everywhere and knows what we need even before we pray.   He responds to our persistent heartfelt requests, but repetitive prayer as a religious ritual and is of no value.    

Some people like to make a show they are holy through public prayers. There is nothing wrong in saying a public prayer but to say a prayer to catch people’s attention and praise is totally disliked by God. God does not answer such prayers. These prayers will be answered only through the praise of people

Reasoning:  List five things Jesus teaches us to pray about?

Jesus taught that we should use prayer to:

• Praise God
• Ask God to set up his kingdom on this EARTH, so that he will be obeyed on earth just like angels obey his voice in heaven
• Request God to continue providing the daily food that we need to live
• Ask God to forgive our wrongs on the condition that we have forgiven others
• Seek help to keep out of the temptations of this world
• Ask God to keep us from troubles
• Give God his rightful eternal glory

In other places Jesus also taught us to prayer for our our fellow disciples and even for our enemies and for those who treat us badly.

We may often have an endless list of things we want to ask God for.  God promises to give what we “need” as opposed to what we “want”. He is also more concerned about our spiritual needs than our physical needs, and is quite aware of when our ‘wants’ may work against our spiritual needs. Jesus’ disciples often noticed Jesus praying to God and also knew that God always answered Jesus’ prayers. So, they were curious to know from their role-model how to say effective prayers.

Reasoning:  Jesus teaches us to pray for the time when all people on earth will obey God as he is now obeyed by angels in Heaven.  How will this be achieved?

This will be achieved by God's direct intervention in the affairs of the world and not by any human political movement.  God has promised that he will send his son Jesus back to earth to set up God’s Kingdom.  Jesus will come with great power and authority, to overthrow all opposition and rule the world in righteousness and justice from Jerusalem

Revelation 11:15

15  And the seventh angel sounded. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever.

Put your Trust in God and not in Money

"Don't love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, "I will never abandon you or leave you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

 "Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy". (1Tim 6:17)

Jesus reasons with you

"What good will it do for people to win the whole world and lose their lives? Or what will a person give in exchange for life? The Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory. Then he will pay back each person based on what that person has done". (Matthew 16:26-27)

"No one can serve two masters. He will hate the first master and love the second, or he will be devoted to the first and despise the second. You cannot serve God and wealth. So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds. They don't plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers. That's the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it's alive, and tomorrow it's thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith? Don't ever worry and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. So don't ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:24-34)

Jesus taught about blessed people of God:

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

[Matthew 5:1-11]

Isaiah 11:1-9

1  Like a branch that sprouts from a stump, someone from David's family will someday be king.

2  The Spirit of the LORD will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight. He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the LORD.

3  His greatest joy will be to obey the LORD. This king won't judge by appearances or listen to rumors.

4  The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice. His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death.

5  Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.

6  Leopards will lie down with young goats, and wolves will rest with lambs. Calves and lions will eat together and be cared for by little children.

7  Cows and bears will share the same pasture; their young will rest side by side. Lions and oxen will both eat straw.

8  Little children will play near snake holes. They will stick their hands into dens of poisonous snakes and never be hurt.

9  Nothing harmful will take place on the LORD's holy mountain. Just as water fills the sea, the land will be filled with people who know and honor the LORD

Isaiah 2:4

4  And he will be the judge between the nations, and the peoples will be ruled by his decisions: and their swords will be turned into plough-blades, and their spears into vine-knives: no longer will the nations be turning their swords against one another, and the knowledge of war will be gone for ever.

Isaiah 65:17-24

17  I am creating new heavens and a new earth; everything of the past will be forgotten.

18  Celebrate and be glad forever! I am creating a Jerusalem, full of happy people.

19  I will celebrate with Jerusalem and all of its people; there will be no more crying or sorrow in that city.

20  No child will die in infancy; everyone will live to a ripe old age. Anyone a hundred years old will be considered young, and to die younger than that will be considered a curse.

21  My people will live in the houses they build; they will enjoy grapes from their own vineyards.

22  No one will take away their homes or vineyards. My chosen people will live to be as old as trees, and they will enjoy what they have earned.

23  Their work won't be wasted, and their children won't die of dreadful diseases. I will bless their children and their grandchildren.

24  I will answer their prayers before they finish praying.

Reasoning:  The prophet Isaiah describes a future king. List five or more things this king will achieve. Who do you think this king is?

• He will bring an end to war
• He will direct people to peaceful, productive and beneficial occupations.
• He will make sure that poor and needy are treated with honesty and fairness
• He will bring in true justice to stop crime and oppression and cruelty.
• He will overcome disease and infant mortality
• His government will do away with things that cause sadness, and will make people feel joyful and contented.
• He will judge disputes between nations and make wise and just decisions that everyone will abide by.
• He will wipe away memory of bad things in the past.

This king is Jesus Christ. Isaiah was prophesying around 700 B.C., by the powerful foreknowledge of God.  He tells about a King who would sit on the throne of King David, long after David’s descendents had been cut-off from the throne of Israel. (ie like a branch that sprouts from a stump) . From last week’s seminar we saw that the same thing was promised to Mary about her son Jesus. (i.e. that he would rule over the Kingdom of his ‘father’ David).

Jesus was always in his plan and purpose from the beginning. The following verse powerfully demonstrates God’s foreknowledge not only about Jesus Christ before he was born, but also about everyone who will believe. 

“Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this so that the kindness he had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory. Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness.“ Ephesians 1:4-7   

Reasoning:  Contrast the achievements of the coming King with the achievements of current world leaders.  Highlight 5 differences

• Present world leaders have been unable to reduce war and violence, and provide no prospect of lasting peace. 
• Weapons Industries prosper while millions are unemployed and even lack the basic necessities of life. 
• Crime and injustice are widespread, and all criminal justice systems now existing are quite unable to cope.
• Disease and Malnutrition are rampant, causing immense suffering. 
• Despite an organization called “United Nations” our world continues to be much divided. 
• Only Jesus will have the power and wisdom to unite the whole world, under one law.

Daniel 12:1-3

1  And at that time Michael will take up his place, the great angel, who is the supporter of the children of your people: and there will be a time of trouble, such as there never was from the time there was a nation even till that same time: and at that time your people will be kept safe, everyone who is recorded in the book.

2  And a number of those who are sleeping in the dust of the earth will wake up out of their sleep, some to eternal life and some to eternal shame.

3  And those who are wise will be shining like the light of the outstretched sky; and those by whom numbers have been turned to righteousness will be like the stars for ever and ever.

Reasoning:  What does sleeping in the ground and waking up mean?  What else will happen at “that time”?

“Sleeping” refers to death, and “Waking up” refers to the resurrection of the dead at the return of Jesus Christ.   At that time the faithful people (both those who will be raised from the dead, and those who are still alive when Jesus returns) will be changed to immortal beings and get to enjoy God’s perfect kingdom on the earth. But the wicked (unfaithful, rebellious people) will be destroyed, along with any human organization or power that opposes Christ when he returns.

So far we have been mostly talking about God’s peace plan and about the wonderful things God has promised.  But Jesus’ return will also be a terrible time for people who have chosen (in this life) to ignore God’s truth and his commandments. 

If God simply turned a blind eye on un-repented evil, his Kingdom could not be one of justice and righteousness.  At Jesus return all people will be asked to give an account of their deeds. Those he finds worthy of mercy he will crown with everlasting life and those he finds unworthy he will destroy for ever and leave no room for any chance anymore.

We are told a reason why God is taking some time to send Jesus back.  He is giving time for the message of his salvation to spread through the earth so that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to wake up from his sleep and be alert.. Peter in his letter writes:

“The Lord isn't slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn't want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act. The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed. The earth and everything that people have done on it will be exposed. All these things will be destroyed in this way. So think of the kind of holy and godly lives you must live as you look forward to the day of God and eagerly wait for it to come. When that day comes, heaven will be on fire and will be destroyed. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and melt. But we look forward to what God has promised-a new heaven and a new earth-a place where everything that has God's approval lives. Therefore, dear friends, with this to look forward to, make every effort to have him find you at peace, without spiritual stains or blemishes. ” 2 Peter 3:9-14

Here are some additional Bible quotes to ponder upon:

“People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.”  Galatians 5:19-21

 “Certainly, if the dead don't come back to life, then Christ hasn't come back to life either. If Christ hasn't come back to life, your faith is worthless and sin still has you in its power. Then those who have died as believers in Christ no longer exist. If Christ is our hope in this life only, we deserve more pity than any other people. But now Christ has come back from the dead. He is the very first person of those who have died to come back to life. Since a man brought death, a man also brought life back from death. As everyone dies because of Adam, so also everyone will be made alive because of Christ. This will happen to each person in his own turn. Christ is the first, then at his coming, those who belong to him will be made alive. Then the end will come. Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father as he destroys every ruler, authority, and power. Christ must rule until God has put every enemy under his control. The last enemy he will destroy is death.” 1 Corinthians 15:16-26

Psalms 103:8-14

The LORD [Yahweh] is compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive.

He will not always accuse us of wrong or be angry with us forever.

He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs.

As high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west- that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself.

As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.

He certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust.

Proverbs 6:16-19

There are six things that the LORD hates, even seven that are disgusting to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives.

Reasoning:  What are main aspects of God’s character? 

God is loving, merciful and very patient. He is willing to forgive our wrongs and willing to completely forget the past.

Most human fathers will not easily give up on his child when he or she is rebellious.  But God has far more patience with humanity than most human fathers.  He knows that humans are prone to mistakes and is always willing to give us a second chance if we ask him and seek change. 

But he also hates those who reject his ways who proudly choose to lie, steal, murder etc. His mercy extends especially to those who fear him and are willing to change and seek his forgiveness

Jesus expressed God’s mercy towards the children of Israel like this:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! [Luke 13:34]

Hebrews 11:1-3

1  Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.

2  It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.

3  Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God's command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen

6  But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him

Micah 6:8

8  O man, He has declared to you what is good. And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reasoning:   List four things that please God?

 
God is pleased with people who:

• Trust him
• Act justly and honestly towards others
• Show mercy (patience, kindness, and generosity) to other people, even those who are hostile towards them
• Show humility by recognizing their weaknesses and complete dependence on God.

Obey God because they love him and have faith in his promises.

Reasoning:   What is faith?

Simply put, faith is having trust and reliance in something.  We all trust and rely in something; some rely on their bank account, some on powerful leaders, etc.  But God wants his creation to trust in him to guide our lives, and to save us from sin and death. He expects a trust that does not doubt because if we doubt then we limit God’s power to save us. So putting our trust in God actually pleases him and he will deliver those who trust him.

The concept of Faith is best illustrated by an example. The story reads: “When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, "Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can't even move." "I will go and heal him," Jesus replied. But the officer said, "Lord, I'm not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, 'Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, 'Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, 'Do this!' and he will do it." When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, "I tell you that in all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!” Matthew 8:5-10

Deuteronomy 10:12-14

12  Israel, what does the LORD your God want you to do? He wants you to fear him, follow all his directions, love him, and worship him with all your heart and with all your soul.

13  The LORD wants you to obey his commands and laws that I'm giving you today for your own good.

14  Remember that the sky, the highest heaven, the earth and everything it contains belong to the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 10:17-18

17  The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, powerful, and awe-inspiring God. He never plays favorites and never takes a bribe.

18  He makes sure orphans and widows receive justice. He loves foreigners and gives them food and clothes.

.

Reasoning:  What does our Creator expect of us and why?

Deuteronomy 6:5

5  Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.

Leviticus 19:18

18  Stop being angry and don't try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.

Reasoning:  Why does God expect such love? Who are the ‘others’ that we are expected to love?

God expects us to love him because he created us and has given us everything we need (right from trees for shade down to vegetables to eat).  But God does not force humans to love him. He wants his intelligent creation to choose to love him out the desire of their heart.

 “Others” refers to any other human being we come in contact with. Jesus once pointed out that if we show love only to our family then we are no different to evil men, because even wicked people have families and love their children. Got expects our love to extend beyond our blood relatives.  This is because God (our spiritual father) created and cares for all people. So he wants us to see ourselves as part of a bigger family and to show his love to anybody.

“But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. In this way you show that you are children of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun rise on people whether they are good or evil. He lets rain fall on them whether they are just or unjust. If you love those who love you, do you deserve a reward? Even the tax collectors do that! Are you doing anything remarkable if you welcome only your friends? Everyone does that! “ Matthew 5:44-47

Reasoning: Give an example of a situation where you can show as much love to a stranger as you show to yourself?

By responding with kindness and forgiveness to some bad act done against you.

By helping someone in need even when it is at great cost to ourselves.

Jesus gave an excellent illustration of this in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, a man gets attacked by thieves and is left wounded to die on the road. Three strangers pass by – two were well educated religious leaders but the third person was someone considered unimportant and unreligious. But it was the third person helped the wounded man and took care of him because he had pity on him. He even paid for the expenses and then completely disappeared from the scene not expecting anything in return.

It might be hard for us to imagine ourselves being that kind man, but how would we feel if we got attacked and were left to die? Would we not want to be helped by a stranger no matter whom?

Jesus told this story/parable to explain what it meant to love others as much as we love ourselves. 

The Old Covenant was an agreement made between God and Israel, and mediated by Moses.  The New Covenant is an agreement between God and people from all nations, which is mediated by Jesus Christ.

Moses and many of the prophets foretold the coming of the ultimate saviour and looked forward to this time. When the time came, according to God’s plan, Jesus was born.  God knew that Jesus would lead a perfect and sinless life, and would provide the sacrifice that would lead many people to be saved from sin & the curse of death. People who desire to enter into this new agreement with God need to commit their lives to serving God with their whole heart and to following the teachings of Jesus Christ. To be part of the agreement people must acknowledge that Jesus is the only way to God and has been appointed ruler and saviour of the entire world.

It has been stressed throughout this course that it is essential to obey the good and righteous commands of God if we are to please him. By believing in Jesus we express our trust and confidence in God’s promises. Believing in Jesus also implies a change of life.  In particular we are required to repent of our past wrongs and to commit ourselves not to redo past sins in our future.

Baptism is a physical requirement of salvation under the New Testament, which symbolizes the commitment that people make to get rid of their old habits and sins and to follow Jesus Christ in a new way. The act of Baptism involved immersion in water, and symbolizes God washing away sins and making a commitment to follow a new way of righteous living. Going under water symbolizes the death of the old person i.e. giving up of the old way of life. Going under water also has the association to Christ’s death. If we want to be saved we have to associate ourselves with the sacrifice of Jesus and be prepared like him to give our lives in service to God. The coming out of water signifies the commitment to a new way of life and freedom from sin and death. Coming out from under the water also signifies the resurrection with Christ.

Jesus gave a commandment to his disciples that until he returns they should meet together often and encourage one another.  In particular he commanded that when they meet together they should share a simple meal of bread and wine in memory of his sacrifice.  The bread represents Jesus’ body and the wine represents Jesus blood that was poured out for the atonement of sins and for the reconciliation of mankind with God. By taking these symbols we associate ourselves with his sacrifice and acknowledge him as our savior. This simple meal helps disciples to remember Jesus’ life and sacrifice of love and encourages them to dedicate their lives to serve God and to be like Jesus

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the most important man in the world’s past, present and future.  Our count of years is even based on his birth.  (e.g. 300 B.C.= 300 years before Christ, and we are ~2003 years since his birth). His life and teachings have inspired millions of people all over the world for 2000 years. 

Jesus was different from all other people in that he had a miraculous birth as foretold in the Old Testament - he was born of a woman who was virgin.  Before he was born an angel came to his mother and told her that the child in her womb would be the Son of God and that he would become a great King.  The angel also brought this message to Joseph, her husband-to-be, telling him to go ahead with the marriage because she was still a virgin and was in fact pregnant by the power of God. And so it was that Jesus was born and brought up under the care of both his mother Mary and her husband Joseph, and spent his youth in a normal family environment with brothers and sisters. Joseph was a carpenter, and it is likely that Jesus carried on this trade

At the age of 30 Jesus started publicly teaching about God.  Jesus’ teachings overturned many discriminatory ideas.  His teachings centered on unselfish love towards others and presented the true and fullest meaning and of God's laws.  As a result he was opposed by the corrupt religious rulers, who has disregarded the intention of God's law and twisted their interpretations to promote and enrich themselves. Jesus teachings were revolutionary not only to individuals but to also entire nations, greatly influencing the early development of justice systems, and civil culture in the western world.

God gave Jesus unlimited power to perform great miracles such as giving complete sight to people born blind, and even bringing  back someone from death. These miracles showed people that his teachings were directly from God.

Jesus was a Jew and lived at a time when the Roman Empire ruled over Israel. The Jews were oppressed by Roman power and hence were desperate for God to send the promised deliverer or Messiah to overthrow the Romans and bring them independence.  Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, but his mission was not to bring instant deliverance or justice at that time. Rather his mission was to deliver people of all nations from the greatest oppressor of all time – death.

Jesus did not try to escape the unjust sentence of death.  He knew that it was God's will that he should endure this suffering, and that through his death many people would be reconciled to God.  He had absolute faith that God would raise him back to life.

Three days after his burial, God brought Jesus back to life and gave him immortality.   He spent another 40 days on earth with his followers before being taken into heaven to sit at the right hand of God.  The Bible tells that Jesus is the mediator between God and man, and promises that he will return to earth to bring peace to the world. 

God speaks to Mary through his Angel

Luke 1:26-35

26  …the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27  To a virgin who was to be married to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the name of the virgin was Mary.

28  And the angel came in to her and said, Peace be with you, to whom special grace has been given; the Lord is with you.

29  But she was greatly troubled at his words, and said to herself, What may be the purpose of these words?

30  And the angel said to her, Have no fear, Mary, for you have God's approval.

31  And see, you will give birth to a son, and his name will be Jesus.

32  He will be great, and will be named the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his father:

33  He will have rule over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

34  And Mary said to the angel, How may this be, because I have had no knowledge of a man?

35  And the angel in answer said to her, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will come to rest on you, and so that which will come to birth will be named holy, Son of God.

Reasoning: List five things that the angel foretold about Jesus’ life?

1. He would be great 
2. He was to be the son of Most High God
3. God would give him the kingdom of his father David
4. He will have rule over the house of Jacob for ever
5. His Kingdom will last forever. 

Jesus’ birth had been promised hundreds of years beforehand by the Old Testament prophets. For instance, the prophet Isaiah predicted the nature of his miraculous birth when he wrote: “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold! The virgin will conceive and will bring forth a son; and she shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

The prophet Jeremiah also under inspiration of the same Holy Spirit (God’s power) wrote about his kingship: “See, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will give to David a true Branch, and he will be ruling as king, acting wisely, doing what is right, and judging uprightly in the land. In his days Judah will have salvation and Israel will be living without fear: and this is the name by which he will be named, The Lord is our righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:5-6

As the writer to the Hebrews puts it:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. [Hebrews 1:1-4]

God reached out to mankind down the ages through various people to turn people to their maker but in end reached out through Jesus the perfect man. Jesus is seen as a mediator between God and man. Note the following verses:

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. [1 Timothy 2:5-6]

 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. [John 14:24]

 One of the first things Jesus preached was:

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." [Matthew 4:17]

Jesus is seen as the “second” Adam. The first Adam though he was created perfect but disobeyed God and brought sin and death into the world. The second Adam (man) – Jesus obeyed God and brought everlasting life to people who choose to follow in his ways. Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus’ life of obedience and sacrifice on across not only brought about his own salvation but also the salvation of the whole world, especially those who believe. .

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” [1 Corinthians 15:21-23]

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [Romans 5:7-9]

Jesus’ prayer to God shortly before his crucifixion. He won the ultimate ‘battle of wills’ by submitting to God

Luke 22:42

42  "Father, if it is your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, your will must be done, not mine."

 
Jesus is the only person to have resisted all temptation & overcome sin

Hebrews 4:14-16

14  ….We have a superior chief priest [mediator] who has gone through the heavens. That person is Jesus, the Son of God.

15  We have a chief priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he didn't sin.

16  So we can go confidently to the throne of God's kindness to receive mercy and find kindness, which will help us at the right time

He will rule from Jerusalem, on David's throne. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33)

He will rule the nations in righteousness and justice and peace will prevail. A vision of this rule is potrayed very well by Isaiah:
"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples--of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. " (Isaiah 11:1-10)

He will rule until God's will is fullfilled on this earth:
"Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. "
(1 Corinthians 15:24-28)

His physical rule will begin when he comes back to this world to judge the people of their deeds: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:31-34)

In the opening verses of the first book of the bible – the book of Genesis we read: `In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.' (Genesis 1. 1-3).

 The chapter then goes on to describe how various acts of creation were performed - creation of the heavenly bodies; the division of land from water; the creation of fishes, birds, animals, and finally man. In the book of Job we find these events described in the following words: `He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. By his Spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent" (Job 26. 12, 13).

It is evident from this passage that the Spirit of God is the power by which all the works of creation were brought into being; and this is confirmed by the Psalmist, who declares:

`O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.'
'Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth' (Psalm 104. 24, 30).

It is this same power which pervades the whole universe, sustaining it in being; the Psalmist again declares: `Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there' (Psalm 139. 7, 8).

 The term `the spirit of God' is, however, used much more widely than in relation merely to God's creative power. In Exodus we are told how the people of Israel were about to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and we read that God told Moses: “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31.2-5). In this case the effect of the spirit of God upon Bezaleel was to give him wisdom and skill which he would not otherwise have had.

 There are many other examples in the Bible of the Spirit of God “coming upon” a person, and it is helpful to look at a couple of instances from the Old Testament to understand its significance.

1. God chose a man named Othniel to save Israel out of their troubles when they were oppressed by the enemy: “And when the children of Israel made prayer to the Lord, he gave them a saviour, Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the spirit of the Lord came on him and he became judge of Israel, and went out to war, and the Lord gave up Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands and he overcame him.” Judges 3:9-10

2. The mighty Samson also derived his power from God’s Spirit that came upon him.

“And the spirit of the Lord came on him with power, and, unarmed as he was, pulling the lion in two as one might do to a young goat, he put him to death; but he said nothing to his father and mother of what he had done”. Judges 14:6   

3. In the case of Mary, the Spirit of God enabled her to conceive and have the baby Jesus

And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. [Luke 1:35]

It will be seen that the term `the Holy Spirit' is used as a parallelism of the tern `the power of the Highest', In this case the power of God came upon Mary, enabling her to bear a child although no man was involved. Because it was through God's power, the Holy Spirit, that the child was conceived, the child would be `the Son of God'.

4. In the case of Samson the spirit of God gave him exceptional strength. We are told `And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson), and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them,  and took their spoil...' `And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands' (Judges 14. 19; 15. 14).

5. Again, in the book of Numbers we read `Moses went out, and told the people the words of the Lord, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders; and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease' (Numbers 11. 24, 25).

In this case the spirit of God resting upon these seventy men gave them the power to prophesy.

6. In the case of Samson In the case of Samson the spirit of God gave him exceptional strength. We are told `And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson), and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil...'  `And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands' (Judges 14. 19; 15. 14).

7. Finally we look at Jesus himself that he derived his power from God’s spirit or power.

Luke chapter 4 records in verse 1 that Jesus, `being full of the Holy Spirit', returned from Jordan. Later in the same chapter (vv. 18, 19) he quotes from Isaiah a prophecy foretelling this bestowal of the Holy Spirit upon him. The passage reads, `The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound" (Isaiah 61. 1). Having read the passage, Jesus affirmed (v. 21), `This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears". So the prophecy that `the Spirit of the Lord God' would come upon him was fulfilled in the pouring out of the `Holy Spirit' upon Jesus.

In the case of Jesus himself, the power of God working in him had even more remarkable results. Reference has already been made to the record of the bestowal of the Holy Spirit in Luke chapter 4 verse 1. The power thus given enabled him to go through the cities and villages of his native land healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, giving hearing to the deaf, and even raising the dead to life again. All these things he was able to do through the power of God resting upon him. As he said himself, `The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do' (John 5. 19) ; and again, `The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works' (John 14. 10).

It is very important to note that Jesus had no power `of himself' clearly attributed to his power to his God - the Father working in him by His Spirit.

From the above passages we observe that the spirit of God enabled people to do things beyond their normal human capabilities giving to men unusual gifts of wisdom, skill or strength, or inspiring them with the gift of prophecy. . In most simple terms we can think of the spirit of God as the power of God.

 Background

 One of the 66 books of the Bible is dedicated to events in the life of Jonah - one of God’s prophets.  A prophet is a person chosen by God to deliver his message to people.   Jonah was an Israelite, sent by God into enemy territory to warn the people of Ninevah that God would destroy them if they didn’t repent.  This book is focused on the universality of God’s love.

 Between ~900 and 625 B.C. the empire of Assyria was the dominant force in ancient West Asia.  The capital city – Nineveh - was located on the Tigris River, in what is now northern Iraq.  Occupying a central position on the great highway between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, it united East and West to became the greatest of all ancient cities. Through excellent military organization, equipment and tactics, along with a finely calculated brutality, the Assyrians progressively conquered the entire region. 

 The Assyrian empire was infamous for the most terrible tyranny and violence towards the nations it conquered.  It put great fear and hatred into the hearts of neighboring nations, including Israel.  By Jonah’s time, Assyria had reached Israel’s northern borders in its push toward Egypt.  Israel’s future hung in the balance.  Amidst this turmoil God tells Jonah to go and warn the people of Ninevah that they will be destroyed unless they repent of their evil lives and turn to God. 

Jonah 1:1-14

1  The LORD spoke his word to Jonah, son of Amittai. He said,

2  "Leave at once for the important city, Nineveh. Announce to the people that I can no longer overlook the wicked things they have done."

3  Jonah immediately tried to run away from the LORD by going to Tarshish. He went to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid for the trip and went on board. He wanted to go to Tarshish to get away from the LORD.

4  The LORD sent a violent wind over the sea. The storm was so powerful that the ship was in danger of breaking up.

5  The sailors were afraid, and they cried to their gods for help. They began to throw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship's load. Now, Jonah had gone below deck and was lying there sound asleep.

6  The captain of the ship went to him and asked, "How can you sleep? Get up, and pray to your God. Maybe he will notice us, and we won't die."

7  Then the sailors said to each other, "Let's throw dice to find out who is responsible for bringing this disaster on us." So they threw dice, and the dice indicated that Jonah was responsible.

8  They asked him, "Tell us, why has this disaster happened to us? What do you do for a living? Where do you come from? What country are you from? What nationality are you?"

9  Jonah answered them, "I'm a Hebrew. I worship the LORD, the God of heaven. He is the God who made the sea and the land."

10  Then the men were terrified. They knew that he was running away from the LORD, because he had told them. They asked Jonah, "Why have you done this?"

11  The storm was getting worse. So they asked Jonah, "What should we do with you to calm the sea?"

12  He told them, "Throw me overboard. Then the sea will become calm. I know that I'm responsible for this violent storm."

13  Instead, the men tried to row harder to get the ship back to shore, but they couldn't do it. The storm was getting worse.

14  So they cried to the LORD for help: "Please, LORD, don't let us die for taking this man's life. Don't hold us responsible for the death of an innocent man, because you, LORD, do whatever you want."

Jonah 1:15-17

15  Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the sea became calm.

16  The men were terrified of the LORD. They offered sacrifices and made vows to the LORD.

17  The LORD sent a big fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.

Reasoning:   Why do you think the prophet Jonah ran in the opposite direction?

Jonah did not want to warn the people of Ninevah about God’s judgment. They were an enemy of Israel and he would have been delighted to see them destroyed by God. 

As seen later in the story, Jonah was aware of God’s mercy and did not want the wicked people of Nineveh to receive God’s goodness and forgiveness

Chapter 2 of the book of Jonah records Jonah’s prayer to God from the Belly of the giant fish.  On the third day, God caused the fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry-land.  Jonah’s life had been spared by an amazing miracle!

Jonah 3:1-10

1  Then the LORD spoke his word to Jonah a second time. He said,

2  "Leave at once for the important city, Nineveh. Announce to the people the message I have given you."

3  Jonah immediately went to Nineveh as the LORD told him. Nineveh was a very large city. It took three days to walk through it.

4  Jonah entered the city and walked for about a day. Then he said, "In forty days Nineveh will be destroyed."

5  The people of Nineveh believed God. They decided to fast, and everyone, from the most important to the least important, dressed in sackcloth.

6  When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7  Then he made this announcement and sent it throughout the city: "This is an order from the king and his nobles: No one is to eat or drink anything. This includes all people, animals, cattle, and sheep.

8  Every person and animal must put on sackcloth. Cry loudly to God for help. Turn from your wicked ways and your acts of violence.

9  Who knows? God may reconsider his plans and turn from his burning anger so that we won't die."

10  God saw what they did. He saw that they turned from their wicked ways. So God reconsidered his threat to destroy them, and he didn't do it.

Reasoning:   Why did God show mercy to the people of Ninevah?  Which pleased God most – their fasting (as mentioned in verse 7) or their change of life?

God is concerned about everyone, even the Ninevetes who were doing way too much evil. God wanted to give them a chance to change before he destroyed them. He extends his goodness to anyone who has a desire to serve him.

God would not have been pleased if they fasted and wore rags and yet continued in their wrong. He is more interested in an inward change of heart rather than any external show. The Ninevites won God’s approval because they displayed the kind of true fasting and repentance that the prophet Isaiah writes about:

“ Is this the kind of fasting I have chosen? Should people humble themselves for only a day? Is fasting just bowing your head like a cattail and making your bed from sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call fasting? Is this an acceptable day to the LORD?

 This is the kind of fasting I have chosen: Loosen the chains of wickedness, untie the straps of the yoke, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke.

 Share your food with the hungry, take the poor and homeless into your house, and cover them with clothes when you see them naked. Don't refuse to help your relatives.”  [Isaiah 58:5-7]

Jonah 4:1-11

1  Jonah was very upset about this, and he became angry.

2  So he prayed to the LORD, "LORD, isn't this what I said would happen when I was still in my own country? That's why I tried to run to Tarshish in the first place. I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, patient, and always ready to forgive and to reconsider your threats of destruction.

3  So now, LORD, take my life. I'd rather be dead than alive."

4  The LORD asked, "What right do you have to be angry?"

5  Jonah left the city and sat down east of it. He made himself a shelter there. He sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.

6  The LORD God made a plant grow up beside Jonah to give him shade and make him more comfortable. Jonah was very happy with the plant.

7  At dawn the next day, God sent a worm to attack the plant so that it withered.

8  When the sun rose, God made a hot east wind blow. The sun beat down on Jonah's head so that he was about to faint. He wanted to die. So he said, "I'd rather be dead than alive."

9  Then God asked Jonah, "What right do you have to be angry over this plant?" Jonah answered, "I have every right to be angry-so angry that I want to die."

10  The LORD replied, "This plant grew up overnight and died overnight. You didn't plant it or make it grow. Yet, you feel sorry for this plant.

11  Shouldn't I feel sorry for this important city, Nineveh? It has more than 120,000 people in it as well as many animals. These people couldn't tell their right hand from their left."

Unfortunately the people’s change of heart did not last forever.   History shows that the Assyrian kings after Jonah’s time became even more ruthless than those in Jonah’s day.   About 625 B.C. (some 100+ years after Jonah) the Medes, joined by the Babylonians and Susianians, attacked Ninevah and burnt the city to the ground.  After a 600 year rule of tyranny the great Assyrian empire vanished like a dream, just as God had warned through his prophet Nahum (See Nahum 2:6-11). Its end was strange, sudden, tragic. It was God's doing, his judgment on Assyria's evil and pride (See Isaiah 10:5-19)

Reasoning:   Jonah wanted to die.  Why?

Jonah was angry and disappointed that the wicked Ninevites had been saved by God’s mercy.  Jonah was wrong in doing so because he was not willing to accept God’s own creation. We are all children of the one supreme God and therefore have the responsibility to accept one another as brothers and sisters just like in a family.

Reasoning:   What do we learn about God’s mercy from the story of Jonah? And what do we learn about God’s character from Ninevah’s subsequent destruction?

God desires all people to be saved. He is willing to give us a second chance if we are sorry for our wrongs-doing and change.

Unfortunately if our actions are not pleasing to him and we do not change he will destroy us. We have to consider both God’s goodness and his severity and walk according to his desires

Reasoning:   Why does God expect us to forgive people who have done things against us?

God expects us to forgive others because he forgives us even though we do not deserve it. He is merciful and expects his children also to reflect that same character.  If we don’t forgive others then God will also not forgive us.

Reasoning:   Why did God send the Worm?  What lessons did it teach?

Jonah was upset about the Ninevites being saved.  So God sent the worm to show Jonah that people are worth much more valuable to God than a plant that provided Jonah with shade. God taught Jonah that his mercy can extend to anyone, and that he desires that everyone should be saved

 
Political background

Naaman was the commander of the ancient Syrian army in the days of King Benhadad II. He was highly esteemed for his military accomplishments and victories. Though he was powerful and mighty he suffered from leprosy.  

Syria was a neighbour and enemy of Israel. At this time God was working powerful miracles in Israel through his prophet Elisha. Elisha was doing these miracles by the Holy Spirit of God.

Elisha’s fame had spread far and wide because of his astounding works. He had divided the Jordan River into two, raised a boy from his death bed, fed a hundred people by multiplying just 20 loaves of bread, and many more powerful miracles.

Despite God’s power being displayed so powerfully through this great and righteous prophet, the King of Israel at this time ignored God and did much evil.  

Now over in Syria, Naaman had a little Israelite girl working in his house in service to his wife.   When she saw her master suffering from Leprosy she told her mistress of this great prophet in Samaria (in Israel) who could cure her master.

Since the best physicians and healers of Syria could provide no cure, Naaman agreed to seek help from this prophet.  He obtained a letter from the King of Syria to the King of Israel, requesting that he be healed. The king of Israel reacted negatively because he had no healing powers and suspected that the King of Syria was trying to set him up.

In the meantime, Elisha the prophet heard of this request.  He sent for Naaman, and commanded Naaman dip himself seven times in the Jordan River in order to be healed.    

In this section we will examine this story that highlights God’s simple requirements from mankind. 

2 Kings 5:1-27
1  Naaman, the commander of the Aramean king's army, was respected and highly honored by his master. The LORD had given Aram a victory through Naaman. This man was a good soldier, but he had a skin disease.

2  Once, when the Arameans went on raids, they had brought back a little girl from Israel. She became the servant of Naaman's wife.

3  The girl told her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet in Samaria. Then the prophet could cure him of his skin disease."

4  Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.

5  The king of Aram said, "You may go. I will also send a letter to the king of Israel." When Naaman left, he took 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and 10 sets of clothing with him.

6  He brought the letter to the king of Israel. It read, "I'm sending my officer Naaman with this letter. Cure him of his skin disease."

7  When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in distress. He asked, "Am I God? Can I kill someone and then bring him back to life? This man sends someone to me so that I can cure his skin disease! All of you should realize and understand that he's trying to pick a fight with me."

8  But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a messenger to the king. He asked, "Why did you tear your clothes? Please let Naaman come to me and find out that there is a prophet in Israel."

9  Naaman came with his horses and chariot and stopped at the entrance to Elisha's home.

10  Elisha sent a messenger to him. He said, "Wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, and your skin will be healthy and clean."

11  But Naaman became angry and left. He said, "I thought he would at least come out of his house, stand somewhere, call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the infected place, and heal the skin disease.

12  The Abana and Pharpar Rivers in Damascus have better water than any of the rivers in Israel. Couldn't I wash in them and be clean?" So he turned around and left in anger.

13  But Naaman's servants went to him and said, "Master, if the prophet had asked you to do some extraordinary act, wouldn't you have done it? Why shouldn't you do as he said: 'Wash and be clean'?"

14  So he went to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. His skin became healthy again like a little child's skin.

15  Then he and all his men returned to the man of God. Naaman stood in front of Elisha and said, "Now I know that there's no god in the whole world, except the God of Israel. So please accept a present from me."

16  Elisha said, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD whom I serve lives, I will not accept it." Naaman urged him to take it, but he refused.

17  So Naaman said, "If you won't take it, please have someone give me as much dirt as a pair of mules can carry. From now on I will sacrifice to the LORD alone. I will not offer any burnt offering or sacrifice to any other gods.

18  May the LORD forgive me when my master goes to the temple of Rimmon to worship, leans on my arm, and I have to bow down in the temple of Rimmon. When I do this, may the LORD forgive me for this one thing."

19  Elisha told Naaman, "Go in peace." After Elisha had left him and gone some distance,

20  Gehazi, the servant of Elisha (the man of God), thought, "My master let this Aramean Naaman go without accepting what he had brought. As sure as the LORD lives, I'll run after Naaman and get something from him."

21  So Gehazi went after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he got down from his chariot to speak to him. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

22  Gehazi answered, "No. My master has sent me. He says, 'Just now two young men from the disciples of the prophets in the hills of Ephraim have arrived. Please give them 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing.'"

23  Naaman replied, "Please let me give you 150 pounds of silver." Naaman urged him to take the silver. Naaman tied up 150 pounds of silver in two bags with two sets of clothing. He gave them to a couple of his own servants to carry in front of Gehazi.

24  When Gehazi came to the Ophel in Samaria, he took these things and put them away in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they left.

25  He went and stood in front of his master. Elisha asked him, "Where were you, Gehazi?" "I didn't go anywhere," he answered.

26  Then Elisha said to him, "I went with you in spirit when the man turned around in his chariot to speak to you. How could you accept silver, clothes, olive orchards, vineyards, sheep, cattle, or slaves?

27  Naaman's skin disease will cling to you and your descendants permanently!" When he left Elisha, Gehazi had a disease that made his skin as flaky as snow.

Reasoning:   What task was Naaman requested to do? Why did Naaman object to this simple task even though he was desperate to be healed?

Naaman was asked to dip in the river Jordan seven times. 

He expected to be recognized by the prophet and treated in a manner more fitting to his high status as a great commander.  He thought that to dip in the Jordan River to be below him. But his wise servant persuaded him to humble himself, which he did.  On the 7^th time that he came out of the water, his skin was suddenly and miraculously cured 

Reasoning:   What lessons did Naaman learn?

Naaman learnt the lesson of humility.   Through this powerful miracle he learnt that the God of Israel was the true and living God, and that He can and does deliver those who put their trust in Him, and accept his way of salvation.

Reasoning:   What do we learn about the character of God from what happened to Gehazi?

From the case of Gehazi, we see that whilst God is very loving, he is also just and stern towards those who abuse their privilege.  Gehazi had the privilege of being very close to the great prophet Elisha.  He would have learnt from Elisha what was right and wrong and had witnessed many great miracles which confirmed the great power of God. Inspite of all this, his heart was lured by the love of money. His greed was greater than his love for God. We cannot hide our sins from him; Gehazi was greedy and corrupt, and suffered the terrible consequence.