Spirit of Salvation - from a Child's View

UNIT III. God's Call and Its Responsibilities

AN IMPORTANT ROLE

📜: 1 PETER 2:1--10

🔐 VERSE: You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises to him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
___1 Peter 2:9

TODAY'S BIBLE PASSAGE COVERS THE TOPIC OF GROWING. Peter begins with a list of things to "put down." There were certain things that people have to lay aside if they want to grow: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of any kind. When believers lay aside these things, then spiritual growth begins. In verse 2, Peter says that as spiritual newborns, God's people are to desire pure spiritual milk, which is God's Word. Therefore, believers in Christ are to "pick up" the Word of God and drink it daily to grow up in God. Spending time with God in God's Word will grow our relationship with God.

Next, Peter reflects on the Living Stone (Jesus) that was rejected by humans--- but Jesus was God's chosen. Everyone who believes in Jesus can claim themselves as living stones in God's kingdom, who together builds God's spiritual house. Jesus is the cornerstone. Jesus becomes a stumbling block to those who disobey the message of God's Word or do not believe. Peter says that those who believe are "chosen," "royal," and "holy" unto God. Finally, Peter says that God's chosen people have been called out of darkness into the light to praise God, to be God's people, and to enjoy the mercy of God! Because we belong to God, Peter reminds us that our purpose is to proclaim our praises to God and announce God's praises to those in our world so that others will comes to God.

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When we were saved, we were considered new born babes in Christ. The stages for growth for our spiritual lives are similar to our human lives. We begin by drinking milk, then we grow old enough to eat solid foods. The "milk" and "meat" are the Word of God. We are all commanded to grow and mature in Christ. Any pathway to spiritual maturity must include reading and focusing on God's Word.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

This week, you are challenged to write how you and other youth can participate with God as kingdom builders. On a separate sheet of paper, write the topics "Outreach," "Evangelism," and "Service." Next to each area of ministry, write one-sentence proposal for a kingdom building activity or action.

UNIT III. God's Call and Its Responsibilities

THE RICH and the POOR

📜: JAMES 2:1--12

🔐 VERSE: If you show favoritism, you sin.
___James 2:9a

THE APOSTLE JAMES ADDRESSED THE CHRISTIANS THAT WERE SPREAD OUT OVER ASIA BECAUSE OF PERSECUTION. James 2 addresses favoritism in the church. Favoritism is when we give others special privileges or attention because of their title, their wealth, or the influence they may have. James condemned the practice and spoke strongly against it.

James used two men walking into a meeting as an example. One was wearing fine clothes and a gold ring, and the other man was poor and dressed in filthy clothes. If we show favoritism to the man with the fine clothes and treat the poor man poorly, we are guilty of discrimination. God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith. A beatitude says, "Blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the kingdom." When we treat the poor and needy wrongly, we are dishonoring them---and God. James says that it's the rich that are exploting people, suing them and taking them to court. James says the rich are the ones blaspheming the name of God.

A person who is really interested in keeping the royal law will love their neighbor as themselves, as found in Leviticus 19:18. Even if we break only one part of God's law, we are guilty of breaking all the law. James mentions that the same God who condemned adultery also condemns murder. If we break any part of the royal law, then we are lawbreakers. James says that the law gives freedom; in this case, it liberates us to love and treat everyone the same.

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There are groups in our neighborhood, schools, and even at church who are oppressed and need help. Showing favoritism is not showing love. Show love by praying for ways to help oppressed groups and encourage others to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

This week, you are challenged to write a poem reminding yourself that God does not play favorites. Share your poem with friends and family.

UNIT II. God's Promises

LIVING RIGHT OVER EMPTY RITUALS

📜: ISAIAH 58:6--10

🔐 VERSE: "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
___Isaiah 58:10

THE PROPHET ISAIAH, SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF GOD, WAS INSTRUCTED BY GOD TO WARN THE PEOPLE OF GOD ABOUT THEIR SINS.

The people were actually giving God false worship. On the outside, they were going through the motions of worshipping God---but on the inside, their hearts were far from God. By the time we get to verse 6, the prophet is addressing the practice of fasting. The people's hearts were not with God. In verse 8, God starts off the sentence with "then," which means that whatever follows verse 8 is based on what came before it. In other words, if the people fasted according to God's guidelines, then God's people could look forward to the blessings God promised to His people (including eternal life, prayers answered, and more). God said that the fast that was acceptable to Him is loving one's neighbor, feeding the hungry, and providing clothes to those who need them. If the people of God conducted the fast properly, then God would shine His light on the people of God and the people would enjoy God's salvation. Verse 9 contains a promise is also based on God's people's experiencing a change of heart when they fast. Finally, in verse 10, when God's people show love for the oppressed---those who are in need or mistreated by others---God will shine His light on His people so even their darkness will be taken away.

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God scolded Judah for their disobedience. God was looking for obedience from Judah, just as God looks for obedience from us today. Sometimes, it's hard to be obedient when you just don't feel like it. Nevertheless, you must find the strength to obey God. You are encouraged to live out obedience to God by doing what God asks you to do. Also, pray for strength so that God will give you the strength to obey God.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

This week's, your "Stepping Out!" challenge is to create details on having a charitable event that can be repeated annually. On a separate sheet of paper, write out your ideas regarding this mission and its potential impact on your community.

UNIT II. God's Promises

NOT BY OUR OWN DEVICES

📜: ISAIAH 48:3--8a, 17

🔐 VERSE: This is what the LORD says---your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."
___Isaiah 48:17

IN TODAY'S VERSES, THE PROPHET SPEAKS THE WORDS OF GOD.

The prophet Isaiah starts off today's Bible passage reminding the house of Jacob (in this case, the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah) that God told of things that would happen in the future. Those things spoken from the mouth of God, which God made known to everyone. God foretold those things before their idolatry so that the people would give credit to their idols for the revelation. The things that God had spoken had now suddenly come to pass. The prophet talked about how stubborn the people had been. Their necks were like iron, which means they were stubborn and arrogant. Their foreheads were like bronze. The Israelites had heard all these things. The Israelites were encouraged to consider what had been declared and admit that they had been made aware of these things long ago.

But from now on, God would tell them new things about the future. The new, once-hidden things were previously unknown to The people of God could not declare that they already knew the new, once hidden things from God. They had no understanding of the new revelations, and God had not yet opened their ears. In verse 17, the Israelites were told that discipline has a purpose, but the LORD was their redeemer. Since the people were God's people, only God could redeem them from their sin. God would teach them what would be best for them, and He promised to direct them where they should go.

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God is our God. God wants the best for us. Because God loves us so much, God will teach us what we need to do according to His plan and purpose for our lives. God also promises to guide us. Even if you don't feel God's presence, know God is with you. Allow God to lead you on the road that He has paved for you.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

This week, you are challenged to identify up to three rile models or mentor. Underneath each name, list the reasons for why you look up to these people and why those characteristics are important to you. Complete this activity on a separate sheet of paper.

UNIT II. God's Promises

FEAR NOT!

📜: ISAIAH 43:1--4, 10--12

🔐 VERSE: This is what the LORD says---he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
___Isaiah 43:1

IN TODAY'S BIBLE VERSES, THE PROPHET ISAIAH SPEAKS THE WORD OF GOD.

The prophet addresses this prophecy to "Jacob," which is in reference to the collective nation of Israel. In Genesis 32:38, God changed Jacob's name to Israel, and Israel became known as the name for the Hebrew nation of Israel. Israel is God's chosen people. As Creator, God told Israel not to be afraid. Fear is a common emotion. In this case, in Isaiah 43, God was angry with Israel for their disobedience. God starts off this chapter reminding Israel that He had redeemed them, and He would bring them out of captivity. God had the right to redeem them as well as call them by name---as Israel was God's chosen people. In verse 2, God gives Israel assurance of protection; whenever they walked through the deep waters of life, God would be with them. Through difficult rivers, God would keep them from drowning. Even if they went through fires of oppression, they would not burn up. God reminded the Israelites that He was their Lord, their God, the Holy One, and their Savior. God had given Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba in exchange for the Israelites' freedom. In verses 10--12, the mention of "witnesses" refers to witnesses for God surrounding nations, and witnesses that would affirm that God is the only true God. God foretold their future, and the whole world knows how God rescued and delivered the Israelites.

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God says, "You are mine!" Wow! Imagine the powerful meaning of those three words. You belong to God. You are loved by God. You have been created for God's glory. You are precious and honored in the eyesight of God. As you think about those three words, remember that the love of God has come to you by the blood of Jesus!

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

In Isaiah 43:2, God reminds His people that He is with us and will be with us through every struggle we may face in life. This week, use a separate piece of paper or a journal to write a letter to God, thanking Him for such a wonderful promise that belongs to everyone who is a child of God!

UNIT II. God's Promises

PROMISES AND CONSEQUENCES

📜: 2 CHRONICLES 7:12--22

🔐 VERSE: [The Lord said to Solomon.] "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
___2 Chronicles 7:14

KING SOLOMON HAD COMPLETED THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE FOR GOD. A service was held to thank God for the Temple and dedicate it to God. After Solomon's prayer of dedication, God's presence filled the Temple. In verse 12, God responds to Solomon's prayer. God told Solomon that He would answer the prayers the people prayed in the Temple. In verse 14, God instructed God's people to (a) humble themselves; (b) pray; (c) seek God's face; and (d) turn from any ungodly behavior---then God would hear their prayer, forgive their sins, and restore the land. The phrase "my people" is an Old Testament reference to God's ownership of the Israelites under the Old Covenant. Later, God's people would consist of all people who are a part of God's family through Jesus. God further promised to have His eyes and ears open to the prayers of His people in the Temple. The Temple was God's holy place and the place where God's name would be revered. In verses 17--18, God make a specific promise to Solomon: if he followed God faithfully and obeyed everything God had commanded, then He would establish Solomon's throne, and God would honor the covenant He made with David, Solomon's father. God issued a warning that if Solomon or any of his descendants disobeyed God or worshipped other gods, then not only would the Israelites be dispossessed from the land that God had given them, but also, the Temple would be destroyed and reduced to rubble.

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A child of God is one who accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord. The steps to one's giving one's life to the Lord are often called the ABC's of Salvation.

A = ADMIT that all have sinned (Romans 3:23)
B = BELIEVE Jesus died to pay for your sins (Mark 10:45)
C = CONFESS your sins (Romans 10:9--10, 13)

If you or someone you know does not know Christ, be encouraged (or encourage the person) to accept Christ to become one of God's children.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

You are challenged this week to locate a "Sinners Prayer" and write it on a separate sheet of paper. A "Sinners Prayer" is a prayer of repentance when individuals desire a new life in Jesus. Read through the prayer several times to.learn it. Then, earnestly pray that God will present opportunities for you to lead a person to Christ and then lead him or her in the "Sinners Prayer."

UNIT I. God Prepears the Way

OPEN TO BEING CHOSEN

📜: LUKE 1:46--55

🔐 VERSE: [Mary said,] "The Mighty One has done great things for me---holy is his name."
___Luke 1:49

THE ANGEL GABRIEL VISITED MARY, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN WHO WAS LIKELY A TEENAGER AT THE TIME. Gabriel told Mary that she would be miraculously impregnated by the Holy Spirit and bear a son, whom she was to name Jesus. Gabriel told Mary that Jesus "will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:32). While it was exciting news to Mary, it was also frightening because she was unmarried. Nevertheless, Mary accepted the assignment. After Mary expressed some doubts as to how this would happen, she eventually responded by faith to the word she received from God through Gabriel.

Gabriel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was also expecting a baby. Mary made her way to Elizabeth's home to share her good news. When Mary walked in, Elizabeth said Mary was blessed because Mary believed God. Mary responded with a song, beginning with the words "My soul glorifies the Lord" (verse 46). Mary's song is called the "Magnificat." The Magnificat is a song of praise and rejoicing. Mary was joyous because God had shown her favor by choosing her to be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus. Mary recognized that this was a big deal! She would be remembered for generations. For the next several verses (verses 49--55), Mary expressed how mighty, holy, merciful, powerful, and benevolent God is. Mary's song ends with her praising God for protecting and remembering the promises that He made to Abraham and Abraham's descendants. Mary also praised God for His being faithful toward His people.

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Mary's song references the Old Testament Scriptures, such as Hannah's song when Hannah's prayer for a child was answered (see 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalm 62:11--12; 70:1). The mentioning of Scripture in her song indicates that Mary was familiar with God's Word. Like Mary, you can read God's Word and become so familiar with it that in times of joy or sorrow, you will be able to use language from the Scripture to express your emotions.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

This week, you are challenged to look at ten verses in Hannah's song (see 1 Samuel 2:1--10) and ten verses in Mary's song (see Luke 1:46--55). Make a chart on a separate sheet of paper, titling one side "Hannah's Song" and the other side "Mary's Song." Then list the similarities you find in the two songs.

UNIT I. God Prepears the Way

JOHN PREPEARS THE WAY

📜: LUKE 3:2--6, 15--18

🔐 VERSE: John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
___Luke 3:16

POINTUS PILATE WAS GOVERNOR OF JUDEA AT THIS TIME IN BIBLE HISTORY, AND ANNAS AND CAIAPHAS WERE HIGH PRIESTS.
John lived in the wilderness and there began on his mission of preparing the way for the Lord. John came into the world with a mission from God---to preach a message of repentance for one's sins to be forgiven. This repentance was signified by baptism. Repentance means to be sorry for one's sin, turn from sin, and follow God. John's signified there being a change in one's heart that was before set on rebellion and is now bent toward God. John's mission was prophesied years before he was born. Thus, Luke points out that when John began preaching in the wilderness, his ministry was a fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah's words in Isaiah 40:3--5. Isaiah prophesied that there would be a voice of one in the wilderness calling to the people to prepare for the coming of the Lord. The Lord is Jesus! The prophet described John's ministry in metaphoric language: the valley would be filled; mountains and hills would be made low; crooked roads would be made straight, and the rough places smooth. John's message of inclusion---that salvation would be available to all, and all flesh will see Jesus. Many thought that John was the Messiah, but John redirected the attention from himself and to the coming Messiah. John was clear: his baptism was a baptism of repentance, but the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

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John's mission was to announce that Jesus was coming; thus, the people had to change how they were living and their behavior so that they would be ready when Jesus came. The things needed to be done were repentance followed by baptism. John's main focus was to have the people to recognize their sin and their need to make things right with those they wronged. Thus, John's baptism was more to signify that people's hearts were ready to receive Jesus when He came.

👟👟 STEPPING OUT!

This week, you are challenged to write three ways that young people today can live holy lives. Record your response on a separate sheet of paper or one a smart device.