QUESTIONS
- In rehearsing the lesson on prophecy and fulfillment, how can we be assured that prophecies yet to be fulfilled will come to pass? See Luke 21:33 and 2 Timothy 3:16.
- Using Psalm 143:10 and Philippians 2:13 as references, is it difficult for a Christian to do God’s will? Support your answer.
- The good news of Jesus’ birth was made known to the shepherds by a heavenly host of angels. How is mankind today made knowledgeable of God’s love and plan of redemption?
- What qualities stand out in the example of the Wise Men in their search for Jesus? Describe why these same traits are valuable in a Christian’s life today.
- Simeon was rewarded for his faithfulness when he saw the promise of God fulfilled in the Christ Child. Noting Hebrews 10:23, what correlation can be found between holding “fast the profession of our faith without wavering,” and God being faithful to His promised return to earth?
- The heavenly Father spared His Son from the anger of Herod. In what ways is providential care extended to God’s children today? See Psalm 91.
- In 2 Corinthians 13:14, each member of the Godhead has an attribute expressed. What are these attributes and how did the Apostle learn this truth?
- We learned in the study of overcoming temptation that everyone is tempted, and that temptations come from Satan. How can we be assured of victory over temptation? See James 4:7.
- Explain the difference between being alert to God’s call and answering His call. Give two reasons why answering God’s call is so important.
- Has God performed a miracle in your own life or on your behalf? If so, list briefly the steps that were taken by you or those involved to move the hand of God.
- In studying the Beatitudes we find the thought of happiness in each of them. How does a person obtain this happiness in his own life?
- After studying the parable of the sower and the seed, describe the kind of “soil” you yourself strive to be, and why.
THEME THOUGHTS
Old Testament history paints a colorful picture of God’s dealing with man, but the New Testament brings us to the climax of God’s redemptive work—the Messiah, Jesus Christ.“Who is Jesus?” is the thought-provoking question which establishes our theme for this quarter. Looking into the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we trace the story of Jesus’ time on earth, including His birth and some of the major events of His life.We find, as we delve into this story, that the incidents and occurrences recorded in a biographical sketch of Jesus hold many important lessons relevant to our lives today. Some of the highlights of Jesus’ ministry and His personal example to us are brought out in such lessons as His calling of the twelve disciples, His example in resisting temptation, and His formula for happiness as found in the Beatitudes. The quarter concludes with one of Jesus’ parables which emphasizes the importance of being firmly grounded so that we might be able to grow as Christians. The purpose of this quarter is to learn about Jesus Christ, not just as a personage of Biblical history, but as a living Savior who wants to be directly and personally involved in our lives.