Gethsemane Mt 26:36-46 Mk 14:32-42 Luke 22:39-46

Jesus Betrayed Mt 26:47-56 Mk 14:43-52 Lk 22:47-53 John 18:2-12

Jesus before Annas John 18:13-24

Jesus before Caiaphas Mt 26:57-68 Mk 14:53-65 Lk 22:54

Peter’s denials Mt 26:69-75 Mk 14:66-72 Lk 22:55-65 John 18:25-27

3rd Jewish phase (Sanhedrin) Mt 27:1 Mk 15:1 Lk 22:66-71

1. The hour has come. v1

2. Glorify Thy Son - that the Son may glorify Thee. v1

3. This is eternal life - to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent. v3

4. I have finished the work that you have given me to do. v4

5. Glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world was. v5

12. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. v17

13. As You sent me into the world - so I have sent them into the world. v18

For future believers

14. For those who believe in Me through their word. v20

15. That they may all be one: v21-23

As You are in me (and I in Thee)

That they may be one in Us

So the world may believe that you have sent me.

After the passover meal, they sang a hymn and came to a place name Gethsemane. Christ told his disciples to wait for him while he went to pray. He took with Him, Peter, James and John, and began to be very sorrowful. He told them to tarry and watch. Jesus then went a little futher and prayed

1. Father, let this cup pass from me.

2. Nevertheless, not what I will, but as thou wilt.

When he came back, he found them sleeping. He woke them and asked them:

1. Could you not watch with me one hour?

2. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation

3. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Christ went and prayed a second time. When he came back, they had again fallen asleep. He went and prayed a third time saying the same words. Luke records that there an angel appeared to Him from heaven to strengthen Him. His agony was so great that his sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground When he came back, he first said Sleep on and take your rest. The hour is at hand and the son of man is betrayed into the hand of sinners. Then he said, Rise, let’s be going. He is that betrays me is at hand.

Judas knew of the place where they were, because Jesus often went there with his disciples. He came leading a band of men and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees with lanterns, torches, and weapons. He arrived while Jesus was still speaking.

Jesus knew what should happen to him but he went forth and asked whom they were seeking. When they answered "Jesus of Nazareth", he said unto them, "I am He". When he answered they went backward and fell to the ground. Jesus asked them a second time whom they were seeking. They again answered, "Jesus of Nazareth". Jesus said, "I have told you that I am he. If you seek me, let these go their way."

Judas had told them, "When I kiss him, hold him fast." When he came to Jesus to kiss him, Jesus asked Judas, " Are you going to betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" Judas said, "Hail, Master" and kissed him. Jesus asked him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they took Jesus and bound him. The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, shall we smite with the sword?" Peter drew a sword and cut of the right ear of Malcus, the high preist’s servant.

Jesus told him. Put up your sword. Those that take the sword will die with the sword. Don’t you know that I can pray to my Father and he will give me more than 12 legions of angels. But how would the scriptures be fullfilled?

Jesus said to the multitudes. Are you come out as against a thief with swords and staves. I sat with you daily teaching in the temple and you didn’t lay a hand on me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness. Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. And there was a young man following him that had a linen cloth cast about his naked body. When he was grabbed, he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.

Before Annas John 18:13-24

Jesus was first taken to Annas because he was father-in-law of Caiaphas whowas the high priest that year. Peter and another disciple followed Christ, but the other disciple was known to the high priest and went with Jesus into the court. Peter, however, stood at the door outside. The other discple spoke to the doorkeeper and brought Peter inside. The girl who kept the door asked Peter if he was one of the disciples. Peter said, "I am not".

The slaves and the officers were standing around a fire. It was cold and they were warming themselves. Peter was standing with them - warming himself.

The high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus said, I have spoken openly to the world. I taught in the synagogues and the temple. I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said.

One of the officers hit Jesus, asking, "Is this the way You answer the high priest?" Jesus said, "If I have said something wrong -- tell me about the wrong. If I have spoken correctly -- why did you hit me?" jAnnas then sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

But Peter followed at a distance to the courtyard. He entered in and sat down with the officers to see the outcome and was warming himself at the fire. The chief priests and the whole council kept trying to obtain false testimony to put him to death - but they were not finding any. Their testimony was not consistent. Two said this man said he is able to destroy the temple of God and to build another in three days without hands. The high priest said, "Do You make no answer? What are these men testifying against You?" But Jesus kept silent. The high preist said, I adjure You by the living God that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus answered, " You have said it yourself. Nevertheless I will tell youi that you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven". (Ps 110:1, Dan 7:13).

The high priest tore his robes and said, " He has blasphemed. Why do we need more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy -- what do you think? They said He is deserving of death. They blind folded Him, spit at Him, beat Him with their fists, and asked Him, "Tell us -- who hit You?".

As Peter was outside in the courtyard, one of the high priest’s servant-girls said to him, "You too were with Jesus the Nazarene (Galilean). But he denied it saying, " I don’t know what you are talking about. Woman I do not know him."

When he had gone out to the gateway another servant girl saw him and said, " This man was with Jesus of Nazareth" Peter denied it with an oath saying "I do not know the man".

About an hour later another man began to insist saying, "Certainly this man was also with Him for he is a Galilean too" Peter began to curse and to swear saying "I do not know the man. And immedieately while he was still speaking the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter and he remembered the word of the Lord. "Before the cock crows today you will deny Me three times".

In the early morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole council had a consultation. They told Christ, "If You are the Christ, tell us. " But Jesus said, "If I do you will not believe. If I ask a question you will not answer." They ask him, " Are you then the Son of God? " He said "Yes I am". They then said "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own mouth"

1. What did Christ mean when he said "The hour is come"?

2. What is life eternal?

3. What work had Christ finished?

4. What kind of glory did Christ have with God before the world was created?

5. What had Christ taught the disciples and what had they received?

6. What did the disciples believe?

7. How did Christ ask God to keep the disciples?

8. What kind of unity did Christ want for the disciples?

9. Why has the world hated them?

10. What did the Christ want the disciples kept from?

11. What is Truth?

12. Who else did Christ Pray for?

13. What were three important features of the unity that Christ prayed for us.

14. What did Christ want to be in us?

15. What did Christ pray for Himself in the garden? How did He qualify his request?

16. How long did Christ want the disciples to watch with Him?

17. What did Christ want them to watch and pray for?

18. What did Christ say was willing? What did he say was weak?

19. What did Judas use to betray Christ?

20. What did Christ say would happen to those who took up the sword?

21. What did Jesus say when the officer struck him when he was before Annas?

DISCUSSION

1. Why did Christ make a point of saying he spoke openly and not in secret? Did this having something to do with one of the officers hitting him?

RESPONSE

1. Why didn’t the miracle Christ performed have any apparent impact on the men that came for Him in the garden? Have we ever had our mind so set on doing something that we would not or could not see the truth that was so evident in front of us.

2. Have I ever been guilty of warming myself at the enemies fire? Can I name some times that I was too close to the evil one or his cohorts?

3, Have I ever been guilty of following Jesus at a distance? What does it mean to follow Him at a distance?

4. If I would be accused, like Peter, of being with Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict me?

PROJECTS

1. What can I do to open more of my mind, heart, and soul to the Lord? How can I keep from having eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear?

1. What did Christ mean when he said "The hour is come"?

John 2:4 At Cana - My hour has not come

John 7:30 Teaching in the temple - no man laid hands on him for his hour had not yet come.

John 12:23, 27 The hour has come. For this cause I came into the world

John 12:50 Jesus knew the hour had come for him to depart out of this world

John 13:1

John 16:21

2. What is life eternal?

John 14: 6 I am the way - the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me.

3. What work had Christ finished?

When we die will we be able to say our work is finished?

4. What kind of glory did Christ have with God before the world was created?

5. What had Christ taught the disciples and what had they received?

6. What did the disciples believe?

7. How did Christ ask God to keep the disciples?

8. What kind of unity did Christ want for the disciples?

9. Why has the world hated them?

10. What did the Christ want the disciples kept from?

11. What is Truth?

12. Who else did Christ Pray for?

13. What were three important features of the unity that Christ prayed for us.

14. What did Christ want to be in us?

15. What did Christ pray for Himself in the garden? How did He qualify his request?

16. How long did Christ want the disciples to watch with Him?

17. What did Christ want them to watch and pray for?

18. What did Christ say was willing? What did he say was weak?

19. What did Judas use to betray Christ?

20. What did Christ say would happen to those who took up the sword?

21. What did Jesus say when the officer struck him when he was before Annas?

Text:

Christ before Pilate 1st time Mt 27:11-14 Mk 15:1-5 Luke 23:1-5 John 18:28-38

Christ before Herod Luke 23:6-12

Christ before Pilate 2nd time Mt 27:15-26 Mk 15:6-15 Luke 23:13-25 John 18:39-40

Christ is scourged/mocked Mt 27:26-30 Mk 15:15-19 John 19:1-3

Christ before Pilate 3rd time John 19:4-16

Judas repents/hangs himself Mt 27:3-10 Acts 1:18-19

Christ is crucified Mt 27:31-38 Mk 15:20-28 Luke 23:26-34,38 John 19:16-24

Christ on the Cross Mt 27:39-56 Mk 15:29-41 Luke 23:35-49 John 19:25-30

Christ is buried Mt 27:57-61 Mk 15:42-47 Luke 23:50-56 John 19:31-42

Christ’s tomb guarded Mt 27:62-66

1. He claims to be our King.

2. He stirs up the people and perverts the nation

3. He forbids to give tribute to Caesar.

In the first meeting with Pilate, Pilate asks Christ four questions. John 18:28-38

1. Are you King of the Jews?

2. Are you a King?

3. What is Truth?

4. Behold how many things they witness against thee? Answereth thou nothing?

Pilate, when he heard that Christ was a Galilean, and thus belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, thought that he had an easy way out of his dilemna. He sent Christ to Herod. Herod was glad to see Jesus because he had heard many things of him and wanted to see Christ do a miracle. But Christ didn’t answer any of his many questions -- even thought the chief priests and scribes accused him vehemently. After Herod and his soldiers then resorted to mocking Christ, they sent Him back to Pilate. Although Pilate and Herod had not previously been friendly -- that day they became friends.

1. Pilate stated, "Neither I nor Herod have found any fault worth of death in this man" (To satisphy you, I will chastise him and let him go"

2. Pilate offered to release unto them Christ or Barabbas.

3. Pilate recognized that Christ had been brought before him because of envy.

4. Matthew reveals that Pilate’s wife sent to Pilate saying, "Don’t have anything to do with this just man. I have suffered many things in a dream this day because of Him."

5. When the crowd asked for Barabbas to be released, Pilate asked, "What shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ?"

6. When the crowd called for Christ’s death, Pilate asked, "Why, what evil hath he done?"

7. Pilate called for water and washed his hands and said he was innocent of the blood of this just person.

8. The Jews said that Christ’s blood would be on them and their children.

Pilate delivered Christ to be scourged -- where the solders:

1. Put a purple (scarlet) robe on Christ. (It may have been a military cloak worn by officers.)

2. Platted a crown of thorns and put on His head. ( A crown for a king is made of gold or some other costly material).

3. Put a reed in His hand for a scepter. (A reed will wilt - indicating his kingdom isn’t strong.)

4. Mocked Him by bowing before Him and calling Him the King of the Jews.

5. Spat up on Him and hit Him on the head with the reed

1. States I am bringing Him once more before you telling you that I find no fault in Him

The chief priests chant crucify Him, crucify Him.

2. Declares crucify Him yourselves -- I find no fault in Him.

The Jews respond, " By our law He should die because He made Himself the Son of God.

(This made Pilate even more afraid)

3. Asked Christ - "Where have you come from?" But Jesus did not answer.

4. Asked Christ - "Why don’t you answer me? Don’t you know I have power to either crucify you or to release you? Jesus said - "You could have no power over me at all -- except it were given you from above. Therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greaster sin." Pilate really wanted to release Christ now.

5. Pilate sought to release Jesus.

6. The Jews took a firm "political" position.

7. Pilate brings Christ out and says, " Behold - your King" but they cried out, " Away with Him, crucify Him!"

8. He delivered Christ to be crucified.

To add to the the humiliation, it was customary to compel one to bear at least one piece of his cross. At some point in the way, Simon, a Cyrenian -- (Mark tells us that he was the father of Alexander and Rufus) is compelled to bear the cross.

A great company of people and women were following and lamenting Him. Jesus turns unto them and tells them to not weep for Him, but to weep for themselves and for their children. The time is coming that the blessed ones will be the ones who have never had children. People will cry to the mountains to fall on them and the hills to hide them. If these things are done in a green tree -- what will be done in a dry?

Christ was crucified between two thieves and the soldiers parted his garments among themselves.

Alan Phillips, in a lesson that I was privileged to hear while at Oxon Hill, asked,

"Have you met Christ on the cross?" He identified several groups of people that saw Christ on the cross - and asked which group would YOU fall into.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Galations 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Pilate had a sign placed over the head of Christ that was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin that said, This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. The chief priests wanted the inscription changed to read, "He said I am King of the Jews", but Pilate refused to change it saying, "What I have written -- I have written!"

Christ was mocked by those at the foot of the cross. They said: (Mt 27:39-44)

1. You that destroyest the temple and buildest it in 3 days -- save yourself!

2. If you be the Son of God, come down from the cross. (remember what Satan said to Him during the tempation.)

3. He saved others -- but He can’t save Himself!

4. If He is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross and we will believe Him.

5. He trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will have Him: for He said I am the Son of God.

When Christ died, the veil of the temple was torn from the top to the bottom. There was an earthquake; and the graves were opened. The bodies of many of the saints arose and went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion saw these things, he feared greatly and said, "Certainly this was a rightous man. Truly this was the Son of God."

Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man and a disciple of Christ. He was a just and good man. Although he was a counsellor he had not consented to the counsel and deed of the counsel. He was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went boldly into Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that Christ was already dead.. He asked the Centurion if Christ had been dead for a while. When the Centurion confirmed that Christ was dead, Pilate gave the body to Joseph. Nicodemus came bringing about a hundred pound weight of a mixture of myrrh and aloes. They wrapped the body of Jesus in fine linen clothes with the spices. They lay His body in a new tomb that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. They rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

The chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate saying that Jesus (the deceiver -- they called Him), had said that He would arise after three days. They wanted a watch set on the tomb lest the disciples come by night and steal him away and say that He is risen from the dead. This last error would be worse than the first." Pilate said, You have a watch. Go - make it as sure as you can." So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting a watch.

It has been argued that the Romans would not have let Joseph have the body of Jesus. It has also been said that this proves the entire story of the crucifixition is fictictious. Recent excavations in Israel have uncovered a man who was crucified by the Romans. (He had nails in his hands and feet. One in his foot was still there). He had been buried in his family’s tomb. This proves that the Romans did -- in fact -- allow friends/family to obtain the body of men who had been crucified for burial

.

1) What three accusations did the Jews make about Christ before Pilate the first time? Was there any truth to any of them?

2) What four questions did Pilate ask Christ. In our position in time - with the written word before us -- could we answer these questions?

3) Why did Pilate Send Christ to Herod? Why was Herod glad to see Him?

4) What verdict did Pilate give concerning Christ’s guilt? Who did he say agreed with him?

5) Why did Pilate believe that the Jews had brought Christ before him?

6) What did Pilate’s wife call Christ?

7) What two questions did Pilate ask the Jews during the second trial? Can you give proper answers to the questions?

8) What symbolic act did Pilate do to absolve himself of guilt in these proceedings?

9) Describe the symbolism in the mockery of the solders at the time they scourged Christ.

10) Why did Pilate bring Christ before the Jews one final time after he had been scourged?

11) When Pilate told the Jews to crucify Christ themselves - Why did the Jews say that he should die? How did this affect Pilate? Why?

12) What two questions did Pilate ask Christ during the third trial before him?
13) What kind of a position did the Jews take when Pilate again tried to release Jesus? What were their arguments?

14) Name at least 5 groups that were present at the cross and explain their perspective. Which group are you in?

15) Name the sayings of Christ on the cross and discuss their significance.

16) Discuss why Pilate may have refused to change the sign that he put over Christ’s head.

17) What five mockeries were cast at Jesus while he was hanging on the cross?

18) What happened when Christ died?

19) What was the Centurion’s reaction?

20) Who was involved in Christ’s burial?

21) Why did the Jews want a guard placed on Christ’s tomb?

2) What is involved with meeting Christ on the Cross?

3) When Christ falls under the cross, Simon, a Cyrenian is compelled to bear the cross. Why do you think that his sons, -- Alexander and Rufus are named?

1) Can I even understand what Christ suffered for me?

2) Am I a different person for having been a Christian?

2) Read the texts in parallel to get the full effect of Christ’s sufferings.

3 women come to the tomb Mt 28:1- Mk 16:1-4 Luke 24:1-2 John 20:1-2

The angels appear Mt 28:2-7 Mk 16:5-8 Luke 24:9-11

*Christ appears to the women Mt 28:8-10

Peter and John come to tomb Luke 24:12 John 20:3-10

*Mary returns to tomb sees Mk 16:9-11 John 20:11-18

angels and Christ

The guards report to priests Mt 28:11-15

*Appearances of Christ

Imagine that you are attending a family re-union with your brothers and sisters and several generations of family members. Your brother, Bob, and your sister, Cathy, are attending with their families. This is the only family re-union of its kind that your family has ever had. Some of the family members are getting quite elderly. So you take lots of pictures. You find out that your brother and sister have taken quite a few pictures. You decide to share pictures with each other. You each carefully put the pictures that Bob took in one envelope, pictures that you took in another, and pictures that Cathy took in a third. Each picture has been carefully labelled so you will know who is in each picture. You and Bob and Cathy each have a complete set. Time goes by and another generation comes on the scene. You and Bob and Cathy are no longer around to ask questions about the pictures. The new generation prizes the pictures greatly. But there is no way for them to put all of the pictures from the three sources in absolute sequence. There is no doubt that the pictures are genuine. There is no doubt the events happened. There is just no way to be absolutely sure that you have put them in exact sequence.

That is the way it is with the gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John have all given us a true picture of Christ’s life. But trying to put them together and get the sequence exactly right -- is very difficult. When we are finished -- we cannot be dogmatic about the sequence that we have created. It may not be right. This is particularly true concerning the events around Christ’s resurrection.

On the first day of the week, while it is yet dark, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome come to the tomb bringing sweet spices to annoint His body. They are concerned about who will roll the stone away for them. But they find the stone rolled away. Matthew tells us that there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled the stone away. The guards were so frightened they became as dead men. When the women came, they entered the tomb and saw that the body of Jesus was not there. Apparently, Mary Magdalene leaves the other women and runs to Peter and John and tells them that Christ’s body has been moved -- and she did not know where.

Meanwhile, angel(s) have told the other women that Christ has risen - as he said he would -- and has gone ahead into Galilee where they shall see Him. The women are instructed to give this message to the disciples. As they ran to tell the disciples what they angels had told them, Jesus himself appeared unto them. He first tells them to not be afraid and then gives them the same instructions.

Peter and John then come to the tomb. John outran Peter, but he did not go into the tomb. When Peter arrived he went into the tomb. The scriptures say that John saw and believed.

Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, weeping. She sees two angels sitting where Christ’s body had lain. They ask her why she is weeping. Not realizing they are angels she replies because they have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have lain him. When she turns around, Jesus himself is standing there. He also asks her why she is crying. She believes him to be the gardener says, "Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you laid him and I will take him away." When Jesus calls her name, she recognizes him and calls him Rabboni (Master which is similar to what Nicodemus called Christ in John 3) He tells her to not to touch Him, for He had not yet ascended to his Father - but to go and tell the disciples that he is going to ascend to our God and His Father. She obeyed his bidding.

Different translations rend the word touch differently.

Phillips- do not hold me

KJV- do not touch me

RVS-1947- do not hold me

GoodSpeed- Do not cling to me

ASV-1901- Touch me not

NIV don’t hold me

Darby-Touch me not

Living Bible - don’t touch

AV - touch 36; 36

1) to fasten one's self to, adhere to, cling to

1a) to touch

1b) of carnal intercourse with a women or cohabitation

1c) of levitical practice of having no fellowship with heathen

practices. Things not to be touched appear to be both women

and certain kinds of food, so celibacy and abstinence of

certain kinds of food and drink are recommended.

1d) to touch, assail anyone

When the guards came and reported to the chief priests what had happened. They assembled with the elders. After the consultation they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and told them to say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep. If the govenor hears about this we will keep you out of trouble. The solders took the money and did as they had been instructed. This story was widely circulated among the Jews.

Interesting statements relative to the guard’s testimony.

1. Who were the women that came to the tomb. What do we know about each of them?

2. Why were they coming to the tomb? What were their intentions? What were they afraid of?

3. What did the angels tell the women? What instructions did the angels give the women?

4. What did Jesus tell the women when he appeared unto them?

5. What two apostles went to the tomb. Who got there first. Who went into the tomb first? The scripture says which one saw and believed?

6. What do the angels ask Mary? How does she respond?

6. When Mary Magdalene sees Jesus, whom does she believe Him to be. What does she say to Him?

7. What does Jesus mean when he says touch me not. What is the meaning of the Greek word used here?

8. Why does Christ tell Mary to not touch Him? What does he tell her to do?

9. What would have happened to the soldiers if they went to sleep on duty and a prisoner escaped?

DISCUSSION

1. Do you think the women knew the guards had been placed around the tomb? Why?

2. Why did Christ appear first to the women? What was his message to them. Who did he tell them to speak with?

3. How many different things can you find wrong with the story that the guards told about the disciples stealing Christ’s body while they slept?

RESPONSE

1. What does Christ’s Resurrection mean to me?

2. If you had been one of his followers that had seen Him die, what emotions would you have felt the first time that you had seen the resurrected Christ?

PROJECTS

1. How can I resurrect my love for the Lord.

2. How can I resurrect His teaching in my Heart?

In this lesson we will look at the message Christ delivered when he appeared to his followers after his resurrection. We will see how that message develops and is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.

The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35

Emmaus was about 7 miles from Jerusalem. Two disciples were on the road to Emmaus talking about what had just happened to Jesus. They were so wrapped up in their conversation that they didn’t pay a lot of attention when Jesus, Himself, joined them. He asked them, "What are you talking about? and Why are you so sad?" Cleopas says to Jesus, "Are you the only one around who doesn’t know what has just happened?" Jesus says, "And what is that?"

The doors were shut because of fear of the Jews. When Christ appeared he said "Peace be with you." He showed them his hands and side. He told them, "As my Father sent Me -- So I send you". He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Ghost. If you forgive any one his sins they are forgiven, if you don’t they are not forgiven"

Thomas did not believe the others. He said, "If I don’t see the nail prints in His hands and put my finger into the nail prints -- and my hand into His side, I won’t believe". Eight days later Christ again appears to them inside of shut doors. He again says, "Peace be to you." Then he tells Thomas to see and touch and not be faithless but believing. thomas says to Him, "My Lord and my God!". Jesus says you have seen and believed. Blessed ar those who believe without seeing.

2962 kurios {koo'-ree-os}

AV - Lord 667, lord 54, master 11, sir 6, Sir 6, misc 4; 748

1) he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has

power of deciding; master, lord

2316 theos {theh'-os}

1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities

2) the Godhead, trinity

3) spoken of the only and true God

3a) refers to the things of God

3b) his counsels, interests, things due to him

1. Where did Christ send word to his apostles that they would see him.

4. When Jesus joined the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, what two questions did He ask them?

5. What was their response?

6. Who does Cleopas say that Jesus was?

7. Who does he blame for Jesus’s death?

8. Where in the scripture does Jesus start teaching them about the prophecies concerning Himself? Which books of the bible were writen by this man?

9. Why are the apostles hiding behind closed doors?

10. What does Christ say to them when he appears to them?

11. What did Thomas say it would take to make him believe that Jesus had been resurrected?

12. What did Jesus say to Thomas when he appeared to him?

13. What did Thomas say to Jesus?

14. Where is Lake Tiberias?

15. Whose idea was it to go fishing? Who went fishing?

16. Had they caught anything?

17. What does Christ ask Peter? How many times does he ask it?

18. Why wasn’t every thing that Jesus did written down for us to read?

1. Why do you think in his early appearances that the Lord said such things as, "Don’t be afraid" and "Peace be with you".

2. Why was Mary told to not touch Him, but Thomas was told to put his finger in the nail print of his hand, and to put his hand in His side?

3 Why do you think we are not told more details about some of the appearances that Christ made?

4. Why are so few even mentioned?

1. How would you have felt to have seen the resurrected Christ -- after having seen him crucified?

2. How would we answer Christ if He asked us - Do you love me? Could our actions -- our way of life be used to show Him that we love Him?

3. Do you really believe that Jesus is the Christ -- the son of the Living God?

1. How can we like Thomas, acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and our God.

Text: Mt 28:16-20, Mk 16:15-20 Lk 24:50-53 Acts 1

Luke tells us in Acts, that Christ was seen of the disciples for 40 days. During this time:

1. He showed himself alive after his death by many infallible proofs.

2. He spoke of things concerning the kingdom of God

On one of these meetings, the apostles asked him if he would at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. Christ told them that it wasn’t for them to know the times nor the seasons, for God had put these in his own power. In another location , Mk13:32, He had already stated that neither He nor the angels knew when the end of the world would be.

While they watched, he was taken up into a cloud. Two, standing beside them in white apparel asked them why are you gazing up into heaven. This same Jesus will come in the same manner as you have seen him go.

He told them that they would be witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judaea, and in the farthest parts of the earth. As he was speaking he was taken up into heaven. The apostles watched as he rose up into a cloud. Suddenly there were two men beside them in white apparel, asking, "Why are you gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus that you have seen go up into heaven will come again in the same manner as you have seen Him go."

The apostles returned from Mount Olivet ( which was about a Sabbath’s day journey) back to Jerusalem. They were in an upper room where the 11 were living together. Peter quoting from the book of Psalms said that another should fill the position that Judas had left open. The passages he refers to appear to be Psalms 109:8 and Psalms 69:25. In order to be considered for the position, a man must have been with them from the time of John’s baptism until the time that Christ had been taken from them. He had to be a witness of the resurrection.

Two men’s names were suggested. The first was Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus . The second man’s name was Matthias. The apostles prayed, "‘Lord, you knowest the hearts of all men,. Shew us which of these two men you have have chosen to take part of this ministry as an apostle Then they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

1. What did the disciples mean when they asked Christ if he would restore the kingdom to Israel at this time?

2. What did Christ talk about during the 40 days that he was seen of the apostles after his death?

3. The great commission was given in three different gospels. What did it tell them to do? What did it tell them to say? What was to be required for salvation?

4. How will Christ return? How do we know that?

5. How far was Mount Olivet from Jerusalem.

6. Where were the apostles staying. Did they live in separate places?

8. How did the apostles know that they should select a man to fill Judas’s place as an apostle.

9. What did the apostles do prior to selecting Judas’s replacement. What did they pray for?

1. Why do you think the apostles were living together in one place after Christ’s death?

1. Do I pray for the Lord’s guidance when I make major decisions in life. Decisions like who will I marry? Where shall I work? Where shall I live?

2. Do I ask for His help in the day to day decisions? Should I buy this? Should I say this? Should I do that?

3. Do I Submit to His will -- or do I stubbornly try to do things my way -- ignoring what He would want me to do?

1. What can I do to get ready for the second appearing of Christ?

Text: Acts 2 - Acts 3

The disciples were all together in one place on the day of Pentecost.

Don DeWelt, McGarvey, believe this was the temple.

Suddenly:

Possibly because of the feast of Passover and the feast of Pentecost, there were devout Jews in Jerusalem from every nation. When word came to these men that something strange was going on they came together.

1. The were confounded because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

2. They were amazed and marveled because all those speaking were Galilaeans.

3. They heard them speaking of the wonderful works of God.

4. They were in doubt -- asking what this meant.

5. Others said that they were full of new wine.

Peter stood up with the eleven and said these men are not drunk -- it is only the 3rd hour of the day. But it is the fulfillment of the prophecy made by Joel. God said that in the last days He would:

1. pour His Spirit out on all flesh.

2. your sons and daughters would prophesy

3. your young men would see visions

4. your old men will dream dreams.

5. On My servants and handmaidens I wil pour out of My Spirit and they shall prophesy.

6. I will show wonders in heaven above

7. I will show signs in the earth beneath, blood, fire and vapour of smoke.

8. The sun will be turned into darkness -- the moon into blood

9. Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved

Peter then preaches Jesus to them.

1. Jesus of Nazareth was a man approved of God among you

2. He was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God

3. YOU have taken with wicked hands have crucified and slain

4. But God has raised him up

5. David had prophesied

Those that gladly received his word were baptized. That same day there were added unto them about 3000 souls. And they:

And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Peter and John went into the temple at the hour of prayer. There was a man who had been born lame laid daily at the gate named Beautiful to ask for donations of the people passing into the temple. When he saw Peter and John he asked them for a gift. Peter and John looked at him. Then Peter told him to look at them. Encouraged by this, the man did look at them -- expecting a donation. Peter said I don’t have any money, but what I have I will give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth -- rise up and walk. Peter took the lame man by the right hand and lifted him up. As he did so, the man was healed. He went into the temple with them, leaping and praising God. The people were amazed at what had happened. The man who was formerly lame, held Peter and John on Solomon’s Porch. A curious crowd gathered. Peter began to speak. He said " Why are you looking at us as though we have done something? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus. The one you delivered up, and denied before Pilate, when Pilate would have released him. But you -- in denying the Holy and Righteous One, --- asked for a murderer to be granted unto you. You killed the Prince of life! BUT God raised from the dead! We are witnesses to this. Faith in Christ’s name has healed this man. I know that you and your rulers had Jesus killed through ignorance. But God had previously said that Christ would suffer. He has fullfilled what he said. Repent and turn from your sins, so they may be blotted out, and you can receive seasons of refreshing from the Lord; Jesus is the Christ who was appointed for you. Heaven must receive him until all things are restoredas God spake by His holy prophets of old. Moses said, " The Lord God will raise up unto a prophet from among your brethren that will be like unto me. You should listen and obey everything that he will speak to you because every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from among the people. All of the prophets from Samuel on have prophesied concerning this day. You are the sons of the prophets -- and of the coventant that God made with your fathers -- when he said to Abraham - And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

God has raised up his Servant and has sent him to you first - to bless you, in turning you away from your iniquities.

1. What were the four initial indications that something was happening on the day of Pentecost.

A.

B.

C.

D.

2. Who was controlling their speech?

3. What kind of Jewish people were in Jerusalem at this time?

4. What did the 3rd hour of the day have to do with the men being drunk?

5. What were some of the things that Joel had prophesied concerning these days?

6. What did Peter say they were guilty of doing?

7. What had David prophesied concerning Christ?

8. How did Peter answer their question, "Men and Brethren, What shall we do?"

9. Who was this promise to include?

10. How many souls were added to their number?

11. What did the believers do?

12 To What did God add the believers?

13. When did Peter and John go to the Temple?

14. How long had the man been lame?

15. What did Peter say that he did NOT have?

16. Why did the lame man look upon Peter and John?

17. What did Peter say that he would give him.

18. When was the lame man healed?

19. What did he do after he was healed?

20. What did Peter accuse the gathering crowd of doing?

21. What did Peter say had healed this man?

22. Why did he tell the crowd to repent?

1. Where do you think the apostles were on the day of Pentecost?

2. Discuss the accusation by "the others" that the disciples were fully of new wine. Who are these others? What do they illustrate about human nature? What do they show about the power of miracles?

3. Compare how the message delivered by Peter corresponds to the great commission that Christ had given the apostles.

4. Why do you think the lame man wanted to be carried to the temple gate?

1. Am I -- Like the Jews -- sometimes guilty of rejecting Christ because he doesn’t say what I want Him to say. Am I sometimes more interested in my will than I am in His will?

2. Am I, Like Peter and John, willing to share what I have (whatever it is) with those who NEED around me. Is there a difference between NEED and WANT?

1. During the next week, take time to appreciate the wonders of God. See Him in a sunrise or sunset, in the petals of a flower, in the eyes of a friend. Make a special effort to see how the world around you points to God.

Text: Acts 4 - 5

While Peter was still speaking to those gathered around to see what had caused the lame man to be healed, the priests with the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them because they were upset that they taught the resurrection of the dead.

They put them in hold until the next day, because it was now evening. But some of those that heard the word believed - and the number of the men was about 5000.

And it came to pass that Annas the High Priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest were gathered together at Jerusalem.

INTERESTING FOOTNOTE: Archaelogists believe that they may have found the grave of Caiaphas recently in excavations in Jerusalem.

They sat the Peter and John together in the middle of them and asked, "By what power, name or authority have you healed this man?"

Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost, which was a fullfillment of Christ’s promise in Matthew 10.

Peter said to them. You rulers and elders of the people of Israel. If you are asking abut the good deed that was done to the lame man - about how he was healed. Know assuredly that it was done by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, but God raised him from the dead. By Him does this man stand before you healed. Christ is the stone that was set at nought by YOU builders but became the head head of the corner. There is not salvation any where else but in Him. There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

NOTE: All three synoptic gospels contain Christ teaching about a stone the builders would reject shortly after he is questioned about his authority for teaching what he is teaching.

This must have been a common theme of Peter’s. In 1 Peter 2 he writes:

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and knew that they were not educated men they realized that they had been with Jesus. And since the man that had been healed was standing there with them -- there was not much that they could say about it.

They commanded them to go out of the council so they could talk privately among themselves. They were puzzled. What can we do to these men. It is obvious that they have performed a notabled miracle. This has been done before too many people for us to deny this. But since we don’t want this teaching to spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them and command them to not speak anything in the name of Jesus.

When they called them back before the council - that is what they did. Peter and John, however, were not content to take the warning and leave quietly. They boldy answered, "You decide whether God would be more pleased with us listening to you than to God, Himself." After making more threats to Peter and John they let them go, because they didn’t know how to punish them because all of the people were glorifying God because this man - who was more than 40 years old - had been healed.

When Peter and John were released - they went back to their own company and reported what the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

They all prayed to God, saying:

1. Lord, you are the God that has made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

2. You said by the mouth of David, (Psalms 2) " Why did the heathen rage and the people image vain things?" The kings of the earth and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and His Christ. It is true that Herod and Pilate representing the gentiles together with the people of Israel were gathered against thy holy child Jesus - whom you had annointed. But they are only doing what you determined that they would do a long time ago.

3. So see what they threaten. Grant unto us as your servants that will may speak your work with all boldness. Stretch forth your hand to heal and let signs and wonders be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

When they finished praying, the place that they were assembled in was shaken. They were filled with the Holy Ghost and they did speak the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul. They did say that anything they owned was theirs personally. They had all things in common.

The apostles were witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. There was great grace on them all. None among them lacked. Those who owned lands or houses sold them and gave the money from the sale to the apostles. Distribution was made to everyone as he had need.

Joses, surnamed Barnabas, who was a Levite from Cyprus was one of the ones to do this.

However, Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold some land . They brought only part of the price of it and gave it to the apostles. Peter asked Ananias, "Why did Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? It was yours. After you sold it, the money was yours. Why did you do this. You did not lie to men, but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.

About three hours later, Sapphira came in. She did not know what had happened to her husband. Peter asked her if they had sold the land for so much. She said yes. Peter said to her, " How have you agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? The ones that have buried your husband are at the door and they will carry you out" . This caused fear in everyone that heard about it.

NOTE: We need to be very careful how we treat God. We have been taught to call God, Our Father, but that does not mean that we should not reverence His name and treat Him with respect. happened?

The apostles did many signs and wonders among the people. And they were with one accord in Solomons’s porch. No man dared to join himself to them, but the people magnified them. Many believers were added to the Lord.

NOTE: We need to realize that believers are added to the Lord -- Not to us.

People would bring the sick into the streets on beds and couches so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them. They brought sick peopled from out of the cities around Jerusalem and those that were vexed with unclean spirits and they were all healed.

The high priest rose up with the Sadducees with anger and put the apostles in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night and told them to "Go and speak the in the temple to the people all of the words of this life".

When they heard that, The apostles went to the temple early in the morning and taught. The high priest and those that were with him came and called the council together with the senate of the children of Israel. They sent to the prison - where they thought the apostles were - to have them brought before them. But the officers did not find them in the prison. They said, "The prison doors were shut with the keepers standing outside the doors. But when we opened the doors - there wasn’t anyone there." The high priest and those with him were concerned about what this would grow into. Someone came and told them that the men they were looking for were standing in the temple teaching the people.

They sent for the apostles and brought them without violence because they feared that the people would stone them if they did otherwise. When they were before the council, the high priest asked them, " did not we command you not to teach in this name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. You intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

When they heard these sayings they were cut to the heart and took council to kill them. But a Pharisee, named Gamaliel who was a doctor of the law and esteemed highly by the people, stood up.

Gamaliel:

1. Commanded that the apostles be sent away for a few minutes.

2. Men of Israel, be careful about what you are intending to do with these men.

3. Remember:

4. Stay away from these men -- let them alone.

They agreed to do as he suggested. But when they called the apostles back to them, they beat them and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles departed from the council. They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’s name.

They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ in every house and in the temple.

1. Who was it that came to get Peter and John after the lame man was healed?

2. Why were they upset with Peter’s teaching?

3. Where did they put them? Why didn’t they just go ahead and talk with them?

4. What question did they ask Peter and John?

5. How did Peter say the man had been healed?

6. In whose name is salvation

7. What three things did they notice about Peter and John?

8. Why couldn’t they simply deny that a miracle had happened?

9. How old was the man who had been healed?

10. What did the early church pray for?

11. What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira?

12. What is the result when one has proper fear of the Lord?

13. What is the result of evil companionships?

14. Why were sick people placed into the streets?

15. Who arrested the apostles?

16. Who released them? What were they told to do?

1. Can you image what parents who were teaching their children to not lie might be telling them after the death of Ananias and Saphira?

2. If persecution would come on the church today, do you believe that we would pray for boldness to continue to teach in the name of Christ - or do you think that we would pray for the persecution to cease?

3. Why didn’t the church at this point in time have much interest in material goods? Why didn’t they say that anything that they owned was theirs?

4. If many in the church were selling their possessions and giving the money to help the others -- why do you think that Joses surnamed Barnabus was singled out and it was told in the Holy Scriptures that he did this?

1. Whose name would I give for some of my actions? If I have lied, or tried to deceive? If I have cheated? If I have been unkind?

2. Would I have been bold like Peter and John and said , " What do you think God wants us to do?" or would I have quitely slunk away grateful that I hadn’t been called to suffer any more for Christ?

3. Why should Christians try to be in each other’s company?

1. What can I do to help the church to be as strong and God fearing as it was in the early chapters of Acts?

2. I must evaluate my life to see if I have made any promises to God that I have not kept!

As the numbers of disciples grew, the foreign born Jewish people began to complain that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration ( This is the word that deacon is derived from). The apostles called the church together and said - "It wouldn’t be right for us to quit speaking the word of God to serve tables". They told the church to find 7 men who met the following qualifications to oversee this work.

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose:

B. Philip, Acts 8, Acts 21:8 (had four daughters that prophesied) Philip = "lover of horses"

C. Prochorus, Prochorus = "leader of the chorus"

E. Timon, Timon = "honourable"

When they were set before the apostles, they prayed and then laid their hands on them,

The word of God increased and many people became disciples in Jerusalem including even a large number of the priests.

Stephen was full of faith and power. He did great wonders and miracles among the people. Some of them from the synagogue of the Freedmen (Libertines KJV), Cyrenians, Alexandrieans and them of Cilicia and Asia began disputing with Stephen.

When they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke, they hired men to accuse him of speaking blasphemy against Moses and against God. They stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes. They caught him and brought him to the council setting up false witnesses to accuse him of speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. " We have heard him say that Jesus will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses has delivered to us."

Those sitting in the council looked at Stephen and saw his face as though it had been the face of an angel.

The high priest asked him, "Are these things so?"

Stephen said, "Men, brethren, and fathers. God appeared to Abraham and told him to get out of thy country and away from they kindred and come to a place that I will show you. Abraham obeyed and came to this land wherein you now live. God did not give him an inheritance in it but said that he would give it to him and to his children after him -- but as yet he had no child.

God told him that his children would live in a strange land and be in bondage -- evil entreated for 400 years. But God would judge the nation to whom they would be in bondage. Abraham’s children would come forth and serve God in this place.

God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. Abraham begat Isaac. Isaac begat Jacob; And Jacob -- the twelve patriarchs. But the patriarchs were envious and sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with Joseph and helped him out of all of his afflictions. He gave Joseph favor and wisdom in Pharaoh’s site. Pharaoh made Joseph govenor over Egypt and his house.

A great famine came over Egypt and Canaan. Our fathers could not find any food. But Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt and sent our fathers. The second time they came, Joseph was identified to his brethren -- and Joseph’s family was introduced to Pharaoh. Joseph sent to Joseph anc called Jacob his father unto him, Jacob and all his family -- 75 people.

Jacob went down into Egypt and died. Both he and our fathers. They were carried over to Sychem and buried in the tomb that Abraham bought from the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

When the time of the promise that God had sworn to Abraham neared -- the people multiplied in Egypt until another king that did not know Joseph arose. This king dealt evilly with our fathers -- even casting out their young children to kill them.

At this time Moses was born. He was hid in his father’s house for three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him for her own son. Moses was trained in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in words and deeds. When he was 40 years old he decided to visit his brethren - the children of Israel. When he saw one suffer wrong, he defended him. While doing this he killed an Egyptian. He thought that his brethren would understand that God would deliver them by his hand. But they did not understand.

The next day when he saw them fighting among themselves he would have brought peace between them. He asked them, " You are brethren - why do you do wrong to one another?" But he that was in the wrong demanded, " Who made you a ruler or a judge over us? Will you kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday"

When Moses heard this, he fled to Median. There he begat two sons. After he lived there forty years, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the Wilderness of Sina in a flame of fire in a bush. Moses wondered at it when he seen it. When came closer to get a better view, the Lord told him, "I am the God of your fathers - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." At this, Moses was greatly afraid. The Lord continued, "Take your shoes off because the ground that you are standing on is holy. I have seen the troubles of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning. I have come to deliver them. I will send you into Egypt." This is the same Moses that they had already refused that God was sending to be a ruler and deliverer. And he did bring them out after showing wonders and signs in Egypt - in the Red Sea -- and in the wilderness for 40 years. The same Moses said that God would raise up another prophet that they should hear.

But it was this Moses that our fathers would not obey. In their hearts they turned back again into Egypt. They told Aaron to make gods to go before them. They said --"We do not know what has become of Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt" They made a calf and offered sacrifice unto the idol. They rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven. The began to worship Moloch, and Remphan. God said that he would carry them away beyond Babylon. Our fathers had the tabernacle in the wilderness as a witness as God had appointed. They brought it in with Josua when they possessed the nations that God thrust out. David asked to build a house for the God of Jacob -- but it was Solomon that build the house. The most High does not live in house made with hands as the prophet has said.

You are stubborn and uncircumcised in heart and years. Do you always resist the Holy Ghost een as your fathers. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed them that foretold the coming of the Righteous one that you have now betrayed and murdered. You recieved the law as it was ordained by angels but you did not keep it.

When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and the gnashed on him with their teeth. But he was filled with the Holy Ghost. When he looked stedfastly into heaven he saw the glory of God -- With Jesus standing on His right hand. When he said that he Saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God, they cried with a loud voice and stopped their ears. They rushed upon him with one accord and threw him out of the city. They laid the coats at the feet of a young man named Saul and stoned Stephen.

Stephen said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! " Then he said, "Lord don’t lay this sin to their charge". Then he died.

1. What was the problem that arose in the church?

2. Why did the apostles think that it was something that someone else should handle?

3. What did they tell the church to do?

4. Did the Church think this was a good idea?

5. Name the men that was selected for this task? What do their names mean? Are any of them mentioned anywhere else in scripture?

6. What were the qualifications to be considered for this job?

7. What did the apostles say that they would do.

8. What did James say was pure religion?

9. Who were the men that opposed Stephen?

10. What Old Testament Men did Stephen speak of during his defense.

11. What did he charge did he make against those who were sitting in judgement against him?

12. What was their reaction.

13. What was Saul's role in these events?

14. What was Stephen's last words?

15. Who did Stephen see before he died?

1. There are several similarities in the events surrounding Stephen's death to the events that surround the death of Christ. Can you list some of them?

2. What was the real message in Stephen's defense?

1. Have I really surrendered my heart to the Lord in such a manner that when I am criticized, I will first evaluate the criticism to see if it has merit. Can one give me criticism without causing me to become angry? Can I profit if some one gives me criticism -- even if it is unfair?

2. Do I have enough faith in God to accept things that I do not believe are fair and still be faithful to Him?

1. Do I know the scriptures well enough to explain to someone who is unsaved what is required for salvation?

Bibliography

Baker’s Harmony of the Gospels (King James Version), Benjamin Davies, Editor, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506. Reprinted 1983. ISBN-0-8010-2928-7

A Harmony of the Gospels (New American Standard Version) , Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry, Harper & Row, Publishers, San Francisco 1978