Note: this lesson is a good introduction to the science-related lessons in section 8. What is (natural) science? – study of nature – trying to explain how these things work – trying to explain what’s behind these phenomena How science works – observe – hypothesize a cause or process – test the hypothesis – compare … [Read more…]
How do we know God has a plan for each one of us? Ephesians 5:17 Does the existence of this “plan” mean we have no choice in our lives? God’s omniscience does not mean we are puppets with no choice (God chooses a certain person for certain ministry because He knows the person has a … [Read more…]
What kinds of strategies can the devil use to lead us away from the only true God? Let’s play a consultant to the hypothetical demon Screwtape (the demon from C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters) and design some tricks of our own. Hints: 1. Screwtape and his friends have been on earth since the creation of … [Read more…]
The parable of the lost son (a.k.a. the prodigal son) is one of the most complete, detailed, and explicit parables of Jesus. It reveals the secret of our salvation and God’s attitude and expectations for the humanity. Symbolism: * robe of the Father – (1) redemption, righteousness (e.g., white robe of Jesus when He returns), … [Read more…]
Scripture: Love Your Enemies (Luke 6:27-38) Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you; implore God’s blessing on those who hurt you. “If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone demands your coat, give him … [Read more…]
Session One What are mistakes? – wrong decisions – bad decisions – decisions that may not be the best possible one How do we make decisions? – benefits & costs to ourselves & others – morality – right or wrong – possibility – can it be done, etc. How do we make the right decisions? … [Read more…]
Imagine a life without: 1. hope for an improvement in your grades – Would you study hard? Or would you just quit? 2. hope for your siblings to grow up – Would you get very impatient? 3. hope for a better tomorrow – Would you give up on working hard? Would you rather just die? … [Read more…]
Male-Female Differences Biological – strength, reproductive differences, women more pain-tolerant Emotional – men are more concealed about their emotions, seen as “stronger” and more stable; women are more open and more emotional Personality – men like to be seen as strong, dominating, physical; women value softness, kindness, and maternal tendencies more Functional – men are … [Read more…]
What does the Bible say about pride? Job 35:12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. Ps. 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Prov. 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate … [Read more…]
What do people want or need? (Mt 4) a. food–daily needs, necessities, comfort b. wealth & power–also control, respect, influence over other people, satisfaction c. tempting God–spiritual guidance, sense of direction, desire to be like “God” Temptation comes when our desires for these things are not satisfied or controlled, but this is not always the … [Read more…]