1. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

3. Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” God has never at any time been under any obligation to save a sinner cp. Gen 6-9 He would be well within His Divine right to just “wipe us out” cp. Ex 32:7-10 Instead, He chooses to be compassionate

4. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” Ù Ex. Eph 1-2 MERCYLOVE Eph 2:4

5. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” Ù Ex. Eph 1-2 GRACEKINDNESS Eph 2:7

6. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” Ù Ex. Eph 1-2 REDEMPTIONFORGIVENESS Eph 1:7

7. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion Some Closing Thoughts… Conversion is something for everyone to think about… both believers & unbelievers Unbelievers should be taught they need to “turn to the Lord” Acts 11:21 1 Thess 1:9 They are “dead in sin” and “without hope in the world” Eph 2:1-3, 12

8. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion Some Closing Thoughts… Believers need to remember their past sinful condition Eph 2:12 Their challenge will be not to return to the former way of life from which they “turned” They need to live as a “transformed” person Rom 12:2

9. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 “Transformed” = origin of “metamorphosis” Illustrates what we can become despite being guilty of sin in the past

10. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 Instead of “getting even” with someone like he used to do, now he refrains from personal vengeance, and he even prays for those who wrong him Mt 5:43-48 Rom 12:17-21 Instead of worshiping at the “church of his choice,” he makes sure his religious service & worship meet with Divine approval Mt 7:21-23

11. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion Some Closing Thoughts… A truly “converted” person realizes he has spent enough of his life in sinful ways God does not approve 1 Pet 4:2-3 He understands he must live as a “changed” or “turned” or “converted” person Col 2:20 – 3:17

12. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ Easy observation to make…there is an absence of “religious unity” Many churches teach opposing doctrines “Searchers for truth” are frustrated, hindered The only solution is to be what God wants Only then can unity & fellowship occur cp. 1 Jn 1:1-3

13. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ Recognizing a failed approach… Some saints want to convert family, friends These “converts-to-be” are involved in human denominations Therefore, some conclude we must learn all about these man-made religions so that we can teach our loved ones out of all that error

14. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ The right approach… Yes, we need to convert lost souls Mt 28:18 Instead of taking the time to study religious error, wouldn’t it be a better use of time to study truth Once one knows truth, he can spot error…he’ll be able to teach those caught up in error

15. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ The Lord’s church exists in the midst of much religious error The situation in the 1st century when Jesus founded His church Still the situation today 2,000+ years later All these man-made churches hinder true unity

16. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ The church of Christ Founder: Jesus Christ Mt 16:18 When: A.D. 30 in Jerusalem (Pentecost) Followers: named “Christians” Acts 11:26 “To give a command or admonition; to teach from heaven; to be divinely commanded; to receive a name; be called” Mt 2:12, 22 Rom 7:3 Heb 11:7

17. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ The church of Christ The name “Christians” was not bestowed until after Acts 10…when Gentiles were included Such illustrates the wisdom of God No doubt, the Jews would have perverted this new identity cp. Acts 15:1

18. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ The church of Christ The name of Christ is meaningful because it is the only name whereby man can gain his salvation Acts 4:12 Therefore, the name “Christian” should be the only religious name man should want to wear Yet, we see so much division

19. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ A multiplicity of man-made churches Catholic Church Lutheran Church Presbyterian Church Episcopal Church Baptist Church Methodist Church Mormon Church “Jehovah’s Witnesses

20. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ Many downplay the different names worn, believing all are still “united” in Christ Wearing different names also means men practice different things dictated by that name one wears Thus, unity is not achieved

21. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 3 Ù True Unity In Christ Consider Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5:34-39 He spoke to emphasize the possibility of the apostles’ preaching coming to nothing We consider his words to emphasize that all men’s works (including religious) eventually come to naught Mt 15:3, 6, 7-9, 12-13 Works must have Christ’s approval Mt 7:21-23

22. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics