Bible Class

Steps to Eternal Life

Lessons One

Some ONE Loves You
Startled motorists watched the car on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge pull to the outside lane and stop. Before the amazed watchers the driver's door flew open, and a young man jumped out and ran to the railing. He climbed to the top and stood there for just a moment looking down, then he jumped to his death in the water below. Those who had witnessed the drama were stunned. It was too late to help. As the police examined the car for the identity of the man, they discovered a number of letters that told his story.
The young man, deeply in debt, had lost his wife and family. It seemed to him that no one cared whether he lived or died. No one loved him. What did he have to live for? Why not end it all? Many people in the world today feel just like that young man on the bridge. In this tense, trouble-filled age they run out of money, friends, and time. Troubles, worry, and fear seem to crush out all hope. They feel they have no place to turn. No one loves, understands, or cares. But there is one who cares, One who understands and loves, regardless of the mistakes that have been made. This Friend is ever ready to help if only we will let Him. That Friend is God. I used to think He was a severe Judge who was just waiting for me to make a mistake so that He could punish me; but as I have studied the Book that reveals His true character, I have found that He is just the opposite. He is a loving, kind, forgiving Friend who is willing to forgive me and help me if only I will let Him.
Let's take a few minutes to learn about our most faithful Friend.
THE BIBLE SAYS

1. What does the Bible say God is? 1 John 4:8
THE BIBLE SAYS

2. How does God daily manifest this love to all his creatures? Matthew 5:44,45
THE BIBLE SAYS

NOTE: He blesses both the good and the bad with the things they need. All of them are His children; so why shouldn't He?

3. Where does every good and perfect gift for man originate? James 1:16,17
THE BIBLE SAYS

4. What example did Jesus use to show God's care for His creatures? Matthew 6:26
THE BIBLE SAYS

5. What assurance do we have that God's love will provide for our needs? Matthew 6:31-33
THE BIBLE SAYS

NOTE: When we do not seek Him first or put Him first in our lives, we in effect want to limit God's ability to do all for us that He longs to do. He many times waits for us to open our hearts and let Him come in so that He can give us what we need.

6. When does the Bible say that God first loved us? Romans 5:8-10 THE BIBLE SAYS

NOTE: God's love does not change. It is called an EVERLASTING LOVE. “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.

7. What can separate us from God's love? Romans 8:38,39
THE BIBLE SAYS

8. Even though we are alienated from Him by sin, what does God's love permit Him to call us? 1 John 3:1
THE BIBLE SAYS

NOTE: The King of the universe, in His great love for us, calls us His sons and daughters. What a privilege and honor He has bestowed upon us!

9. What was the supreme act of love on God's part? 1 John 4:9,10
THE BIBLE SAYS

NOTE: God had by various means in Old Testament times tried to teach the people His great love. They didn't seem to comprehend. So, as the greatest possible demonstration of this love,God sent His only Son to live among men. By His life and death Christ was to be a living revelation of God's love.

10. How does John say God demonstrated His great love? John 3:16
THE BIBLE SAYS

11. How can we know what love is? 1 John 3:16
THE BIBLE SAYS

NOTE: Could you take the person whom you love the most and sacrifice that person to save the life of someone who ignored you and treated you like an enemy? This is what God did when He sent His Son to die in your and my place. Is there any greater proof of His great love and concern for you? During His ministry here on earth, Christ pictured in understandable language His Father's great love for every sinner. The Bible records the story of the prodigal for that purpose. Luke 15:10-24. Learn carefully the lesson of this story: In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents." Jesus went on to say, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to him, 'Father, give me now my share of the property.' So the man divided the property between his two sons. After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing. So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs. He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat. At last he came to his senses and said. 'All my father's hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am, about to starve! I will get up and go to my father and say, 'Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers.'' So he got up and started back to his father."
"He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. 'Father,' the son said, 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' But the father called his servants: 'Hurry!' He said. 'Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Then go get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! Because this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.' And so the feasting began."
Perhaps you feel like that son today. You have wandered away from the Father's house. Just remember, He is waiting and watching to welcome you home. If you want love, understanding and forgiveness, you can find it by returning to Him!

Would you like to express your response to His love by checking one or more of the boxes below?

I want to thank God for His love to me
I want His love to touch and change me.
I need to feel God's love in my life today.

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Comments/ Questions

On completion of part 1, we will email the link for bible study part 2 to you.