University Objectives…
_________ the Word!
___________ the Word!
_________ the Word!
Semper Vivus: __________________ ____________
“This __________ is ___________!”
“University” Defined:
“An institution of ________________ at the highest ____________.”
Scripture:
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
Principle One (of 12)
The _______________ Principle
I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of respect. I must respect God. I must respect others. I must respect myself. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.
Primary Passage…
Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” — Mark 12:29-31 (NKJV)
Foundational Premise…
“Premise” Defined:
“A proposition upon which an ___________________ is based or from which a ___________________ is drawn.”
Premise…
Man’s ability to _________ in complete ___________________, no matter the outward circumstances, begins with his ability to acknowledge and _____________ the concept and reality of _______.
Scripture:
Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. — Psalm 33:18 (MSG)
He [God] paid the ransom for his people, He ordered his Covenant kept forever. He’s so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the Fear of God—Do that and you’ll know the blessing of God… — Psalm 111:9-10 (MSG)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. — Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)
Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God. — Proverbs 9:10 (MSG)
Biblical “Fear” Defined:
“Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.”
“Reverence” Defined:
“A feeling of profound ________ and ______________ and often love; veneration.”
“An act of showing ______________.”
Recognizing the Reality of God
Scripture:
It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 (MSG)
1. ______________ Evidence
The uniqueness of ____________________
Scripture:
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. — Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. — Acts 19:20 (NKJV)
…it became evident that the Word of the Master was now sovereign and prevailed… — Acts 19:20 (MSG)
2. ______________ Evidence
The uniqueness of ____________________!
Scripture:
You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. — Nehemiah 9:6 (NIV)
External Evidence: An Example
Two __________ of Ethnology
1. ________ One:
When widely ______________ peoples have in _____________ a body of tradition and belief, that common possession establishes relationship or common __________________.
2. ________ Two:
When widely _________________ peoples all have a ______________ tradition or belief in a past ___________, there is some historical occurrence as a basis of this belief.
Nine Interesting Facts
(Note: 33 races of people, widely isolated, were studied.)
Fact 1: _____ of 33 have a record of a flood (whether total or partial) at the approximate time of the biblical flood.
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 2: _____ of 33 have a record that the flood was totally destructive (exactly as the Bible expresses).
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 3: _____ of 33 races state in their records that man was somehow saved.
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 4: _____ of 33 have in their records that man was saved in a boat or ark
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 5: _____ of 33 mention that animals were saved along with man.
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 6: _____ of 33 races record that the ark or boat landed on a mountain where waters receded.
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 7: _____ of 33 races relate that birds were sent forth from the vessel to help detect when the waters had receded.
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 8: _____ of 33 races mention that some sort of divine favor or sign was shown toward those saved (primarily in the form of a “colored arch,” or rainbow, in the heavens).
TOTAL %: ______%
Fact 9: _____ of 33 races speak of some kind of worship being given from those saved from the flood.
TOTAL %: ______%
Conclusion: The Reality of God
Scripture:
So turn to me and be helped—saved!—everyone, whoever and wherever you are. I am God, the only God there is, the one and only. I promise in my own name: Every word out of my mouth does what it says. I never take back what I say. Everyone is going to end up kneeling before me. Everyone is going to end up saying of me, “Yes! Salvation and strength are in God!” All who have raged against him will be brought before him, disgraced by their unbelief. — Isaiah 45:21-24 (MSG)
Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
During this lesson, the biblical flood was used as an example of external evidence as to biblical accuracy and the reality of God’s existence. What other examples of external evidence can you think of? Why would this teaching suggest that believing in the concept and reality of God is fundamental to complete fulfillment in life?
Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Declare in prayer why you are in awe of God. Be as specific as possible in describing the aspects of God’s nature and character that create in you a deep reverence for God. Speak directly to God as you declare these verbal acknowledgments of His greatness and wonder.
