(John 1:12; 3:16, 36, etc.). There is a difference in believing about Christ and believing Him. Nearly every man be lieves about Christ; even Satan and his demons believe the facts about Christ; but they are not saved through this kind of believing. The moment a man believes to the point that he trusts in Christ as his only Saviour, that moment he really comes to know God. (See John 17:3.) Knowing God Through Trusting Is Man’s Greatest Blessing The Scriptures at the head of this lesson make this truth evident. Note that trusting in Christ brings the be liever the blessing of salvation. This is not the original meaning of any of the above texts, but it is assumed through out. No man has any dealing with God except through faith in Jesus Christ; this is the key that unlocks the treasure- house of God’s blessings to the believer (John 1:12 with Rom. 8:32; Eph. 1:3).
By Chester J. Padgett, D.D. Associate Professor of Bible Bible Institute of Los Angeles
Helps for Christian Endeavor and Other Young People's Groups
Trusting Is the Only Way to Know God The topic is accurate: “Knowing God Better—Through Trusting.” The fact re mains that the only way a man can ever know God is to trust Him. Trusting means believing and believing means trusting. Note the many passages in the Bible that call upon the sinner to believe in Christ; this means to trust Him Once the believer has trusted in the Saviour and thus become a child of God, he is then launched out on the Christian way of life. The first step in this new life is to commit one’s self to the will of God (Psalm 37:5). To commit one’s way is to turn the life over to God. This must be an actual and specific action. Have you ever said to the Lord, “ Lord, here is my entire life; take it and use it any way that pleases Thee?” In the meeting have the entire group read Romans 12:1, 2, then open the meeting for a word of testimony from those who have made this OPPORTUNITY is at your door with "SIX" Biola Day School CREDIT Courses by Correspondence I f you are Contemplating Attending Biola N OW Is the Time to Begin
Mar. 1, 1953 KNOW GOD BETTER— THROUGH TRUST Psa. 37:5; Prov. 3:5; Isa. 26:3-9
The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is : “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” It would be difficult to find a better definition of the true meaning of life. In your meeting analyze this definition; open the meeting for discussion of what life really means, of how best to glorify God, and of what it means to enjoy Him forever. Then turn to Philippians 3:10 and discuss this verse. Note that Paul’s words express the goal or the ambition I of his life. Ask questions about this statement—what does Paul mean? How did he go about to accomplish this su preme goal? What was the result in his life and in the lives of the countless millions of people he has inspired to follow the same road? Knowing God Is Man’s Most Solemn Duty and Highest Honor It is man’s duty to know God. This is true for two reasons: first, because God is his Creator. This fact obligates man to his Maker and constitutes him re sponsible to Him. In the second place, man’s first duty is to know God because this is the will of God for every man. Read and study Romans 1:18-32 in this connection. See how every failure of man is connected with his refusal to know God as He revealed Himself to man. (See John 1:11, 12 in this same connec tion and also John 3:18-20.) It is man’s highest honor to know God. We all know how privileged we feel to know famous people and to be on speak ing terms with them. Think of the honor attached to being on intimate terms with the Maker of heaven and earth! Not only are believers on intimate terms with Him, we are His very sons and daugh ters! See Romans 8:16, 17, 32; Second Corinthians 8:9, and other Scriptures that indicate something of the wonder of being related to God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
CHAPTER SUMMARY— Old Testament: 29 lessons— 29 examinations. New Testament: 12 lessons— 12 examinations. A synthetic study. Comprehen sive knowledge of each book and chapter.— Fee $5.00 2 CREDITS ADVANCED DOCTRINE —20 lessons— 11 examinations — 40 chaDters. A study of Bible Doctrine by R. A. Torrey; each chapter an outline in itself.— Fee $5.00 4 CREDITS CHILD EVANGELISM — 9 lessons—9 examinations. Material written by outstanding Christian workers; over 200 pages of material; theoretical and practical.— Fee $5.00 2 CREDITS BIBLE GEOGRAPHY — 16 lessons— 6 examinations. 128 pages, fascinating yet educational; including 12 maps of O.T. Geography and 18 maps of N.T. Geography.— Fee $2.50 2 CREDITS NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS — 16 lessons— 16 quizzes— 2 examinations. A comparative study of the Non-Christian religions of the world.— Fee $3.50 2 CREDITS BIBLE BEGINNER'S COURSE — 12 lessons— 6 examinations. Simple doctrine course.— Fee $2.00 Mail To The Bible Institute of Los Angeles CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL 558 South Hope Street Los Angeles 17, California
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