I BELONG TO GOD - Timothy Leadership Training Institute · I Belong to God is like many other...

I BELONG TO GOD

A CHRISTIAN CATECHISM

Copyright © 2004, Éditions ExcelsisAll rights reserved.

Excelsis – Boîte Postale 11 – 26450 Cléon d'Andran – FranceWebsite: www.XL6.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s VersionCopyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society and Zondervan

Contents Introduction

Contents

Introduction................................................................................4

I. I am happy to belong to God .............................................5

II. What God expects of me: the seven T’s ............................8

III. God’s Word: the Old Testament ......................................14

IV. God’s Word: the New Testament ....................................22

V. I believe ...........................................................................27

VI. I want to live for God ......................................................39

VII. I Pray to God ...................................................................45

Introduction

For 2000 years, Christians have expressed their biblicalfaith through catechisms. They are used to train children andyouth. They also strengthen the faith of adults and help over-come error.

I Belong to God is like many other ancient and contempo-rary catechisms. Many church leaders in Africa, Europe andthe Americas contributed to writing it.

This catechism is intended for use in the family and thechurch. It can also be used for personal reading and medita-tion. We pray that it will help you trust in the great King Jesus.He loves you and gave his life for you.

Harold Kallemeyn

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I am happy to belong to God I am happy to belong to God

I.

I am happy to belong to God

1. Are you happy?Yes, because I belong to God.

Blessed are those whose strength comes from you. (Psalm84.5)

Psalm 1

2. Why are you happy to belong to God?Because he loves me and takes care of me in life and death.

I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. (Jeremiah31.3)

3. Are you sometimes sad?Yes.

How long must my heart be sad day after day? (Psalm 13.2)

4. When are you sad?When I suffer, when I see others suffer or when I know thatI’ve thought or done something wrong.

Lord my God, give me new life, or I will die. (Psalm 13.3)Show me your mercy in keeping with your faithful love.(Psalm 51.1)

Psalm 38.19

5. Are you a good or a bad person?I am good because God made me in his image. But, I amalso bad because my heart is turned against God and I amseparated from him.

God created people in his own likeness. God saw that it wasvery good. (Genesis 1.27, 31)

6. Why are you bad?Because my first parents, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God.

Sin entered the world because one man sinned. And deathcame because of sin. (Romans 5.16)

7. But Adam and Eve lived such a long time ago!Yes, but through them, I was born with a heart turnedagainst God.

At one time, we tried to satisfy what our sinful naturewanted to do. We followed its longings and thoughts. Godwas angry with us. (Ephesians 2.3)

8. Must you stay opposed to God and separated from him?No. God comes to me and wants to give me a new heart.

I will give you new hearts. I will give you a new spirit thatis faithful to me. (Ezekiel 36.26)

9. What must you do to receive a new heart?I tell God that I am sorry because of my sin and that I wantto turn away from it. I ask God to forgive me, to make mepart of his family and to help me live for him.

I confessed my sin to you. I didn’t cover up the wrong I haddone. And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32.5)

10. How does God respond?He forgives me and enters my heart. He makes me thankfuland happy to love him.

God is faithful and fair. If we confess our sins, he will for-give us. He will make us pure. (1 John 1.9)

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What God expects of me: the seven T’s What God expects of me: the seven T’s

II.

What God expects of me: the seven T’s

11. Why did God create human beings like you and me?To take care of the world and to learn to love God and tolove each other.

Have children and increase your numbers. Fill the earthand rule over it. (Genesis 1.28)Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with allyour mind. Love your neighbour as you love yourself. (Mat-thew 22.37-39)

Matthew 22.37-39

12. What does it mean to take care of the world?God gives me seven important responsibilities: a temple,the earth and its terrain, time, tasks (work), talents, treasu-res, and transmission.

13. What is this temple?My body is God’s temple. I take care of it and discipline itso that it pleases God and is helpful for others.

Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the HolySpirit? The Spirit is in you. (1 Corinthians 6.19)

Romans 12.1; 2 Corinthians 7.1

14. What does it mean to take care of the earth and its terrain?Cultivate the earth without wasting it.

The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden. He puthim there to work its ground and to take care of it. (Genesis2.15)

15. Why must we take care of the earth?God gave us the earth and we need it to live. If we don’t takecare of the earth it will not stay healthy and neither will we.

The heavens belong to the Lord, but he has given the earthto human beings. (Psalm 115.16)

16. What happens when the earth is well cultivated?Forests and fields, lakes and rivers, villages and citiesbecome productive and enjoyable places for us and for ourgrandchildren.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever. May the Lordbe happy with what he has made. (Psalm 104.31)

17. What does it mean to use your time well?Receive each day and hour as a gift from God, withoutwasting it. Use my time to do good for those around me.

Teach us to count our days. Then our hearts will becomewise. (Psalm 90.12)

Colossians 4.5; John 9.4; Galatians 6.10

18. What are tasks?God created me to work cheerfully and with all my heart: inthe family, at school, in the fields and wherever he calls meto serve.

Those who have been stealing must never steal again. In-stead they must work. They must do something useful withtheir own hands. Then they will have something to give topeople in need. (Ephesians 4.28)

Proverbs 6.6-11; 1 Thessalonians 4.11;2 Thessalonians 3.10-12; Acts 20.34, 35

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19. What are the most important tasks you are called to do?To worship and serve God and to show love to my neighbor.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with allyour soul. Love him with all your strength and with allyour mind. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Luke10.27)

20. How do you show love to your neighbor?By doing to them what I would like them do to me.

Do to others what you want them do to you. (Matthew 7.12)

21. What does it mean to use your talents well?Develop my abilities and use them to help and encouragethose around me.

We all have gifts. They differ according to the grace Godhas given each of us. (Romans 12.6)

Ephesians 4.7

22. What are treasures?Land, buildings, money and other things which I own.

God richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell therich to do good things. They must give freely. They must bewilling to share. (1 Timothy 6.17, 18)

23. Can you multiply your treasures?Yes, with God's help.

The servant who had received the five talents went at onceand put his money to work. He earned five more. (Matthew25.16)

24. How does God want you to use your treasures?To multiply them. To provide for my own needs and theneeds of my family and those around me. God gives metreasures so that I can learn to be generous, like him.

Some give freely but get even richer. Others don’t givewhat they should but get even poorer. (Proverbs 11.24)

25. Do parents create the life of their children?No, only God can create life. But, he uses parents to trans-mit life to their children.

You put me together inside my mother’s body. (Psalm139.13)We will tell our children about the Lord’s power and thewonderful things he has done. (Psalm 78.4)

Jeremiah 1.5

26. What does God require of parents?God calls parents to love and respect each other. They arealso called to educate their children with patience and wis-dom so that they learn to love God and become useful tothose around them.

A husband must love his wife. And a wife must respect herhusband. (Ephesians 5.33)Don’t make your children angry. Instead, train them andteach them the ways of the Lord as you raise them. (Ephe-sians 6.4)

27. What does God require of children?To love God and to respect and obey their parents and allthose in authority.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with allyour strength. (Deuteronomy 6.5)Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Obey thembecause it’s the right thing to do. (Ephesians 6.1)

28. What is a family?Those who come from the same parents and who share whatthey have.

From the Father his whole family in heaven and on earthgets its name. (Ephesians 3.15)

Acts 2.44

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29. To which families do you belong?I belong to three families: the family of all those created inGod’s image, the family of my parents and the family ofJesus’ disciples.

God gives lonely people a family. (Psalm 68.6)Some people believed in his name. He gave the right tobecome children of God. (John 1.12)

30. What are your responsibilities to your family members?To honor and serve them in truth and love.

So each of you must get rid of your lying. Speak the truthto your neighbour. We are all part of one body. (Ephesians4.25)

31. How can I practice these seven important responsibilities?Through Christ’s victory despite many trials.

In all these things we do even more than win! We owe it allto Christ, who has loved us. (Romans 8.37)

32. What is “Christ’s victory”?Christ’s Spirit lives in me. Through him I can conquer sinand the devil.

Let us give thanks to God! He wins the battle for usbecause of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. (1 Corin-thians 15.57)

33. What are “trials”?Whatever makes me suffer. I don’t always know why I suffer.But I know that God is greater than my suffering. I knowthat he will bring good from it.

We know that in all things God works for the good of thosewho love him. (Romans 8.28)

34. Are you able to do what God ask of you?No, not unless he guides and helps me.

What a terrible failure I am! Who will save me from thissin that brings death to my body? I give thanks to God. Hewill do it through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 8.24, 25)

35. How do you know what God wants of you?Through the Bible and through his Spirit in me.

Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is a lightthat guides me. (Psalm 119.105)

THE BIBLE, GOD’S WORD

36. What are books of the Bible?The Old Testament:Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy,Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms,Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah,Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos,Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habbakuk, Zepheniah,Haggai, Zachariah, Malachi.The New Testament:Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinth-ians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippiens, Colossians, 1&2Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews,James, 1&2 Peter, 1,2&3 John, Jude, Revelation.

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God’s Word. The Old Testament God’s Word. The Old Testament

III.

God’s Word. The Old Testament

37. Why is it important to read the Old Testament?To know that God created the world and that he will notabandon it.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.(Genesis 1.1)

38. Who were Adam and Eve?Adam and Eve were our first parents. God created them inhis image and blessed them.

So God created man in his own likeness. He created him inthe likeness of God. He created them as male and female.God blessed them. (Genesis 1.17,28)

39. Adam and Eve refused to obey God. What happened then?Sin, hatred, suffering and injustice entered the world.

Sin entered the world because one man sinned. And deathcame because of sin. (Romans 5.12)

40. What did God promise Adam and Eve after they sinned?God promised to send them a Saviour.

God said to Satan, Her son will crush your head. (Genesis3.15)

41. Who were Cain and Abel?Cain and Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve. Cainkilled his brother Abel because of jealousy.

In the field, Cain attacked his brother and killed him.(Genesis 4.8)

Genesis 4.1-16; Hebrews 11.4

42. What did God promise Cain?God promised to protect Cain.

The Lord put a mark on Cain. Then anyone who foundhim wouldn't kill him. (Genesis 4.15)

43. What did God tell Noah to do?To build a big boat so he would be saved from the flood thatdestroyed the earth.

Make yourself an ark out of cypress wood. (Genesis 6.14)Genesis 6-8; Hebrews 11.7

44. What did God promise after the Flood?God promised to bless all living creatures and never againdestroy the earth. The rainbow is a sign of this promise.

The waters of the flood will never destroy all life again. Ihave put my rainbow in the clouds. It will be a sign of thecovenant between me and the earth. (Genesis 9.11,13)

45. Who were Abraham and Sarah ?An old couple without children. God made a covenant withthem and promised them children and many blessings.

I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you. I willmake your name great. You will be a blessing to others.(Genesis 12.2)

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46. What did God ask of Abraham and Sarah?To believe his promises and to obey him.

Leave your country and your people. Leave your father'sfamily. Go to the land I will show you. (Genesis 12.1)The Lord said to Abraham, "I am the Mighty God. Walkwith me and live without any blame." (Genesis 17.1)

47. Did Abraham and Sarah believe God?Yes, they believed God despite their doubts.

Abraham had faith. So he obeyed God. Sarah believed God. (Hebrews 11.8,11)

48. Did God keep his promise?Yes, God gave them a son, Isaac.

The covenant God made with your people long ago is yoursalso. He said to Abraham, “All nations on earth will beblessed through your children. ” (Acts 3.25)

Genesis 21.1-7

49. Who was Jacob?The grandson of Abraham and Sarah. He wrestled with Godand was named Israel.

Your name will not be Jacob anymore. Instead, it will beIsrael. You have struggled with God and with men. Andyou have won. (Genesis 32.28)

50. What did God promise Jacob?God repeated the promises made to his grandparents andpromised to take care of him.

I will give you and your children after you the land onwhich you are lying. All nations on earth will be blessedbecause of you and your children after you. I am with you.I will watch over you everywhere you go. (Genesis 28.13-15)

51. Who was Joseph?Joseph was the son of Jacob. His brothers sold him as aslave because they were jealous of him.

His brothers sold him to the Ishmaelite traders for 20 coinsof silver. (Genesis 37.28)

52. What happened next?The slave traders took Joseph to Egypt where he becameprime minister. He forgave his brothers and took care ofthem during a long famine.

You planned to harm me. But God planned it for good. Heplanned to do what is now being done. He wanted to savemany lives. (Genesis 50.20)

Genesis 41-50; Hebrews 11.22

53. And after the famine?The people of Israel became slaves of a cruel king in Egypt.

The Egyptians didn’t show them any pity at all. The madethem work very hard. (Exodus 1.14)

54. Who was Moses?An Israelite child. The cruel king wanted to kill him, butMoses was saved by his mother and by the daughter of theking.

Pharoah’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby. Nursehim for me. I’ll pay you.” (Exodus 2.9)

55. What did God promise Moses?To deliver his people from slavery.

So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh. I want you tobring the Israelites out of Egypt. They are my people. (Exo-dus 3.10)

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56. Did God keep his promise?Yes. Moses led the Israelites from slavery to freedom. In thedesert, God gave them the Law.

The people had faith. So they passed through the Red Sea.They went through it as if it were dry land. (Hebrews 11.29)

Exodus 3-20; Hebrews 11.24-28

57. Who was Joshua?Moses’ assistant. After Moses died, Joshua led the people ofIsrael into the promised land.

Moses said, “Be strong and brave. You must go with thesepeople. The Lord himself will go ahead of you. He will bewith you. He will never leave you. So don’t be afraid. Don’tlose hope.” (Deuteronomy 31.7, 8)

Joshua 1-24

58. What did God promise Joshua?To conquer the promised land.

You will lead these people, and they will take the land astheir very own. (Joshua 1.6)

59. Who was Rahab?Rahab was a woman with a bad reputation. She believed inGod and was saved.

Rahab, the prostitute, had faith. So she welcomed thespies. That’s why she wasn’t killed with those who didn’tobey God. (Hebrews 11.31)

Joshua 2 and 6.22, 23

60. Who was Gideon?Gideon was a farmer. God called him to rescue the peopleof Israel from their enemies.

The Lord said to Gideon, “You are strong. Go and saveIsrael from the power of Midian. I am sending you.” (Jud-ges 6.14)

Juges 6-7

61. What did God promise Gideon?To deliver the Israelites from their oppressors.

I will be with you. So you will strike down the men ofMidian all at one time. (Judges 6.16)

62. Was Israel faithful to God?No, Israel tried to find happiness without obeying God. Butthey never succeeded.

The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of theLord. (Judges 2.11; 3.7, 12; 4.1; 6.1; 8.33; 13.1)

63. Who was Ruth?Ruth was a foreigner. She loved God and became the grand-mother of king David.

Ruth said, “Where you go, I’ll go. Where you stay I’ll stay.Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God.”(Ruth 1.16)

Ruth 1-4

64. Who was Hannah?Hannah was a woman of prayer who had no children. Godanswered her prayer and she gave birth to Samuel whobecame a leader in Israel.

Lord, you rule over all. Please see how I am suffering!Don’t forget about me! Please give me a son! If you do, I’llgive him back to you. Then he will serve you all the days ofhis life. (1 Samuel 1.11)

1 Samuel 1-24

65. Who was David?David was a young shepherd. God chose him to lead hispeople and to protect them from their enemies. David wrotemany songs of praise.

Samuel anointed David in front of his brothers, and fromthat day on, the Spirit of the Lord came on David withpower. (1 Samuel 16.13)

1 Samuel 16 - 1 Kings 2

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66. What are those songs called?The Psalms.

67. Was David a good king?David loved God and delivered the people of Israel fromtheir enemies.

Lord my Saviour, come quickly to help me. (Psalm 38.22)

68. David also sinned and caused much suffering.Yes, but God forgave him because he asked forgiveness.

You are the one I’ve really sinned against. I’ve done whatis evil in your sight. (Psalm 51.4)

69. What did God promise David?God promised that his kingdom would last forever.

Your royal house and your kingdom will last forever in mysight. Your throne will last forever. (2 Samuel 7.16)

70. Did God keep his promise?Yes, in Christ Jesus.

I, Jesus, am the Root and the Son of David. I am the brightMorning Star. (Revelation 22.16)

71. Who was Solomon?The son of David and Bethsheba. He became king of Israeland God made him very wise and rich. But Salomon alsosinned. After his death, Israel was divided into two parts.

Give me a heart that understands. Then I can rule overyour people. I can tell the difference between what is rightand what is wrong. (1 Kings 3.9)

1 Kings 1-12

72. After that, many kings ruled in Israel. Were they good orbad?Most were bad kings because they did not respect God andhis law.

I will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has com-mitted. He has also caused Israel to commit those samesins. (1 Kings 14.16)

1 Kings 12 - 2 Kings 25

73. What did God do?He sent prophets, like Elijah and Elisha.

Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you area man of God. I know that the message you have broughtfrom the Lord is true.” (1 Kings 17.24)


74. Did those kings listen to the prophets?No, instead they tried to kill the prophets.

Was there ever a prophet your people didn’t try to hurt?They even killed those who told about the coming of theBlameless One. (Acts 7.52)


75. What did God do then?He protected the prophets. But he let Israel’s enemies turnthem into slaves far from home.

The armies of Babylon broke down the walls around Jeru-salem. Some people still remained in the city. The comman-der Nebuzaradan took them away as prisoners. (2 Kings25.10, 11)

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76. Who was Jonah?A disobedient prophet. He became angry because Godloved his enemies.

Jonah was very upset. He became angry. He prayed to theLord, “I knew that you are tender and kind. You are slowto get angry. You are full of love. You are a God who takespity on people. You don’t want to destroy them.” (Jonah 4.1,2)

Jonah 1-4

77. Who was Esther?A young woman far from home. She became queen andsaved her people Israel from death.

I’ll go to the king. I’ll do it even though it’s against the law.And if I have to die, I’ll die. (Esther 4.16)

Esther 1-10

78. Who was Daniel?A young man far from home. He stayed faithful to God andbecame prime minister to the king.

King Darius wrote to all the peoples: “The God of Danielis the living God. He will live forever. He has saved Danielfrom the power of lions.” (Daniel 6.25-27)

Daniel 1-12

79. Did God forget his people when they were slaves?No. God never stopped loving his disobedient people. After70 years, God sent Ezra and Nehemiah to bring them backto Israel.

If you return to me, I will bring you back. If you obey mycommands, I will gather you together again. I will bringyou back from the farthest places on earth. (Nehemiah 1.9)

Ezra 1-10; Nehemiah 1-13

80. What did God promise his people through the prophet Jere-miah?God promised them new hearts.

I will give my people hearts that are completely committedto me. I will give them hearts that obey me. (Ezekiel 11.19)

81. Did God keep this promise?Yes, he sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

I will pour out my Spirit on those who serve me, both menand women. (Acts 2.18)

82. Who was Malachi?The last prophet of the Old Testament. After Malachi, Goddid not speak for 400 years.

“Return to me. Then I will return to you," says the Lordwho rules over all. (Malachi 3.7)

Malachi 1-3

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God’s Word. The New Testament God’s Word. The New Testament

IV.

God’s Word. The New Testament

83. Why is it important to read the New Testament?To know Jesus and to learn to love and trust him.

This is written down so that you may believe that Jesus isthe Christ, the Son of God. If you believe this, you will havelife because you belong to him. (John 20.31)

84. Why did Jesus come to earth from heaven?To show God’s love.

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and onlySon. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will haveeternal life. (John 3.16)

85. Who is Jesus for you?He is my Good Shepherd. He knows me and loves me andhelps me to love him with all my heart. He leads me, takescare of me and makes me happy to belong to him.

I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheepknow me. And I give my life for the sheep. (John 10.14)

Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34; John 10

86. Who first announced the birth of Jesus?The angel Gabriel told Mary: “You will give birth to theMessiah!”

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary. God is verypleased with you.” (Luke 1.30)

87. What did Mary answer?Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. May God do withme as he wishes.”

My soul gives glory to the Lord. From now on, all peoplewill call me blessed. (Luke 1.46, 48)

88. When the angels told the shepherds that Jesus was born,what did they do?The shepherds left their flocks to greet the baby Jesus.

They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and thebaby. The baby was lying in a manger. (Luke 2.16)

89. Who announced the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry?John the Baptist.

Prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him.(Luke 3.4)

Luke 3.7

90. What was John the Baptist’s message?“Repent and change your ways, for the Kingdom of God iscoming. Share what you have with the poor.”

Produce fruit that show you have turned away from yoursins. If you have extra clothes, you should share with thosewho have none. If you have extra food, you should do thesame. (Luke 3)

91. What was his message to authorities and to soldiers?Don’t collect any more than you are required to. Don’tforce people to give you money. Don’t bring false chargesagainst people. Be content with your pay. (Luke 3.13, 14)

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God’s Word. The New Testament God’s Word. The New Testament

92. What are the four gospels which tell about Jesus’ life anddeath?Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

This is written down so that you may believe that Jesus isthe Christ, the Son of God. If you believe this, you will havelife because you belong to him. (John 20.31)

93. What were the four great events in Jesus’ life?His birth, his death, his resurrection and his ascension.

See the four gospels.

94. When do we celebrate these four events?On Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and Ascension Day.

Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is author of faith. He alsomakes it perfect. (Hebrews 12.2)

95. How did Jesus show that God loves us?By his humiliation and suffering. Also, by the miracles hedid, by his teaching and by the way in which he met manypeople personally.

Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. Hewas buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day,just as Scripture said he would be. (1 Corinthians 15.3, 4)

96. Who are the apostles?Those whom Jesus chose to be with him and to tell otherswhat they had heard and seen.

He appointed 12 of them and called them apostles. (Mark3.14)

Acts 1

97. Who was the apostle Peter?One of Jesus’ apostles. Just before Jesus went to the cross,Peter denied that he knew him to save his own life. Jesus for-gave him and Peter became a leader in the church.

Jesus asked, “Simon son of John, do you really love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.” Jesussaid “Take care of my sheep.” (John 21.16)

John 18; Acts 2-4; 1 and 2 Peter

98. Who was Stephen?A leader in the early church. He took care of the poor andwas a great preacher. Stephen was stoned to death becauseof his faith.

Stephen was full of God’s grace and power. (Acts 6.8)Acts 6 and 7

99. Who was the apostle Paul?A religious leader who hated Christians and persecutedthem. Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and turnedhim into an apostle and missionary.

I am Jesus. I am the one you are opposing. Now get up.Stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint youto serve me and be my witness. (Acts 26.15, 16)

Acts 9-28 and Paul’s letters

100. Who was Timothy?A young man whom the apostle Paul trained. Later Timothybecame a leader in the church.

Timothy, you are my true son in the faith. (1 Timothy1.2)Acts 16

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God’s Word. The New Testament I believe…

101. What did the first Christians do together?They met regularly to pray and to reflect on what the Biblesays. They shared their lives and their possessions. Theyalso shared the Lord’s Supper together.

The believers studied what the apostles taught. They sha-red life together. They broke bread and ate together. (Acts2.42)

Acts 2-8

102. Who were the first Christians?People living in the Middle East, in Africa and in Asia.Later, Europeans also became Christians.

Acts 2.9-11; Acts 16.9 and following

103. Did the early church face difficulties?Yes. The church suffered because of persecutions, badleaders and disputes among Christians.

I know that after I leave, wild wolves will come in amongyou. They won’t spare any of the sheep. (Acts 20.29)

Pauls’, Peters’ and Johns’ letters

104. Is Jesus sad when his children take the wrong path and aredivided?Yes. He gave his life so that his people, coming from allraces and tribes, would live together in unity.

Brothers and sisters, I ask all of you to agree with oneanother. (1 Corinthians 1.10)

John 13-17

105. What is the Christian's hope?To rejoice when Christ returns and to serve him forever onthe new earth.

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem. It was comingdown out of heaven from God. It was prepared like a bridebeautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21.2)

V.

I believe…

106. What do Christians believe?What God promises in the Bible and what is summarized inthe Apostles’ Creed.

Go and make disciples of all nations. Teach them to obeyeverything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28.19, 20)

107. What does the Apostle’s Creed teach?

I believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth.And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the vir-gin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, dead and buried.He descended into hell.The third day he arose again from the dead.He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God theFather almighty.From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

God’s Word. The

New

Testament

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I believe… I believe…

I believe in the Holy Spirit,The holy catholic Church,The communion of the saints,The forgiveness of sins,The ressurection of the body,And the life everlasting. Amen.

108. How is the Apostle’s Creed divided?Into three parts. First, God the Father and our creation.Second, God the Son and our salvation. Third, God the HolySpirit and our Christian life.

109. But there is only one God! Why speak of a Father, Son andHoly Spirit?In the Bible, God is revealed in three persons. These threepersons are the only one true and eternal God.

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in thename of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.(Matthew 28.19)

GOD THE FATHERAND OUR CREATION

110. What do you mean when you say “I believe in God theFather almighty, maker of heaven and earth?”The eternal Father created heaven and earth. He directs theworld and takes care of it.

The Lord spoke, and the world came into being. (Psalm33.9)

Genesis 1; 2

111. Is God your personal Father?Yes, God is my Father because of Jesus Christ. That is whyI trust him. I am certain that he gives me whatever I need formy body and soul. He brings good out of my difficultiesbecause he is my all powerful Father.

My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them inkeep-ing with his wonderful riches that come to youbecause you belong to Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4.19)

Romans 8.28

112. Does God truly take care of the world?Yes. By his almighty power, God directs the heaven andearth with all its creatures, visible and invisible.

He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven. Hegives you crops in their seasons. He provides you withplenty of food. He fills your hearts with joy. (Acts 14.17)

113. Does it matter to know that God created the world and takescare of it?Yes. By knowing this I can be patient when things go badlyand be thankful and generous when things go well. Godholds me in his hand. No creature, visible or invisible, canseparate me from his love.

You have given and you have taken away. May your namebe praised. (Job 1.21)

Romans 8.38, 39

GOD THE SONAND OUR SALVATION

114. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, our Savior?Because he saves us from our sins and from the devil’sharm. He alone can save us.

You can’t be saved by believing in anyone else. (Acts 4.12)

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115. Why is he called Christ, the chosen one?Because God chose him to be our:

• Prophet. He shows us God’s will for our life,

• Priest. By his sacrifice, he frees us from sin and death andprays for us always.

• King. He rules us by his Word and Spirit, protects us and pro-vides for our needs.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.(Matthew 28. 18)

Deuteronomy 18.5; Hebrews 7.21; Luke 1.33

116. Why is Jesus called the only begotten Son of God? Wealso are God’s children.Only Christ is God’s eternal Son. We are God’s childrenthrough adoption.

God has spoken to us through his Son. God made every-thing through him. (Hebrews 1.2)You received the Holy Spirit, who makes you God’s child.(Romans 8.15)

John 1.14

117. Why do you say, Our Lord?Because he delivers me from sin and the devil and becauseI belong to him. He is the King of the whole world.

You were bought with the precious blood of Christ. He is aperfect lamb. (1 Peter 1.18, 19)

118. What do you mean, conceived by the Holy Spirit andborn of the virgin Mary?Jesus has always been God. He took on human nature whenhe was born. He is human like us in every way, except forsin.

The right time came. God sent his Son. A woman gavebirth to him. He wanted us to be adopted as children withall the rights children have. (Galatians 4.4)

119. Why is it important to know that Jesus took a true humannature?He is a human being like us in every way, except for sin. Heunderstands me in my weakness and helps me in times oftrouble.

He himself suffered when he was tempted. Now he is ableto help others who are tempted. (Hebrews 4.15)

Hebrews 2.16-18; 7.26

120. What do you mean, he suffered?By his suffering and his sacrifice on the cross, we receiveeternal life.

He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds havehealed us. (Isaiah 53.5)

121. Why was Jesus crucified?To be crucified meant to be cursed. Jesus took the curse andshame of our sins on himself.

Christ set us free from the curse of the law. He did it bybecoming a curse for us. (Galatians 3.13)

Galatians 3; Deuteronomy 21.23

122. How could Jesus die since he is God?Jesus is eternal God with the Father and the Holy Spirit. ByJesus’ death, the three persons of the Trinity showed howmuch they want us to belong to their family.

We preach about Christ and his death on the cross. That isvery hard for Jews to accept. And everyone else thinks it’sfoolish. (1 Corinthians 1.23)

123. Why did Jesus have to die?Our sins could not be forgiven in any other way thanthrough the condemnation of the Son of God. Through thesacrifice, God showed how much he loves us.

Jesus can set people free who are afraid of death. All theirlives they are held as slaves by that fear. (Hebrews 2.15)

Hebrews 2; Genesis 2.17

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124. Why was he buried?To show that he had really died.

They laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from thedead. (Acts 13.29, 30)

John 19.38-42

125. How is Christ’s death important to you today?Because of his death, my old nature has been put to death.This means that bad desires no longer control me. Jesuslives in me through his Spirit.

I have been crucified with Christ. I don’t live any longer.Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2.20)

Romans 6; 12.1

126. Why do we say, He descended into hell?So that when I suffer, I know that Jesus has delivered mefrom eternal suffering and hell.

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, whyhave you deserted me?” (Matthew 27.46)

Isaiah 53

127. Why is the resurrection important for you?Jesus conquered death through his resurrection. I no longerneed to fear death. Because Jesus came back from the dead,I know that I will also return from death to eternal life.

The God who raised Christ from the dead will also give lifeto your bodies, which are going to die. He will do this by thepower of the Spirit, who lives in you. (Romans 8.11)

1 Corinthians 15; 1 Peter 1.3, 21; Colossians3.1-5

128. What do you mean when you say, He ascended to heaven?Jesus was taken from earth to heaven. In heaven, he directsall of history by his Word and Spirit. He takes care of me andcontinually prays for me.

Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also prayingfor us. (Romans 8.34)

Mark 16.19; Hebrews 4.14; John 10.28, 29

129. Why do we say He sits at the right hand of God theFather?To remember that God the Father governs all things andthat Jesus is the King of kings.

Christ sits far above all who rule and have authority. Healso sits far above all powers and kings. (Ephesians 1.21)

Ephesians 1; Acts 2.33

130. Why is it important to say, He will come to judge the livingand the dead?So that in suffering and persecution I can look forward tohis return with dignity and courage. I know that Jesus is pre-par-ing my eternal home and will not forget me.

The King will speak to those on his right. He will say, “MyFather has blessed you. Come and take what is yours. It isthe the kingdom prepared for you since the world wascreated.” (Matthew 25.34)

Luke 21.28; Matthew 25; Romans 8.23

131. Why are you called a Christian?Because in Christ I am a prophet, a priest and a king!

• A prophet. I witness to God’s love through loving words andacts.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy. (Acts 2.17)

• A priest. I offer my life to God in gratitude and never stoppraying.

Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God.When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshipinghim. (Romans 12.1)

• A king. Like a good king, I fight against sin and the devil andtake care of those in need. When Jesus returns, I will reignwith him forever.

Don’t let sin rule your body, which is going to die. Don’tobey its evil longings. (Romans 6.12)

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GOD THE HOLY SPIRITAND OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE

132. Who is the Holy Spirit?The eternal God, with the Father and the Son. By faith, hecovers me with God’s righteousness. He makes me want tobe Jesus’ disciple and gives me strength to live for God.

The Father will give you another Friend to help you and tobe with you forever. The Friend is the Spirit of truth. (John14.16, 17)

133. What is the “fruit of the Spirit?”The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. Itis being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful andgentle and having control of oneself. (Galatians 5.22, 23)

134. What are the “gifts of the Spirit”?The Spirit gives every believer different abilities to serveGod and others.

The Holy Spirit is given to each of us in a special way. Thatis for the good of all. (1 Corinthians 12.7)We all have gifts. They differ in keeping with the grace thatGod has given to each of us. (Romans 12.6)

Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4

135. Is the Spirit active outside the Church?Yes, the Spirit is also active throughout history in the world.Through the Word, he works in the hearts of unbelievers.

When he comes, he will prove that the world’s people areguilty. (John 16.8)

136. What is the holy, catholic Church?God gathers those who have been chosen for eternal lifethrough the mission of the Church. He protects and takescare of his people by his Word and Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gave the church strength and boldness. Sothey grew in numbers. (Acts 9.31)

137. What is the mission of the Church?To worship God. Also, to tell of his love and to show thislove by meeting other people's needs, at home and aroundthe world.

Let Christ’s word live in you like a rich treasure. Sing withthanks in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3.16)You must work. Then you will have something to give topeople in need. Say only what will help to build others upand meet their needs. (Ephesians 4.28, 29)

138. What is the communion of the saints?All Christians are called saints because they receive theSpirit and are called to serve God. God expects them torespect, love and help each other.

God chose us to be holy and without blame in his eyes.(Ephesians 1.4)

1 John 1.3; Philippians 2.4-7

139. What are the responsibilities of church leaders, calledpastors?

• Show a good example by their humble service,Don’t act as if you were a ruler over those who are underyour care. Instead, be examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5.3)

• Teach faithfully the meaning of the Bible,…the elders who preach and teach. (1 Timothy 5.17)

• Pray faithfully and lead God’s people in worship,We always thank God for all of you. We pray for you.(1 Thessalonians 1.2)

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• Visit regularly God’s people to listen to them to be able toconsole and guide them,

Be shepherds of God’s flock, the believers who are underyour care. (1 Peter 5.2)

• Train God’s people for Christian service in the church andthe world,

Prepare God’s people to serve. If they do, the body ofChrist will be built up. (Ephesians 4.12)

• Administer the sacraments.Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son andof the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28.19)

140. What are the sacraments?God gives us visible signs to convince us of his love for us.Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are signs and seals of hislove.

This is my body. It is given for you. Every time you eat it, doit in memory of me. (Luke 22.19)

141. What is the remission of sins?Because Jesus paid the full price of the debt of my sins, Godwill never condemn me for my sins.

He doesn’t punish us for our sins as much as we should bepunished. He doesn’t pay us back in keeping with the evilthings we’ve done. (Psalm 103.10)

142. What is the resurrection of the body?When Jesus returns, my body will be raised to be like hisglorified body. I will reign with him forever.

By his power he will change our earthly bodies. They willbecome like his glorious body. (Philippians 3.21)They will rule for ever and ever. (Revelation 22.5)

143. What do you mean by life everlasting?My present joy to know God and his love will be multiplieda thousand times when Jesus returns.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can imaginewhat God has prepared for those who love him.(1 Corinthians 2.9)I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven andthe first earth were completely gone. (Revelation 21.1)

2 Peter 3.13

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I want to live for God I want to live for God

VI.

I want to live for God

144. How do you thank God for everything he has done for you?I love and worship him and do good works.

Praise him, all you who serve him and do what he wants.(Psalm 103.21)

1 Corinthians 6.19,20; Matthew 5.16; Ephesians 2.10

145. What are good works?Thoughts and actions that show love for God and for others.

If faith doesn’t cause us to do something, it’s dead. (James2.17)

146. What is the law of God?God said:1. Do not put any other gods in place of me.2. Do not make statues of gods that look like anything in

the sky or on the earth or in the waters. Do not bowdown to them or worship them.

3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.4. Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy. Do all your

work in six days.

5. Honor your father and mother.6. Do not commit murder.7. Do not commit adultery8. Do not steal.9. Do not give false witness against your neighbour10.Do not long for anything that belongs to your neighbour.

Exodus 20.1-17

147. What is the summary of this law?Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love yourneighbor as you love yourself. (Mark 12.29-31)

148. How do we divide the law?Into two parts. The first four commandments teach us howto love God. The last six teach us how to love others.

Deuteronomy 4.13; Matthew 22.37-39

149. How do you show your love to God by keeping the firstcommandment?I hate idolatry and sorcery and refuse ancestor worship. Iput my confidence in God rather than in evil spirits.

All the gods of the nations are like their statues. They can’tdo anything. (1 Chronicles 16.26)

Deuteronomy 26.13, 14; Daniel 3; Acts 5.29

150. How do you show your love to God by keeping the secondcommandment?I refuse all images and statues of God because they disho-nor him. God wants me to know him through his living Wordand not through dead images.

They claimed to be wise. But they made fools of themselves.They would rather have statues of gods than the gloriousGod who lives forever. (Romans 1.22, 23)

Deuteronomy 4.15-19; Jeremiah 10.8-10;Habakkuk 2.18-20; Acts 17.29

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I want to live for God I want to live for God

151. How do you show your love to God by keeping the thirdcommandment?I refuse to insult God by using his name in swearing or inmaking promises. I think of God and speak about him withgreat respect.

Let your “Yes” be yes and your “No”, no, or you will becondemned. (James 5.12)

Leviticus 19.12; Matthew 5.37; Colossians 3.17

152. How do you show your love to God by keeping the fourthcommandment?I work six days each week and rest on the seventh. On theday of rest, I attend church to celebrate God’s work.

God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. After he hadcreated everything, he rested from all of the work he haddone. (Genesis 2.3)

Acts 2.42; 1 Corinthians 16.2

153. How do you show love to others by keeping the fifthcommandment?I honor and love my father and mother. I accept their goodinstruction and their correction, even though they are notperfect.

Our people who lived before us told us about things thathappened a long time ago. We won’t hide them from ourchildren. We will tell them about what the Lord has donethat is worthy of praise. (Psalm 78.3-4)

Deuteronomy 6.4-9; Ephesians 6.1-3

154. What does the fifth commandment also teach?That I respect and support the authorities that lead us. Ipray for them that they will respect God’s law and protect usall against the violence of unjust and wicked men.

All of you must be willing to completely obey those whorule over you. (Romans 13.1)

Psalm 72; Psalm 7.7-10

155. How do you show love to others by keeping the sixthcommandment?I refuse to despise or hate others or to be jealous of them.Rather, I contribute to the good reputation of those aroundme.

Anyone who murders man will be killed by man. (Genesis9.6)

Exodus 23.5; Romans 12.19;Matthew 5.21-24; Ephesians 4.26; 1 John 3.15

156. How do you show love to others by keeping the seventhcommandment?I refuse impure sexual thoughts, words and actions. I fightagainst these strong desires so that I do not become a slaveto them or harm others. Sexual relations are good, butreserved for marriage.

He wants all of you to learn to control your own bodies. Youmust live in a way that is holy. You must live with honor.Don’t long to commit sexual sins like those who don’t knowGod. (1 Thessalonians 4.4, 5)

Hebrews 13.4; 1 Corinthians 6 and 7

157. How do you show love to others by keeping the eighthcommandment?I refuse to take what belongs to others. I hate cheating,steal-ing and corruption. I do not waste my time, my talentsor anything else that God has given me.

Stop hurting others. Do what is fair and right. Stop takingmy people’s land away from them. (Ezekiel 45.9)

Proverbs 11.1; Luke 3.14;1 Thessalonians 4.6; Ephesians 4.28

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I want to live for God I pray to God

158. How do you show love to others be keeping the ninthcommandment?I love what is true. I hate gossip and lies, which are the workof the devil. I do everything I can to defend the honor ofothers and to contribute to their good reputation.

The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies. But he is pleasedwith people who tell the truth. (Proverbs 12.22)

Proverbs 19.5; John 8.44;Ephesians 4.25; James 4.11

159. How do you show love to others by keeping the tenthcommandment?I refuse to desire the things and the advantages of othersand to be jealous of their blessings. I appreciate what Godhas given to me. I use what I have for God’s glory and forthe good of others.

You want something but can’t get it. You kill and covet andwant what others have. But you can’t have what you want.Make your hearts pure. (James 4.2, 8)

Ephesians 4.22; Titus 3.3;James 1.14, 15; 1 John 2.16; Jude 16

160. Can you keep all these commandments faithfully?No, even the most faithful have only just begun to learn toobey God’s law.

I have not yet been made perfect. But I move on to takehold of what Christ Jesus took hold of me for. (Philippians3.12)

161. Does that discourage you?No. I know that God forgives me when I confess my sins andthat he will continue his faithful work in me until eternity.

I am sure that the One who began a good work in you willcarry it on until it is completed. That will be on the dayChrist Jesus returns. (Philippians 1.6)

VII.

I pray to God

162. Why do you pray to God and worship him?In prayer and praise I say thank you to God and show thatI love and trust him.

Bring me thank offerings, because I am your God. Carryout the promises you made to me. (Psalm 50.14)

163. How does God want you to pray?With all my heart and in confidence that he is listening tome.

The Lord looks with favour on those who are godly. Hisears are open to their cry. (Psalm 34.15)

164. How do you speak to God?I tell him at least three things:

• Father, everything good comes from you.I will praise the Lord. I won’t forget anything he does forme. (Psalm 103.2)

• Forgive me. Take care of me.I admitted my sin to you. I didn't cover up the wrong I haddone. And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32.5)I cry out to God Most High. I cry out to God, and he carriesout his plan for me. (Psalm 57.2)

I want to

live for God

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I pray to God I pray to God

• You are my great King. I live to serve you.All you nations, praise the Lord. Great is his love for us.(Psalm 117.1, 2)

165. What is the prayer that Jesus taught us?

• Our Father in heaven,May your name be honored.May your kingdom come.May what you want to happen be done on earth as it is donein heaven

• Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins just as we also have forgiven those whosin against us.Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted.Save us from the evil one.

• For the kingdom and the power and the glory belong to youforever.Amen.

Matthieu 6.9-13; Luke 11.2-4

166. Why do we call God Our Father?Because we are his children. Like a good father, God wantsto give us good things. He teaches us to respect and trusthim.

Your Father who is in heaven will give good gifts to thosewho ask him! (Matthew 7.11)

167. Why do we say In heaven?To remind us that God is much greater and different than weare.

He is the God who made the world. He also made every-thing in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. (Acts 17.24)

168. What does it mean, Hallowed be your name?Help me to know you and to worship you. May your namenever be dishonored because of me.

I will praise you as long as I live. I will lift up my handswhen I pray to you. (Psalm 63.4)

169. What does it mean, Your kingdom come?Lead me by your Word and Spirit. Strengthen the Churchand bring your justice and peace in the world until Jesuscomes.

The God who gives peace will soon crush Satan under yourfeet. (Romans 16.20)

170. What do you mean, Your will be done in heaven as onearth?That I give up my own will and do what God expects of meas promptly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.

My God, I have come to do what you want. Your law is inmy heart. (Psalm 40.8)

171. What you mean, Give us today our daily bread?Give me what I need and make me grateful for what you pro-vide. I am confident that God knows my needs and will pro-vide for them.

The Lord is ready to help all those who call out to him.(Psalm 145.18)

172. What do you mean, Forgive us our debts as we forgive ourdebtors?Do not condemn me because of my sin. I want to forgiveothers with all my heart, as you have forgiven me.

If we confess our sins, he will forgive us. He will forgiveevery wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure.(1 John 1.9)

Matthew 6.14-15; 1 John 2.1, 2

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I pray to God I pray to God

173. What do you mean, Do not lead us into temptation, butdeliver us from evil?Lord, I am weak. I have little strength to fight the devil andmy own bad desires. Strengthen me by your Spirit in thisspiritual battle.

Our fight is not against human beings. It is against therulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. Itis against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.(Ephesians 6.12)

174. What do you mean, For yours is the kingdom and thepower and the glory forever?I pray to you because you are my King. You will provideeverything that is good for me. Therefore, I want yourhonor and not my own.

Lord, may glory be given to you, not to us. You are lovingand faithful. (Psalm 115.1)The Lord knows how to keep godly people safe in times oftesting. (2 Peter 2.9)

John 14.13

175. What does the little word Amen mean?Amen means: God, I know that you will answer my prayereven more than I can hope.

God has made a great many promises. They are all “Yes”because of what Christ has done. So through Christ we say“Amen”. We want God to receive glory. (2 Corinthians 1.20)

2 Timothy 2.13

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