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UnderstandingGod’s Great PlanFor YouInsight into your life based on the inspired Word of Godas found in The Bible 1

IntroductionMoney problems, Friend Problems, Marital Problems, Health understanding and wisdom, Wouldn’t you agree? But whereProblems, Family Problems, School Problems would you find these??? rough a friend? Your boss at work? Perhaps a family member? You need to learn howPeople worry SO much about their problems. Do any of God will overcome even your largest worries, bring you tothe problems above sound familiar to you? ey should— happiness and contentment in this life, overcome even death,all people experience them sooner or later. You might be and lead you to an eternity of glorious worry-free existence.experiencing some of these problems right now. Don’tworry about any of them as you have a far greater problem is is his plan...to worry about! Solving this problem will solve all of yourother ones and remove worry from your life entirely. Eternal Life ContentmentSpiritually Disinterested? Happiness WisdomSpiritually Misinformed? Understanding KnowledgeSpiritually Uninformed? e Fear of God is should be your BIGGEST problem to worry about.To end this worry, you certainly would need knowledge, …For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 2

Time to Meet Your God– A Symbolic Overview Mankind’s spiritual growth begins with the flame o Holy Spirit through baptism, then the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross is revealed through the study of Holy Scripture, and finally God, the Father is fully revealed to each of us upon our death and ascension into Heaven. It sounds so simple and STILL we worry! Why is the world in constant turmoil? What am I supposed to do during my lifetime? Why do events and circumstances happen to me? Why do I have to die? What happens after I die? is booklet was written as a means to give you, the reader, immediate insight into the worrisome “what’s and whys” of life as seen in the five questions above. On a larger scale, be prepared to meet your God in greater depth and understand the amazing plan he has designed for you specifically and for mankind in general. It is a plan solely on the inspired word of God as primarily found in in your understanding.3

If You Would Know More About Your God….It is the foolishness of mankind which defines the complex Over the centuries since Jesus Christ lived, there havedesign of the universe as “accidental and evolutionary”. been numerous writings and arguments which defend theGod, the great designer, speaks to mankind; if only we infallibility of e Bible as the word of God written by inspiredwould listen. e answers to life and afterlife lie right in writers of both the Old and New Testament. e Bible itselffront of us. e Bible is unique in its unifying theme of attests to that fact.mankind’s redemption through belief in Jesus Christ’s deathby substitution alone — for the sick patient can never cure Everything in God’s great plan is based on the assumptionhimself. of divine inspiration and therefore infallibility. No other belief or worldly writing provides as complete an answer or Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, more positive outcome than that found in e Bible. If the “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their reader cannot accept e Bible as inspired, then this writing deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. will be foolishness to him and he will not listen to its The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there message. Instead, let the reader follow the words of Samuel. are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by in- not even one. for reproof, for correction, for instruction in Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth furnished unto all good works. speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet 2 Peter 1:20 their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came the world. not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Speak, for your servant is listening 1 Samuel 3:10 4

1. How It All Began…Before the beginning of time, all was chaos. Genesis 1:1 The earth was formless and empty; darkness was over the surface of the deep Job 38:4 Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— e being consisted of three Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing thempersons. One person was in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.“God, e Father”. Anotherperson was “God, e Son.” Luke 1:35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of e third person was “God, God.’ e Holy Spirit.” Yet thesethree persons form one God. Galatians 4:6 …God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out ‘Abba, Father’. John 3:34 For the one whom God has sent, speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. Matthew 10:32 Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Matthew 12:32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. John 1:18 Nobody has ever seen God but God the One and Only who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. 5

3. From Chaos To Creation—Praise God is triune God wished to share his love with Genesis 2:4 This is the account of the heavens and theothers, so he created the universe. Everything earth when they were created. When the Lord God made thein it was created in six days. earth and the heavens… Hebrews 3:4 Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made… Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities— his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Hebrews 11:3 It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love.4. A Worthy God Deserves Angelic PraiseIn the Heavenly part of creation, God created Psalm 103:20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mightyspiritual beings known as “angels”. Of their ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord,own free will, these angels returned praise and all his heavenly hosts; you his servants who do his will.love to God for creating them and giving thempurpose. Angel means “Messenger”. Angels Psalm 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts…were to serve as God’s messengers. Hebrews 1:14 They are all spirits who serve God and are sent by Him to help those who are to receive salvation. Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. 6

5. Trouble In Paradise Revelation 12: 7 And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels foughtOne of these angels, Satan, became jealous of the power against the dragon, and the dragon and hisheld by God and wanted to be like him. He gathered other angels fought back.angels to his side in an attempt to overthrow God. Later,t Revelation 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down—thatjealous angels were defeated and were forever thrown out of ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who led the wholeHeaven. world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him. Luke 10:18 He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’6. A Second Source Of Praise – ManAs another part of creation, God Genesis 1:26 Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our like-created a place called “earth”. Godplaced man onto the earth and told and over the livestock, over the earth, and over all the creatures that movehim he was to rule over everything along the ground.’on the earth. Of his own free will,man, like the angels, also gave Genesis 2:22. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of thethanks to God for his existence man, and he brought her to the man.name of the first man was Adam.God then created a mate to be a Genesis 3:20 Adam called his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all thepartner for man; God called the living.mate “woman” and Adam namedher Eve. Together, the man and the Genesis 5:1 When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. He createdwoman lived in perfect existence, them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them “man”.taking care of the world andpraising God. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it… 7

7. God Sets One Rule For MankindIn this perfect world, God placed two Genesis 2:9 And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out ofspecial trees. e first tree was known the ground. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and theas “the tree of life”. e fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.tree allowed a person to live forever. Genesis 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any e second tree was “the tree of the tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good andknowledge of good and evil”. Adam evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die’.and Eve were commanded by God neverto eat from this tree. If Adam and Eveobeyed the will of God it would showgrateful love to and for God.8. Mankind Yields To TemptationOne day, Satan tempted Eve and she ate the fruit from Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that thethe “forbidden” tree. Since she already knew “good”, fruit of the tree was good for food and pleas-her eyes were opened to the knowledge of “evil”. “Evil” ing to the eye, and also desirable for gainingmeans disobedience to God’s will. Eve gave the fruit of the wisdom, she took some and ate it.forbidden tree to Adam and his eyes were also opened to theknowledge of evil. Genesis 3:7 She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked.9. Mankind PunishedBoth Adam and Eve were now imperfect Genesis 3:21 He (mankind) must not be allowed to reach out his(sinful) since they had disobeyed God. hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.Because of what they had done, “death”now existed, for God could not allow Romans 3:23 …all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…mankind to live forever in a sinfulcondition. is sinful condition not only Romans 5:12 …sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, andapplied to Adam and Eve, but to any one in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…born of Adam and Eve through all futuregenerations. Romans 5:14 …death reigned from the time of Adam… 8

10. A Dead End? Genesis 3:23 So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work theMankind could no longer be at peace with God and God ground from which he had been taken. Aftercould no longer be happy with mankind, for like the fallen he drove the man out, he placed…cherubimangels, mankind had lost the willingness to obey God’swill. ere remained only his worldly “free will” (mankind’s the tree of life.sinful/human nature). In his grace and wisdom God hadgiven mankind the freedom to make choices and mankind Romans 5:14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time ofchose to obey his own desires. It was a rebellion against Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin byGod. God, being perfect, could not tolerate the presence of breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the oneimperfection. It looked as though mankind, like the wicked to come.angels, would be doomed forever. Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.11. Death As An End And A BeginningUnlike the damned angels, however, God had a plan of Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s work-salvation for mankind before the world even existed. e manship, created in Christ Jesus to do goodplan was fulfilled after several thousand years of man’s works, which God prepared in advance for usexistence. It would require a “belief” on the part of to do.mankind. Death then, while the end of earthly existence,was to become the gateway to the “tree of life” in Heaven so 1 John 3:8 He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devilthat man could live free of sin eternally — as God originally has sinned from the beginning. The reason the Son of God ap-intended. Man caused death as an end; God provided death peared was to destroy the works of the devil.as a beginning. I Corinthians 15:54 Death has been swallowed up in vic- tory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 …we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose Spirit and through belief in the truth. Revelation 2:7 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. 9

12. From An End To A New Beginning: Holy ScriptureIn order for mankind to be able to Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the powerknow how to be saved, God gave us of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.directions and empowered us in abook known as e Bible. Inspired 2 Peter 1:21 …men spoke from God as they were carried along by themen wrote God’s thoughts. e Holy SpiritBible is the only record of mankindfrom its beginning. Dozens of Romans 10:17 …consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the mes-men over fifteen hundred years sage is heard through the word of Christ.participated in putting this booktogether. It is both historically and John 10:35 The Scripture cannot be broken.spiritually accurate. Matthew 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest let- ter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me. e Sacred Writings… are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus… All scripture is God breathed. 2 Timothy 3:15 10

13. Now Hear the Word of the LordIn the New Testament, the term “the word” is a referencespecifically to Jesus Christ as well as to the words John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.Bible so that when one rea Bible, one is literally 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning,immersed into and empowered by Jesus Christ. “Jesus” which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaimrefers to the earthly/physical being; “Christ” refers to the concerning the Word of life.Heavenly/spiritual being. When the “Word” was with Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.God in the beginning of time, he was God, and when he because we will be in the living presence of Jesus Christ andspoke to men and prophets in the Old Testament as “the be able to speak with him directly.angel of the Lord” or angel of God”, he was still God,but when he took on human form, he himself preachedthe word because he was the continuing, living word ofGod. Upon his death, that word was spoken through hisapostles and those words were written down and becamethe New Testament Bible as we know it today. From In translation, the term e “Word” is used 362 times inour viewpoint, Word of the Lord” then never dies; it Bible, of which 227 refer specifically tocontinues on in book form. Jesus Christ does more than the Lord apostle John refers t in capitalfiguratively live on throu Bible. Jesus Christ i in three d erent gospel ese references deal with theBible Bible is Jesus Christ is is why no one can beginning of time, John’s own lifetime, and the end of time.change a single word ible—one would be attempting To show us the timelessness oto change God-- therefore the warning not to even try. himself speaks in Revelation 22:12 to tell us “I am the AlphaWhen one rea Bible, Jesus Christ is speaking his and Omeg First and the Last, the Beginning and the“word” directly to the reader. And that “Word of the Lord” End Word of God never dies!shall live on until eternity when it will no longer be needed14. Baptism – A Second Step In God’s PlanAll beings are born sinful and Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizingtherefore separated from God. It is them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.therefore impossible for man, onhis own, to come to God. In order Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesusto accomplish the impossible, God Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.the Holy Spirit needs to enter aperson to bring him to this belief. John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. is a spiritual “rebirth”. In theceremony known as “baptism” Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.God the Holy Spirit restores aperson’s will to love and serve 1 Peter 1:23 You were born again, not by a seed that perishes, but one that cannot perish,God and allows him to come to God’s ever-living Word.the realization that he has alreadybeen saved by the sacrifice and Galatians 3:27 …for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves withresurrection of Jesus. Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:12…and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 11

God gave mankind a set of laws to live byknown as the Ten Commandments which were Galatians 3:10 Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of theeventually recorded i Bible. Mankind, Law.however, found it impossible to keep all of these Romans 2:15 What the Law requires is written on their hearts.laws perfectly. Yet, a Holy God still expects James 2:10 Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.mankind to see his sinfulness and use these Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinfullaws as a guide toward perfection. nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:25 I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sin- ful nature a slave to the law of sin.In order to accomplish a plan to save mankind, Galatians 4:4 When the time had fully come, GodGod, the Son, came down to earth and lived sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, toa human life. His name was Jesus. He was redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rightsboth God and man. In his earthly form, Jesus of sons.NEVER sinned against God the Father norwas he born with the original sin of Adam; John 1:14he became the perfect sacrifice and substitute have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only...full of grace and truth.for all of mankind’s sins. While on earth, healso established the beginnings of his church 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so(the “body of Christ”) before willingly being that in him we might become the righteousness of God.crucified. Romans 7:4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. John 19:30 gave up his spirit. 12

When Jesus died as our 2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live might live no longersubstitute in his perfect, sinless for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From nowcondition, he paid for the sins of on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though weall mankind. is included past once regarded Christ from a human point of view, we regard him thus no longer.sins, present sins, and all the Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the newsins of all future generations. has come.Mankind could now rejoin Godin Heaven since Jesus had died 1 John 2:2an earthly death for mankind’s the whole world.sins. e tree of life was againavailable; eternal life was 2 Corinthians 5:19 God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’sagain available to all. What a sins against them.wonderful gift to everyone! 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him who did not know sin to be sin for us to make us God’s righteousness in him. John 11:25 I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. 1 Timothy 2:3 God our Savior…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Revelation 22:1-3 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. 13

e proof that the perfect sacrifice was Matthew 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not beacceptable to God the Father can be found afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who wasin the resurrection of Christ. Because JesusChrist, true God and true man, overcame 1 Corinthians 15:54 Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where,death, this meant that death would be O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of deathforever conquered for all people. Without is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us thethe resurrection, Jesus would have been just victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.another man who died — as all men would.Because he rose, it meant that all men would I Corinthians 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not evenrise from the dead and live forever as was Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching isoriginally intended — either to Heaven or useless and so is your faith.Hell. It is the proof that belief in Jesus as mypersonal savior is absolutely true. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” I Corinthians 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ere remained a problem, however. e world Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to yourwas still filled with stubbornly sinful people. In former way of life, to put off your old self which is…corrupted byorder to take advantage of God’s great gift, each its deceitful desires.person would have to believe the impossible—that God willingly allowed his Son, Jesus, to Mark 16:16. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved but whoeversuffer the sin of all time in place of each person. does not believe will be condemned.With stubborn people, Satan was still at workand would be for all time. Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…Even today, those who intentionally remain intheir unbelief and reject God’s gift are without Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked…You always resist the Holy Spirit.the will to serve God and continue to follow inthe sinful ways of the world. Unfortunately, Romans 8:7 …the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’sthese people are forever dammed upon death law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.because they have chosen not to believe. Mark 8:17 Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? 1 Corinthians 2:14 The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 14

At the time of Christ, there were Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: Theliterally millions in the world who were virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.unfamiliar with God’s gift to mankind--Christ crucified and Christ risen. Psalm 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, or will you let your faithful one see decay. ey must be told, but who would tellthem the good news? Old Testament Luke 8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another,prophets Isaiah and David, as well as proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him…many others, had already spread thegood news of Jesus Christ’s birth and Mark 1:14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming theresurrection from death to the Jewish good news of God.nation. Jesus continued to spread thegood news throughout his brief life. e Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, andangel Gabriel told of the good news at I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.the empty tomb. en his disciples,who were given the power of the Holy Acts 2:3Spirit at Pentecost, spread the goodnews to the furthest corners of the began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled themknown world after Jesus Christ’s deathand resurrection. Later, the disciples Luke 4:43 I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other townsbecame known as apostles. An “apostle” also, because that is why I was sent.means “one who is sent out” but can alsomean “messenger”. While angels are the Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of thespiritual messengers of Heaven, apostles kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men andare the physical messengers of earth. women. Acts 17:18 Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Romans 10:15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. His eyes are on the ways of mortals. He sees their every step. Job 34:21 15

For those today who believe the sacrifice of Psalm 91:14Jesus Christ as a gift from God and know that “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;Jesus Christ has conquered death for us, thereis much work to be done. It now becomes I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.the purpose of each believer to tell what God He will call on me, and I will answer him;has done for mankind. Since we KNOW that I will be with him in trouble,individually we are going to Heaven, we can I will deliver him and honor him.do this JOYFULLY! It becomes the primary With long life I will satisfy himgoal in life to share this saving knowledge. It and show him my salvation.”is indeed a privilege to realize that YOU havebecome an important part of God’s great plan. John 1:16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of graceWe may now spend our whole lives serving and already given.giving glory to God for what he has done forus. We were sinners, yet we were saved—not on John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth cameour own e orts, but by the Grace (Undeserved through Jesus Christ.Love) of God. As today’s “apostles”, tell themessage. Spread the good news! Romans 1:5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all… Romans I:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.We believe it is throughthe grace of our LordJesus that we aresaved…Acts 15:11 16

Romans 7:18 For I know that good itself does Even for the person who believes he has alreadynot dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I been saved through the su ering of Jesus, sin andhave the desire to do what is good, but I cannot temptation will be around him daily and by himself,carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, he will lose the battle. Satan always hopes that we willbut the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do weaken in our belief and give in to our own sinfulwhat I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living nature. Sometimes we will, but we need to repent ofin me that does it. our wrongdoing, seek forgiveness, and ask God to keep us strong in our belief of the good news. If we refuse toRomans 7:21 repent or seek forgiveness, we mock God. is battlegood, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in against Satan and our own sinful nature is an on-goingGod’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against struggle in every person’s existence from birth tothe law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at death.work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue mefrom this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who deliv-ers me through Jesus Christ our Lord.John 14:15 If you love me, you will (want to) obey what I com-mand.Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord JesusChrist, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinfulnature.1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devilprowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Acts 8:22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord inthe hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in yourheart.Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may bewiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.I John 2:4 The man who says, “I know him”, but does not do whathe commands is a liar…Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Aman reaps what he sows. 17

God does not leave us alone with our Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, anddaily internal battles and the battles when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, say-against Satan. Beyond our baptism, ing, “Take and eat; this IS my body.” Then he took a cup, and when heand his Holy Scripture, God provides had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.us with yet another way we can stay This IS my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgivenessstrong in our belief of the good news of sins.”(Jesus Christ crucified and risen). Almost the exact same words are recorded again by a second witness – e sacrament known as “ e Lord’s the disciple Luke.Supper” provides the believer with anamazing source of strength—the actual Luke 22: 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and dividebody and blood of Jesus Christ. We do it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until thenot understand how bread and wine kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it toare also the actual body and blood of them, saying, “This IS my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In theChrist; we can only accept Christ’s own same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup IS the new covenant inwords of institution as recorded by an my blood, which is poured out for you.actual witness – the disciple Matthew. 1 Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Luke 22:19 Do this in memory of me. (Literally, “keep on doing this.”) John 6:54 Whoever eats my esh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my esh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my esh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 18

Worship and Prayer Christian Fellowship encourages you to surround yourself with and show love to those of the same Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in belief and principles. Secondly, you are invited to my name, there am I with them. communicate with your Heavenly Father to glorify him, thank him, repent of your sins to him, and seek Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apos- direction from him. God wants to hear from you tles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. personally. Psalm 55:14 I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, Let us not give up meeting as we walked about among the worshipers. together, as some are in the Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in com- habit of doing, but let us mon. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had encourage one another… need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere Hebrews 10:25 hearts… 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. Romans 1:11 You and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situ- ation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Psalm 50:15 Call upon me in the day of trouble; and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. James 5:13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Ephesians 6:18 …pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (You) Give us today our daily bread. And (You) forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And (You) lead us not into temptation, but (rather,You) deliver us from the evil one.” 19

When we are near death, there is Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow ofnothing to fear, for we know Heaven death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…lies beyond for us. While troubles,su ering and pain seem undeserved, 2 Corinthians 4:18they only strengthen us by bringing what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.us back to God and his plan for us.Everything that happens in life is for Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those whoGod’s glory and our salvation — even love him, who have been called according to his purpose.though we may not think so norunderstand why. I Corinthians 13:12 see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.26. God Shows Goodness;God the Father designed the plan of salvation; God the Son Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good livesfulfilled the plan; God the Holy Spirit brought us to a belief in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have theof and faith in the plan. It is wise, then, to understand that desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry itthe unbeliever can do nothing good for neither himself nor out.God. All goodness flows from God to man—specifically tobelievers who carry out the good will of God in humble and Psalm 16:2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart fromthankful obedience. you I have no good thing.” Hebrews 6:5 …who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1 Peter 5:5 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom 20

27. God Gave Unconditionally; James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith withoutIf we believe that we are saved, our joy should be directly deeds is dead.demonstrated through our thoughts, words and actions—notbecause we have to, but because we WANT to. It is the Holy James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers andSpirit inside us which leads us to this end. In our life of sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has nofaith, we should want to give willingly and generously of our deeds?time, talents, and treasures. We need to let God use us ashe sees fit. Our everyday life now becomes a service to God. Matthew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and putEven on our deathbed we serve as an example to others. We it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and itmay yet touch someone so that he comes to a saving faith. gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your28. An Overview – good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven… Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and pleased. 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.Before the beginning of time, a loving Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creationGod wished to share eternity with beings of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love hewho would give thanks and praise to him. predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, inMankind needs to be amazed at what God accordance with his pleasure and will.has done for all people — God has done theimpossible! God loved the world so much Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen having been predestined accordingthat he saved mankind from damnation by to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.substituting his own Son as an acceptablesacrifice for mankind. God turned death Ephesians 1:13 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the(Adam) into life (Jesus Christ). What promised Holy Spirit.God has done can best be summed up inthis seemingly impossible statement: If Romans 8:21 …the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay andyou can believe (Present) that you have brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.ALREADY been saved, (Past) you will be!(Future) Only through the work of the 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because ofHoly Spirit can our belief in the seemingly anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace wasimpossible become possible. given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. Titus 1:2 …in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Romans 8:10 & 15 and it with your mouth that you confess and are saved...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. 21

29. A New Creation/A New SelfRemember all of those earlier worries about life and strife Ephesians 4:24 Put on the new self, cre-and purpose and death? Realize now that there are no ated to be like God in true righteousness andearthly worries since God has made you a “New Creation”. holiness.Here is what God has to say about you now: Colossians 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being 2 Corinthians 5:17 erefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. creation has come: e old has gone, the new is here!In unknown ways, God will now use you to fulfill the willof Christ while you are yet here on earth. We are thereforeto always think and act in a Godly and spiritual manner forChrist lives within us. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1 22

30. Still Worried?In God’s great plan for man, every last detail of humanexistence has been laid out before time bega details Matt. 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.of your life are out of your control God has Each day has enough trouble of its own.shown you “the BIG picture” it is silly of you Matt. 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?to look at the small picture and worry about that which isbeyond you. With the help of the Holy Spirit, God asks youto think as big as you can, not as small as you want to. Inactuality, “to worry” is not only displeasing to God, it is asin. You are not in control; you need to acknowledge God Why do events and circumstances happen to me?for who he is—the master of the universe and the master of Trust in Him!! For those who have been brought to faith by the Holy Spirit, God has already determined how he willBible. best use you. God has shaped your life so that one day you will be able to rejoice with him in Heaven. You do not needWhy is the world in constant turmoil? to understand “why”. Accept life as it comes—whatever happens will be for your good.never be at peace because you, as a descendent of Adam, aresinful and therefore at odds with God as well as your fellow Why do I have to die ? Death entered the world as theman. Because of your own human nature (free will) you byyourself have always been and will always be imperfect. result of sin. Jesus’ death changed death as an end, to deathYour own inclinations will always resist God and cause you as a new and better beginning. While on earth, Jesus had to su er and die. You, as Christ’s representative on earth, mustWhat am I supposed to do during my lifetime? You do the same.are given the privilege to spread the good news of Christ What happens after I die ? It depends on if you followGod’s many ambassadors to the world. God’s great plan as he explains it to you i If you follow your own desires, there will be uncertainty which will lead to Hell. If you go God’s way, you know for certain you will go to Heaven. 23

It yet remains to live out your days on earth. Death will 2 Corinthians 5:4 For while we are income to us all; it is your inheritance from Adam. Yet, this tent, we groan and are burdened,knowing that Heaven will be your eternal home, death because we do not wish to be un-becomes your “perfect ending—and new beginning”. clothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling… My Lord came to get me. My Lord came to bring me home. Philippians 3:20 …our citizenship is in heaven. Angels descended on golden wings And lifted me up to my God. Luke 10:20…rejoice, because your names are writ- ten in heaven P. Bollhagen For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 24

32. Covered In Heavenly GloryYou have already met God, the Holy Spirit who has brought stone. e first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire,you to spiritual understanding through baptism. You have the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixthmet God, the Son who paid for your wrongdoings through ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninththe ultimate sacrifice and as a result ensured your entrance topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and theinto Heaven. God, the Father will wrap you in his radiant twelfth amethyst. e twelve gates were twelve pearls, eachlove and you will be declared an heir of heaven and shall gate made of a single pearl. e great street of the city wasenjoy Heaven in the presence of your triune God endlessly. of gold, as pure as transparent glass. e city does not needHere is what Heaven is described as: the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Nothing impure willNothing negative ever happens or is remembered — ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shamefulgood things only – Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s (Christ Jesus) book of life.”away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no moredeath, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any Countless endless wonders beyond imagining –more pain: for the former things are passed away.” 1 Corinthians 2:5 “the eye has not seen, nor ear heard, norA splendid new body – 1 Corinthians 15:40 “ ere are have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him”also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; butthe splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the Eternal life in paradise – Revelation 2:7 “To the one whosplendor of the earthly bodies is another.” 1 Corinthians15:42 e body that is sown is perishable, it is raised is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life,imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; which is in the paradise of God.”it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown anatural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Upon your entry into Heaven, God, your Heavenly father will open his arms, embrace you, and say to you — “WellAn eternal home designed specifically for you – John done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come14:2-4 “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a placefor you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come May the following quotation serve to summarize the graceback and take you to be with me that you also may be where (unconditional love) of God in securing that ultimate seat inI am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Heaven.A Place of extreme beauty, purity, and perfection – 2 Corinthians 13:14 ... e grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, (the Father) and the fellowship of the HolyRevelation 21:18-27 inclusive: “ e wall was made of jasper, Spirit be with you...and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. e foundationsof the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious 25

Author’s Afterword is is the simple sketch of God’s great plan for you and every being. ere is much more detail to be studied in e Bible andmuch Godly wisdom to be gained. May God guide you on your continuing journey until we shall meet in Heaven. And that,then, is what life and death and life eternal is all about. Amen (So be it) Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” 2 Timothy 3:15 “…you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Written by Phil Bollhagen with special appreciation extended to Lee Westphal, Pastor Daniel Koelpin, Pastor William Bernhardt, and Pastor John Chworowsky. ank you for helping make this booklet possible. 26

“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:13 ank You, ank You – My Most Amazing God: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:3 Warning: Remember God’s Very First Commandment – “ ou shalt have no other gods before Me”. Worship of statues/idols, ancestors, reincarnation, human intellect/science, evolution, cults, mediums, spirits, Satan, or angels can never give you the answers to life, death, and eternity. Realize now that all of the questions of life and death, purpose and role can only be answered through the truth of a loving God’s great plan for you and all humanity as found in e Bible. 27

Understanding God’s Great Plan For You isdesigned with simplicity yet clarity for the readerwho wishes to know what Christianity is all about.Ideal for an individual reading or a one-on-onestudy, it is useful especially in the mission field.Understanding God’s Great Plan For You isthe “seed planted” so that the Holy Spirit can growanother Christian and add to the “Body of Christ”.Help plant that seed and share this booklet withsomeone who needs to know the amazing love ofGod.The author, Phil Bollhagen, is a member of WELS(The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) whichstrictly and consistently professes the truths ofThe Bible as the word of God. If you have furtherquestions on anything in this booklet, pleasecontact your nearest WELS pastor. Learn moreabout the WELS at http://www.wels.net 28