Directions – September-October 2023
Introduction
Foundations are important. Things stand or fall based upon foundations. Jesus’ “house on the rock” illustration spoke of the importance of the foundation of His Word (Matthew 7:24-27). When it comes to the life issues, the Christian’s approach builds upon the Word of Life. Other foundations exist—political, economic, social, moral—but these shift and change. The Word of Life stands forever (1 Peter 1:24-25).
This study will look at the bedrock—the foundational—truth of what God does that gives value to human life—with His hands.
Foundational Truth #1 – Human Life Has Value because God Creates Life
“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.”
From the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7, 2:22)
From the beginning of life. (Psalm 139)
So, what does this say about the value of life? (Psalm 8:5)
So what? (Discuss some practical applications to the life issues.)
Foundational Truth #2 – Human Life Has Value because God Redeemed Life
“I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.”
The price (1 Peter 1:18-19; Galatians 3:13; Matthew 27:46)
Why the price? Fill in the blank:
God is above all else holy and perfectly just. Thus, He must punish sin. (Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:20a; Romans 6:23a)
God is above all else holy and perfectly loving. Thus, He desires to save the sinner. (1 John 4:10)
So, what does this say about the value of life? (1 Corinthians 6:20)
So what? (Discuss some practical applications to the life issues.)
Foundational Truth #3 – Human Life Has Value because God Desires to Calls us and Hold Us Forever
“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.”
Holding or held? (Isaiah 42:6a)
Where held? (Isaiah 49:14-16)
When did the holding begin? (Romans 6:3-4)
How long held? (John 10:28-30)
So, what does this say about the value of life? (Romans 8:37-39)
So, what? (Discuss some practical applications to the life issues.)
Conclusion
Foundations are important. For Life Lutherans base their message of life, not upon political or economic or social or moral foundations, but upon the foundation laid with God’s hands. He created us with His hands. He redeemed us with His hands. He holds us in His hands. This message is one of power and love and forgiveness and hope. This message changes hearts. This message leads to influencing our culture.
So, what does this say about our actions? (1 John 4:11; Luke 10:27; Matthew 5:13-16; Proverbs 31:8-9)