Here are the concise, structured study notes based on the transcript:

Foundations: Truth of All Truths

Speaker: Jesudian | Date: 13-09-2020

Key Topic: Understanding the Foundations of Faith

1. Importance of Foundations in Faith

• Foundations determine stability in Christian belief.
• Revisiting “Back to Basics” series to strengthen understanding.
• The current scenario (post-lockdown) is an opportunity to rethink church and faith.

2. The Importance of Asking “Why”

• The why behind our actions in faith is crucial.
• Many practices are based on tradition rather than scripture.
• Asking “why” reveals motives, intentions, and agendas.
• Example: Church gatherings—
o Why do we gather?
o What should a gathering look like?
o Who should do what in a church?

3. Biblical View of Church & Assembly

• Hebrews [Link] “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.”
• Early church gatherings followed a different structure than today.
• Understanding church cannot start from the New Testament alone.

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 • The foundation of the church is linked to creation itself.

4. The “Why” of Creation

• Creation is central to understanding our purpose.
• Fundamental questions:
o Why do humans exist?
o Why do we marry and have families?
o Why do animals, flowers, and nature exist?
• Philosophers have debated these questions for centuries.

5. Biblical Perspective on Creation

• Every worldview offers different explanations for creation.
• The Biblical worldview provides the most coherent and meaningful answer.
• The modern church often reduces the Gospel to a heaven vs. hell narrative.

6. Common Misconceptions in Christian Teaching

• Traditional view:
o God created man to worship Him.
o Man disobeyed, so God got angry and punished him.
o Man was banished from Eden and sentenced to hell.
o To fix this, God sent Jesus to take the punishment.
• This oversimplified view ignores the grand purpose of creation.

📌 Key Takeaways

Foundations in faith matter—questioning “why” leads to deeper understanding.

Church practices should be scripturally based, not just traditional.

The purpose of creation is a central question in Christian faith.

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 A shallow view of the Gospel misses the depth of God’s plan.

📝 Visual Summary: Why Matters in Faith

(Consider a flowchart showing the connection between Creation → Church → Purpose)

Would you like me to refine any section or add a specific diagram?

Study Notes: Foundations - Truth of All Truths

Speaker: Jesudian

Date: 13-09-2020

1. Understanding the Foundations

• The "Foundations" series revisits fundamental biblical concepts.
• Emphasis on understanding "why" things are done rather than just following
tradition.
• The church must reflect on its purpose rather than just maintaining rituals.

2. Importance of the ‘Why’ Question

• Asking “Why?” reveals motives, intentions, and agendas.
• Church practices should not be based purely on tradition but on biblical
understanding.
• The why of church is linked to the why of creation.
• The foundation of all questions must start with God, not man.

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3. The Creation and Purpose of Everything
• Everything, including heaven, universe, mankind, animals, marriage, and work,
has a purpose.
• The biblical worldview provides the most meaningful answer to the why of
creation.
• Many churches have simplified the gospel to a legal transaction, missing its depth.

4. Understanding the Gospel

Common but Incomplete View of the Gospel:

1. God created man to worship Him.

2. Man sinned, making God angry.
3. God had to punish sin, so Jesus was punished instead.
4. Believing in this arrangement grants forgiveness.

True Biblical Gospel:

• The gospel is a love story, not just a legal transaction.

• The focus should be on God’s nature and purpose, not just man’s sin and
punishment.
• God’s relationship with mankind is rooted in self-giving love, not just judgment.

5. Understanding the Nature of God

Key Concept: The Uncreated Reality

• God is the only uncreated reality.

• Heaven and all creation are created realities.
• To understand creation, purpose, and church, one must first understand God’s
nature.

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The Trinity: Understanding God

• God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit eternally.

• The Trinity is not one person with three forms (Modalism).
• Illustrations like water (ice, liquid, vapor) are misleading—God is not just
different forms of the same thing.

The Relationship in the Trinity:

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in an interpenetrating relationship.

• Each person of the Trinity cannot exist separately from the other two.
• God is an eternal relationship of self-giving love.

6. Understanding the Holy Spirit

• In Greek (Pneuma) → Neuter (neutral, can be masculine or feminine).
• In Hebrew (Ruach) → Feminine.
• The Holy Spirit has a motherly nature in nurturing and guiding.

God’s Nature in Three Words:

1. Other-centered (not self-focused).

2. Self-emptying (sacrificial love).
3. Celebratory (joy in relationships).

7. The Eternal Existence of God

• God did not become the Trinity at some point—He has always been Father, Son,
and Spirit.
• God exists by Himself, unlike creation, which relies on an external cause.
• Asking "Who created God?" is illogical because God is self-existing.

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Flowchart: The Foundational Questions

GOD (Uncreated Reality)

↓
Creation & Its Purpose
↓
Church & Its Purpose
↓
Understanding the Gospel
↓
Relationship with the Trinity

Conclusion

• The why of everything begins with understanding God.

• The gospel is about relationship and love, not just punishment and forgiveness.
• The Trinity is eternal, and God’s nature is the foundation of all understanding.
• The church should focus on its true purpose rather than just following traditions.

Study Notes on the Nature of God and the Gospel

1. Key Concepts and Summary

• God's Nature: God is self-existing, without a beginning or end.

• The Trinity: God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, always in a relational union.
• The Gospel Misconception: The traditional "legal justification" view of the gospel
(God punishing Jesus in our place) is not biblical.
• True Gospel: It is a love story of relational unity within God, inviting humanity into
this divine love.
• Creation's Purpose: God did not create out of need but as an overflow of joy, love,
and celebration.

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2. Definitions and Examples

• Ontology: The nature of being—God exists in a relational form as Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.
• Perichorosis: A Greek term meaning "circle dance," describing the harmonious
relationship between the Trinity.
• Logos (Word): Refers to Jesus as the expression of God’s nature (John 1:1).
• Eternal Life: Not just living forever, but being part of God’s relational joy, love, and
celebration.

3. Key Points with Bullet Structure

The Nature of God

• God is not a solitary being but a relationship of love.

• Trinity always existed—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were never separate.
• The relationship between the Trinity is other-centered, self-giving, and joyful.

Misconceptions About God

• A solitary God would be inward-focused, leading to an angry, legalistic image of

God.
• Many atheists reject this false image of God, not the true biblical God.
• True holiness is relational, not just a strict moral standard.

Creation and Love

• Creation is not from need but from overflow—love, joy, and celebration.
• God’s love is not passive but explosive, like a volcanic eruption.
• The goal of the gospel is inclusion in this divine love.

4. Important Terms in Bold

• Self-existing: God exists without external cause.

• Trinity: The unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Perichorosis: The divine "circle dance" of relational love.
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 • Other-centered love: The foundation of God's nature.
• Overflow of joy: The reason for creation.

5. Visual Aids

Flowchart: Understanding the Trinity

GOD (Self-existing)
↓
--------------------
| | |
Father Son Holy Spirit
| | |
Mutual Love, Joy, Celebration
↓
Creation (Overflow of Love)

Diagram: Perichorosis (Circle Dance of the Trinity)

• Three interwoven circles representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Arrows showing constant relational love and joy flowing between them.
• A fourth arrow extending outward to symbolize creation as an overflow.

Conclusion

The true gospel is not about punishment but about being included in the overflow of
God’s love. Understanding God as relational transforms our view of salvation, holiness,
and creation.

Study Notes: Understanding God and Holiness

1. The Nature of God

• God is self-existing and does not have a beginning.

• Ontology (being) of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in eternal relationship.

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 • John [Link] "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God."
• Perichoresis (Circle Dance): The harmonious, relational flow between Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit.
• God’s existence is not solitary but a celebration of love, joy, and self-giving.

2. Understanding Perichoresis (Divine Dance)

• Greek word Peri = perimeter (circle) + Choresis = choreography (dance).

• The Trinity is not a hierarchy but a rhythmic relationship of love, joy, and
celebration.
• This relational flow of love is the foundation of all truths.
• Contrast with a solitary god:
o A solitary god has no one to love → leads to an angry, legalistic god.
o The true God (Father, Son, Spirit) creates not out of need but out of
overflow.

3. The Nature of Holiness and Sin

• Holiness is not legal perfection but pure, self-giving love.

• Sin is not just breaking laws; it is being out of sync with divine love (out of step with
the divine dance).
• Two views of sin:
o Legalistic view: Sin = breaking commandments.
o Relational view: Sin = losing rhythm in the divine dance.

4. Jesus as the Revelation of God

• John [Link] "No one has seen God, but the Son has declared Him."
• Jesus fully reveals the Father; any understanding of God must align with Jesus.
• John 5:39-40: Knowing Scripture is not enough; it must lead to Jesus.

5. Knowing God Through Jesus

• Matthew [Link] No one knows the Father except the Son, and the Son reveals Him
to whom He chooses.
• Greek (Ginosko) & Hebrew (Yada) Knowledge:

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 o Not just intellectual but experiential, intimate, face-to-face knowledge.
• John [Link] Eternal life is not just going to heaven, but knowing the Father in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

God exists as a relationship of love, not a solitary being.

Sin is not just disobedience; it is being out of sync with divine love.

Jesus is the only way to truly understand God.

Knowing God is an intimate, experiential relationship, not just knowledge of

Scripture.

Would you like a flowchart or diagram to illustrate Perichoresis and the relational aspect of
God?

Study Notes: The Nature of God, Trinity, and the Purpose of Creation

1. Understanding God: Perfection vs. Perfectionism

• God is perfect, not a perfectionist.

o A perfectionist focuses on faults, failures, and shortcomings.
o God’s perfection is rooted in love, grace, and relationship.

2. Defining Sin: Legal vs. Relational Perspective

• Traditional View: Sin = Breaking a commandment (Legal framework).

• Relational View: Sin = Being out of sync with God's holiness and love.
o Analogy: Sin is like being out of rhythm in a dance with God.

3. The Revelation of God Through Jesus

• John 1:18 - "No one has seen God, except the Son, who has made Him known."
• Jesus is the full explanation of who God truly is.
• John 5:39-40 - Scriptures should lead to Jesus, but knowing Jesus is essential to
knowing the Father.

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4. Knowing God is Eternal Life

• John 17:3 - Eternal life = Knowing and experiencing God through Jesus.
• Greek word "Ginosko" & Hebrew "Yada" – Knowledge here means intimate,
experiential, and relational understanding.

5. Trinity: A Family, Not a Hierarchy

• Trinity is not a legal system (Judge, Advocate, Policeman).

• God is family – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in a loving relationship.
• Anything that doesn’t reflect family, love, and self-giving relationship is not God.

6. Misinterpretation of Holiness & Justification

• Many theological concepts are shaped by legal perspectives (influenced by

lawyers like John Calvin & Martin Luther).
• Holiness is not about legal purity but about relational love and self-giving.

7. The Church vs. Institutional Religion

• Church is not an organization with a CEO, hierarchy, and agenda.

• Institutional church focuses on numbers, structures, and control.
• True church = A relational family of believers, centered on love and belonging.

8. The Purpose of Creation & Salvation

• Wrong Perspective:
o Creation = Out of God’s need
o Sin = A legal issue
o Purpose of Jesus’ death = To save people from God’s wrath
o Purpose of salvation = Escape hell and go to heaven
• Correct Perspective:
o Creation = An overflow of God’s love
o Sin = Breaking relationship, not just breaking laws
o Purpose of salvation = Restoring relationship with God
o Eternal life = Knowing the Father through Jesus

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9. The Institutional Church vs. True Church

Institutional Church True Church

Focuses on growing numbers Focuses on relationships
Creates hierarchies & control Encourages belonging & love
People are just members & People are seen, known, and
numbers celebrated
Operates like an organization Functions as a family

Key Takeaways

✔ God is a family-oriented being of love, not a distant judge.

✔ Sin is relational, not just legal – it is being out of sync with God’s love.

✔ Knowing Jesus is the key to understanding God.

✔ Eternal life is an intimate experience of knowing the Father through Jesus.

✔ The true church is not about structures but about relationships.

Would you like a flowchart summarizing these concepts visually?

Study Notes: Trinitarian Theology and

Church Structure
1. Key Concepts of Trinitarian Theology
• Scripture should lead to Jesus, and Jesus leads to the Father.
• Eternal life is defined as knowing the Father through Jesus.
• God is relational, not hierarchical—He exists in an other-centered, self-giving
relationship.
• The Trinity is a family, not an organization or institution.
• Any interpretation of holiness, justification, or sin must align with this relational
nature of God.

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2. Understanding the Trinity
• Trinity is not a legal or organizational structure (e.g., CEO, manager, employee).
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit function in a self-giving love.
• Trinity is relational oneness, not numerical unity (John 17:20-21).
• The Father does not control or manipulate the Son; they exist in mutual
submission.
• Interdependence exists in the Trinity, not independence.

Hierarchy vs. Trinitarian Relationship

Trinitarian Model Organizational Model

Mutual
Hierarchical authority
submission
Self-giving love Control-based power
Relational unity Numerical growth
Servant leadership Corporate structure

3. The Problem with Institutional Church Structures

• Many church structures function like human organizations (e.g., Babylonian,
Egyptian, Pharisaical systems).
• Church should be an expression of the Trinity, not an institutional hierarchy.
• The focus on numbers and growth leads to depersonalization—individuals
become members or numbers instead of being seen and known.
• God is against organizational control, as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel
(Genesis 11).
• Modern church structures resemble Pharaoh's rule, where individuals serve the
system rather than experiencing relational unity.

4. The True Purpose of the Church

• Church is meant to reflect the relational nature of the Trinity.
• The world does not believe in Jesus because churches do not reflect Trinitarian
unity.
• Church should be a community of self-giving love, not hierarchical control.

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 • True church expressions are built through love and sacrifice, not human effort
or ambition.

5. Jesus as the Model of Submission and Authority

• Jesus had the power to act independently but chose to submit to the Father.
• Adam’s sin was independence from God; Jesus chose dependency.
• True authority comes from self-giving love, not imposed power.
• Jesus feared God (Isaiah’s seven-fold spirit), but this fear was reverence, not
terror.

6. The Trinitarian Vision for the Church

• Jesus prayed for unity (John 17)—that believers would be one as He and the
Father are one.
• Trinitarian unity is not possible through human willpower but only through self-
giving love.
• The Church should be a relational family, not a corporate institution.

7. Summary Flowchart
GOD (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
|
-----------------------------------------
| |
Trinitarian Community Human Institutions
(Self-Giving Love, Mutual Submission) (Hierarchical, Control-Based)
| |
Church as Family Church as Organization
| |
Seen, Known, Loved Members, Numbers

These notes provide a structured and concise revision-friendly summary of the lecture's
main points. Would you like any modifications or additional explanations?

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Study Notes: Trinitarian Community vs. Organizational Church

Key Concepts:
• Trinitarian Community: Based on relational oneness rather than hierarchical
structures.
• Organizational Church: Often operates with control, hierarchy, and structure
rather than relational unity.
• Jesus' Prayer for Oneness: Found in John 17, emphasizing relational unity within
believers.
• Trinitarian Love: A divine love that cannot be self-generated but must be received
and shared.
• Overflow of Love: The church should function as an overflow of God’s love rather
than an organization.

1. Trinitarian Nature of Community

• The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) operates in relational unity rather than
numerical unity.
• There is no hierarchy within the Trinity, only mutual submission and self-giving
love.
• The authority within the Trinity comes from love and submission, not control.

Example:

• The Son (Jesus) voluntarily submits to the Father out of love, not because He is
forced to.

2. Contrasts Between Trinitarian Community and

Organizational Church
Trinitarian Community Organizational Church

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 Relational unity Hierarchical structure
Love-driven authority Power-driven authority
No manipulation or control Control over members
Overflow of divine love Man-made structures
Members are individually
Members are numbers
known

Key Verse:

"That they may be one as We are one." (John 17)

3. The Church Should Reflect Trinitarian Unity

• The world should see the love among believers and recognize God's love.
• Philippians 2: Paul’s example of a leader passionate about people rather than an
organization.
• Timothy is commended for caring for people rather than seeking personal gain.

Example of True Leadership:

• Paul describes Timothy’s heart for the church (Philippians 2:19-22).

• True leadership in the church is serving others, not seeking power.

4. Importance of Overflowing Love

• Trinitarian love overflows naturally; it is not self-generated.
• When believers experience deep friendship with the Holy Spirit, they reflect God’s
love.
• True church life happens outside of structured services.

New Testament Commands (One Another Principles):

• Love one another

• Celebrate one another
• Esteem one another higher than yourself
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 • Carry one another’s burdens
• Forgive one another
• Pray for one another

5. Practical Application: Building a Trinitarian Community

1. Prioritize relationships over structures – Encourage personal connections.
2. Reject hierarchy for mutual submission – Reflect self-giving love.
3. Seek God's heart, not organizational success – Align with biblical values.
4. Practice the "One Another" principles – Build genuine Christian fellowship.
5. Avoid pride-filled opinions – Unity comes from humility and love.

Conclusion:

The church should mirror the Trinity, not an organization. Relational oneness is the key,
and believers must operate out of self-giving love rather than control. Jesus’ prayer in
John 17 calls for a oneness that reflects the very nature of God.

Study Notes: Understanding Trinitarian Community and Ecclesia

1. Key Concepts of Trinitarian Love & Community

• Jesus shared His glory (doxa – meaning “opinion”) with us to make us one with
Him.
• The Trinitarian community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is the model for unity in
the Church.
• We do not generate love ourselves; we participate in the already existing love of the
Trinity.
• True ecclesia is relational, not just organizational.
• Unity and love among believers should make the world recognize God's love.

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2. Issues with the Modern Church Structure

• Sunday services are organizational, not relational.

o Relationships happen before or after services, not during.
o Many churches focus on controlling large gatherings rather than fostering
genuine community.
• Paul’s ministry was about passion for people, not building an organization.
• True gatherings should focus on “one another” rather than just teaching.
o Paul taught through letters and in person, but gatherings involved mutual
encouragement.
• Teaching is important but should not replace relationships.
o Media can be used for teaching, while gatherings should be about
community.
• The legalistic approach to the cross distorts its meaning; the cross represents
self-giving love beyond human understanding.

3. Biblical Foundations for Community

• Philippians 2 – Paul’s concern for the people, not self-interest.

• New Testament commands (51 “One Another” Statements):
o Love one another
o Celebrate one another
o Esteem one another
o Carry one another’s burdens
o Forgive one another
o Pray for one another

4. Practical Application: Living as a Trinitarian Community

• Eliminate pride-filled opinions – they harm unity.

• Humble ourselves – put others first and serve selflessly.
• Seek what is important to Jesus, not just what benefits us.
• Overflow in love – Trinitarian love is meant to be experienced and shared.
• Ecclesia must be about relationships, not just teaching.

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5. Rethinking Church Resources

• Funds should be used to help people, not just maintain structures.

• Buildings for Sunday services alone are a waste of resources.
o Schools, hospitals, and universities are more useful structures.
• Ultimate goal: Moving into sonship, where needs like hospitals are no longer
necessary.

6. Key Takeaways

Church is about relationship, not just meetings.

Love should be Trinitarian—self-giving, participatory, and overflowing.

Church gatherings should foster connection, encouragement, and service.

Teachings should not replace community; they should empower it.

Resources should serve people, not maintain unnecessary structures.

7. Prayer & Final Thoughts

• Prayer for understanding Trinitarian love:

"Father, open our eyes to see that the Church is about participating in Your circle of love.
Let this truth sink deep, not as a doctrine, but as our reality. In Jesus' name, Amen."

• Call to action:

"Meet one another, pray over one another, share these truths, and let ecclesia continue."

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Study Notes: Foundations – The Reality of Realities

(Based on the video lecture by Jesudian, 20-09-2020)

1. Key Concepts

• Truth is Reality:
o The Greek word for truth is "Aletheia," meaning "reality."
o Truth is not just an idea, doctrine, or concept—it is actual reality.
o Every truth is a reality, but not every perception is reality.
• The Reality of All Realities:
o Human perception often defines personal reality, but it is not always the
ultimate reality.
o Unchanging reality exists beyond human perception.
o Many things we consider realities—pain, suffering, chaos—are temporary
and subject to change.
• Created vs. Uncreated Reality:
o Everything in existence (earth, heaven, etc.) is a created reality.
o Created realities are subject to change.
o The only unchanging reality is the uncreated one.
o Uncreated reality is eternal (no beginning, no end).
• The Ultimate Reality: The Triune God
o The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the eternal, uncreated reality.
o Their relationship is the foundation of all existence.

2. Important Definitions & Concepts

• Perception vs. Reality

o Perception: What we understand or experience as reality.
o Reality: What truly exists, regardless of human understanding.
• Perichoresis (Circle Dance of God)
o Definition: The interpenetrating relationship between Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.
o Described as a never-ending dance that represents the mutual indwelling
of God.

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 • Characteristics of God's Relationship (Triune Relationship):
o Other-centered love.
o Self-emptying (self-giving) nature.
o Mutual delight and indwelling.
o Celebration, joy, laughter.
o This is the true definition of eternal life and holiness.

3. Key Takeaways

✔ God’s reality is relational, not abstract or conceptual.

✔ The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is the only eternal and uncreated reality.

✔ Human perception of reality often changes, but God's reality remains unchanging.

✔ Understanding God starts with understanding His relational nature.

4. Visual Representation

Triune Relationship (Perichoresis)

Father <--> Son

\ /
Holy Spirit

• This eternal, unchanging relationship forms the foundation of reality.

• The mutual, self-giving love between the Trinity is the essence of holiness and
eternal life.

5. Final Thoughts

• The Bible presents God as a relational being—not just an idea or force.

• Eternal life is not just about longevity but about entering into this divine
relationship.

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 • Misunderstanding this foundational truth means missing the essence of who
God is.

These notes provide a structured, concise, and visually aided summary of the key
teachings from the lecture, making it ideal for quick revision and deeper understanding.

Study Notes: Foundations – The Reality of Realities

(Based on the Video Lecture Transcript: Jesudian – YouTube, 20-09-2020)

Key Concepts:
• Truth = Reality – Every truth is not just an idea or doctrine but an actual reality
(Greek: Aletheia).
• Perception vs. Reality – Our perception shapes our reality, but true reality is
unchanging.
• Unchanging Reality – The Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is the ultimate,
uncreated, eternal reality.
• Perichoresis – The interpenetrating relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
(often described as a circle dance).
• Biblical Narrative & Theology – Instead of a systematic theology book, the Bible
presents a narrative leading to the revelation of Christ.

1. Truth and Reality

• Truth is not a concept but a reality.
• Our perception of reality can change, but true reality is unchanging.
• Many things we see as “reality” (pain, evil, suffering) are subject to change.
• The only unchanging reality is God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

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2. Created vs. Uncreated Reality
• Created realities (earth, heaven, humans) are temporary and changeable.
• Uncreated reality (God) is eternal, without beginning or end.
Created Reality Uncreated Reality
Earth, universe,
God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
time
Subject to change Eternal & unchanging
Temporary
No beginning, no end
existence

3. The Trinity & Perichoresis

• God is one, but He exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• This relationship is interpenetrating, self-giving, and eternal.
• The early church described this as Perichoresis (circle dance of mutual love and
unity).

Characteristics of God's Relationship:

Other-centered – Not self-focused

Self-emptying – Willing to give rather than take

Mutual delight & joy – A relationship of love and celebration

4. The Bible as a Narrative, Not a Formula

• The Bible is not a systematic theology book with principles and formulas.
• Instead, it presents a rich narrative of God’s revelation through history.
• Understanding Genesis 1:1 (Creation) → John 1:1 (Word/Jesus) → Incarnation →
Resurrection → Pentecost helps us see the full picture.

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5. The Challenge of the Trinity in Monotheistic Judaism
• Judaism strongly affirms “God is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4).
• The Old Testament expectation: God Himself would come in flesh to save His
people.
• Jesus claimed to be the Messiah (God in flesh), but also called God “My Father”
and spoke of the Holy Spirit.
• This shook the Jewish understanding of monotheism.

6. Biblical Basis for Christ’s Divinity

• John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God… all things were made through Him.”
• Colossians 1:15-17 – “He is the image of the invisible God… all things were created
through Him and for Him.”
• Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher; He is the Logos (Word) of God, the Creator
Himself.

Flowchart: Biblical Narrative Leading to Christ

Genesis 1:1

(Creation: "In the beginning, God created")

Old Testament Narrative

(Prophecies about God coming in flesh)

John 1:1

(Jesus: "The Word was with God, and the Word was God")

Virgin Birth, Death, Resurrection

(Jesus fulfills prophecies, proving He is God in flesh)

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Ascension & Pentecost

(Holy Spirit is sent, confirming the Trinity)

Early Church's Revelation

God is One, existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:
• The ultimate reality is God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
• The Trinity is not a contradiction to monotheism but the fullest revelation of
God’s nature.
• Jesus is the Logos (Word), Creator, and Savior who fulfills the Old Testament
prophecies.
• The Bible must be understood as a narrative rather than a book of abstract
principles.

These notes summarize the core teachings of the lecture while making them easy for quick
revision and deeper study. Let me know if you'd like any further refinements!

Study Notes: Understanding the Biblical Narrative of God’s Nature

1. Key Concepts and Summary

• The New Testament presents Jesus as the image of the invisible God.
• The entire creation (visible and invisible) exists through, by, for, and in Him.
• The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) exists eternally in relational oneness.
• The Old Testament portrays God as almighty and distant, while the New
Testament reveals Him as a relational Father.
• Jesus' claim of being the Son of God challenged the Jewish monotheistic belief.

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2. Understanding the Trinity

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in eternal relationship.

• "God is one" does not mean numerical unity but relational oneness.
• No point in time existed where only the Father was present; the Son and Spirit
always existed with Him.
• Jesus' relationship with the Father (face-to-face) was revolutionary for Jewish
beliefs.

3. The Biblical Narrative: From Creation to Christ

A. The Old Testament Perspective

• Genesis 1:1 – "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
• Jewish belief: God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4 – "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the
Lord is one.").
• God was seen as almighty (El Shaddai) and distant, only interacting with Israel
through prophets, priests, and kings.
• God as "Father" appears only 15 times in the Old Testament, mainly in reference
to Israel as a nation.
• Access to God was limited (e.g., the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies only
once a year).

B. The New Testament Revelation

• John 1:1-3 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. All things were made through Him."
• Jesus calls God "Father" (a radical concept in Judaism).
• John 1:18 – "No one has seen God, but the Son has made Him known."
• Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as the Helper (John 14:16).
• Christian monotheism redefined: One God in three persons (Father, Son, and
Spirit).

26
4. Jesus' Radical Claims and Their Impact

• Jesus as the Messiah: Expected by Jews, but His claim of calling God "Father"
shocked them.
• John 10:30 – "I and the Father are one." → This statement was considered
blasphemous.
• Jesus did not fit into the traditional Jewish understanding of monotheism,
leading to tension.
• Early Christianity emphasized monotheism but with the Trinity at its core.

5. Comparison of Worldviews

Belief
Concept of God Relationship with God
System
Judaism Strict monotheism God is one, distant yet present
Pantheism Everything is God (impersonal) No real personal relationship
Deep relational oneness with
Christianity One God in three persons (Trinity)
God

6. Conclusion: The Relational Nature of God

• God is not a distant being but exists in an eternal Father-Son-Holy Spirit

relationship.
• Jesus reveals God’s true nature as a loving Father.
• Christian faith is not about following principles but engaging in a relationship
with God.

7. Visual Aid: The Trinity Explained

(Diagram Representation)

GOD (One Being)

/ | \
FATHER — SON — HOLY SPIRIT
(Not the Son) (Not the Spirit) (Not the Father)

27
 \ | /
Relational Oneness

• The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, but they are not
three separate gods.
• They exist in a perfect, eternal relationship.

Quick Revision Points

✔ Jesus is the image of the invisible God.

✔ God is not a singular being but exists in relational oneness.

✔ Old Testament: God is distant and almighty; New Testament: God is Father through
Jesus.

✔ Jesus' claim of divine sonship was a radical shift in Jewish monotheism.

✔ Christianity retains monotheism but defines God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This structured format makes it easy to revise and grasp key theological concepts
effectively.

Study Notes: Understanding Jesus' Relationship with the Father

1. Jesus Redefines the Concept of God as Father

• In the Old Testament, God was referred to as Father only 15 times, primarily as
the Father of Israel or the King of Israel.
• In the New Testament, the term Father appears over 170 times, with about 100
mentions in the Gospel of John.
• Jesus revolutionized the understanding of God by calling Him "Abba" (Father),
which was unheard of in Israel.

28
2. Israel’s Religious Pride and Jesus’ Challenge

• Jewish Identity Markers:

o Law and circumcision were central to Jewish pride.
o They believed they alone knew God, while Gentiles (non-Jews) did not.
• Jesus' Radical Statement:
o He declared, "No one knows the Father except the Son" (Matthew 11:27).
o This implied that even Israel did not truly know God despite their traditions.

3. Jesus’ Teachings That Shocked the Jews

• John [Link] Jesus healed on the Sabbath, breaking traditional Jewish laws.
• John [Link] He said, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been
working."
o This statement challenged religious traditions, as God was seen as
resting on the Sabbath.
• John [Link]
o The Jews sought to kill Jesus because He called God His Father.
o By doing so, He was making Himself equal with God.

4. Religion’s Resistance to This Truth

• Religious leaders feared losing control if people saw God as a loving Father.
• Religion promotes fear-based control, while Jesus revealed a relationship-based
faith.
• True "Fear of God" (Reverence) comes from intimacy and assurance, not
manipulation and fear tactics.

5. The Meaning of "Verily, Verily" (Amen, Amen)

• In John’s Gospel, Jesus often says "Verily, Verily" (King James) or "Most
Assuredly".
• The Greek word "Amen" was used to affirm absolute truth.
• When Jesus used "Amen, Amen", He was making a statement of divine authority.

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Key Takeaways

Jesus introduced God as a personal Father ("Abba").

Knowing God as "Father" was shocking to religious leaders.

Jesus directly challenged religious traditions by prioritizing relationship over

rituals.

Religion thrives on fear, but Jesus emphasized love and intimacy with the Father.

"Verily, Verily" (Amen, Amen) was Jesus' way of declaring absolute truth.

Would you like a visual concept map for easier revision?

Study Notes on Jesus' Relationship with the Father

1. Jesus’ Unique Revelation of God as the Father

• Jesus frequently referred to God as "Father" (Abba)

o The term Father appears 170+ times in the New Testament.
o The Gospel of John alone records it nearly 100 times.
• Jesus redefined the way people related to God
o Israel saw God as a lawgiver and judge, but Jesus introduced an intimate,
father-son relationship.
o He placed Himself within a special circle of knowing the Father, excluding
even religious leaders.

2. Israel’s Religious Pride and Jesus’ Challenge

• Israel prided itself on:

o The Law – Given by God to Moses.
o Circumcision – A sign of the Abrahamic covenant.
o The Sabbath – Strictly observed as a commandment.
• Jesus confronted this pride, declaring:
o "No one knows the Father except the Son" – This angered religious leaders.
o His intimacy with God challenged Israel’s belief that only they knew God.

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3. Jesus' Actions on the Sabbath

• Healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5)

o The man was paralyzed for 38 years and had no rest.
o Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk on the Sabbath, causing
controversy.
o Jesus' perspective:
▪ The Sabbath was meant for rest and restoration.
▪ Healing brought true Sabbath rest to the man.
o Religious leaders' reaction:
▪ Instead of rejoicing, they were angry that the Sabbath was "broken".
▪ They prioritized religious rules over human suffering.

4. Jesus’ Statements that Shocked Religious Leaders

• "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" (John 5:17)
o God’s work never stops, even on the Sabbath.
• "The Son can do nothing by Himself but only what He sees the Father doing"
(John 5:19)
o Jesus imitates the Father’s actions perfectly.
• "Whoever honors the Son honors the Father" (John 5:23)
o Jesus equates honoring Him with honoring God, making Him equal to God.
• "The Father has given all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22)
o Jesus is the ultimate judge, not just a teacher or prophet.

5. Religion vs. True Relationship with God

• Religious leaders misunderstood God's heart

o They believed God gave sickness as punishment.
o Jesus revealed God as a loving Father who desires healing.
• Religious fear vs. Jesus’ Fear of God
o Institutional religion controlled people through fear.
o Jesus' fear of God was based on intimacy and trust, not terror.
• Knowing God as "Father" breaks religious control
o When people realize God is their Father, they are:
▪ No longer controlled by religious manipulation.
▪ Free from guilt-driven obedience.

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6. Jesus' Identity and Mission

• People questioned His divine origin

o "We know where this man is from, but when the Christ comes, no one
will know where He is from." (John 7:27)
o They knew Him as Jesus of Nazareth, but failed to see His divine nature.
• Jesus boldly declared His divine origin
o "You both know me and know where I am from. But I have not come of
myself; He who sent me is true, whom you do not know." (John 7:28)
o He directly told religious leaders they did not truly know God.
o This enraged them, and they sought to kill Him.

7. Jesus' Teachings on Eternal Life

• "He who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life."
(John 5:24)
o Faith in Jesus grants eternal life.
• "The Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in
Himself." (John 5:26)
o Jesus has the same life-giving power as the Father.

Key Takeaways

Jesus revealed God as Father, challenging religious traditions.

He broke religious barriers by prioritizing love, healing, and relationship over rituals.

His bold declarations of equality with God led to opposition.

Knowing God as Father frees people from religious control and fear.

Faith in Jesus leads to eternal life.

Flowchart: Jesus' Revelation of the Father

Old Covenant View → God as Lawgiver & Judge

32
 Jesus' Teaching → God as Loving Father

Religious Response → Anger & Rejection

Jesus' Authority → Healing, Judgment, Eternal Life

Believers' Response → Freedom, Rest, and Relationship with the Father

This structured approach makes the lecture concise, clear, and easy to revise!

Study Notes on Jesus' Authority and Relationship with the Father

1. Jesus' Witness and Authority

• Jesus bears witness to Himself and states that His testimony is true (John 8:14).
• Pharisees argue that according to the law, testimony requires two or three
witnesses (John 8:13).
• Jesus responds:
o His witness is valid because He knows where He came from and where
He is going (John 8:14).
o He is not alone—His Father also testifies about Him (John 8:16-18).

2. The Father's Role in Jesus' Ministry

• Jesus is never alone—the Father is always with Him (John 8:29).

• Key statements from Jesus about the Father:
o "The Father knows Me."
o "The Father is with Me."
o "The Father shows Me all things."
o "The Father has given Me all things."
• Jesus always does what pleases the Father (John 8:29).

3. Jesus' Interpretation of Scripture vs. Religious Leaders

• Pharisees relied on the law and tradition, missing the deeper meaning of God's
character.
• Jesus read Scripture in the light of knowing the Father and interpreted it
accordingly.

33
 • Example: Healing on the Sabbath—Jesus understands that God desires mercy
over sacrifice.

4. Religion vs. Relationship with God

• Saul (Paul) studied under Gamaliel and knew Scripture but did not recognize Jesus.
• Religious systems can sometimes distance people from truly knowing God.
• True knowledge of God comes from hearing His voice and following Him.

5. The Security of Believers in Jesus

• Jesus' followers ("sheep") hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27).
• They receive eternal life and will never perish (John 10:28).
• No one can snatch them from Jesus' or the Father's hand (John 10:28-29).
• The Father is greater than all, ensuring complete security for believers.
• Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30).

Key Takeaways

Jesus' authority comes directly from the Father.

Knowing the Father changes how one understands Scripture.

Religious knowledge without relationship leads to blindness.

Believers in Jesus are secure in God's hands.

Would you like a flowchart summarizing Jesus' relationship with the Father?

Study Notes on Jesus' Teachings and the Father-Son Relationship

1. Jesus' Authority and Witness (John 8:14-18)

• The Pharisees challenged Jesus' testimony, stating that one’s testimony is invalid
without two or three witnesses (Old Testament Law).

34
 • Jesus' response:
o "Even if I bear witness of myself, my witness is true."
o Reason: He knows where He came from and where He is going, but they do
not.
o Jesus' judgment is true because He is not alone; the Father is with Him.
o Law states: Two witnesses confirm a truth → Jesus and the Father are the
two witnesses.

Key Verse:

"I am the one who bears witness of myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness of
me." (John 8:18)

2. Jesus’ Relationship with the Father (John 8:28-29, 10:27-30)

• Jesus declares His unity with the Father:

o "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He."
o "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father taught me, I speak these things."
o "He who sent me is with me; the Father has not left me alone."
o "For I always do those things that please Him."

Key Points:

• Jesus was not alone. The Father was always with Him.
• Jesus’ actions were aligned with the Father’s will – not based on written
commandments but on His intimate knowledge of the Father.
• Jesus' sheep (followers) know His voice and follow Him.
• No one can snatch them from His hand or the Father’s hand.
• Jesus and the Father are one.

3. Knowledge of the Father through the Son (Matthew 11:27)

• Jesus reveals the Father to those He chooses.

• The Gospel is about Jesus sharing His knowledge of the Father.
• Analogy:

35
 o A child’s friend experiences a father’s love because of the relationship with
the child, not by earning it.
o Similarly, we know the Father through Jesus, not through religious efforts.

Key Verse:

"No one fully and intimately knows the Son except the Father, and no one fully and
intimately knows the Father except the Son, and to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."
(Matthew 11:27)

4. Relationship vs. Religion

• Jesus' teachings emphasize relationship over rules.

• Religion seeks control through principles like:
o "10 steps to healing"
o "5 steps to financial breakthrough"
• God’s love is unconditional, not transactional.
• The cross is not legal or ritualistic—it is the ultimate revelation of the Father’s
love.

5. Jesus’ Vision for the Church and Community

• The "House of God" is not a physical building but the people (believers).
• Jesus' focus:
o Building community centers that serve and empower people.
o Education and innovation rather than just Sunday gatherings.
o Wise stewardship of resources for societal transformation.

Key Principle:

"We are the house of God, not buildings. But we are called to build places that serve His
heart and vision."

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Diagram: Jesus' Relationship with the Father

(Father)
⬆
Knows me → (Jesus) ← Sent by the Father
⬇
Reveals the Father to us
⬇
(Believers / Sheep)

• Jesus knows the Father fully.

• Jesus reveals the Father to believers.
• Believers enter into relationship with the Father through Jesus.

Conclusion

• Jesus and the Father are one.

• Knowing Jesus = Knowing the Father.
• True faith is relational, not ritualistic.
• The Church should focus on serving and transforming communities, not just
building structures.

Final Thought: God entrusts everything He has with Jesus, and Jesus shares that with us.

Study Notes: Vision for Life Up Learning Center

1. Key Concepts & Summary

• The Life Up Learning Center is being established as a multi-generational

community and innovation hub.
• The project involves constructing a building that will serve as a learning center,
fostering education, innovation, and social transformation.
• The center will provide free learning opportunities for underprivileged children,
focusing on robotics, coding, and problem-solving skills.
• The initiative is rooted in faith and partnership, encouraging individuals to support
through donations.

37
2. Definitions & Examples

• Building as a Tree Metaphor

o Just like planting a tree requires deep roots, constructing a strong building
requires solid foundations.
o Similarly, working with children involves removing negative beliefs and
instilling strong values for a better future.
• Community & Learning Center
o A place where children, youth, and elders come together to play,
celebrate, and grow.
o A center focused on education, technological advancements, and
empowerment of underprivileged kids.

3. Key Points in Bullet Format

• Construction & Vision

o The building will serve as a learning and innovation hub.
o Will provide free evening education for underprivileged children.
o Facilities include labs and equipment for practical learning.
• Empowering the Community
o Workshops on robotics and coding for local kids.
o Encouraging children to think innovatively and solve real-world problems.
o Developing a thriving, multi-generational community.
• Call to Action & Financial Support
o Two crores needed to complete the project.
o Contributions are encouraged to support the vision and impact future
generations.

4. Important Terms for Emphasis

• Life Up Learning Center – The core project.

• Multi-generational community – A place for people of all ages to grow together.
• Innovation Hub – A space for technology-driven solutions.
• Empowerment through Education – Helping underprivileged children learn skills.
• Partnership & Faith – Trusting in God’s provision and community support.

38
5. Visual Aid: Concept Flowchart

Vision for Life Up Learning Center

→ Construction of a Strong Foundation

→ Education & Skill Development (Robotics, Coding, Innovation)

→ Empowering Underprivileged Children & Local Community

→ Building a Thriving, Multi-Generational Community

→ Long-term Impact: Transforming Lives & Future Generations

Conclusion

The Life Up Learning Center aims to transform lives through education, innovation, and
community engagement. It focuses on empowering children with real-world skills
while fostering a strong, relational society. Individuals are encouraged to support the
initiative financially, as the impact will last for generations.

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Study Notes: The Sin of All Sins

(From the Video Lecture by Jesudian | 27-09-2020)

1. Importance of Foundations

• Foundations determine strength and stability—errors in foundations must be

corrected.
• In spiritual life, getting foundational truths right is crucial.

2. Key Foundational Truths

• Truth of all truths → The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in utter oneness and
self-giving love.
• Reality of all realities → This divine relational existence is the foundation of
creation, purpose, and meaning.

3. Understanding Eternal Life

• Eternal life is not just living forever or going to heaven.

• Eternal life is a relational experience:
o The Father knows the Son, and the Son knows the Father in the Holy
Spirit’s presence.
o This knowing experience is the uncreated reality that does not change.
o Everything else in creation is changeable, but this relationship is constant.

4. The Root of Sin

• Sin is not just breaking commandments or disobedience—those are symptoms,

not the root.
• The core of sin is the loss of the knowing experience of God.
• When this relationship with God is broken, sin takes root in a person’s life.

5. Biblical Evidence of Sin’s Root

• John 1:18 (Passion Translation):

40
“No one has ever gazed upon the fullness of God’s splendor except the uniquely beloved
Son who is cherished by the Father and held close to His heart.”

o Jesus possesses a unique knowledge of the Father, which is intimate and

relational.
o This knowledge (epignosis) is not just intellectual but experiential.
• Matthew [Link]

“No one fully and intimately knows the Father except the Son.”

o This confirms that true knowledge of God is only through Jesus.

Summary Diagram: Foundations of Truth and Sin

God’s Reality (Truth of All Truths)

Knowing Experience (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Love & Oneness)

Eternal Life

Sin = Loss of this Relationship (Not Just Actions, But Separation from God)

Final Takeaways

• Eternal life is a relationship, not just a place (heaven).

• Sin is not just bad deeds but the separation from God’s knowing experience.
• Jesus alone fully knows the Father and restores this lost relationship.

These notes provide a quick revision of the key concepts discussed in the lecture, making
it easier to understand and recall the foundational truths.

41
Study Notes: The Sin of All Sins

Speaker: Jesudian | Date: 27-09-2020 | Lecture Series: Foundations (Week 3)

1. The Importance of Foundations

• Just like a building’s foundation must be strong and error-free, our spiritual
foundation must be correct.
• Errors in foundations must be corrected before proceeding further.

2. The Reality of All Realities: The Trinity

• The ultimate truth: The relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• This relationship is based on other-centered love, oneness, and self-giving joy.
• Eternal life is not about just living forever; it is about a relational knowing of the
Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit.

Key Concept:

• Truth of all truths: God exists in a perfect, loving relationship.

• Reality of all realities: This relational existence is the foundation of everything.

3. The Sin of All Sins

• Sin is not just breaking commandments but failing to know the Father.
• Jesus repeatedly emphasized this:
o John 1:18 – No one has seen God except the Son, who reveals Him.
o John 7:28 – "You do not know the One who sent me."
o John 8:19 – "If you knew me, you would know my Father."
o John 8:55 – "You do not know Him, but I know Him."

42
Key Takeaway:

• Sin is not knowing God; everything else (adultery, murder, addictions) are just the
fruits of this root problem.

4. Knowing God is Eternal Life

• John 17:3 – “Knowing the Father, the way Jesus knew the Father, is eternal life.”
• If knowing God is eternal life, then not knowing Him is eternal death (sin).

Sin vs. Eternal Life

Eternal Life Sin / Eternal Death

Knowing God Not knowing God
Relationship with the Separation from the
Father Father
Root of righteousness Root of all sin

5. The Pharisees’ Mistake

• The Pharisees:
o Obeyed commandments strictly.
o Knew religious laws, sacrifices, and rituals.
o Knew how to pray, fast, and meditate on scripture.
o BUT they did not know the Father!

Jesus’ Repeated Rebuke:

• "You do not know Him, but I know Him."

• Religious practices mean nothing without knowing God.

6. The Parable of the Lost Sons (Luke 15)

• The three parables:

43
 o The lost sheep → Represents Jesus (Shepherd).
o The lost coin → Represents Holy Spirit (Diligent searcher).
o The lost sons → Represents God the Father.

Key Insight:

• The father lost BOTH sons, not just the younger one.
• Both religious and rebellious people can be lost if they do not know the Father.

7. The Ultimate Message

• Knowing the Father is the core of Christianity.
• The sin of all sins is living life without experiencing and knowing God personally.
• Jesus came to fix this— not just to remove sins, but to restore our relationship
with the Father.

Visual Summary

The Root vs. The Fruits of Sin

SIN (Root)
│
┌──────┴───────┐
│ │
Adultery Murder
│ │
Drunkenness Hatred
│ │
(Fruits of not knowing God)

• Solution: Knowing the Father through Jesus!

44
Final Thought

• Christianity is not just about avoiding sin but about knowing and experiencing
God.
• If we fix the root (relationship with God), the fruits (sins) will disappear on their
own.

Study Notes: Knowing God and Our

Authentic Design
Key Concepts and Summary
• Knowing the Father is the core of eternal life.
• Jesus repeatedly emphasized that the Pharisees followed religious practices but
did not know the Father (John 7:28, John 8:19, John 8:55).
• Sin is not just an action but a malfunction of our authentic design.
• Our authentic design is:
o To know God and be known by Him.
o To participate in the relational union of the Trinity.
• Transparency, vulnerability, and relational connection define the Trinity and our
original purpose.

1. Jesus' Teaching on Knowing the Father

• John 7:28 – "You do not know the one who sent me."
• John 8:19 – "If you knew me, you would recognize my Father too."
• John 8:55 – "You do not know Him, but I know Him."
• The Pharisees knew religious laws but not the heart of God.

2. Sin as a Malfunction of Design

• Sin is not just an action but a state of not knowing God.

45
 • Defining sin only as moral failure is superficial.
• True sin = Separation from knowing the Father.
• Example:
o The Prodigal Son (Luke 15) –
▪ One son was lost outside (left home).
▪ One son was lost inside (stayed but did not know the Father).

3. The Authentic Design of Humanity

• We are created to:
o Know and be known.
o Participate in the eternal life of the Trinity.
• John 17:3 – "Knowing Him is eternal life."
• 1 John 5:20 – "The Son of God has come to give us understanding so we may know
Him."
• We are included in the "circle of knowing" within the Trinity.

4. The Trinity and Relationship

• God is not solitary. He is a community:
o Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
o There is relational love and outward connection.
• If God were solitary:
o He would be self-centered and unable to relate to creation.
• The Trinity is a family, which reflects our design for relationships.

5. Transparency and Vulnerability

• Genesis 2:25 – "They were naked and not ashamed."
• The Trinity experiences absolute transparency and vulnerability.
• Key characteristics of divine relationship:
o No hiding or shame.
o No manipulation, backbiting, or secrecy.

46
 • To know and be known, we must embrace authentic transparency.

Flowchart: The Journey of Knowing God

⬇
**Knowing the Father** (John 17:3)
⬇
Leads to **Eternal Life & Authentic Design**
⬇
Requires **Transparency & Vulnerability**
⬇
Restores **Humanity's Purpose & Relationship**

Conclusion
• The root of all sin is not knowing God.
• Religious practices alone do not guarantee a relationship with the Father.
• True life is in knowing and being known by Him.
• Our original design is to be transparent, relational, and part of the divine knowing
experience.

Study Notes: Understanding Sin, Authentic Design, and the Culture of

Heaven

1. The Problem of Not Knowing the Father

• Two types of lost sons: One lost outside, one lost inside—both did not truly know
the Father.
• Human design: We are created to know God and be known by Him.
• Sin is a malfunction: It is not just an action but a failure to operate within our
authentic design.
• Superficial view of sin: When sin is seen only as moral failure or disobedience,
we miss the root issue.

47
 • Root issue: Sin is being disconnected from our true design—to be in intimate
relationship with God.

2. The Authentic Design of Humanity

• Created for relationship: Humanity is designed for knowing and being known
(John 17:3).
• Participation in divine life:
o 1 John 5:20 – Jesus gives us understanding so we may know Him who is
true.
o Eternal life = Living in relational union with the Father, Son, and Spirit.
• God is not solitary: He has always been in relationship within the Trinity.
• Our identity: We are called to participate in the mutual love and knowing of the
Trinity.

3. The Importance of Transparency and Vulnerability

• Genesis [Link] "They were naked and not ashamed."

• Original design = Absolute transparency
o No shame, no hiding, no fear.
o Being vulnerable and fully known is essential for true relationship.
• Trinitarian relationship:
o Absolute trust—no backstabbing, manipulation, or secrecy.
o The Father, Son, and Spirit are completely transparent with one another.

4. The Culture of Heaven

• Heaven is not about physical elements (golden streets, pearly gates, etc.).
• What makes heaven "heaven"?
o The culture of the Trinity: Self-giving love, transparency, and joy.
o A community of unity and oneness (John 17:21-23).
• Heaven on Earth = Living in this Trinitarian culture
o "Let your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven" = A relational
transformation.

48
5. The Church vs. Institutional Religion

• Jesus’ vision for the Church (Ecclesia):

o A relational governing assembly built on love and unity.
o Not an institution with rigid structures and shame-based culture.
• Institutional church issues:
o Focuses on rules, reputation, and maintaining authority rather than
relationships.
o Defines sin as breaking rules instead of relational disconnection.
o People are excluded, judged, and condemned to protect the institution.

Key Takeaways

Sin = Malfunction of our authentic design (being disconnected from God).

We are designed to live in transparent, intimate relationships with God and

others.

Heaven is not a place but a culture—defined by the relational love of the Trinity.

True Church = A community of love, unity, and relational transparency.

Institutional religion often distorts true relationship with God by focusing on rules.

Visual Summary: The Authentic Design vs. Sinful Malfunction

Flowchart: Understanding Sin and Redemption

Created for Relationship

• Designed to know and be known (John 17:3)

• Absolute transparency (Genesis 2:25)

Sin = Malfunction

• Losing the ability to know and be known

49
 • Hiding, shame, self-centeredness

Jesus Restores Our Design

• 1 John [Link] He gives us understanding to know God

• We are invited into the Trinitarian relationship

Heaven on Earth

• Living in God’s relational culture

• Unity, love, and transparency (John 17)

Would you like me to add a diagram to illustrate these concepts?

Study Notes: The Concept of Sin, Faith, and Divine Influence

1. Understanding Sin and Faith

• Definition of Sin:
o The Bible defines sin as "whatever is not of faith is sin" (Romans).
o Sin is not just disobedience but a lack of divine persuasion.
• Definition of Faith:
o Faith (Greek: pistis) means divine persuasion.
o The opposite of sin is faith—when a person is divinely influenced by God.
• Key Concept:
o Humanity is designed for divine influence (grace) and divine persuasion
(faith).
o When Adam and Eve were persuaded by the serpent’s voice, they
malfunctioned.

2. The Role of Perception in Sin

• Perception Shapes Reality:
o What we believe determines how we see reality.
o Adam and Eve originally experienced Trinitarian love, joy, and acceptance.

50
 o When they listened to the whisper of evil, their perception shifted.
• Sin Did Not Change God:
o God's nature is unchanging (“I am God, I do not change”).
o Sin did not transform God into an angry judge.
o Sin changed humanity’s perception of God.
• Effects of Sin on Human Perception:
o Before sin: Security in God’s love and acceptance.
o After sin: Shame, fear, guilt, and hiding.

3. The First Consequences of Sin

• Genesis 3:7-8:
o Adam and Eve realized they were naked → Covered themselves with fig
leaves.
o They hid from God → Introduced fear and separation from divine presence.
• Key Takeaways:
o Sin introduced shame, fear, and guilt.
o Sin distorted reality, not God’s nature.
o Humanity started hiding from God rather than enjoying divine intimacy.

4. The Difference Between God’s Voice and the Enemy’s

Voice
God’s Voice Enemy’s Whisper
Voice of truth and reality Voice of deception
Brings freedom and joy Brings doubt and fear
Based on divine
Based on lies and confusion
persuasion
Creates shame and
Affirms identity in God
separation

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5. Summary of Key Spiritual Truths
• Heaven is not just a place but a reality of divine love and unity.
• Faith is being divinely persuaded by God’s truth.
• Sin is allowing another voice (enemy’s deception) to shape reality.
• God remains the same even when humanity’s perception of Him changes.
• The effects of sin—shame, fear, and guilt—are a result of a distorted
perception.

Flowchart: The Process of Sin and Perception Change

1. Divine Persuasion (Faith) → Secure in God's Love

2. Serpent’s Deception → Doubt Enters
3. Adam & Eve Believe the Lie → Perception Shifts
4. New Reality: Fear, Shame, Guilt
5. Hiding from God → Separation from Divine Presence

Reflection Questions

1. How does faith (divine persuasion) protect us from sin?

2. How does the enemy manipulate perception to create fear and shame?
3. What steps can be taken to restore a correct perception of God?

These notes offer a structured, concise, and clear way to revise the lecture’s key points.
Let me know if you need any refinements!

Study Notes: Understanding Sin, Faith, and

Identity
1. Key Concepts of Sin and Faith
• The Bible defines sin as "whatever is not of faith" (Romans 14:23).

52
 • Faith (Greek: pistis) means divine persuasion—being influenced by God.
• Sin is the absence of divine persuasion, leading to a malfunctioning human
experience.
• Adam and Eve believed the serpent instead of God's truth, altering their perception
of reality.

2. The Role of Perception in Sin

• Reality is shaped by perception, which stems from persuasion.
• God’s truth is unchanging, but sin distorts human perception.
• Sin does not change God; it changes us, leading to:
o Shame
o Fear
o Guilt
o Hiding

3. Effects of Sinful Perception

• When humans lost divine persuasion, they:
o Became spiritually blind.
o Experienced relational pain.
o Tried to cover up their true selves.
o Engaged in destructive behaviors (cheating, stealing, addiction).

4. The "I AM" vs. "I AM NOT" Mentality

• Jesus defines Himself as "I AM" (e.g., "I am the light, the way, the truth").
• The opposite of divine persuasion is "I AM NOT", leading to:
o Insecurity
o False identity
o Striving for acceptance
• People attempt to escape "I AM NOT" through:
o Performance (seeking approval)
o Self-motivation (forcing confidence)
o Denial (ignoring inner struggles)
o Self-medication (pornography, alcohol, overwork, distractions)

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5. The Root of All Sin
• The deepest sin is not knowing the Father.
• Religious leaders also fall into insecurity and performance-driven faith.
• True transformation comes from divine persuasion, not self-effort.

6. Visual Aid: Cycle of Sin and Identity

Divine Persuasion → Faith → Confidence → True Identity → Freedom
↓
Sin (Lack of Faith)
↓
"I AM NOT" Mentality
↓
Shame, Fear, Guilt
↓
Performance, Addiction, Hiding
↓
Malfunction

7. Key Takeaways

• Sin is not just wrongdoing; it's misplaced belief.

• True faith comes from divine persuasion.
• Distorted perception leads to sin and insecurity.
• Healing begins by embracing God's truth about us ("I AM").

Study Notes: Understanding Sin, Pain, and the Black Hole of Brokenness

54
1. Key Concepts of Sin and Brokenness
• Sin is not just about actions but stems from not knowing the Father and being in a
state of relational brokenness.
• People engage in "pain management techniques" (both good and bad) to cope
with shame, guilt, and fear.
• A "black hole" of pain exists within us, where deep wounds from childhood shape
our beliefs and reactions in relationships.
• Many performance-driven behaviors (perfectionism, busyness, ministry work)
stem from trying to avoid inner pain rather than genuine love for God.
• A legalistic understanding of the Gospel and church cannot fix this problem—it
requires an experiential relationship with God.

2. The Cycle of Pain and Sin

• Hiding and Performance: Many keep themselves busy to avoid confronting deep
emotional pain.
• False Sense of Belonging: Instead of true connection, people try to “fit in” through
external validation, leading to insecurities.
• "I Am Not" Mentality:
o Core lies people believe:
▪ I am not good enough
▪ I am not valuable
▪ I am not lovable
▪ I am not accepted
o These lies influence how we see others:
▪ Nobody loves me.
▪ Nobody values me.
▪ Everybody rejects me.
• Pain Management Techniques:
o Denial (ignoring the problem)
o Self-salvation (motivational self-help attempts)
o Self-medication (addictions like drinking, smoking, workaholism, even
ministry work)

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3. The "Black Hole" of Brokenness
• Definition: A deep emotional void caused by shame, guilt, and fear, which
prevents people from receiving love.
• Effects:
o No matter how much love or affirmation is given, the person feels empty
and unloved.
o It leads to destructive behaviors, addiction, and relational pain.
o Marriage and relationships suffer because hidden wounds create
disproportionate emotional reactions.

4. Why Legalism Cannot Solve This Problem

• A legalistic view of sin (focusing on actions like adultery, murder) ignores the root
cause.
• A legal understanding of the Gospel ("Jesus paid for our sins, so we are legally
free") does not heal relational brokenness.
• Institutional churches focused on building ministries rather than authentic
communities fail to address this deep pain.

5. The Need for True Healing and Relationship with God

• The only true light that can heal this "black hole" is knowing the Father through
Jesus.
• Jesus stepped into our darkness to reveal the Father, not just as a teaching but as
an experience.
• Eternal life = Knowing God (John 17:3)
• The Holy Spirit shares this knowledge with us, leading to true transformation.

6. Reflection and Application

• Understanding the root of our pain helps us break free from destructive behaviors.
• Recognizing our "I am not" lies allows us to replace them with God’s truth.

56
 • Healing comes from experiencing God’s love, not just theological knowledge.
• The solution to sin is not just better behavior but deeper connection with the
Father.

Flowchart: The Cycle of Sin and Brokenness

Not Knowing the Father →

Deep Wounds & Lies ("I am not enough") →

Emotional Pain & Relational Issues →

Pain Management (Addictions, Busyness, Perfectionism, Religion) →

More Brokenness & Distance from God →

Need for True Healing through Knowing the Father

Final Takeaway

This message emphasizes that sin is not just about wrong actions but a deep relational
issue rooted in not knowing God. True healing comes from experiencing God's love and
allowing His truth to replace our core lies.

"The only light that can shine bright in this black hole is the knowledge of the Father shared
through the Spirit."

Study Notes: Vision for the Learning &

Community Center
1. Overview of the Project
• A Learning Center & Community Hub is under construction.
• The center will be a place for relational gatherings and community development.

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 • Aims to transform the lives of children and empower future generations.

2. Importance of the Project

• The project is compared to planting a tree:
o Requires digging deep to establish strong foundations.
o Just like buildings need a solid foundation, children's lives need strong
values and truth to shape their identity.
• Multi-generational community:
o A space where young and old learn, play, and grow together.
o Encourages celebration and shared experiences.

3. Key Features & Objectives

1. Education & Innovation Hub
a. Focus on real-world problem-solving.
b. Equipped with labs and workshops.
2. Empowerment of Underprivileged Children
a. Free evening classes for local community children.
b. Special focus on robotics & coding workshops.
3. Community Engagement
a. Encourages a thriving, supportive society.
b. Bridges gaps between generations and backgrounds.

4. Call for Support & Donations

• Financial need: ₹2 crores required to complete the project.
• Every donation contributes to future generations.
• Encouragement to partner in the vision and make a difference.

5. Key Takeaways
• The center is not just about infrastructure but about shaping lives.
• Strong foundations in values & identity are essential for children’s future.
• Community-driven development ensures long-term impact.
• Opportunity for individuals to contribute and be part of this vision.

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Flowchart: Project Vision & Impact

Start
↓
Learning Center & Community Hub
↓
▪ Education & Innovation Hub
▪ Community Engagement
▪ Underprivileged Children Support
↓
Transformed Lives & Future Leaders
↓
Generational Impact & Growth
End

This summary ensures quick revision and clarity while retaining the core message.

59
Study Notes: Foundations – Incarnation and Meaning

1. Importance of Foundations in Faith

• Strong foundations are essential for a stable belief system.

• Revisiting foundational truths brings clarity and deeper understanding over time.
• A faulty foundation leads to confusion and instability in faith.

2. Understanding God’s Nature

• Our view of God shapes our view of:

o Ourselves
o Others
o Meaning and purpose in life
• God’s being defines His actions – He is the "Great I AM".
• God is not solitary – He is a relational and personal being.

3. Contrasting Worldviews

A. Pantheism (God = Universe)

• Everything is considered divine, including the universe itself.

• Creation is not separate from God; rather, the universe is self-existing.
• The goal is to become one with the universe, meaning:
o Losing individual identity.
o No personal purpose or destiny, just existence.
• Fate is the guiding force, not destiny.

B. Deism (Distant God)

• God is a distant, uninvolved being.

• He created the universe but does not intervene in human affairs.
• Life is like a spinning top—winding down without divine guidance.

C. Biblical Worldview

• Stands between pantheism and deism.

• God is distinct from creation but actively involved in it.

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 • Before anything was created, God existed.
• The Bible offers a meaningful relationship with God rather than just existence.

4. The Meaning of Incarnation

• The incarnation of Jesus demonstrates:

o God’s personal involvement in creation.
o A bridge between God and humanity.
o Purposeful existence rather than meaningless fate.

Key Takeaways

• Our view of God affects every aspect of life.

• Biblical faith presents a personal, involved God, unlike other worldviews.
• Incarnation is central to understanding God’s engagement with humanity.
• Faith should be revisited frequently to deepen understanding.

Would you like a visual flowchart summarizing these points?

Study Notes: Foundations - Incarnation and Meaning

(Based on the lecture transcript from Jesudian - YouTube, 04-10-2020)

1. Importance of Understanding God's Nature

• Our view of God determines our view of ourselves, others, and our purpose in life.
• If the foundation is weak, everything built on it is shaky.
• Revisiting foundational truths strengthens faith and understanding.

2. Different Views of God

Pantheistic View

• God and the universe are the same (creation itself is God).
• No personal relationship with God.

61
 • Goal: To lose identity and merge with the universe.

Deistic View

• God is distant and uninvolved in creation.

• Creation is like a spinning top left to wind down on its own.

Biblical View

• God is personal and relational (not distant, not just a force).

• Creation is intentional, born out of love, not an accident.
• Humanity has meaning and purpose, not just fate or random existence.

3. The Trinity: One God in Three Persons

• God is not solitary but exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• They are:
o Distinct personalities (Father ≠ Son ≠ Holy Spirit).
o In absolute unity (relational oneness).
o Indivisible—God cannot exist apart from this relationship.

Rejecting False Teachings (Modalism)

• Modalism: A false teaching that claims God was first the Father, then became the
Son, and later the Holy Spirit.
• Truth: The Trinity has always existed in perfect relational oneness.

4. Creation: An Overflow of Love

• The universe and everything in it exist because of the love within the Trinity.
• Creation is not random but a purposeful act from God's overflowing love.
• God loves His creation and desires a relationship with it.

62
5. The Purpose of Humanity

• Humans are made in God's image → This separates us from animals and nature.
• Unlike plants, animals, or amoebas, humans have a divine purpose.
• Incarnation (God becoming man) is not an afterthought but part of God's grand
plan.

6. The Invitation to the "Triune Dance"

• God invites us to participate in His eternal relationship.

• Christianity offers more than just heaven/hell or becoming "one with the
universe".
• Life has a grand vision and purpose beyond just existing.

7. Summary Diagram: The Biblical Worldview

God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) → Overflow of Love → Creation → Humanity in His Image →
Invitation to Relationship

This structured approach ensures quick revision and clarity on key theological concepts.

Study Notes: The Triune God and the Grand

Vision of Creation
1. Understanding the Being of God
• The question of God's nature defines our meaning, purpose, and existence.
• God is not a distant being who simply created humans and left them alone.
• The Bible reveals God as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—existing in
absolute unity.
• The Father is not the Son; the Son is not the Holy Spirit. They are distinct yet one in
perfect union.

63
2. The Heresy of Modalism
• Modalism (a false teaching) claims that God was first the Father, then the Son, and
then the Holy Spirit, but Scripture refutes this.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist eternally and simultaneously.
• The relationship between them is indivisible—the Father cannot be God apart from
the Son and the Spirit.

3. Creation as an Overflow of the Trinity

• The universe, stars, galaxies, and earth were created as a result of the
overflowing love within the Trinity.
• Creation is not accidental but was designed with purpose and meaning.
• God loves His creation, unlike other beliefs that depict God as detached or
indifferent.

4. The Invitation to the Triune Dance

• Humans cannot enter the divine relationship on their own.
• Adoption into God’s family was planned before creation, not after Adam’s fall.
• Ephesians 1:3-5: We were predestined for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ
before the foundation of the world.
• God’s plan was never a reaction to human sin, but His eternal purpose from the
beginning.

5. Christ as the Mediator

• Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15-17).
• All things were created through Him, for Him, and in Him.
• The incarnation (God becoming man) is the medium that unites Trinity and
humanity.
• Jesus is the head, and His people are His bride—this plan existed before sin and
the fall.

64
6. Key Takeaways

✔ God is one, yet three persons in perfect unity.

✔ Creation is a result of the love within the Trinity.

✔ The plan of salvation and adoption existed before creation.

✔ Jesus is the mediator between God and man.

✔ Believers are invited into the divine relationship through Christ.

7. Visual Aid: The Trinity & Creation

God (One Being)
│
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
│ │ │
Father Son Holy Spirit
│ │ │
└───────── Absolute Unity ────────┘
│
---------------------
| Creation (Overflow of Love) |
---------------------

Study Notes: The Eternal Purpose of

Christ and His Bride
Key Concepts and Summary
• Christ’s union with the Church (Bride) is not a response to the
fall but the original creative purpose of God.

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 • Incarnation was always Plan A, not an afterthought due to sin.
• Creation and Redemption are distinct:
o Creative Purpose: Christ having a bride (the Church).
o Redemptive Purpose: The death, burial, resurrection, and
ascension of Christ.
• Adam was created in the image of Christ, not the other way
around.
• The union in Christ was planned before creation and was not a
reaction to Adam's fall.
• The Gospel is about participation in the divine life (Triune
dance), not just escaping hell.
• Salvation is not just legal forgiveness but includes being united
with Christ in His eternal purpose.

1. Christ’s Bride: The Original Plan

• God’s eternal plan: Christ would have a bride whom He would love
selflessly.
• The Church (Ecclesia) is the body of Christ, with Him as the
head.
• The fullness of Christ is expressed through His bride, impacting
all creation.

Creative vs. Redemptive Purpose

Creative Purpose Redemptive Purpose

Includes death, burial, resurrection,
Christ uniting with His Bride
ascension
Existed before sin and the
Became necessary after sin
fall
Plan A from the beginning Not an afterthought

2. Understanding Adam and Christ

• Adam was modeled after Christ, not vice versa.

66
 • The creation of Eve from Adam foreshadows the Church's
relationship with Christ.
• Christ’s love for the Church is the reason for creation, not just
a response to sin.

3. Misunderstandings About Salvation

Two Views of the Gospel

Traditional Legal Gospel Triune Dance Gospel

Jesus’ death is the central event The incarnation itself is essential
Focuses on forgiveness of sins Focuses on union with God
Salvation = escaping hell Salvation = participation in divine life
Life on earth is unimportant, only heaven Every action in life is part of God’s
matters purpose
• The legal view reduces salvation to forgiveness and escaping
hell.
• The true Gospel is about joining the divine relationship (Triune
Dance).

4. Purpose of Life Beyond Just Evangelism

• Winning souls is important, but not the only purpose of life.
• If only evangelism mattered:
o Why get married?
o Why have children?
o Why study, work, or build anything?
• All aspects of life matter because they reflect God’s creative
purpose.

5. Visual Representation: The Eternal Plan

GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN
|

67
 ---------------------------------
| |
CREATIVE PURPOSE REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE
| |
Christ & His Bride (Church) Death, Resurrection,
Ascension
| |
Eternal Union with Christ Restoring Fallen Humanity into
Union

Final Takeaways
• Incarnation was always part of God’s plan, not a reaction to sin.
• The goal is not just heaven, but union with Christ in every
aspect of life.
• Salvation is about participation in the divine relationship, not
just legal forgiveness.
• All of life has meaning, not just evangelism.

This perspective reshapes our understanding of salvation, purpose, and

Christian living, making it more holistic and deeply connected to
God’s eternal plan.

Study Notes: The Meaning and Purpose of Incarnation &

Creation

1. Key Concepts & Summary

• Incarnation is central to understanding the meaning and purpose

of life.
• Creation has intrinsic value beyond just soul-winning or escaping
hell.
• Jesus' incarnation did not disconnect Him from the Father and the
Spirit; rather, it expressed the triune relationship in the
flesh.

68
 • Everything Jesus did—whether carpentry, eating, or playing—was an
expression of God’s nature.

2. Key Definitions & Highlights

• Incarnation – The Word (Jesus) becoming flesh and dwelling among

us (John 1:14).
• Triune Dance – The eternal relationship between the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, which continued even when Christ became flesh.
• Divine Portrait – Jesus is the exact representation of God
(Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3).

3. Important Teachings

A. Misconceptions About Purpose

• Many believe soul-winning is the only purpose of life.

• Other aspects of life (art, music, laughter, sports, technology)
are often seen as meaningless.
• This view arises from a misunderstanding of the Gospel and God's
nature.

B. The Value of Creation & Incarnation

• The purpose of creation is not just about avoiding hell but about
union with Christ.
• God values the flesh, as shown in Christ’s incarnation.
• Jesus in the flesh was not a lesser version of God but the exact
representation of the Father.

C. Jesus as the True Image of God

• Jesus is the "mirror image" of the invisible God (Hebrews 1:3).

• Everything He did in the flesh—even daily activities like
carpentry or playing with children—was an expression of God's
nature.

69
4. Key Bible References

1. John 1:14 – "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
2. Colossians 1:15 – "He is the image of the invisible God."
3. Hebrews 1:3 – "The Son is the exact representation of God’s
nature."

5. Visual Summary

Flowchart: Understanding Purpose in Incarnation & Creation

Creation & Incarnation

↓
Christ as the Divine Portrait
↓
The Flesh Expresses God's Nature Fully
↓
Purpose in Life Beyond Just Soul-Winning
↓
Every Activity Can Glorify God (Art, Work, Play)

6. Practical Application

• Recognize that all areas of life—art, work, family—are meaningful

in God’s plan.
• Do not separate "spiritual" and "secular" life—all are part of
expressing God's nature.
• Understand that Jesus' incarnation shows us the true way to live—
expressing God in our daily lives.

Conclusion

• The Gospel is not just about legal forgiveness but about union
with Christ.

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 • God honors the flesh, and through Jesus, we see that all aspects
of life can reflect God's glory.
• Living with this understanding brings purpose to everything we
do, not just evangelism.

Study Notes: Understanding the

Meaning of Creation, Work, and
Worship
1. Key Concepts and Summary
• Misunderstanding of God's Purpose: Many believe that only soul-
winning matters to God, neglecting the value of creativity, work,
and relationships.
• The Secular-Sacred Divide: The idea that certain activities
(e.g., ministry) are "holy," while others (e.g., work, arts) are
"secular" is a misinterpretation of the Gospel.
• Incarnation and Purpose: Jesus’ life on earth, including
carpentry, was not meaningless—it was part of His Father’s work.
• Everything as Worship: Work, marriage, arts, and creativity are
meant to be an overflow of a relationship with God.
• The Fall and Identity Crisis: The fall caused humans to seek
meaning in achievements rather than in God, leading to corruption
and self-centeredness.

2. Important Definitions and Examples

• Incarnation: The act of the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14),
showing that even human experiences can glorify God.
• Triune Dance: The relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, which is meant to be reflected in human activities.
• Identity Crisis: When people define themselves by work,
achievements, or status instead of their relationship with God.

71
 • The Black Hole Analogy: Without God, creation and human efforts
become meaningless, leading to a downward spiral of self-centered
ambition.

3. Key Bible Verses

• John 1:14 – "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of
grace and truth."
• Colossians 1:15 – "He is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn over all creation."
• Hebrews 1:3 – "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the
exact representation of His being."
• Luke 2:49 – "Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s
business?"

4. Core Messages
A. The Value of Work and Creativity

• Jesus’ carpentry was as much the Father's work as His ministry.

• All work, when done in participation with God, has divine value.
• The arts, technology, and even sports can glorify God.

B. Identity in God vs. Identity in Achievements

• Before the fall, work and creativity were a joyful overflow of

relationship with God.
• After the fall, humans sought meaning in power, wealth, and fame.
• True identity is found in being part of the Triune relationship,
not in external success.

C. The Misconception of Church Priorities

• The focus on church buildings while neglecting education, arts,

and sciences comes from a false division between the secular and
sacred.

72
 • God's kingdom includes all aspects of life, not just religious
activities.

5. Visual Aid: The Secular-Sacred Divide vs.

True Worship
Misconception:

• Sacred: Church, prayer, evangelism

• Secular: Work, arts, marriage, creativity (viewed as meaningless)

True Perspective:

• All aspects of life can be worship if done in unity with God.

• Jesus’ life (from carpentry to the cross) shows that all work has
divine significance.

6. Conclusion
• God values every aspect of human life, not just ministry.
• True worship includes work, creativity, and relationships, not
just religious activities.
• The Gospel restores meaning to all things, breaking the false
divide between secular and sacred.

Study Notes: Understanding the Gospel, Work, and Community

Building

1. The Misconception of the Secular-Sacred Divide

• Many believe worship is confined to church buildings, neglecting

other aspects of life.
• True gospel understanding removes this divide, integrating faith
into education, business, marriage, and creativity.

73
 • The triune dance (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is meant to be
reflected in all aspects of life, not just church gatherings.

2. Vision for Community Engagement

• Instead of focusing solely on churches, believers should build

community centers and learning spaces to impact society.
• New initiative: Creating a learning center that integrates faith,
education, family, and business.
• The goal is to demonstrate how the gospel applies practically in
everyday life.

3. The Importance of Daily Life & Relationships

• Every moment, relationship, and action matters, not just Sunday

worship.
• Participation in God’s life happens daily through work,
relationships, and service.
• Believers are called to impact society, not just wait for heaven.

4. The Learning Center Project

• The building is symbolic—its purpose is to facilitate

transformation, not just provide a space.
• Working with children is more valuable than the building itself—
it’s about shaping their identity and values.
• Foundation work (both physical and spiritual):
o Removing lies from children’s minds about their worth.
o Planting rock-solid values in their hearts.

5. Future Plans & Community Impact

• The center will host:

o Multigenerational activities (young & old engaging
together).
o Innovation hub for solving real-world problems.
o Free evening classes for underprivileged children in
robotics and coding.

74
 • Aim: To empower the local community and bring long-term
transformation.

6. Call to Action

• The project requires 2 crores to complete.

• Donations will be investments into future generations—like sowing
seeds that bear fruit.
• Support is encouraged, as it will contribute to a greater vision
beyond just constructing a building.

Visual Summary: Gospel & Community Engagement

Flowchart Representation:

Misunderstanding of the Gospel → Leads to Secular-Sacred Divide →

Limits faith to church buildings only

True Gospel Understanding → Recognizes all work, relationships, and

creativity as part of God’s plan

Practical Application → Build learning centers, engage in business,

education, and family life

Impact → Transformed lives, empowered communities, and a lasting

generational legacy

Would you like more visual elements, such as a mind map or a table for
comparison?

75
Study Notes: Foundations – The Bruised Heart

Lecture by Jesudian | Date: 11-10-2020

Key Concepts

1. The Truth of All Truths:

a. The fundamental reality is Trinity – the Father, the Son,

and the Holy Spirit.

b. Understanding the being of God is essential to grasp

creation, redemption, and judgment.

2. Being vs. Doing of God:

a. Creator, Redeemer, King, and Judge are roles that God

performs, but they do not define His being.

b. These roles only exist after creation (e.g., He became a

Redeemer only when creation fell).

c. God's being determines why He creates, redeems, and judges.

3. Two Views of God's Being:

a. Trinitarian Being:

i. Other-centered, shared relationship.

ii. Creation is an overflow of love within the Trinity.

iii. Eternal life is participation in knowing God.

iv. Sin is a relational issue (not knowing Him).

v. Incarnation is for union with God.

b. Solitary God Concept:

i. Self-centered, isolated being.

ii. Creation happens due to a need rather than love.

iii. Eternal life is merely going to heaven.

iv. Sin is a legal issue (breaking commandments).

v. Incarnation is about payment (balancing the ledger).

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 4. Understanding Incarnation:

a. The New Testament wrestles with the question: Who is Jesus

Christ?

b. John [Link]

i. "In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God,
and the Word was God."

ii. Shows both truths: Jesus is God & Jesus is with God
(establishing Trinity).

Key Definitions & Examples

• Trinity: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God in three
persons.

• Being of God: The fundamental nature of God that determines His

actions.

• Incarnation: The act of God becoming human in Jesus Christ.

• Eternal Life: Participation in the life of God, not just going to

heaven.

• Sin: Not merely breaking commandments, but failing to know God

personally.

Comparison Chart: Two Views of God’s Nature

Trinitarian God (True

Aspect Solitary God (False View)
Being)

Other-centered, shared Self-centered, isolated

Nature
relationship being

Creation Overflow of love Created out of need

Eternal Knowing and participating

Going to heaven
Life in God

Relational issue (not Legal issue (breaking

Sin
knowing God) commandments)

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Incarnatio Payment for sin (legal
Union with God
n forgiveness)

Flowchart: The Importance of God's Being

Understanding God's Being →

Determines His Actions (Creation, Redemption, Judgment) →

Affects How We See Scripture, Ourselves, and Others

Summary for Quick Revision

• God is more than His actions; His being is fundamental.

• Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) explains God’s love, creation,

and redemption.

• A wrong view of God's being leads to misunderstandings of

creation, sin, and salvation.

• Jesus Christ is both God and with God (John 1:1), affirming the
Trinity.

Would you like any additional visual aids or simplified breakdowns?

Study Notes: Foundations – The Bruised Heart (Lecture by Jesudian)

1. Key Concept: The Being of God

The truth of all truths is the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Understanding God's being is essential to understanding His actions

(creation, redemption, kingship, judgment).

God's actions (Creator, Redeemer, King, Judge) are secondary to His

being.

2. Creation and the Nature of God

God is relational: His being is an other-centered, shared

relationship.

Creation is not a result of need, but an overflow of divine love.

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If God were a solitary being, creation would be a necessity rather
than an act of love.

3. Sin and Eternal Life

Sin is not knowing God, rather than just breaking commandments.

Eternal life is participation in God’s life, not just going to heaven.

The legalistic view sees sin as a legal issue, while the relational
view sees it as a broken relationship.

4. Incarnation: Purpose and Meaning

Jesus’ incarnation is not an "emergency plan" after the fall—it is the

central idea of union.

Jesus came not just to pay for sins but to bring humanity into divine
participation.

Incarnation is the "earthing" of the Trinity, bringing divine life

into human existence.

5. The Triune Dance and Divine Union

God's ultimate desire: Humanity being included in the divine circle of

life.

Humanity was created in God's image for divine participation, not just
for heaven.

The "Triune Dance" refers to the eternal relationship of the Father,

Son, and Holy Spirit, into which humans are invited.

Key Definitions & Examples

Term, Definition

Being of God, The fundamental nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit in an eternal relationship.

Triune Dance, The eternal, joyful relationship of the Trinity, which

humans are invited to join.

Incarnation, The Word (Jesus) becoming flesh, not as a solitary God,

but as the Son in relationship with the Father and Spirit.

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Sin, Not knowing God, rather than merely breaking rules.

Eternal Life, Participation in divine life, not just going to heaven.

6. Key Differences Between Views of God

Concept, Trinitarian View (Biblical Truth), Solitary God View

(Misconception)

Being of God, Relational, other-centered (Father, Son, Holy Spirit),

Self-centered, solitary

Creation, Overflow of divine love, Result of necessity

Sin, Relational issue (not knowing God), Legal issue (breaking rules)

Incarnation, Union with humanity, Legal payment for sins

Eternal Life, Participation in divine life, Going to heaven

7. Visual Representation

The Triune Relationship and Incarnation

Father
|
Son —— Holy Spirit
|
Humanity

The Son (Jesus) became flesh, bringing humanity into the divine
relationship.

Eternal life = participating in this divine union.

8. Conclusion

Understanding the being of God as a Trinitarian relationship changes

how we see creation, redemption, judgment, and eternal life.

Jesus' incarnation is the greatest miracle, as it brings humanity into

divine participation.

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Christianity is not just about heaven, but about union with God’s
life, love, and joy.

Study Notes: The Fall, Perception Shift, and Redemption in

the Triune Dance

1. Life in the Garden Before the Fall

• Adam and Eve lived in joy, love, and abundance.

• No fear, anxiety, or conflict existed between them.
• They did not generate joy or peace through their own efforts but
participated in the Triune Dance (fellowship with God).
• Their assurance and abundance came from knowing the Truth of all
truths—their connection with the Trinity.

2. The Choice & The Fall

• Though created in God’s image, Adam and Eve had a choice:

To fully unite with the Trinity by partaking of the Tree of Life.
• Instead, they were deceived by the serpent:
o He did not directly tell them to avoid the Tree of Life.
o He presented an alternative—non-participation.
o They believed a lie instead of the Truth.

Effects of Believing the Lie:

• Instant loss of joy, love, and peace.

• Grief, sorrow, anxiety, doubt, and lack replaced divine
abundance.
• The human heart is designed to live by persuasion; whatever
persuades it shapes life.
• Listening to the wrong voice caused a complete shift in
perception.

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3. The Shift in Perception

• The Fall corrupted the human "software" (mind and heart):

o Sin did not change God—the Trinity remained joyful and
loving.
o But human perception of God changed.
o The way Adam and Eve viewed reality shifted—from divine
fellowship to fear and shame.
• Example of Perception Shift:
o Before the Fall:
▪ God’s voice = Loving Father calling His children.
▪ Adam: "Here I am!"
o After the Fall:
▪ God’s voice = A Judge seeking the guilty.
▪ Adam: Hiding in fear.

Key Concept: Perception Affects Reality

• When perception is distorted, even truth sounds like

condemnation.
• Marriage analogy:
o When perception is skewed, even good words seem offensive.

4. God’s Response: Redemption Through Incarnation

• Did human sin change the being of God? No!

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit did not become angry or distant.
• Instead, the Trinity chose to redeem humanity by:
o Entering into human experience.
o Restoring the original design.

Key Analogy: The Broken Receiver

• Humanity's spiritual perception (receiver) was corrupted.

• This distorted the understanding of God, self, and reality.
• Redemption is about fixing the receiver—restoring correct
perception.

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5. Summary

• Before the Fall: Humanity enjoyed perfect union with God.

• The Fall: Humanity’s perception was corrupted, leading to fear,
shame, and separation.
• God’s Plan: He did not change but entered human experience to
restore perception and relationship.

Flowchart: The Fall & Redemption Process

Perfect Union with God →

Wrong Persuasion (Believing the Lie) →

Shift in Perception → Fear, Shame, & Separation →

God’s Response: Entering Humanity through Incarnation →

Restoration of Perception & Union with God.

These notes summarize the lecture in a structured format for quick

revision, emphasizing key concepts, definitions, and cause-effect
relationships.

Study Notes: Perception, Deception, and the Twisted View of

God

1. The Role of Perception in Relationship with God

• Perception is rooted in the heart.

• When offense enters the heart, it distorts perception, leading to
misunderstanding God’s nature.
• Adam, after sinning, began seeing God as an enemy rather than a
loving Father.

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Example:

• Adam used to see God as a loving Father, but after sin, he saw
God as a harsh judge.

2. The Twisted View of God

• A wounded heart interprets life through a broken lens.

• People blame God for suffering:
o "I lost my job, so God must be angry with me."
o "My marriage is failing; God doesn’t care."
• This leads to attempts to earn God's favor through works,
sacrifices, and religious actions.

3. The Cycle of Lies and Evil

• The process of deception:

o Believing a lie → Wrong view of God.
o Wrong view of God → Produces evil (doubt, fear, separation).
o Presence of evil → Becomes "proof" that confirms the lie.
o Cycle repeats, twisting perception further.

Flowchart: The Cycle of Deception

(This cycle keeps repeating unless broken by truth.)

Lie → Twisted view of God → Evil enters → More lies → Reinforced

deception → Continued suffering

4. Distorted Hearing of God’s Voice

• When the heart is twisted, it cannot hear God's voice correctly.

• Israel feared God's voice, preferring distance over intimacy
(Exodus 20:19).

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Example:

• John 12:28-29 – God spoke: "I have glorified it and will glorify
it again."
o Some heard thunder instead of God’s words.
o Others misinterpreted it as an angel's voice.

5. The Need for Heart Restoration

• A broken heart distorts:

o Work (turns into toil).
o Marriage (becomes conflict-filled).
o Relationships (filled with distrust).
• Only truth can break the cycle and restore perception to see God
rightly.

Key Takeaways

• Perception of God determines how we live.

• Believing a lie about God leads to separation and suffering.
• Evil does not come from God but from a distorted view of Him.
• Restoring a right view of God heals our hearts and lives.

Would you like any diagrams or additional simplifications?

Study Notes: Understanding the

Twisted Perception of God and the
Need for a New Heart
1. Key Concepts
• Perception and Offense:
o When offense enters the heart, it distorts perception.

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 o A twisted heart views God as an enemy rather than a loving
Father.
• The Cycle of Lies and Brokenness:
o A wounded heart sees proof of God’s anger in life's
struggles.
o People try to please God through sacrifices to earn His
favor.
o This cyclic logic reinforces the wrong perception of God,
leading to further deception.
• The Twisted Dance vs. The Triune Dance:
o The Triune Dance (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is based on
truth and love.
o The twisted dance is based on lies and fear, reinforcing
evil and separation from God.

2. The Problem of a Distorted Heart

• A damaged heart hears God incorrectly.
o Example: When God spoke to Israel, they heard thunder
instead of His loving voice (John 12:28).
o People misinterpret scriptures, seeing a harsh, moody God
rather than a loving Father.
• God never forsook Adam:
o Adam turned away due to guilt and shame.
o God sent Adam out of Eden not as punishment, but to protect
him from living eternally in a broken state.

3. Failed Attempts to Reach Humanity

• God used various methods to reach the twisted heart, but none
were sufficient:
o Prophets – Spoke God’s message but did not transform hearts.
o The Law – Given through Moses but could not change hearts.
o Sacrificial System – Religious rituals did not restore
relationship with God.
o Kings & Temples – Provided structure but did not bring true
transformation.

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4. The New Covenant: God’s Solution
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The Promise of a New Covenant
o The old covenant failed because people broke it.
o God promised to write His law in their hearts.
o No need for external teaching – people would truly know God.
o Forgiveness of sins would be permanent.
• Ezekiel 36:26 – A New Heart and Spirit
o “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within
you.”
o A heart transformation is necessary to truly know God.

5. The Incarnation: God’s Ultimate Plan

• Jesus: The Word Became Flesh (John 1:14)
o Not just God becoming human, but the Triune Dance entering
humanity.
o Jesus fully revealed the Father’s true nature.
o “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Summary Flowchart: The Problem and Solution

Twisted Heart → Misunderstands God → Sees proof of anger → Falls into

cyclic deception → Brokenness increases
↓
Prophets, Laws, Sacrifices, Kings, Temples → All failed to restore
relationship
↓
God’s Solution → New Covenant → A New Heart → Incarnation of Jesus →
True Revelation of God

6. Conclusion: The Need for a Heart

Transformation
• A broken heart cannot hear God correctly.
• Jesus came to give a new heart, not just new teachings.

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 • The solution is not more religion, but a relationship through a
transformed heart.

Study Notes: The Gospel, The New Covenant, and

Transformation

1. Key Concepts

• Human perception of God: People often perceive God as distant,

moody, and difficult to please due to their own distorted views.
• The Fall and God's Response: When Adam sinned, God did not turn
His back on him. Instead, He prevented Adam from eating the Tree
of Life in a fallen state and promised redemption.
• Rebellious Human Heart: Humanity continually questioned and
accused God, even after being rescued from Egypt.
• Failed Systems: Prophets, the Law, sacrifices, kings, and temples
failed to transform the human heart.
• New Covenant: God promised a new covenant through Jeremiah,
replacing the old systems with a new heart and direct
relationship with Him.
• Incarnation: Jesus, as the Word made flesh, came to fully reveal
the Father. However, people still failed to recognize Him due to
their hardened hearts.
• The Gospel’s Impact: Understanding the gospel leads to
transformation, moving away from legalistic religion to a
relationship with God in unity and community.

2. Key Definitions & Examples

• Old Covenant: The system of laws, sacrifices, and temple worship

in the Old Testament that failed to change the human heart.
• New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34): God's promise to write His law
in people's hearts, allowing direct knowledge of Him.
• Incarnation: The Son of God becoming flesh to reveal the true
nature of God and redeem humanity.

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 • Transformation of the Heart: The ultimate goal of God's work,
where people no longer need external laws but naturally live in
His love and truth.

3. Key Biblical References

• Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The prophecy of the New Covenant.

• Ezekiel 24:7 – Promise of a new heart to know God.
• Colossians 1 (TPT & MSG) – Christ reconciled humanity to God,
bringing supernatural peace.

4. Important Insights

• The human heart was hardened and unable to recognize even Jesus
as God.
• The perfect revelation (Jesus) still could not be understood
without a new heart.
• The Gospel is relational, not religious – it’s about knowing and
participating in God's life.
• The early church focused on union with God, whereas modern
theology often distorts this truth with legalism.

5. Community & Practical Application

• A learning center is being built to teach the Gospel and impact

lives.
• The vision includes providing education to underprivileged
children and creating an innovation hub for real-world solutions.
• The goal is to raise a generation rooted in true identity in
Christ.

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Flowchart: The Journey of Redemption

1. Humanity's Fall → 2. Failed Systems (Prophets, Law, Sacrifices,

Kings, Temple) → 3. New Covenant (Jeremiah's Prophecy) → 4. Jesus’
Incarnation → 5. Heart Transformation → 6. Living in Union with God

These notes summarize the key teachings of the lecture, focusing on

the core Gospel message and its real-world applications.

Study Notes: Community Empowerment through Learning &

Innovation

1. Key Concepts

• Empowering Local Communities: The initiative focuses on equipping

people, especially children, with skills in robotics and coding.
• Workshops & Evening Sessions: Regular training sessions are
conducted to enhance practical learning.
• Building a Learning Center: A facility is being developed to
provide resources and education.
• Funding the Vision: A total of ₹2 crores is required to complete
the project.

2. Definitions & Examples

• Robotics & Coding Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students

learn programming and robotics, preparing them for future
careers.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging locals to participate in
education and skill-building.
• Donation & Support: Contributions to the project are seen as an
investment in future generations.

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3. Action Plan & Key Takeaways

✔ Conduct workshops in the evenings.

✔ Provide training in robotics & coding.

✔ Build a dedicated learning center.

✔ Raise ₹2 crores for project completion.

✔ Encourage donations to impact future generations.

Flowchart: Steps in the Project

1. Conduct Workshops → 2. Build Learning Center → 3. Raise Funds → 4.

Empower Local Community → 5. Transform Future Generations

These notes provide a structured summary of the lecture, highlighting

key points for quick revision.

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Study Notes: Foundations - Who is Jesus Christ?

1. Introduction

• Series Title: Foundations

• Objective: To provide foundational truths about Christian faith
in a structured way.
• Focus: Understanding who Jesus Christ is within the Trinity.

2. Understanding the Trinity

• God is a Relational Being

o The Trinity consists of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
o They share a relationship of mutual indwelling
(Perichoresis).
o Key terms: Other-centered, mutual indwelling, self-giving
love.
• Contrast Between Two Views of God:
o Relational God (Triune God) – Creates out of love and
overflow.
o Solitary God – If God were alone, He would create out of
need, making love impossible.

3. Creation and Purpose of Mankind

• Man was created from an overflow of love, not out of God’s need.
• Purpose:
o To know God and be known by God.
o To be included and participate in His divine relationship.

4. The Fall of Man & Its Consequences

• Effect of Sin:
o Man's perception of God was twisted.

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 o Resulted in anxiety, shame, fear, and offense.
• Man started creating a false image of God in his fallen mind.
• Problem of a Broken Receiver:
o Man’s heart became unable to recognize God's true nature.
o Even the law, prophets, temple sacrifices, and even Jesus
Himself could not fully convince a fallen heart.
o A deep black hole of pain and offense distorts how man
perceives God.

5. Who is Jesus Christ?

• Jesus Christ is the Beloved Son of God, anointed by the Holy

Spirit.
• Two fundamental truths:
o Jesus is the perfect revelation of the Father.
o He was sent to restore man’s relationship with God.

6. Key Takeaways

✔ God is a relational being, not a solitary figure.

✔ Man was created to know God and be part of His divine relationship.

✔ Sin distorted man’s perception of God, leading to fear and

separation.

✔ Jesus Christ is the key to restoring man's understanding of God.

7. Visual Aid: The Trinity & Creation

(Consider drawing a diagram showing the relationship between the

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with an arrow leading to mankind,
illustrating the inclusion in divine love.)

Would you like me to refine or expand any part of the notes?

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Study Notes: Who is Jesus Christ?
1. Key Concepts and Summary
• Jesus Christ is not an isolated individual but exists in a unique
triune relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
• He is the beloved Son of the Father, anointed by the Spirit—this
is an eternal truth.
• Jesus is the Creator: Everything was created in Him, through Him,
and for Him (Colossians 1:16).
• Jesus existed before all creation: He was not created at the
incarnation or virgin birth; rather, He is eternal.
• Jesus holds all things together: He sustains the universe with
His power (Hebrews 1:3).
• Jesus is the exact representation of God: He reflects the
Father’s nature completely.
• The Trinity is indivisible—Jesus’ incarnation did not separate
Him from the Father and the Spirit.

2. Key Definitions & Examples

• Triune Relationship: The interconnected existence of the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit in mutual love and self-giving.
o Example: Jesus constantly referred to “My Father” in John’s
Gospel, emphasizing His deep relational identity.
• Jesus as Creator: Everything, seen and unseen, was created
through Him.
o Biblical references:
▪ Colossians 1:16 – "For in Him was created the
universe… all things exist through Him and for His
purpose."
▪ John 1:3 – "Everything was created through Him; not
one thing came into being without Him."
▪ Hebrews 1:3 – "The Son is the dazzling radiance of
God’s splendor… He holds the universe together by His
spoken word."

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 • Jesus’ Eternal Existence: Jesus did not begin at His birth but
has always existed.
o Example: John 1:1 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God."
• The Indivisibility of God: The incarnation did not divide the
Trinity; Jesus remained in relationship with the Father and the
Spirit even while on earth.
o Example: If Jesus’ relationship with the Father was cut off,
the Trinity itself would be broken, which is impossible.

3. Key Points in Bullet Format

Who is Jesus Christ?

1. The Beloved Son of the Father, Anointed by the Spirit

a. His identity is relational; He exists in eternal communion
with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
b. The phrase “Jesus Christ” itself implies His relationship
with the Father and the Spirit.
2. The Creator and Sustainer of All Things
a. All things exist in Him, through Him, and for Him.
b. He holds the universe together with His power.
c. He is the visible image of the invisible God.
3. His Relationship with the Father and the Spirit is Unbreakable
a. Jesus did not begin to know the Father; He has always been
in an intimate relationship with Him.
b. Even after becoming flesh, He maintained this divine
relationship.
c. Trinity remains intact even through the incarnation.

4. Important Verses
Concept Bible Verse Key Message
Colossians "All things were created through Him and for
Jesus as Creator
1:16 Him."
Jesus’ Eternal Existence John 1:3 "Everything was created through Him."

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Jesus Holds the
Hebrews 1:3 "He holds the universe together by His word."
Universe
Jesus as the Image of Colossians
"We look at the Son and see God."
God 1:15
Jesus' Relationship with 1 Corinthians
"For us, there is only one God, the Father."
God 8:6

5. Visual Aid: Jesus’ Role in Creation

GOD (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
↓
Creation
↙ ↓ ↘
**Through** **In** **For**
Him Him Him
(Colossians 1:16)

This flowchart illustrates that Jesus is at the center of all

creation: He is its source, the means through which it exists, and its
ultimate purpose.

Conclusion

• Jesus Christ is eternally the Son of the Father, anointed by the

Spirit.
• He is the Creator and sustainer of all things.
• His relationship with the Father and Spirit is inseparable, even
through the incarnation.
• Understanding Jesus means recognizing His divine identity and
eternal existence.

Study Notes: The Nature of Jesus Christ and His Relationship

with the Trinity and Creation

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1. Jesus Christ’s Relationship with the Trinity

• Jesus is not alone – He is always in relationship with the Father

and the Spirit.
• The Gospel of John repeatedly emphasizes Jesus saying, “I am not
alone; my Father is with me.”
• Key identity of Jesus:
o Beloved Son of the Father, anointed by the Spirit.
o Eternally existent – He did not come into existence at
incarnation.
o Jesus Christ = Relationship – The name itself includes His
relationship with the Father and the Spirit.
• Scriptural References:
o Colossians 1:16 – "For in Him, all things were created, in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible."
o John 1:3 – "Everything was created through Him; nothing came
into being without Him."
o Hebrews 1:3 – "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and
the exact representation of His being."

2. Jesus Christ’s Relationship with Creation

• Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

• Everything exists in Him, through Him, and for Him.
• Creation is not separate from Jesus – He holds it all together.
• Incarnation does not disconnect Jesus from creation:
o Just as His relationship with the Father and Spirit remains
intact,
o His relationship with creation remains intact too.
• Biblical Comparison:
o Creation is not like a soap bubble that detaches from its
creator.
o Instead, it is like a growing bubble in one’s hand,
constantly sustained by the creator.

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3. Incarnation: Not Plan B, But Plan A

• Ephesians 1:10 (Message Version): "God’s long-range plan is to

bring everything together in Christ—things in heaven and on
earth."
• Incarnation is not a last-minute solution but was always part of
God’s plan.
• Jesus, as fully God and fully man, holds together both the divine
and the created realms.

4. Jesus as the Corporate Man

• Adam was a corporate man – when he sinned, all humanity fell.

• Similarly, Jesus is a corporate man – His obedience and sacrifice
affect all mankind.
• Comparison Between Adam and Jesus:
Adam (First Man) Jesus (Second Adam)
His righteousness brings salvation to
His sin affected all humanity.
all.
Humanity inherited sin through
Humanity receives grace through Him.
him.
• Early Church Fathers defended this doctrine – Jesus is 100% God
and 100% man at the same time.

5. Key Takeaways

• Jesus’ identity is inseparable from His relationship with the

Father, Spirit, and Creation.
• Incarnation did not separate Jesus from His divine role or His
role as Creator.
• Creation exists in Him and is held together by Him.
• Jesus is the Second Adam, restoring humanity just as Adam's sin
condemned it.

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Visual Representation: Jesus' Dual Relationship

(A simple diagram to illustrate His connection to both the Trinity and

Creation.)

Trinity:

Father ↔ Jesus Christ ↔ Spirit

Creation:

Heaven & Earth ↔ Jesus Christ ↔ All Living Beings

Jesus Christ stands as the central link between God and Creation,
holding all things together.

This structured summary makes the lecture easier to grasp and review
quickly. Let me know if you'd like any modifications!

Study Notes: The Incarnation and Jesus as the Corporate Man

1. Key Concepts

• Jesus Christ is not just an individual but the Word that holds
all things together (John 1, Hebrews 1, Colossians 1).
• Everything exists through Him, by Him, and for Him—He is the
reason for existence.
• Adam was a corporate man in whom all sinned, but Jesus is the
greater corporate man in whom all things are restored.
• Incarnation (Word becoming flesh) does not mean Jesus stopped
being the Creator—He still holds everything together.
• The Gospel is not just about legal forgiveness but about Jesus
restoring the relationship between humanity and the Trinity.

2. Jesus’ Relationship with Creation & Trinity

• Two key relationships in Jesus Christ:

o With the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

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 o With Creation (He sustains all things).
• Analogy of creation:
o Creation is not like a detached soap bubble that floats
independently.
o Instead, it is like a bubble held in the Creator’s hands,
expanding as He sustains it.
• Even after becoming flesh, Jesus never lost His divine role as
the One holding everything together.

3. Jesus as the Corporate Man

• Adam’s fall affected all humans, but Jesus' redemptive act

affects all creation.
• If Adam’s actions impacted all, Jesus' work must have an even
greater impact.
• His work includes not just human salvation but the restoration of
the entire cosmos.
• Without Jesus, creation would collapse—it is dependent on Him.

4. The Problem of Misunderstanding the Incarnation

• The Jews struggled with Jesus saying, “I and my Father are one.”
o They had no issue with God being a spirit, but they couldn’t
accept God in the flesh.
• Jesus did not stop being God when He became flesh.
• The early church fathers fought to affirm that Jesus is 100% God
and 100% Man.
• Rejecting the Incarnation leads to missing the full gospel.

5. Jesus and the Restoration of Humanity

• Problem of humanity:
o People (like Moses, Elijah, Abraham) often blamed God or
misunderstood Him.
o Sin is fundamentally not knowing the Father.

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 o Humans believe in a distant, punishing God, leading to shame
and brokenness.
• Jesus stepped into human brokenness and rejected these lies
moment by moment.
• Instead of viewing God as harsh, Jesus showed the true heart of
the Father.

6. Legal Gospel vs. Incarnational Gospel

• Many focus only on Jesus' death (legal gospel) and miss the
importance of His life.
• The Incarnation is a journey where Jesus untwisted human
misunderstanding and restored intimacy between God and humanity.
• The Cross is not just about punishment but the culmination of
Jesus’ entire life mission—to reconcile humanity with the
Trinity.

Flowchart: The Role of Jesus in Creation & Redemption

+-------------------------------+
| JESUS (The Word) |
+-------------------------------+
|
+--------------------------+--------------------------+
| | |
Trinity Relationship Holds Creation Together Incarnation
(Flesh)
| | |
Father, Son, Spirit Nothing exists apart Fully God & Fully
Man
| from Him |
Restores relationship Sustains everything Defeats lies about
God
| |
Reconciles humanity → Restores Creation → Cosmic
Redemption

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Conclusion

• Jesus is the center of all existence, and everything is held

together in Him.
• His incarnation is not just about forgiveness but about restoring
all creation.
• Understanding Jesus as the corporate man helps us grasp the full
impact of His mission.

Study Notes: The Corporate Man and the Gospel

1. Key Concepts

• Jesus as the Corporate Man:

o Jesus is not just an individual; He is the Word that holds
all things together.
o Everything is created by Him, through Him, and for Him, and
all things find their purpose in Him.
o Adam was never given this role, even before the fall.
• Jesus vs. Adam:
o Just as Adam’s actions affected all humanity, so do Jesus’
actions.
o Whatever happens to Jesus happens to all, including the
cosmos.
o Unlike Adam, Jesus did not fall into sin but remained in
perfect relationship with the Father.
• Jesus’ Relationship with Creation:
o He became flesh but still holds all things together.
o If He stopped sustaining creation, everything would cease to
exist.
o The incarnation may seem illogical, but it is the mystery of
the Gospel.

2. Jesus and the Human Condition

• Temptations and Trials:

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 o Jesus was tested in all ways, yet He never sinned (never
blamed the Father).
o The true sin is not knowing the Father and believing the lie
that He is unjust or distant.
• Jesus’ Response to the Broken World:
o Unlike humans who doubt God in suffering, Jesus remained
steadfast in trust.
o Even in persecution, shame, and lack, He refused to believe
the lie about God.
o This relational flow with the Father resulted in miracles,
compassion, and power.

3. The Rescue Mission of Jesus

• The Problem of Humanity:

o Humanity is like a child fallen into a deep pit (spiritual
darkness).
o Religion tells us to climb out, but self-effort fails.
• Jesus as the Rescuer:
o The Trinity doesn’t just call from above—Jesus descends into
our darkness.
o He connects with us while remaining connected to the Father.
o If Jesus were just an individual, He could reach the Father
alone, but He came as the corporate man to bring us with
Him.
• The Danger of Disconnection:
o If the rescue rope (Jesus’ connection to the Father) were
cut, both He and humanity would remain trapped.
o But He maintained His union with God, ensuring our
salvation.

4. Summary of Key Teachings

• Jesus is greater than Adam: His actions affect all creation.

• Sin is not knowing the Father: Jesus came to reveal Him.
• The Gospel is not just legal forgiveness: It is about restoring
humanity’s relationship with God.
• Jesus entered human suffering: He faced temptation but never
doubted God’s goodness.

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 • Jesus is our rescuer: He became one with us while remaining
connected to God.

Flowchart: The Gospel Rescue Mission

1. Humanity’s Fall → Separation from God → Living in darkness.

2. Religion’s Failure → Self-effort can’t bridge the gap.
3. Jesus’ Incarnation → Enters the world as both God and man.
4. Jesus’ Perfect Life → Trusts God completely, even in suffering.
5. Jesus’ Death & Resurrection → Restores connection with the
Father.
6. Our Union with Christ → What happens to Jesus happens to us!

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Here are the concise, structured study notes based on the video
lecture transcript:

The Gospel and the Rescue Mission

of Jesus
1. The Concept of the "Black Hole" of Sin

• Humanity is trapped in darkness (black hole of sin) and cannot

escape by its own efforts.
• Religious efforts ("Do this, do that") fail because man remains
stuck in sin.
• God the Father sent Jesus, anointed with the Holy Spirit, to
enter human darkness and rescue mankind.

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2. The Risk of the Incarnation and the Cross

• Jesus stepped into Adam's darkness (incarnation).

• He fully reached humanity on the cross, absorbing sin and
suffering.
• Both Jews and Gentiles (representing the whole world) rejected
and crucified Him.
• Jesus experienced the depth of human separation from God—this was
Adam’s cry.

3. What is Sin?

• Sin is not just a moral failure but a wrong perception of God.

• Seeing God as an angry judge instead of a loving Father.
• Jesus had to assume all aspects of fallen humanity to bring
healing and restoration.

Early Church Teaching (Gregory of Nazianzus): "Whatever is unassumed

is unhealed." → Jesus had to fully become Adam to redeem humanity.

4. Jesus’ Cry on the Cross – Psalm 22

• "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1)
o This is the cry of all humanity in suffering and separation.
o Jesus took this cry upon Himself, experiencing the depth of
human despair.
• Did God really forsake Jesus?
o Many teachings claim that God turned His face away from
Jesus.
o Biblical Truth: God never abandoned Jesus.
o Psalm [Link] “He did not hide His face from Him.”
o The Father was always present, even in suffering.

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5. The Rescue Plan – Jesus, the Corporate Man

• Jesus was not just an individual; He represented all humanity.

• Like a rescue worker descending into a collapsed mine, Jesus:
o Tied Himself to humanity (became one with us).
o Maintained His connection with the Father and the Spirit.
o If His connection to the Father had been lost, all of
creation would have collapsed into darkness.

6. The True Gospel – God’s Relentless Love

• Religion says: “Try harder to reach God.”

• The Gospel says: “God came down to reach us.”
• Jesus did not die in despair, but trusted the Father till the
end.
• His resurrection proves that the Father never abandoned Him.

Key Takeaways

Jesus fully assumed human suffering to bring redemption.

Sin is a false perception of God, not just a moral issue.

The Father never abandoned Jesus on the cross.

The Gospel is about God reaching down to rescue humanity.

Visual Representation – The Rescue Mission of Jesus

(Illustration idea: A man trapped in a deep pit, with Jesus descending

on a rope, maintaining connection with the Father above.)

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Study Notes: The Reconciliation Through Christ's Sacrifice

1. Key Concepts and Summary

• Jesus' sacrifice was more than just a substitution; it was a

complete reconciliation of humanity with God.
• The darkness of sin was compared to a black hole, into which
Jesus willingly stepped.
• On the cross, Jesus did not just die for us; He died as us,
representing all of humanity.
• Jesus' cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?", was not
a statement of abandonment but an expression of identifying with
the human experience of separation from God.
• God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, even when
humanity was at its worst.

2. Important Definitions & Examples

• Reconciliation: The process by which God restores humanity to

Himself through Jesus’ sacrifice.
• Sin: Not merely a moral failing, but a distorted perception of
God (seeing a false, angry God instead of the true loving
Father).
• Darkness/Black Hole: A metaphor for the human condition of
spiritual blindness and separation from God.

Example:

• Jesus entered the darkest state of mankind on the cross, similar

to how a rescuer enters a collapsed mine to save those trapped.
• His act of committing His spirit into the Father’s hands was the
turning point where humanity's broken relationship with God was
healed.

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3. Bullet Points for Readability

The Journey of Jesus into Humanity’s Darkness

• The Father sent the Son into the world, anointed with the Holy
Spirit.
• Jesus experienced total rejection from both Jews and Gentiles.
• On the cross, He fully identified with fallen Adam, stepping into
mankind’s despair.
• His cry of abandonment reflected humanity’s distorted view of
God.

Reconciliation Through Christ

• 2 Corinthians 5:14 → “If one died for all, then all died.”
• Jesus' death was not just for us but as us → representing all of
fallen humanity.
• On the third day, the Father raised Jesus → showing that
reconciliation had been completed.
• 2 Corinthians 5:19 → “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to
Himself, not imputing their trespasses.”

4. Key Verses & Their Meaning

Verse Explanation
Psalm 22:1 Jesus' cry on the cross mirrored humanity’s brokenness and lostness.
2 Corinthians Jesus’ death was a corporate act, bringing all of humanity into His
5:14 reconciliation.
2 Corinthians God was not punishing Jesus but was actively reconciling the world
5:19 through Him.
Our old self was crucified with Him, so we no longer live under sin’s
Romans 6:6
power.
Galatians "I have been crucified with Christ" → The believer now lives in Christ
2:20 through faith.

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5. Flowchart: The Process of Reconciliation

1. **Man's Fall** → Adam's sin created separation from God.

2. **Jesus Enters Darkness** → He steps into the “black hole” of sin
on the cross.
3. **His Cry of Forsakenness** → He fully identifies with mankind's
brokenness.
4. **The Father's Response** → The Spirit leads Jesus to commit His
spirit to the Father.
5. **Resurrection** → Jesus rises, bringing **humanity into
reconciliation with God**.
6. **Our Inclusion** → His death & resurrection apply to **all who
believe**.

6. Key Takeaways

• Jesus’ death was not about God punishing Him but about
reconciling humanity in love.
• Sin is not just moral failure; it is humanity’s distorted
perception of God.
• At our worst, God embraced us and reconciled us through Christ.
• The resurrection confirms reconciliation, proving that Jesus’
mission was successful.

7. Application for Believers

• See God as a loving Father, not an angry judge.

• Recognize that you have been reconciled; there is no separation.
• When struggling with sin or brokenness, remember: Jesus already
stepped into your darkness and brought you out.
• Live from a place of victory and connection with God, not fear or
guilt.

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anything further.

Study Notes: The Message of Reconciliation and

Transformation

1. Reconciliation Through Christ

• Jesus' last words on the cross: "Father, into Your hands I commit
My Spirit."
• Key concept: Jesus, in the darkest moment, found the Father
through the revelation of the Spirit.
• **Reconciliation is not just forgiveness but an "untwisting" of
our brokenness.
• Jesus did not die just for us but as us → His death included all
of humanity (2 Corinthians 5:14).
• Biblical references:
o Romans 6:6 – We were crucified with Christ.
o Galatians 2:20 – "It is no longer I who live, but Christ
lives in me."

2. The Cross: The Ultimate Act of Love

• Humanity crucified Jesus out of anger, hatred, and brokenness.

• God’s response: Instead of punishing Jesus, He was reconciling
the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).
• Analogy: A husband embracing his wife while she hits him – God's
love remains despite our rebellion.
• Key takeaway: We were reconciled at our worst—not in our best
moments, but in our brokenness.

3. Transformation Through Christ’s Life

• Communion significance:
o We partake in Christ's flesh and blood, representing God’s
union with humanity.
o Jesus found the Father on our behalf, even in our worst
state.
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 • Healing power of reconciliation:
o Healing of brokenness
o Healing of identity
o Healing of deep wounds

4. The Vision: Life-Up Learning Center

• Project metaphor:
o Building a structure = Building a child’s life.
o Clearing debris = Removing lies about identity.
o Laying foundations = Instilling rock-solid values.
• Mission:
o Create a multi-generational community where people grow
together.
o Develop an innovation hub for solving real-world problems.
o Provide free education for underprivileged children in
robotics & coding.
• Funding needed: ₹2 Crores for completion.
• Call to action: Donations will impact generations to come.

Flowchart: Reconciliation & Transformation Process

Humanity's Brokenness → Jesus Steps Into Darkness → Finds the Father →

Reconciliation Through the Cross → Healing & Identity Restoration →
Transformation of Lives

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111
Study Notes: The Faulty Gospel – Foundations Series

1. Understanding Theological Frameworks

• Trinitarian Faith: Theology must be based on a Trinitarian

framework to correctly interpret scripture.
• Prolegomena: The underlying assumptions we use to interpret
scripture shape our understanding.
• Perspective & Worldview:
o The "lenses" through which we read scripture determine how
we perceive its message.
o Examples of faulty lenses:
▪ Heaven and Hell Framework – Views the Bible primarily
as a guide to escaping hell and reaching heaven.
▪ Kingdom Framework – A broader, more biblical view
focusing on God’s kingdom on earth rather than just
afterlife destinations.

2. The Problem with the Heaven and Hell Perspective

• This framework assumes:

o God created man to go to heaven.
o Sin leads man to hell.
o Jesus’ purpose was to provide a way to escape hell and reach
heaven.
• Bible's Main Message: The Bible is not centered on heaven and
hell but on God’s kingdom.

3. The Kingdom Perspective

• The Bible’s Narrative:

o Both Old & New Testaments focus on God’s kingdom coming to
earth.
o The kingdom begins in Genesis 1, where God creates man in
His image to have dominion over creation.
• Genesis 1 & Beyond:
o Genesis 1 describes man's role in God's kingdom.
o But before Genesis 1, scriptures like Ephesians 1 discuss
God's plan of adoption.

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4. The Biblical Concept of Adoption

• Adoption as God’s Purpose:

o Expansion of God’s family by bringing many sons to maturity.
o Jesus, as the only mature Son, came to bring many to glory.
• Key Scriptures:
o Ephesians 1: Adoption was God’s plan before creation
(Genesis 1).
o Message Version (Ephesians 1:4): "Long ago, He decided to
adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ."
• True Adoption Requires:
o Being born of God (not just metaphorically).
o Partaking in divine life (Zoe life).
o Sharing the same nature as the Father to truly call Him
"Abba Father".

5. Conclusion: God's Plan A is Adoption

• God’s original intent is not just salvation from sin but

inclusion in His family.
• Participation in the Trinity is essential for true adoption.
• The gospel is not about escaping hell but becoming mature sons of
God within His kingdom.

Visual Aid: Biblical Frameworks

Faulty Heaven-Hell Framework:

Bible → Sin → Judgment → Hell/Heaven

Kingdom & Adoption Framework (Correct View):

Bible → Kingdom → Family (Adoption) → Mature Sons in God’s Plan

This approach shifts the focus from fear-based salvation to

relationship-based inclusion in God’s kingdom.

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Study Notes: The Faulty Gospel –
Understanding Biblical Frameworks
1. Key Concepts & Summary
• Understanding Scripture through the Right Framework:
o The perspective, worldview, or framework we use to read the
Bible affects our interpretation.
o Many people see the Bible through the "Heaven and Hell"
framework, but this is not the main message of the Bible.
o The "Kingdom framework" is a broader and more biblical
perspective.
o Even beyond the Kingdom narrative, the Adoption framework is
the key to understanding God's purpose.
• Adoption as God's Plan:
o Ephesians 1:4-5 states that God decided to adopt us before
time began.
o Adoption = Expansion of God's family by bringing mature sons
into His kingdom.
o Being part of God’s family means we share in His divine
nature.

2. Definitions & Examples

• Framework (Perspective/Worldview):
o The lens through which we interpret the Bible.
o Example: If we read the Bible through a legal (judge)
framework, we see God as a judge first, rather than a
father.
• Adoption in Biblical Terms:
o Not just being accepted into God’s family but becoming
mature sons who carry His purpose.
o Example: Jesus is the first mature son, and we are called to
become like Him.
• Legal View of God vs. Family View of God:

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 o Legal View: God is primarily a judge, balancing love and
justice.
o Family View: God is a Father, adopting and maturing His
children.

3. Understanding the Faulty Gospel

• The traditional (legal) gospel wrongly divides God's nature into
two opposing sides:
o Love, Grace, Mercy
o Holiness, Justice, Wrath
• Many Christians believe that:
o God loves us but also needs justice to be satisfied.
o So, God punished Jesus in our place to balance these two
sides.
o This view creates a two-faced God, which contradicts His
true nature as a loving Father.

How This View Affects Our Understanding of the Bible

• The Old Testament seems inconsistent:

o A man picking up sticks on the Sabbath was stoned to death.
o But David, who ate holy bread (a greater offense), was
spared.
o If God’s justice was absolute, both should have been
punished.
• The common excuse is: "God's ways are higher, and we can't
understand Him."
o But in reality, this view arises because of a faulty
legalistic framework.

4. Correcting the Misconceptions

• The Gospel is not about escaping hell, but about being included
in God’s family.
• Jesus did not come just to take punishment; He came to reveal the
Father and bring us into divine life.

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 • Justice in God's Kingdom is not about punishment but about
restoration.

5. Flowchart: Biblical Frameworks

[Incorrect Frameworks]
↓
┌────────────────────────────────┐
| Heaven & Hell View |
| - Focuses on avoiding hell |
| - Reduces salvation to fear |
└────────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌────────────────────────────────┐
| Legal View (Judge God) |
| - Divides God into Love vs. |
| Justice |
| - Sees salvation as a legal |
| transaction |
└────────────────────────────────┘
↓
[Correct Framework]
↓
┌────────────────────────────────┐
| Adoption & Kingdom View |
| - God as Father, not just Judge |
| - Salvation is about being part |
| of His family |
| - Focus on maturity, not fear |
└────────────────────────────────┘

6. Conclusion: A True Biblical Gospel

• The Bible is about Adoption and Kingdom, not just Heaven and
Hell.

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 • God’s justice is about restoration, not punishment.
• The true Gospel invites us into a loving relationship with the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Understanding God as Father first helps us interpret Scripture
correctly.

Study Notes: Understanding Adoption

and the Gospel of Grace
1. Key Concepts of Adoption in Christ
• God’s plan is adoption, not just salvation from hell.
• Adoption means being included in God’s triune family (Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit).
• Through Jesus Christ, we are presented as mature sons of God.
• The focus is on knowing God as Jesus knows Him and being a
channel of God’s fullness.

2. How Sin Affected Our View of God

• Sin twisted human hearts and shifted perception of God.
• The original view: Triune God as a loving Father.
• The distorted view: God as a judge, leading to a legalistic
interpretation of scripture.
• Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil → Right vs. Wrong Thinking →
Judge-God Mentality.
• This legalistic perspective influences our understanding of:
o Cross
o Justice
o Love

3. The Legalistic View of the Gospel

• Many see God as having two conflicting sides:
o Side 1: Love, grace, mercy.

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 o Side 2: Holiness, justice, wrath.
• How the legal view interprets the cross:
o God’s justice demands punishment for sin.
o God’s love provided Jesus as a sacrifice.
o Jesus is punished by God to satisfy divine justice.
o Belief in this transaction = Justification (Legal
Forgiveness).
o Heaven is a reward, Hell is the escape.

4. Problems with the Legalistic View

• Creates a two-faced God: Loving yet wrathful.
• Contradicts the nature of God: Did God change after the cross?
o If God was wrathful before, did He "repent" after the cross?
• Reduces salvation to escaping hell rather than being transformed.
• Distorts justice: Justice is seen only as punishment, rather than
restoration.

5. Jesus’ View of Sin and Salvation

Jesus used metaphors to describe sin:

• The blind → Needs sight

• The sick → Needs healing
• The lost → Needs to be found
• The dead → Needs resurrection

Why Punishment Doesn't Work for Sin

• Punishing a blind man won’t make him see.

• Punishing a sick person won’t heal them.
• Punishment is ineffective for spiritual transformation.
• Jesus came to restore, heal, and bring life, not punish.

6. The Real Work of the Cross

• God didn’t change at the cross—man did.

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 • Jesus came to transform the alienated mind (fallen mindset of
Adam).
• The Father was not the one who needed change—human hearts needed
renewal.
• The Cross restored the broken relationship between man and God.

7. The True Meaning of Holiness

• Legal view: Holiness = Absence of sin.
• True holiness: Presence of divine life and love.
• Holiness is not defined by sin but by the nature of God.

Flowchart: Two Views of Salvation

Legalistic View (Punishment-Based)

1. Sin = Legal problem.

2. God’s justice demands punishment.
3. Jesus takes the punishment.
4. Believers escape hell and go to heaven.

Transformational View (Healing-Based)

1. Sin = Spiritual blindness, sickness, lostness, death.

2. Jesus comes to heal, restore, and bring life.
3. Believers are adopted into God’s family.
4. Focus is on knowing God, not just avoiding hell.

Conclusion
• The gospel is not about appeasing an angry God.
• Jesus came to restore our relationship with the Father.
• God is love, and His justice is restorative, not just punitive.
• The cross transforms us, not God.
• Adoption, not legal forgiveness, is the heart of salvation.

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Study Notes: Understanding the Gospel and Salvation

1. The Difference Between Old and New Testament Views of God

• Old Testament (OT): God is often seen as a wrathful judge who

punishes sin.
• New Testament (NT): Jesus takes on this punishment, leading to
grace instead of wrath.
• OT believers received mercy (withholding of punishment), but NT
believers receive grace (complete forgiveness).
• The legal view of salvation suggests that Jesus was punished by
God to satisfy His wrath.

2. The Problem with the Legal View of Salvation

• Legal Justification: The idea that Jesus’ sacrifice was a legal

transaction where punishment was transferred from us to Him.
• If God was wrathful before the cross and happy afterward, this
means God changed—which contradicts His unchanging nature.
• Raises the question: Who did Jesus save us from? If from God's
wrath, does that mean Jesus saved us from God Himself?

3. Alternative Understanding of Sin and Salvation

• Sin is not just a legal issue but a condition of blindness,

sickness, and being lost.
• Jesus’ mission was to:
o Give sight to the blind (spiritually lost).
o Heal the sick (sin as a disease).
o Find the lost (those separated from God).
o Raise the dead (spiritually lifeless).
• Punishment does not cure blindness, sickness, or death—instead,
healing and restoration are needed.

4. The Role of the Cross in Salvation

• The Cross is not about changing God but transforming us.

• Humanity's alienated mind (separated from God due to sin) needed
healing and renewal.
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 • Instead of viewing salvation as a legal payment, it should be
seen as therapeutic healing (restoring our broken relationship
with God).

5. Understanding Holiness

• Holiness is not defined by the absence of sin but by the presence

of God's unique love.
• Opposite of holy is not sin but common—God is set apart, unique
in His love and nature.
• Ephesians 1:3-4: God chose us to be holy and blameless in love,
meaning holiness is about relationship, not law.

6. Righteousness and Salvation (Soteriology)

• The Greek word sozo (salvation) means healing, deliverance, and

restoration, not just legal justification.
• Example:
o Abraham was made righteous by faith—not by legal
declaration, but by trusting God's promise (he had a son as
proof).
o Rahab was saved (justified) because she was delivered from
destruction.

7. Misconceptions About God's Wrath

• Nowhere in the New Testament does it say that God poured out His
wrath on Jesus or punished Him for our sins.
• The phrase "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew
27:46) is often misunderstood—it does not mean God abandoned
Jesus, but it is a reference to Psalm 22, which ultimately speaks
of victory.

8. What Really Happened on the Cross?

• 2 Corinthians [Link] "He became sin so that we might become the

righteousness of God."
• Jesus took upon Himself our sin, not as punishment but as an act
of identification and redemption.

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 • The cross is about restoring humanity to God, not satisfying
divine anger.

Flowchart: Correct View of Salvation

Sinful Humanity → Blinded, Sick, Lost, Dead

Jesus' Mission → Heal, Restore, Find, Give Life

Cross → Not about punishment but transformation

Salvation → Healing, Deliverance, Relationship with God

Key Takeaways

✔ God's love and holiness existed before sin—He does not need wrath to
be holy.

✔ Sin is not just a legal problem but a condition of brokenness that

requires healing.

✔ The cross restores humanity to God, not by satisfying wrath but by

transforming us.

✔ Salvation (sozo) means healing, deliverance, and restoration—not

just legal forgiveness.

✔ Jesus did not save us from the Father but revealed the true nature
of the Father’s love.

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Study Notes on Holiness, Salvation, and the Nature of God

1. Understanding Holiness

• Holiness is not defined by the absence of sin; God was holy even
before creation.
• The opposite of holy is not sin, but common.
• Holiness means being one of a kind, unique, and set apart.
• God’s holiness is reflected in the perfect love between the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a love that is:
o Without blame or blemish
o Wholehearted and selfless
o Without obligation or pretense

2. Holiness and Love in Scripture

• Ephesians 1:3-4 – We were chosen before the foundation of the

world to be holy and without blame in love.
• The purpose of holiness: To be made whole and holy by God’s love.
• Holiness is relational, not just a moral standard.

3. Salvation: More Than Legal Justification

• Common misunderstanding: Salvation is often viewed legally, as if

sin is a debt to be paid.
• Biblical view: Salvation (Greek: Soteria) is about healing and
restoration, not just forgiveness.
• Key terms:
o Sozo (Saved) = Healing, deliverance, wholeness
o Righteousness = Being made whole, not just a legal status
• Examples of Justification in the Bible:
o Abraham – Justified by faith and given a son (not just a
legal declaration).
o Rahab – Justified by her actions and saved from destruction.

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4. Jesus and the Cross: A Healing Mission, Not Punishment

• Jesus did not die because He sinned (He was sinless).

• He took on our sin and our death:
o "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" → Jesus took our
experience of separation from God.
• Misconceptions about the Cross:
o Nowhere in the New Testament does it say God poured out His
wrath on Jesus.
o God did not punish Jesus; instead, Jesus assumed our
brokenness.
• The Cross is about healing, not punishment:
o Sin is not just a legal issue, but a nature issue (corrupt
nature).
o Punishment does not heal sin; transformation does.

5. Nature of Sin and Salvation

• Sin is not just wrongdoing; it is corruption of our nature.

• Legal justification does not transform us.
• Example:
o A person who commits rape or murder is not changed by mere
punishment.
o True salvation transforms the heart, not just clears a legal
record.
• God’s plan is adoption, inclusion, and transformation:
o We are to partake in His nature.
o To become mature sons who reflect the Father.

6. The Purpose of Salvation

• Not just about going to Heaven → Salvation heals our brokenness

here and now.
• God’s love transforms us at our core:
o Not a cover-up righteousness (like a white robe over
cancer).
o A deep healing righteousness that restores us completely.

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 • Hell is not just future punishment → People experience hell now
through brokenness and separation from God.
• Jesus is the perfect representation of the Father:
o Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:3, John 1:18 → Jesus is the
mirror image of God.
o Jesus reveals God’s justice, love, and holiness
simultaneously.

Key Takeaways

✔ Holiness is uniqueness, not just moral purity.

✔ Salvation is about healing, not just legal forgiveness.

✔ Jesus assumed our brokenness to restore us, not to be punished for

us.

✔ God’s justice and love work together in transforming us, not just
in legal transactions.

Would you like a flowchart or diagram to summarize these ideas

visually?

Study Notes: Understanding Justice,

Mercy, and Righteousness in the
Gospel
Key Concepts
• Jesus' Death: Jesus was sinless and did not have to die for His
own sins. He died for our sins and experienced our separation
from God.
• Justice in God's Perspective: Unlike human legal systems, God’s
justice is about restoration, not punishment.

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 • Righteousness: Not a legal declaration but a transformation of
nature.
• The Father's Love: God's justice aligns us with His love, mercy,
and holiness.
• The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Illustrates that justice is
restoration, not retribution.

1. Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

• Jesus was sinless and did not need to die for His own sins.
• He took on our sin, our death, and our separation from God.
• “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” – Jesus bore our cry
of abandonment.

2. Justice vs. Punishment

• Human justice: Legalistic, punitive (e.g., paying fines, serving
prison time).
• God’s justice: Healing and transformation (e.g., restoring a
sinner to sonship).
• Example: A crime may be punished, but it doesn't change the
criminal's heart.

3. Righteousness: More Than a Legal Covering

• Not about legal justification (paying for sin) but about
transformation.
• Example: Putting a white robe over a person with cancer doesn’t
heal them.
• God’s righteousness changes our hearts, not just our outward
status.

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4. God's Justice is Mercy
• Isaiah 30:18 – "The Lord is a God of justice, therefore He will
show mercy."
• Justice is not opposite to mercy, forgiveness, or love—they are
the same in God’s eyes.
• Luke 15 (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Prodigal Son): Justice means
restoration, not punishment.

5. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Picture

of True Justice
• The older brother wanted legal justice (punishment for the
younger brother).
• The Father’s justice was celebration, mercy, and restoration.
• Justice in God’s kingdom: Bringing the lost back into alignment
with their true identity.
• Key verse (Luke 15:31-32) – "It was right that we should
celebrate and be glad."

6. True Repentance Comes from Love, Not Fear

• The prodigal son first returned for food, not repentance.
• True repentance happened when the Father embraced him—he realized
he was still a son.
• God’s justice is not about punishing sin but transforming hearts.

7. The Problem with Legal Righteousness

• The legal gospel (payment for sin) is a misunderstanding.
• Early church fathers did not preach a legalistic gospel.
• True righteousness = Being healed, transformed, and aligned with
God’s love.

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Diagram: God's Justice vs. Human Justice

Human Justice God’s Justice

Based on punishment Based on restoration
Seeks healing &
Seeks retribution
transformation
“Pay the price, then
“Be restored into sonship”
forgiven”
External (legal status
Internal (heart change)
change)

Conclusion
• God’s justice is about alignment, healing, and restoring us to
sonship.
• Righteousness is not about covering up sin but transforming us
from within.
• The cross is not a legal transaction but a divine embrace.
• The true gospel is not about punishment but about participation
in God’s love.

Would you like a flowchart or additional breakdowns for specific

parts?

Study Notes: Understanding God's Justice and Love

1. Key Concepts

• God's justice is not about punishment but about mercy and

restoration.
• Justice, mercy, and forgiveness are not opposites in God's view.
• Jesus' mission was to reveal God's justice—which is aligning
people with their original design.
• The legalistic understanding of justice (punishment-based) is
incorrect.

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 • God's wrath is against what harms people (sin and religion), not
against people themselves.
• True repentance happens when one experiences the Father's love,
not through fear or legalism.

2. Biblical Examples & Definitions

• Justice as Mercy (Isaiah 30:18)

o "The Lord will wait that He may be gracious to you… that He
may have mercy on you."
o Justice, in God's terms, is about restoring people, not
punishing them.
• The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15)
o The elder brother saw justice as punishment.
o The Father saw justice as restoration, welcoming the lost
son back with a celebration.
o God’s justice is bringing people back into alignment with
His love.
• Definition of Justification (Microsoft Word Analogy)
o In Word, clicking "Justify" aligns text.
o Similarly, God’s justification aligns people to their true
identity in Him.
• Jesus' Death and Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19)
o “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”
o Jesus was not a payment to the Father, but rather, the price
the Father paid to reach humanity.
o The cross is about healing, not legal transactions.

3. God's Love vs. Legalistic Religion

• Religion distorts God’s justice by making it about punishment and

legalism.
• Jesus never got angry at sinners but always at religious leaders
(Pharisees).
• God hates sin not because it offends Him, but because it harms
us.

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4. Key Takeaways

• Legal righteousness is superficial, but God’s righteousness is

transformative.
• True repentance happens when one experiences God’s embrace, not
when trying to earn favor.
• Love leads to giving—"You can give without loving, but you can
never love without giving."

5. Visual Summary

Flowchart: God’s Justice vs. Human Justice

Human View of Justice

↓
Crime → Punishment → Justice
↓
No Mercy, No Restoration

VS

God's View of Justice

↓
Sin → Love & Mercy → Transformation
↓
Repentance through Love, not Fear

Conclusion

• God’s justice is about restoration, not retribution.

• Religious legalism blinds people to God's love.
• Jesus’ sacrifice was not to appease God, but to heal and restore
us.
• The true Gospel is about love, mercy, and inclusion, not
punishment and exclusion.

This structured note format makes it easy for quick revision while
capturing the essence of the message.

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Study Notes: The Power of Sowing Seeds for the Future

1. Key Concepts

• Every action we take today impacts future generations.

• Sowing seeds (whether physical, financial, or spiritual) leads to
long-term benefits.
• Collective efforts create lasting change—working together
magnifies the impact.

2. Definitions & Examples

• Seed (Metaphorical Meaning):

o A symbol of investment in something that will grow and
produce results over time.
o Example: Teaching values to children today helps shape
future generations.
• Generational Impact:
o Good deeds, kindness, and knowledge shared today influence
people beyond our lifetime.
o Example: A school built today will educate thousands in the
future.

3. Key Takeaways

• "The seed you sow bears fruit for generations."

• Working together amplifies change.
• Investing in others today creates a better tomorrow.

4. Visual Aid: Seed-Growth Impact Flowchart

Plant a Seed (Good Action)

↓
Nurture it (Teach, Give, Support)
↓
Growth (Change in People & Community)
↓
Fruit (Long-Term Positive Impact)
↓

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 New Seeds (Future Generations Continue the Cycle)

Conclusion

• Small actions today create lasting results.

• Invest in people, knowledge, and kindness to shape a better
future.
• Together, we can make a difference.

This structured note format ensures clarity, retention, and quick

revision.

132
Study Notes: Foundations - Why of the Cross?

1. Key Concepts & Summary

• Understanding Scripture Through Lenses:

o Everyone interprets the Bible through a lens (perspective).
o Different lenses lead to different theological
interpretations (e.g., Heaven & Hell, Kingdom, Trinity).
o The speaker emphasizes the Trinitarian lens (Father, Son,
Holy Spirit) for understanding scripture.
• The Truth of All Truths - The Trinity:
o The relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the
foundation of existence.
o Humanity was created not out of God's need but for inclusion
and participation in divine life.
• Pre-Creation Purpose:
o Before creation, God intended for humans to be included and
participate in divine life.
o Zoe life (eternal, divine life) is exclusive to God, but He
chose to share it with humanity.
o This life is self-giving, relational, and other-centered
(Perichoresis - mutual indwelling).

2. Definitions & Examples

• Lenses in Theology:
o The way people interpret the Bible based on their
theological perspective.
o Example: One may see Heaven & Hell as the central theme,
while another focuses on the Kingdom of God.
• Zoe Life:
o The eternal, self-sustaining life of God with no beginning
or end.
o Example: Humanity was created to partake in this divine
life.
• Perichoresis:
o The mutual indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
o Example: Just as the Trinity shares life, God invites humans
to share in this divine relationship.

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3. Key Scriptures

• Ephesians 1:3-5
o God’s will is not just about career choices or marriage but
about being included in the Trinitarian life.
• 2 Timothy 1:9
o God's purpose was set before creation—to call humanity into
relationship and participation with Him.

4. Important Terms (Bold for Emphasis)

• Trinitarian Lens – Interpreting scripture through the

relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Inclusion – Humanity was always meant to be part of God’s life,
not an afterthought.
• Participation – Actively sharing in the divine life, not just
being a spectator.
• Zoe Life – The divine, eternal life God offers.
• Perichoresis – The mutual indwelling of the Trinity, reflecting
perfect love and unity.

5. Visual Representation

Flowchart: God's Pre-Creation Purpose

God (Trinity)
↓
Creates Humanity
↓
Inclusion in Divine Life
↓
Participation in Zoe Life
↓
Eternal Relationship

These notes provide a structured and concise summary for quick

revision while retaining the depth of the lecture's teachings. Would
you like any modifications or additions?

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Study Notes: The Why of the Cross – Trinitarian
Understanding of the Gospel

1. Key Concepts & Summary

• Understanding Scripture through the Right Lens:

o Everyone interprets the Bible using a lens (perspective).
o Different people use Heaven & Hell, Kingdom, or Trinity as
their interpretive lens.
o The Trinitarian Lens (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) provides
a deeper understanding.
• Pre-Creation Purpose of God:
o Humanity was created not out of need, but to participate in
God's life.
o Inclusion & Participation are key themes—God’s plan was to
include humanity in His life before time began (2 Timothy
1:9).
o Zoe life (eternal life) is God’s divine, relational life—
self-giving, mutual indwelling (John 17:3).
• Jesus as the Manifestation of God’s Pre-Creation Purpose:
o Incarnation = "Fleshing out" God's eternal purpose.
o Jesus’ mission was to restore humanity to participation in
divine life.

2. Key Definitions & Examples

• Zoe Life: The divine, eternal life of God, shared within the
Trinity.
o Example: Unlike human life (which has a beginning), Zoe life
is without beginning or end (1 Timothy 6:16).
• Sin as a Knowing Problem (Not Just a Legal Problem):
o Traditional View: Sin is breaking God's law, requiring legal
punishment.
o Trinitarian View: Sin distorts our perception of God and
ourselves.
o Example: Adam & Eve's sin was more than disobedience—it
broke their relational connection with God.
• The Evangelical Legal Framework vs. Trinitarian View of
Salvation:
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 o The legal model sees salvation as a transaction where Jesus
pays for our sins.
o The Trinitarian model sees salvation as restoring our
participation in God's life.

3. Key Points for Better Readability

• The Problem of Legalistic Gospel Interpretations:

o God is holy.
o Man sinned, so he must be punished.
o God’s justice requires punishment, but His love wants to
save man.
o Jesus takes the punishment.
o God pours out His wrath on Jesus.
o Jesus cries out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?"
(Matthew 27:46).
o God "turns His face away" from Jesus.
• Issues with the Legal Model:
o This framework assumes:
▪ God cannot look at sin (but Jesus actively engaged
with sinners).
▪ Jesus was "forsaken" by the Father (but Psalm 22,
which Jesus quotes, ends in victory, not abandonment).
o Biblical Perspective:
▪ Jesus’ death was not a separation from the Father but
a self-giving act of love (John 10:30).
▪ The cross was an act of inclusion, not rejection.

4. Key Verses & Their Meaning

• Ephesians 1:4-5 – God chose us before creation to be included in

His life.
• 2 Timothy 1:9 – God's purpose existed before time; grace was not
a reaction to sin.
• John 17:3 – Eternal life is knowing God (not just a future
reward).
• 1 Timothy 6:16 – Only God possesses immortal Zoe life.

136
 • Matthew 27:46 & Psalm 22 – Jesus’ cry on the cross does not mean
the Father abandoned Him but reflects suffering before ultimate
victory.

5. Flowchart – Trinitarian View of the Gospel

Pre-Creation Purpose → Inclusion in God’s Life → Fall (Distorted

Knowing) → Jesus Restores Relationship → Eternal Life in Christ

This study note structure ensures clarity, easy revision, and a strong
grasp of the core ideas. Let me know if you’d like any modifications!

Study Notes: Understanding God's Wrath and Sin in the Gospel

1. Key Concepts

• The belief that God poured out His wrath on Jesus is not
biblically accurate.
• Sin did not change God; it changed Adam (humanity).
• The idea that God cannot look upon sin is a misunderstanding of
Habakkuk 1:13.
• Sin is not merely a legal issue or disobedience; it is a
fundamental problem of knowing God.
• Jesus being "made sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21) does not mean He
disobeyed or became sinful.
• Romans 8:32 and Romans 5 emphasize God’s love, not wrath, towards
humanity.

2. Misinterpretations of Scripture

A. Can God Not Look Upon Sin?

• Misunderstood Verse: Habakkuk 1:13 - "You are of purer eyes than

to behold evil..."
• Actual Meaning:

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 o The prophet is questioning why God allows evil to happen,
not that God is unable to see sin.
o If God truly could not look at sin, He would not have
confronted Adam in the Garden of Eden after the fall.

B. Did God Pour His Wrath on Jesus?

• Misinterpreted Verse: Isaiah 53 - Many assume it teaches that God

punished Jesus.
• Clarification:
o The New Testament never states that God poured His wrath on
Jesus.
o Romans 8:32 - "He who did not spare His own Son but
delivered Him up for us all..."
▪ This means God gave Jesus for us, not that He punished
Him.
o Romans 5:8 - "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in
that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
▪ This highlights love, not wrath.

3. Understanding Sin & Jesus Being "Made Sin"

A. What is Sin?

• Traditional View: Sin = Mere disobedience.

• Biblical View:
o Sin is a broken relationship with God.
o It is a distorted way of knowing and understanding reality.
o John 17:3 - "Eternal life is knowing God."
o Sin corrupts human nature, but does not change God's nature.

B. Jesus Was "Made Sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• Does not mean Jesus disobeyed or became sinful.

• If sin is only disobedience, how did Jesus "become sin" if He
never disobeyed?
• Instead, Jesus entered into our brokenness to restore our
relationship with God.

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4. God's Wrath vs. God's Love

Misconception Biblical Truth

God turned His face away The Bible never says this. God was in Christ reconciling
from Jesus on the cross. the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).
God poured His wrath on The Bible says God poured His love into our hearts
Jesus. (Romans 5:5).
Jesus was punished in our Jesus revealed God's love, not God's wrath (Romans
place. 5:8).

5. Visual Aid: The Relationship Between Sin, Jesus, and God

┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ GOD'S LOVE │
└─────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│ SIN (Distorted Knowledge) │
│ - Corrupts human understanding │
│ - Brings fear, shame, & separation │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│ JESUS ENTERS OUR BROKENNESS │
│ - Made sin, not by disobedience │
│ - Brings restoration & healing │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│ RECONCILIATION WITH GOD │
│ - Eternal life = Knowing Him │
│ - Salvation is about love, not wrath │
└──────────────────────────────────┘

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6. Summary

• God did not pour out His wrath on Jesus; this is a

misunderstanding.
• God can look at sin and did not turn His face away from Jesus.
• Sin is not just a legal issue; it is a problem of knowing God.
• Jesus was made sin, but not because He disobeyed—He entered into
our brokenness.
• The cross is a revelation of God's love, not His anger.

Study Notes: Understanding Sin, Reconciliation, and God's

Love

1. Key Concepts

• Sin does not separate God from us; it separates us from God.
• We were enemies in our minds, not in reality (Colossians 1:21).
• Jesus’ death was not to appease God’s wrath but to reconcile us
to Him.
• God did not pour out His wrath on Jesus; rather, humanity poured
its wrath on Him.
• Romans 5:8-10 emphasizes God’s love, not wrath.
• Isaiah 59:1-2 is often misunderstood—God’s hand is outstretched,
but sin blinds us from receiving Him.
• Isaiah 53 (Suffering Servant) is key to understanding Jesus’
role.

2. Definitions & Clarifications

• Enemies in Our Minds (Colossians 1:21):

o Sin corrupted human perception of God.
o We thought of God as an enemy, but He never saw us as
enemies.
o Example: Adam hid from God, but God did not hide from Adam.
• God “Gave” His Son, Not “Punished” Him (Romans 8:32):

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 o God allowed Jesus to experience human wrath, not His own
wrath.
o Example: A loving father might endure suffering for his
child’s sake, not because of punishment.
• Wrath in the Bible (Romans 5:9):
o Often refers to destruction due to sin’s consequences, not
God’s anger.
o Example: AD 70 (destruction of Jerusalem) was a consequence
of rejecting Jesus’ way of peace.
• Sin Separating Us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2):
o Misinterpretation: "Sin separates God from us."
o Correct understanding: "Sin separates us from God."
o God’s hand is outstretched, but sin blinds us from accepting
His love.

3. Key Scripture Insights

A. Colossians 1:21 – Enemies in Our Minds

• Traditional View: God saw us as enemies.

• Biblical View: We saw God as an enemy due to our distorted
understanding.

B. Romans 5:8-10 – Christ Died While We Were Enemies

• Traditional View: God needed Jesus' death to stop His wrath.

• Biblical View: While we were hostile towards God, He showed His
love by dying for us.

C. Romans 8:32 – God Did Not Spare His Son

• Misconception: God poured out wrath on Jesus.

• Truth: God gave Jesus over to human wrath as an act of love.

D. Isaiah 59:1-2 – Sin Separates Us from God

• Misunderstood: "Sin separates God from us."

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 • Correct: "Sin separates us from God, but His hand is always
outstretched."

E. Isaiah 53 – The Suffering Servant

• Misinterpretation: Jesus was punished by God.

• Correct Reading: Jesus bore our sins to heal us, not to be
punished by the Father.

4. Bullet Points for Easy Revision

• God never turned away from Jesus on the cross.

• Sin distorted our perception, making us feel distant from God.
• Jesus' mission was to bring us back to the Father.
• God allowed Jesus to suffer at the hands of humans, not His own
wrath.
• Isaiah 53 describes Jesus taking on suffering, not divine
punishment.

5. Visual Aid: How Sin Affects Perception of God

┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ GOD’S LOVE │
└───────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ HUMANITY'S SINFUL THINKING │
│ - Thought of God as an enemy │
│ - Separated from God in mind │
└───────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ JESUS REVEALS THE TRUTH │
│ - Suffers at human hands │
│ - Shows love, not wrath │
└───────────────────────────────┘
↓

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 ┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ RECONCILIATION WITH GOD │
│ - Sin no longer blinds us │
│ - We see God’s love fully │
└───────────────────────────────┘

6. Summary for Quick Review

• Sin made us feel like enemies of God, but He never saw us that
way.
• God did not pour out wrath on Jesus; humanity did.
• The cross was a demonstration of love, not divine punishment.
• Isaiah 53 and Romans 5 confirm Jesus' mission was reconciliation,
not wrath.
• Sin separates us from God, but His hand is always outstretched
toward us.

This structure makes the key points easy to understand and remember.
Let me know if you want any refinements!

143
Study Notes: Foundations – Who Sacrificed to Whom?

Key Concepts & Summary

1. Understanding the Cross

a. The cross is often seen through a legal lens, but it should
be viewed through the relational and redemptive purpose of
God.
b. The starting point of interpretation defines the meaning of
the cross.
c. The redemptive purpose is tied to the purpose of creation,
which was planned within the Triune God (Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit).
2. Pre-Creation Purpose
a. God's purpose existed before creation, as described in
Ephesians 1.
b. The goal was for humanity to be included, adopted, and
revealed as sons within God's family.
c. All key doctrines—cross, blood, sacrifice, ascension, second
coming, judgment—must align with this pre-creation purpose.
3. The True Problem: Lack of Knowledge of the Father
a. Jesus repeatedly emphasized that the world’s main problem is
not knowing the Father.
b. References:
i. Matthew 11:27 – "No one knows the Father except the
Son."
ii. John 1:18 – "No one has seen the Father except the
Son."
iii. John 5, 6, 7 – Repeated emphasis on the world’s
ignorance of the Father.
c. The root cause of sin is not legal wrongdoing but blindness,
corruption of mind, and alienation from God.
4. Misunderstanding of Sin and Forgiveness
a. Mistaken View: Evangelical Christianity has made sin and
forgiveness a legal issue.
b. Correct View: Sin is a relational issue, not just a legal
transgression.
c. Viewing sin legally leads to wrong interpretations of
salvation and justification.

144
 5. Misconception of Sacrifice
a. In a legalistic view, sacrifice is seen as something to
appease God’s wrath.
b. This pagan idea is not supported by Scripture.
c. The true sacrifice is about restoring a relationship with
God, not fulfilling legal demands.

Definitions & Examples

• Pre-Creation Purpose – God's original intent before creation was

to bring humanity into His family, as revealed in Ephesians 1.
• Sin as Blindness – Jesus repeatedly pointed out that the real sin
was not knowing the Father, leading to alienation and a corrupt
mindset.
• Legal vs. Relational View of Sin
o Legal View (incorrect): Sin is breaking a law, and
forgiveness is a legal pardon.
o Relational View (correct): Sin is separation from God, and
forgiveness is restoration of relationship.

Key Takeaways

✔ Keep the pre-creation purpose in mind when interpreting Scripture.

✔ Jesus charged the world with not knowing the Father, not just
breaking laws.

✔ Sin is relational, not just legal—a broken relationship with God.

✔ Sacrifice was never about appeasing God's wrath—this is a pagan

misunderstanding.

✔ The gospel is about reconciliation, not legal justification alone.

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Visual Aid: Understanding the Cross

Flowchart: The Right Perspective on Sin & Sacrifice

1. God's Pre-Creation Purpose → Adoption into His family

2. Jesus' Message → The real problem is not knowing the Father
3. Wrong View → Sin as a legal issue → Leads to wrong views on
sacrifice
4. Correct View → Sin as a relational issue → Leads to restoration
through Jesus

Would you like me to refine any section further?

Study Notes: Who Sacrificed to

Whom?
1. Key Concepts and Summary
• Understanding the Cross: The meaning of the cross is influenced
by the starting point of interpretation.
o If viewed through a legal lens, it focuses on punishment.
o If viewed through the relational lens of the Triune God, it
is about redemption and inclusion in God's family.
• Pre-Creation Purpose: Before sin, God had a purpose—to adopt and
manifest humans as sons within His family.
• Sin as a Relational Issue: The main problem is not legal guilt
but blindness to knowing the Father (John 1:18, Matthew 11:27).
• Misinterpretation of Sin & Forgiveness:
o Mistake: Viewing sin as a legal issue leads to seeing
forgiveness as a legal transaction.
o Correct View: Sin is a relational separation from God;
forgiveness is about reconciliation, not punishment.

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2. The Concept of Sacrifice
• Pagan vs. Biblical Understanding:
o Pagan View: God is angry and demands sacrifice to appease
His wrath.
o Biblical View: Sacrifice is not God's demand but man's need,
and God provides it.
• Key Biblical Example: Genesis 3:21 – God sacrificed an animal to
clothe Adam and Eve, symbolizing that sacrifice is God’s
provision, not man's offering.

3. Abraham and Isaac – A Case Study

• Abraham’s Background: Came from a culture where child sacrifice
was common.
• God's Purpose:
o Not to affirm child sacrifice but to correct Abraham’s view
of God.
o God stopped the sacrifice and provided a lamb instead
(Genesis 22).
• Lesson: God provides the sacrifice, not man.

4. Blood and Atonement in Leviticus

• Leviticus 17:11 – “The life of the flesh is in the blood, and I
have given it to you to make atonement.”
• Key Takeaway:
o Blood is not to appease God's wrath but to cleanse human
conscience and allow people to approach God.
o It is God’s provision to restore the broken relationship.

5. Forgiveness vs. Punishment

• Contradiction of the Legal View:

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 o If sin is punished, then it cannot be forgiven.
o If sin is forgiven, then it is not punished.
• Biblical View: The sacrifice of Jesus is about forgiveness,
reconciliation, and restoring relationship, not about legal
retribution.

6. Visual Summary: Pagan vs. Biblical View of

Sacrifice
Aspect Pagan View (Wrong) Biblical View (Correct)
Reason for
To appease an angry God To meet man's need
Sacrifice
Who Provides? Man offers the sacrifice God provides the sacrifice
Purpose To avoid punishment To restore relationship
Human sacrifices in pagan God providing a lamb for Abraham
Example
cultures (Genesis 22)

Final Takeaway

• The Cross is about God providing for humanity’s need.

• Sin is a relational problem, not a legal issue.
• Forgiveness is not a legal transaction but a restoration of
relationship with God.

Study Notes: The Biblical Perspective on Sacrifice and Blood

1. Sacrifice in Different Belief Systems

• Pagan View of Sacrifice

o God’s wrath must be appeased through sacrifice (offering
blood).
o Many religions function under this principle—sacrifices are
made to calm an angry deity.
o The belief is that man provides sacrifice to satisfy God’s
demand.
• Biblical View of Sacrifice

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 o The Bible contradicts this belief.
o Sacrifice is not about appeasing God's wrath but about
addressing man's need.
o God provides the sacrifice instead of man.

2. Understanding Sacrifice in the Bible

• The "Lens" of Interpretation

o The way people interpret sacrifice and blood is influenced
by their legalistic perspective.
o The Bible presents a different understanding:
▪ Sacrifice is about man's inability to approach God due
to sin.
▪ Blood is a provision from God to restore the broken
relationship.
• Genesis Account: Adam and Eve
o Before the fall, Adam and Eve had no shame.
o After sin, shame and hiding entered.
o They tried to cover themselves with fig leaves but failed.
o God provided tunics of skin (first recorded sacrifice).
▪ Key Point: It was not Adam offering to God, but God
offering to meet man's need.

3. Abraham and the Sacrifice of Isaac

• Abraham came from a culture that practiced child sacrifice.

• When God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, it was not to affirm this
belief but to challenge it.
• God stopped the sacrifice and provided a lamb instead.
• Abraham's Statement: "God himself shall provide the sacrifice."
• Key Message:
o Pagan belief: Man provides the sacrifice.
o Biblical belief: God provides the sacrifice.

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4. The Role of Blood in Sacrifice

• Leviticus 17:11 - “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and
I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls.”
o Blood is not a demand from God but a provision for man.
o It allows man to approach God with boldness.
• Impact of Sacrifice on Conscience
o Sacrifice does something to man’s conscience—it helps remove
guilt and restore the relationship with God.
o Example: Adam saw the animal die for him, which affected his
understanding of sin.

5. The Question of Sin: Punishment or Forgiveness?

• Main question: Is sin forgiven or punished?

o If sin is punished, it cannot be forgiven.
o If sin is forgiven, it cannot be punished.
• Biblical Concept:
o God's provision of sacrifice and blood is not about
punishment but reconciliation.

Key Takeaways

Biblical sacrifice is not about appeasing an angry God but about

meeting man's need.

God provides the sacrifice, not man.

Blood is a gift from God, allowing man to approach Him.

The sacrifice of Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's

provision for sin.

Would you like a flowchart or diagram to summarize the key points?

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Study Notes: Understanding Sacrifice, Blood, and Forgiveness
in the Bible

1. The Common Misunderstanding of Sacrifice

• Many religions see sacrifice as a way to appease God's wrath by

offering blood.
• The Bible rejects this view and presents sacrifice differently.
• Due to legalistic interpretations, people have misunderstood
biblical sacrifice as a payment rather than a provision.

2. The First Sacrifice in Genesis

• Adam and Eve sinned and tried to cover their nakedness with fig
leaves.
• God provided the first sacrifice by killing an animal and
clothing them with its skin (Genesis 3:21).
• This shows that sacrifice was not man's offering to God, but
God's provision for man.

3. The Abraham and Isaac Narrative

• Abraham was familiar with child sacrifice as part of his cultural

background.
• God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac not to affirm sacrifice, but
to challenge Abraham's understanding of God.
• At the last moment, God provided a lamb instead, revealing that
God provides the sacrifice, rather than demanding it. (Genesis
22:8)

4. Biblical vs. Pagan Understanding of Sacrifice

Pagan View Biblical View

God demands a sacrifice. God provides a sacrifice.
Man must appease God with blood. Sacrifice is for man's need, not God's demand.
Without sacrifice, no forgiveness is Forgiveness comes from God’s mercy, not
possible. blood alone.

151
5. Forgiveness and the Role of Blood

• Hebrews 9:22 is often misinterpreted: "Without shedding of blood

there is no forgiveness."
o This does not mean God requires blood to forgive.
o In the Old Testament, God forgave without blood (2
Chronicles 7:14).
• David's repentance in Psalm 51 shows that God values a contrite
heart over sacrifice:
o “You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it.”
(Psalm 51:16)
o “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a contrite
heart.” (Psalm 51:17)

6. Forgiveness as Cleansing, Not Punishment

• Forgiveness is like healing, not a legal transaction.

• Sin is compared to sickness (leprosy), requiring cleansing, not
punishment (Matthew 8:2-3).
• Jesus did not focus on legal justification, but on healing and
restoration.
• Isaiah and Hosea affirm that God desires mercy, not sacrifice:
o “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of
God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
o “I have had enough of burnt offerings… Bring no more futile
sacrifices.” (Isaiah 1:11-13)

7. Key Takeaways

• Sacrifice is about God’s provision, not appeasement.

• Forgiveness is based on God’s mercy, not blood payment.
• Sin is a disease that needs healing, not a crime that needs
punishment.
• God desires a restored relationship, not rituals.

Would you like a visual diagram to summarize this?

152
Study Notes: Understanding Biblical
Forgiveness and the Role of
Sacrifice
1. Key Concepts of Forgiveness in the Bible
• Forgiveness is not a legal transaction requiring bloodshed.
• It is about cleansing, healing, and restoring a relationship with
God rather than appeasing His wrath.
• The verse Hebrews 9:22 ("without shedding of blood there is no
forgiveness") is often misinterpreted.
• God's forgiveness existed even in the Old Testament without
requiring blood sacrifice.

2. Misinterpretation of Hebrews 9:22

• Common Misconception: "God cannot forgive sin without blood."
• Correct Understanding:
o The phrase "without shedding of blood there is no remission"
refers to the Old Testament law, not an eternal principle.
o It specifically says "according to the law", meaning the
sacrificial system of Israel.
o The word "almost" in the verse implies not all forgiveness
required bloodshed.
o The focus is on cleansing rather than legal atonement.

3. Examples of Forgiveness Without Blood in the

Old Testament
A. Direct Forgiveness by God

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 – God promises to forgive if people humble

themselves, pray, and turn from wickedness (no mention of
sacrifice).

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 • Psalm 51 – David, after committing serious sins, acknowledges
that God does not desire sacrifice but a broken and contrite
heart.
• Hosea 6:6 – "I desire mercy and not sacrifice."
• Isaiah 1:11-13 – God expresses displeasure at sacrifices without
genuine repentance.

B. The Levitical System Allowed Non-Blood Offerings

• Leviticus 5: Sacrifices for sin included:

o A bull (for the wealthy).
o A lamb (if unable to afford a bull).
o Two turtle doves (if unable to afford a lamb).
o Fine flour (if unable to afford birds)—showing that blood
was not always necessary.
• If blood was mandatory, the flour offering would be invalid,
proving forgiveness was not solely dependent on bloodshed.

4. What Was the Purpose of Blood Sacrifice?

• Not about satisfying God's anger, but about helping people
approach God with confidence.
• The system was meant to restore confidence in those who sinned,
as sin made people feel unworthy before God.
• Adam and Eve lost confidence after sinning, and God provided
coverings (animal skins) to restore their confidence.

5. True Meaning of Forgiveness

• Forgiveness = Cleansing, Healing, Deliverance
o Jesus often used the word "cleanse" for forgiveness (e.g.,
healing lepers).
o Sin is like a disease (leprosy), and healing is the
solution, not punishment.

154
6. Key Takeaways
• God's desire is mercy and relationship, not ritualistic blood
sacrifices.
• Forgiveness in the Bible is about cleansing and restoration, not
a legal debt requiring blood payment.
• Confidence in God's love is the key, not fear of punishment.

Visual Aid: Understanding Forgiveness

Forgiveness is NOT:

Legal transaction

Payment for sin

Ritualistic requirement

Forgiveness IS:

Healing and cleansing

Restoration of relationship

Based on repentance and a contrite heart

Would you like me to add diagrams or concept maps for easier

understanding?

155
Study Notes: Understanding
Sacrifices, Forgiveness, and
Confidence in Approaching God
1. Key Concepts on Sacrifices and Forgiveness
• God does not desire blood sacrifices for the sake of appeasement.
• The Old Testament sacrificial system was meant to draw people
closer to God, not just fulfill a religious duty.
• The phrase “without shedding of blood, there is no remission”
(Hebrews 9:22) is often misunderstood.
o This is not an eternal truth of God but a statement
“according to the law.”
o The law itself provided alternative means of forgiveness
beyond blood sacrifices.

2. Understanding Hebrews 9:22 in Context

• The verse states, "Without shedding of blood, there is no
remission," but key points to consider:
o According to the law – This principle applied under the
Mosaic law, not as an eternal rule.
o Almost all things – Some sins were forgiven without
bloodshed.
o Cleansing, not appeasement – Blood was for purification, not
to satisfy divine wrath.
o The Greek word "aphesis" – Translated as
remission/forgiveness, without specifically mentioning sin.

3. Old Testament Examples of Forgiveness

Without Blood
• Leviticus 4-5: Various offerings for sin:
o A bull for the wealthy.

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 o A lamb for those with lesser means.
o Two turtle doves for the poor.
o Fine flour for those unable to afford animals (flour does
not contain blood).
• Key takeaway: Forgiveness was based on obedience and coming to
God, not the amount of blood shed.

4. The Purpose of Sacrifices – Confidence, Not

Payment
• The real issue after sin is loss of confidence in approaching
God.
• God’s desire was for people to come to Him, regardless of their
offerings.
• Jesus’ sacrifice was not about fulfilling a legal requirement but
removing barriers to relationship with God.

5. Hebrews 10 – The Ineffectiveness of OT

Sacrifices
• Hebrews 10:1-4: Old Testament sacrifices could not make people
perfect.
• Repeated sacrifices kept the consciousness of sin alive.
• They could cover sins but not remove them.
• Jesus’ sacrifice was different because:
o It was not about God needing a sacrifice to forgive.
o Jesus came to do God’s will, not to appease divine wrath.

6. The Incarnation vs. The Sacrificial System

• Jesus’ incarnation achieved what sacrifices could not.
• The Word became flesh (John 1:14), meaning:
o Jesus represented all of humanity.
o His life and actions had universal significance.
• Hebrews [Link] Jesus came to take away the first system (Old
Covenant) and establish the second (New Covenant).

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 • Temple worship and sacrificial rituals are replaced with God
dwelling in believers.

7. The New Covenant: A Living Relationship

• God’s will was never about bloodshed but about relationship.
• The New Covenant means:
o No more temple-based sacrifices.
o Believers are now God’s dwelling place.
o Forgiveness is about restored confidence, not fulfilling a
legal payment.

📌 Summary Flowchart: Understanding Sacrifices

and Forgiveness
OLD TESTAMENT SYSTEM → Temporary forgiveness through sacrifices
↳ Blood offered for purification, not
appeasement
↳ Flour offering (no blood) also accepted

JESUS' INCARNATION → Replaced the old system with a direct

relationship
↳ No need for blood sacrifice to approach God
↳ Emphasis on confidence, not guilt

NEW COVENANT → We are now God's temple

↳ Forgiveness is about relationship, not rituals
↳ No more need for sacrifices

Key Takeaway: God’s desire was never blood sacrifice, but restored
confidence and closeness with Him.

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Study Notes: The Sacrifice of Jesus and the New Covenant

1. Key Concepts and Summary

• God's Heart & Sacrifice: The Old Testament (OT) sacrifices were
not about satisfying God's need for blood but about drawing
people closer to Him.
• Limitations of OT Sacrifices: These sacrifices were repeated
yearly but could never remove sin or cleanse the conscience.
• Jesus’ Sacrifice: Unlike OT sacrifices, Jesus' offering was once
for all, completely removing sin and its consciousness.
• Incarnation & Redemption: Jesus’ coming in the flesh accomplished
what religious sacrifices could not—reconciling humanity with
God.
• Mercy Seat & God's Presence: Jesus is the true mercy seat where
God meets and forgives humanity.

2. Important Definitions & Examples

• Mercy Seat (Greek: Hilasterion): The place where God's presence

meets His people (Exodus 25:21-22). Jesus is the ultimate mercy
seat.
• Propitiation: Often misunderstood as appeasing God’s wrath, but
in the correct context, it means God presenting Jesus as the
meeting place for reconciliation.
• Liberty (Greek: Aphesis): Used in Luke 4:18-19 to mean
forgiveness and release from bondage.

3. Key Biblical References

1. Hebrews 10:1-10 – OT sacrifices could never make people perfect.

2. Hebrews 2:14-15 – Jesus destroyed the power of death and freed
those in bondage.
3. Romans 3:25 – God presented Jesus as the mercy seat, not as an
appeasement for wrath.
4. Exodus 25:21-22 – Mercy seat as the meeting place between God and
man.
159
 5. Luke 4:18-19 – Jesus proclaims liberty (forgiveness) to the
captives.

4. Bullet Points for Quick Revision

• OT sacrifices covered sin but could not remove it.

• Jesus' sacrifice is final and sufficient—it removes sin
permanently.
• Jesus was not sacrificed to satisfy God's wrath but to reconcile
humanity.
• God meets us at our worst through Jesus, just as the mercy seat
in the OT symbolized God's presence.
• Passover & Jesus: Just as the Passover lamb freed Israelites from
Egypt, Jesus' body and blood free humanity from sin, death, and
the devil.

5. Flowchart: Comparison of Old Testament Sacrifices vs. Jesus'

Sacrifice

Old Testament Sacrifices Jesus’ Sacrifice

---------------------------------------------------
Repeated yearly Once for all
Could not remove sin Completely removes sin
Covered sin Cleanses the conscience
Based on ritual laws Based on God’s grace
Pointed to Christ Fulfilled in Christ

6. Final Thoughts

• Jesus' work is complete—no additional sacrifices are needed.

• The cross is God's way of meeting humanity in darkness, not a
place where He demands sacrifice.
• Through Christ, sin, death, and the devil are defeated, and true
freedom is given.

160
These notes provide a structured and concise summary for quick
revision. Let me know if you need any modifications!

Study Notes: Communion & The Redemptive Work of Christ

1. Key Concepts & Summary

• Passover & Communion: Jesus redefined Passover, showing that it

was not about a wrathful God but about redemption from sin and
death.
• Reconciliation: Humanity, not God, needed reconciliation. Jesus'
sacrifice accomplished this.
• The Power of Jesus’ Blood: It cries out for forgiveness, not
vengeance, bringing boldness and confidence to approach God.
• Meeting Us at Our Worst: God met humanity in its brokenness and
sin, turning evil into good through Jesus' sacrifice.
• Hope in Christ: No matter the world’s situation, Jesus remains
King, offering hope and redemption.

2. Important Definitions & Examples

• Ephesus (Greek) – Deliverance, forgiveness, and healing (Luke

4:18-19).
• Reconciliation – Humanity needed to be reconciled to God, not the
other way around.
• Blood of Jesus – Unlike Abel’s blood, which called for vengeance
(Genesis 4:10), Jesus' blood calls for forgiveness.
• Communion – Not a reminder of a wrathful God, but a celebration
of redemption and freedom.

3. Bullet Points for Quick Revision

• Jesus' sacrifice transforms the Passover into a celebration of

deliverance from sin and death.

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 • God was never against us—it was humanity that needed
reconciliation.
• Jesus' blood cleanses our conscience, giving us boldness to
approach God.
• At our worst moment (crucifying Jesus), God forgave us—showing
His deep love.
• Jesus is still King—no matter the circumstances, our hope remains
in Him.
• Communion = A reminder of God's love and redemption.

4. Flowchart: The Purpose of Jesus’ Sacrifice

Old Testament Passover

↓
Delivered Israelites from Egypt
↓
Jesus' Sacrifice
↓
Delivers Humanity from Sin & Death
↓
Communion = A Celebration of Freedom

5. Final Thoughts

• Jesus’ sacrifice turned the world’s perspective right-side up—not

about wrath, but about love.
• God transformed humanity’s greatest evil (crucifixion) into the
greatest good (redemption).
• Hope in Christ is unshaken—He remains King!

These notes offer a structured and concise summary for quick revision.
Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

162
Here are the structured study notes based on the transcript:

Foundations: Resurrection and

Ascension
Speaker: Jesudian

Date: 15-11-2020

Key Concepts:
• The importance of foundations in Christian theology.
• Incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
• Pre-creation purpose of God and divine adoption.
• Predestination and adoption in Christ.

1. Understanding the Foundations

• This is the 10th and final message in the series "Foundations."
• The series provides an overview rather than exhaustive details.
• Further study is available through five-day courses on
Trinitarian faith.

2. The Right Perspective: Where Do We Begin?

• The lens through which we understand theology is crucial.
• We must begin with God as the center, not ourselves.
• Key Question: Where should we start our understanding of God?
o Genesis? Moses? Abraham?
o The best starting point is Jesus Christ:
▪ God became visible through Jesus (Incarnation).
▪ Jesus is the exact representation of the Father.

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3. The Concept of Divine Adoption
• Common misunderstanding: Adoption means taking someone outside
the family and making them a part of it.
• Biblical meaning: Adoption is a pre-creation purpose of God, not
a legal process.
• Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV)

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… having

predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself."

• Predestination = Adoption
o God planned adoption before creation.
o We are not an afterthought; God had us in mind before the
foundations of the world.

4. Connection Between Key Theological Events

• Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension are all
interconnected.
• Why did God create us? → Answer lies in the pre-creation purpose.
• Everything in Christian theology (Holy Spirit, Second Coming,
etc.) ties back to this purpose.

5. Message Version of Ephesians 1:3-4

• "How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is!"
• God chose us before creation – we were always in His plan.
• Heaven and Earth were created first, but man was in God’s mind
before their creation.

164
Summary & Key Takeaways:

✔ Theology must begin with Jesus Christ, the visible image of God.

✔ Adoption is God’s original plan, not a backup plan.

✔ Resurrection and Ascension fulfill God’s pre-creation purpose.

✔ Everything in Christian theology is interconnected.

Visual Aid: Concept Map for Pre-Creation Purpose

[God’s Pre-Creation Purpose]

↓
[Incarnation of Jesus] → [Exact Image of the Father]
↓
[Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension] → [Fulfillment of Adoption
Plan]
↓
[Holy Spirit & Second Coming]

Would you like more diagrams or flowcharts for clarity?

Study Notes: Resurrection and Ascension

(Based on the lecture transcript from Jesudian - YouTube, 15-11-2020)

1. Key Concepts and Summary

• The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ are central to

understanding God's pre-creation purpose.
• The Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) had mankind in mind
before creation and planned to adopt humanity into divine life.
• The Incarnation, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of
Jesus Christ are all connected to God's eternal purpose.

165
 • Faith is not a condition for God’s love but a response to what
God has already done.
• Salvation is not about appeasing an angry God but accepting the
reality of what has been accomplished in Christ.

2. Important Definitions & Concepts

A. Pre-Creation Purpose

• Before the foundation of the world, God planned to adopt humanity

into His family.
• Ephesians 1:4-5 – "He chose us in Him before the foundation of
the world... having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus
Christ."

B. Adoption in Biblical Context

• Not about legal adoption (bringing an outsider into the family)

but about God’s eternal purpose to bring humanity into His divine
life.

C. Triune Love (Perichoresis)

• Perichoresis (Triune Dance): The eternal relationship of love

within the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
• The purpose of creation: To bring mankind into this divine
fellowship.

D. The Role of Christ in Revealing God & Humanity

• Jesus is the exact representation of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).

• In Christ, we discover:
o Who God is
o Who we are as humans
• Without Christ, humanity is lost in confusion about its identity
and purpose.

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3. Key Takeaways (Bullet Points for Quick Review)

God’s Plan Before Creation:

• Mankind was at the center of God’s purpose before He created

anything.
• Creation was not an afterthought but a planned act of divine
love.

The Role of the Triune God:

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existed in perfect love before
creation.
• Humanity was meant to share in God’s divine nature (Zoe life,
eternal life).

Incarnation and Redemption:

• Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were always part of God’s

eternal plan.
• Salvation is a completed work in Christ—not dependent on our
actions.

Faith is a Response, Not a Requirement:

• Faith does not change how God sees us; it changes how we see God.
• God’s love and plan existed before we believed, repented, or
accepted Christ.

Biblical Salvation vs. Evangelical Gospel:

• Evangelical misconception: God was angry, punished Jesus, and

then accepted believers.
• Biblical truth: God's plan of love existed before creation, and
faith is our response to that reality.

4. Key Scriptures & Explanations

Ephesians 1:4-5 – God's eternal plan to adopt us in Christ.

167
 Colossians 1:15-19 – Jesus reveals God and defines human identity.

Message Version (Ephesians 1:3-4):

"Long before He laid down the earth’s foundations, He had us in

mind... He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ."

Romans 5:8 – "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

5. Visual Aid: God's Eternal Plan

Flowchart: Pre-Creation Purpose & Redemption

[Triune God] → [Pre-Creation Plan: Adoption of Humanity] →

[Creation]
→ [Incarnation of Christ] → [Death & Resurrection] → [Humanity
Restored]
→ [Sharing in Divine Life]

Conclusion & Reflection

• God’s love predates creation and is not conditional on human

actions.
• The resurrection and ascension of Jesus confirm that humanity is
part of God’s divine plan.
• Faith is a response to what God has already accomplished, not a
means to earn His acceptance.

This structured summary provides a quick and effective revision of the

video lecture’s key themes while ensuring clarity and conciseness. Let
me know if you need any modifications or additional explanations!

Study Notes on the Lecture Transcript

168
Key Concepts and Summary

1. Purpose of Creation
a. God's purpose predates creation.
b. Humanity was always the focus of God's love.
c. The Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) planned mankind's
existence before creating the world.
2. Triune Dance & Love
a. Perichoresis (Triune Dance): The mutual indwelling and love
between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
b. God's love is not transactional but pre-existing and
unconditional.
3. Adoption through Christ
a. Long before humans believed in Christ, God had already set
His plans in motion.
b. Faith is a response to God's love, not something that earns
it.
4. Incarnation: The Word Becoming Flesh
a. Through Jesus (the Word becoming flesh), humanity
understands:
i. Who God is
ii. Who we are
iii. The purpose of all creation
b. Christ is the ultimate reference point for existence and
purpose.
5. Christ Holds All Things Together
a. Everything in heaven and earth was created through and for
Christ.
b. In Christ, all things consist (Colossians 1:17).
c. He is the head of the Church, ensuring order and unity.
6. Fullness of God in Christ
a. Colossians 2:9 – "In Christ lives all the fullness of God in
a human body."
b. Christ is not partially divine; He fully embodies God's
nature in human form.
c. The Greek philosophy (Neo-Platonism) struggled with this
because it viewed matter as evil.
7. God’s Will & Suffering

169
 a. Many misinterpret Job’s suffering and Paul’s accounts of
sickness to claim God wills illness.
b. However, Christ’s healings and teachings reveal God's true
nature – a God of restoration, not affliction.

Definitions and Examples

• Perichoresis – The eternal relationship of love and unity between

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Incarnation – The act of God becoming human in Jesus Christ.
• Zoe Life – The divine, immortal life that belongs to God but was
given to humanity through Christ.
• Pleroma (Fullness) – The complete nature of God dwelling in
Christ without limitation.

Key Bible References

• Colossians 1:17 – "In Him all things hold together."

• Colossians 2:9 – "In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a
human body."
• Hebrews 1:3 – "The Son is the exact expression of God's nature."

Flowchart: Understanding God's Plan

God's Eternal Love

│
▼
Creation of the Universe
│
▼
Incarnation of Christ
│
▼
Salvation & Adoption into God's Family
│
▼

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 Fulfillment of God's Purpose in Christ

Conclusion

• Humanity’s purpose is found in Christ – He reveals both God and

our own identity.
• The fullness of God dwells in Christ without restriction.
• Understanding Christ’s role helps resolve misconceptions about
suffering, healing, and God's will.

Study Notes on Incarnation and the Nature of Christ

1. The Purpose of Christ’s Incarnation

• Jesus reveals the unseen God – By looking at Jesus, we understand

God’s original purpose in creation.
• Incarnation gives meaning to everything – From nature (stars,
fish) to human activities (carpentry, painting).
• All things find purpose in Him – Everything, seen and unseen, has
its existence in Christ.
• He holds all things together – Christ is the sustaining force of
creation.

2. Incarnation and the Fullness of God

• Key Scripture: Colossians 2:9 – “For in Christ lives all the

fullness of God in a human body.”
• Incarnation does not limit God’s fullness – Instead, Christ’s
flesh became the context for expressing God's fullness.
• Opposition from Greek Thought –
o Greeks (Neo-Platonism) believed God is distant and does not
interact directly with matter.
o They thought the physical world was impure.

171
 o Incarnation challenges this belief by showing that God
dwells fully in bodily form.

3. Christ as the Exact Representation of God

• Hebrews 1:3 (Amplified Version) – “The Son is the dazzling

radiance of God’s splendor, the exact expression of His true
nature.”
• Jesus' actions reveal God’s will –
o He healed every sick person who came to Him.
o He never questioned whether healing was God's will.
o Even in Nazareth, whoever came to Him was healed.
• Misconceptions about God's Will –
o People often believe suffering is God’s judgment.
o The confusion arises when we do not start with Jesus as our
reference.
o Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's nature.

4. Jesus as the Center of All Things

• He is the reason for creation – Everything was created by Him, in

Him, through Him, and for Him.
• He continues to hold all things together – His incarnation did
not change this role.
• Sin is brokenness – Humanity was created to reflect God's image,
but sin distorted this reflection.

5. The Problem of a Twisted Humanity

• Humans were meant to reflect God but sin broke the mirror (the
connection with God).
• This brokenness leads to self-referential living –
o Without God as a reference, people chase money, sex, and
power for identity.
o Relationships with God, others, and creation become abusive
and confused.

172
 • A perfect book or sermon cannot fix this –
o The heart is too wounded to be reached by mere words.
o Jesus did not come just to give a perfect message.

6. Christ’s Solution: Becoming One with Us

• Jesus did not just preach the truth—He became one with us.
• He entered human darkness to heal the brokenness from the inside.
• Key Concept: "He became us so that we can become Him."

Summary Flowchart: The Purpose of Incarnation

1. God's purpose → To reveal Himself through Christ.

2. Sin's effect → Humanity became disconnected from God, self, and
creation.
3. Jesus’ Incarnation → God became man, fully embodying deity.
4. Restoration through Christ → Healing, clarity, and reconnection
with God.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus is the perfect image of God – No confusion about God's will

when we look at Him.
• Incarnation was necessary – Only by becoming human could God
share His divine nature with us.
• Healing and restoration come through Christ – Not just through
teaching but through His very existence.

Would you like any additional details or a specific format for

revision?

173
Study Notes: Understanding the Cross and Its Significance

1. The Cross and Its Meaning

• Many people misunderstand God's will because they do not start

with Jesus.
• Jesus never refused healing to anyone who came to Him, regardless
of their faith level.
• In Nazareth, few miracles occurred not because Jesus was
unwilling but because of unbelief—people didn’t seek Him.
• Jesus is the exact representation of God—understanding Him
removes confusion about healing, judgment, and suffering.
• The Word of God = Jesus (not just scripture, but the living
Word).

2. Jesus' Role in Reconciling Humanity

• Humanity’s problem is not just sinful actions but a twisted and

broken nature.
• Jesus became sin (2 Cor 5:21) to untwist this brokenness at its
core.
• Whatever happens to Jesus affects all creation since He holds
everything together (Col 1:17).
• He found the Father in our darkness, reconciled us back to God,
and restored our lost point of reference.

3. The Cross as the Ultimate Symbol of Suffering and Transformation

• The cross is often misunderstood because people have romanticized

it.
• In modern terms, it is equivalent to an electric chair or a
noose—a torturous tool for execution.
• The Romans designed the cross for prolonged suffering,
humiliation, and public warning, unlike quick executions (e.g.,
hanging or electrocution).
• Why was the cross chosen?

174
 o The Roman Empire used crucifixion to protect its kingdom,
power, and glory.
o Caesar used it against those who threatened his rule,
demonstrating fear and insecurity.
o This instrument of oppression became a symbol of victory
through Jesus.

4. Visual Imagery to Understand the Gospel

• To truly grasp the gospel, one must understand several key images
together:
o The Cross – A symbol of suffering, execution, and shame.
o The Twisted Heart – The fallen human condition, self-
referential and lost.
o The Judge God – A distorted view where people see God as an
angry punisher rather than a loving Father.
o The Royal Throne – Caesar’s insecure rule vs. Jesus’ humble
kingship.
o The Triune Dance – The relationship of love within the
Trinity, showing God's true nature.

Key Takeaways

• The cross was not just an execution device but the ultimate
symbol of oppression transformed into a sign of victory.
• Jesus became sin and suffered to untwist human brokenness and
restore our identity in God.
• The gospel can only be fully understood when we connect all
symbols—the cross, twisted heart, royal throne, and the Triune
nature of God.
• Caesar used the cross to protect his power; Jesus used it to
restore humanity.

Would you like a flowchart or diagram to illustrate these concepts

visually?

175
Study Notes: The Cross, Kingdom, and Jesus’ Purpose

1. Key Concepts

• Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome but to transform the meaning
of kingdom, power, glory, and knowledge.
• The cross was not a sign of defeat but the means by which Jesus
claimed His throne.
• Caesar used the cross to protect his throne; Jesus used the cross
to bring us to the throne.
• Jesus willingly submitted to suffering, showing unwavering love
despite humanity's evil.

2. Definitions & Examples

Sin is not just an action but a state of being – Jesus became sin
to redeem mankind.

Capital punishment symbols

• Roman cross = Electric chair / Noose

• The cross was the worst form of execution, designed for maximum
suffering.

Jewish expectations of the Messiah

• Expected the Messiah to fight Rome and take the throne.

• Jesus subverted this expectation by willingly going to the cross.

Pilate’s Confusion

• Pilate did not see Jesus as a political threat because Jesus did
not gather an army.

Peter’s Reaction

• Initially recognized Jesus as Messiah but could not accept His

path to the cross.

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3. Jesus vs. Caesar (Comparison Chart)

Caesar’s Kingdom Jesus’ Kingdom

Protects the throne by putting others on the Steps onto the cross to bring us to the
cross. throne.
Uses power through violence. Uses power through sacrificial love.
Seeks glory by conquering. Finds glory in self-giving.

4. Jesus’ Victory Over Sin & Death

• Jesus faced the worst of human evil but never stopped loving
mankind.
• God never loses sight of His image in us, even in our darkest
moments.
• Jesus died on the cross, but on the third day, He rose again,
proving His victory over death.

5. Visual Aid: The Cross as Transformation

Before Jesus:

• A tool of torture and oppression used by Rome.

After Jesus:

• A symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Summary: The Big Picture

• Jesus’ mission was adoption in Christ, restoring humanity to God.

• Evil reached its peak, yet God stepped into human history and
transformed it.
• The cross was not a defeat but the pathway to true victory.
• Nothing we do can turn off God's love for us—His sacrifice proves
it.

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Study Notes: The Gospel of
Resurrection and Its Significance
Key Concepts and Summary
• The resurrection of Christ troubled both Caesar and the Pharisees
because it signified a power beyond their control.
• The resurrection is central to the Gospel; without it, faith
would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17).
• The pre-creation purpose of humanity was to partake in divine
life, reflecting God's nature, love, power, and glory.
• The cross alone is not the Gospel; it reveals God’s love, but the
resurrection fulfills God's plan.
• Jesus’ resurrection broke the power of sin, death, and fear,
setting people free from bondage.
• The political and religious expectations of a physical Messianic
kingdom were challenged by Jesus' spiritual kingdom.
• The resurrection life of early Christians demonstrated a power
that defied death, threatening earthly rulers.

1. The Resurrection as the Core of the Gospel

• Without resurrection, there is no Gospel.
o 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17: “If Christ is not risen, our
preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty.”
o The cross alone does not fulfill the pre-creation purpose.
• The pre-creation purpose:
o Humanity was meant to partake in divine life.
o To live in relationship with the Father.
o To reflect God’s nature, love, power, and glory.
• The cross demonstrates God’s love, but the resurrection brings
life and transformation.

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2. The Power of the Resurrection
• The resurrection defeated the power of death:
o Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT): “Only by dying could He break the
power of the devil who had the power of death.”
o The fear of death kept people in bondage.
o Through resurrection, Jesus took authority over Hades and
death.
• Christians no longer feared death, and this was evident in their
boldness:
o Paul, John, and other apostles could not be easily killed.
o Their lives reflected resurrection power.

3. The Contrast Between Caesar and Christ

Caesar’s Kingdom Jesus’ Kingdom
Used the cross as a tool of fear to control
Used the cross to defeat fear and death.
people.
Ruled through violence and power. Ruled through love and sacrifice.
People embraced life beyond death through
People feared death and obeyed Caesar.
Christ.
Jesus took the highest throne, above all
Thrones of Herod and Caesar fell.
rulers.
• The Roman Empire collapsed, but Christ’s kingdom continues.

4. The Misunderstanding of the Messiah’s

Kingdom
• The Jewish expectation:
o A political messiah who would fight Rome.
o A physical kingdom established through power and war.
• Jesus’ actual mission:
o He was not here to fight Caesar.
o He came to establish God’s kingdom through resurrection.
o His rule was greater than any earthly throne.

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 • Many today expect a physical kingdom (similar to Jewish
eschatology), but the true kingdom is already here.

5. The Fulfillment of Prophecy

• Jesus' resurrection fulfills God’s divine plan.
• The vision in Daniel:
o The rock (Christ) destroys human empires (Babylon, Rome,
etc.).
o The kingdom of God replaces all earthly rule.
• Jesus is King above all kings, reigning with true authority.

Visual Summary: Jesus vs. Caesar’s Power

(Flowchart Representation)

1. Caesar's Power
a. Uses fear of death → Controls people → Maintains political
power → Throne falls
2. Jesus' Power
a. Faces death → Overcomes it → Offers eternal life →
Establishes an everlasting kingdom

Conclusion
• The cross reveals God’s love, but the resurrection is the
completion of salvation.
• Jesus’ resurrection defeated the power of sin and death,
fulfilling God’s original purpose.
• The Gospel is not about a political revolution but a spiritual
transformation.
• Jesus' kingdom is eternal, surpassing all earthly rulers and
their empires.

Would you like me to add any more details or diagrams?

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Study Notes: The Resurrection,
Ascension, and the Gospel
Key Concepts:
• Resurrection is the Core of the Gospel
o Without resurrection, faith is meaningless (1 Corinthians
15:14,17).
o The cross alone does not fulfill God's pre-creation purpose.
• Pre-Creation Purpose of God
o Humans were meant to partake in divine life, reflect God's
love, power, and glory.
o The cross reveals God’s love, but the resurrection fulfills
the divine purpose.
• Power of Resurrection Over Fear of Death
o Hebrews 2:14-15: Jesus' death broke the power of death and
freed people from its fear.
o Caesar used fear (crucifixion) to control people, but
resurrection removed this fear.
o Early Christians were fearless due to resurrection power.

Gospel vs. Institutional Church

• The Gospel is about Jesus' Resurrection & Ascension
o Romans [Link] Confessing Jesus as Lord & believing in
resurrection = salvation.
o The gospel is about knowing the Father through Jesus.
• Institutional Church vs. Ecclesia
o Institutional church follows political & religious agendas
(seeks power & control).
o Ecclesia (God’s people) are led by Christ, manifesting His
kingdom on earth.
o The Holy Spirit is poured upon Ecclesia, not institutional
structures.

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Political & Religious Spirits
• The Two Beasts (Revelation)
o Political spirit (Herod) & Religious spirit (Pharisees)
oppose Christ.
o The crucified Lamb (Jesus) defeats them.
• True Kingdom Power
o Jesus' rule is not political but spiritual.
o His kingdom outlasts earthly kingdoms (e.g., Rome, Herod’s
rule collapsed).
o God’s kingdom is about love, not control.

Resurrection, Ascension & The Holy Spirit

• Why Resurrection & Ascension Matter
o The resurrection leads to ascension, placing Jesus on the
highest throne.
o After ascension, Holy Spirit is poured out (Pentecost),
bringing God's fullness into believers.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit
o The Spirit reveals the Father to believers.
o The fullness of God dwells in believers through the Spirit.
o Kingdom manifestation happens when believers reflect the
Father, not just perform miracles.

True Identity in Christ

• Identity Based on the Father’s Love
o Many focus on spiritual gifts and power rather than knowing
God.
o Matthew 7:22-23: Miracles alone do not define a true
believer—knowing God does.
o Jesus' message: Power should be a byproduct of intimacy with
the Father.
• True Life & Generosity Flow Naturally
o When believers know God, they live from the heart, not
manipulation.

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 o Love, generosity, creativity, and excellence flow naturally
from a transformed life.

Visual Summary:
Flowchart: The Gospel Process

1. Crucifixion → Reveals God’s Love

2. Resurrection → Defeats Death & Fear
3. Ascension → Jesus on the Throne
4. Holy Spirit Poured → God Dwells in Believers
5. Believers Manifest God’s Kingdom on Earth

Conclusion:
• The gospel is not just about the cross but resurrection,
ascension, and the Spirit.
• True Christianity is about knowing the Father and manifesting His
love.
• Resurrection removes fear, transforms identity, and leads to
kingdom living.
• The Church is not an institution but a body (Ecclesia) led by
Christ.

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