Catechism Material

New Testament History for Beginners, Book 3 (advanced)

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New Testament History for Beginners, Book 3 (advanced)
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Adopted for use in the Protestant Reformed Churches

by the Synod of 1981
PREFACE

This is the third in the series of catechism books which deal with the stories of the Bible for children from the ages of six to eight.  The first two books covered the history of the Old Testament, while this one treats the history of the New Testament.

Each lesson deals with only one phase of the history, rather than entering into detail on all the events.  Also, the facts of history are stressed, with the significance brought out, whenever possible, toward the end of the lesson.  The teacher should use his own discretion in determining how much other material should be included in the classroom discussion.

The same division of the material is used as in “Suffer Little Children,” by Mrs. Gertrude Hoeksema, in order to create a certain amount of harmony between the instruction in the school and in the catechism wherever both books are used.

The questions and answers are considerably longer in this revised book than in the previous one.  We recommend that the younger children learn as much of the lesson as possible, and the older children learn the whole lesson.

May our gracious, covenant God use this material for the instruction and spiritual edification of our children.  From Him is all our expectation, and to Him alone must be the glory of our lives.

Rev. C. Hanko


LESSON 1 JOHN THE BAPTIST

Luke 1

 1.    To whom did the angel Gabriel appear?

        To Zacharias in the temple.

 2.    What did the angel tell Zacharias?

        The angel told him that he would have a son.

 3.    What was Zacharias told to call this son?

        Zacharias was told to call him John.

 4.    Why did Zacharias not believe the angel?

        Because he and Elisabeth were very old.

 5.    How was Zacharias punished for not believing the angel?

        He could not speak or hear until John was born.

 6.    Why was this such a great punishment for Zacharias?

        Zacharias could not talk about the news the angel brought.

 7.    What did Zacharias do when he could speak again?

        He praised God for the important son God gave him.

 8.    What was so important about John the Baptist?

        He was called to prepare the way for the coming of our Savior.

 9.    How did John prepare the way?

        John told the people to repent and look for the promised Savior.

10.    Why is John called “the Baptist”?

        Because John baptized those who repented and believed in the coming Savior.

Memory verse:     “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me.”   Malachi 3:1


LESSON 2 JESUS’ BIRTH ANNOUNCED

Luke 1

 1.    Who is your Savior?

        Jesus, whose name means Savior.

 2.    Why is He called Jesus, that is, Savior?

        Because He saves His people from their sins.

 3.    Who was sent to tell of Jesus’ birth?

        The angel Gabriel was sent from heaven.

 4.    To whom was Gabriel sent?

        To Mary, who was of the royal line of David.

 5.    What did the angel Gabriel tell Mary?

        That she would be the mother of Jesus.

 6.    What else did Gabriel tell Mary?

        That Jesus is the Son of God, who is born like one of us.

 7.    Why did Mary go to Elisabeth?

        The angel told Mary that Elisabeth was going to have a son.

 8.    What happened when Elisabeth saw Mary?

        The baby John leaped in her womb.

 9.    How long did Mary stay with Elisabeth?

        For three months, until John was born.

10.    How did Elisabeth show her joy in the coming Savior?

        She praised God for all His wonderful deeds.

Memory verse:     “That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”   Luke 1:35


LESSON 3 JESUS IS BORN

Luke 2

 1.    What happened just before Jesus was born?

        Caesar Augustus commanded that all the world should be taxed.

 2.    Why did God cause this command to be made?

        God wanted Jesus to be born in Bethlehem.

 3.    Why did God want Jesus to be born in Bethlehem?

        God wanted to show that Jesus is of the royal line of David.

 4.    Why was Jesus born in a cattle stall?

        There was no room in the inn.

 5.    What does Jesus’ birth in a cattle stall show us?

        He had to become poor to make us rich.

 6.    To whom did God send an angel to announce Jesus’ birth?

        To shepherds who were watching their flocks at night.

 7.    What did the angel tell the shepherds?

        “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

 8.    What did a host of angels sing?

        “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

 9.    Who else knew of Jesus’ birth?

        Wisemen who saw Jesus’ star in the East.

10.    What did the wisemen do when they saw Jesus?

        They worshiped Him and brought Him gifts.

Memory verse:     “Yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

                                II Corinthians 8:9


LESSON 4 JESUS’ EARLY LIFE

  Matthew 2Luke 2

 1.    Where did Jesus’ parents bring Him soon after His birth?

        His parents brought Him to the temple.

 2.    Who met Jesus in the temple?

        Simeon, who was told that he would not die until he saw the Savior.

 3.    What did Simeon say when he took Jesus in his arms?

        “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, … for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”  Luke 2:29, 30

 4.    Who else came into the temple at that time?

        Anna, a prophetess of the tribe of Asher, who was of great age.

 5.    What did Anna do when she saw Jesus?

        She thanked God that the Savior had come.

 6.    How did king Herod hear of Jesus’ birth?

        The wisemen came looking for the king of the Jews.

 7.    What did Herod do when the wisemen did not return to him?

        Herod killed all the babies of Bethlehem two years old and younger.

 8.    How did God protect Jesus?

        God told Joseph to flee with Jesus to Egypt.

 9.    What did Jesus do in the temple when He was twelve years old?

        Jesus talked with the teachers, asking and answering hard questions.

10.    What did Jesus say to Mary when she found Him there?

        “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”  Luke 2:49

Memory verse:     “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”  Matthew 2:15


LESSON 5 JOHN BAPTIZES JESUS

Luke 3Matthew 3, 4

 1.    Where did John the Baptist preach?

        John preached in the wilderness near the Jordan River.

 2.    How was he dressed?

        He wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather girdle.

 3.    What did he eat?

        He ate locusts and wild honey.

 4.    Why did the people come out to hear him?

        The people heard that a great prophet had arisen among them.

 5.    What did John preach?

        He told the people that the Savior had come.

 6.    What did he tell the people to do?

        He told them to repent of their sins and look for the Savior.

 7.    Who came to John while he was preaching?

        Jesus came to John to be baptized.

 8.    What happened when Jesus was baptized?

        The Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove.

 9.    Where did the Spirit lead Jesus?

        Into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

10.    What did Jesus do after the third temptation?

        He drove Satan away, saying:  “Get thee hence, Satan!”

Memory verse:     “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”  Matthew 4:10


LESSON 6 JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY

John 2, 3

 1.    Where did Jesus go with six of His disciples?

        Jesus went to a wedding feast at Cana of Galilee.

 2.    Who was there of Jesus’ family?

        Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there.

 3.    What did Mary tell Jesus during the feast?

        She told Him that they had no more wine.

 4.    What did Jesus tell the servants to do?

        Jesus told the servants to fill six waterpots with water.

 5.    What did Jesus do after that?

        Jesus changed the water to wine.

 6.    What was the result of this first miracle?

        Jesus’ disciples believed that He was the promised Christ.

 7.    Where did Jesus go after that?

        Jesus went to Jerusalem to keep the Passover feast.

 8.    What did Jesus do in the temple?

        Jesus made a whip and drove the buyers and sellers out of the temple.

 9.    Did this make the Jewish leaders angry?

        Yes, they asked Him by what right He did that.

10.    What did Jesus answer them?

        “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  John 2:19

Memory verse:     “Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.”  John 2:16


LESSON 7 JESUS AT THE WELL IN SAMARIA

  John 4

 1.    Where did Jesus go from Jerusalem?

        Jesus went through Samaria to Galilee.

 2.    Whom did Jesus meet at the well in Samaria?

        He met a Samaritan woman who came to draw water.

 3.    What did Jesus ask of the woman?

        He said, “Give me to drink.”

 4.    What did Jesus tell the woman?

        He told her that He was the Water of life.

 5.    What does this mean?

        It means that He is the Savior who came to save us from sin and death.

 6.    What did Jesus do while talking to the woman?

        He caused her to believe in Him as her Savior.

 7.    What did the woman do after that?

        She went into the city and called many others to come to hear Jesus.

 8.    Did Jesus save others of that city also?

        Yes, many believed in Him as their Savior.

 9.    What did this show to the disciples?

        It showed that God would gather His people also from Gentiles.

10.    How long did Jesus stay in Samaria?

        Jesus stayed two days, and then went to Galilee.

Memory Verse:     “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.”  Psalm 42:2


LESSON 8 JESUS TEACHES IN GALILEE

John 4Luke 4

 1.    Were the Jews glad to see Jesus in Galilee?

        Yes, because they wanted to see more miracles.

 2.    What second miracle did Jesus perform in Cana?

        Jesus healed the nobleman’s son, who was very sick.

 3.    Where did this nobleman live?

        The nobleman lived in Capernaum, twenty miles away.

 4.    How did Jesus heal this son?

        Jesus spoke the word, and the son was healed.

 5.    Where did Jesus go from Cana?

        Jesus went to Nazareth, where He had grown up.

 6.    What did Jesus teach the people there?

        He told them that He was the promised Christ, of whom the prophet Isaiah had spoken.

 7.    Did the people of Nazareth believe in Jesus?

        No, they would not believe that He was the promised Christ.

 8.    Why did the people become angry with Jesus?

        Because He told them that the gospel would be brought to the Gentiles.

 9.    What did the people do when they heard this?

        They tried to push Jesus off the cliff.

10.    How did Jesus escape from them?

        Jesus passed through their midst, and they could not touch Him.

Memory verse:     “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.”  Luke 4:18


LESSON 9 JESUS HEALS ON THE SABBATH

John 5

 1.    Why did Jesus go to Jerusalem a second time?

        Jesus went to keep a feast in Jerusalem.

 2.    Where did Jesus go on the Sabbath day?

        Jesus went to the pool of Bethesda, where there were many sick people.

 3.    Why were these sick people at the pool?

        When an angel stirred the water, the first one in the water was healed.

 4.    To whom did Jesus speak at the pool?

        To a man who had been lame for 38 years.

 5.    Of what is this man a picture?

        He is a picture of us as we are helpless in our sins.

 6.    What did Jesus say to the man?

        “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”

 7.    Were the Pharisees glad to see the man was healed?

        No, they were angry that he carried his bed on the Sabbath.

 8.    What did they say when they heard that Jesus had healed the man?

        They said that Jesus had broken the Sabbath.

9.      What does Jesus teach us with this miracle?

        He teaches us that He alone can give us true Sabbath rest.

Memory verse:     “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”  Mark 2:28


LESSON 10 JESUS AT THE SEA OF GALILEE

  Luke 8

 1.    What happened when Jesus and His disciples crossed the sea of Galilee?

        A great storm arose on the sea.

 2.    Why were the disciples afraid?

        They were afraid the boat would sink.

 3.    What was Jesus doing during the storm?

        Jesus was sound asleep in the boat.

 4.    What did Jesus do when His disciples awakened Him?

        Jesus commanded the wind to die down and the sea to be calm.

 5.    What did Jesus teach His disciples with this storm?

        He taught them that they were always safe when He was with them.

 6.    Who met Jesus on the other side of the sea?

        Two men who were possessed with devils.  Matthew 8:28

 7.    What did Jesus command these devils to do?

        He commanded them to come out of these men.

 8.    What happened when Jesus allowed the devils to go into the pigs on the hillside?

        These pigs dashed into the sea and were drowned.

 9.    What does Jesus teach by this power over devils?

        He teaches us that even devils can do nothing except by the power God gives them.

10.    Did the Gadarenes believe in Jesus when they saw these signs of His power?

        No, they would rather have their pigs than Jesus.

Memory verse:     “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”  Matthew 8:27


LESSON 11 PEOPLE WANT TO MAKE JESUS KING

John 6

 1.    What miracle did Jesus perform in the wilderness near Capernaum?

        Jesus fed five thousand men, besides women and children.

 2.    Why was this such a great miracle?

        Jesus fed them with five loaves and two fishes, and there were twelve full baskets left.

 3.    What did Jesus teach with this sign?

        Jesus taught that He is the true Bread that came from heaven.

 4.    What happened to the disciples during the night?

        Jesus sent a storm upon the sea, so that they could not reach land.

 5.    How did Jesus help them?

        Jesus came walking to them on the sea, and then stilled the storm.

 6.    What did Jesus teach them with this sign?

        Although the church would pass through many storms, Jesus would always be near.

 7.    What did the people demand of Jesus the next day?

        The people demanded that He would be their earthly king.

 8.    Was Jesus willing to do this?

        No, He told them that His kingdom is heavenly.

 9.    How did the people show that they did not want that kingdom?

        Many left Him to follow Him no more.

10.    What did the disciples answer Jesus when He asked them whether they wanted to leave Him?

        They said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:68

Memory verse:     “I am the living bread which came down from heaven.”  John 6:51


LESSON 12 JESUS IS TRANSFIGURED ON THE MOUNT

Matthew 16, 17

 1.    What did Jesus tell His disciples about this time?

He told them that He must suffer and die.

 2.    What more did He tell them?

He told them that He would arise again from the dead.

 3.    What happened while Jesus was praying on the mount?

Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and His clothing was as white as snow.

 4.    Who appeared to Jesus there?

Moses and Elijah, who spoke to Him of His suffering, His death, and His rising again.

 5.    What did the voice from heaven say?

It said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew 17:5

 6.    Who were present when this happened?

Three of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, James, and John.

 7.    What great miracle did Jesus perform the next morning?

He healed a boy who had a devil.

 8.    What was remarkable about this miracle?

The disciples tried and could not heal the boy.

 9.    How did the father respond to Jesus?

He said, “Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief.” Mark 9:24

10.    What does this teach us?

That there is no evil so great that Jesus cannot overcome it.

Memory verse:     “And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.”  Luke 9:43


LESSON 13 JESUS TEACHES IN JERUSALEM

John 8, 9

 1.    Where did Jesus often stay when He was at a feast in Jerusalem?

        He stayed in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany.

 2.    How did Martha show her love for the Lord?

        Martha liked to serve Jesus with meals and other deeds of kindness.

 3.    How did Mary show her love for the Lord?

        Mary listened to Jesus as He taught her about the kingdom of heaven.

 4.    What did Jesus say about Mary?

        Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better things.

 5.    What did Jesus teach the people in the temple?

        Jesus taught them that He was the Savior, the Light of the world.

 6.    Why did this make the rulers angry?

        They were afraid that the people would turn away from them, and would follow Jesus.

 7.    How did Jesus escape when they tried to stone Him?

        Jesus walked right through the midst of them, and they could not see Him.

 8.    What miracle did Jesus perform at this time?

        Jesus healed a blind man who sat begging at the temple gate.

 9.    What did the rulers say about this man?

        They said that this man never had been blind.

10.    What else did Jesus do for this blind man?

        He gave him spiritual eyes to see that Jesus is the Light of the world.

Memory verse:     “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”  John 8:12


LESSON 14 JESUS RAISES LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD

John 11

 1.    Where did Jesus go when the Jews sought to kill Him?

        Jesus went to Perea, on the other side of the Jordan.

 2.    How did Jesus teach the people there?

        Jesus taught the people with many parables.

 3.    Name three parables which Jesus taught at this time.

        The parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son.  Luke 15

 4.    Who came to Jesus at Perea?

        Messengers who told Him that His friend Lazarus was very sick.

 5.    Why were the disciples afraid to have Jesus go to Jerusalem?

        They were afraid because the Jews wanted to kill Jesus.

 6.    What did Thomas say?

        “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16

 7.    Why did Jesus wait until Lazarus was dead?

        Jesus wanted to show that He had power to raise the dead.

 8.    What did Jesus do at the tomb of Lazarus?

        Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead by calling him forth.

 9.    What did Jesus teach with this great miracle?

        Jesus teaches that He has power to raise His people to heavenly glory.

10.    What effect did this miracle have on the rulers?

        The rulers were more determined than ever to kill Jesus.

Memory verse:     “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”  John 11:25


LESSON 15 JESUS GOES TO THE PASSOVER FEAST

Luke 18, 19John 12

 1.    Where did Jesus go after the raising of Lazarus?

        Jesus went to the country of Ephraim, not far from Jerusalem.

 2.    What road did Jesus travel when He went to Jerusalem?

        Jesus went through Jericho, where many pilgrims were traveling on their way to the Passover feast.

 3.    Whom did Jesus meet just outside of Jericho?

        Jesus met blind Bartimeus, who cried, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.”

 4.    What did Bartimeus do when Jesus caused him to see?

        He followed after Jesus, glorifying God.

 5.    Who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus?

        Zaccheus, a publican, who was very rich.

 6.    What did Jesus say when He came to Zaccheus?

        “Zaccheus, come down, for I must abide at thy house.” Luke 19:5

 7.    What did the people of Jericho think about Jesus’ going into Zaccheus’ house?

        They were very angry, because they hated Zaccheus, who was a publican.

 8.    How did Jesus answer the people?

        He told them that He was bringing salvation to a true son of Abraham.

 9.    How did Mary show her faith in Jesus?

        Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with very expensive ointment.

10.    Why did she do this?

        Because she believed that Jesus would die, but would also rise again from the dead.

Memory verse:     “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Luke 19:10


LESSON 16 JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM AS KING

Matthew 21Luke 19

 1.    What did Jesus do on the Sunday before He died?

        Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey.

 2.    What did the people do when they saw Him?

        The people waved palm branches and spread their garments on the way.

 3.    What did the people shout?

They shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

 4.    Why did the people do this?

The prophets had said that their king would come to them riding on a colt.  Zacharias 9:9; Isaiah 62:11

 5.    How were the people wrong in expecting a king?

The people still wanted an earthly king.

 6.    What was Jesus showing to the people?

Jesus was showing them that He was the heavenly King.

 7.    Why did Jesus show this at this time?

He was about to enter His kingdom.

 8.    Why did Jesus come riding on a colt instead of on a strong horse?

He showed that He must be lowly and suffer to enter His kingdom.

 9.    Why did Jesus have to suffer?

Jesus had to suffer to save us from our sins and take us to heaven.

10.    Will Jesus appear before the whole world as our King?

Yes, Jesus is now King in heaven, and will appear as our King when He comes again.

Memory verse:     “Hosanna to the Son of David:  Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”              Matthew 21:9


LESSON 17 THE LAST SUPPER

Matthew 26

 1.    Where did Jesus keep the Passover feast?

        Jesus kept the Passover feast with His disciples in an upper room.

 2.    What was the first thing that Jesus did at the feast?

        Like a lowly servant, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet.

 3.    Why did Jesus wash their feet?

        He showed them that He had to die to wash away their sins.

 4.    What other reason did Jesus give for washing their feet?

        Jesus told them that they must learn to serve each other.

 5.    What was the second important thing that happened at the feast?

        Jesus told Judas, “That thou doest do quickly.”

 6.    Did Judas know what Jesus meant?

        Yes, Judas went out to betray Jesus.

 7.    What third important thing did Jesus do at this feast?

        Jesus gave His disciples bread and wine as a sign of His broken body and shed blood.

 8.    Why is this so important?

        Jesus gave us these signs for our celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

 9.    Where did Jesus go after the Supper?

        Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray.

10.    Who came to Gethsemane after Jesus had prayed?

        Judas, with a large band of soldiers to take Jesus prisoner.

Memory verse:     “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.”  Mark 14:24


LESSON 18 JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS

Matthew 27Luke 23

 1.    How did Jesus die?

        Jesus was nailed to the cross between two murderers.

 2.    What were the first words that Jesus spoke on the cross?

        “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

 3.    What did one of the murderers ask of Jesus?

        “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Luke 23:42

 4.    What did Jesus answer this murderer?

        “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

 5.    What happened at noon?

        Darkness covered the earth, and great fear fell on all that saw it.

 6.    What did Jesus cry out at the end of the darkness?

        “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

 7.    What happened when Jesus died?

        The veil of the temple rent, the earth quaked, and graves opened.

 8.    Who came to bury Jesus?

        Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus from the cross and laid Him in a new grave.

 9.    Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

        Because the death of the cross is an accursed death.

10.    Why did Jesus die an accursed death?

        He bore God’s wrath against our sins.

Memory verse:     “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”  Isaiah 53:4


LESSON 19 JESUS RISES FROM THE DEAD

Matthew 28Luke 24

 1.    Where was Jesus buried?

        Jesus was buried in a new grave in the garden of Joseph of Arimathea.

 2.    How had the Jews tried to keep Jesus in the grave?

        They asked Pilate to put a guard at the grave.

 3.    What happened early on Sunday morning?

        Jesus arose from the dead in a new, heavenly body.

 4.    How did the Lord show that He was risen?

        An angel came from heaven and rolled away the stone.

 5.    What did the angel tell the women who came to the grave?

        “He is not here:  for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6

 6.    Why was it important to see the place where the Lord had lain?

        The grave clothes were still there, but Jesus had risen.

 7.    Who was the first one to see the risen Savior?

        Mary Magdalene, who was weeping at the grave.

 8.    Did Jesus appear to His disciples that day?

        Yes, He appeared in the evening when the doors of their room were locked.

 9.    What is important for us about Jesus’ resurrection?

        Jesus arose, so that our bodies may also be raised.

10. Why is it important that He arose on the first day of the week?

        Jesus changed our Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, in order that we may celebrate His resurrection.

Memory verse:     “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”  I Corinthians 15:20


LESSON 20 THE HOLY SPIRIT IS POURED OUT

Acts 1, 2

 1.    When did Jesus ascend to heaven?

        Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after He arose.

 2.    Before He left them, what did Jesus tell His disciples to do?

        He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.

 3.    What does Jesus now do in heaven?

        Jesus rules over all things in heaven and on earth.

 4.    What more does Jesus do in heaven?

        Jesus prays to the Father for us.

 5.    How does the Father answer Jesus’ prayers?

        The Father gives to Jesus all the blessings we need.

 6.    Which was the first blessing Jesus gave us?

        The Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost.

 7.    What was the sign that the Spirit was poured out?

        There was the sound as of a mighty, rushing wind.

 8.    What other sign was given?

        Tongues as of fire were on the heads of the 120 who were gathered in the upper room.

 9.    What special power was given to the 120?

        They were able to speak many different languages.

 10.  Of what was the speaking in different languages a sign?

        This was a sign that God would now gather His people from all the nations of the earth.

Memory verse:     “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:11


LESSON 21 PETER HEALS THE LAME MAN

Acts 3

 1.    What did Peter and John do soon after Pentecost?

        Peter and John went to the temple to pray.

 2.    Whom did Peter and John see at the temple gate?

        They saw a beggar who had been lame for forty years.

 3.    What did Peter say to him?

        He told him to arise and walk.

 4.    In whose name did Peter tell him to do this?

        In the name of Jesus, the risen Lord.

 5.    Did the lame man believe that Jesus could make him walk?

        Yes, God gave him faith to believe in Jesus.

 6.    Was the lame man healed?

        Yes, he leaped about and praised God.

 7.    What was the result of this miracle?

        Many people gathered around and heard Peter preach to them about the risen Lord.

 8.    Did this make the rulers angry?

        Yes, they were so angry that they put Peter and John in prison.

 9.    What did the rulers command Peter and John the next day?

        They commanded them not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus.

10.    What did Peter answer them?

        “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Memory verse:     “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.”  Acts 4:19


LESSON 22 PETER PREACHES TO CORNELIUS

Acts 10

 1.    Why did Peter go to Samaria?

        Peter went to Samaria to preach to the believers there.

 2.    How did Christ show His power through Peter?

        Peter healed Aeneas, who was sick for eight years.

 3.    What great miracle did Peter perform in Joppa?

        Peter raised Dorcas from the dead.

 4.    What vision did Peter see in Joppa?

        Peter saw a vision of animals and birds which the Jews were not allowed to eat.

 5.    What did Peter answer when the Lord said to him that he should take and eat?

        Peter answered that he had never eaten anything that was unclean or common.

 6.    What did God tell Peter?

        God told him, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” Acts 10:15

 7.    What did this vision mean?

        This vision meant that God wanted Peter to preach to the Gentiles.

 8.    How did Peter know that this is what the vision meant?

        Men came from Cornelius, a Gentile, asking Peter to come and preach to him.

 9.    Did Peter go?

        Yes, Peter went and preached about Jesus to Cornelius and his family and friends.

10.    What happened while Peter was preaching?

        The Holy Spirit came on those Gentiles, and they spoke in tongues, giving praise to God.

Memory verse:     “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord.”  Psalm 22:27


LESSON 23 PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Acts 9, 13, 14

 1.    Who stood by when Stephen was stoned?

        Saul of Tarsus, who agreed to Stephen’s death.

 2.    Why did Saul go to Damascus?

        Saul went to Damascus to take the Christians prisoner and bring them to Jerusalem.

 3.    Who appeared to Saul on the way?

        Jesus appeared to him and said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Acts 9:4

 4.    What did God call Saul to do?

        God called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

 5.    Who went along with Saul on his first missionary journey?

        Barnabas and John Mark went with him.

 6.    To what was Saul’s name changed?

        It was changed to Paul.

 7.    What happened on the island of Cyprus?

        The governor of the island and many others were saved.

 8.    What was the result of Paul’s preaching at Antioch in Asia Minor?

        Many Gentiles believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 9.    How did the Jews show their jealousy against Paul?

        The Jews put Paul and Barnabas outside the city.

10.    What did the heathen people at Lystra do to Paul and Barnabas?

        First they wanted to worship them as gods, and afterward they stoned Paul and left him for dead.

Memory verse:     “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Mark 16:15


LESSON 24 PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Acts 16-18

 1.    Where did Paul and Silas go on the second missionary journey?

        Paul and Silas went to visit the churches in Asia Minor.

 2.    What vision came to Paul in Asia Minor?

        Paul saw a Macedonian man who said, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Acts 16:9

 3.    What did the vision mean?

        The vision meant that God had His elect people in Macedonia.

 4.    Who was the first one to be saved in Macedonia?

        Lydia, who was baptized and her family with her.

 5.    What did a girl with an evil spirit cry out about Paul and Silas?

        “These men are servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.” Acts 16:17

 6.    What happened when Paul cast out the evil spirit?

        Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison.

 7.    Were Paul and Silas afraid in prison?

        No, during the night they sang songs of praise to God.

 8.    How did God show His power in that prison?

        The earth quaked, the prison doors broke open, and the chains fell from Paul and Silas.

 9.    What did the jailer do?

        He begged of Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30.

 10.  What does this conversion of the jailer show?

        It shows that God brought salvation to the jailer and his family.

Memory verse:     “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31


LESSON 25 PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Acts 19-28

 1.    Where did Paul go on his third missionary journey?

        Paul went to Ephesus, where he labored for two years.

 2.    How did many people show their faith in God?

        They burned all their wicked books.

 3.    Who opposed Paul in Ephesus?

        Demetrius, who made silver images of the goddess Diana.

 4.    Why did Demetrius oppose Paul?

        He was afraid that Paul’s preaching would hurt his business.

 5.    What happened when Demetrius stirred up the people against Paul?

        A great uproar arose in the city, so that Paul had to leave Ephesus.

 6.    Where did Paul go from Ephesus?

        Paul went to Macedonia and to Greece.

 7.    What did the Holy Spirit tell Paul on this journey?

        The Holy Spirit told him that he would be taken prisoner in Jerusalem.

 8.    Why was Paul taken prisoner in Jerusalem?

        The wicked Jews in Jerusalem accused him of breaking the laws of Moses.

9.      Where did the Lord lead Paul as prisoner?

        The Lord led him to Rome to preach the gospel there.

10.    What was the result of Paul’s preaching?

        The gospel was spread to many countries and many believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Memory verse:     “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”   II Timothy 4:7

Last modified on 02 April 2013

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Hanko, Cornelius

Rev. Cornelius Hanko was born to Herman and Jennie (nee Burmania) Hanko on May 19, 1907 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He received his heartfelt desire when the Lord in His mercy took him to glory on Monday, March 14, in the year of our Lord 2005.  
      Rev. Hanko was baptized in the Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church.  During the common grace controversy in the 1920s the Hanko family followed Rev. Herman Hoeksema and the majority of the consistory of Eastern Avenue in their polemic against common grace and their advocacy of one, sovereign grace of God for the elect in Christ Jesus.  The Hankos thus became charter members of the First Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan when the Eastern Avenue Protesting Christian Reformed Church, her pastor and consistory, were cast out of the CRC in 1926.  Rev. Hanko, therefore, was the last of the PRC clergy (and perhaps of the entire membership of the PRC) to have had direct, personal contact with the events of 1924–1926 that led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches.
      Already in his teenage years Rev. Hanko had his eye on the ministry.  His first inclination was to be a missionary.  That never happened, because the Lord called him to the pastoral ministry for his entire career.  Rev. Hanko began his studies for the ministry under Revs. H. Danhof, H. Hoeksema, and G. M. Ophoff.  He graduated from the seminary in 1929 with five other men (four of whom left the PRC in the split of 1953 and one of whom left the PRC in the early 1960s.  All five of these eventually became ministers in the CRC).
      After graduation from the seminary Rev. Hanko and his bride Jennie (nee Griffioen) made their way to Hull, Iowa PRC, in which church Rev. Hanko was ordained a minister of the Word and Sacraments in the PRC.  God blessed Rev. and Mrs. Hanko with four children, all of whom are members of the PRC:  Rev. Herman C. (married to Wilma Knoper), Professor Emeritus of Church History and New Testament in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary; Fred (married to Ruth Miersma), who gave his working life to the Protestant Reformed Christian Schools (Adams Street in Grand Rapids, where he was my ninth grade teacher, Northwest Iowa in Doon, where he taught with my wife, and Hope, Walker, Michigan); Elaine, widow of Richard Bos; and Alice, who cared for her father in his later years.
      In addition to the Hull PRC, Rev. and Mrs. Hanko served in the following Protestant Reformed Churches:  Oaklawn, Illinois (1935); Manhattan, Montana (1945); First, Grand Rapids, Michigan (1948); Hope, Redlands, California (1964); and Hudsonville, Michigan (1971).  After becoming emeritus in 1977, Rev. Hanko remained active for a number of years, preaching and teaching in the churches and preaching two services per Sunday in Florida during the winter seasons.
      His years in First Church were difficult ones for Rev. Hanko because of the controversy that resulted in the split in First and in the denomination in June of 1953.  The controversy involved the doctrine of the covenant.  The majority of the congregation of First and of the members and clergy of the denomination embraced the covenant view of Dr. Klaas Schilder (conceiving of the essence of the covenant as consisting of a conditional promise made by God to every baptized child).  These left our churches.  During these years, while never compromising the truth of an unconditional covenant of grace and friendship established unilaterally by God with His elect in Christ Jesus, Rev. Hanko never lost a certain healthy balance in his preaching and teaching in First Church.  He simply did his work by the grace of God, preaching, teaching, and caring for the flock of God as best he was able.  
      During his years in First Church, which numbered more than five hundred families before the split in 1953 and ca. 200 families after the split, Rev. Hanko had my father as one of his co-laborers in the consistory.  They became good friends.  The Hankos and the Deckers regularly visited together.  It was through this contact that I got to know Rev. Hanko on a personal basis.  It was during Rev. Hanko’s years as pastor of First that I was a student at Calvin College, then located on Franklin Street in Grand Rapids just a short block away from the parsonage occupied by the Hankos.  Not infrequently, I would walk from class at Calvin to the parsonage with my questions.  Rev. Hanko patiently answered these questions from Scripture and the confessions and would then offer prayer.  Rev. Hanko was used by God, together with my parents to keep me in the PRC as a member and later as one of the churches’ pastors.  I also had the blessed privilege after October 1, 1965, the date of my ordination as pastor of the Doon, Iowa congregation, to labor for a few years with Rev. Hanko as a colleague.  We younger pastors in Classis West leaned heavily on our older, experienced, and competent colleague, learning much from his godly example.
      During his pastorate in Hudsonville, Michigan the Lord delivered his beloved Jennie from her suffering into glory.  I remember sitting with Rev. Hanko in the ICU waiting-room at the hospital, when he remarked, “Part of me is dying in there.”  Now Rev. Hanko, having died in the Lord, enjoys God’s fellowship in Jesus in glory as well.
      We thank God for giving our churches this gifted and faithful servant and for using him for the edification of the churches for the years of his lengthy ministry among our Protestant Reformed Churches.  That in the years to come these churches may follow the example of our beloved brother, Cornelius Hanko, and “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints…” is our fervent prayer (Jude : 3b).
      Soli Deo Gloria! (Written by Rev.Gise Van Baren)

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