II Corinthians 5:18-19
God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ. God was in Christ.
Acts 10:38
Through the holy spirit, Jesus had power and could do good and heal. God was with him through the holy spirit.
John 14:16-17
In the same way God worked through Christ, He can be in you. God, through Christ, dwells in His people today by way of the spirit.
The Gospels reveal how God, the Father, worked through His Son, Jesus Christ, by way of the holy spirit.
John 20:30-31
These things were written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of God.
John 1:33-34
John saw the spirit of God descend upon Jesus. He testified that he is the Son of God.
John 1:35-50
They believed that Jesus of Nazareth was he of whom Moses and the prophets wrote. They believed he was the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.
John 3:28-36
God gave the spirit to Jesus without measure.
John 4:1-30
The Samaritan woman believed that he was the Messiah, the one to come.
John 6:1-15
After the miracle of the loaves and fish, the people said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
John 7:21-31; 40-43
The Judeans were debating with one another as to whether or not Jesus was the Christ.
John 9:1ff
When the Messiah comes, he will heal the blind (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5). The blind man believed.
John 11:1-
Jesus walked with God and did His will. Many believed after Lazarus was raised from the dead. (John 12:9-11; 17-19)
Matthew 28:18-20 The great commission of the church
GOD
Genesis 1:1 God is the Creator (Revelation 4:11; Psalms 102:25-27). He is bigger than His creation.
Genesis 2:4 Yahweh Elohiym
Genesis 14:18-20 Most High God (Isaiah 40:12)
Genesis 17:1-8 Almighty, omnipotent (1Chronicles 29:11 and 12)
Romans 11:33-36 Omniscient, infinite knowledge
Exodus 3:14 I am the existing one, eternal one, omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:23 and 24, Proverbs 15:3)
Exodus 6:1-3 God’s name is YHWH.
Exodus 3:13-15 His memorial name to all generations. (Ps. 83:18; Isaiah 42:8; 51:15; Ps. 5:11; 34:3; 105:1 and 3; 45:17; 72:17; 102:12; 135:13)
Exodus 34:5-7 Yahweh’s attributes
Matthew 5:16- 7:29 Jesus introduced Yahweh as Father to those who believe.
JESUS CHRIST
Luke 1:31-35 - Son of God (John 20:31)
Romans 1:4 - The resurrection is the proof that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
John 3:14-18 Jesus primarily referred to himself as the Son of Man.
Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 10:23 Son of Man - Jesus referred to himself most often as the Son of man.
Numbers 23:19 The first time “son of man” is used reveals that God and Jesus are not one.
Matthew 12:17-21 and Isaiah 42:1-3 He was the servant of Isaiah (Acts 3:13 and 26; Acts 4:25-30).
John 1:42 - They found the Messiah. Matthew 16:16 - “You are the Christ (Messiah).
Luke 1:30-33 Jesus will be the King on the throne of David.
Acts 3:22; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 1:45 Prophet like Moses – Recorded in John 1:45
Hebrew 2:17, 4:14-16 Our high priest, the mediator between God and man 1Timothy 2:5
Ephesians 1:2; Romans 1:4; 10:9 and 10 – God is our Father, and Jesus is our Lord.
John 4:42 The savior of the world (2Ti 1:10; Philippians 3:20)
JESUS’ RELATIONSHIP TO YAHWEH
John 20:17 Jesus has the same God and Father that we have. He never considered himself to be God and never called himself God.
John 5:17-30 Jesus clearly states the relationship he has with God the Father.
Romans 15:6; 2Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3, 17; Colossians 1:1-3; 1Peter 1:3
John 13:3 He knew he came from God and that he was going to God.
Acts 2:33 Three separate but united realities
HOLY SPIRIT
John 14:12, 15- 20 The spirit of truth enables us to be Christ like. It is our helper.
John 14:26 The holy spirit teaches and bring things back to mind.
John 15:26 It will bear witness of Christ.
John 16:12-15 The spirit is not a person, rather an empowerment that facilitates Christ to be the head of the church by directing each individual member.
Matthew 28:18-20 Each believer should be immersed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit and communicate these three vital subjects to the world.
9 – God’s will is found in the Scriptures and in prayer. According to James 3:17, God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, and full of mercy and good fruits….
10 – Only by knowing and applying God’s will, can we walk in a manner worthy of Him.
11 – Steadfastness, patience, and joyously giving of thanks are the aim. 1:21-23; 3:12-16
13 – We need to claim this as our truth. Jesus is now our high priest, prophet, and king.
15 – The verse does not say he is God, rather the image of God. The Greek word is eikon, first used in Matthew 22:16-22. We get the English word “icon” from eikon.
Romans 1:23; 8:29 We are to be the image of Christ. 1Corinthians 11:7; 2Cor. 3:8 and 2 Corinthians 4:5
Colossians 1:15 God is the Creator, not the created one. Jesus is not the creator, rather the created one. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Verse 18; Romans 8:29, and Revelation 1:5
16 – Everything on earth was created for Adam and Eve, according to Genesis 1:26-31.
When Jesus was raised from the dead, God created a whole new order of authority. The “creation” is not talking about the physical earth or heaven as in Genesis 1; rather, it refers to the authority in heaven and earth. The “all things” do not include stars and planets, light and matter, but authority and governance.
God created through Jesus and for Jesus.
17 - God has placed Jesus in this highly exalted position. Philippians 2:6-11; Ephesians 1:19-23
1Corinthians 15:27 and 28
27 Christ in you the hope of glory
Isaiah 53:9 - His body was with a rich man in death. Matthew 27:57-60; John 19:39-42
Matthew 12:40 says three days and three nights (72 hours); Mark 8:31 states – “after three days rise again;” and Matthew16:21 says – “he will be raised on the third day." He died about 3PM; so, three days and three nights would end about 3PM on the third day. The completion of 72 hours would still be on the third day.
Matthew 28:1-4 - The actual resurrection is not recorded because, according to 1 Corinthians 15:51, it is a mystery.
The guards were placed there so that no one could steal the body and start communicating that he was raised as he said he would be. The guards later were paid off not to tell the truth about what happened. Matthew 28:11
Matthew 28:1 The weekly Sabbath was Saturday, so when these women were at the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week, it was early Sunday morning which means Jesus was up already. He died on Wednesday and arose on Saturday.
Matthew 28:2-10 - Thirteen post resurrection appearances are recorded.
Luke 24:1-15 His resurrected body was much different from the body they buried.
Luke 24:21 – Palm Sunday was all about Jesus riding into Jerusalem as the King. Yet, he did not begin to reign; rather, he was tortured and killed. So, they were confused.
Luke 24:27 – His action revealed the vital importance of the Scriptures. Our Lord’s example provides a vivid example.
Luke 24:32 - They could focus on the many marvelous realities, but their attention was upon the understanding they gained from the Scriptures. Isaiah 50:4 and 5 Today, Jesus in ascended position at the right hand of God through the holy spirit is doing the same for those who hunger to know the truth.
1 Corinthians 2:8-13 We have the spirit so that we might know.
Luke 24:33-49 The message is powerful.
Mary MagdaleneJohn 20:11-17Two men on road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-32PeterLuke 24:33 and 34Eleven disciples (minus Thomas)John 20:19-24; Mark 16:14Disciples including ThomasJohn 20:25-29Disciples at the Sea of TiberiasJohn 21:1-23Twelve apostlesActs 1:1-9Cephas1 Corinthians 15:5The twelve1 Corinthians 15:5Above 500 brethren 1 Corinthians 15:6James1 Corinthians 15:7All the apostles1 Corinthians 15:7Paul1 Corinthians 15:8
Isaiah 50
1 – Although Yahweh had the right to divorce Israel (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) and to sell her to the creditors (2Kings 4:1; Neh. 5:1-5; and Matthew 18:25), He did not. They and the generation before them were “sold” because of their own sin.
2 – The separation of Israel can in no wise be attributed to a lack of loving concern upon God’s part. He came to His own, but they received Him not. He called to them, but no one answered.
4 – The servant of the LORD is unintroduced but begins to speak. Yahweh equipped His servant for the task of teaching those who are weary.
5 – The servant was prepared that he might know the divine will and obey it. No rebellion, no apostasy, no treacherous faithlessness is found in the servant. Matthew 26:39-46
6 – Instead of saying that men beat him, he declares that he himself gave his back to those who struck him. The most heinous and degrading insults possible - 2Samuel 10; Matthew 26:59-67
7 - Through it all, when men ruthlessly rose up against him, the thought filled his mind that Yahweh was helping him. He may have been shamed and disgraced by men but not by God.
8 - Yahweh will declare that the servant is innocent. 1Peter 2:21-23
11 - Walking in their own light, they walk in darkness. John 5:22-27; 2Timothy 4:1
Isaiah 52:13-15 belong to chapter 53.
13 - He will be exalted. Acts 2:33; 3:13, 21; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 12:1-3
14 - As his exaltation and glorification will be of the highest, so his degradation was of the deepest. His form was so disfigured that he no longer resembled a man.
15 - As a result of his saving work, even the most exalted of men will stand in awe before him.
53:1 - Read John 12:27-41; Roman 10:16. No one understood what was happening because of the hardness of their hearts, and God did not want them to know.
2 – His relationship with God was glorious but unknown to men. He looked just like a normal man, not a king or priest.
3 - Humanity found him so revolting to look upon because of the grief and sicknesses that characterized him, that we turned our faces away from him as though he were stricken with some repulsive disease.
4 - A vicarious sacrifice, designed to satisfy the justice of God and reconcile the sinner to God
7 - Matthew 27:12-14; Mark15:5; Luke 23:9; John 19:9
11 – 2 Corinthians 5:21
13 - Eph 1:20-ff; Phil 2:8-12 God has already raised him and has him seated at His right hand. In the future, Jesus will reign over all the earth, which is reward for being faithful unto the end!
Isaiah 42:1 – This prophecy pertains to Jesus according to Matthew 12:14-21. Jesus is the servant (John 6:38 and Philippians 2:5-11), and he is elect (1Peter 1:18-20).
2 - He will be gentle, not screaming or quarreling in the streets.
3 - He will not harm the needy; rather, he will finally bring justice through true judgment. Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 18:11-14
4 - His ministry will not end until he has completed God’s work. “Coastlands” refers to the Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 15:27 and 28
5 – God, Yahweh, addresses the Messiah directly.
6 - This is a clear declaration of the Lord’s ministry. God called him in righteousness and promised to hold his hand and to guard him. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant given to Abraham and the fathers to bring light to the Gentiles. Romans 15:7-12
7 - In Acts 26:13-23, the Apostle Paul was given the same ministry, to continue the Lord’s ministry.
8 – Yahweh is my name! Psalms 83:18. He will not share his glory with another, Isaiah 45:11 and 12; 48:11; Revelation 14:6 and 7. Jesus has his own glory. John1:4; Luke 9:26; Matthew 19:28; John17:21, 22, and 24; 1Peter 1:20 and 21
9 – God tells the future before it happens. That which He says will happen in the future, we can be sure will happen. He has a perfect record; therefore, He is absolutely trustworthy.
12 - Everyone at all times should give glory to God, especially in light of the coming of the Messiah. Romans 15:1-6. This should be our personal mission statement.
Isaiah 49 contains the second suffering psalm.
1 - Long before the Messiah was born, this prophecy was written about him in the first person. It is written as if he is speaking then. This style of writing is not uncommon in the time of Isaiah.
3 - The Messiah is called “Israel,” which cannot be referring to the sinful rejecting Israel, but rather the true Israel. When God first gave the name to Jacob, the meaning was also given that is "with God you shall prevail." The Messiah of the people was indeed the true Israel.
4 - "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (#Isa 53:1-3; Lu 19:14; John 1:11 7:5). Lord — Ultimately, God will do justice to My cause. He was never "discouraged" (#Isa 42:4 50:7, 10). He calmly, in spite of seeming ill success for the time, left the result with God and was confident of final triumph (#Isa 53:10-12; 1Pe 2:23).
5 - He was commissioned to bring Israel back to God; however, in his earthly ministry, they were not brought back, nor are they yet gathered back. They will be when he returns.
6 - He was sent to do more than reconcile Israel. God wanted the Gentiles also!
7 - Jesus was despised, rejected, and hated by mankind. The world’s rulers such as Herod, Pilate, Caiaphas, and Annas mistreated him. However, a day is coming when all the kings of the world will be in subjection to the King of kings.
12 - All this will happen at the end of the age when Jesus returns.
To “Justify” is to demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid; to declare free of blame; absolve; to free a human being of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin; to demonstrate sufficient legal reason for an action taken.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 Yahweh is a God of truth and justice. He is always right!
Gen 3:14-19; Gen 9:5-6 – From the very first sin, God demanded a just response. God demands justice and equity. Examples – Numbers 35:33-34; Deut 21:1-9
Romans 3:21-27 – “Propitiation” (or “expiation”) in verse 25 is the equitable recompense to satisfy the penalty. The only other use of this word is “mercy seat” - the lid on the Ark of the Covenant, the place of sacrifice on the Day of Atonement.
Romans 4:1-3 – Righteousness was credited to Abraham’s account when he believed what God promised.
Romans 4:5-7 – Quote of David from Psalm 32:2 If God required the just payment for our iniquities, it would require each of us to die. That would expiate us of all wrongdoing. But David spoke of man being blessed whose sin Yahweh did not take into account.
Romans 4:17-22 – Abraham was justified by faith. Sarah’s womb was dead. Abraham could not work his way into receiving God’s promise. God needed to bring Sarah’s womb back to life. This was only through faith.
Romans 4:23-24 – This was not written merely about Abraham. It also relates to us. Today, we believe that God raised Christ from the dead. And as Abraham, we now are made righteous.
Romans 4:25 – Jesus was delivered over for our transgression; raised to life for our justification – two parts to justification.
Romans 5:1 – “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God….” Peace with God!!! Until appeasement is made, there is no peace. Expiation was needed.
The Tabernacle: The Day of Atonement
Leviticus 16:2-3; 7-10 – Two parts: one goat killed to make atonement, and one presented alive!
Hebrews 9:2-9, 11-15, 24, 26-28 – Jesus paid the price. He is currently in heaven, in the true sanctuary, but one day he will come out of the holy of holies, and we will awake to life everlasting!!!
Romans 5:12-14
Through one man, sin entered and death by sin. From Adam, death reigned for all mankind. All have sinned. There are no exceptions! Adam was a type for the one that was to come.
Romans 5:15-19
Through one offense, many were made sinners, condemned for life. Through the act of one righteous man, many have been made righteous, for the justification of life.
In this chapter of Romans, one primary response is to be given in light of our justification.
Romans 5:2 – Exult! (Rejoice –KJV); 5:3 – Exult! (Glory – KJV); 5:11 – Exult! (Joy – KJV)
Your life has been justified through Jesus Christ. Let us rejoice!!!
In the Bible, there are three major feasts from the Torah – The Feast of Unleavened Bread/Passover, the Feast of Weeks/First Fruits, and the Feast of Tabernacles or Booth/The Ingathering (Ex 23:14-17; Lev 23:1ff; Deut 16:16). One of the most popular Jewish holidays is Hanukkah, though not a biblical feast. The feast of Purim is another biblical celebration, which was started in the time of Esther.
Purim is to be celebrated on the 14th of the 12 month on the Hebrew calendar or in the month of Adar. This year, 2011, the 14th of Adar began last night, March 19th at sunset. Today is Purim.
Esther 1:1 Ahasuerus is most likely Xerxes, which is the Greek name of this Persian king who ruled from 486 - 465BC. At this time the Jewish People were living in captivity in Persia.
Esther 1:2ff; 2:1-20
After Queen Vashti was released of her royal position, Ahasuerus appointed overseers in his kingdom to find young women that might become queen in place of Vashti. The young Jewish woman, Esther, found favor in the king’s sight, and she became queen (Esther 2:17). Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai. Esther was a Jew, but Ahasuerus and his people did not know.
Esther 2:21-23 - Mordecai informed Esther of a plot to kill King Ahasuerus.
Esther 3:1ff
Haman was promoted in Ahasuerus’ kingdom. All the servants were to bow to him, but Mordecai refused to bow. Haman became filled with rage and devised a plan to kill not only Mordecai, but all of the Jews in the kingdom.
Esther 4:1-9
This plot to kill her people was revealed to Esther. However, Esther had not been summoned by the king. It was not lawful for her to approach him without being summoned.
Esther 4:10-14
“Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Perhaps, God has a purpose for your life. Who knows why you are where you are, when you are in this life? Are you willing to say, “Yes, Lord?”
Esther 4:15-16 - Esther’s attitude was, “If I perish, I perish.”
Esther 5:1ff, 6:1ff - God orchestrated this deliverance for His people
Esther 7:1ff - Haman is hanged on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai.
Esther 8:1ff, 9:1-16 – The Jews prospered in Persia and destroyed their enemies in the land. This final deliverance occurred on the 13th of the month Adar. On the 14th of the month, they rested, and they had a feast on the 15th. This was the first celebration of Purim (Esther 9:17-19).
Esther 9:20-32 - The custom of Purim was to be celebrated these two days annually in the month Adar.
Esther 10:1-3 Mordecai, the Jew became second in command to King Ahasuerus.
Exodus 3:1-22 Yahweh is present! The most effective way to strengthen faith is to receive reassurance that Yahweh is present. Allow God time to communicate to you through contemplation and prayer.
Joshua 1:1-9 Yahweh assured Joshua that He was with him.
Joshua 6:1-20 Faith and obedience go together; the walls came down. When we obey God’s Word, we can have confidence the walls will come down.
Judges 7:1-22 - Have no confidence in your own ability; rather, allow God to fight the battle for you. The sword of the Lord is with you.
Judges 15:9-20 No matter how monumental the circumstances, with God all things are possible. God can use the least significant thing in His creation to confound the mighty and wise.
1Samuel 17:26, 41-50 - The battle is the Lord’s. View life from a spiritual perspective, not a flesh and blood viewpoint. Faith soars when the mind is stayed on Yahweh and diminishes when focused on self.
2Kings 4:1-7 – Do your part by following God’s directions, and have faith that He will provide.
Isaiah 37:10-20 – Lay your concerns before Yahweh, and do not let yourself be intimidated.
Romans 8:31-39 – Make God’s Word your declaration.
Acts 17:27 and 28 S eek God. God is a part of our surroundings every moment.
Psalms 139:1-7 God knows us very well.
Vs. 7-12 Don’t try to hide from God? No matter the heights, depths, remotest part of the sea, or darkness, God is with us.
Vs. 13-17 He knew us when we were being formed. How well we are known!
V. 18 “…When I awake, I am still with You.”
Vs. 19-22
Vs. 23 and 24 Search me, know my anxious thoughts, and lead me. Luke 10:38-42
Psalms 16:11
Psalms 119:1-2 How blessed are those who seek God with all their heart.
Proverbs 3:1-15 Trust God, and in all our ways acknowledge Him. Honor the LORD with our wealth. Get wisdom.
Vs. 24 We are not to be afraid when we lie down.
Vs. 25 and 26 “Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.”
God has given us free will, now we must choose to live in the now and to acknowledge and follow God and His ways. God is present with us. Romans 8:29-39
Jude vs. 24 and 25 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy…. Amen.”
Ephesians 1:1-3 Almighty God’s identity did not change with the New Testament and the advent of His Son. Deuteronomy6:4 remains the eternal benchmark − “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!”
To Jesus and to us, Yahweh is God and our Father. Jesus the Christ is our Lord.
4 God chose us in Christ so we could be holy and without blame before God
5 God predestined sonship through Jesus Christ.
6 We bestow praise to the glory of God for the grace freely given through Christ.
11 God works all things after the counsel of His own will.
15 Our prayers are directed to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18 And the prayer is to know God’s calling, inheritance, and power.
20-23 Jesus has authority over the church. He is the head. The high priest mediated between God and man; the great prophet communicated on God’s behalf; and the king ruled for God over the people of God. Jesus as the head is the high priest, prophet, and king. He is our Lord and master but not our God.
Colossians 1:2, 3, 9-12 Our prayer is to the Father.
13 God rescued us.
14 We have redemption and forgiveness through His dear Son, our Lord Jesus.
18 Jesus is the head.
22 His death made it available for us to be presented before God as holy, blameless, and beyond reproach.
27 Christ is in us.
John 14:3 - Where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:23 God in Christ make their abode in us.
John 16:12-15 The holy spirit enables Christ to speak to us and guide us as our head. He is always with us.
Colossians 2:8-13 We are complete in him and are lacking nothing. To think we have to do something or go somewhere is a deception. God in Jesus Christ has already done everything for us, and Christ is in you.
Colossians 3-ff Change your mind and accept the finished work; think correctly.
John 15:1-ff Stay connected to the head by obedience to his commands. Listen to him!
Ephesians 1:1-3 Almighty God’s identity did not change with the New Testament and the advent of His Son. Deuteronomy6:4 remains the eternal benchmark − “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!”
To Jesus and to us, Yahweh is God and our Father. Jesus the Christ is our Lord.
4 God chose us in Christ so we could be holy and without blame before God
5 God predestined sonship through Jesus Christ.
6 We bestow praise to the glory of God for the grace freely given through Christ.
11 God works all things after the counsel of His own will.
15 Our prayers are directed to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18 And the prayer is to know God’s calling, inheritance, and power.
20-23 Jesus has authority over the church. He is the head. The high priest mediated between God and man; the great prophet communicated on God’s behalf; and the king ruled for God over the people of God. Jesus as the head is the high priest, prophet, and king. He is our Lord and master but not our God.
Colossians 1:2, 3, 9-12 Our prayer is to the Father.
13 God rescued us.
14 We have redemption and forgiveness through His dear Son, our Lord Jesus.
18 Jesus is the head.
22 His death made it available for us to be presented before God as holy, blameless, and beyond reproach.
27 Christ is in us.
John 14:3 - Where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:23 God in Christ make their abode in us.
John 16:12-15 The holy spirit enables Christ to speak to us and guide us as our head. He is always with us.
Colossians 2:8-13 We are complete in him and are lacking nothing. To think we have to do something or go somewhere is a deception. God in Jesus Christ has already done everything for us, and Christ is in you.
Colossians 3-ff Change your mind and accept the finished work; think correctly.
John 15:1-ff Stay connected to the head by obedience to his commands. Listen to him!
Ephesians 1:19-23
When God raised Christ from the dead and seated him at His right hand, he was given ultimate rule and authority. In this position, he is the head of the Body of Christ. He is not just a “figurehead;” he is working through his church to bring about the will of the Father.
Just as a human body functions, deriving its instruction from the head, so too, the church is to be in subjection to Christ for leadership and direction.
Colossians 2:6-7
We are to walk in Him. Once we confess Jesus as Lord, we are to be in subjection to his direction.
Colossians 2:9-10
He is the head over all rule and authority.
Colossians 2:18-19
When we hold fast to the head (Christ), we grow with the growth that is from God.
What defrauds you from this spiritual growth: selfishness, self-abasement, taking a stand on visions, being inflated by your fleshly mind?
The Body of Christ has many members, but it is one body with one head.
Ephesians 4:8-16; Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:12-31
The key to hold fast truly to the head, to know that you are truly being led by Christ, and not to be swayed into selfishness is to walk the more excellent way – walk in love.
What does it look like to function in the Body of Christ, being directed by the head? How can you tell if you are being directed by Christ? Are you walking in love?
I Corinthians 13:4-7 – This is how love looks.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
May we hold fast to our head, Christ, and walk in love.
Colossians 2:10
In Christ, we have been made complete.
The book of Colossians offers understanding of the fullness of what was accomplished in Christ. To comprehend our completeness fully, we must first understand the prominence of Christ.
Colossians 1:9-12 Paul’s prayer for the church at Colossae
God qualified us in Christ to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Colossians 1:13-14
He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to his kingdom.
Colossians 1:15-20 Preeminence of Christ
In Christ, dwells all the fullness of God. All of God’s plan, the fulfillment of His will, and the future of all humanity are found in Christ.
Colossians 1:21-23
In him we are holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. Don’t move away from the hope of the gospel.
Colossians 1:24-29
It’s Christ in you, the hope of glory. This is what makes us complete in Christ.
Colossians 2:1-8
All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in a true knowledge of God’s mystery in Christ. Let no one take you captive, delude you with persuasive arguments and empty deception.
Colossians 2:9
All the fullness of God dwells in Christ. Now Christ is in you. (Ephesians 3:14-20)
Colossians 2:10-14
We now identify with Christ. All decrees against us died with Christ on the cross.
Colossians 2:15 He triumphed over the spiritual powers of this world.
Colossians 2:16 -23
Let no one defraud you of your prize.
Colossians 3:1-4
This is your life now. It is hid in Christ. When he appears, we will appear with him in glory! Then we will realize the reality of our completeness!
Galatians 2:16-21; 3:21-22; 5:1-12 No one can be justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus.
Peter remained the primary leader of the first century Church until a shift is seen in Acts 12:12-17. James the Lord’s brother began to rise to prominence.
1 Corinthians 15:4-8 Jesus appeared to James in his resurrected body.
Galatians 1:14-19 In Paul’s early days, Peter was the primary leader along with James the Lord’s brother. James rose to prominence for a number of reasons: he was the Lord’s half-brother, Jesus appeared to him in his resurrected body, and he wrote the book of James which was the first epistle written and distributed among the Church.
Starting in Acts 13, the focus switches from Peter to Paul. God reveals to Paul the greatness of the mystery, that is what God accomplished through the faith of Jesus Christ. The beginning of the new covenant and the inclusion of the Gentiles were central to this doctrine. The faith of Jesus Christ was God’s just way to make salvation available by grace and not by the works of the Law.
Acts 15:1-21 James is obviously the one in charge and makes the final decisions. Nothing was decided at the meetings about the Jews keeping the Law. They were still under the assumption that it was necessary.
Acts 15:22 Paul goes to Antioch with Barnabas.
Galatians 2:1-16 James apparently changed his mind and decided keeping the Law was still necessary.
Galatians 1:6-10 Very sharp language
Acts 21:17-26 Paul was then arrested.
The faith of Jesus Christ facilitates God’s gift of grace that those who have faith in Christ may receive righteousness with God. This grace is enough. Nothing more needs to be done; nothing more could be done.
Galatians 5:16-26 The only question for us is: Do I have faith? Faith can be seen by the fruit of the spirit, and unbelief can be seen by the works of the flesh.
James 1:2 - The NAS Bible translates as “trials” the word that the KJV translates “temptations.” Frequently in the Scriptures, temptation and prayer are connected.
Our attitude toward temptation determines its impact on us. We should not consider it strange that we are tempted (1Peter4:12), since it is common to all.
1Corinthains 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you will be able to endure it.
2Peter 2:9 - The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,
3 and 4 – The great allurement of temptation is the illusionary deception that partaking thereof will provide some enhancement or pleasure for us.
Simplicity of Faith
Matthew 8:23-27 For Jesus, faith was simple.
Matthew 14:28-33 Jesus told him to come; so, why fear? Just have faith.
Matthew 15:21-28 The Syrophoenician woman had great faith.
Matthew 17:14-20 The father came looking for Jesus but settled for the disciples. So, perhaps he doubted their ability.
Matthew 21:18-22 Jesus gave a lesson about faith by example.
Temptations present themselves by pleasure or pain. Temptations caused by the pleasures of lust, immorality, greed, and such like or the pain from tribulation, persecution, or worldly pressures are a signal to act out. Faith grows through practice. Every time we ask God for help and receive it, our faith is strengthened. We prove to ourselves that God is dependable and will never leave us.
Acts 2 At the beginning of the Church, they all spoke in tongues.
Acts 8 We learn tongues is not necessarily automatic each time someone gets saved; rather, instruction must be given so a person can believe.
Mark 16:17 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;”
Acts 10 and 11 The undeniable evidence was they spoke in tongues.
Acts 19 the 12 Disciples at Ephesus spoke with tongues and prophesied.
1Corinthians 12:1 To understand rightly any topic within an epistle, we must always interpret within the immediate context and that of the entire epistle.
The topic of concern in chapter 12 is unity in the Church with diversity.
12:4-11 The gift is the holy spirit, and the nine listed are manifestations of the same spirit. Everyone who has the spirit can do these things, but not everyone does.
12:27-31 We need each other.
13:1-13 Topic is love manifested in the Church.
14:1- ff Primary topic is the proper use of tongues in the Church meetings.
14:2 The spirit gives the utterance so the one speaking, never understands.
5 and 13 One who speaks in tongues must interpret so everyone can understand.
14 and 15 Tongues is praying in the spirit. The person determines.
16 and 17 Tongues is blessing or praising God and giving thanks well.
19 Tongues is for private prayer life.
26-33 Everything must be done for the edification of the whole Church, not just yourself. 37-40
Heb 13:15 The sacrifice of praise and thanks cannot be mandated.
A grateful heart and thanksgiving are holy and godly attitudes that are pleasing to God, others, and self but cannot be forced, enforced, dictated, commanded.
SUMMARY
12:1 Now concerning spiritual matters, brothers, I would not have you ignorant.
12:31 Earnestly desire the greater gifts and I show you a still more excellent way.
14:1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual matters, but especially that you may prophesy.
14:5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
14:38AV But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
14:39 and 40 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues, but all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
Matthew 7:1-12 Jesus commands us not to have a judgmental attitude that tears others down. We are to treat people the same way we want to be treated.
Romans 2:1-3 Our perspective is very limited, and quite often our perceptions of people and situations are wrong. Whenever we measure out self-determined harsh judgments of others, we become the sinner and will receive the judgment of God.
Romans 14:1-15:7 This chapter addresses the need for believers to love each other without strings attached but simply because we all belong to God and are in the same family.
Verse 4 How could anyone allow himself to become so prideful that he harshly criticizes someone whom God has chosen to be in His family?
Matthew 7:15 We must judge what the prophets are saying to decide if it is right to believe.
Acts 20:29-31 Paul’s exhortation is very alarming and must be heeded.
1John 4:1 We must judge what we listen to, comparing what is said to the Scriptures. Two extremes to avoid are a reckless open-mindedness and a stubborn narrow-mindedness.
Acts 17:11 We must search the Scriptures to see if these things are so.
1Corinthians 5:1-3 Paul confronted the church for not judging.
Verses 4-13 We must be able to judge what a person is doing to the degree it will not ill effect us.
James 1:5 Ask for God’s wisdom to avoid hypocritical judgments and to maintain wise judgments.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 Faith, hope, and love are the most basic indispensable aspects of our spiritual life. Without them steadfast in our hearts, life falls apart.
Faith
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Matthew 21:21 and 22 With faith we can move mountains.
Ephesians 2:8 Faith is our part in the graceful relationship we have with God.
Hope
Hebrews 6:19 Hope is the anchor of our soul.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 We do not lose heart during difficult times because of hope.
1 John 3:2 and 3 The hope is our polestar guiding us to righteousness and holiness.
Love
Matthew 21:37-41 Love is the greatest commandment of all.
John 13:34 and 35 Love is our distinguishing characteristic.
1 Peter 4:8 Love is above all.
1 Corinthians 13:13 The greatest of all
We must fight to keep these three active in our daily lives.
Faith
Romans 10:17 Faith starts with hearing the truth, and misinformation causes faithlessness.
James 1:21 Study of the Scriptures is essential to gain and maintain faith.
James 2:14-26 Real faith always has corresponding works − one of which is prayer.
Hebrews 11:13-16 Keep focus on God not self, circumstances, or situations.
Hope
Hope is made strong by biblical information, and it is diminished by wrong or no information.
1 John 3:1-3; Hebrews 11 - True hope influences behavior. Hopers pray.
Psalms 37:3-7 Delight in Yahweh, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Love
John 3:16 Accepting God’s love for me inspires love for Him and others. The Scriptures define and remind us to love. Ignorance of the truth has caused the love of many to grow cold.
James 1:26 and 27 Real love has corresponding actions.
Psalms 34:3-6 To remain loving, focus on God and not self or others is vital.
The traditional belief that the shepherds and three wise men showed up on December 25th and found the newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothing in a manger does not line up with the biblical record of the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:15 and 16 The Gospel of Luke records the actual birth of Jesus. Immediately after he was born, the shepherds arrived and found him in a manger outside of an inn in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:10-11 The Magi found a young child, a toddler, and his mother in a house.
Matthew 2:16 Why two years old and under? This was based on the time the Magi first saw the star. When the Magi arrived, Jesus could have been up to two years old.
Matthew 2:1 The Magi
The number of Magi is never given. They are called Magi, not kings. They were probably a cast of wise men specializing in astronomy, astrology, and natural science. Perhaps the Judean prophet Daniel had his influence on the Magi’s belief regarding the coming Messiah. Daniel 1:20; 2:2, 46-48; 5:8-12.
Matthew 2:2 “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?”
His star - Whatever this star was, it signified to the Magi that the King of the Judeans had been born.
Matthew 2:3 Herod was troubled. He, through much political maneuvering, obtained the title of King of the Judeans. And now the Magi had announced that “The” King of the Judeans was born.
Matthew 2:4 Herod and the chief priests understood that the King of the Judeans was the Messiah. This is a fulfillment of the promise made to King David. (Acts 2:29-30; Psalms 132:11, 17)
Matthew 2:5-6 This Messiah or King would be the ruler over God’s people and would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
Matthew 2:7-11 They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and worshiped the King.
I Kings 10:9 & 10 The Queen of Sheba brought gifts of gold and spices.
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalms 72:8-11 Gentiles and kings would bring gold & incense, present gifts, and bow down before the king. They will show forth the praises of the LORD when the redeemer comes to Zion.
The Magi believed in the coming Messiah. They traveled hundreds of miles to pay tribute to this one born King of the Judeans. They bowed before this child who is to be King over all the earth.
Genesis 3:15 The woman is promised offspring who will ultimately destroy the Adversary and his works.
Genesis 21:12 God promised Abraham that the Messiah would be his offspring. Galatians 3:16
Deuteronomy 18:15 – 18 The Messiah would be a prophet like Moses. Moses was the mediator of the old covenant, and Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant. Both men received the revelation pertaining to their respective covenants.
Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 5:6 The Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Genesis 49:10 Many years after Jacob spoke these words, the rulers of God’s people emerged from the tribe of Judah beginning with David.
Numbers 23:21 The shout of a king was Israel’s joyous expectation of a coming Messiah.
2Samuel 7:12,13, 16; 1Kings 8:25; Psalms 132:11; Jeremiah 33:17; Psalms 89:3 and 4 God promised David that He would establish David’s throne forever.
Micah 5:2 Micah revealed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Isaiah 7:10-16 – Matthew 1:23 His name would be Immanuel.
Jeremiah 23:5 This righteous branch would be a descendant of David.
Jeremiah 33:14 and 15 The Messiah as a descendant of David will execute judgment as a king.
Zechariah 3:8 The branch will also be a servant.
Zechariah6:12 The branch will also be a man.
Isaiah 4:2 The branch will be the Son of Yahweh.
The four characteristics of the branch are he will be: 1) king, 2) servant, 3) man, and 4) Son of God.
Numbers 13:32 and 33 The report of the spies was factual, but wrong. Yahweh had promised that He would take them into the Promised Land. Entrance into the Promised Land was Yahweh’s great promise to their ancestors − Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Numbers 14:1-3 Fear of the future caused them to turn against God and level repulsive accusations at Him.
Numbers 14:4 -9:15-23 They desired to abandon Yahweh’s leadership for someone who would bring them back to Egypt. They wanted to go back to the way it was yesterday in Egypt, which was nonexistent.
9 They completely lost their perspective that Yahweh was with them because they feared the future and regressed to the past. Yahweh is with us!
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Forty years later, Moses told them Yahweh is with you, Yahweh your God is the one who goes with you. You are not alone!
Deuteronomy 31:1-8 The instruction to Joshua was not to be afraid because Yahweh is with you.
Hebrews 13:5and 6 He will never leave you. Times may be hard, as they were with Paul, but Yahweh is always present with you.
Philippians 4:4-9 The Lord is at hand; you do not need to be anxious.
1 John 3:1-3 In the moment, we can live with and for God. Right now, we are the sons of God.
Colossians 1:13 and 14 Right now, we are rescued from the domain of darkness; we have redemption and forgiveness.
21 and 22 We are now reconciled. Our responsibility is simply to have the faith that accepts what God says is true now.
Ephesians 2:13 Now, you are near.
Ephesians 5:8 Now, we are the children of light.
NOW IS THE TIME!
John 14:5-11; 8:28, 38; 12:49 Jesus always spoke what the Father wanted spoken, and he always did that which the Father wanted done. Jesus maintained constant fellowship with God. How did he do it?
Mark 1:35 He went to a solitary place and took time to be alone with his Father to pray.
Luke 11:1 Even while in the midst of people, he took time to be alone with God and pray.
John 11:41-44 In all his doings, he recognized his union with the Father and his dependence on Him.
John 8:3-9 Here we see his deliberate choice to seek the will of the Father before acting. He never responded to situations impetuously; rather, he always acted deliberately. To respond this way in a crisis indicates a habit developed under normal circumstances. If people typically live by their own wit, under fire they will do the same. Jesus developed the habit of talking with God and seeking His direction in all that he did.
Luke 2:40 Jesus grew not only physically but also in his spiritual skills to walk with God. He disciplined and developed himself, just as we can.
John 14:12 The works that I do, you can do also.
Ephesians 4:6 Yahweh is omnipresent, which means He is always with you. You do not need to go anywhere or do anything to find God because He is always present with you. His very name means existing one. He is not elusive or obscure, nor is He hidden from us. We need only to exercise our will and acknowledge Him.
Ephesians 6:5 and 6 In everything that we do, we can seek the will of God through Christ. Right now in this moment, you can connect with God!
Matthew 6:34; James 5:13-17 You cannot worship God tomorrow, nor seek His will later. Right now is the only moment you have.
Philippians 3:13 The good or evil we did yesterday has nothing to do with our now if in this moment we turn our hearts to God. Right now, you can talk to God and connect with Him because right now He is present with you. In yesterday or tomorrow, He is elusive, obscure, out of sight and reach. Jesus learned as we can also to live with God in the moment.
Talk to God now and ask to know and then do His will. The Christian walk is not hard or impossible; rather, it is easy and very doable in this moment. When we bring the weight of yesterday and the anxiety of tomorrow, Christianity becomes burdensome, impracticable, undesirable, and impossible.
Philippians 4:11-13 Paul was content. He had everything he needed, or at least that is how he thought about his situation.
I Timothy 6:6-8 Godliness with contentment is great gain. Having food and clothing be content! What a simple thought.
Enemies of Contentment: Covetousness, Self sufficiency, Envy
CovetousnessI Timothy 6:6-10 – The love of money
Luke 12:13-21
Hebrews 13:5-6
Proverbs 23:4-5
Our Western society continually lures us with covetous desire.
II Peter 2:14-19 (“an heart they have exercised with covetous practices;…” KJV)
You must decide, “What is enough?”
Self SufficiencyII Corinthians 3:5 – (Adequacy = Sufficiency in KJV)
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
“Bless Yahweh your God.” This is one of the primary reasons to pray at a meal and teach our children to pray at a meal. It acknowledges that God is our sufficiency.
Envy (Jealousy)James 4:5 says, “The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy.”
Proverbs 14:30
“A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.”(NASB)
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”(KJV)
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”(NIV)
“A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.”
James 3:13-17
Psalms 73 “The nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD (the Lord Yahweh) my refuge…”
God is enough!
Psalm 103:1-5
Psalm 100:1-5
God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is the Existing One and is omnipresent. He is everywhere present and with us all the time.
Psalm 9:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10
John 3:16 – God gave His very precious only begotten Son for you. Yahweh loved us and gave up His Son when we were still dead in trespasses and sins. When we are able to comprehend fully the extent of God’s unilateral, unselfish giving, we will not have any problem in accepting His love and remaining forever thankful.
The attitude of thankfulness should be engraved in our hearts. Yahweh deserves that His children be loyal and faithful to Him in thanksgiving.
2 Corinthians 2:14
I Thessalonians 5:16—18
Philippians 4:11-13
Psalm 16:11
Thanksgiving Day should be every single day of our lives!
2 Kings 5:1 According to the prophet Micaiah, Yahweh did help Syria to defeat Israel and Judah although Naaman may not have known that to be true.
2 Kings 5:5 Some people will try desperate measures to gain healing, and many others just resign to the fact that they are sick and nothing can be done about it.
Verse 11 His reaction seems somewhat normal. He predetermined how his healing was going to take place, and when it did not go that way, he got angry. He did not have the response of a humble man. He knew how to bring about his own healing!
Verse 13 Wise and good counsel
Verse 14 He was obedient to the specific instruction that was given to him and received his healing.
Verse 15 He did the right thing in glorifying God and expressing thankfulness.
Verse 19 Naaman had the right heart and did the right thing.
Psalms 107:1-43 “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” Thankfulness is the manifestation of a conscious, awake, vitalized, vibrant heart. When we are connected with God, we are grateful.
2 Kings 5:20-27 Gehazi’s actions are diametrically opposite because his heart was full of greed and self-interest. The whole story serves as a metaphor with the one freed from leprosy abounding in thankfulness and the other given entirely to selfishness contracting leprosy.
Luke 17:11-19 When we experience God’s goodness, the right response that should automatically occur is to glorify and thank Him. The failure to respond accordingly speaks to the egocentric nature of man and his corresponding oblivious awareness. When we step back and view this incident, we may marvel at the absurd behavior of these nine unthankful men. Yet, we too are often guilty of the same.
Colossians 3:12-17 - Be thankful!
Leviticus 20: 6 and 7 Mediums and spiritists are unholy. Wizard, soothsayer, necromancer, and familiar spirits are all names used to describe these evil powers.
Leviticus 20: 26 and 27 In their time, they were to be put to death. In our day, our children entertain themselves watching such evil on TV, movies, and video games.
Exodus 22:18 You shall not allow a sorceress to live.
Deuteronomy 18: 9-14 Those who operate this power are influenced by the devil and are often demon controlled.
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quandary involving the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents in his quest to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people (Muggles).
Since the June 30, 1997 release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.[1] The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone. As of June 2008, the book series has sold more than 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages,[2][3] and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.
A series of many genres, including fantasy and coming of age, it has many cultural meanings and references.[4][5][6][7] According to Rowling, the main theme is death..
Deuteronomy 3:24 - For what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to your works, and according to your might?
Exodus 15:11 - Who is like Yahweh?
Ps 113:4 and 5 - Who is like Yahweh our God
Jeremiah 10:6, 32:18 - You are great, and great is your name.
1Samuel 17:45-47 The battle is Yahweh's, and He will deliver His people from the enemy.
Nehemiah 4:1-23 Discouragement was overcome because they turned their eyes upon Yahweh.
1Kings 18:20-46 Yahweh is no match for all the false gods and demons.
1John 4:4 God is in Christ in you!
Exodus 34:6 and 7 Yahweh’s self-description"Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth; who keeps loving kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."Nehemiah 9:1-38 The prophet declares the historical documentation of the Yahweh’s great compassion.
Psalms 103:1-18 Language representing the infinite and immeasurable is used to describe Yahweh’s compassion.
Psalms 145: 6-11 We tend to forget God’s extraordinary mercy and compassion, which is devastating to our wellbeing.
Isaiah 55:6-13 Everyone benefits from the mercy and compassion of God. When we acknowledge and experience His compassion, life is good. When we are oblivious to it, we become hardened, miserable, and defeated Joel 2:13 “And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness and relenting of evil.”Focus on the world which is an evil warzone and focus on people or self will cause callousness, cold-heartedness or heartlessness. God has low tolerance for people in such a state.
Colossians 1:27 Christ is in you!
Colossians 3:11-17 We have the ability within us to live just like God and Christ.
Matthew 18:21-35 Those who obtain compassion and forgiveness are required to give them to others
Matthew 25:31-46 You got them, now give them, or you will not get them again in the end.
Romans 6:1-11 Our old self was crucified with Christ; therefore, we now have a new self.
2 Corinthains 5:14-17 We now have entirely new views of men, of ourselves, and of the Messiah. Our
estimate of man is now formed by views other than those according to the flesh. We are not the same.
Galatians 6:11-18 Nothing matters other than the new creation.
Ephesians 4:17-24 We have both the old and new self and must determine by which one we will live.
Philippians 4:1-9 Our focus is the all important matter. If we think about the old man, we will live that way. If we think about the new man, we will live accordingly.
Galatians 5:1
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free...." (KJV)
The context of Galatians gives understanding of this liberty in Christ.
Galatians 1:6-9; Galatians 2:1-4 These verses are referring to a major issue that occurred in the first century church. The book of Acts records the narrative of this conflict. Acts 15:1; 6-12
They were saying, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." The issue was not whether or not a person could or should be circumcised, but rather that circumcision was required for salvation. This is the specific yoke of slavery that the book of Galatians is addressing.
Galatians 2:16-21 If one could have received justification and righteousness through keeping the law, then there would have been no need for the crucifixion.
Galatians 3:1-8 Abraham believed God. His faith was reckoned to him for righteousness before he ever had a child or had his offspring circumcised. Also, right from the start of his calling, he was promised that through him all nations would be blessed.
Galatians 3:17-18
The promise and covenant to Abraham was 430 years before the law was given.
Galatians 3:21-24
The law was our schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, but it did not impart life and truly fulfill the promise to Abraham.
Galatians 3:26-29
Through faith we are the children of God and heirs of the promise to Abraham.
Galatians 4:1-11
We were under the elements of the world, but now we are not enslaved to these things. Now, through faith, we are sons of God. We are not to return to the bondage of trying to fulfill the law.
Galatians 4:21-31 Here is an allegory comparing the two sons of Abraham -- the one, born of a free woman, and the other, born of a bondwoman.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast in the liberty. We are no longer in slavery.
Galatians 5:2-6
Circumcision or not circumcision is not the thing that matters. It's a matter of faith!
Galatians 5:13-14
What are we to do with this freedom in Christ? By Love serve one another!
2 Thessalonians 1-9 -- Isaiah 26:14 Hell is eternal separation from God.
2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 They are an example for us to follow in that they responded the right way to tribulation with great faith and love.
Romans 12:10 -21 The proper godly response is to love and hold onto faith and hope.
1 Peter 4:12-19
Tribulation tempts people to give up because they feel disappointment, doubt, and a sense of betrayal by God. Such feelings are the result of wrong understanding or ignorance about God and His ways.
James 1:1-18 God does not tempt people with evil.
1 Peter 5:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13 We can always be victorious if we maintain our faith, hope, and love.
2 Timothy 3:1-17 The Scriptures help us to be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Matthew 13:18-23 The Greek word thlipsis is translated tribulation, which means oppression, affliction, distress, straits, trouble, or anguish. Everyone who hears the gospel will suffer tribulation.
John 16:33 In the world, we have tribulation. Our human nature is also called our old nature. The world (which is controlled by Satan), demons, and people all contribute to our tribulation. If you care about someone, you will suffer, and if you do not care about others, you suffer.
Romans 5:1-5 We cannot avoid tribulation, but we can always determine how we respond to it.
Romans 8:28-39 We are very blessed and can claim the victory. We cannot avoid the tribulation, and it is senseless to be upset that this is happening to you
God is not to be blamed for the trouble; rather, He promises a solution in the end.
Romans 12:10-21 In the future, God will make right the wrongs; meantime, we are to persevere with patience.
2 Corinthians 5:1-18 The way to get through the tribulation is to embrace the hope and keep on moving without losing heart.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
1 Peter 4:12-19 Do not think that tribulation is some strange thing, rather understand that in this fallen world it is normal. How are you going to respond?
Acts 14:1-ff Paul is an excellent example to follow
John 1:14-18 The NASB has translated verse 18 incorrectly. The KJV is much closer to the original Greek text. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
"Declared" is the Greek word exegeomai from ek (out of) and hegeomai (to lead out or to go before). It means to lead out, be leader, go before. It is used metaphorically to draw out in narrative, unfold a teaching. In Greek writing, it is used of the interpretation of things sacred, oracles and dreams (i.e. Daniel).
Jesus made known God in a manner that no one had done before. He brought great understanding to the world about Yahweh. A large part of his ministry was making known to the world Yahweh.
Luke 4:16-21 Jesus' own words on what his ministry was about
Matthew 4:23-25
Mark 1:29-39 His ministry was to the world, not just a handful in one certain area.
Matthew 9:35-38 Again, a summary of His ministry
Matthew 10:1-15 He commissioned the 12 to carry out the same ministry.
Luke 10:1-12 The 70 Disciples were given the same instruction.
Matthew 28:18-20 The Church today is an extension of our Lord's ministry.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 We are ambassadors for Christ which means we are in the place of Christ. He is not here, so we speak on his behalf the same message.
Luke 5:1-11 Peter had an epiphany by realizing who Jesus was, who Peter was, and the grace relationship that bonded them together. The impact of this event changed the course of his life.
Luke5:12-16, 27-33 Jesus healed and called the social outcasts.
Luke 5:17-26 Jesus forgave sins.
Luke 15:11-32 God loves and forgives you.
Ephesians one:
2 Grace is used 12 times in Ephesians -- verses 2, 6, 7; 2:2, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29; and 6:24
3 God's love is evident by the spiritual blessings He freely gives to us.
4 These blessings bestowed upon Christians are in accordance with an eternal purpose. They were not conferred by chance or haphazard. They were the result of intention and design on the part of God, and they come to us as the result of His everlasting plan. It was not a recent plan; it was not an afterthought; it was not by mere chance, nor was it caprice.
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons.
6 Grace has been freely bestowed on us in the beloved.
7 In Jesus Christ, we have redemption, the forgiveness of our trespasses.
8 Lavished with all wisdom and insight
9 Made known to us the mystery
11 Gave us an inheritance
13 Sealed us
14 Gave us a pledge
2:1-10 All this was done for us when we were dead in trespasses and sins. God loves you!
READ THE BIBLE TO UNDERSTAND GOD!
Psalms 19:1-6 God's creation to a large extent teaches us about God.
Genesis 1, 6, 14, 17; Exodus 3 and 6
Exodus 34:6 and 7 His glory revealed; the seven unchanging attributes of God
ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYTHING GOD REVEALS ABOUT HIMSELF
The great question we should ask is how does God present Himself?
Genesis 19:15 - 19 First use in the Bible of "mercy"
Genesis 6:5-8 The first time "grace" is written in the Scriptures
Numbers 14:1-35 The second place "longsuffering" is used in the Scriptures.
God is not who you want Him to be; rather, He is who He is. Far too many view
God the way they want Him to be.
Job 42:5 "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees
You"
STUDY THE WHOLE BIBLE
Some of books in the Bible (for example, Deuteronomy and Acts) present a
wide-ranging view of God, while others (for example, Ezekiel and Revelation)
emphasize limited aspects such as judgment and wrath. No one book covers
everything about God; rather, the whole Bible contains the full picture. The
Torah (Genesis -- Deuteronomy) sets the foundational understanding about God.
Many start their reading of the Bible in the Gospels since they perceive those
books to be the New Covenant (testament) and to be addressed exclusively to
Christians.
Who starts reading a book 3/4 of the way through and expects to gain a
comprehensively understanding of the main theme or character? It is not
surprising that so many believe Jesus is God rather than the son of God.
If you had the Torah in your mind, you would see the vast contrast between Jesus
and God. Jesus was able to feed multitudes with a few fish and loaves of bread;
Yahweh created fish and wheat. Jesus had extraordinary power to calm the sea,
raise the dead, heal the blind...; however, this is somewhat limited compared to
the one who created the sun and the trillions of stars.
Psalms 19:7-ff
MEEKNESS TO GOD; SHUN POPULAR WORLD VIEW
HUNGER TO KNOW GOD
Exodus 34:1 Moses wanted to see God.
Ephesians 1 and 3
God is omniscient and omnipresent; therefore, He always knows true reality. Humans quite often are deceived and believe lies, distortions, and half-truths. We have very limited knowledge and wisdom, and we are always only in one place at a time.
1Kings 14:1-9 God always sees things the way they really are.
2Kings 6:8-23 The true reality was different than what the senses reported.
John 8:44 Deceptions are powerful, prevalent, and persistent. The primary way the devil operates is with lies. We are confronted with lies and deceptions from our own flesh, which includes reasoning, rationalization, memories, ignorance, and such like. The world and the demonic realm play a big part in creating our sense of reality, which too often is not true reality.
The Great Principle Is:
What we believe determines who we are and what we do. When we believe lies, we produce the fruit of those lies in our lives. When we believe the truth, we produce the fruit of the truth in our lives.
1Kings 22:1-37 Jehoshaphat believed that he and Ahab were one. Jehoshaphat's son was married to Ahab's daughter.
We tend to twist things in our minds so that we can live with ourselves.
To avoid accepting responsibility for our wrongdoing, we blame others.
We tend to see what we want to see rather than what is real.
We are self centered and therefore prone to grandiosity.
We are not well informed, but think we know.
Galatians 6:1- 10 What you sow, you reap is a law and applies to every soul.
HOW TO HAVE AND HOLD TRUE REALITY:
Stay connected with God.
Spend most of your time in reality while avoiding fancy.
Communicate with others and avoid living in your "own head."
Always remember that feelings are not necessarily true.
Do not buy into others' deceptions.
Live now and understand that memories and expectations can deceive.
EXISTING ONE
Exodus 3:13-15 "I am" is the Hebrew word Hayah, which is the verb form of God's proper name "Yahweh."
De 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
Revelation 1:4 and 8 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Alpha and the omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The rabbis did the same with the Hebrew alphabet as a way to denote the whole of anything, from beginning to end; it is thus equivalent to saying that He has always existed, and that He will always exist.
Revelation 4:8 and 9; 10:6; 11:17; 15:7; and 21:6
CREATOR
Revelation 4:11- You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."
Revelation 10:6 ...WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT....
14:7 - Worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."
Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Acts 14:15; 17:24
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Revelation 4:8 - "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME."
Revelation 15:4 - "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy."
Isaiah 6:3; 57:15; 1Peter 1:15 and 16
ALMIGHTY
Revelation 11:17 - "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
Revelation 16:7 "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
19:6 - Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
THE RIGHTEOUS AND JUST JUDGE
Revelation 15:4 and7; 16:5 and 7; 19:1
WORLDLY or Biblical view?
God is omnipotent or almighty. The wrong worldview is God can do anything He wants and everything that happens is according to the will of God.
God is omniscient, has infinite knowledge, and is all wise, all knowing, all seeing. The wrong worldview is that God knows everything before it happens. If He knows what is going to happen before it happens, He could and should intercede and ensure that only good happens.
Romans 11: 33 and 34 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?
God is unchanging based upon verses such as Malachi 3:6 -- and James 1:7
The wrong worldview is that God never changes. God's person or nature never changes, but He can change His mind. Exodus 32:14
God inhabits eternity - The wrong worldview is that God dwells in the physical heavens. 2Chronicles 6:18 This wrong perspective makes people susceptible to the evil doctrine that when you die you ascend into heaven or descend into hell.
God is one. The wrong worldview is that He is really three.
John 3.13-21 believe in the Son to attain eternal life
John 5.16-30 Jesus is the one who will judge (unique combination of humility and authority)
John 6.39-40, 44, 53-54 Jesus will resurrect on the last day
John 8.23-30 The Pharisees must believe in Jesus or else die in their sins
John 12.44-50 Jesus came to save; his word will judge on the last day
The "I Am" Statements
I am the bread of life (John 6.48-51)
"I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."
I am the light of the world (John 8.12)
"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."
I am the door (John 10.9)
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
I am the good shepherd (John 10.11)
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11.25)
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies'"
I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14.6)
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'"
I am the vine (John 15.5)
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
1 Cor. 15.1-8, 14, 17-19 It all comes down to resurrection. If Jesus actually was raised from the dead then Christianity is true. If not then it is false.
The Royal Law: Love thy neighbor as thyself
Matthew 22:36-39; Matthew19:16-19; Mark 12:28-33; Luke 10:25-27; Romans 13:9-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8
Mark 12:33 says this is "more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
In Matthew 19:16-19 and Luke 10:26, Jesus stated that doing this commandment is part of what needs to be done to inherit eternal life.
Romans 13:9 says that this is the fulfillment of the law.
Galatians 5:14 states that the whole law is fulfilled in this one word.
And James 2:8 says that this is the "royal law."
Loving others is not something exclusive to the New Testament.
Leviticus 19:9-10 Care for the stranger, the poor, and the needy
Leviticus 19:11-12 We are not to lie, steal, or swear falsely.
Leviticus 19:13 We are not to oppress or rob others. We are to be fair and honest in all our dealings with others.
Leviticus 19:14 We are not to put a stumbling block for those who have physical handicaps.
Leviticus 19:15 We are to have impartial judgments (James 2:1-8).
Leviticus 19:16 We are not to slander or falsely accuse our neighbor.
Leviticus 19:17-18 We are not to hate or take vengeance.
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is not "new covenant" behavior. It is how God has always wanted His people to behave towards one another. This is the behavior of a believer in God, of a disciple.
Greater Love
Jesus Christ set an even higher standard.
John 13:34-25 The new commandment -- love as he loved!
John 15:12-14 There is no greater love.
Ephesians 5:1-2 We are to love like Christ.
Ephesians 5:17-19 This love surpasses knowledge. It is supernatural. How much do you think you can love? God is able to do far more abundantly than you can ask or think. He is at work within us, and he is not limited to our inability to love.
Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2, 54-60 Stephen loved
Acts 3:1-11 "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!"
Acts 16:16-18 "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out at that very moment."
Ephesians 1:18-23 Jesus has authority over every name that is named now and in the age to come.
Philippians 2:6-11 At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.
1 Peter 3:22 All angels, authorities, and powers are subjected to him.
John 14:13 And If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 15:16 Jesus repeated himself.
John 16:23-27 The one with absolute authority has given us authority to use his name to accomplish his purposes.
Acts 3:11-16 "...On the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus..."
Acts 4:5-12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
Matthew 5: 13-16 We are the salt and light of the world.
Hebrews 10:26-31, 35-39
"When you fear God you fear nothing else. When you don't fear God, you fear everything else." Oswald Chambers
Ephesians 1:3-4 He chose us to be holy and blameless.
Ephesians 2:3-5 We lived and sinned against God.
Genesis 3:6 She saw, she thought, she desired, she took, and she encouraged someone else to sin.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Thoughts => desires => actions => ________ => CHARACTER => destiny
Romans 12:1-2 Metamorphis -- Changing your present state to a new, transformed, Christ-like state
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Strongholds are torn down through Christ-like thinking.
John 14:21-24 Your character will determine your response. We are to be the reflection of the lord living in us.
John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less.
Genesis 14:18 - The priest of the Most
High God and the King of Salem are a shadowy type for Jerusalem and
the reign of the Messiah. "Salem" means peace. The word "Jerusalem"
in the original is in the dual form and means "possession of peace"
or "foundation of peace." The dual form probably refers to
the two mountains, Zion and Moriah, on which it was built.
Exodus 15:17 and 18 The
mountain of Your inheritance the place Yahweh made for His dwelling
Deuteronomy 12:5, 6, 10, 11 and 26
Before Israel entered the Promised Land, God told them about the place
but did not identify the specific location.
Deuteronomy 15:19 and 20
The firstling offering was to be eaten at this place.
Deuteronomy 16:2, 6 The
Passover was to be sacrificed in this place.
Deuteronomy 16:11 All the
people of Israel were to rejoice before God at this place.
Deuteronomy 16:16 The three
major feasts were to be kept in this place.
Deuteronomy 17:8 and 9
Judgment of the high priest or judge was to be done at this place.
Deuteronomy 18:6 The priests
and Levites would minister out from this place.
Deuteronomy 31:10-12 Every
seven years, the Law was to be read to all Israel from this place.
During the time of Joshua, when the
children of Israel entered the Promised Land, the city of Jerusalem
was never taken. The Jebusites occupied it during the 450 years
of Judges and during the 40 year reign of King Saul.
David finally took the city, once he
was anointed king over all Israel, and he prepared a tent and brought
the ark of God to Jerusalem.
1Chronicles 23:24-32 Solomon
built the temple in this place.
Jeremiah 9:12-14; 19:7-9; and 21:10
Moses and all the prophets foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem.
Nebuchadnezzar did destroy the city. During the time of Ezra and Nehemiah,
it was rebuilt.
Luke 19:42-44 Jesus foretold
of the destruction of Jerusalem.
Zechariah 14:3-5 Christ will
come back to the Mount of Olives to take the city of Jerusalem, and
all the saints will come with him. When he comes back, an earthquake
will split the Mount of Olives in two.
Psalms 110:2; 72:8, 11; Daniel
7:13 and 14 Out of Jerusalem, Jesus the Messiah will begin to
rule all the nations of the world.
Revelation 21:10-22:7 After
the millennial Kingdom, a new Jerusalem will come down out of heaven.
Matthew 21:18-22 The fig tree was a compelling and persuasive example. Jesus illustrates the endless possibilities.
Matthew 7:7-12 God responds to those who ask, seek, and knock. Faith and action coincide. Faith and passiveness contradict. When our faith is in God, we can love others rightly.
Matthew 8:1-3 The leper sought out Jesus and asked for help. Humility and faith correspond.
Matthew 8:5-10 Great faith understands supernatural authority. We need to reason things out with our biblical knowledge.
Mark 2:1-12 Jesus could see their faith because they were aggressive. Obstacles or circumstance did not deter them.
Some say it is impossible to find a job today because there is 9.7% unemployment, which is about 15 million people. However, 90.3% are employed, which is about 150 million. You want a job, get out and get one. Your full time job is getting a job. Walk into every store in the mall.
Matthew 9:18-22 She took action, was shamelessly humble and aggressive. She did not sit on the sideline wishing. I'll never get near him! She got to the front of the stage, reached in, and took her healing.
Matthew 15:21-28 - Canaanite woman refused to give up. She had humble aggressive action. Faith can be reasoned out by logically thinking about the Scriptures. These people did not have blind faith.
Matthew 20:29-34 Gabberialle
Luke 19:1-10
Luke 17:1-10 Asking God for help with your faith is not a bad idea, but it is usually not enough. Faith grows with practice. When things do not happen the way we want, we seem to lose faith. Build faith with baby steps such as resisting temptation.
The prayer in John 17 divides into three parts.
Jesus prays for himself (17.1-5)
Jesus prays for the twelve (17.6-19)
Jesus prays for us (17.20-26)
A look at John 17, focusing on what Jesus says about the world
1-5 note the intimacy between Father and Son
v1: "the hour has come"
We are at the edge of a precipice: Jesus will be arrested in 18 and by 19 he is dead and buried. These are the last precious moments with his disciples.
We are at the end of a significant chunk of John called the Last Supper, which spans chapters 13 through 17.
Chapter 13 begins by mentioning that Satan had already put it into Judas Iscariot's heart to betray Jesus. In other words, Jesus' betrayal is imminent, premeditated, and only a short while stands between the present time of fellowship and his passion. Jesus rises from dinner and washes his disciple's feet.
Chapters 13-16 cover the themes:
they should serve one another, washing each other's feet
Jesus is departing soon and the disciples cannot follow him
A new command to love one another as Jesus loved them
Jesus will return and reveal himself to his disciples but not the world
Jesus is the only way to the Father
Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father; he reveals him through his words and works
The coming of the helper, the spirit of truth will equip them
Love and obedience are inseparable
They must abide in him like a branch in a vine so as to produce fruit
The world will hate them like they hated Jesus; persecution will be their lot as well
The advocate will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
The advocate will fill in what Jesus could not say
They will weep b/c of what will happen but then rejoice like a woman giving birth
Ask the Father in his name and it will be given
He offers a peace that even the world's tribulation cannot overcome
By the time we arrive at chapter 17 the room is quiet but the air is thick. The disciples feet may still be a bit wet and Jesus knows that the end is at the door. The time has come. He has told them everything he can--everything they were able to hear at that time, and now there is only one thing left to do. He prays.
6-10 the Father separated the disciples out from the world and gave them to the Son
v6, 9 "out of the world...I am not praying for the world"
what is "the world?"
Two perspectives on the world
Theist: sees the world as God's creation; focuses on beauty of sky, stars, planets, moon, sun, trees, animals, humans, plants, rivers, mountains, birds chirping, etc.
Atheist: sees the world as a horrible place where life is a struggle, only the fittest and luckiest survive, everything is flawed, death is ubiquitous
A third perspective: Christians see both the fingerprints of God and Satan on the world. We recognize that the world is basically good because it is the creation of God and yet it has become corrupt. The fall explains all the facts. So, when thinking about the world, we can't help but think of it as both beautiful and ugly, awesome and horrifying, well ordered and chaotic, full of love and hate, pointing to God's goodness and humankind's original sin, a paradise and a hell, to be embraced and shunned.
Even human society is both good and evil. Care for the poor, exploration of the planet, biology, medicine, physics, some technologies are good. However, lust, greed, apathy, hatred, oppression, and rebelliousness are bad.
So the disciples are called by God out of the world and given to Jesus
(matrix analogy?)...they have awoken to the truth that the Son has been sent whereas everyone else in "the world" goes on as if everything is the same, as if the defining moment in history had not just happened right in their midst, as if the calendar had not just flipped from BC to AD since the hinge point of history had come
11-19 he is going to the Father and prays for his disciples to be kept from the evil one
v14: "the world has hated them b/c they are not of the world"
John 15.18-21; 1 John 3.1, 11-14
v15-16: "keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world."
Separation from the world
The subtle corrupting influence of the world (sewer analogy: mention flaw that in a sewer you don't get to see the beauty as well)
Two extreme views on the Christian response to the world
Total separation from word: should be separate in culture, geography, language, clothing, music, how we walk, wearing shoes/clothes, etc.
Total integration: same music, tv, movies, view on relationships, sense of morality, attitude towards God, politics, the poor, the outcasts (but on Sunday I go to church, if I can wake up on time, and if they don't confront my 'worldliness' in the sermon, and they have trendy 'worldly' music, and they have air-conditioning, and they don't expect anything of me, and the service is beneficial to me in some way).
A third perspective: Christians are in the world but not of it. Epistle of Diognetus :
For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or custom.
For nowhere do they live in cities of their own,
Nor do they speak some unusual dialect,
Nor do they practice an eccentric way of life.
This teaching of theirs has not been discovered by the thought and reflection of ingenious people,
Nor do they promote any human doctrine, as some do.
But while they live in both Greek and barbarian cities, as each one's lot was cast,
And follow the local customs in dress and food and other aspects of life,
At the same time they demonstrate the remarkable and admittedly unusual character of their own citizenship.
They live in their own countries, but only as nonresidents;
They participate in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners.
Every foreign country is their fatherland, and every fatherland is foreign.
They marry like everyone else, and have children, but they do not expose their offspring.
They share their food but not their wives.
They are in the flesh, but they do not live according to the flesh.
They live on earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.
They obey the established laws; indeed in their private lives they transcend the laws.
They love everyone, and by everyone they are persecuted.
They are unknown, yet they are condemned;
They are put to death, yet they are brought to life.
They are poor, yet they make many rich;
They are in need of everything,yet they abound in everything.
They are dishonored, yet they are glorified in their dishonor;
They are slandered, yet they are vindicated.
They are cursed, yet they bless;
They are insulted, yet they offer respect.
When they do good, they are punished as evildoers;
When they are punished, they rejoice as though brought to life.
By the Jews they are assaulted as foreigners, and by the Greeks they are persecuted,
Yet those who hate them are unable to give a reason for their hostility.
1 John 2.15-17
Overcoming the evil one
1 John 5.18-20; 4-5
v18: "as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world"
Jesus doing the unexpected
Jesus saying the unexpected
1 John 4.14-17
20-23 the testimony of unity that the Son was indeed sent by the Father
v21: "so that the world may believe..."
John 3.16, note his desire for the world to be saved; he cares about the world!
24-26 the Son has revealed the Father to us and the Father's love for his Son is in us
John 17.21-26 modified for prayer
I pray that we may all be one, just as you, Father, are in Christ, and he in you, that we also may be in you and him, so that the world may believe that you have sent him. The glory that you have given him he has given to us, that we may be one even as you and he are one, he in us and you in him, that we may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent him and loved us even as you loved him. Father, he desired that we also, whom you gave to him, may be with him where he is, to see his glory that you have given him because you loved him before the foundation of the world. Oh righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, he knows you, and we know that you have sent him. He made known to us your name and he will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved him may be in us, and he in us. (adapted from the ESV)
Radical ideas that put us in sync with God and out of sync with the world
Exclusive worship of God
Community unity (other-regard, concern for other's interests)
Vision of the future, pa???s?a, Bas??e?a, reversal of fortunes, restoration
Faith that even the most wicked people can repent and be forgiven
Childlike trust that God knows best how we ought to live
Confidence that self-sacrificial, cross-shaped, enemy love is redemptive
Sensitivity towards and an unwillingness to accept sin
Common practices in ancient Greco-Roman world that Christians rejected
Exposure of infants and abortion, Theatre, Circus, Banqueting, Worship of the gods, Imperial cult, Divorce
Name:
Character and purpose (N.T. Wright)
To manifest the name is to make God known as the holy and loving Father (Marcus Dods)
The Father's name is his character, which Jesus has manifested to his disciples, pre-eminently in his actions and words there in the upper room (13.1-16.33) (F.F. Bruce)
Proverbs 29:25
Fear brings a snare. It captivates people and keeps them from action.
Many people are overcome with fear and cannot do the things of God because they are afraid.
Isaiah 44:1-8
If we put our trust in Yahweh, if we believe we are His chosen ones, and if we are willing to say "I belong to Yahweh," then we have nothing to fear.
Psalms 34:1-4
Bless Yahweh; make your boast in Yahweh; magnify Yahweh with you; seek Yahweh, and He will hear and deliver you from all your fears!
Deuteronomy 31:1-2
For forty years, Moses had led the children of Israel. However, he was about to die. He would not be leading them into the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 31:3-8
Moses reminded them that Yahweh was the one who was leading them.
And He will not fail or forsake you! Be strong and be of good courage. Do not be afraid! There have been many who have gone before us, who are now dead. Now it is our time to have faith!
I Samuel 17:1ff
The men of Israel were frozen with fear. The giant that stood before them, mocked them, challenged them, and caused them to become afraid. But the young man David did not look at the circumstances or the doubts surrounding him. Rather, he declared the name of Yahweh, knowing that God would not fail or forsake him.
God promised He would pour out His spirit upon all flesh, and this happened at Pentecost. 50 days before, at the time of the crucifixion, Peter couldn't even acknowledge that he knew Jesus. On the day of the resurrection, he was with the other apostles behind closed doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). However, once he was filled with the holy spirit, Peter got bold. Acts 2:14-16, 22-24, 26; 3:12-15; 4:1-12. He was a changed man!
NO PEACE WITHOUT CHRIST
Isaiah 48:22 The wicked cannot find peace.
Romans 3:17 The natural man cannot find the path of peace.
Isaiah 59:1-8 Iniquities cause a separation between you and God and no peace.
CHRIST BRINGS PEACE
2 Corinthians 1:2; 13:11; Galatians 1:3; 5:22; 6:16 Peace is a
part of the gift of salvation.
Ephesians 2:14-17 We have peace with God and each other.
DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR PEACE
John 16:32 In Christ, we have peace; and in the world, tribulation.
Romans 8:5-8 Our focus must stay in the right place.
Philippians 4:4-9 Anxiety is a signal for you to act -- 1) you can try to control on your own causing great disturbance and agitation to yourself and others or 2) pray and ask God to deliver you.
Colossians 3:15 You choose to be peaceful. No one can take your peace; rather, you decide to surrender it.
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men.
Isaiah 55:6-13; 57:15-21 Repent from sin and regain peace.
THE AGE OF PEACE IS COMING
Isaiah 32:15-18; 52:1-15; 54:1-10
John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
