God is the author of relationships. They were His idea. He founded them.
Genesis 2:18
Yahweh said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Relationships were God’s idea, not man’s.
Genesis 2:18, 20 – No suitable helper was among the animals; God provided a companion.
Genesis 3: 6-12 Here is the first recorded difficulty in a relationship. Man’s first response after introducing sin was that the problem is with the other person.
Ecclesiastes 4:1-12 – Two are better than one.
How do you deal with a difficult relationship? Strive to be a peacemaker.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers.
Mark 9:50 – Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.
Romans 12:18 – Be at peace with all men.
Romans 14:19 – Pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 – Live in peace with one another.
Some Keys
• Don’t fellowship with unrighteousness. 2 Co 6:14
• Walk away from evil. Pr 4:14-15
• Pray. Mt 7:7; Ja 1:5
• Be direct; talk to the person directly. Don’t talk to everyone else about the person. Mt 18:15-16
• Do not offend – Pr 18:19; 15:1 (A gentle answer turns away wrath.)
• Do not judge – Mt 7:1-5
• Put away wrath, anger, slander, and abusive speech from your own mouth. Co 3:8; Ep 4:31
• Become a good listener. Ja 1:19
• Forgive. Eph 4:32
• Walk in a spirit of gentleness. Ga 6:1
2 Corinthians 13:11 – Be made complete, live in peace, the God of peace be with you all.
The primary Hebrew word in Old Testament translated peace is “shalom.” It’s more than simply a catch phrase in a greeting. “Shalom” means completeness, wholeness, welfare, safety, tranquility, health, prosperity, soundness, quiet, contentment, peace.
James 3:13-18
You can’t control others, but you can, in the spirit of meekness, not hold strife in your own heart. Also, you can be one who embodies the gospel of “shalom.” Be a peacemaker.
1|Tragedy Strikes
Ruth 1:1 The famine in the land left people with few options:
1. Find a way to get food from someone who has some
2. Move to a land that is not experiencing famine
3. Starve
Ruth 1:2-5 The widow’s options:
1. Go back to family
2. Remarry (these were arranged)
3. Depend on charity of others
4. Practice prostitution
5. Starve
Ruth 1:6-14 Naomi decides everyone should go with option 1.
Ruth 1:15-18 Ruth abandons her country, her gods, and her family.
Background on Moab
- Moab was the son of Lot and his firstborn daughter (Gen 19:29-33, 37)
- God commanded Israel not to harass or fight with Moab (Deut 2:9)
- (But) Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel before they came into the promised land (Num 22:1-6)
- Moabite women seduced Israelite men to worship Baal (Num 25:1-3, 9; 31:16)
- God commanded that no Moabite should enter His assembly (Deut 23:3-6)
- During time of judges, Eglon, king of Moab, conquered Israel (Judges 3:12-14)
2|Ruth Gleans
Ruth 2:1-12 Gleaning in the barley fields was an accepted norm for the poor.
- Deut 23:25; 24:19; Lev 19:9; Mat 12:12
Ruth 2:20 Boaz is a potential redeemer.
3|Ruth Proposes
Ruth 3:1-14 Levirate marriage
- Deut 25:5-10; Gen 38:6-10
- “Any childless widow had the right to expect her dead husband’s brother to marry her. If no brother existed, some more distant male relative was required to perform this duty. Whichever relative married the widow became her “go’el” (redeemer or protector). The first son born to the widow by the new marriage was counted as a child of the dead husband and inherited his property” (Great People of the Bible and How They Lived, p. 132)
4|Boaz Redeems
Ruth 4:1-17 Boaz does the right things, and Naomi and Ruth both benefit.
Although she has every reason not to, Ruth chooses Yahweh and His people. Even if it is a forbidden love, she wants the God of Naomi. Instead of spurning her, this great lover accepts Ruth and provides for her. She comes under the protection of His wings, and He takes care of the rest. Not only does He provide her with a husband and the means to thrive, but He grafts her into the ancestral tree that one day would sprout the branches of not only king David but even Jesus the Messiah! Ruth is no longer an unfortunate Moabitess widow, but a matriarch—the great grandmother of David—and the premier example of a heart who found the love of her life.
Ephesians 1:15-23 Prayer for a knowledge of God
Remember our Lord’s words about prayer recorded in Matthew 7 − ask, seek, and knock.
1:17 God of our Lord Jesus Christ 1:2 & 3
The word “revelation” can refer to the time Jesus returns – “the revelation” of Jesus Christ − and in 3:3 communication from God to man.
Him – Look at the nouns and pronouns: in the first 17 verses, 27 times.
18 – The prayer is for us to know HIS calling, HIS inheritance, and HIS power. Enlightenment comes from God to us via prayer.
1:4 According to 2Peter 2 and 3, there are three foundations of the world to consider: 1) Genesis 1:1 to the flood, 2) the flood until the end of this age when it will be destroyed by fire, and 3) the new heaven and earth when the Kingdom comes.
God called us to be holy and blameless before Him in love.
1:1 Saints (Greek hagios) -Webster’s definition – 1) one officially recognized especially through canonization as preeminent for holiness, (to declare [a deceased person] an officially recognized saint);
2) one of the spirits of the departed in heaven;
3) angel;
4) one of God’s chosen and usually Christian people.
“Saints” is the normal NT designation for Christians. Hagios most often is translated holy (161) and saints (61 times). Because of the evil connotation of the word “saint” today, perhaps “holy ones” would be better.
Ephesians 1:1, 15, 18; 2:19; 3:8, 18; 4:12; 5:3; and 6:18 When we accept Christ as Lord, we are made holy; henceforth, we strive to progress or mature in holiness; and in the end, we will be completely holy as He is.
Our call is a call to holiness (1Peter 1:13-16). Holiness has three stages.
1:18 His inheritance - We get Him, and He gets us − the holy ones.
Ephesians 1:7-9 – 3:11 God’s purpose of the ages has always been the same −
I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
1:10-14 The Kingdom to come is when God’s inheritance will be fully realized.
19 – The surpassing greatness of His power is explained in the verses following.
Judges 6:1-7:22 Gideon
6:1 They did evil in the sight of Yahweh
6:5 and 6 Midianites brought them low and devastated the land.
6:7 Sons of Israel called out to Yahweh.
6:13 Gideon speaks his mind to God and his doubts.
6:16 God assured him He would go with him.
God gave him a sign with the fleece, reduced the number who would go with him, and let him hear the enemy.
7:19-22 God with Gideon and 300 men who were committed and not afraid brought victory against a huge army.
Psalm 16:1-5 “The LORD is the portion of my inheritance….”
16:8 David set the LORD before him. This took a decision.
16:9-11 His heart could be glad and rejoice. His focus was on his hope with God.
Daniel 6:1-25 Daniel was faithful to God and trusted in Him.
Making a commitment requires a decision and confidence in that to which you are committed.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to God.
Proverbs 16:3
Romans 4:20 and 21 Know what God has promised.
2 Timothy 3:12 We will have difficulties, but so did Gideon, Daniel, Moses, David, etc.
2 Timothy 1:12 “…I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” Look to the hope.
Psalms 16:11 - Yahweh’s original design for humanity was an eternal, intimate relationship with Him; so, when we fellowship with Him, life works.
Genesis 17:7 and 8 The great covenant promise: “I will be your God”
Lev. 26:12 - I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.
Jeremiah 7:23; 11:4 - Yahweh’s great dream
Ezekiel 36:28; Revelation 21:5-7 In the end, the dream will be reality.
Genesis 3:8 - Adam and Eve hide themselves from the presence of the LORD God.
Genesis 4:16 - Cain went out from the presence of the LORD.
Exodus 33: 12-18 - Moses wanted the presence of God.
Psalm 16:11 - David’s passion for Yahweh, well-documented in his writing, stands as a lighthouse for those who want a similar relationship with their God.
Psalm 51:11 “Cast me not away from thy presence;”
Ps 119:16 I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.
Ps 119:24 Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors.
Ps 119:35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.
Ps 119:47 I shall delight in Your commandments, which I love.
Ps 119:70 Their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in Your law.
Ps 119:77 …for Your law is my delight.
Ps 119:174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.
Psalm 101:6; 147:10-12 - David found great delight in Yahweh and more importantly desired to delight Yahweh. It is a two way street.
Pro 11:20 - The blameless in their walk are His delight.
Pro 12:22 - Those who deal faithfully are His delight.
Proverbs 15:8 - The prayer of the upright is His delight.
Jeremiah 9:24 – “For I delight in these things," declares the LORD.
1Corinthians 4:1-6 To be in God’s presence has to do with your thinking. What do you think about? Most minds are filled with self and not God.
2 Corinthians 2.12-13 Paul’s concern over the Corinthians dominated his thinking while he was away from them (see 2 Corinthians 7.5-10).
2 Corinthians 2.14-16
Christ leads in triumphal procession, spreading the fragrance of his knowledge everywhere. This is not something we conjure up, but what (super)naturally happens when we follow Christ. This aroma polarizes people into two groups: those who enjoy it and those who despise it.
Ephesians 5.1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”John 3.16-21
Like the fragrance of Christ, our testimony is like a light that divides people into two groups: those who find themselves drawn to the light and those whom the light repels.
It is so critical to understand that people are going to respond to you differently. Some will show interest in your “abnormal” behavior and testimony whereas others will label and mistreat you. If you allow people’s responses to determine who you are, you will always be a slave. Of course you should care how people respond, but you cannot let it control you.1 Corinthians 1.18 “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”2 Corinthians 2.14-17 God’s message is free and we should freely give it to anyone interested.
“Paul offers the gospel freely from a sincere heart. He must act in such a way because he believes that God watches. All that he does, he does in the presence of God and in Christ. Therefore he must act in a Christlike manner. What Paul suggests here…[is] that God, not the Corinthians, is the real judge of his case, of the authenticity of his ministry, and thus that he is laying his case before God. He is speaking ‘in Christ before God.’” (Ben Witherington III, Conflict & Community in Corinth, p. 374.)
Philippians 1:9-11 A great prayer on love to focus on this New Year
9 - The only right way to love and certainly “to abound still more and more in love” is to gain God’s knowledge and discernment. God is love, so gaining insight about Him as communicated in the Bible is imperative. His actions and words as recorded in the whole Bible, not just the New Testament, reveal the magnitude of love.
Discernment - The quality of being able to grasp and comprehend the best thing to do or say for another person requires spiritual insight.
James 1:3 - God promises to give wisdom to those who ask.
Ephesians 1:15-17 Knowledge and discernment are available to them who ask, seek, and knock.
Colossians 1:9 – Asking for knowledge and wisdom are common in prayer (Psalm 119:33-40).
10– The prayer has two aims: 1) approve things that are excellent, and 2) to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ. The God-given ability to discern the best among the good, which is far harder than detecting good from evil, is necessary for godly love.
The word “sincere” has an interesting Greek background − strictly tested by sunlight so that you can see right through and thereby determine if it is pure, genuine, real. All Christians are tempted with insincerity, hypocrisy, or falseness.
Hypocrites are not blameless, and we want to be blameless until Christ returns.
Psalm 101:5-7 The blameless minister to God.
Psalm 37:18 The inheritance of the blameless will be forever.
Proverbs 11:5 and 20 The blameless are God’s delight.
Proverbs 28:10 The blameless inherit good.
Philippians 2:12-16; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:21-23; 2Peter 3:14; and Jude 1:24 and 25
11 – The fruit of righteousness is a complete new life (Ephesians 4:22-24).
1Thessalonians 3:11-13; 4:9 and 10
2Thessalonians 1:1-5
1Peter 1:22; 4:8
1Timothy 1:5
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
God means what He says and says what He means. He has a purpose for everything He says when He says it, to whom He says it, and how He says it.
The Word of God is the will of God
1Peter 1:24 and 25
Hebrews 6:13-20 It is impossible for God to lie because He has integrity. He means what He says and says what He means.
Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Exodus 6:1-9 I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you for my people. I will be your God. I will bring you to the land, which I swore to give to Abraham…. I will give it to you for a possession.
6:7 - You shall know that I am Yahweh.
7:4 and 5 – The Egyptians shall know I am Yahweh by His power and His faithful word.
7:17; 8:10, 22, 10:1, and 2 – By His works and words, they would know that Yahweh is God.
Deuteronomy 4:31-40 All that happened to Israel was so they would know Yahweh is God.
Ezekiel 6:10 Then, after He does what He said He would do, they will know who He is.
We can have absolute trust and faith in Yahweh because He has integrity.
Matthew 5:33-37 Do what you say you are going to do.
Ephesians 4:25 Do not lie.
John 8:44 and 55
Ezekiel 8:1-18 Yahweh’s long suffering for His people finally ran out, and the time for judgment was at hand.
5 – Idol of jealousy – This idol provoked Yahweh to jealousy, for He had declared in the Mosaic covenant that He alone is God (Ex0dus 20:13) and that all idolatry is forbidden (Deut. 4:16; 32:16, 21; 1Kings14:22; Psalm 78:58).
6 – The basic most fundamental element required is fidelity.
14 – Tammuz was a god of fertility and rain similar to Hadad and Baal.
16 – The Muslins in U.S. pray this way today.
17 – “Twig to their nose” was a ritual practice of sun worship.
Ezekiel 11:19-20 The gifts that Yahweh gave and promises to give in the future are motivated from within His pure heart of holiness and love.
Ezekiel 20:44 – He will deal with them according to His name.
Ezekiel 47:8 - The Arabah [desolate and dry area] of the Jordan Rift Valley runs in a north-south orientation between the southern end of the Sea of Galilee (as the Jordan River Valley) down to the Dead Sea and continues further south where it ends at the Gulf of Aqaba.
The sea is called the Dead Sea, Sea of Arabah, Sea of Death, and Salt Sea. Its surface and shores are 1,401 ft below sea level, Earth's lowest elevation on land, the deepest hyper-saline lake in the world. It is 9.6 times as salty as the ocean. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, hence its name. The Dead Sea is 31 miles long and 9 miles wide at its widest point.
Revelation 22:1-3 The earth was cursed after the fall of man (Romans 8:18-22).
John 3:15 and 16 Another example of God’s giving
2Corinthians 8:1-15 The example of the Macedonians and Jesus are striking.
9:7-15 Give with the same attitude of God and Jesus
Exodus 40:1-38 – The glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle signifying Yahweh’s approval and presence.
Leviticus 8:1-9:24 Moses did just as Yahweh commanded – 4, 9, 13, 17, 21, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, and 36.
9:23 and 24 - Fire came out from before Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering. Yahweh was into it!
2 Chronicles 5:11-14; (1Kings 8:6-11); 2Chronicles 6:1-7:7 In the Temple, the glory of Yahweh appears.
Ezekiel 1:22-28 - Yahweh’s throne is seen here as portable, moving.
10:1-19 - Vision of God’s glory departing from the Temple
11:14-23 - Promise of the future when the glory of Yahweh would return to Jerusalem and the Temple
43:1-10 - The glory of Yahweh returns with the millennial age and the new Temple.
Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1: 11 and 12 He will return to the Mount of Olives.
Isaiah 35:1-10; 40:1-8; 60-62
JESUS AND THE GLORY OF YAHWEH
Hebrew 9:4 and 5 - …the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail
The Ark of the Covenant in the tabernacle and the Temple was a type for Jesus. The millennium age Temple will not have the ark because Jesus will be there.
• Manna Exodus 16:4-21 - Jesus the bread of life (John 6)
• Tables of the covenant (Exodus 24:9-18) - the Word of God (John1) and the new covenant
• Aaron, the high priest (Numbers 14:1-10; 16:1-17-ff) – Jesus, the last high priest (Hebrews 7 and 8)
• The mercy seat (Exodus 16:2; 25:22) – Jesus our propitiation [mercy seat] (Romans 3:25)
Luke 2:1-20 The shepherds saw the glory of Yahweh.
Deuteronomy 6.1-4 Yahweh wants us to know that He alone is our God and that He is one.
Yahweh uses His name over 6,000 times in the Bible. He is the main theme. The Bible is about Yahweh.
Approximately 281 years after the death of Jesus the Christ the council at Nicea “determines” that Jesus is of the same essence of substance as God. And that anyone who believes otherwise is a heretic.
In 381 the council at Constantinople “determines” that the spirit is also of the same essence and substance as God and Jesus. And that all three should be worshipped and glorified.
George Washington is born and 281 years later we have the iPhone 5S.
In 2010 it is estimated that there are over 2.2 billion Christians in a world of approximately 7.2 billion.
Revelation 22.18-19 Jesus tells John via an angel that no one is to add or take away from the bible. God will remove your name from the book of life if you do so.
The Bible is a complete work. We don’t need councils to “determine” and add to it. Yahweh is the custodian of His work and teaches us by His spirit.
Genesis 1.27 – ff Yahweh began humankind with a simple purpose. To have a family that He can take care of and be loved by.
Revelation 21.1-9, 22.18, I Corinthians 15.20-26, Mark 16.19, Luke 22.69, Acts 2.33, 5.31, and 7.55 – Clearly Yahweh and Jesus are separate. Jesus is subordinate to Yahweh. Jesus is an agent for Yahweh just like Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, John, and Paul.
Romans 10.9-17 It’s important to have your God right.
Psalm 23:1 – David, the writer of the psalm, grew up a shepherd. The comparison helps us understand God’s loving care.
The wants even more than the needs motivate us to do what we do.
James 4:1-3 When Yahweh is your Shepherd, you can be free from the wants and
thereby enjoy peace and contentment.
2 – Yahweh provides the essentials of life for His sheep [those who allow Him].
Matthew 6:33 – Seek first His kingdom…all these things will be added to you.
Philippians 4:19 – My God will supply all your needs according to His riches….
3 – He restores my soul – Psalms 119:25, 37, 40, 50, 88, 93, 107, 149, 154, 156, and 159
He guides me in the path of righteousness. The shepherd, not the sheep, knows
the right way to go. Proverbs 2:1-15
4 – “The valley of the shadow of death” can be translated “valley of deep darkness.” Yahweh is always with you. Psalm 139:1-12
The rod and staff guide and provide for the sheep and keep treacherous animals away. 1Samuel 17:34-37
5 – While your enemies try to disgrace you, Yahweh will exalt you.
The oil protects and heals.
My cup overflows – I have all that I need and more. Because Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want.
6 – Yahweh’s sheep have goodness and mercy or lovingkindness with them all the days of their life, and they will be with Him forever.
God loves you. Be ye thankful.
Acts 17.11
- Bereans are not only noble-minded but courageous as well. They did not immediately accept Paul’s message about Jesus nor did they reject it out of hand. They listened, then they checked it against the Scriptures to see if it was valid.
- if you believe loved ones are in heaven and are not only aware of what you are doing but can help you, then you may pray to them and ask for help as well as credit them when good events happen
- if you believe loved ones are in purgatory you may make special offerings to the church on their behalf to shorten the time they need to suffer
- if you believe the dead are ghosts walking among us you may pay a medium to contact your dead loved one once a year on their birthday or deathday (night mares, horror movies)
if you whack your foundational belief with the hammer of scrutiny at full force two positive outcomes are possible
1. you’ll break your belief: though this can be rather alarming, it is the first step towards finding something better to base your life on
2. you’ll gain confidence in your belief: having tested it and seen it stand up to rigorous scrutiny, you now have more confidence in your belief than before and you’ll also have less fear of talking about your belief with others whom you know disagree with it
our approach to figuring out which of these 7 possibilities is correct: the Bible is our standard for testing ideas
I’m going to give you some verses that those who hold these beliefs point to for support
Now I realize this may be a very sensitive subject for you. If you have lost loved ones and believe that they have communicated with you, what I’m saying could easily shake you up. But I encourage you to be the Berean. Don’t accept what I say; don’t reject what I say; listen to it; compare it to the Scriptures; find out what is right.
Besides whatever you and I decide on this issue is not going to change the facts of the matter. If dead people are in heaven right now, then that will still be the case whether we believe it or not. If they are asleep then praying to them all day will not make a lick of difference.
What Happens at Death?
1. Heaven (staring at God, become a star, become an angel, watch over relatives): Luke 16.19-31; 23.43; John 14.1-3; Philippians 1.23; 2 Corinthians 5.8; Revelation 6.9-11
2. Hell (torture in fire forever): Luke 16.19-31; Matthew 25.46; Revelation 14.11; 20.10
3. Purgatory (tortured in fire until sins are purged): Luke 16.19-31; 1 Corinthians 15.29 ; 1 Peter 3.19; 4.6; 2 Maccabees 12.43-45
4. Ghosts (live on earth among us without a body, possibly able to interact or possess): Matthew 14.29; Luke 24.37; 1 Samuel 28.3-25; Acts 12.15
5. Reincarnation (at death one’s memory is wiped and they are reborn into another organism): Job 1.20-21; Ecclesiastes 1.9; Jeremiah 1.4-5; Malachi 4.5; Matthew 11.13-14; John 9.1-3; Romans 9.11-13
6. Gone (their thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. are gone forever): Ecclesiastes 9.5; 9.10; Psalm 146.4
7. Sleep (unconscious but able to be resurrected): Deuteronomy 31.16; 2 Samuel 7.12; 1 Kings 1.21; 2.10; 11.21; 11.43; 14.20; 14.31; 15.8; 15.24; 16.6; 16.28; 22.40; 22.50; 2 Kings 8.24; 10.35; 13.9; 13.13; 14.16; 14.22; 14.29; 15.7; 15.22; 15.38; 16.20 ; 20.21; 21.18; 22.20; 24.6; 2 Chronicles 9.31; 12.16; 14.1; 16.13; 21.1; 26.2; 26.23; 27.9; 28.27; 32.33; 33.20; Job 3.11-13; 7.21; 14.12-15; Ecclesiastes 3.19-20; 9.5-6; 9.10; Psalm 6.4-5; 13.3; 30.9; 31.17; 49.12; 88.10-13; 115.17; 146.4; Isaiah 26.19; 38.17-19; Daniel 12.2; Matthew 27.52; John 5.28-29; John 6.39-54; John 11.11-14; Acts 2.34; 7.60; 13.36; 1 Corinthians 11.29-30; 15.6; 15.17-23; 15.51-55; Ephesians 5.14; 1 Thessalonians 4.13-17; 5.9-10; 2 Peter 3.3-4; Revelation 20.4-6
John 5.26-29
26 "For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;
27 and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
28 "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,
29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
The dead are in their tombs asleep. However, when they hear his voice, they will awaken. This is resurrection.
John 6.38-44, 54
38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
39 "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.
40 "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."
41 Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, "I am the bread that came down out of heaven."
42 They were saying, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, 'I have come down out of heaven '?"
43 Jesus answered and said to them, "Do not grumble among yourselves.
44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
...54 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
Four times over Jesus clearly teaches that he will raise the dead on the last day not the day of their death.
time line: need to think temporally rather than spatially (triple-decker heaven, earth, hell is wrong)
John 11.11-27, 43-44
11 This He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep."
12 The disciples then said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover."
13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep.
14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead,
15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him."
16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him."
17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.
18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off;
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.
20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house.
21 Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."
23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world."
… 43 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth."
44 The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
When Jesus spoke of Lazarus’ death, he said he was asleep and that he was going to awaken him, and yet he was really talking about death and resurrection. Did Jesus tear Lazarus away from bliss in heaven to return to this old earth? No, he brought him back to life—woke him up!
Bodies, why is it that people always talk of the dead as bodies rather than people? On the news they don’t say, “A fifty year old man was found dead yesterday” rather they say “the body of a fifty year old man was found yesterday.” Or at a funeral they say, “where do you want to bury the body?” This is not how they talk in the Bible.
John 20.11-18
11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;
12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.
13 And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."
14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher).
17 Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'"
18 Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and that He had said these things to her.
Mary looked for Jesus, not merely his body. Jesus clearly says he had not gone to the Father in death. If Jesus did not go to heaven at death, then why should we think we will?
“No one has ascended into heaven” –Jesus (John 3.13)
Why should there be a resurrection of the dead if no one is really dead?
Matthew 1:2, 16, 20 Jesus’ first life began when he was born of Mary and ended on the cross. His second life began when he was raised from the dead and will never end.
Colossians 1:15, 18 “Born” means to be brought into life. “Firstborn” implies two things: 1) no one was born from the dead before him (others were raised from the dead, but they died again; Jesus was given a new life which will continue throughout eternity); 2) others will follow him with this new life.
Revelation 1:5 The cross left no doubt Jesus was completely dead, but then he was born again with a new eternal life, and others will follow.
Acts 13:32-38 After His beloved Son was resurrected from the dead, God declared, “I have begotten thee.”
1Corinthians 15:20-23 “First fruits” is similar to “firstborn” and implies the same two things: 1) no one was before him; 2) others will follow him with this new life.
Philippians 3:20 and 21 We are promised a new eternal life when Jesus returns, then we will be born again like him. Eternal life does not begin until then. Now, we have the promise of eternal life.
1Peter 1:13-2:3 When we accept the lordship of Christ, we are given a new life; we are born again by the word of God. A supernatural change takes place in us.
1John 2:28 and 29 Everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
3:1-7 A horrible deception permeates the church − that once you accept Christ as Lord, you immediately and forevermore have eternal life.
9 - Those who practice righteousness are born of God. Those who practice sin are born of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin.
1John 1:5-10 Everyone sins, even those born of God. However, those born of God no longer have a lifestyle of sin; rather, they have episodes of sin.
1John 3:9 and 10 We determine by the way we live whether we are children of God or children of the devil.
John 3:1-21 Are you a born-again Christian? Yes and no.
The physical life of our first birth will come to an end when we die or when Jesus returns.
The new birth with its new life we enjoy now, but it to can come to an end depending on how we live.
The new birth that comes when Jesus returns is eternal.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Luke 8:11-15 – According to our Lord, it is possible for one to believe only temporarily. Those who bring forth fruit with patience or endurance are those who having heard the Word keep it (in contrast to those who believe only for a while).
John 8:51 Keeping the Word is necessary to receive the gift by grace of eternal life.
1Timothy 4:1, 16 Take heed to the doctrine to save yourself and those who hear you.
Romans 11:22 If you continue … otherwise you will be cut off
1Corinthians 15:1 and 2, 58 If we hold fast the Word, we will be saved.
Colossians 1:21-23 If you continue
Hebrews 3:6-4:2; 10:26, 27, 38, and 39 How can we ignore these clear verses?
Ephesians 5:3-6 I once was deceived regarding this subject because I was taught this verse and other similar are not talking about eternal life, rather eternal rewards such as crowns.
1John 2:24 and 25 If we continue, we have eternal life.
Luke 12:42-46 Two stewards − one who is faithful and one who is not
1Corinthians 9:25- 27 The immediate context establishes the fact that Paul’s fear was the possibility of losing salvation, not rewards.
Matthew 24:32-25:46 Some believe the words of Jesus apply to those in a different administration.
John 15:1-6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch.
YOUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL (1Peter 5:8)
Matthew13:19 - the wicked one
Mark 4:15 - Satan
Luke 8:12 – the devil
God wants everyone to live godly today and enter into His kingdom when Jesus returns. The devil wants everyone to live ungodly and enter eternal damnation.
Ephesians 6:10-12 - The devil has many schemes he uses, and God wants us to be well-informed because ignorance does not exempt us from his attacks; rather, it dooms us to defeat.
Ephesians 1:20-23 Jesus is far above the devil, and with his help, we can be victorious.
Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Genesis 3 The first act of the devil was to deceive Adam and Eve into thinking the fruit of the tree would be good for them, and it really was very, very bad for them.
1Samuel 28:1-19 The devil makes the dark powers look attractive.
Leviticus 19:31 - Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 20:6- 8 and 27 - Do we want to be cut off?
Isaiah 8:19 - And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
1Chronicles 10:13 - Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 These things are detestable, despicable, repugnant, vile revolting, abominable, abhorrent, disgusting.
Acts 8:22 and 23 - Repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.
Revelation 22:14 and 15 - Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.
John 14:12 – The works that I do, he will do also…
14:26 He [the spirit] will teach you all things and bring things to your remembrance
16:13 The spirit of will guide you into all the truth
Mark 16:17 & 18 - These signs will accompany those who have believed; in my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Luke 12:49 – You are clothed with power from on high
Acts 1:8 – You will receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you.
Luke 16:2-14 - Parables have one major point, so getting lost in the details may cause problems in understanding. Context is also very important for interpretation.
10-13 Be wise like the unrighteous steward but not in ungodly ways. If you want to walk in the realm of the supernatural, walk rightly in the natural realm.
• Properly steward your employers things.
• Be honest with you time – do not come in late, leave early, waste time.
• Be honest, do not steal, lie, or cheat. If you contract to work 40 hours a week, then give him 40 hours.
• Be diligent, faithful, and loyal. Ephesians 6:5-9
Luke 16:11 & 12 You are who you are until you deliberately decide to change.
16:18 Want to walk in the spiritual? Take care of spouse and family. 1Timothy 3
Luke 16:19-31 – Do not look for signs; rather, believe what is written.
Luke 17:1-6 Obey and forgive; do not allow relationships to distract you. Just obey.
Matthew 5:38-41 Do not get drawn into worldly concerns.
Luke 17:7-10; Mathew 20:1-16 Something for nothing is never true.
• Be wise like the unrighteous steward but not in ungodly ways.
• Be faithful in the least, then God will give you much
• Want to walk in the spiritual? Take care of spouse and family.
• Do not look for signs; rather, believe what is written.
• Obey and forgive; do not allow relationships to distract you. Just obey.
• Do not get drawn into worldly concerns.
• Pay for what you get; something for nothing is a lie with major cost.
Joshua 1:7-8 – Do according to all the law, all that is written, and then you will have success.
Psalm 1:1-3 – Prosper like a tree planted by the streams of water.
Proverbs 13:13 (The Living Bible)
“Despise God’s Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed.”
Some Keys for Success from the book of Proverbs
Obtain knowledge
Proverbs 2:1-5 – Seek as hidden treasure; Proverbs 4:4-9
Long life and peace
Proverbs 3:1-2 – Do not forget teaching; let your heart keep the commandments.
Healing to your body
Proverbs 3:5-8 – Trust in Yahweh; do not lean on your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him. (Psalm 37:3-6; Proverbs 4:20-22)
Prosperity
Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor Yahweh with the first of your produce. (Deuteronomy 26:1ff; Gen 14:20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:10-12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Practical keys to dealing with others
Proverbs 3:27-28 – Do not withhold good; Proverbs 3:29 – Do not devise evil; Proverbs 3:30 – Do not contend with a man without cause; Proverbs 3:31 – Do not envy.
Watch over your heart with all diligence.
Proverbs 4:23-27 – Watch the path of your feet. Turn your feet from evil. (Proverbs 4:14-15)
Work; don’t be a sluggard.
Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:26; 13:4; 15:19; 19:15; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30-34; Ephesians 4:28; 1Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Don’t look for a quick way to riches. Pursue wisdom and righteousness, the wealth that God provides. Proverbs 8:10-21; 10:22; 11:4-5, 28; 15:6, 16; 16:16; 20:21; 21:5; 22:1; 23:4-5; 28:19-20, 22; 30:8-9 –
1 Timothy 6:6-10 Be content with God’s provision.
Do not pursue unethical gain.
Proverbs 11:1; 13:11; 15:27; 16:8; 20:17, 23; 21:6
Speak good words; take care as to what you say; speak truth.
Proverbs 10:18-20, 31-32; 11:9-13; 12:6, 14, 17-19, 25; 13:2-3; 15:1-4; 16:21-24, 27-28; 17:9, 27-28; 18:4-7; Listen – 18:13; 18:20-21; 20:19; 27:2
Don’t be angry and gender strife.
Proverbs 16:32; 17:1, 13-14; 18:19; 20:3; 22:24-25; 26:21
What is the meaning of life?
What is the reason to live?
Why are you here?
What are you living for?
In what ways does your life make a difference?
How do you lead a meaningful life?
Rick Warren’s Three Levels of Living
1. Survival
2. Success
3. Significance
Martin Seligman’s Three Levels of Happiness
1. Pleasant life
2. Good life
3. Meaningful life
Both put purpose at the pinnacle of human experience.
Jesus’ Purpose Statements
- To preach the Kingdom of God everywhere (Luke 4:43; Mark 1:38)
- To seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; also Luke 4 in Nazareth)
- To call sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17; Acts 3:26)
- To give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; 1 John 4:10)
- To provide others with an abundant life (John 10:10)
As he was sent, so he sends us. (John 20:21)
We are his witnesses. (Luke 24:46-48)
Our great commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
1Kings 17:1 and 2 – The Word of the Lord is true.
8 – Circumstances changed, so additional instruction was provided.
13 - Sometimes we are tempted to have fear rather than faith.
14 – The Lord God of Israel speaks truth.
16 – The Word of the Lord happened because it is true.
Psalm 1:1-6 Delight in God’s Word, and you will be like a tree planted by the waters.
2Kings 4:1-7 - She obeyed the Word of the Lord and was blessed.
The Word of the Lord is Truth.
2Kings 5:1-10 – God told Elisha what needed to be done, and he told Naaman who did not like what God wanted him to do.
11-13 - The instruction of the Lord is always simple and easy to understand.
14 - When he did exactly what God told him to do, he was healed because the Word of the Lord is true.
2Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture comes from God and is true.
Some will say that the Bible is not true for which the Bible tells us in Psalm 116:11 - All men are liars. At times, teachers and others in authority will say things contrary to the Scriptures, and most times, they do so because they do not know better and not because they are trying to trick you.
Psalm 138:2 He magnified His Word above His name or according to His name.
John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
1Kings 17:1 and 2 – The Word of the Lord is true.
John 11:2 – Digression that adds information known at the time of writing rather than at the time of the event
14 He used sleep as a euphemism for death. A euphemism is a figure of speech that softens the subject.
18 – Bethany was about 1.7 miles from Jerusalem on the other side of the Mount of Olives.
45-53 – To the reader of the Gospel, the words of Caiaphas hold a greater significance than his intended meaning.
Luke 22:39-46; Matthew 26:36-44; and Mark 14:32-42
Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Again we ask why did he weep?
1Peter 3:18-25 He is our great example, but we are to understand and copy his heart and not necessarily his actions. If we copy his actions without his heart, we will be hypocrites and not disciples.
Matthew 7:21-23 Kingdom entrance is dependent on knowing and doing the will of the Father as he did.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Prayer is an integral part of evangelism. It is fundamental. Jesus prayed often. The church in the first century was devoted to prayer, and we are admonished to pray.
Acts 2:42; 4:23-41; 6:4-6; 9:8-11; 10:1-4, 9; 11:3-5; 13:1-3 – Prayer was vital in the early church.
Romans 12:12 – Be devoted to prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 – Pray for the spread of the gospel message.
1 Tim 2:1-4 – God’s desire is for all men to be saved. We are to pray for His will to be done (Mt 6:10).
3 Acts of Prayer
1. Act of faith
2. Act of humility
3. Spiritual act
Keys to Successful Prayer
Find a location – Matthew 6:5-6
Establish a time – Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12
Persevere; be faithful – Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8
Keep simple – Luke 16:10
Specifics of Evangelism Prayer
Watchfulness – 1 Peter 4:7; Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36
Open doors to preach – Colossians 4:2-4
Open mouth to speak – Ephesians 6:18-20
More laborers for the harvest – Luke 10:2
Does Amos 9.11-15 seem strange to you?
Two Major Problems
1. most of us do not speak the gospel
2. those who do speak it know a partial gospel
Importance of Getting the Gospel Right
- Is the gospel like a paint color or a medical diagnosis?
- It is a matter of life and death (Galatians 1.6-9; 2 Timothy 1.7-10)
- the gospel is the pill of immortality, washed down with faith
Three Elements
1. kingdom (Matthew 4.23; 5.5; 6.9-10)
2. cross (1 Corinthians 15.3; Romans 5.8)
3. resurrection (1 Corinthians 15.4)
Four Reasons the Kingdom Matters
1. it is God's idea
2. it was Jesus' primary focus
3. it is gospel
4. promotes stewardship
Satan attacks the believing of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4.3-4; Matthew 13.19; Luke 8.12)
But just knowing isn't enough!
1. believe
2. repent
3. persevere
Acts 19:10, 20, 26, and 27 The gospel changed the 12 men, spread throughout all Asia Minor, and broke the back of the Artemis’ worship.
Romans 1:16 The powerful gospel believed has eternal ramifications. The words of Martin Luther King Jr. influenced the culture of our country for two generations. The words of God hold eternal results.
Hebrews 4:12 The Word of God discerns the seemingly indiscernible and divides the seemingly undividable – soul and spirit, joints and marrow, thoughts and intentions [purposes].
2Corinthians 10:3-5 We take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ by thinking the Word and not destructive thoughts.The word of God is perfect. It converts the soul.
The word of God is sure. It makes the simple wise.
The word of God is right. It causes the heart to rejoice.
The word of God is pure. It enlightens our eyes.
The word of God is true and righteous altogether. Acts 17:1-5 The gospel powerfully effects people, the meek in a favorable way and the prideful in a hostile way
6 – They turned the world upside down.
11 The Bereans proved the Word for themselves by studying the Scriptures.
15 – Paul moved on and continues to speak the gospel.
Mark 4:13-25 - The gospel always has some response.
The Great Awakening of the 18th century swept across England, Germany, and the American colonies and roused a spiritual revival that changed the course of history. One of the three men most responsible was George Whitefield.One man awake awakens another,
The second man wakens his next door neighbor,
And three awake can rouse the town,
and turn the whole place upside down.
And many awake can raise such a fuss,
That it finally awakens the rest of us.
One man up with dawn in his eyes - multiplies.
Ephesus, the capital city of Asia, held the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia.” The open-air theater, the largest in the world, was capable of containing 50,000 spectators who often entertained themselves with the fights of wild beasts and of men with beasts. The city prided itself on its designation “Temple Warden” of Artemis and on the fact that the cult of the great goddess had spread out into the world.
The temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was the main attraction to tourists from around the world. The structure of 425 feet in length, 225 in width was all marble with 127 marble columns 60 feet high.
Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
Acts 9 – Appointed the head of the precaution against the Way followers, he embraced his job with the enthusiasm, self-assurance, and fortitude of an accomplished, self-made man in his early thirties. In a moment, everything changed.
Acts 13 – Cyprus – He witnessed to Sergius Paulus but was withstood by Elymas.
Pisidian Antioch – Acts 13:50 and 51 What kind of man is so stout and durable?
Acts 14 – Iconium – Gentiles and the Jews wanted to stone them.
Acts 14:21 – Lystra – He was worshipped as a god, and then they stoned him.
15 – Jerusalem – he was proving to them the legitimacy of his ministry. Barnabas and Paul split.
16:24 – They beat him and threw him into prison.
2Corinthians 11:23-29 From where did his resilience, toughness, and courage come?
The man who entered into Ephesus possibly at 55 or 57 was a horrid sight if disrobed, weary from life’s journey, travel-fatigued from the current itinerary. Possibly, his stride was slower, more deliberate. This seasoned warrior with many battle scars entered this pagan metropolis without knowing or fearing what was before him. He was by no means disheartened or daunted but rather robust, energetic, optimistic, and filled with faith and hope. He commenced a new adventure that in less than 2 1/2 years would break the stronghold of Artemis’ worship and spread the gospel of the Kingdom throughout all Asia-Minor.
Acts 19:1-20 – One man’s persistence caused the change of a community.
Ehesians6:18-20 He did one day at a time with the help of God.
2Timothy 1:15 - This thou know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
In 90 AD, John wrote the churches in Asia including Ephesus.
One man awake awakens another,
The second man wakens his next door neighbor,
And three awake can rouse the town,
and turn the whole place upside down.
And many awake can raise such a fuss,
That it finally awakens the rest of us.
One man up with dawn in his eyes - multiplies.
The Ten Commandments
You shall have no other gods before Me
You shall not make for yourself an idol
You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain
Observe the Sabbath day
Honor your father and mother
You shall not murder
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
You shall not bear false witness
You shall not covet
Paul never taught anyone to break the Ten Commandments. He shared about the new life we have in Christ and how through grace we can live by faith and be obedient.
Romans 2:5-24 (Hypocrisy – stealing, adultery, idolatry – blaspheming the Name).
Jesus taught the same about hypocrisy (Matthew, chapter 23).
Romans 6:1-2, 12, 17-23 We are not to live a life of sin, breaking the laws of God. Rather now, we can serve God in righteousness and obedience.
Romans 13:8-10 (Murder, adultery, stealing, covetousness) Love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 14:4-13 – As with Jesus, Paul never spoke disparagingly of the Sabbath day. Weekly assembly and reading of the law in the Synagogue became attached to Sabbath keeping (Acts 13:20-16, 27, 43-44; 15:21; 16:13; 17:1-2; 18:4). This continues in our day and time. Paul writes that we should not judge each other. Colossians 2:16
The heart of what was written in the law is still true: it is a sign that Yahweh has sanctified His people (Exodus 31:13).
Ephesians 6:1-3 – Paul continued to teach the fifth commandment as well.
Obedient, holy living according to the commandments of God is an integral part of the teachings of the Apostle Paul (Romans 1:29-32; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-11; 10:7-14; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-6; 2 Timothy 3:1-4). Colossians 3:5-6 – Greed, evil desire (aka – covetousness) amounts to idolatry.
Jesus did not teach much about idolatry because Israel was no longer tempted with polytheism. However, the Apostle Paul took the gospel message to the Gentile nations – a world filled with idolatry. He often spoke out against Idolatry and to turn “to God from idols to serve the living and true God [1Thess 1:9b].” Acts 14:6-19; 16:16-33; 19:23-28
Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 44:12-20; 40:21-23 Idolatry
Jesus did not speak much about idolatry because Israel (those whom he taught) no longer were tempted with polytheism. He never taught people to worship him or the holy spirit as Yahweh did.
Matthew 4:10; 22:37; Luke 4:8 Jesus kept and taught others to keep the first two commandments.
Exodus 3:13-15 - Third commandment - Revelation 4:8; Matthew 15:19 & 20
Exodus 20:8-11 Fourth commandment - “Sabbath” literally means “he rested.” “Holy” means sanctified or set apart. Exodus 16:22-26
The point of the Sabbath was to rest and trust that Yahweh would provide as He had done in the wilderness.
Exodus 31:13, 16 & 17; Deuteronomy 5:15
Matthew 12:11 and 12 It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
Matthew 24:20 – There would be no reason for this prayer if the Sabbath had ended.
Mark 2:27 - The changes Jesus made to the old covenant supersede it, but that which he did not change remains the same.
Exodus 20:12 Fifth commandment is the first with promise. Deuteronomy 5:16; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 21:18-21; 27:16; Proverbs 20:20; 30:17
Matthew 15:4 Jesus condemned the religious people for not honoring their parents. Matt 19:19; Mark 7:10; 10:19; Luke 18:20
Matthew 5:21 and 22; 15:19 and 20 - Jesus increased the sixth commandment.
Matthew 5:27 and 28 Jesus intensified the seventh - do not commit adultery.
Matthew 15:19 and 20, 19:18 Stealing and false witness are still sin.
Deuteronomy 19:16-19; Proverbs 6:16-19; 19:5 & 9 No false witness
Matthew 6:25; Mark 7:22 and 23 - Jesus brought us to a higher level of understanding regarding all of the commandments and certainly not a lesser one.
The Ten Commandments
You shall have no other gods before Me
You shall not make for yourself an idol
You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain
Observe the Sabbath day
Honor your father and mother
You shall not murder
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
You shall not bear false witness
You shall not covet
Matthew 22:36-40 - The two summarize the whole of the Law and the prophets, but they do not diminish the unchanging specifics written in them. Jesus spoke to those who knew the law and the prophets; therefore, the summary made sense. Many Christians today, due to ignorance of the Old Testament, do not understand much. The specific details of the two great commandments are significantly enhanced when we grasp understanding of the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 19:18-25 Yahweh helped Israel to gain the right state of mind (reverence, fear, humility, and meekness) to hear what He had to say.
Exodus 31:18, 32:15-18 – Yahweh deemed the commandments important.
Exodus 34:1-4 - God did it again.
Deuteronomy 10:1-5 The Ten Commandments of the tablets where placed into the ark where they remained. The ark size was limited. Exodus 25:10; Hebrews 9:4
Exodus 20:1-3 “I am Yahweh your God.” Deuteronomy 6:4
Exodus 20:4-6 – Second commandment - Psalms 115:4-8; Isaiah 44:12-20; 40:21-23
The consequences for idolatrous practice stated in Exodus are immense.
Exodus 20:7 – Third commandment - Exodus 3:13-15; Revelation 4:8
Exodus 20:8-11 Fourth commandment - “Sabbath” literally means “he rested.” “Holy” means sanctified or set apart. It is a time of rest for the purpose of rejuvenation for both man and beast. Exodus 16:22-26
Exodus 31:13 – “That you may know that I am Yahweh….”
Exodus 20:12 Fifth commandment - the first with promise Deuteronomy 5:16; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 21:18-21; 27:16; Proverbs 20:20; 30:17
Exodus 20:13 Sixth - do not murder
Exodus 20:14 Seventh - no adultery Le 20:10
Exodus 20:15 Eighth - do not steal
Exodus 20:16 Ninth - no false witness Deuteronomy 19:16-19; Proverbs 6:16-19; 19:5 and 9
Exodus 20:17 Shall not covet
Exodus 20:18-26 Each commandment is important, with special emphasis placed on faithful loyalty to Yahweh.
Ephesians 4:1-6 Christianity is not just a weekly meeting but a lifestyle based upon virtues that are much different than is common to most people.
Ephesians 4:15 & 16 We each are to contribute to one another.
Ephesians 5:21 - Christian or biblical subjection is our normal way of life to the government, church leadership, parents, elders, or husband.
Galatians 5:13 & 14; Philippians 2:3-5 - A person at peace within himself due to his relationship with God is one who can willingly submit to others. Since he is at peace within himself, he is not threatened by authority of others.
Ephesians 5:22-31 The marriage is a practical example of how our family is to function with each person committed to loving and serving the others.
24 - She is provided a clear standard to determine her responsibility as a wife.
25 - The husband is given an extraordinary standard to emulate.
26 – As Christ sanctified the church, so the husband selects and sets apart this wife as his own to love, cherish, protect, honor, help, provide for, and commit to for life.
“By the washing of water with the word” - Christ lived the Word, taught the Word, and brought the Word into the relationship; likewise, husbands are to do with their wives.
27 – “Might present to himself” He worked with the church helping us become what he wanted us to be.
“Having no stop or wrinkle” is figurative language − the opposite of holy and blameless. 1Peter 2:13; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22
29 –“Nourish” means to promote the growth, to furnish or sustain with nutriment.
Cherish – to hold dear, feel or show affection, to keep or cultivate with care
30 - Christ nourishes and cherishes the church as being of one flesh with him. The concept leads us to the next verse which speaks of the husband and wife being one flesh.
6:1-3 - The first occurrence is in Luke 2:51 when Jesus went with Joseph and Mary to Nazareth and he continued to be in subjection to them.
Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 - That your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
Exodus 21:17; Le 20:6-9; 2Kings 2:21-ff
Ephesians 5: 14 - Sleeping and death both have a suspension of consciousness − the one temporary and the other absolute.
WAKE UP! ARISE! Each Christian has the privilege, power, and responsibility of personal initiative and decision. Grace affords our life with Christ; nonetheless, we are never independent of personal responsibility and free will.
15 - “Circumspectly” – careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences; prudent – shrewd in the management of practical affairs
16 - Romans 13:11-14; 1Thessalonians 5:4-11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; 11:6
The greatest tragedy of all is a wasted life. Ephesians 4:17-19
18 - Dissipation – causing to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish; spending or using up wastefully or foolishly; the pursuit of pleasure. Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35
19 - The Psalms of David were sung by the Jews at the temple and by the early Christians. They speak the language of devotion at all times.
A hymn is properly a song or an ode in honor of God.
Spiritual songs relate to spiritual things and are in contradistinction from those which were sung in the world. Colossians 3:16; Psalms 95:2; 105:2
20 - Ephesians 5:4; Php 4:6; Colossians 1:11 & 12; 3:17; 1Th 5:18
Eph 5:22-24 Wives to their husbands (Col. 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1Peter 3:1-5)
Eph 6:1-3 Children to their parents in the Lord
Eph 6:5-8 Servants to masters (employees to employers)
Ro 13:1-5 Every person to the governing authorities in the country and church
1Pe 2:13 To every human institution, whether to a king or governors
1Pe 2:18 Servants to your masters with all respect
1Pe 5:5 Younger men to your elders
A person at peace within himself due to his relationship with almighty God is one who can willingly submit to others. Ephesians 4:1-3
22-24 - The wife is provided a clear-cut standard to determine her responsibility − as the church is to Christ. Ephesians 1:2, 3, 15, 17 Jesus is our Lord.
25 - The husband is given an extraordinary standard to emulate.
26 - As Christ sanctified (set apart) the church, so the husband selects and sets apart this woman as his own to love, cherish, protect, honor, help, provide for, commit to for life.
Christ lived, taught, and brought the Word into the relationship, likewise husbands.
27 - He worked with the church helping us to be what he wanted us to be. His tactics were not ungodly such as force, intimidation, bullying, threatening, manipulation, silent treatment, ignoring, or other ungodly controlling strategies.
“Having no spot or wrinkle” = opposite of holy and blameless. 1Peter 2:13; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22 -
28 - The way a man cares for his own body provides another example of how he is to love his wife.
29 - “Nourish” means to promote the growth, to furnish or sustain with nutriment, feed, maintain, support. Cherish – to hold dear, feel or show affection, to keep or cultivate with care and affection
30 - Christ nourishes and cherishes the church as being of one flesh with him. The concept leads us to the next verse where the husband and wife are one flesh.
32 - The husband’s position as head and his duty of sacrificial love and devoted care for his wife are but pictures of Christ as head, of his love, self-sacrifice, and concern for his church. The dependence of the wife on her husband and her duty to accept his leadership are a picture of how the church should live and act towards Jesus.
1 Chronicles 29:10 – “Blessed” means venerated, honored in worship. 29:11 & 12 This is the language of someone blessing or praising Yahweh.
13 Praise Your glorious name.
15 – David thought of himself as a temporary inhabitant, a foreigner, and tenant.
16 The temple was built not for the people but for His holy name.
17 – Fundamental elements for proper worship are integrity of heart and willingness.
20 – 1Kings 8:54-61 God must help us to maintain the right intentions and heart.
Psalm 7:17 – Give thanks to Yahweh; sing praise to His name (18:49; 30:4; 68:4; 92:1).
Psalm 8:1 & 9 – Yahweh our Adonay Lord is a title spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence.
Majestic – grandeur, sovereign, power, authority, greatness, splendor, dignity
Psalm 9:9-11 We are to know His name and all it represents.
Psalm 29:1-9 Everything says glory!
Psalm 54:6 Yahweh deserves our willing sacrifice. Like David and Solomon, we can pray for His help to have the willingness and faithfulness to glorify His glorious name.
Psalm 86:9-12 The reverential heart that should always be ours is evident, but so is our weakness to stay on track – O Yahweh, help us to love You!
Psalms 103:1, 2, 21 & 22; 104:1; 105:1-3
Gospel of Christ = Christ’s gospel—the gospel Christ preached
and/or
Gospel of Christ = gospel about Christ—the gospel we preach about Christ
Luke 4:16-20
This is the first recorded sermon of Jesus—his inaugural speech and mission statement. In it he reveals his own understanding of what his ministry was all about.
Isaiah 60:18-61:6
Here we find the context of Jesus’ Isaiah quotation. The surrounding verses make clear that this is a Kingdom prophecy.
Luke 4:16-22
Jesus claimed that he fulfilled the words of this prophecy. Jesus was so Kingdom-minded and gospel-driven that everything he did reflected that glorious future back into the present.
Luke 4:22-26
Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, persecuted Elijah so he fled to a foreign village and stayed with a widow.
Luke 4:27
Similar to the Gentile widow, Naaman the Syrian received an incredible miracle from God’s prophet.
Luke 4:28-30
Jesus’ words enraged the people. What did he say that was so offensive? What drove them to the point of lynching him?
Luke 4:31
We read no mention of an extensive break in his ministry or of depression Jesus suffered due to their heinous treatment. What does he do? He goes to the next city and keeps on preaching.
Luke 4:42-44
The Messiah was so successful in Capernaum that the people tried to keep him from leaving them. Yet, he was clear on his purpose. He never got confused or side-tracked from the mission—preaching the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:14; 28:19
We have this same mission today. This doesn’t mean we neglect the many other important ministries and activities we do, but it does mean that they are all subjected to the overarching purpose of the church—to reach out and make disciples.
Cause and Effect Questions to Ask
- Is God or some kind of idolatry first in your life?
- Are you actively involved with habitual sin?
- Have you or your family ever been involved in the occult?
- Have you or anyone in your family made vows that influence you?
- What is going on with the relationships in your life?
- What were you doing when this problem began?
- What have you done to eliminate this problem?
Pursuing God for healing is better than seeking something or someone else. However, desiring God for healing only is not the best either. We should want God because He is God and not solely because He is our provider.
James 4:1
• First aid - pray for God’s help
• Second aid - ask someone to pray for you
• Third aid - seek help from a medical professional
Matthew 11:28-30 Rest and refreshing are becoming harder and harder to find.
John 14:27 God wrote into the program the need for rest and peace.
Phil 4:4 God wants us to have joy and to rejoice which is why it is spoken of over 100 times in the Scriptures.
Philippians 4:5 & 6
Proverbs 14:30 A sound [tranquil] heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
Stress of living in today’s America is driving tens of millions to the point of illness, depression, and self-destruction.
Matthew 6:7-11 Those who received healing came to Jesus and asked for help.
Matthew 8:1-4 Leper came to him; 8:5-ff, centurion; 8:16, all that came to him were healed; 9:1ff, the man with the palsy came to him.
We come with humility, meekness, and faith.
If we want to enjoy a healthy life or receive healing, we must strive to eliminate the cause of the problem.
Two essentials for healthy living include faith and personal responsibility.
Living godly by obeying God’s Word is fundamental to a healthy life; whereas, sin and disobedience assure sickness and disease.
Exodus 15:26 – Yahweh’s promises for health are for those who give earnest heed to His voice and do what is right in His sight. His promises are not for everyone.
Exodus 23:20-27 – Yahweh’s promise to remove sickness has a stipulation.
Expecting God’s involvement in your life without personal responsibility contradicts the basic ideology of the Bible.
Deuteronomy 7:9-15 – The blessings are for those that allow Yahweh to father them.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 The choice is ours.
Proverbs 1:29-33 We eat the fruit of our own way (Lamentations 3:39 and 40).
Matthew 4:17 Jesus had the greatest healing ministry ever; yet, He never taught on healing as a subject but rather on the Kingdom of God which leads people to repentance.
Psalm 38:1-ff A description of the problem and the example of right action
Psalm 107:10 and 11, 17-20 Much of the sickness is directly linked with our sin.
John 9:1-3 – Not all sickness is the result of our sin.
1Corinthians 6:19 & 20 - The false worldview about God is He is controlling everything including a person’s health which implies that the individual has no control or responsibility. The Scriptures teach the complete opposite of such a view. We have the responsibility to be good stewards and caretakers of the body that God has given to us.
Galatians 6:7 - What you sow you will reap.
Matthew 4:5-7; Psalm 91:9-16 - Is it reasonable to expect God to heal if you deliberately throw yourself off the temple? If God healed you from the manifestation and you do not change the cause, He would violate His own laws.
God put within man the ability to self-heal, but only if we follow and abide by His natural laws.
The physical body by design requires movement and activity. God made man to work so that his body and mind would function correctly. Languidness is sand in the machinery of life. Inactivity, laziness, sluggishness are major causes of much sickness. God designed man to work so that the body and mind rejuvenates itself.
1John 3:1 – God has great love for us.
Psalm 34:15 - The eyes of our Father are upon us, and He hears our prayers.
Matthew 7:11 – God our Father gives us what is good.
3John2- John’s prayer aligns with God’s will for His people − prosperity and health.
Hebrews 11:1AV - Now faith is the substance [assurance], of things hoped for, the evidence [conviction] of things not seen.
Matthew 17:20 - Truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.
Romans 10:17- Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
The starting point to receiving healing is hearing the Word of God that encourages faith in God’s healing.
Does God want me well or sick? To hear some talk they imply that it is God’s will for them to endure sickness. We often think and say things to comfort ourselves when we do not understand what is going on. We make things up to feel better. Frequent comments are: “God is using this sickness for greater profit;” “God has a purpose for everything that happens;” “If it is God’s will you will be healed.” However, the immediate relief that such popular clichés may provide is often minuscule in comparison to the damage caused in the end − that of doubting God’s love, purposes, and integrity. That which was intended to be a blessing may end up an eternal curse.
Man’s beginning was Paradise wherein he enjoyed perfectly healthy bodies and minds intended to last forever. The believer’s destiny in the end is to return to Paradise with its eternal glory. Yahweh’s resolve for humankind’s eternal wellbeing has never altered even though the circumstances have drastically changed. The understanding of the big picture, the eternal plan should convince us that Yahweh wants His people to be healthy and blessed in every way.
The very design of the human body tells us the Creator desires wellness for His people. The body heals itself. Quit smoking, and the lungs that are today black and dying will rejuvenate and heal. Eliminate the cause, and the body heals itself.
Exodus 15:26 – “I, Yahweh, am your healer.” The relationship He desired to have with Israel was such where He would be their healer as they obeyed His voice.
Exodus 23:25 and 26 - I will remove sickness from your midst.
Deuteronomy 7:12-15 – Yahweh will remove from you all sickness.
Psalms 91:9-16 – With a long life, I will satisfy him.
Psalms 103:1-5 He pardons all your iniquities and heals all our diseases.
Psalms 107:19 and 20 - He sent His word and healed them.
John 4:34; 6:38 Jesus always did the will of his Father. Jesus healed many people.
Matthew 8:1-3 - Faith destroying words that are often spoken = “If it be Your will.” Thinking such as this eliminates faith in God to heal and any responsibility on our part to take godly action. We become fatalists.
Luke 4:40 He healed all that were sick
Matthew 4:23-25; 9:35 - 10:1; 12:15; 14:14, 34-36; Acts 10:38
The gospel (or the good news) of the Kingdom was the message of Jesus.
Matthew 3:1-2 John the Baptist began preaching this message as the forerunner of Jesus.
The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is unique to the Gospel of Matthew. It means the same thing as the “kingdom of God,” which is the phraseology used in all other New Testament references to this subject.
Matthew 4:17 – Jesus continued preaching the same message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [or near].”
Matthew 4:23-24 – The gospel of the Kingdom - the message of the promised Kingdom of God
This was the message of Jesus. Healing and deliverance accompanied the preaching of the Kingdom.
Matthew 5:1-3, 10, 19-20; 6:9-10, 33; 7:21-23 – The Sermon on the Mount focused on the gospel of the Kingdom.
Matthew 8:5-13 – The future Kingdom when many will sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Matthew 9:35 – Similar to Matthew 4:23
Matthew 10:1, 7-8 The same message was preached by Jesus’ disciples.
Matthew 13:1ff – The parables contained the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 14:13-21 The miracle of the loaves and fishes
Compare parallel records: Mark 6:32-44 and Luke 9:10-17. This great miracle followed the teaching of the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 18:1-4 – Humility is required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 19:27-29 – The time of the theocratic Kingdom is associated with inheriting eternal life.
Matthew 20:1-16; 21:18-46; 22:1-14 – More parables about the Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 23:13 – He reproved the Pharisees. They were not leading people to the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:1ff, 25:1ff – These teachings on the Mount of Olives were about his return and the coming Kingdom.
Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus commissioned his followers to make disciples of all nations and to observe all he commanded. They continued preaching this message of the Kingdom of God with the additional truth of the death and resurrection of Christ (Acts 1:1-3; 8:12; 19:8; 28:23, 31).
If we don't keep the hope in our minds, we will quit.
True story of Florence Chadwick
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 We look at what is eternal.
1 John 2:25 Eternal life
2 Peter 3:3, 4, 5, 13
We do it with faith.
Hebrews 6:9-20 Our hope is the anchor of our soul, both sure and steadfast.
Hebrews 10:36-39 We have need of endurance so we may receive what was promised, the preserving of the soul.
1 Peter 1:3-9, 13 Prepare your mind for action; fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you.
Matthew 6:10 Jesus taught when praying - Thy Kingdom come.
Revelation 21:3-7 We overcome when we see the hope before us.
1 John 3:1-3 This hope purifies us.
Hebrews 3:6-11 Israel in the wilderness remains an example of unbelief that is to be avoided. The generation that came out of Egypt did not enter into the Promised Land because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:12 and 13 Deceitfulness of sin hardens the heart so we are to help each other with encouragement to stay focused on the promises of God and to move forward.
Hebrews 3:19 Obedience and unbelief are connected as are obedience and faith.
Romans 10:19 Faith begins with the Word of God but is more than mental assent or positive confession. It always requires obedience.
Hebrews 4:1 and 2 The Word united with faith is the aim.
Hebrews 10:35-39 Faith endures until the end. We live by faith without shrinking back.
Hebrews 11:1 The object of the whole argument in this epistle was to keep those to whom it was addressed from apostatizing from Christianity and especially from relapsing again into Judaism. As the persons whom he addressed are from an Israel background and as the Old Testament contained an account of numerous instances of persons in substantially the same circumstances as they were, the reference is made to examples of faith in Israel’s history. The object is to show that faith, or confidence in the Divine promises, has been in all ages the means of perseverance.
Hebrews 11:4 True faith always has corresponding actions.
6 – Faith is necessary to please God.
7 – Noah believed what God said, not what he experienced or saw with his eyes. He acted by building the boat.
8 – Abraham obeyed. Review Genesis 12:1-5.
13 – They confessed about themselves the things that God told them. Their confession was not some positive made-up affirmation, rather the Word of God. They conducted their lives as if the promises of God were true and would surely come to pass.
Acts 1:1-3
After the resurrection, Jesus was with his apostles for 40 days. During this time, he gave them commands and spoke about the Kingdom of God. Some of what Jesus communicated to his disciples during this time is recorded in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20 and 21.
Luke 24:49 – He told them that he would send the promise of the Father and that they would be clothed with power from on high.
Acts 1:4-5
Here he told them to wait for the promise of the Father. This is associated with being baptized with the holy spirit.
Clothed with power = the promise of the Father = baptized with the holy spirit
Acts 1:6-8
With the holy spirit they would receive power. This would enable them to be witnesses for Jesus.
A similar instruction was given in John 20:21-22. The holy spirit is how Jesus would send them into the world.
Acts 1:9-11 - The ascension
Acts 1:12-15; 26 – Matthias was added to the eleven.
Acts 2:1 – “They were all together in one place.” The 12 apostles originally received the holy spirit (verse 14). The location is most likely the temple; it was an hour of prayer (verse 15). It would have been appropriate to be in the temple at an hour of prayer (Acts 3:1).
Acts 2:2-4 Jesus had told them to wait. A violent rushing wind and tongues of fire signaled the outpouring of the holy spirit. And they began to speak in tongues.
Acts 2:5-6 Men from every nation under heaven heard the sound of speaking tongues.
Acts 2:11 When they were speaking in tongues, they were “speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”
Acts 2:12-16 A couple of months earlier, Peter was behind closed doors for fear. He denied that he even knew Jesus. After being filled with the holy spirit, Peter had boldness.
Acts 2:22-24 – Peter is bold!
Acts 2:36 -39 – He gave a call to repent. This promise is to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Acts 2:43; 3:1-9 - Now clothed with the holy spirit, the apostles went forth with signs, miracles, and wonders.
Jesus always loved God and others.
1 John 2:4-6 We should walk in the same manner that Jesus did.
Three examples from Jesus’ life:
1. John 13:1-5, 12-14 Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.
2. Luke 11:42-44 Jesus confronts the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
3. Mark 11:15-18 Jesus overturns the tables in the temple.
John 14:26; Luke 12:11-12 How do we know how to love? The spirit aids us.
We need to love God. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
We need to love our neighbors. (Leviticus 19:18)
We need to love our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48)
John 13:34 We are to love as Jesus loved.
Mathew 27:37- 40 Love is the great and foremost (most important, in first place) commandment.
John 13:34 and 35 - Love is the badge of discipleship.
Romans 13:8-10 - We are not to be indebted to anyone, but we owe all love because of God. Loving God is not mentioned because as we love each other, we are loving God.
Ephesians 3:14-21 - Notice the logical progression.
Ephesians 4:15 and 16 – We grow together in love.
In the epistle of 1John, the word “love” occurs 24 times more than in any other NT book. The understanding of love is diverse, and everyone holds his or her own view. Thus, a biblical definition is mandatory.
1John 2:2-3; John 14:14, 23, and 24 Obedience is the foundation of godly love.
1John 3:11-14 – Love is the ground, not of our passing over out of death into life, but of our knowing that we have. Love, on our part, is the evidence of our regeneration, not the cause of it.
15 – “Hates” is equivalent to "does not love" (1Jo 3:14); there is no middle area between the two. Love and hatred (like light and darkness, life and death) necessarily replace, as well as necessarily exclude one another.
John is the master of shocking statements – “Everyone who hates…murderer.”
16 – The standard of Christ
17-19 – Words only are not enough but often deceive us to think we are loving.
5:1-8 – Knowing God is connected with love. It is impossible to know God without loving.
5:9-21 – Loving each other is equivalent to loving God.
Ephesians 1:22 The power of the resurrection extends itself to the embodiment of Christ.
Psalm 8:6 “You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.”
Ephesians 1:23 The sequence of thought seems to be: by his resurrection and ascension, Christ is exalted to be Lord of all, he is head of all things for the church, the church is his body, intended to express him in the world. More than that, Christ being the head fills the body with power of movement and perception, and therefore inspires the whole body with life and direction.
Colossians 1:18-20 This designation of the function of the church is amplified yet further; it is not only his body, which is intended to be the fullness of him who fills all in all, but it is God’s purpose for all the fullness to dwell in him.
Colossians 2:10 We have come to fullness of life in him! Our maturity is described by the development and growth we have in Christ.
Ephesians 4:12 The ministry of the church is given to it to “the bringing of the saints to a condition of fitness for the discharge of their functions in the body”
Ephesians 4:13 Verse 12 describes the process going on in the life of the church. But Paul could never think of a process without fixing his eyes on the goal. The goal must be unity in the faith. Unity of faith is based on the knowledge of the Son of God.
Ephesians 4:14 Maturity brings with it the capacity to emulate various forms of teaching, to accept what is true, and reject what is fake.
Ephesians 4:15 That growth is into Christ, the development of the life so that it is found more and more “in kind” all things, and every part of life finding its center, object, and goal in relation to Christ.
Ephesians 4:16 From Christ alone, as head, the body derives its full capacity for growth, activity, and direction. In this co-ordinate, directed entity, Christ arranges the interrelation of the members as well.
PAUL’S EXHORTATION TO THE CHURCH OF GOD AT EPHESUS
Acts 20:17-27 Paul’s concern was with the leaders of the church. Paul describes his work as serving the Lord and the church. Paul holds nothing back which is profitable even though it might be unwelcome. He proclaimed to the Jews the need for faith (specifically faith in our Lord Jesus Christ) and to the Greeks the need for repentance. Paul’s greatest passion was not to regard his own life as a precious possession but faithfully performing the service laid on him by the Lord, namely to preach the gospel of the grace of God. His task of preaching the Kingdom among them was complete. He boldly claimed the spiritual responsibility for faithful presentation of the message that brings life.
Acts 20:28 Paul now turns to direct exhortation. He deals with how they are to act when he is no longer with them. They are to pay attention to their own spiritual conditions well as to that of the church. The cost of redemption was the blood of Christ.
Acts 20:29 Paul’s concern was that fierce wolves would enter the church and cause destruction, also from heretical teachers coming in from outside and leading people astray.
Acts 20:30 Along with such outsiders, Paul also mentions the possibility of people from within the church adopting perverse teachings and seducing the people.
Acts 20:31 We must be constantly on the alert!
Acts 20:32 Paul’s final step is to command the leaders to the care of God.
Acts 20:33-34 We’re to follow Paul’s example of selfless serving.
Acts 20:35 Paul sought to be an example of helping those in need and live in accordance with the saying “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:36-38 Prayer was the appropriate conclusion to this exhortation. The last impression left by Paul is that he would not be able to see them again. Sadness surrounded his departure.
Ephesians 1:22 The power of the resurrection extends itself to the embodiment of Christ.
Psalm 8:6 “You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.”
Ephesians 1:23 The sequence of thought seems to be: by his resurrection and ascension, Christ is exalted to be Lord of all, he is head of all things for the church, the church is his body, intended to express him in the world. More than that, Christ being the head fills the body with power of movement and perception, and therefore inspires the whole body with life and direction.
Colossians 1:18-20 This designation of the function of the church is amplified yet further; it is not only his body, which is intended to be the fullness of him who fills all in all, but it is God’s purpose for all the fullness to dwell in him.
Colossians 2:10 We have come to fullness of life in him! Our maturity is described by the development and growth we have in Christ.
Ephesians 4:12 The ministry of the church is given to it to “the bringing of the saints to a condition of fitness for the discharge of their functions in the body”
Ephesians 4:13 Verse 12 describes the process going on in the life of the church. But Paul could never think of a process without fixing his eyes on the goal. The goal must be unity in the faith. Unity of faith is based on the knowledge of the Son of God.
Ephesians 4:14 Maturity brings with it the capacity to emulate various forms of teaching, to accept what is true, and reject what is fake.
Ephesians 4:15 That growth is into Christ, the development of the life so that it is found more and more “in kind” all things, and every part of life finding its center, object, and goal in relation to Christ.
Ephesians 4:16 From Christ alone, as head, the body derives its full capacity for growth, activity, and direction. In this co-ordinate, directed entity, Christ arranges the interrelation of the members as well.
PAUL’S EXHORTATION TO THE CHURCH OF GOD AT EPHESUS
Acts 20:17-27 Paul’s concern was with the leaders of the church. Paul describes his work as serving the Lord and the church. Paul holds nothing back which is profitable even though it might be unwelcome. He proclaimed to the Jews the need for faith (specifically faith in our Lord Jesus Christ) and to the Greeks the need for repentance. Paul’s greatest passion was not to regard his own life as a precious possession but faithfully performing the service laid on him by the Lord, namely to preach the gospel of the grace of God. His task of preaching the Kingdom among them was complete. He boldly claimed the spiritual responsibility for faithful presentation of the message that brings life.
Acts 20:28 Paul now turns to direct exhortation. He deals with how they are to act when he is no longer with them. They are to pay attention to their own spiritual conditions well as to that of the church. The cost of redemption was the blood of Christ.
Acts 20:29 Paul’s concern was that fierce wolves would enter the church and cause destruction, also from heretical teachers coming in from outside and leading people astray.
Acts 20:30 Along with such outsiders, Paul also mentions the possibility of people from within the church adopting perverse teachings and seducing the people.
Acts 20:31 We must be constantly on the alert!
Acts 20:32 Paul’s final step is to command the leaders to the care of God.
Acts 20:33-34 We’re to follow Paul’s example of selfless serving.
Acts 20:35 Paul sought to be an example of helping those in need and live in accordance with the saying “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:36-38 Prayer was the appropriate conclusion to this exhortation. The last impression left by Paul is that he would not be able to see them again. Sadness surrounded his departure.
The First Resurrection (Romans 1:4)
The Final Resurrections (Romans 6:5; 1Corinthians 15)
Resurrection Impact (Ephesians 1:16-23; 2Corinthians 5:14-21)
Resurrection and You
Romans 8:28-39 God loves you, and wants you to be with Him in eternity.
John 1:1, 14 and 18 In Jesus, we understand more fully the love that God has for us. God loves you, and God wants you!
Luke 15:11-20 We see the compassion of the Father for the sinful son. He wanted his son home with Him and did not care about all that took him away.
Luke 15:21-32 Your Father God wants you and rejoices over you when you repent.
Luke 15:1-10 Two other illustrations that express God’s attitude toward you
Luke 7:36-50 The love that this woman shows was the consequence, not the cause, of her salvation.
Romans 4:23- 25; 5:8-11 The resurrection is the proof that God wants you and that He loves you.
Acts 1:22 Must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
17:18 He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
24:21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
Ephesians 1:19-2:7; 1 Peter 3:21-22
Christ’s resurrection is inextricably linked to his ascension. God has exalted Christ to the highest position of authority in the universe, far above every other authority and power structure. This cosmic reordering enables Christ to be head of the church—his body. This means that we no longer need to dance to the beat of this world as slaves to our own fleshly lusts. A new option is now available: grace, salvation, hope.
Colossians 1:12-20; 2:9-10, 15
Christ’s exaltation is so big the only word that can adequately describe it is “creation”—a new creation. In Christ, through Christ, for Christ…all things were created. New creation is all about Christ who is the co-creator of this new realm of authority. He is at the top, the firstborn, the one who is before everything, the one who holds it all together. If we continue in the faith, we remain in the domain of the beloved Son; otherwise, we sink back into the kingdom of darkness.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
The question is: will you put yourself under Christ’s authority? If so, then you can overcome!
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Scriptures revealed the truth about the Messiah − that he would die for sins, he would be buried, and he would be raised from the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:5-11
Over 500 eyewitnesses saw the resurrected Christ, and this truth was preached.
1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Apparently, some were saying that there is no resurrection of the dead. If there is no resurrection and if Christ is not raised from the dead, our faith is vain, and we have a false hope.
1 Corinthians 15:20
However, Christ has been raised from the dead and has become the “first fruits” of those who sleep.
He is the firstborn from the dead. He’s the first; others will follow (Rom 8:11, 29; Col 1:18; Rev 1:5).
1 Corinthians 15:21-22
In Adam, all died. In Christ, all will be made alive. Everyone will be raised from the dead, either in the resurrection of the just or in the resurrection of the unjust.
1 Corinthians 15:23-28
There is an order. Christ was the first to rise from the dead, but others would follow. This was also written in the Scriptures. It was the hope of Israel, and it is our hope today − that there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust (Eze 37:11-14; Dan 12:1-2; Acts 24:14-15).
Jesus spoke of this future resurrection.
John 5:24-29
The book of Revelation provides the order of these future resurrections.
Revelation 20:1ff
Order of Resurrections:
• Christ the first fruits – Raised from the dead, ascended to right hand of God
• Resurrection of the just – Christ reigns on earth a 1,000 years
• Resurrection of the unjust – Satan, death, and wicked are thrown into lake of fire
1 Peter 1:3-5 – We have a living hope, reserved in heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:51-58 – We should be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Isaiah 53:9 - His body was with a rich man in death. Mt 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 1Corinthains 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 - 13 post resurrection appearances are recorded.
Luke 24:1-15 His resurrected body was much different from the body they buried.
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.
27 – His action revealed the vital importance of the Scriptures. Our Lord’s example provides a vivid example.
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.
In order rightly to comprehend Jesus’ suffering and death, a careful comparison of all four Gospels is necessary. The most common understanding and communication on this subject has been very slipshod with focus upon only one of the Gospels and, in some cases, with information completely fabricated. For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has been the standard-bearer in this regard.
The word “Easter” comes from the goddess of the Anglo-Saxons named Eostre. She is the goddess of the dawn and was worshipped in the spring by pagans in Northern Europe and the British Isles.
Traditional teaching is that the last supper was the Passover meal. The Scriptures teach that the Passover was the day Jesus died and that he was the Passover lamb.
Most celebrate Jesus’ death on “Good Friday” and his resurrection on “Easter” Sunday morning. Matthew 12:40 clearly states Jesus was in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.
Tradition teaches he was captive and tortured for one night, but the Scriptures reveal he was in captivity for two nights.
Wrong teaching is that Peter denied Jesus three times; yet, biblical accuracy reveals he did so six times.
Roman Catholicism teaches Jesus carried his cross, but according to Matthew 27:32, a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, carried his cross. Catholic churches have the Stations of the Cross on their walls that illustrate Jesus carrying the cross − all of which is made up.
Thousands of paintings illustrate two others were crucified with Jesus, but the Scriptures reveal that four others were with him.
Common inaccurate teaching is that Jesus told one of the criminals who was hung with him that he would be with him that day in heaven. The Bible teaches that the criminal and Jesus both died and went to the grave that day. The promise was regarding the future in paradise here on earth
Traditional theology is that God forsook Jesus on the cross because he became sin, which is why Jesus uttered, “My God, why have You forsaken me?” According to Scriptures, Jesus did not become sin; rather, he was the innocent sin offering. The words Jesus spoke were a quotation from Psalm 22.
Wrong teaching is that Jesus visited hell between his death and resurrection as the Apostles’ Creed states, “He descended into hell.” The Bible teaches that after the resurrection he witnessed to the spirits locked in chains from the time of Noah. 1Peter 3:19 & 20
Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:32-42 - Jesus and his Father have two independent wills. Struggling to do God’s will, he prayed for help.
Matthew 26:47-50; Luke 22:47 & 48; Mark 14:43-46 - Judas’ kiss of betrayal
Luke 22:49-53; Matthew 26:51-56; Mark 14:47-50; John 18:4-12 - Jesus was not a helpless victim needing any human assistance. John 18:12-27
Peter’s denials: Mark 14:27-31
1) John 18:15-18
2) Matthew 26:69 & 70; Luke 22:55-57; Mark 14:66-68
3) Luke 22:58; Mark 14:68 First cock crowing
4) Matthew 26:71 & 72; Mark 14:69 &70
5) Matthew 26:73 & 74; Mark 14:70 & 71; John 18:25
6) Luke 22:59 & 60; John 18:26 & 27
John 18:28-19:30
initial narrative (Mark 11.1-11)
- Hosanna is “Save now”, rejoicing! jubilation! excitement!
- turn to Zechariah 9
examples of Jesus telling people not to tell about him (messianic secret)
1. Demon in Synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1.21-28)
2. Raising Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5.21-24, 35-43)
3. Peter’s Confession (Mark 8.27-30)
4. So, casting out spirits he told them “shhhh don’t tell”; healing people like Jairus’ daughter he said “shhh don’t tell who I am”; even his own disciples he said “shhh don’t tell”; ALL THAT CHANGED WHEN HE ENTERED JERUSALEM
the triumphal entry as revealing the ultimate secret
- JESUS IS MESSIAH!
But what is a “Messiah?”
- is it a sensai like Woo who teaches spin-jitsu?
- is it a power ranger megazord robot?
- is it an ariEL sea horse?
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ”
Philippians 3:10 – “The fellowship of His sufferings;” “conformed to His death”
How can one be crucified, conformed to death, and yet still be alive?
What cross did Christ bear?
Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26
When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.
The Gospel of John gives more insight.
John 19:17
“He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.”
To bear a cross can mean more than the physical act of carrying a wooden cross.
Luke 14:27; Luke 9:23; Matthew 10:38
Isaiah 53:6; Colossians 2:14
Our iniquities were laid on Christ. He nailed these things to his cross. The cross Christ bore included the sins of all mankind. He carried the weight of the salvation of the world.
Now, we identify with the cross of Christ and that which was wrought on our behalf.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
For us, the word of the cross is the power of God. To the Jews, this was a stumblingblock. To the Gentiles, this is foolishness.
The phrase “bear the cross,” “crucified with Christ,” “died with Christ” are figures of speech.
Colossians 2:20-23; 3:1-5
The words “keep seeking the things above,” “set your mind,” and “consider” are acts of the mind. These are thoughts we should hold and consider.
Romans 6:3-11 – Again, “consider” yourselves to be dead to sin.
Philippians 3:3-15
Paul thought about this. He considered his life and the fellowship of the suffering of Christ, conformed to His death. He pressed toward the mark, forgetting the past, and reaching towards the future. We are to carry this attitude.
Part one - SASA, part two - Speak Good Words, and part three - Ambassadors
Matthew 5:13-16 – The qualifiers for salt and light are the beatitudes – humility, mourning, meekness, hunger and thirst after righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peace makers, and rejoicing under persecution. When we live accordingly, we have the impact of salt and light.
Salt represents a preserving quality. Your presence has impact because the blessing of God goes with you.
Philippians 2:3-16 We are the lights of the world.
Ephesians 5:5-20 As we walk rightly, we are light. We must be careful not to fellowship with darkness because it will quickly overcome the light in you.
1Peter 2:1-5 Non-Christians are self focused; young Christians struggle to transition from self to God focus. Mature Christians understand the purpose of life is to glorify God, to please Him.
1Peter 2:12 The aim of our life is not to please self but God and to help others to glorify Him.
Matthew 9:1-8, 1Corinthians 2:1-5 – Jesus, Paul, and all true servants of Yahweh knew their lives were to be reflected light. The light that was in them came from God and should be reflected back to Him.
Matthew 5:14-16 “See your good works and glorify your Father”
2Corinthians 5:15-21 We are salt, light bearers, strangers, pilgrims, and ambassadors for Christ. Christ took our place on the cross so that we can take his place now as ambassadors.
What we think (SASA) and what we speak (Speak Good Words) make us salt or salt less, light or darkness.
