Acts 15:35-41 Paul splits with Barnabas and takes Silas.
Acts 16:1-5 Timothy joins Paul and Silas.
Acts 16:6-10 Traveling across Turkey
Acts 16:11-15 Lydia, the first convert in Europe
Acts 16:16-24 From harassment to mob violence to prison
Acts 16:25-34 The Philippian jailor and his family
Acts 16:35-40 Begged to leave the city
Three Lessons for Us
1. Perseverance: Paul traveled hundreds of miles on foot with absolutely no success. Still, he didn’t quit; he pressed on until God opened the door to speak. We can’t allow past failures, scarcity of opportunities, or fears of rejection to push us around.
2. Accommodation: Timothy voluntarily underwent circumcision in full knowledge that it was not necessary for salvation simply so he could be a more effective witness. We can’t let discomfort or inconvenience or even or own personal rights stand above our commitment to reach out to people.
3. Trust: Paul trusted Christ’s direction to avoid Asia and Bithynia. Even in his deepest, darkest moments in the inner prison, his back bloody from a fresh beating, he kept on trusting God. Rather than waiting for God to give us the whole plan, let’s get moving and trust Him to steer us along the way.
1 Timothy 1:12-16 Paul thought of himself as the foremost sinner of all – chief sinner (KJV).
The stoning of Stephen
Acts 6:8-15
Acts 7:1ff – “The witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
This is how Saul is introduced in the Scriptures.
Saul Before his conversion (Phil 3:4-6)
Acts 8:1 – Saul was in hearty agreement of putting Stephen to death (Acts 22:19-20).
Acts 8:1-4 The persecution caused the disciples to scatter and begin spreading the gospel outside of Jerusalem.
Acts 9:1-2 – (Acts 9:21; 22:1-5; 26:4-5; 9-12) Saul was leading this persecution, even to foreign cities.
Saul’s conversion
Acts 9:3 – Suddenly a light from heaven (Acts 22:6 – “a very bright light;” Acts 26:13 – “brighter than the sun”)
Acts 9:4-7 – Jesus spoke to Saul in Hebrew (Acts 26:14). The men with him saw the light, heard the voice, but did not understand, and did not see Jesus (Acts 22:9).
Acts 9:8-16 – This took courage on the part of Ananias.
Acts 9:17-22 – Saul immediately began preaching!
Acts 9:23 – From the very start, Satan began his assault on Saul, attempting to have him killed.
Acts 9:24-30 – Paul now spends about 10 years in this region of Cilicia and Syria (Gal 1:21).
During this time, the first Gentiles believed and received the holy spirit (Acts 10 – household of Cornelius).
Acts 11:19-26
Acts 13:1ff – The beginning of the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul
Acts 26:6-19 – Paul recounts his conversion to King Agrippa. Once Paul was called, he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
2 Corinthians 5:15 - Paul personally knew that grace caused the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God and therefore wanted others to enjoy the same experience and service with and to God.
The definition of “grace” is unmerited (undeserved and unearned) but freely given love and favor of God toward man.
Acts 8:1-3; 9:1 and 2; 1Timothy 1:11-17 - Paul, once the main proponent and leader of Christian persecution, was himself redeemed and entrusted with the mystery that God kept to Himself for centuries.
Ephesians 3:2-8 - Paul never doubted the privilege that was His and knew exactly where it came from and why – God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:1 and 2 - Considering man’s innate sin and guilt, the only access to God must be by grace. We have no grounds for anything we receive from God, yet the blessings are incomprehensibly bountiful due to their eternal implications. Understanding and embracing grace produces a life enriched with thankfulness, humility, and love. Grace is our personal evidence of God’s love.
3-6 - Why is He so good to us? The explanation provided for His great loving generosities are found in verses 5, 7, 9, and 11. The words “according to” earmark His reasoning and motivation. “According to” sets the standard for what proceeds and sets the agreement or conformity for what follows. The verses show His demonstrated grace and love are in agreement or conformity to His inner desire, His heart for you.
According to:
• The kind intention of His will – 1:5
• The riches of His grace – 1:7
• His kind intention which He purposed in Him – 1:9
• His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will – 1:11
1:6-7 - “Redemption” is to regain possession of by paying a price. 2:1-3 reveal our standard of life or that which we conformed to before Christ (which is again set-off by the words “according to”).
2:1-3 - We were owned by the prince of the power of the air and were slaves to our own impulses and longings. God paid the price or ransom with Jesus to set us free, to rescue us from the devil to become His possession.
1:14 - “Possession” implies we once belonged to the devil and with redemption we now belong to God.
2:4-8 - We move from complete engrossment in the impulses and longings of self-centeredness to salvation that issues in God showing the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in the ages to come. Is there any more contrasting extreme in comparison?
The appreciation of grace is found in understanding what we once were (seldom grasped by anyone) and the reality of what we are now coupled with the promise of our destiny. Paul is our example of someone who really understood grace based on the aforementioned. He never forgot who he was and what he did before Christ, and he strongly embraced the hope.
2 Corinthians 5:15-18; Ephesians 4:29 - Like Paul, we should be driven by the grace that has been given and the hope that is coming to live faithfully and proclaim boldly the gospel of grace.
What motivates you? Does hunger, tiredness, lust, being healthy, living longer, feeling good, looking good, a challenge, making a difference in your world, money, success, love, pleasing others, fear, Kingdom/eternal life, curiosity, having fun, being unique, getting attention, power, popularity, security, stability, selfishness, envy, bitterness, hatred, grief, adventure, duty, honor, or shame? Before delving deeper into this question, let’s consider the example of the Apostle Paul—one of the most driven people in history.
Acts 14:8-23 Barnabas’ and Paul’s time in Lystra swung from the pinnacle of success to the pit of failure. When it all fell to pieces, what did Paul do? Did he quit? What motivated him to keep going?
1 Corinthians 9:15-23 Paul felt compelled to preach the gospel—like he had no choice in the matter. He says, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” He would do whatever he could to clear away obstacles to reach people, yet he never compromised on what he knew was right.
2 Corinthians 11:23-33 The book of Acts only scratches the surface of what Paul went through to preach the gospel. Here he lists out exactly what he suffered to get the message to everyone he could.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 The future—the resurrection and glory to come—motivated Paul in the present. It made him dangerous to Satan’s kingdom. He was relentless in his passion to serve God. What about you? Have you lost your drive? Do you need God to reignite your fire?
Ephesians 2:1-3 The tendencies of someone who is born dead in trespasses and sins are not very nice.
Ephesians 4:17-19 “Futility” means a complete lack of effectiveness or point; uselessness; unimportance. “Sensual” means unduly indulging the appetites or sexual pleasure. Sensualist is a system of ethics predicating the pleasures of senses to be the highest good.
Ephesians 4:20-24 We were recreated or reborn or born again to be like our Father. God lives the good life and wants us to have the same.
1Peter 1:14-16 Be like your Father, and make every day Father’s day.
Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8 - "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."
Exodus 34:6-7 Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; Who keeps lovingkindness with thousands and forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet by no means allows the guilty to go unpunished visiting the iniquity of the fathers unto the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
Acts 1:5-8; 2:4, 33, 38 We have holy spirit making us like our Father.
Ephesians 4:31-5:12
Galatians 5:16-21 A life riddled with the works of the flesh is the bad life.
22-ff - We have been given the good life through our Lord Jesus Christ, not a life measured by worldly standards of wealth, popularity, power, fame, and indulgences, but a life measured by the fruit of the spirit − love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Love – Romans 5:5-11; Ephesians 2:1-8
Joy – John 15:11; Phil 4:4-9
Peace – John 14:27; Romans 1:7; 1Cor1:3; Gal 1:3 and 4 We no longer go to bed worrying all night if we are going to be caught for the evil we did during the day.
Patience – Ephesians 4:1-3; Col 1:9-12
Kindness – Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:3-7; Titus 3:1-4
Goodness – Romans 15:4; Ephesians 5:9 Righteousness, integrity, decency
Faithfulness – Faith
Gentleness – 1Timothy 6:8-12; Galatians 6:1-10; 2Timothy 2:22-ff; 1Peter 3:15
Self-control – Self-discipline, willpower, restraint
5:24 The Greek word “pathema” is by far translated suffer or suffering as we noted in our study of 1Peter 1:11; 4:13; 5:1 and 9
When use the phrase “Passion of Christ,” we are referring to the suffering of Christ, not his desires, longings, or lusts. The next word emphasizes passion and desires.
Acts 1:1-3
For 40 days on earth after his resurrection, Jesus continued to speak about the Kingdom of God.
Acts 1:4-8
The promise of the Father, the baptism of the holy spirit, would be coming. They were to wait. Moreover, once the holy spirit came, they would receive power and were to witness to the remotest part of the earth.
Acts 1:9-12 – The ascension – Mount of Olives
Acts 1:13-15 – The disciples stayed in an upper room. Besides the twelve, there were about 120 disciples before the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1 – On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in one place – most likely the Temple (the house of God).
Luke 24:45-53 – “Repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations.” They were continually in the Temple praising God.
Acts 2:2-4 – There appeared tongues as of fire distributing to each of them. Fire from heaven demonstrates God’s acceptance of sacrifice, as well as His presence.
Fire Came Down:
• Tabernacle – Leviticus 9:22-24 Fire came down – during the first month (Ex 40:17; Nu 9:1-5 Feast of Passover). The LORD’s anointed (Meshiach) priest offered sacrifice.
• David (the LORD’s anointed, Meshiach) the king offered sacrifice at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite/Mt Moriah (1 Chr 21:14-18, 26-30; 22:1-2). Fire came down. David begins planning for the construction of the Temple.
• Temple – Mt Moriah (2 Chr 3:1); 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 - Dedication of the Temple. Solomon (the LORD’s anointed (Meshiach) and the priests offered sacrifice, and Solomon prayed. 1 Chronicles 7:1-5 Fire came down - during Seventh Month (2 Chr 5:3; 7:8-10 Feast of Tabernacles).
• Feast of Pentecost – Acts 2:1-4 In Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem. The LORD’s anointed, Jesus the “Meshiach,” at the right hand of God as King/Priest, sent for the promise of the Father, the holy spirit. God could now dwell with His people, the temple,
At Pentecost, God could now dwell with His people, being sanctified by the blood of Christ and cleansed by the spirit of truth, which Jesus had promised. Acts 7:44-50; 1 Cor 3:16; Heb 9:1-15; Heb 10:11-23
Gentiles – Now included – this was always was God’s desire (Nu 9:14; 2 Chr 6:32-33; Is 11:10; 49:6; 60:3; Zec 2:11), but no Gentiles received until Acts chapter 10. In Herod’s Temple, there was a wall of separation for the Gentiles. No Gentiles were allowed beyond the wall. In Acts 21:27-28, Paul was accused of bringing Gentiles into the Temple area, beyond the wall.
Ephesians 2:11-22 Jesus broke down the barrier of the dividing wall. We are now the dwelling place of God!
Deuteronomy 12:5-14 Yahweh foretells of His designated place where His name would dwell and Israel would offer their sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:26; 14:23; 15:20; 16:2; and 17:8). Yahweh’s dwelling place, His holy house
1 Chronicles 17:9-14 Yahweh said He would build a house for you, a house for David through his descendants, a house of people and that David’s son would build a house for Yahweh.
This is a dual prophesy with Messianic implications. Two of David’s descendants built temples for Yahweh – Solomon and Jesus.
(16-27) – David’s prayer in response
1 Chronicles 21:18-22:5 - The very place that David and Israel received forgiveness as Yahweh accepted the sacrifice by fire was “the” location that God told Moses about.
29:1-20 The pure and lovely heart of David and the people is extraordinarily HOLY.
2 Chronicles 6:1-10, 12-42 Solomon’s prayer of dedication
7:1-3 The glory of Yahweh filled the Temple; 12-22 Yahweh appears to Solomon
2 Chronicles 33:4-9 Yahweh decides with him that it was all over. In the day of Ezekiel, the glory of Yahweh was removed never again to return.
Isaiah 28:16 &17
John 2:13-16 They had desecrated the holy house of God just as in old times.
17-22 Jesus called himself the Temple.
Matthew 21:12 &13, 23-45, 42-44
1 Corinthians 3:16 &17; Ephesians 2:19-22
Acts 2:1-4 The glory appeared again, but this time it was not upon the Temple; rather, it was on the apostles in the Temple.
Ephesians 1:22, 23; 3:19; and Colossians 1:18-20 As the glory of Yahweh filled the Temple today, He fills His new habitation, the church.
Acts 4: 5-12 - Important to note is how this metaphor applies not only to Jesus but also to those who reject him. Peter’s use is very appropriate.
1 Peter 2: 4 -8 We should think of ourselves as the Temple of God, the place of His dwelling. As a living stone of this glorious Temple, how do you want to present yourself?
Exodus 19:5 &6; Isaiah 61:6; Revelation 5:9 and 10 As priests today, saints offer not the animal sacrifices of the old covenant but spiritual sacrifices:
Romans 12:1 Your life; Philippians 4:15 financial offerings; Hebrews 13:16 praise
Two requirements of Christianity
1. Believe gospel
2. Follow Jesus
What it means to follow Jesus
1. Calling Jesus “Lord” means doing what he says (Luke 6:46-49)
2. Resisting the temptation to fashion a Jesus to suit our desires
3. Getting at the real Jesus through Scripture
Reasons to follow Jesus
1. Eternal life (Matthew 19:27-30)
2. Forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7-8)
3. Transformation (Matthew 11:28-30)
Reasons not to follow Jesus
1. Too much commitment
2. Don’t want to be called a Jesus freak
3. Don’t believe it is true
Taking the next step
Calling is Christ-centered
Ephesians 1
3 – Blessed with every spiritual blessing In Christ
4 – God chose us in Christ before the foundation ….
5 – God predestined our adoption as sons through Jesus Christ
6 – God’s grace bestowed on us in the Beloved (Christ)
7 – In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins
9 – God made known the mystery, which He purposed in Him (Christ)
10 – The summing up of all things in Christ
11 – In Him (Christ) we have received an inheritance
12 – In Christ we would be to the praise of His glory
13 – In Him (Christ) we are sealed with the holy spirit of promise
Ephesians 2
5 – Made us alive together with Christ
6 – Raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly in Christ Jesus
7 – God in the ages to come might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus
10 – God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus
13 – In Christ Jesus brought near by the blood of Christ….
Isaiah 49:5 & 6 The calling has always been Christ-centered.
Ephesians 1:10 - The reference is to the unity which will hereafter exist in the Kingdom of God
Colossians 1:13-20 Everything is fixed in Christ.
Calling is Corporate
The election of Christ involves implicitly the election of the church, obviously; the corporate body of the elect is comprised of individuals. However, the election is primarily corporate and only secondarily individual. The New Testament comprehends believers, not in isolation, but as members of the body of the elect
Ephesians 1:1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12; 2:4, 5, 6, 7, 10, We are called together as a family, one body, a church, the holy temple.
Ephesians 1:22 and 23 Christ is the head; the church is his body.
Ephesians 2:13-16; 3:6-10 One body made up of all those who believe
3:18 – May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth
4:1-4, 11-16; 25 The way God sees the church is one body.
Colossians 1:18; 2:17-19; 3:15
1Corinthians 12:12-27 The called out make up the body of Christ.
God’s call is for holiness
Ephesians 1:4 & 5, 18
Colossians 1:21 & 22
2Peter 3:13-14
Philippians 1:9-11
Ephesians 3:10 & 11 God’s eternal purpose
Exodus 19:5 & 6
Lev. 26:12
Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2 & 21; 28:9
Revelation21:7; 22:3-5
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
You alone are the LORD [Yahweh]. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You. Nehemiah 9:6
Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created. Revelation 4:11
The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them. Psalm 89:11
The earth is the LORD's [Yahweh’s], and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. Psalm 24:1
O LORD [Yahweh] of hosts, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Isaiah 37:16
The LORD [Yahweh] has established His throne in the heavens; and His sovereignty rules over all. Psalm 103:19
Thus says the LORD [Yahweh], "heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is a house you could build for me? and where is a place that I may rest? For my hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD [Yahweh]. Isaiah 66:1 and 2a
Blessed are You, O LORD [Yahweh] God of Israel our father, forever and ever.
Yours, O LORD [Yahweh], is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD [Yahweh], and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. 1Chronicles 29:10-13
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1Timothy 1:17
***
Who is like You among the gods, O LORD [Yahweh]? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? Exodus 15:11
Exalt the LORD [Yahweh] our God And worship at His holy hill, For holy is the LORD [Yahweh] our God. Psalm 99:9
….And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD [Yahweh] of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord [Yahweh] God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come." Revelation 4:8
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Revelation 15:4
***
Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD [Yahweh], "And not a God far off?
Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD [Yahweh]. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD [Yahweh]. Jeremiah 23:23-24
The eyes of the LORD [Yahweh] are in every place, watching the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13
The LORD [Yahweh] looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men;
From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,
He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.
Psalm 33:13-15
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,"
Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. Psalm 139:7-12
***
Ah Lord GOD [Yahweh]! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, Jeremiah 32:17
Behold, I am the LORD [Yahweh], the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me? Jeremiah 32:27
I have made the earth, the men and the beasts which are on the face of the earth by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in My sight. Jeremiah 27:5
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37
Lift up your eyes on high And see Who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power Not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26
It is He who sits above the vault of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. Isaiah 40:22
***
The LORD [Yahweh], the LORD [Yahweh] God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;
who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Exodus 34:6-7
But the lovingkindness of the LORD [Yahweh] is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,
To those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.
Psalm 103:17-18
The LORD [Yahweh] is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations. Numbers 14:18
The LORD'S [Yahweh’s] lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Therefore, the LORD [Yahweh] longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD [Yahweh] is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. Isaiah 30:18
***
Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. Isaiah 40:28
It is He who made the earth by his power, Who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens. Jeremiah 10:12
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33
***
You have a strong arm; Your hand is mighty, Your right hand is exalted.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. Psalm 89:13-14
The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4
For the LORD [Yahweh] your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. Deuteronomy 10:17
But the LORD [Yahweh] abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment,
And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity. Psalm 9:7-8
"I, the LORD [Yahweh], search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds. Jeremiah 17:10
….Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord [Yahweh] God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Revelation 15:3
***
Declaring the end from the beginning And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; Isaiah 46:10
2 Corinthians 5:14-17 An entire new life is offered in Christ.
Galatians 5: 22- 24 The fruit of this life is abundant and ends in eternity.
Matthew 22:1-14 Everyone is called, and those who respond are the chosen.
Ezekiel 33:11-20 The deeds of our past do not assure or destroy our present choice.
Deuteronomy 11:18-ff God stays the choice before us so that we have the opportunity to select Him and His ways.
Deuteronomy 30:10-ff
Joshua 24:15
Zephaniah 3:8-20
8: Here God judges the nations all at once. He has wrath because He cares. As the Lumineers put it, “It's better to feel pain, than nothing at all; The opposite of love's indifference.” God is not apathetic. It bothers Him when countries oppress and dominate others or their own.
9-10: God’s goal is to purify so that all can come from near and far to worship shoulder to shoulder. How would you like to have “purified lips?” (Isaiah 6:1-7)
11-13: God will remove the rebellious and prideful so that the humble can take refuge in Him without worrying about injustice and oppression. Finally, people can trust each other since no one will tell lies or deceive anymore. Like a good shepherd, God will care for His people and provide them with pasture and safety.
14-17: The people shout for joy because God has not only cleared away their enemies, but He has come to dwell in their midst, guaranteeing future security. Fear is no more. God reciprocates by also shouting for joy and exulting over His people.
18-20: God will not only deal with oppressors, but He will save the oppressed so that those who were on the bottom will now enjoy renown and praise. God intends restoration for His people. Would you like to see this new world?
God will make everything wrong with the world right. He will heal everything—our governments, our bodies, our relationships. This is His dream. Will you allow it to shape who you are today?
Matthew 27:58 Joseph of Arimathea laid the body in his own tomb.
John 19:39 & 40 Nicodemus prepared the body for a proper burial.
Matthew 28:1 Saturday, around dusk, the two Marys came to the tomb.
Matthew 28:2 After their departure, the resurrection took place.
John 20:1-10 Sunday before dawn, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw the stone was rolled away. So she ran to tell Peter and the others.
John 20:11- 17 Mary was the first to see the resurrected Christ.
Luke 24: 1-3; Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 24:4-8 Mary told the good news to his disciples, but no one believed her. However, some other women returned with Mary to the tomb. The angels told them he had risen.
Luke 24:9-12 They reported the news to the disciples who again did not believe.
Luke 24:13-32 Jesus and the two men on the road to Emmaus
Luke 24:33 & 34 Peter saw the resurrected Christ.
Luke 24:35-45 Jesus appears to the 11 disciples.
John 20:25-29 Jesus appears to all the apostles in Galilee.
John 21:14-17 He appears again when the disciples went fishing.
1Corinthians 15:4-8 Some resurrection appearances are not recorded in the Gospels.
1 Corinthians 15:13-19
Christ’s resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. Everything hinges on this one grand historical event. If it happened, then Jesus really is the true Messiah; if not, then he is a fake, and his followers are fools. If God has raised him from the dead, then that means death is not the end!
1 Corinthians 15:20-24
Christ’s resurrection foreshadows our resurrection. He is the first fruits of those who have died. At his coming, those who are his will enjoy eternal life with him in the Kingdom of God.
Hebrews 2:14-15
Christ’s resurrection defeats evil. We don’t have to wait for Christ to return to find liberation from evil. In his crucifixion and resurrection, Christ has conquered, and you can enter into this freedom today!
Revelation 1:17-18
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and the grave.’”
John 13:1
This chapter records what is commonly called “The Last Supper”. This chapter starts out clearly stating this was before the Feast of Passover.
Consider:
• Mt 26:26; Mk 14:22; Lk 22:19; Jn 13:18 -Bread used is the Greek word artos; Hebrew lech’em. This is not the word for unleavened bread (Greek –azumos; Hebrew –matstsah).
• Jn 13:29 … “buy the things we have need of for the feast.”
• Jn 18:28 – so as to not be defiled, so that they “might eat the Passover.”
• Jn 19:14 – When Pilot presented Jesus it was still the “day of preparation for the Passover.”
The idea that the last supper was also the Passover meal comes from a misunderstanding read into the records in the other three Gospels. (Mt 26:17-20; Mk 14:12-18; Lk 22:7-14).
Luke 22:15-16
And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
Jesus was not talking about the meal he was eating. He was talking about the Passover meal that was still yet to come. What it says here is that he “earnestly desired to eat this Passover.” But this was not to be. God had bigger plans. The next time Jesus would eat the Passover with his disciples will be in the future in the Kingdom of God.
John 13:1 – Jesus now knew that his hour had come. This was to be his last supper with his disciples before his death. Knowing this, he performed significant acts.
• He instituted the memorial of Communion and the New Covenant (Mt 26:26-29 ;Mk 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20).
• He prophesied about the one who would betray him. (Mt 26:21-25; Mk 14:19-21; Lk 22:21-23; Jn 13:18-30)
• He prophesied of Peter’s denials (Mt 26:31-34; Mk 14:27-30; Lk 22:31-34; Jn 13:36-38)
And Jesus taught many significant things:
• Serve as he served: Lk 22:23-27; Jn 13:2-17 – He washed their feet. “Do as I did to you.”
• Love as he loved: Jn 13:33-35; 15:12-13
• The spirit of truth: Jn 14:15-31; 15:1ff; 16:1ff
After this night, Jesus submitted his will to the will of his Father God. He sacrificed himself for all humanity so that all mankind could have eternal life. What unconditional love! What selfless sacrifice! What should be our logical response to such love? – Gal 2:20; II Cor 5:14-15
II Corinthians 5:15
And he died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and rose again on their behalf.
Nehemiah 1 He was a man who prayed. He confessed his sins and those of the people.
1:9 He reminded God what He had said He would do.
1:11 He asked for Yahweh to hear him.
Nehemiah 2:4 He prayed before he answered the king.
2:8 He gave credit to God for the good things that happened in his life.
2:17 and 18 They determined to rebuild the wall.
2:19 Their enemies gave them ridicule and resistance. 1 Peter 5:7 and 8
2:20 They said God would help them succeed.
4:1-3 They received more mocking by their enemies.
4:4 Nehemiah asked God to take care of the mockers.
4:6 They had a mind to work.
4:9-23 They were wise to be watchful for the enemies but continued to work.
6:15 and 16 The wall was finished in 52 days. God was glorified.
8:1 - 9 The people gathered to hear the reading of the Word.
8:10 “…The joy of the LORD is your strength.”
John 16:20-22 Joy is yours, and no one can take it away.
Psalms 32-33:5 Shout for joy!
Psalm 63:1-7 Yearn for God, and sing praises to Him in joy.
Ps. 63:7 “For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.”
Colossians 1:9-14 A prayer set forth to please Yahweh
In every respect, the concern is to be filled with the knowledge of God.
Ephesians 4:11 and 12 – “Bishop” is episcope that literally means overseer, and Greek for deacons is diakoneo, literally one who runs to serve. These humble servants were to oversee the flock of God and guard the Word of God to ensure it was not corrupted.
1 Peter 5:1-4 The standard of the Scriptures
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
The prayer is that His knowledge is the dominant and persuasive influence in our lives. To be filled in such a way obviously requires constant and diligent study of the Scriptures and prayers.
Prayer is not an alternative for personal responsibility; rather, it precedes and accompanies personal responsibility.
Prayer is not a replacement for individual thinking and acting; rather, it works most often in concert with our thinking and acting.
Prayer is not a substitute for self-determination; rather, it is the counterpart to free will.
Ephesians 1:17 and 18 - Knowledge precedes wisdom, and wisdom understanding.
Wisdom, according to the dictionary, means “the power of true and right discernment and conformity to the course of action dictated by such discernment.”
Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 3:13-20; 4:1-13; and 24:3 Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are often connected in the Scriptures. James 1:5-7
“Understanding” is the Greek word sunesis, meaning running together like the water in a river.
Colossians 1:10 The reason for the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is that we walk in a manner worthy of the Lord to please Him. Ephesians 4:1
Colossians 1:11 Our constant aim is with all steadfastness and patience to give thanks joyously to the Father. Do not give up; keep on keeping on.
Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Romans 2:6-11 - The requirement for entrance into the Kingdom is faith that endures.
Ro 5:1-5 – “…We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience.”
Ro 8:25 “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
Ro 15:4 The men and women recorded in Hebrews 11 history provide examples.
Hebrews 12:1-3; Isaiah 50:4-11; Matthew 11:28; Revelation 2:2-4, 7, 11, 17, 25-29; 3:5 and 6; 11-13; 3:19-22
Col. 1:12 We have an inheritance and constantly look toward our hope.
Ephesians 2:1 People are physically alive but spiritually dead. The spiritual life is where God and Jesus Christ live and where man finds purpose, direction, and fulfillment. A superior, abundant existence is readily available but oblivious to most.
2:2 Everyone, except those who have Christ, walks or lives according to the course of this world without any consideration that there is another superior realm and way to live.
We are captives without knowing, shackled by evil yet unaware, never stopping to think about the insanity that is ours.
A spiritual prince (ruler, chief, leader) has authority, control, power over the atmosphere that mutually affects all of humanity. The devil is the god of this age.
The sons of disobedience are those in the world who are without Christ.
2:3 As those subjected to the evil prince, we had no moral compass to govern and guide us other than what we wanted or felt. Our lives were filled with the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 13:11-14
Ephesians 2:3-6 For those who repent, there is another way, a new life.
Colossians 1:13 and 14 With Christ, we who were dead are made alive, delivered.
Galatians 5:22-24 The new life with the new awareness provides love, joy, and peace.
Ephesians 2:7 Not only is there a better life now but also eternal life when he returns.
2:8 -12 When the day is done for those without Christ, despondency is their horrible plight. Nothing works outside of God. Feelings of hopelessness, discouragement, dejection, depression drown the Christ-less one to self-medicating such as overeating, fantasies, lust, drugs, shopping, sports, TV – vicarious living (result of his imagined participation in an experience not his own).
2:17-22 We have a new life now.
2Corinthins 5:14-16 In Christ, we jump ship from the world; we are out of the rat race. We get off the merry-go-round, break the chains.
17 We have a new life.
Ephesians 4:17-ff Walk in newness of life and enjoy life with God now, and enter the Kingdom when it comes.
Hebrews 11:1, 6
The purpose of the letter to the Hebrews is to encourage the believers to remain faithful to the end.
Hebrews 6:11: And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.
Hebrews 10:32-11:1
We need to read chapter 11 in the context of the entire letter to the Hebrews.
Outline of Habakkuk
1:1 . . . . . . . . . . Introduction
1:2-4 . . . . . . . . Habakkuk’s 1st Complaint
1:5-11 . . . . . . . God’s Response
1:12-2:1 . . . . . Habakkuk’s 2nd Complaint
2:2-20 . . . . . . . God’s Response
3:1-19 . . . . . . . Habakkuk’s Prayer
Habakkuk 2:3 “Wait For It”
Habakkuk 2:4 (NET): Look, the one whose desires are not upright will faint from exhaustion, but the person of integrity will live because of his faithfulness.
Habakkuk 2:14, 18-20
Hebrews 11:32-12:3
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Exodus 23:14-17 – Three times a year, the Israelites were to celebrate a feast to Yahweh.
The law was a shadow of the future promises. Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; Colossians 2:17
These festivals (KJV - holy days), were according to God’s appointed time (Hebrew mo’ed -Exodus 23:16). From the very start, God set things in motion for His appointed times – Genesis 1:14. These were not the “Feasts of Israel.” Rather, they are called the Feast of the LORD (Yahweh). These feasts were a celebration to Yahweh!
God also had a specific “place” where one was to celebrate the feasts. This place eventually became Jerusalem, where the Temple, the house of Yahweh was built. Deuteronomy 16:16
There were seven distinct feasts to be celebrated during three times of the year.(Leviticus 23:1ff; Exodus 23:14-17; 34:18-25; Numbers 28:16-31; 29:1-40; Deuteronomy 16:1-17)
The Feast of Passover – Lev. 23:4-5The Feast of Unleavened Bread – Lev. 23:6-8The Feast of the Sheaf of First fruits – Lev. 23:9-14The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) – Lev. 23:15-22The Feast of Trumpets – Lev 23:23-25The Feast Day of Atonement – Lev 23:26-32The Feast of Tabernacles – Lev 23:33-44
Jesus kept these feasts to Yahweh. The Gospel of John records the times when Jesus went to Jerusalem during the appointed feasts (John 2:13; John 5:5; John 7:2; 9-10; John 10:22-23; John 12:1).
The feasts were to be a time of rest (Lev 23:3, 7, 8, 21, 24-25, 28, 31, 35, 36, 39); a time of remembrance (Ex 12:25-27; Lev 23:24, 42-43; Deut 16:3, 12); a time of rejoicing before Yahweh (Lev 23:41; Deut 16:10-11, 13-15).
Additionally, the feasts are a shadow of what has been and will be accomplished in Christ Jesus.Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. (1 Cor 5:7)Let us celebrate the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:8)Christ the first fruits from the dead (1 Cor 15:20, 23)Pentecost (Acts 2:1) – the ministry of the spirit (2 Cor 3:3-18)Jesus is the High Priest who entered the holy of holies, making atonement for us (Heb chapters 8, 9, & 10). There is a day coming, a blowing of trumpets, a solemn assembly, a gathering. (Mat 24:31; 1 Cor 15:52; 1 The 4:16)We groan in this tent, tabernacle, waiting for our permanent home with Christ (2 Cor 5:1-9). A day is coming when the tabernacle of God will be among men and He will permanently dwell with His people. (Revelation 21:3).
Romans 16:25-27 – The gospel that Paul taught was the preaching of Jesus the Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. The preaching of Jesus Christ and the mystery are the same.
• The Scriptures are progressive.
• The mystery had been kept secret for long ages past (1Peter 1:10-13).
• The Scriptures of the OT prophets gave info on the mystery.
• Paul’s focus was according to the commandment of the eternal God and not according to the world.
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
• “Testimony” in older mss is mystery.
• Paul’s focus was exclusively Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. What is the focus of the voice of the church today?
• God had this plan before the age in which we now live.
• If they had known, they would not have crucified him.
• God has revealed them to us through the spirit.
Eph 1:4-10 - Our calling, adoption as sons, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life are included.
Ephesians 3:1-12
• Gentiles - fellow heirs, fellow members, and fellow partakers of the promise
• Unfathomable riches of Christ
• Manifold wisdom of God
• Eternal purpose
Col 1:13-29 We are delivered from the domain of darkness; we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins; Jesus is the head of the church; we are reconciled, have peace with God; and Christ, the hope of glory, is in us.
Colossians 2:1-3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 4:2-4; Ephesians 6:19 and 20 We should pray in like manner.
Revelation 10:7 When Jesus returns, the mystery is finished.
Ephesians 3:13-21 - The backbone of this prayer is the faith God generates by emphasizing: 1) His relationship, 2) His unlimited resources, and 3) His incalculable ability.
3:1 and 4:1 - Paul’s physical incarceration was distressing for the church he influenced so much. However, imprisonment afforded Paul opportunity to pray.
14 - The prayer is in view of all he communicated between verses 1 and 14 plus a desire to for the saints not to lose heart. Kneeling was an unusual posture for the Jews who normally stood up to pray (Luke 18:11-13). It was the manifestation of humility, submission, and reverence.
15 - We are family praying to our Father who happens to be Almighty God about His eternal purpose. Remember "if you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven….”
16 - The heavens tell of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of his hands (Psalm 19:1). The whole earth is full of His glory (Isaiah 6:3). Moses asked, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 34:6 and 7). Jesus, in Hebrews 1:13, is the radiance of His glory. Ephesians and Colossians reveal that the mystery with the inclusion of the Gentiles and Christ in us is also a part of His glory.
Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply … His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
1Corinthians 4:16 ; Ephesians 4:22-24 - We ask our heavenly Father according to the riches of His glory for strength so that Christ can dwell within our hearts.
17 – Being “rooted and grounded in love” coincides with Christ being in our control center.
18 – With Christ in mind, embedded in love, we may comprehend with others that which is beyond human understanding.
19 – We need God’s help
20 – His unlimited ability encourages faith and praise for Him.
21 – To Him be glory (1:6, 12, and 14).
Ephesians 4:1-3 - The fulfillment of the prayer is the only possible way to have harmony in the home.
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
