Weekly Teachings

Matthew 5:13-16 Your presence represents a godly influence. The place you are at home, school, work, or church is better for your having been there. Some people’s presence adds nothing good or bad. Some bring darkness and evil, but you bring goodness and light. When you are here, we are better. What we speak: • Affects our own confidence and faith • Sways how others think and believe about us • May influence how others think and believe about themselves • Can shape how others view God It Affects Our Own Confidence and Faith (Romans 10:9 & 10; Hebrews 4:13; 10:23); 1John 1:7; Ac 19:18 Our confession has powerful sway on our faith. What we confess affirms what we believe. At times, it seals our conviction and faith. The devil cannot read our minds, but he can read our actions and hear our words. Proverbs 12:15; 19:20 We all need to confess the negatives we battle with and receive godly counsel. We do not need to tell everyone in our life the negatives because it confirms or establishes it and weighs us down. Philippians 2:13 & 14 - When I say aloud what the Word says about me, I confirm in my own heart this truth. “I am a son of God.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “I am more than a conqueror through him that loved us.” “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Sways How Others Think and Believe About Us Pr 17:7, 27, 28 (Ephesians 5:4) Watch your mouth. May Influence How Others Think and Believe About Themselves Ephesians 4:29 Stinky speaking power in words Proverbs 10:12; 11:9; 16:27 & 28:17:9 Love covers over with silence (1Peter4:8) James 3:1- 13; Romans 3:13 and 14 Can Shape How Others View God Matthew 5:13-16 With our words, we can help people rightly understand God. For Future Consideration: Proverbs 4:24; 6:1 & 2; 8:13; 10:11, 14, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32; 11:11; 12:13, 14, 18; 13:2, 3; 14:3, 23; 15:1, 2, 4, 7, 23, 26, 28; 16:1, 13, 21, 24, 27; 17:7, 20, 27, 28; 18:6, 7, 20, 21; 19:1; 21:9, 23; 26:22, 23, 28; 29:11 & 20

Colossians 1:13, 14, 19-22 Ephesians 4:22-24 The new you is created in righteousness, holiness of truth. Romans 6:1-ff Died, buried, raised – they have all been done for you. You came from the factory dead in sins, and you were born again alive and righteous. 2Corintians 5:17 and 18 - Old passed away; all things new Matthew 5:13- 16 - You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world. 1Peter 2:9-10 – A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, the people of God New You - Thinking - Old You What does your inner talk tell you? How do you view yourself? Do you tell yourself you are a son of God, righteous, holy, justified, redeemed, and blameless? Is your talk – loser; stupid; ugly; dumb; I can’t do anything right; it is my fault; I am the one to blame; guilty; unlovable; unimportant; trapped; I can never change? Romans 12: 2 - What is your inner talk? 1Peter 5:8 and 9 Are you prepared for the attack? Have you trained? Matthew 4:1-4; Deuteronomy 8:1-3 Jesus was not caught off guard. He knew what was coming and trained himself to respond the right way. Luke 2:40, 52 Children need to be prepared for what is going to happen − rejection, degrading talk, vanity, peer pressure, sex…. Isaiah 50:4-9 He was trained and prepared. He did not get cold cocked. Psalm 22:1-18 Jesus was not surprised; he was prepared. He visualized what would happen; he memorized the Scripture; he asked for help and quoted the Word. Find the verse that relates to the temptation: condemnation - Romans 8:1; loser - Philippians 4:13; sinner - 2Corinthians 5:21. • Stop • Ask for help • Speak the Word • Act (take action immediately) Drunkenness - Eph. 5:18 Philippians 2:12 and 13

1Corinthians 12:12-ff God designed the Church to be an interdependent body just like the human body. Ephesians 5:21-33 Marriage also provides an example of the Church. We are in an interdependent relationship that assists us in our individual walks with God. Mark 12:28-31; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; 1John 4:11-21 If we love God, we are to love our brother also which is impossible without fellowship. Hebrews 10:19-25 The fight within and without is intense. All of us need the encouragement that we gain from each other. The strength, experiences, and faith of a brother can really help in our time of need. Galatians 6:1-10 Some burdens we must bear alone, but the design of the body is such that we can help each other with some of the burdens. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Self-deception is very difficult to get out of, so the helping hand of a willing brother can really help. We can also provide help for others if we are connected and not isolated. Ephesians 3:18 Comprehension of the full scope of love can be gained only by association with each other. We cannot gain it on our own. The way people enjoy themselves is most often in association with other people. The way society punishes criminals is by confinement, and the most severe punishment is solitary confinement. People need healthy associations with others in order to thrive.

1John 3:8-11 God’s message to humanity from the very beginning has been to love one another. 12 – Genesis 4:1-15 We do not determine the right way to love God; rather, we love Him as He tells us to do. We are also to love Him with the right attitude. Cain did it his own way, but Abel did it God’s way. 1John 3:12-18 Love is more than noble intentions; it must also include godly action. 1John 4:7 - Do you want to know God? Love is not optional. 8 - “Born of God” and godly behavior are convincingly connected throughout the epistle of 1John. Loving others and knowing God are also persuasively linked together. By the practice of love, we learn to know God more and more, and conversely, a stranger to love is a stranger to knowing God. The difference between knowing and not knowing God is loving one another. The phrase “God is love” is not interchangeable with “love is God.” Our self-contrived impression of love is not how we understand God. When we develop a correct biblical understanding of God, we can begin to understand genuine love. Love does not define God; rather, God defines love. 9 – Standards are provided in the Scriptures so that we know how to love rightly. Luke 10:27; John 13:34 1John 4:9 and 10 - He loved us because He decided to do so and not because we were deserving or attractively loveable. We love others the way God loved us because He loved us first. “Why is she giving me these gifts?” I responded because it is your birthday. “She doesn’t even know me so why would she give me gifts?” I said, because she loves you! “Why would she love me if she doesn’t even know who I am?” She loves you because God loves her and tells her to love others as He loved her. My words were heard but, not necessarily understood as this soul recently made inquiry about my wife’s actions. Our standard for love is based upon God and not what others do or don’t do or what they deserve or don’t deserve. We love others the way God loves us. 1John 4:11 and 12 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13 – We have the example in Christ, the directions in the scriptures and the ability and specific instructions with the holy spirit. Ephesians 3:16 and 17 - The only way we can love others the way God loves us is with His help through the holy spirit.

Three major topics handled in this chapter are: 1) resurrection of Jesus, 2) resurrection of the just, 3) transformation of those who are alive when he returns. 2 – The resurrection is the core of the gospel (Romans 1:3 and 4; 2Timothy 2:18). Man’s salvation and the believer’s hope are based upon the resurrection. “If” is a small word with huge ramifications (Romans 11:22; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 7, 14; 10:38). “If” means in the event that, allowing that, on the assumption that, on condition that. 4 – Like Jonah, Jesus was dead for three days and three nights (Matthew 12:39 and 40), and he got up on the third day because he died about 3pm. 8 – Other post resurrection appearances are noted in the Gospels. 20 – A number of people were resurrected from the dead, but only Jesus stayed alive. The dead are referred to as “them that slept” (1Thessalonians 4:13). Sleep is a natural, temporary, and periodic state of diminished activity of body and mind. In the state of sleep, rest results from the suspension of activity, consciousness, and sensation. Psalms 6:5 - no remembrance; 146:4 - all thoughts perish; Ecclesiastes 9:10 - no work, device, knowledge nor wisdom is in the grave. The person has no realization of time. Most believe that upon death the person either ascends into heaven or descends to hell. 23 – From Adam came death, and from Jesus came the resurrection of the dead. 28 – The last enemy destroyed is death (Revelation 20:14). 32 – Without the resurrection, we might as well have a fatalistic attitude such as the Epicurean philosophy. 33 – NEB - “Make no mistake; bad company is the ruin of a good character.” 34 – Doctrine leads to conduct, and unsound doctrine in the end must lead to sinful behavior (Romans 8:18; 2Corinthians 4:17 and 18; Hebrews 11:25 and 26). 41 – All these differences help us to understand the great difference of the resurrected bodies from the dead bodies. 44 – Tremendous contrast 49 – God promises us that in the resurrection we shall bear the image of the heavenly. 53 – The mortal putting on immortality is a mystery (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). 58 – If we believe these matters about the resurrection, we stand strong.

Luke 1:5-25 - Zacharias and the angel Barren women and the redemption of Israel illustrate man’s impotence or futility compared to God’s miraculous and merciful provision − Sarah (Genesis 18), Rebekah (Genesis 25), Rachel (Genesis 30), the mother of Samson (Judges 13), Hannah (1Samuel 1 and 2) and Elizabeth. Luke 1: 26-38 Gabriel and Mary Luke 1:32 The Davidic dynasty − 2Samuel 7:8-16; 1Chron 17:13 and 14; Psalm 89 Before he is conceived, after he is born, at his death, and before his ascension, the king aspect is emphasized. Matthew 1:18-25 - Joseph and the angel 1:23 - Isaiah 7:14 The Masoretic text has this as “young maiden” or “young woman” and not “virgin.” Nowhere else in the Scriptures is any indication that God would create seed within Mary; therefore, it was a mystery. Luke 1:39-56 - Mary visits Elizabeth. Luke 1:57-80 - John is born. Luke 2:1-7 - Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem Luke 2:1-7 - Shepherds Luke 2:8-20 - Jesus and Simeon Luke 2:21-38 - Jesus and Anna Matthew 2:1-12 - Magi Matthew 2:13 - Flight to Egypt

Luke 1:5 – Herod the great (37-4 BC) The priests were divided into twenty-four divisions of which Abijah’s was the eighth, according to 1Chronicles 24. Each division was on duty twice a year for a week each time. Elizabeth’s father was also a priest from the line of Aaron. 7 – In their culture, not having a child was considered a disgrace, especially not having a son who would be the family heir. People believed the blessing of childbearing was withheld because of the husband’s or wife’s sins. 10 – According to the Mishnah, a priest could not offer incense more than once in his entire lifetime, and some priests never did receive the privilege. Thus, this was the most important moment in the life of Zechariah. Altar of incense Exodus 30:1-10; Psalm 141:1 and 2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3 and 4 13 - John means “the Lord is gracious.” The name is not in the Old Testament. Perhaps because of John Hyrcanus, the youngest son of Simon Maccabeus, it became popular. 15 Not drinking wine or liquor may indicate he was under the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-ff) as was Samson. Holy spirit in his mother’s womb indicates he was under the influence of God his entire life. He maintained the personal commitment of holiness, and God guided him with the spirit. Jesus said of him, “I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” 17 – Quoted from Malachi 4:5 and 6; Matthew 11:7-15 Elijah was taken up to heaven on a chariot of fire with horses of fire and a whirlwind (2Kings 2:11). Many believed that he literally went into heaven and was with God until the appointed time prophesied by Malachi. However, Jesus is the first and only human yet to have eternal spiritual life and the only one to ascend into heaven. 36 – The KJ says “cousin;” other texts say “relative;” and one text – “mother’s sister’s child.” If they were cousins, Mary’s mother may have been from the tribe of Aaron as was Elizabeth. Her Father was from Judah, the line of David. Mary would then have come from the priest and king line just as her son Jesus would end up. 39 The baby in her womb had holy spirit. 57 John is born.

Isaiah 7:10-16 – Matthew 2:18-23 Virgin would bear a son. Luke 1:26-38 Many children were conceived by a virgin, but only one like Mary. Isaiah 37:31 – Matthew 1:1, 2 and 16 House of Judah Isaiah 11:1-5, 10 – Romans 15:7-12; Matthew 1:1, 5, 6, 16 Root of Jesse According to 1Samuel 16, Jesse had 8 sons, but this one was to come from David. Isaiah 9:6 & 7; 16:5 – Matthew 1:1, 2,6,16 From the house of David Micah 5:2 – Matthew Born in Bethlehem Hosea 11:1 – Matthew 2:14-15 Out of Egypt Isaiah 9:1and 2 – Matthew 2:22 and 23; 4:13-16 From Nazareth of Galilee Isaiah 40:1-5 – Luke 3:1-6; Matthew 3:1-3 Jesus would be preceded by a prophet. Isaiah 53:4 – Matthew 8:17 Took our infirmities and diseases Isaiah 49:6; 42:1-6 – Matthew 12:14-21 Mission would include Gentiles. Isaiah 61:1 and 2 – Luke 4:16-21 His ministry foretold Isaiah 29:18; 35:5 and 6 – Luke 7:20-22 Ministry would include miracles. Isaiah 49:7 – John 15:24 and 25 Hated without a cause Isaiah 50:6 – Matthew 26:67; 27:30 Spat upon and beaten Isaiah 53:1-3 – Mark 10:33 and 34 Despised and forsaken Isaiah 53:4-6 - John 19:7 Die for our sins Isaiah 53:5 – 1Peter 2:24 and 25 By His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:7 – Matthew 27:12-14; Acts 8:31-35 Silent before his accusers Isaiah 53:9 – Mark 15:42-46 Buried in a rich man’s tomb Isaiah 53: 8-11 – Matthew 28:1-9 Return from the dead Isaiah 11:1-10 Since all these specific details have been fulfilled, we have confidence that those prophecies about His return will be accomplished as well. Hebrew 4:14-16 We also have great confidence that he is now our high priest

“Redeemed” means to release on receipt of ransom; liberate by payment of ransom to buy back; repurchase; to get or to win back; to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental; to be freed from the consequences of sin. The redemption of Israel from Egypt provides insight to our redemption. Exodus 1:13-16; 5:1-4, 17 Their bondage was horrific slavery. Exodus 6:5-8 “Redemption” was introduced for the first time. Exodus 13:13-15 Yahweh redeemed them by His grace and mercy. They did nothing to free themselves, but there was a cost. Deuteronomy 7:8 and 9; 13:5 They were never to forget that Yahweh redeemed them from the house of slavery. Micah 6:4 “I brought you up from the land of Egypt and ransomed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.”Romans 3:10-19 Our land of bondage, house of slavery Ephesians 2:1-3 We were slaves to the devil and our own lust. Ephesians 2:12 Helpless and hopeless 1Peter 1:18 and 19 – “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 1:3-8 We are redeemed by the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:13 and 14 1Corinthians 1:30 – “By his doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”Ephesians 1:9-14 Our redemption has been paid for and is ours now, but the fullness is yet to come.Romans 8:23 – “…We ourselves, having the first fruits of the spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.”Israel failed to maintain awareness and gratitude for their redemption; therefore, they ended up back in bondage. Ephesians 1:7-14 Praise Him, and be thankful. Colossians 1:12; 3:15-17

1 Tim 2:1 1and 2 Eph6:18 and 19 Eph 3:11 God has a purpose for the ages and He constantly reassures us that it will come to pass. Is 46:5-13 did God select the world leaders? Ps 115:9-16 Ps 118:1-9 we trust Yahweh not princes Israel trusted Assyria and Egypt to no good avail 1 Tim 2:3-6 with our hand we can show rejection, friendship, disgust, receiving praying and surrender Heb 10:19- 22; Isaiah 1:10-20; 59:1-8 2 Tim 2:6 without wrath and doubting Mt 15:19 "for out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. Mr 7:21 "for from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, Lu 2:35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." Lu 5:22 but Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, "why are you reasoning in your hearts? Lu 6:8 but he knew what they were thinking, and he said to the man with the withered hand, "get up and come forward!" and he got up and came forward. Lu 9:46 an argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. Lu 9:47 but Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by his side, Lu 24:38 and he said to them, "why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Php 2:14 do all things without grumbling or disputing Php 4:4-9 while Paul is in jail he tells them not to be anxious. He said nothing about the injustice of his imprisonment or the corruption of the government.

Matthew 7:7-12 Jesus’ words on prayer are shocking. Matthew 21:18-21 - Why did he curse the fig tree? Was he in a bad mood? When Jesus said to cast the mountain in the sea, it may have been hyperbole, but there was nothing exaggerated in the cursing of the fig tree. John 14:12-15 Jesus states within his teaching our need to obey and love and again emphasizes the need for prayer. John 15:16 He wants fruit to abound in our lives. John 16: 23 – 27 We pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ with the expectations that God will respond to our prayers. Luke 18:1-8 Persistence is necessary, and we are to trust that our Father will do the best for us in His time. Psalms 2 The instruction was to ask. The promise has not yet been fulfilled, but it will be. Luke 18:9-17 – Humility is the disciple’s way of life Philippians 4:6 and 7 “Prayer affects men by affecting God. Prayer moves men because it moves God to move men. Prayer influences men by influencing God to influence them. Prayer moves the hand that moves the world” - E.M. Bounds 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - Now is the time to pray. We need God’s help! Prayer is to be offered with a reverential attitude. God is worthy of our profound, adoring, awed respect. 2 Kings 19:14-19 Hezekiah 1 Chronicles 29:10-14 David 2 Chronicles 14:9-11 Asa 2 Chronicles 20:5-13 Jehoshaphat

Isaiah prophesies about Babylon over 100 years before its rise to world power. Isaiah 47:1 Babylon is designated a virgin. From the context, it means it was immune from the attacks of foreign invaders. From sitting on the world throne, she comes down to sit in the dust. 2 – engaging in the task of the lowest menial slaves 3 – Babylon will be seen for what she really is 4 - Three of Yahweh’s attributes: 1) the Redeemer 2) LORD of hosts 3) Holy One 5 – Babylon was the queen of all the kingdoms in her day as it will be in the end 6 - the reason God judges them is stated. Babylon was unaware of the purposes of the sovereign God and believed that she was in control of her actions. She misused her privilege and opportunity and exhibited cruelty in her dealings, and so she must be humbled. Unaware, Babylon was carrying out the designs and intents of Yahweh, yet her own motives were sinful and corrupt. Daniel 2:2 Nebuchadnezzar’s counselors were magicians, conjurers and sorcerers; all of which are evil. To Yahweh they are an abomination (disgusting, detestable and hated). 2:46-49 Nebuchadnezzar experienced the true God 3:28-30 again Nebuchadnezzar experienced the one true God 4:34-36 Nebuchadnezzar becomes a believer yet his grandson totally disrespects Yahweh Isaiah 47:8 – they spoke words that are only fitting for Yahweh Isaiah 42:8; 43:8-20; 45:5-18 15 – the counterfeit power cannot stand against the power of Yahweh Daniel 5:1-30 the end of Babylon in one night

Jeremiah 19:1-7 The devil hates humans and wants to ruin their lives. He wants to get in people’s lives when they are children, then he can control them throughout life. Mark 9:35-47 Gehenna of fire was originally the Valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem. Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:14-21 Lunatic child who was demon possessed Matthew 15:21-28 - Daughter cruelly demon possessed Acts 16:16-18 Young girl All of these children were delivered, but all of them had demons. Some of the ways demons get into children are: Generational influence Exodus 20:5 and 6 Occult involvement Void of emotional boundaries Physically strung out Wallowing in some sin Emotional problems Lack of forgiveness Root of bitterness How to protect our children: Ephesians 6:1-3 Raise your children in the Lord. Matthew 6:9-15 Pray for the children.

The connection between love and spirit is threefold. First, we experience God’s love for us. Second, the spirit enables us to love God; and third, the spirit gives us the ability to love others as Christ loves us. Romans 5:5-10 While we were in our unholy, pathetic state, God so loved us that He gave His Son to die for us. Much more, we are saved from the wrath to come. Romans 8:14-17 The generosity, love, mercy, grace, goodness, wisdom, and power of God are very evident with the love empowering gift of holy spirit. Galatians 5:13-16 If we walk by the spirit, we will not be overcome with the unloving deeds of the flesh. Philippians 1:12-20 Instead of submitting to the temptations of anger, ingratitude, grumbling about injustice, blaming God or others, or doubting himself, he was thankful that his incarceration had turned out for the greater furtherance of the gospel. He did not take things personally because he did not believe lies about himself. 1Timothy 1:13-16 Love, joy, and peace are the fruit in someone who believes truth and is influenced by the spirit of truth. Matthew 6:1-4 The motive for service is vital. We should have a godly purpose in all that we do. 1John 4:9-11; 19 Love for others has two important aspects ‒ first, we must have the right heart behind our deeds of service. Second, works or deeds must also accompany the right motives. 1John 3:16-18 Thinking about loving others or only having good intentions is not enough. 1Corinthians 13:13

Genesis 12:1-5 - God specifically instructed Abram to go forth from his country, relatives, and father’s house; yet, he took Lot his nephew with him. Genesis 13 Lot divided from Abram because the herdsmen had strived with each other. He ends up moving into Sodom. Genesis 14 Lot was taken captive, and Abram rescued him. Genesis 18:22-33 God would save the cities if there were righteous men there. Genesis 19:16 The mercy of God was upon Lot. This is the first occurrence of mercy in the Scriptures. Vs. 29 Because God remembered Abraham, He saved Lot. Genesis 19:30-38 Did Lot and his daughters deserve mercy? Jude 7 Sodom and Gomorrah are the standard of eternal judgment.Revelation 15:3 and 4 Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations 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 16:11 The unrighteous never understand justice and hate those who judge and enforce justice. Romans 9:15-23 God’s mercy and judgment are determined by God. Romans 11:28 and 29 Because of the fathers, Israel remains God’s beloved. Romans 11:30-36 God’s mercy Romans 12:1-3 The proper response to mercy

9:1-3 Paul’s love and concern for Israel were in harmony with God’s. 4 and 5 Yahweh blessed and honored them above all people. 6-13 The biological connection to Abraham was not enough. The children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 14 God is never unjust; He always honors man’s self determination. 20 God knows what He is doing. It is not wise to judge Him. 25 Hosea 2:23 26 Hosea 1:10 27 and 28 Isaiah 10:22 and 23 29 Isaiah 1:9 10:1-11 Israel needed not to do anything other than believe in the work God had done through Christ (something no man – Jew or gentile – could do for himself). 10:12-21 Israel rejected God’s plan. 11:1-4 God did not reject Israel; rather, Israel rejected Yahweh. 11:5 A remnant has always existed. 11:6-32 Gentiles need to have and maintain the right attitude or they too will be cut off. 11:33-36 God’s wisdom and knowledge are way beyond ours.

1:1 and 2 – Nahum presents concepts difficult for us to understand because of our worldview regarding these topics. “Jealous” according to the dictionary means requiring complete loyalty or faithfulness; watchful in keeping or guarding something, careful; fearful that a person one loves may love or prefer some else. “Envy” means discontent or ill will at another’s good fortune because one wishes it had been his. God’s jealousy speaks to the fiercely protective commitment to His people and His exclusive claim to obedience and reciprocal commitment. Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9 Where this relationship of mutual commitment is threatened, either by Israel’s unfaithfulness or by foreign oppression, the inevitable expressions of such jealousy are vengeance and wrath which are directed to restoring that relationship. Avenging and vengeance are judicial in nature and express judgment and requital for infractions of law and morality, primarily those committed with presumption and impenitence. As a judicial function, vengeance belongs supremely to God. Revelation 15:3; Revelation 16:7 Yahweh is always just. Deuteronomy 32:4, 35, 43 Psalm 94:1-3 O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth, render recompense to the proud. How long shall the wicked, O LORD, how long shall the wicked exult?Psalm 9:7 and 8 The LORD 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.Only Yahweh is qualified to judge and execute vengeance because He is holy, omniscient, omnipresent, and the only true God.Revelation 4:8 - Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.Psalm 147:5 - Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.Jeremiah 23:23 & 24 - "Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD, "And not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD.Exodus 34:6 & 7 - Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD 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."Romans 12: 19 Men are not qualified to judge and exercise vengeance because we can act out of hurt feelings, hate, bitterness, shame. Like jealousy, wrath denotes intense and passionate feeling; it represents here the outworking of jealousy, which moves to eradicate every obstacle to its commitment. Wrath constitutes a divine characteristic that man must face whenever he breaks the proper limits of his relationship to God. To deny God’s wrath is to deny the reality of judgment and the necessity of atonement. 2 – The foundation for the entire prophecy All that follows is rooted in this revelation of the justice and burning zeal of the Lord exercised on behalf of His people. 3 – Yahweh’s anger is balanced by His forbearance. Exodus 34:6; Number 14:18; Neh. 9:17 The judgment of Nineveh is a type for what will happen at the end of the age with the last Assyrian.

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Micah, like all the prophets, deals with disobedience to Yahweh’s commands, social justice, and idolatry. Perhaps more than most, he deals with social injustice. The inspired writing of the prophets in the Old Testament helps us to interpret the complexities of both the present and the future in the light of the past. They also provide a clear written standard to help us cope with the injustices and evils of our day. Micah 2:1-3 God does not allow sin to go unpunished, even with His own people. 4 - The lamentation concerns the changing of hands of the land allotted to the people. It was Israel’s exclusive possession and had become the property of her enemies. 5 - Joshua 14:1-5 Because of their blatant disregard, the oppressors had removed themselves from any inheritance in the congregation. 6 The NIV translates this as – “Do not prophesy,” their prophets say. “Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace will not overtake us.” The true prophets apparently were considered troublemakers since their powerful sermons disgraced the privileged classes and embarrassed the false prophets. 7 – For those walking rightly, Micah’s words would have had a benign effect. 8 – The subsequent context shows that their hostile acts were directed against the less fortunate. 10 - This is not an exhortation to the children of God to depart out of an ungodly world, though that sentiment is a scriptural one. The essence is: “Since such are your doings, My sentence on you is irrevocable, you who have cast out others from their homes and possessions; now you will be cast out.” 12 and 13 Micah turned abruptly to a statement of hope. Micah’s hope was not centered in his generation but in a remnant that would be led by their king from captivity to deliverance. 3:1-4 The civil leaders treated the poor like animals being butchered and prepared for eating. The Hebrew word for “skin” is often used for the hide of animals. 5 The religious leaders are the second major group of leaders to influence the people. Yahweh holds both groups accountable for the demise of the people. 8 – Micah contrasted his prophetic activity with that of the false prophets. 4:1 - 8 Our future, when justice will prevail, must be our focus today when it does not.

MOST IMPORTANT 1) MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL – YAHWEH IS GOD 2) MOST IMPORTANT PURPOSE FOR LIFE - GLORIFY YAHWEH 3) MOST IMPORTANT UNDERSTANDING – SACRFICE OF CHRIST 4) MOST IMPORTANT WAY OF LIFE – LORDSHIP OF CHRIST 5) MOST IMPORTANT HOPE – KINGDOM OF GOD MOST IMPORTANT ACKNOWLEGEMENT - YAHWEH IS GOD Deuteronomy 6:4 Yahweh is one! Yahweh is God and He is the only one. MOST IMPRTANT PURPOSE FOR LIFE – GLORIFY YAHWEH Deuteronomy 6:5-8 most important is to love Yahweh your god with all your heart How do we glorify Him? The start is gaining understanding of Him through the scriptures and then constant contemplation of Him. Lamentations 3:22-26 ; Isaiah 30:18 - The purpose for life is to glorify Yahweh Isaiah 38:18 & 19 Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14 our holy calling is to live to the praise of His glory. 3:21 and 22 the most important matter for the church, the purpose of the church is to glorify God. MOST IMPORTANT UNDERSTANDING – SACRFICE OF CHRIST Ephesians 2:1- 10 God loves you and wants you to be with Him eternally and made provision for this to be so by the blood of Jesus. MOST IMPORTANT WAY OF LIFE – LORDSHIP OF CHRIST Ephesians 4:1-6 Jesus is to be our Lord which implies we are in subjection to his commandments. Matthew 5:3-5 Jesus taught what was necessary to enter the kingdom of God Matthew 6:9-13 he taught us to pray in light of the kingdom. 6: 33 - The subject matter of all his teaching was the same the kingdom of God 7:21- 27 live now for the kingdom that is to come by obeying the commandments. Do not let anyone deceive you obedience is necessary to accept the gift of salvation. 13:31 - 50 MOST IMPORTANT HOPE – KINGDOM OF GOD Revelation 22:1-21

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Exodus 33:12-23 Moses wanted to see Yahweh’s glory. The contrast between Moses and the people was enormous. They wanted the golden image; he wanted Yahweh. Exodus 34:5 and 6 Know your God. Exodus 34:7-9 God responded to Moses’ request. Numbers 14:11-23 Yahweh did pardon them, but they suffered the consequences of their sin. Joel 2:1-11 Yahweh refers to the Assyrian army as His army. Isaiah 5:24-30; 7:17-20; 8:7 and 8 12-17 Joel knew his God and therefore encouraged Israel to repent. Isaiah 10:5-12 Assyria was lifted up with pride. Jonah 1:1-3 Jonah wanted the Assyrians to be destroyed. Nineveh was their capitol city. 4:1-11 God’s mercy, kindness, and forgiveness for one nation was also His judgment against another. His judgment against one nation was also His mercy, kindness, patience, and forgiveness to another. Nahum 1:1-15 Addressed to Israel Nahum 2:1-3:7 Addressed to Nineveh God does not have a fragmented personality. He is always who He is and demonstrates what He chooses based upon by His own knowledge and wisdom. He is always right. Romans 9:14-18 God knows what He is doing. Do you know your God? Psalms 103:1-22 Know your God.

Leviticus 25:1-12, 20-22 God’s proper cycle for life was to have everything and everyone rest the seventh year. He promised to provide; they had to trust. Leviticus 26:33-36 The consequences of disobedience Jeremiah 25:1-11 After centuries of disobedience filled with immorality and idolatry, Jeremiah tells of their end that indeed did happen. 2Chronicles 36:11-21 The prophecy was fulfilled because God is faithful. The time was in relationship to the failed Sabbaths. Jeremiah 29:10-14 He promised to bring them back after 70 years. They did not obey for 490 years, which is why they were in captivity for 70 years − one year for each Sabbath year neglected. 490 divided by seven equals 70. Daniel 9:1 and 2 Daniel realized while reading Jeremiah that the 70 years of captivity were drawing to a close. Daniel 9:3- 23 His prayer 9:24 God introduces another 490 year period of time. To finish the transgression To make an end of sin To make atonement for iniquity To bring everlasting righteousness To seal up vision and prophecy To anoint the most holy place 9:25-27 70 heptads (groups of seven) equal 490. 490 is divided into 483 and 7. The 483 till Christ is divided into 49 (7X7, Jubilee years) and 434.

Daniel 1:8-21 The king’s orders were contrary to the dietary restriction of the Torah, so they refused to compromise. Daniel 3:1-30 They did not know if God would deliver them or not, but they did know that they were not going to compromise and worship a false god so that they could fit in and preserve their lives. Daniel 4: 28-37 The great king in the world after seven years of living like an animal came to the understanding that Yahweh is the true God and He only deserves worship. Daniel 5:1-6, 25-31 The great kingdom of Babylon disrespected Yahweh and in the end paid the price. Daniel 6: 10- 23 Daniel was taken out of the lions’ den because he trusted God. Daniel 6:28 Darius understood who was in charge. Daniel 7:3 Four great beasts come out of the sea. In Revelation 13:1, the beast comes out of the sea. Daniel 7:6 The first three beasts - lion, bear, and leopard (Revelation 13:2) Daniel 7:7 The fourth ruler is so dreadful and terrifying there is no beast to compare. Daniel 7:14 Kingdom of God is set up. Daniel 7:17 Vision explained Daniel 7:23 Last world kingdom Daniel 7:27 God’s Kingdom will prevail.

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John 16:33 Jesus has overcome. 1John 4:1-4; 5:4 and 5 We can overcome. Revelation 2:7 - The church was encouraged to return to their first love defined by the words and deeds of our Lord Jesus, not by a godless society. “…I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.” Genesis 3:23 and 24; Revelation 22:2, 14, and 19 Revelation 2:11 – Remain faithful unto death, and we will not be hurt by the second death. Daniel 12:1-3; Revelation 20:11-15 Revelation 2:17 - Forsake immorality and idolatry. “…I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone.” John 6:31-35; Ephesians 3:14 and 15; Revelation 3:12; 19:12 Revelation 2:25-29 - Do not tolerate anyone promoting immorality and idolatry. “To him I will give authority over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from my Father; and I will give him the morning star.” Psalm 2 Revelation 3:5 – Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain and “be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father.” Revelation 20:12-15; 21:27 Revelation 3:12 – Remain faithful and become “a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my new name.” Revelation 21:1-ff Revelation 3:21 - Be zealous and repent and Jesus “will grant to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.” Daniel 7:13 and 14; 1Corinthians 6:2 Revelation 20:1-ff Romans 8:31-38 We are equipped for the job.

1Corinthians 6:9-11 What we once were is not who we are now. We are washed and sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 Christ cleansed the church. 1Thessalonians 5:23 We have responsibility to obey, but only God Himself through Jesus Christ can sanctify you. Hebrews 2:9-18 The sacrifice of Jesus is what makes us sanctified. Hebrews 10:1-18 The old covenant was a type for the sacrifice of Christ. Hebrew 13:12 The blood of Jesus sanctifies. Revelation 1:5; 5:9: 7:14; 22:11 We have been made holy; now we are to stay holy. 1John 1:5-10 “If” indicates a condition. If we walk in light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Matthew 3:11 and 12 Jesus baptizes with spirit and fire. Romans 15:16 We are sanctified by the holy spirit. Titus 3:3-7 What we once were is not what we are now in Christ 1Thesalonians 2:13-16 1Corinthians 1:2 We are called saints by God. The fundamental idea is separation, consecration, devotion to the service of God, sharing in God’s purity, and abstaining from earth’s defilement. All around us is filth, but we can stay clean by God’s grace. Isaiah 4:1-6 A complete sanctification is coming in the day.

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Ephesians 1:20-23 Jesus is the head; the church is the body. In the context, God is the one who fills all in all, so in the body of Christ is God’s fullness. Ephesians 4:15 and 16; Colossians 1:18-20; 2:19 Ephesians 2:12-22 The saints, the faithful ones, make up the new temple with Jesus as the foundation, cornerstone. We make the dwelling place of God through the spirit. Ephesians 5:22-33 The marriage provides another example for us of how Christ is in relationship to his church. Matthew 28:20 I am with you always even to the end of the age. John 14:3, 18, 23, 28 Jesus has come to each and every believer by way of the spirit. 2Corinthians 2:17; Colossians 1:27 We really have Christ living in us. When people are living with you, normally you are aware of their presence and govern or moderate you behavior accordingly. Romans 8:9 The spirit of God and the spirit of Christ are the same spirit. Jesus always does the will of God, but he was given the responsibility and authority over the church. God does not micro manage. Revelation 2:12, 7 Jesus speaks to his church through the spirit similar to what we see with Abraham and Moses in the Old Testament. The pattern is followed in each of the seven churches. Acts 9:4-6 Jesus spoke with Paul 9:10-19 Jesus spoke with Ananias John 15:1-ff Jesus is the vine we are connected to, and God is the vinedresser. Ephesians 3:21 We are never to lose perspective that God is to be glorified through Jesus Christ forever and ever.

John 14:3, 18 and 28 Jesus promised he would come to us. Acts 2:33 The holy spirit is that which was promised. 2 Corinthians 3:17 and 18 The spirit is the Lord. Colossians 1:27 Christ in you Ephesians 1:20-23 The resurrected Jesus is not the same as the Son of man seen in the Gospels. He has a whole new life, mission, and authority. Revelation 1:5 Faithful witness – 3:14, 19:11 First-born of the dead – 1:17 and 18; Colossians 1:15-20 Ruler of the kings of the earth – 17:14; 19:11-16 Loves us and released us from our sins by his blood – 5:9 Made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father – 5:10 2:1 Seven stars are the messengers; seven lamp stands are the churches. 2:8 First to be raised, but not the last; last because no one else is the Messiah 2:12 Sharp two-edged sword – 1:16, 2:16, 19:11-16 2:18 Eyes, a flame of fire – 2:20-23 3:1 Jesus has authority in heaven and earth. 3:7 He has the authority to decide who enters and does not – John 5:25-28 3:14 Beginning of the creation – Colossians 1:15-20 5:1-14 The only worthy one

John 13:33-35 In preparation for his departure from the earth and with his suffering in sight, Jesus gave a new commandment to love as he loved. John 14:15-23 Love and obedience to his commandments are connected. John 14:31 Jesus held himself to the same standard demanded of us. The world will know he loved the Father because he obeyed His commandments unto the death of the cross. John 15:9- 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. John 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it. Romans 13: 8 True lovers do not feel like they are owed something, rather that they owe everything to God. They are not interested in getting but in giving. Service is the passion of their soul. Lovers find their value in God’s love for them and not from the world or anyone in the world. Ephesians 2:1-10 One major mindset that keeps people from walking with God and enjoying a successful in life is “something for nothing.” This attitude is crippling and attacks the fundamental precepts of our faith and the core of a person’s commitment center. For immature people, carnal people, there are few things in life resented more than responsibility. Matthew 24:12; Revelation 2:4 and 5 Keep on loving!

2 Corinthians 4:1 If ever a man had reason to lose heart and give up, Paul was the man. 14 Paul believed in the resurrection and found the resources to endure the struggles of life with it in view. 15 Paul’s aim was to bring glory to God. 16 Each day, we are closer to death and eternal life. Which will you focus upon? If you want to endure until the end, think like Paul. 17 What greater comparison can be given than a moment compared to eternity? 18 The great key to life is about focus. What do you look at? 5:2 We have a certain amount of groaning because we do not want to die but to be changed. We desire that our mortality may put on immortality. Romans 8:23 4 It is against the nature of man to desire death but not to desire the garment of immortality. 5 KJV says “earnest of the spirit”- The spirit is a small taste of the full thing that we will inherit when Christ returns. 2Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13 and 14; 4:30 7 Hebrew 11:13-16 Focus upon our moral flesh, the world, the present time is discouraging or disheartening. 9 Our ambition is always to please Yahweh. 10 Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:16; 14:10; Acts 10:42; Revelations 2:23; 22:12 14 The love of Christ manifested by his sacrifice holds us in. 20 We are all ambassadors for Christ. Galatians 6:19; Ephesians 3:13; Luke 18:1 Our knowledge of and focus upon the age to come, fear of Yahweh, and the love of Christ influence how we live as we wait.