Weekly Teachings

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.

1Peter 3:18-22 Jesus’ spiritual resurrected life enables him to have power and authority greater than anyone else in the entire universe with the exception of Almighty God. Colossians 1:18-20 Jesus made right everything that was wrong in heaven and earth. Ephesians 1:19- 2:6 Christ is seated at the right hand of God, so then we too must be in this same place, which indicates access to the same kind of power and authority! Colossians 1:13 and 14 Matthew 10:1, 7 and 8; Luke 10:17-20 - When Jesus was in his earthy ministry, he gave power and authority to both the 12 apostles and the 70 disciples. They were clearly taught that the power they operated with him was not a temporary happenstance but rather a type for what they could continue to do, even after he was gone. Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5 and 8 The Church has been given incredible power and authority to partner with Christ to accomplish the will of God on earth. John 20:21-23 On the day of Pentecost, immediately following the ascension of Christ, the holy spirit was indeed poured out for the first time. Matthew 16:19; 18:18 Jesus confirmed their partnership with him. In essence he was saying, “I will stand with you and support your endeavors.” John 14:12 - When we consider how impotent many in the Church are today, it is hard to envision that the words of our Lord pertain to us. Because of this lack, many declare that the power and authority Jesus spoke of was for the first-century Church only. The problem is twofold: we are ignorant of the power and authority that is ours, and/or we fail to use our God-given authority. Knowledge without authority is useless as is authority without knowledge. We need both to walk as our Lord instructed. Revelation 3:14-22 Wake up to the power!

Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21 and Luke 23:26 All say that Simon of Cyrene carried the cross. John 19:17 Seems to say that Jesus carried the cross; however, this is a figurative expression often used in Jesus’ time which meant accepting the responsibility of carrying out another’s will. Matthew 10:24-39 The wickedness of men and not the purity of the gospel is the cause of hostility. Micah 7:6 Matthew 16:24-27 In Matthew 10, the emphasis was on relationships; here in Matthew 16, the emphasis is on the world. Let him surrender to God his will, affections, body, and soul. Let him not seek his own happiness as the supreme object but be willing to renounce all and to lay down his life also, if required. Mark 8:27-38; Luke 9:23; and 14:25-33 - We must look at all the places that have similar information to gain the complete truth. Luke 23:32-43 “Criminals” is from the Greek word “kakourgos.” Matthew 27:39-44 Two kakourgos were crucified together with him; afterwards, two robbers (Greek – lestai) were crucified. They both reviled him. In Luke, only one of the malefactors reviled Jesus; the other one became a believer. John 19:18 The word “one” in the KJV is in italics because it is not in the Greek text from which it was translated. Neither do most other Greek manuscripts have the word, so the verse should read as: “There they crucified him, and with him two other men, on either side, and Jesus in the middle.” Jesus was in the midst of four, not between two. John 19:31-37 The soldiers broke the legs of a robber and then the malefactor before they came to Jesus.

Luke 1:38 Mary called herself a bondslave. Exodus 21:1-11; Leviticus 25:35-46 The background of the bondslave in the Old Testament provides great insight to our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 20:7ff; 24:32ff; 25:14ff Jesus spoke about bondslaves often because it was a commonly understood concept to the people in his day. 1Corinthians 6:20; 7:21-23 We were bought with a price; therefore, Jesus is now to be our Lord. Galatians 6:17 The mark is pricked in or branded upon the body. Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1 Paul considered himself a bondslave. Romans 6:16-20; 2Peter 2:19 We all are slaves of someone or something. Galatians 1:6-12 A bondslave does not strive to please men. Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25 Work as a slave of Christ, not men. Philippians 2:6-11 Jesus is our example of a bondslave. Philippians 2:3-8 We are to think as he thinks. Colossians 4:12 Epaphras was always laboring earnestly with prayers. 2Timothy 2:22-26 Lord’s bondslave must not be quarrelsome. 1Peter 2:13-17 Use your freedom to be a bondslave. Revelation 22:1-6; 19:5 Considering our modern way of life, it may be difficult for us to relate to this information. Today, thousands of vocations are available for people to select from. In their day, employment was very limited, especially in Israel’s isolated situation. Acts 2:18; 4:29 Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondslave of the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 6:16-ff 1Cor. 7:23; 2Cor 4:5 Gal 1:10; Eph. 6:5-8 Phil 2:7; Col 3:22; 4:2; 1Tim 6:1 2Tim. 2:24 1Peter 2:16 Rev 1:1; 2:20; 7:3

Genesis 3:1-6 The devil accused God of lying to Eve, of holding back something from her that would make her like God. In reality, he was the liar. He is the deceiver and the accuser. With his lies, he endeavors to render ineffective the impact of God’s powerful life-giving words. Revelation 12:10 He is the great accuser of God and man. Zechariah 3:1 and 2 He is present to accuse and cause doubt, fear, and unbelief. Genesis 4:1-8 Sin is waiting to attack you, longing to destroy you, but you can conquer it. Genesis 6 Also, a problem for us is the world − that is both the physical world and the people in our world. 2Corinthians 11:3 As the serpent deceived Eve, so he can deceive us too. We must learn to withstand or stand when confronted with the devil, sin, and the world. 1 Corinthians 10:12 and 13 God makes a way. We seek His help. 1Peter 2:21-25 Jesus is our example and shepherd and the guardian of our souls. Hebrews 2:17 and 18; 4:13-16 Matthew 6:9-13 Pray. 2Corinthians 10:3-5 Control your thinking. Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus responded with “It is written.” We will never be directly confronted with the devil, but we will be constantly confronted with evil thoughts that tempt and accuse. Be alert; you are in a battle. Be prepared for attacks. This preparation includes honestly looking at your weakness and knowing the Scripture that confronts it. Pray, asking God for help, looking to Jesus for help. Act quickly, decisively, and biblically. Have confidence, and keep it simple. Ephesians 4:21ff

John 1:1:1-3 God’s word was with Him in the beginning. Genesis 1:1; Revelation 1:4, 8 God is eternal with no beginning and no end, so His word has always been with Him. Isaiah 40:13-17 God’s word originated with Him, not from outside of Himself. Everything in your mind came from outside of you. Zoe delight, education, reading, talking, TV movies John 1:1 God is never separated from His word. He has impeccable integrity. I am a black man, 25 years old, sing like Ray Charles, look like Denzel Washington, PHD in physics − these words are not a true reflection or representation of the person. Psalm 119:89, 152; Matthew 24:35; 1Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8 Numbers 23:19 God always speaks truth. Man often lies, at times intentional and sometimes unintentional. 2 Timothy 3:16 God’s word is profitable. It can revive you. To revive means to bring back to life or consciousness. Sandra and restaurant Psalm 119:25, 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 156, and 159 Psalm 119:14, 72, 97, 103, 111, 127, 140, and 162 Your attitude toward God’s word will determine your spirituality. Psalm 119:12, 18, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33-38, 64, 66, 68, 73,124, 125, 133, 135, and 169

Luke 10:25-28 The all important question; the simple answer − love Matthew 5:34 and 35 Jesus understood God’s top priority and taught accordingly. Love is based upon obedience to the Scriptures and should not be confused with human love, which is conditioned upon the relationship held with others. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 The point is not to cast a disparaging view on these manifestations, but to magnify dynamically the importance of utilizing all manifestations with God’s love. If without love we are nothing, then with love we are something. 1John 4:8 love is not an emotion or a feeling; rather, it is a deliberate choice to obey God’s Word above our own thoughts, feelings, emotions, or desires. God Himself is the standard of this love. 1Corinthians 13:4-8 All the “not” behavior comes to us naturally without any disciplined effort. To love God’s way is to be like God and is supernatural. 1Peter 3:20; Exodus 34:6; 2Peter 3:9 and 10 God is longsuffering. Ephesians 4:1-3; 1Thessalonians 5:14 and 15; James 5:7-9 - We are to be like God and have longsuffering with our brothers. Nehemiah 9:17; Romans 2:4 God’s kindness leads us to repentance Titus 3:3-5; Ephesians 4:31 and 32 We are to be Godlike with kindness. 1Corinthains 13:7; 1Peter 4:8 “Bears all things” means to cover over in silence. Galatians 5:13-17 Through love serve one another. 1Corinthains 13:8-13 The greatest of these is love.

Revelation 1:3 Gives us every indication that this epistle is to us and can be understood by us to the point of reading, hearing, and heeding. 1:7 As with all church epistles, it was first sent to the churches that existed then, but it is also relevant today. 2:1-5 This is first in influence or principal, not in order. They did well in preserving the doctrine but slipped in loving God, Jesus, and their fellowman. Acts 19:1-10, 17-20 Within two years and three months, they had the most remarkable outreach ever. All the other churches John writes to were founded during this time. Their former love was for God, their Lord, and humanity. They were great lovers. When those 12 men received the holy spirit, a radical transformation took place, which happens with the realization that God loves you. 1John 3:16 Knowing that God loves us is the foundation of our faith. Everyone has the need to be loved and the need to love. Both can be satisfied only by God’s unconditional love. Knowing God loves us is the only thing that will give us our identity and our security in this life. Our security and identity do not come from the conditional loves from others, from our accomplishments, or from our circumstances, but only from knowing that God loves us personally and unconditionally. God’s love is the only basis, the only foundation, upon which we are to build our lives. Acts 20:17-38 On Paul’s last visit with the Ephesians, he warns them about wolves. Apparently, they heeded his warning (according to Revelation), but they lost their passion. They protected the gospel and lost their heart of love. Ephesians 1:15; 2:1-5; 3:19-21; 4:1-3, 15 & 16; 5:1 & 2, 28-33; 6:23 & 24 Have you lost the zest for life? Have your passion, vision, and dreams faded, and has your life become humdrum? Is love foremost in your life? John 12:24 and 25 Our need to love is just as strong as our need to be loved. Only by loving as God desires, will our lives have the meaning and purpose that we are all seeking. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 To love like God loves requires we die to self and live for Him. So many of us have spent our entire lives trying to fulfill these two basic needs in every other conceivable way, rather than the way God intended and designed them to be fulfilled. We have sought for our husbands, our wives, our children, our families, and our friends to meet our needs for identity and security. We have looked to our careers, our accomplishments, our prestige, and our wealth to meet our needs for meaning and purpose. Other people, things, or accomplishments can never satisfy these two needs completely. Momentarily, on the outside, our desires might be touched; but inwardly, lastingly, these needs will never be completely met. Love can change your entire life. When we allow God to love through us in a 1Corinthian 13 way, it’s the most exhilarating, most meaningful, and most fulfilling experience of life. 1 Timothy 1:1-ff

Luke 1:5-25 Zacharias and Elizabeth Luke 1:26-38 Gabriel and Mary Matthew 1:18-25 - Joseph and the angel 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 Revelation 1:12-20 Jesus now Revelation 20-22 Jesus in the age to come

Genesis 14:18 -The first mention of Jerusalem; Melchizedek king of Salem (Jerusalem) Deuteronomy 12:5-7 God foretold of the place to establish His name. David finally took Jerusalem in the beginning of his reign and established the city of God. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem in about 597BC and the Romans in 70AD. Names for Jerusalem: Salem (peace) - Genesis 14:18 Zion (foundation of peace) - 2Samuel 5:7 The city of God - Psa. 46:4; 48:1; 87:3 His holy mountain - Ps. 48:1; Zech. 8:3 The city of the great king - Psalms 48:2; Matt5:35 City of Yahweh of hosts - Psalms 48:8 City of righteousness - Isaiah 1:26 Ariel (lioness of El) - Isaiah 29:1 Holy city Isaiah - 48:2; 52:1; Matthew 4:5; Revelation 21:10 City of Yahweh - Isaiah 60:14 Yahweh is our Righteousness - Jeremiah 33:16 Perfection of beauty, a joy to all the earth - Lam. 2:15 Yahweh is there - Ezek. 48:35 City of truth - Zech. 8:3 City of my God - Revelation 21:2 Isaiah 2:1-5 The New Jerusalem Isaiah 4:1-6 The branch of the Lord is the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In the same way God provided for Israel while in the wilderness, He will do in the New Jerusalem. Isaiah 24:18-23 Yahweh of hosts will reign on Mount Zion through His Son the King. Isaiah 35:1-10 Joyful shouting to Zion Isaiah 40:1-17 God will do what He promises. Isaiah 52:1-10 It will be a glorious day. Isaiah 60:1-17 The first New Jerusalem Isaiah 60:18-22 The New Jerusalem that will come from above Isaiah 66:10-14 Great joy in Jerusalem’s future Revelation 21:10-22:7 After the millennial kingdom, a New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven. Albany to Miami is 1400 miles and Albany to Oklahoma City is 1500 1453 ft at the very top of the empire state building with 102 floors There are 5280 feet in a mile. If a person were suddenly exposed to the atmosphere at 30,000ft without a pressurized cabin or at least a pressure-demand oxygen mask that supplies oxygen to the lungs via high pressure, hypoxia would set in 45 to 75 seconds, followed by unconsciousness and eventually death. Less than 6 miles, and we are looking at 1500 miles. 62 miles also is often regarded as the boundary between atmosphere and outer space.

Genesis 14:19 “And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;’” Psalms 47:2 “For the LORD [Yahweh] Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth.” Mat 11:25 “At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth….’” God has always been sovereign over all. Revelation 4:1-ff God’s throne room Gen 1:26-31 God gave humankind dominion over all the earth but not dominion over God or each other. They had equal authority. Genesis 3 They sought to have equal authority with God which resulted in diminished dominion over the earth and a dominant desire to control others. Gen 3:16 The husband rules over the wife thus beginning the history of humanity constantly struggling to control each other. Gen 4 Cain strived to control his brother which ended in murder; hence, began the history of humanity trying to control each other. Genesis 14 First World War, so on it has been ever since Nations developed with men ruling over men, which have continued throughout history. Israel for a moment had a kingdom under David and Solomon that was a theocracy. God promised through the prophets that He would set up His kingdom on earth with His Messiah ruling. 1Chronicles 17:10-15; 2Samuel 7:12-17 The promise to David Daniel 7:13 and 14 Isaiah 9:7; 11:1-10; 32:1 Jeremiah 23:5-7; 33:15 Zechariah 9:8-10; Matthew 21:5 Zechariah 6:12 and 13 Luke 1:31-33 Apparently, as is seen in the Gospels, the Israelites were looking for the Messiah that would be the king on the throne of David. (Revelation 12:5) Matthew 2:1-4 Herod understood that the Messiah was the king. Luke 17:20 “When he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:” Luke 19:11 They supposed the Kingdom was going to appear immediately. Jesus spoke of the Kingdom continually. Acts 1:6 And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"   Matthew 27:11 “Are you the king of the Jews?”   Matthew 27:29 Crown of thorns Matthew 27:37 This is the king of the Jews.   Revelation 3:21 God has a throne, and Jesus has a throne. 5:13   Ephesians and Peter reveal that Jesus has authority over every living being (with the exception of God) in heaven and earth now and in the age to come. Revelation 20:1-6 During the thousand years, Christ will reign on earth over the kingdoms of the world, and the faithful will reign with him. Revelation 1: 5 and 6 Revelation 20: 7-21:7 During the millennial reign, people will still be governed by people; but in the new heaven and earth, we will return to the relationship that Adam and Eve had in paradise where they ruled over the earth and not each other.

Lamentations 3:22-26 His mercies never fail; they are new every morning. Ephesians 2:1-7 God is rich in mercy. Psalm 118:2-4 Israel, the priests, and everyone should say His loving kindness is everlasting. 5 – “Lord” is Yah which is a shortened version of Yahweh and is used in songs, poetry, and names. 6 – Psalm 27:1-3; 26:1, 11; 56:4, 9, 11; Romans 8:31 9 – Our trust belongs in God alone and not in man. 12 – The name of Yahweh provides deliverance and victory for those who are His. 14 Yah is my strength and song. Psalm 18:2; Exodus 15:1-6; Isaiah 12:2; 45:17-25 16 Exodus 15:6 The song of Moses 19 Isaiah 26:1-7 Song of trust in God 22 Matthew 22:41-44; 1Peter 2:1-11 Corner stone 29 Ends just as it began in verse 1

John 7:1-10 At this time, his biological brothers did not believe in him; later, they would. Mark 3:20- 22 His family thought he was beside himself − that is mentally unstable.NIV - When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”NLT - When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind.” Later, his family believed.Mark 3:31-35 Jesus considers those who do the will of God to be his family, not those who share in common blood. God is the Father of those who do His will, and Jesus is their brother. Hebrews 2:10-13 Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren. 1John 3:1-ff God is our Father; we are His children if we walk in righteousness and love one another. We are family, and our Father commands us to love one another. Loyalty and love should be companions, i.e. children in my home. Galatians 6:1-10 Be good to the household of faith. 1Thessalonians 5:12-15 Take care of each other.