Romans 16:25-27 The mystery had been kept secret until Paul revealed it in his writings which he did using the Scriptures of the prophets. "Mystery" does not mean the information was not given, rather that it was not understood.
Romans 3:21-29 God's detailed plan of redemption was a mystery as was the inclusion of the Gentiles.
Romans 11:17-36 The Gentiles were grafted into Israel.
Romans 9:6-13 The true Israel of God is made up of those who have faith from both the Jews and the Gentiles. Galatians 6:11-ff
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 The spirit of God makes known the mystery, which is centered in Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.
Ephesians 1:7-10, 3:1-6 "...Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel"
Ephesians 3:7-13 "...The unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things"
Colossians 1:25-29 "Christ in you, the hope of glory"
Colossians 2:1-12 "Ye are complete in him"
Hebrew 13:5 and 6 "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?"
Genesis 27:41-46 Esau bore a grudge against Jacob and planned to kill him.
Genesis 28:1-22 God promised to be with him and fulfill the promises made.
Genesis 32:6-8 Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed (great pain or sorrow, anxiety; trouble).
Genesis 32:9-32 He did the right thing with his fear, and that is he asked God for help. God helped him to experience faith.
The name Israel means "God prevails." The name Israel was forever attached with this great record and lesson "with God you shall prevail, in His strength not your own."
1 Samuel 17:11, 31-37, 44-47 David had no fear because his confidence was in Yahweh.
Psalm 34:1-10 David turned to Yahweh when faced with fear, and again God answered his prayer.
Psalm 23:1-10 No matter the circumstance, David had no fear because he knew God was with him.
Isaiah 41:1-16 No fear because God is with them
Mark 5:36 "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Romans 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love."
Jeremiah 17:5-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh.
Hebrews 13:5 and 6 The Lord is my helper.
Acts 4:1-4 About 5,000 believed!
Verse 5 The rulers of the Jews were the Sanhedrin, great council of the nation. Powerful men try to intimidate others.
Acts 4:7 An intimidation tactic such as senate hearings
Verse 8 He was entirely under the influence and power of the holy spirit.
Luke 1:41 and 67 To be filled with anything is a phrase denoting that all the faculties are pervaded by it, engaged in it, or under its influence.
Acts 3:10 "Were filled with wonder and amazement"
Acts 5:17 "Filled with indignation"
Acts 13:45 "Filled with envy"
Acts 13:52 "Filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost"
Acts 4:11 The stone - Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42
Peter spoke the right verse to the situation. He was not at all intimidated by these bullies.
Luke 20:1-19 Peter followed the example of his Lord.
2 Timothy 1:7 and 8 God has not given us a spirit of fear.
Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5 and 6 Salvation is to be obtained in Christ alone.
Acts 4:13 Peter had the confidence and boldness because of the holy spirit and his persuasion that he had the authority in Christ to do what he was doing.
Verse 14 Seeing the man, what could they say?
Acts 4:16 These boys were having a rough go of it.
Acts 4:21 Because they refused to be intimated, the only thing these very powerful men could do was threaten more.
Verse 22 Fear tactics did not work with Peter because he was filled with the holy spirit.
Acts 5:17 Remember what these same men did to Jesus because they were filled with jealousy.
Acts 5:28 Right back to the bullying tactics
Verse 29 Peter is not intimated or sheepish.
Acts 5:42 They could not be pushed around. Romans 8:15-17
Philippians 1:8 The most effective way to influence another is to pray for that person.
Verse 9 Love always remains the main thing. We should acknowledge the connection between prayer and love. God's love is founded upon knowledge which is gained from the Scriptures and experienced in life. Discernment or judgment is again of vital importance. James 1:5 says we lack wisdom and can ask for it.
Verse 10 The aim is to stay pure and without offense until the day Christ comes back. We want to maintain faith until the end.
Verse 11 Righteousness in the heart produces love, kindness, gentleness, honesty, truth, meekness, goodness.
Colossians 1:9 -- Three matters: knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding
- Knowledge is gained by knowing and doing. James 1:22-24
- Spiritual wisdom is gained by asking and acting. James 1:5; 3:13-18
- Understanding is gained by the spirit and faith. James 2:14-ff
Colossians 1:10 The aim of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is a walk that is pleasing to God.
Verse 11 Strengthened to meet temptations and to bear up under the various trials of life
The only way to live as Christians is according to God's glorious power. Again, the aim of all is steadfastness. Hebrews 10:19-ff
Patience and joy -- Romans 5:1-5
Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks to our Father should be normal. Ingratitude is difficult to take. Colossians 3:15-17
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 The concern again is the love of God and steadfastness of Christ.
Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21
Jeremiah 17.5-8: a bush in the desert or a tree by the stream
Four examples of trusting in God:
Jericho: (Joshua 6.1-21)
Have the men of war march around the city once per day for 6 days. Take 7 priests and have them blow trumpets continually before the ark as you march. On the 7th day, march around the city 7 times. After that, everybody yell, and the walls will fall flat.
Gideon: (Judges 7.2-23)
The Midianites had 135,000 men in their army compared to Gideon's 32,000 (a 4:1 ratio). God dismissed the 22,000 who were afraid leaving an army of 10,000 (a 13:1 ratio). God dismissed 9,700 who knelt down to drink water leaving 300 (a 450:1 ratio). The plan was to surround the camp of Midian, bust the clay pitchers, light the torches, blow the trumpets, and yell out, "A sword for Yahweh and for Gideon!"
Jehoshaphat: (2 Chronicles 20.1-25)
The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites decided to attack Judah when Jehoshaphat was king. In fear he called for a fast and prayed to God for help. God responded by Jahaziel that Judah would not need to fight in this battle. The next morning Jehoshaphat put the praise team at the head of the army.
Hezekiah: (Isaiah 36.1-2, 4-15, 18-20; 37.1-2, 8-20, 33-38)
When confronted by the encroaching Assyrian Empire, Hezekiah trusted in God, despite the odds. Rather than striking a deal with the trash talking Rabshakeh, Sennacherib's general, he prayed to Yahweh and trusted in the words of Isaiah the prophet and in so doing defied the superpower of his day.
We are the people who trust in God, especially when times are tough.
Matthew 6.24-33: The opposite of trust is worry
We need not be anxious about the immigrants, the stock market, the terrorists, the culture, politics, and so on--not if our security is in God, and we really believe that he will take care of us.
Matthew 28:1-15 For those who believe, it means everything; for those who don't, it means nothing. (Luke 16 - If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.)
Romans 1:1-4 For me, the resurrection is proof that Jesus is the Christ.
Roman 6:1-12 The resurrection means we can have a new life now. For those who do not believe, theirs is the same old life.
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 If Christ is raised, we are freed from our sins. He is the first fruits. This means we too will be resurrected when he returns.
1 Corinthians 15:42-49 The body with the flesh inherited from Adam is going to change into a glorious like his.
1Thessaloninas 4:12-18 Because Christ is raised from the dead, we have great hope for our future.
Romans 8:17-25 When we are changed, the earth and the world will begin to change.
Hebrews 2:14 and 15 Sickness and death have a termination time already determined.
Isaiah 49:24-26 Eph 4:8 captivity captive
Revelation 20:1-15 The devil, demons, evil people, and all evil will be destroyed forever.
The flesh, the world, and the demon forces of evil are all going to be destroyed because God raised Jesus from the dead.
Matthew 16:17 Flesh and blood refer to humans.
Matthew 19:5 One flesh means one life together.
Matthew 26:41 The human body
Romans 3:10-18 The description of mankind apart from Christ.
Romans:
7:5 Sinful passions
7:14 Bondage of sin
7:18 No good dwells in the flesh
7:25 Law of sin
8:5-7 Hostile to God
8:8 Cannot please God
Romans 5:12-ff The principle of genetics is that everything is after its kind.
Genesis 3:1-ff
They desired knowledge of good and evil.
They were rebellious and disobedient.
They wanted to be their own god.
They experienced shame, a sense something was wrong with them.
They tried to cover themselves or fix themselves.
They hid from God because something was wrong with them -- sin.
They were afraid of God.
They rationalized their sin by shifting the blame.
Women desire their husbands − a want which produces disappointing results.
Men desire work which produces limited and disappointing results.
These propensities are present at birth for every human being. Because they are a part of our makeup, they remain with us throughout life.
Romans 6:5-8; Galatians 2:20 The old self is now dead in Christ.
Romans 8:4-11 Within the child of God, two things are at work − the flesh and the spirit. The mind determines which will have preeminence and thereby will control how we live.
Galatians 5:16-26 "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires."
Ephesians 4:17-24 Put off the old self, and put on the new self.
Philippians 3:20and 21 The new body will come with the resurrection.
The Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)
Ephesians 1:2 and 6:23 Peace is the fruit of grace, a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:14-17 Because of Jesus, we have peace with God and fellow believers.
Ephesians 4:1-3 These virtuous attitudes pave the way for unity.
Matthew 5:3-9 The normal for a Christian is supposed to be peace − peace with God, self, and others. Where we go, we should bring peace.
Galatians 5:14-26 The works of the flesh are contrary to the fruit of the spirit. The fruit of the spirit should be our normal.
The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
The flaming arrows of the evil one are propelled at us through the flesh, the world, and demons. These arrows continue until Christ returns.
Ephesians 2:8; 3:12, 17-21
Acknowledge the temptation to sin.
Do not try to extinguish the flaming arrows on your own.
Have faith in Christ that you can be victorious in him.
Pray.
Use the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God.
Live one day at a time.
Get help if you need it.
The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)
Ephesians 1:9-14 Constant engagements in a war can be draining and at times discouraging, so we need to focus on the hope of our salvation.
Romans 8:16-25 We are to arrive at the same conclusion.
(Context is of battling the flesh - chapter 7.)
Ephesians 4:8-16 We are to be striving together, not against each other, to reach the end goal of entering into His glorious Kingdom.
The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17)
Ephesians 4:17-25
Pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18)
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:11-13
Ephesians 6:10 We can be strong in the Lord because he already has the victory.
Ephesians 1:19-23; 2:4-6 We are united with him at the right hand which is a place of power and authority.
Ephesians 6:11 and 12 We are in a war − a multidimensional sin war.
Ephesians 2:1-3 The flesh, the world, evil supernaturalism
Ephesians 2:4-10 We are saved, justified, and made righteous by the faith of Jesus Christ. We will be sanctified the same way. We should not mix up salvation and sanctification.
Ephesians 6:13 We need the full armor of God. The evil day is today.
Ephesians 6:14 Loins girded with truth.
Two aspects of truth: doctrinal and personal
Breastplate of righteousness has two aspects also: faith of Christ and walking.
Verse 15 Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
We have peace with God through Christ, and we are to be peace makers.
Ephesians 16 Shield of faith:
Ephesians 1:15 - faith in the Lord Jesus
Ephesians 2:8 - saved through faith
Ephesians 3:12 - boldness and confident access through faith in him
Ephesians 3:17 - Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
Ephesians 6:17 The helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit
Ephesians 6:18 and 19 Prayer is not listed with the armor but is equally as important.
I Peter 1:3-4
We have a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The amount of knowledge, understanding, and thought you have about a future event will greatly influence your level of anticipation.
The Ages of the Earth
II Peter 3:1-13
These things were written to stir up and cause to remember the words of the prophets and the commandments of our Lord and Savior, which were spoken by the apostles.
The old world -- destroyed by the flood (II Peter 3:3-6)
The present heavens and earth (today) -- destroyed by a judgment of fire (II Peter 3:7-11)
The new heaven and earth -- where righteousness dwells forever (II Peter 3:12-13)
The Last Days
The abomination of desolation (Daniel 8:23; 9:27; Matthew 24:15) Many titles for this king: Little Horn (Daniel 7:7-8, 11, 19-21), the Beast (Revelation 13:1-2), the Son of Lawlessness (II Thessalonians 2:3 and 4). This will be a time of Great Tribulation (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19).
This time is referred to as the Lord's Day, the Day of the Lord, the Day of Christ, and the Day of Wrath of our God. Devastating events will transpire (Isaiah 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7 and 8; Joel 2:1, 2, 10; Micah 1:4; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24; II Peter 3:10, 13; Revelation 6:12-14; 8:7-9; 9:18).
The Return of Christ
After the tribulation of those days, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise from the dead and meet the Lord in the air (Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 24:29-31; I Corinthians 15:51 and 52; I Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is the first resurrection.
All of the saints will follow Christ to earth and slay the beast and defeat the kingdoms of this world (Psalms 2:6-12; 110:6-7; Isaiah 11:4; II Thessalonians 1:7-11; 2:8; Jude 1:14-15; Rev 19:1ff).
The Millennium Kingdom
Christ will rule for 1,000 years and bring everything into subjection. The first resurrection, the one of the just, is at the beginning of these 1,000 years. The resurrection of the unjust is at the end of the 1,000 year reign (Revelation 20:1ff). The book of I Corinthians gives a concise description of this time period (I Corinthians 15:24-26).
The prophets have spoken with great detail about this time when the Messiah will reign from Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:1-9; Isaiah chapters 32-35; Micah 4:1-3).
The Final Paradise
Revelation 21:1ff; 22:1ff
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
Matthew 28:20 He did not mean personally; currently he is seated at the right hand of God.
Acts 1:11 He has promised to return in person at the end of the age.
Jesus' presence is in us through the holy spirit, which enables his influence to be realized by each and every one of his followers.
Relationship with God
Teacher
Strength to carry out the lifestyle Jesus instructs us to live
Empowerment for ministry
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
John 14:1-3 I will come again.
Verse 3 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN"
Verse 18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I WILL COME TO YOU"
Verse 28 "You heard that I said to you, I go away and I WILL COME TO YOU"
Verse 23 "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and WE WILL COME TO HIM."
The very essence of what Jesus is putting forth is that he would come and dwell within his people by means of the holy spirit.
John 14:8-11 The reason Jesus was explaining his relationship with God is that with the advent of the spirit of truth, the same oneness he had with God was soon to be available to his disciples.
John 14:12 The greatest work and certainly not the only work that Jesus did was to maintain a oneness relationship with God.
John 14:13-24 The indwelling of Christ in God in you enables a harmonious relationship to exist.
TEACHER
John 14:25; 16:5-7, 12-15 The spirit will teach and guide into the all truth.
1 Corinthians 2:7-13 The spirit helps us to know the things freely given to us by God.
STRENGTH TO CARRY OUT THE LIFESTYLE JESUS INSTRUCTS US TO LIVE.
Ephesians 3:14-21
EMPOWERMENT FOR MINISTRY
Luke 24:46-49 "Clothed with power from on high"
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:4-11 THE ASCENSION
Their question was whether God would establish the Kingdom then.
The time of the event remains with the Father.
More important is the immediate task to be witnesses.
Empowerment of holy spirit
God's purpose and the place of the Church in it
Witness and mission must precede the return of Jesus.
His departure was a pattern for his ultimate return.
Get busy now!
What is Jesus doing now?
1 Peter 3:21 and 22 Angels, authorities, and powers are now subject to him.
Matthew 28:18 "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24 When we pray to God, we do so through the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Mediator.
Hebrews 2:17 and 18 Jesus is the High Priest in heaven.
Hebrews 9:1-14 Jesus is our high priest.
1 John1:5-2:2 He is our Advocate. "Propitiate" - to appease and make favorable; conciliate
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 The time between the ascension and the return is the day of reconciliation. We are ministers of reconciliation.
Ephesians 1:20-23 Jesus is the Head of the Body, which is his Church.
Galatians 1:11 Revelation comes through Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:1 Jesus is actively walking among the churches as the head of the Church.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus is our helper!
Acts 1:9-11 He is coming back as he left.
Matthew 24:14 Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached to the whole world.
Matthew 24:27-44 We do not know the exact day, but we are certain the day is coming.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, 35-49 Great comfort
Who is God?
A. The people meet their God (Deuteronomy 4.32-39; 5.1-10, 22-26)
B. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6.4-6, 13-15; Mark 12.28-34)
C. Verses that speak of Yahweh as the only true God (2 Samuel 7.22; 2 Kings 19.19; 1 Chronicles 17.20; Nehemiah 9.6; Psalm 86.8-10; 135.5-7; Isaiah 37.16,20; 44.24; 45.5-7, 18, 21-22; 46.9-10; Jeremiah 10.10-16; Zechariah 14.9; Mark 10.18; John 17.3; 1 Corinthians 8.4-6; 1 Timothy 2.5; James 2.19; Jude 24-25)
Who is Jesus?
A. The birth of the Son of God (Luke 1.31-35)
B. The king of the Jews (Matthew 2.1-6)
C. Who did his followers think he was? (Mark 8.27-30)
D. The Son of Man (Daniel 7.13-14, 18, 22, 27)
E. The sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 15.3-4; Galatians 1.4)
F. The Lord at the right hand of God (Psalm 110)
Shared Attributes of God and Jesus
A. They are both called Lord, Savior, Redeemer, King, Judge, and Rock
B. They both forgave sins, loved, will establish the kingdom and judge the world
C. We could list many other commonalities between God and Jesus
Chart of the Differences between God and Jesus (download slide show)
May we worship the same God that Jesus worshiped (John 20.17; Revelation 3.12)
After 70 years in exile, God allowed the Israelites to return from Babylon, rebuild the Temple, learn His Laws, and begin to worship Him at the place He chose -- Jerusalem. The return from exile happened in three waves.
First Wave -- The Temple is Rebuilt:
Ezra 1:1-11, 2:1-65 About 50,000 people returned to Jerusalem from Babylon in about 538 BC under Joshua the High Priest and Zerubbabel the Governor.
Ezra 3:8-13 Rebuilding the Temple begins around 536 BC, and the foundation is laid.
Ezra 4 Adversaries hinder the Temple work. The enemies of Judah and Benjamin discourage and frighten the people from building. The work is stopped from around 529 BC until around 520 BC.
Ezra 5:1-2; Haggai 1:1-2:5; Ezra 6:1-12 God spoke through Haggai and Zechariah telling the people to get back to work. The people obeyed and finished rebuilding the Temple about 516 BC.
Ezra 6:14-18 The rebuilt Temple is dedicated, and Passover is celebrated.
Second Wave -- Teaching God's Laws to the People:
Ezra 7:6-10 Ezra, a man skilled in the Laws of God, set his heart to study, practice, and teach God's Laws in Israel, and God was with him
Ezra 7:11-26 King Artaxerxes issued a decree supporting and funding Ezra's return to Jerusalem to teach the people God's Laws.
Ezra 8:31-36 Ezra arrives in Jerusalem with about 1,500 men plus women and children.
Ezra 9 Separation from the Canaanite wives -- repentance in a big way
Third Wave -- Jerusalem's Wall is Rebuilt:
Nehemiah 2:1-11 Nehemiah asks to go and rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He arrives around 445 BC.
Nehemiah 2:10; 4:1-3, 6-20; 6:1-14 Tobiah, Sanballad, and Geshem oppose Nehemiah and God in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. Nevertheless, the work continued.
Nehemiah 6:15 The wall was rebuilt in 52 days because the people had a mind to work!
Nehemiah 8:1-8; 9:1-3 Ezra teaches the Law to the people and the people respond with confession of sins, repentance, and worship to Yahweh.
Conclusion:
With God's help, the people returned and rebuilt the Temple and the wall surrounding Jerusalem. They were taught the Laws of God and began worshipping Yahweh again and obeying His commandments.
Key points we can apply in our lives today:
Yahweh is merciful and forgiving
Yahweh is faithful -- He keeps His promises and provides all that we need to finish His work.
Exodus 20:1-3 First commandment
Exodus 20:4-6 Second commandment
Exodus 34:6 and 7 God has a low tolerance for the worship of other gods.
1 Kings 11:3-13 Idolatry divided the kingdom.
1 Kings 12:4-6, 10, 11, 20 Rehoboam, Solomon's son, was a fool.
1 Kings 12:26-33 Jeroboam becomes the standard that other kings were measured by regarding evil.
1 Kings 14:30 There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.
1 Kings 15:25 and 26 Nadab, the son of Jeroboam
1 Kings 15:33 and 34 Baasha, Jeroboam's grandson
1 Kings 16:25, Omri; 1 Kings 16:29-33, Ahab
1 Kings 21:20-29 Ahab did more evil than all that went before him.
2 Chronicles 17:1-19 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David.
2 Chronicles 14:2-5 Rehoboam - Abijah - Asa
2 Chronicles 15:8-17 The high places were not removed from Israel.
2 Chronicles 18:1-3 The end result was devastating to offspring and Israel.
2 Chronicles 18:4-19:4
2 Chronicles 21:1-7 Jeroham was like Ahab, not David.
2 Chronicles 22:2-4 After Jeroham died, his son Ahaziah ruled.
2 Chronicles 22:10, 12 Athaliah reigned over the land.
Ezekiel 21:26 and 27
Matthew 5:43-ff Neighbors are those near you; whereas, enemies are those distant and antagonistic to you.
Verse 44 Actively pray for your enemies.
Verse 45 Do not show partiality.
Verse 46 Even the worst people in society, those who use others for selfish gain, figure out how to love the ones who love them.
Verse 48 We are to love as God loves.
Luke 6:32-35 In order to do this, we must learn how to die to ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:10 and 11; Matthew 16:21-27 Peter loved the Lord Jesus and did not want him to suffer and die. Jesus had told Peter God's will, and Peter rejected it and embraced his own will. This is what I want!
Matthew 19:16-22 What must I do to have eternal life? Love your neighbor as yourself. In Mark 10, it says Jesus felt love for him and therefore told him what he needed to do. So, the great question becomes: "What does it mean to love your neighbor?"
Luke 10:25-37 The two great commandments are given. How do we love the unlovable? By having compassion. Offense must be replaced with compassion.
John 13:34 and 35 The new standard for love is to love as Jesus loved.
John 14:15-24 We love him by keeping his commandments.
John 15:9-17 We are to love as he did, and we do this by keeping the commandments.
Romans 5:5-8 The ability to love is given to us in a supernatural way with Christ in us.
Romans 13:8-10 We owe it to God to love one another.
1 John 4:7-21 We love Him because He loved us first.
Matthew 24:12 and 13 Love will grow cold. Because lawlessness multiplies, love grows cold. Sin makes the heart cold. We get lost in the darkness of selfishness and self-centeredness.
Genesis 3:15 The fall was the most cataclysmic event of all time.
Both heaven and earth were greatly ill affected by the fall.
Enmity (hatred) between Satan and humans--especially the Christ.
Her seed represents humanity; and his, demons and children of disobedience.
"He" brings attention to one human, the Messiah.
Head is most vital, and heel the least.
Genesis 49:8-10 Judah will be above all the other tribes. He will be their king, and they will submit to him (which happened with David and will happen again with Jesus).
Genesis 1:14 Just as the sun and moon in their courses mark out the days, months, and years; likewise the stars and planets in their courses mark out the signs concerning God's plan of redemption which culminates in Jesus Christ, the seed of the woman, the Messiah.
The heavens contain 12 conspicuous grouping of stars. Through the ancient world, these 12 groupings, called constellations or signs of the Zodiac, were known and respected as depicting eternal truths.
Genesis 49:9 Judah is symbolized by the lion which is Leo in the Zodiac. The lion lying down is in total control of his domain.
Verse 10 Scepter represents king and rule. "Until Shiloh comes" could be translated until he comes to Shiloh.
Verse 11 First part is abundance, but first must come the day of vengeance (Isaiah 63:1-6).
Numbers 23:21; 24:7-9, 16-19
Revelation 5:5 Lion, tribe of Judah, is Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:1-17 The whole story is about the birth of Jesus.
Revelation 20:1-10 The victory of the child is complete.
Part One: Herod
Family Heritage
Antipater the Edomite
1. caused strife between Hyrcanus and Aristobulus
2. supported Pompey and Senate but then switched to support Julius Caesar
3. declared procurator by Caesar
Rise to Power
At 25 he is put in charge of military in Galilee
The ___ was so impressed he was elevated to be in charge of the military in Cole-Syria
Once his dad died there was a struggle for power (Antigonus)
After his father was poisoned in 43 BC, Herod had the murderer executed. After returning from a campaign, he was offered the betrothal to the teenage princess Mariamne from the former Hasmonean dynasty who were the titular rulers of Judaea. Although he was legally permitted to have more than one wife, he banished his first wife Doris and her 3-year-old son, also named Antipater, and married Mariamne (known as Mariamne I).
In 40 BC, Antigonus the Hasmonean and the Parthians invaded Judea, and Herod fled Jerusalem to Rome for the first time. There he was elected "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate however, Herod did not fully conquer Judea until 37 BC. He ruled for 34 years.
Herod was run out of Judea and fled to Rome where he was appointed King of the Jews by Senate in 40 bc
Herod supported Antony against Octavian but following the battle of Actium he appeared before Augustus and through a remarkable speech and without apology won the emperor's favor
After three years he re-conquered Judea and became King
At the height of his rule his kingdom reached the size of David and Solomon
Rule
Two most important things:
1. reputation with Caesar
a. taxes
b. keeping the people from revolting
c. naming things after Caesar
2. staying in power
a. discover conspiracy plots
b. kill off any threats
1. Hyrcanus his favorite wife's grandfather
2. Aristobulus his favorite wife's little brother who was 17 and had just been appointed High Priest
3. Mariamne his favorite wife
4. Joseph his brother-in-law
5. his sons Alexander & Aristobulus
6. his son Antipater
Economic policy
Taxes remained high throughout his reign.
Caesarea Maritima port city
Process for making judgments
Story about first imprisonment of Antipater (his son)
Attitude on Religious Matters
External observance is important
Pluralism (No problem building temples to Caesar or other gods)
Family Life
Story about Mariamne
Killing Hyrcanus and Aristobulus
Legacy
1. temple
2. mostly unknown today
3. Upon death his kingdom was split into three sections and ruled over by Herod Archelaus, Herod Philip, and Herod Antipas
Part Two: Overlap
Matthew 2.1-20
verse 2 Worship = pay homage to (i.e. bow before him in recognition that he is king)
verse 3 Why were they all troubled to hear that the King of the Jews had been born?
verse 4 Messiah = King of the Jews (cf. verse 2)
verse 6 a quotation from Micah 5.2
verses 7-8 typical deceptiveness of Herod
verse 11 this is the typical scene at the birth of a king (people paying him homage and giving him gifts).
verse 13 Jesus becomes a refugee in Egypt
verse 15 a quotation from Hosea 11.1
verse 16 though there is no external historical account of this incident, it fits perfectly with what we know of Herod
verse 18 a quotation from Jeremiah 31.15
Part Three: Jesus
Family Heritage
Through mother he was a son of Abraham and son of David (Matthew 1.1)
Son of God (Psalm 2.7-9)
Rise to Power
King by birth (Luke 1.31-33)
Given opportunity to take power by worshipping Satan (Luke 4.5-8)
He emptied himself (Phil 2.5-11)
Rule
Two most important things:
1. relationship with God
a. John 4.34
2. loving others
a. healing (widow of Nain's son)
b. speaking the truth (rich young ruler)
c. dying for others' sins
Building Projects
He will not only rebuild Jerusalem and Israel, but the whole world will be restored
Economic policy
Micah 4.1-4
guaranteed abundance of food
Process for making judgments
Isaiah 11.1-9
Attitude on Religious Matters
Power under through service (least is greatest)
Hypocrisy is detestable, what really matters is what's on the inside
Compassion on the outcast, the weak, the poor, the sick, the demon possessed
Family Life
Family redefined as "whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Mat 12.48-50)
Totally committed to his family
Legacy
At present, 20 centuries later, there are 2 billion who claim to follow Jesus
When he returns his will rise and rule with him (Rev 2.26-28)
Which is your king?
SAMUEL IS BORN TO HANNAH
HANNAH'S SONG OF THANKSGIVING
MARY'S SONG OF THANKSGIVING
SIMILARITY BETWEEN HANNAH AND MARY
SAMUEL IS BORN TO HANNAH (1 Samuel 1:1-28)
1 Samuel 1:1 Elkanah was a Levite.
Verse 11 She referred to herself as the maidservant which is the same as the Greek word "doulos." In the New Testament -- bond slave. She vowed to give her son to Yahweh.
Verse 14 The high priest was not the best. Her son would eventually take his place.
Verse 20 She became pregnant miraculously.
HANNAH'S SONG OF THANKSGIVING (1 Samuel 2:1-11)
The song of Hannah is a celebration of victory with emphasis on Yahweh's everlasting and universal power and sovereignty.
1 Samuel 2:1 Grateful exuberance -- all that she thinks and does and says is centered in God.
Verse 2 No one Holy, no one besides you, no rock like our God
Verse 3 Warning against the proud
Verses 4 and 5 Two points of view are explained, those who are mighty in the world and those who fall today but will be lifted up by the Lord in the day to come.
Verses 6-8 The Sovereign, Righteous, God blesses some and curses others.
Verse 9 God directs the godly and keeps silent the wicked
Verse 10 Prophecy about the Messiah King
MARY'S SONG OF THANKSGIVING (Luke 1:46-56)
- Grateful exuberance -- her life is centered in praise for God
- Humble state of His bond slave
- Mighty one has done great things, merciful
- Scattered the proud
- Brought down rulers
- Exalted the humble
- Filled the hungry, sent rich away empty-handed
- Gave help to Israel
- Spoke to our Fathers
SIMILARITY BETWEEN HANNAH AND MARY
- Considered themselves the bond slave of Yahweh
- Pregnant miraculously
- Presented first born son to Yahweh
- Hannah had 5 more children and Mary had 6 more
- Song of celebration of victory
- Grateful exuberance
- Exalted Yahweh
- Spoke regarding the prideful and humble
- Received revelation about the Messiah King
- Samuel was the only person besides Jesus Christ to be a Judge, Prophet, and Priest.
Matthew 1:18-25 is the record of the birth of Jesus and the young man Joseph.
Matthew 1:23
"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
Isaiah 7:1-13 The context behind this prophecy. King Pekah from northern Israel and King Rezin of Aram (Syria) had formed an alliance and were going to attack King Ahaz and the nation of Judah. The prophet Isaiah gave the word of the LORD to Ahaz.
Isaiah 7:14 The word "virgin" is the Hebrew word almah. Two Hebrew words are translated "virgin" in both the KJV and the NASB versions -- bethulah (virgin) and almah (young woman). The word almah can mean a young married woman as it is used in Proverbs 30:19. However, it can also mean a young woman who is unmarried and a virgin.
Genesis 24:16a; Genesis 24:43a The first usage of these two Hebrew words. Both almah and bethulah are used to describe the same young woman, Rebekah -- a virgin.
The dual meaning of Isaiah 7:14
This use of almah in Isaiah 7:14 is very significant. It can have an ambiguous meaning. It is a prophecy with a dual meaning, fulfilled at two different times.
- The first fulfillment occurred shortly after it was spoken. Isaiah the prophet had a son born of a young woman (almah), the prophetess.
- The second fulfillment occurred over 700 hundred of years later with the birth of Jesus the Messiah, born of Mary, a virgin (almah).
The name Immanuel means "God with us" or "with us is God". It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that "God is for us" but rather "God is with us." God can be with His people in judgment just as much as He can be with His people to bring salvation. Many times in the Bible, signs are symbolic of Israel's unbelief. The context of this prophecy continues.
Isaiah 7:14-17 A child would be born of an almah (young woman). Before this child knew enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land of these two kings (Israel and Syria) would be forsaken.
Ahaz did not believe the words of Isaiah. He was afraid. So instead of believing Isaiah, Ahaz took matters into his own hands. Ahaz paid the King of Assyria to attack these other two kings. (II Kings 16:7-19); however, that was not the end of the matter. The king of Assyria didn't stop with just Syria and Israel. The Assyrians began attacking the southern tribe of Judah as well. This was an evil time for the nation of Judah, and the LORD was provoked to anger (II Chronicles 28:16-25). God was with His people in spite of their unbelief and their unfaithfulness.
First fulfillment of "Immanuel" predicted -- the son of Isaiah.
Isaiah 8:1-18, 22 God was with the nation of Judah in judgment. It was a time of darkness and distress.
Second fulfillment of "Immanuel" predicted -- Jesus, the son of Mary
Isaiah 9:1-7 A great light would shine on them! A child would be born that would sit on the throne of David forevermore!
NONCHRISTIANS' DESCRIPTION:
Ephesians 2:1-3 1) Living dead, 2) standard for life was this present evil age, 3) slaves of Satan, 4) lived in the lust of the flesh and mind, 5) destined for wrath
Colossians 1:21 We were alienated and hostile, engaged in evil deeds.
Romans 3:16 and 17 "Destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known."
GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT:
John 3:16 God so loves you!
Romans 3:20-26 The only possible way for anyone to be justified is by God's grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-10 We have been saved by grace.
FREEDOM
Galatians 1:4 We have been rescued from this present evil age.
Colossians 1:13 Rescued us from the domain of darkness
2 Corinthians 5:17 All things are new. We have a new life in him.
Colossians 3:1-14 We have a new life, a new way of doing everything, and so much to be thankful for.
THANKFUL
Colossians 3:15 Be thankful.
Colossians 3:16 We should have thankfulness in our hearts.
Colossians 3:17 We should be thankful in everything we do.
Daniel 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on earth. He was the king of the world power of Babylon. He wrote this communication after God humbled him.
Daniel 4:1-18 The dream
Daniel 4:19-27 The interpretation
Daniel 4:28-33 The reality
Daniel 4:34-37 The awakening, true sanity
Daniel 5:1-6 Belshazzar was without excuse since Nebuchadnezzar was his father. He saw the handwriting on the wall.
Daniel 5:7-22 He did not humble his heart.
Daniel 5:23-27 "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."
Daniel 5:28-31 That very night, Darius the Median took the kingdom. They came into the palace, found the king and his nobles under the influence of alcohol, and destroyed them.
Proverbs 16:5 The proud person is an abomination to Yahweh
Proverbs 26:12 More hope for a fool than for a prideful person
Job 38:1-42:17 The humble one acknowledges that Yahweh is the Almighty God. The proud is primarily centered on self.
Exodus 34:6; Ephesians 2:7-10 The humble are thankful; everything is about grace. The proud lack genuine gratitude.
Psalms 51 The humble is aware that he has no right to question or judge Yahweh. The proud complains against and blames God.
Galatians 6:1-10 The humble ones do not see themselves as better than others.
The proud compare themselves to others and feel good that they are not so bad.
Luke 18:1-8; Matthew 6:9-13 Humble people pray. The proud don't need to pray or do not have the time.
Philippians 2:3-16 The humble prefer others over themselves. The proud prefer themselves over others.
1 Corinthians 4:7 Humble people realize they do not know everything. The proud think they know all.
James 4:6-10 God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud.
Acts 2:22 and 23 Peter is speaking in the most public place in Jerusalem and saying things that would assure public and religious resistance, things for which he saw his Lord crucified. Why is he so bold?
Acts 2:4 He was filled with the holy spirit (which is an idiomatic way of saying he was empowered and influenced by the holy spirit). When Peter spoke that day, he exercised his free will to allow the Christ in him to have supremacy and thereby to give him boldness, confidence, understanding, wisdom, and authority to speak to and comfort everyone who was present.
Act 2:24-32 From this day forward, the message about Christ is his resurrection. Romans 1:4
Acts 2:33-36 Yahweh said to my Lord (Jesus Christ), Psalms 110
Acts 2:38 Repent and receive the gift of holy spirit.
Acts 3:1-10 Peter, filled with the holy spirit, walked with power and authority.
Acts 3:14 The holy and righteous one
Verse 15 The prince of life
Acts 3:20 Jesus the Christ
Acts 3:21 The period of restoration will be when the Kingdom comes.
Acts 3:22 A prophet like Moses
Acts 4:10 Jesus Christ the Nazarene
Acts 4:27 Your holy servant, Jesus
a prophecy about one to come who would rule the world from Zion (Psalm 2.1-12)
This is Caesar's world
Caesar is Lord
Jesus' Crucifixion (John 18.33-19.17)
...but God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2.23-24; 4.10; 5.30; 10.39-40; 13.29-30)
unpacking the meaning of resurrection
- vindication...Jesus is not a fake, a false prophet, a false messiah
- Caesar has power through violent brutality > Caesar merely has power through violent brutality (God has resurrection power)
- why did Jesus have to die?
- Caesar was merely the historical incarnation of Satan's authority over the nations at the time of Jesus
- The battle was cosmic it was not merely between an emperor (or his local representatives--Pilate & Herod) vs. a messianic claimant.
-It wasn't merely between some jealous pharisees and an itinerant Rabbi with whom they disagreed concerning his interpretation of Torah.
-It wasn't merely between some paranoid Sadducees and a charismatic prophet who they perceived as a threat to their arrangement with Rome and decided he needed to be "dealt with" as discretely and quickly as possible.
-No, there were hidden powers at work behind the brutal execution of this itinerant Rabbi. Things were happening on a cosmic scale. The principalities and powers of this present evil age were losing ground. This exorcist had bound the strong man and was plundering his house. This Galilean Jew was a serious threat. He was not only winning in hand-to-hand combat against Satan's minions, he was preaching a message of liberation, and bringing restoration to countless people. He was bringing revival...
- The irony of the cross is two fold. On the one hand, the sign which sarcastically called Jesus "The King of the Jews" (i.e. the Messiah) was confirmed to be doubly ironic because God vindicated his anointed one by raising him from the dead--effectively signing his own signature to the sign.
-On the other hand, Jesus death looked like an extraordinary miscarriage of justice in which the dark forces and the men under their influence declared open season on Jesus. Through heinous beating, mocking, scourging, and finally crucifixion they dominated him, shamed him, discredited him, and even ended his life. Yet, through this very act, God was exposing the evil for what it really was, and his son defeated evil by absorbing the worst Satan could do to him without cracking, without giving in, without crumbling under the wait of injustice. In so doing, God, through his Son, conquered Satan and "defanged" the roaring lion. By willingly allowing his son to be devoured he satisfied the required penalty for all humanity and enabled liberation for all who would later choose it. Thus, Satan slit his own throat, and insured his own demise by carrying out his indignation on our sinless lord and savior.
-God Wins...God's victory through the cross
-----------------------------------
1 Corinthians 2.6-9 (the rulers of this age were clueless)
Col 2 (talk about Roman procession -- perhaps Titus' conquer of Jerusalem)
Eph 1 (Jesus is lord!)
2 Cor 5.17ff (all things are made new...old things have passed away...the world is not the same anymore...)
- there is a new sheriff in town...a new lord of the world...a new savior...a new son of God...a new kind of peace and safety....and a new hope that God will one day send his Son to finish the job
-do you believe that God has defeated Caesar through the cross?
-do you believe that God has defeated evil through the cross?
-do you believe that God has defeated Satan through the cross?
-do you believe that God has defeated sin through the cross?
-do you believe that God has liberated you through the cross?
-...then let us trust in him, let us live the life of the age to come, let us follow Jesus as Lord even before the rest of the world gets on board as a testimony, a foretaste of what is to come!
you are free from sin from Satan from Caesar from the law...now use your freedom to free others (ben Hur on boat scene)
Col 1.19-23
Matthew 11:28 and 29 Jesus is the great example of humility, and we must study if we want to understand it rightly. Humility is an issue of the heart, not an outside thing.
Colossians 2:23 A show of humility (that is looking the part, acting to impress others) such behavior is a monster of hypocrisy. We do not want to look humble; rather, we want to be humble.
Some think that "humility" is another word for mildness. They think it to be a picture of someone who would not say "boo" to another for fear of upsetting the applecart. The humble one is seen as someone who would let sleeping dogs lie and avoid trouble whenever possible, someone who is placid, with a quiet temperament. Jesus was the humblest man who ever lived, and this description does not fit his life.
Genesis 1:1 and 2 God created all, and God holds it all together. He created, and He maintains. Humility is simply acknowledging that which is true.
Luke 8:22-25 When Jesus is in the boat, we should have faith.
Matthew 14:22-33 Peter lost perspective.
Matthew 21:18-22 When we have humility, faith is much easier to manifest because we realize that the answers are in God, not in ourselves.
Matthew 23:1-12 The great Christian paradox is that self exaltation ends in abasement, humiliation.
Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled;
and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
John 1:16 and 17 "Grace upon grace" is a way of expressing that we have received through Jesus Christ abundance of grace or favor. Superlative grace has been bestowed upon the Church; we have been given favor superior to all that had been under the Law--superior to all other things that God has conferred on men. However, we should not conclude that grace and truth began with the advent of Jesus Christ. All of God's dealings starting with Adam and Eve and everyone thereafter have been according to His grace and truth. Consider the following regarding Israel.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 They were separated from all other people in the world to Yahweh. God selected them to be His own because He loved them and to keep the oath to their fathers. He did not call them because of what they had done or would do but because of grace.
Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:18 and 19 The calling has always been by grace and is a mutual arrangement in that man must respond to the call by obedience to God's commands. The calling of God is not a forcing, manipulating, or coercion; rather, it is a loving invitation that must be responded to by a freewill choice. The called must respond, and God will even help us to respond the right way if we ask for His help.
Deuteronomy 7:11-12; Deuteronomy 28:1
The blessing of God abounds to those who are called by His grace; yet, man still has the responsibility to respond with faith that is manifested in obedience. Faith is more than a mental acknowledgment of truth. Genuine faith always has corresponding action or works.
Ephesians 2:8-10 Salvation is available to humanity by the accomplished work of Christ and not by man's works. Having this grace does not nullify the requirement to have faith and to have the corresponding works that always are connected to it. Salvation is a gift, but it is not forced upon people. We must accept salvation by operating our free will to make Jesus Lord in our lives (which implies obedience to his commands). He is not Lord if we ignore or discard his commands that are a part of the new covenant communicated in the New Testament.
Matthew 6:1-4 God promises to take care of us if we are genuine with practicing our righteousness. We can have great trust that Yahweh will provide if we do the right thing.
Deuteronomy 4:1; 6:18, 24 and 25; 13:18
Matthew 6:5-8 God promises to take care of us if we are genuine with our praying.
Luke 11:1-13 When we persist, He will respond. (Luke 18:1-8)
Matthew 6:9-15 God will answer this prayer if we are genuine and have faith.
Matthew 6:16-18 God promises to reward us when we fast if we are genuine. (Acts 13:2 and 3; 14:23; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27)
Matthew 6:19-21 The reason we can store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth is the confidence we have that God will indeed fulfill His promises to us. He will care for us now and in the age to come.
Matthew 6:22-24 Serving God places us in the position to have purpose, hope, love, joy, and peace.
Matthew 6:25-34 As we seek God's Kingdom and do what is right, He promises to take care of us.
Me Church Video
A New Way to be Great
a. Luke 22.13-27
b. Luke 9.46-48
c. We do power differently than the world. We exercise power under rather than power over
Washing the Disciples Feet
a. John 13.1-17, 34-35
b. Jesus supremely demonstrated power under by washing the disciples' feet.
Follow his Example on the Cross
a. Philippians 2.1-13
b. We are to look to Jesus' divestment of being in the form of God but taking on the form of a
slave and stage 2 (going to the cross) as an example for how we are to live.
Examples of Service
a. Fireproof (love was met with bitterness, rejection, strife, and sabotage)
i. Poured her coffee
ii. Pathetic flowers with card and chocolates
iii. Call her@work to see how she was doing or if she needed anything
iv. Made candlelit dinner (she said walked upstairs then came down and said, "just
to be clear, I do not love you"
v. Nice flowers
vi. Converted to Christianity
vii. Dishes, Cleaned floor in kitchen
viii. Served her when she was sick
b. My house [ceiling and painting and dishwasher and cleaning bathrooms]
c. Sam (construction)
We have some serious needs
a. refreshments, cleanup, projector, camera man, setup dude, children's felly
b. first Sunday: setup tables, move chairs, etc.
Why serve others?
a. Service is worship if done for God
b. The power of service can transform crusted-over, mean-spirited, abusive, jerks
c. The beauty of service serves as a living expression of God's love in his people and thus
testifies to God's beauty
d. The prophetic element of service shows a world without hope that God has plans to fix the world
and in anticipation of that he is fixing up individuals who already live the lifestyle of the future
When we enter the kingdom they aren't going to have a first class line for the rich and famous like there is at
the airport. No, from a kingdom perspective, fame has been stood on its head. The last will be first and the
first will be last.
From the perspective of the kingdom of God, it is the woman who despite all odds and for no reason other than
her love for God stays with her husband who won't get a job, who is addicted to pornography and weed, who is an
absent father, who occasionally gets violent, this woman is esteemed highly because she stayed with him as a
silent witness of God's incredibly subversive and transforming power to turn enemies into friends through
love...crazy love...the kind of love that needs nothing in return to keep on loving...the kind of love that will
endure abuse but never take advantage of an opportunity to abuse in return (even when she can get away with
it)...
It is like the man who is at the end of his rope because his wife is having an affair, who instead of taking
the easy way out, deals with his own issues before God and then determines to stay and fight for his wife
through incredible acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. He makes up his mind to woo her, chase after her, and
in the end lets her know that if she leaves it will only be after he has fought for her harder than anyone else
ever would. That's the crazy, non-reciprecal, love of God
This kind of love staggers the world...
it's the kind of love that makes Satan mad...
it's the kind of love that makes atheists spit in the face of such irrationality...
it's the kind of love that keeps a dignified, sinless naked man on a cross though he is able at any moment to
call angels to his aid...
it's the kind of love that alone can change lives because of its power to convict and woo the hearts of the
sinners...
it's the kind of love that will one day permeate all of creation...
and it's the kind of love that you and I are called to live out in the power of the holy spirit
and in that day, the day our Lord returns, all of those who bought in to the myth of redemptive vengeance
(power by force), indeed, the majority of humankind, will find their own wisdom to be foolishness, their own
logic to be irrational, and their own self-preservation to be suicidal, when they observe the new world God is
going to make--a world that runs on his seemingly crazy, self-sacrificial love.
In that day, the inhabitants of the world to come will only know true love because all of the counterfeits will
have expired. And all who settled for the cheap flashy substitute of this present evil age which is bought on
sale and paid for with credit cards, will suddenly discover with the agony that causes weeping and gnashing of
teeth, that they have been excluded from something truly beautiful, something that actually makes sense, a
world without fear, hatred, jealousy, bitterness, sickness or death...a world permeated with this outrageous
cross-shaped love.
Romans 12:1-5 The Church today is the one Body of Christ. We have unity in Christ. We allow him to be the Head, and we are the Body.
Romans 12:6-8 With the many members, there is great diversity.
Romans 12:9-21 Loving maturity is necessary with diversity.
1 Corinthians 12:1-13 We have one spirit; therefore, we have unity.
1 Corinthians 12:14-31 We again see the diversity but also the need that we have for each other just as in a human body.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Again, we see that loving maturity is necessary for the one Body to function.
Ephesians 4:1-6 Great unity
Ephesians 4:7-12 Diversity
Ephesians 4:13-16 Loving maturity
Due to our individual personalities, our God-given abilities to serve, our personal desires, and God's working in each of us individually, we all function differently. This diversity is why we need each other. No one does it all. Everyone in the Body has a function, and all of us are dependent on each other.
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 The devil tries to ruin the unity so that we are divided.
Ephesians 6:10-ff We are in a spiritual fight and need to stand so as not to be tricked.
Philippians 2:12-13 God is at work within you to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:14-16 We shine as lights among a crooked and perverse generation. He has not left us alone in this age. He is with us.
II Corinthians 5:14-15 The love of Christ controls us. It compels us to live for the one that died on our behalf.
II Corinthians 5:16-18 God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
II Corinthians 5:19 This is the ministry that Jesus had while he was on earth. As Jesus worked, God worked with Him. The words Jesus Spoke were what the Father wanted spoken. As God was in Christ, reconciling the world, he is now with us today. We are now to carry on the ministry of reconciliation in the stead of Jesus. We now have the gospel message entrusted to us -- the word of reconciliation.
II Corinthians 5:20-21 We are his ambassadors! We take the place of Jesus.
Was this true only for the church in the First Century, or is this true today as well?
Matthew 28:19-20 "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." The age is not over yet. It has not yet come to an end. Jesus is still with us. The spirit is still present to guide, to assist, to inspire, to cleanse, to direct, and to empower us.
The book of Acts illustrates record after record of the spirit at work in the first century disciples. One constant variable that can be seen in all the records is that the disciples were doing the work of God, and God was working with them. They were working together for God's purpose.
Acts 8:5-8 Philip was doing the will of God. He was working for God, and God was at work in him.
Acts 8:26-29 God sent an angel. God was working with Philip to carry out the ministry of reconciliation.
Acts 16:6-10 They were "forbidden by the holy spirit"; "the spirit of Jesus" did not permit them; "A vision" appeared to Paul; and they concluded that "God" had called them to preach. Again, the disciples were willing, they were doing the things of God, and God was working with them in a variety of ways.
II Corinthians 6:1 We are Ambassadors for Christ. We are workers together with him.
II Corinthians 6:2 At the acceptable time God listens to us! He helps us! As we work for Him, He works within us! When is the acceptable time? NOW!
Luke 24:49 We are clothed with power from on high, power from God. This power is strength, ability, inherent power residing in us.
1 Corinthians 12:1 "Spiritual" should be translated spiritual matters or things, as it is in 2:13 and 9:11. The word "gift" is italicized because it was added by the translator.
1 Corinthians 12:7 Manifestation -- Mark 4:22; 16:12, 14; John 1:31; 2:11; 7:4 The spirit is the inherent power, and the things listed in verses 7-10 are some of the manifestations of it.
James 1:5 Wisdom is readily available if we ask in faith (i.e. wisdom of Solomon).
Luke 21:12-15 When we witness, we often experience word of wisdom. We must expect God to work in us, and then we must walk, take action.
Acts 6:1-5, 10 Men with wisdom were needed.
John 16:13 The spirit of truth will guide you into all the truth. The guiding is word of knowledge. You have the ability within to understand the Scriptures, but you need to study.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 That we may know
Luke 18:31-34 After they received the spirit, they understood.
Matthew 9:27-31; Mark 8:22-26; John 9:1-ff For each situation, Jesus received word of knowledge and word of wisdom, and they were all different from one another.
Philippians 2:12 and 13 "With fear and trembling" implies a deep humility and submissiveness of mind, with a reverential awe of God.
Ruth 1:1 Ruth's story occurred during the time of Judges -- a time marked by disobedience, idolatry, and violence. Israelites would only migrate to other lands in the direst circumstances. Moab at this time is a Gentile nation.
Verse 4 Moabites were not allowed into the assembly of the LORD for ten generations (Deuteronomy 23:1-6; Nehemiah 13:1-3). Marrying a Moabite was not specifically forbidden by the law, but it was also certainly not encouraged.
Ruth 1:7 For a woman to be left alone without her husband and sons was serious enough in her own community, but in another land, she would indeed be in desperate straits.
Verse 13 The worldview regarding widows caused the woman to be in a bleak situation. Shame and blame were often leveled against a widow.
Verse 17 Ruth had extraordinary commitment, devotion, and loyalty to her mother-in-law.
Verse 20 "Ruth" means pleasant, and "Mara" means bitter. Naomi's concept of the sovereignty of God caused her to attribute her ill fortune to Him, not to chance nor to the devil. She did not mean it as an accusation but as an acknowledgment of God's total control of all things.
Ruth 2:2 The people were commanded to leave crops in the field and could afford to be generous because Yahweh was their God.
Verse 4 Boaz was a descendant of Rehab, a former Gentile prostitute from Jericho.
Verse 12 Her life was a testimony of the kind of person she was.
Ruth 3:2 Boaz was her kinsman-redeemer.
Matthew 1:5 and 6 Ruth is in the genealogy of the Messiah.
Colossians 1:13 and 14 God can and will help those who seek Him. He can redeem to the uttermost.
Samaritans
Some Samaritan Beliefs
- Bible consisted only of the first five books (Torah)
- Strictly observant to the Law of Moses
- Mt. Gerizim as place of worship
- Belief in coming Taheb, restorer, a prophet like Moses
Bad Reputation of Samaritans in Jesus' Day
- When Jesus' opponents were looking for a vicious name to call Jesus they said, "Do we not say rightly that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" (Jn 8.48)
- The Samaritans rejected the disciples who came to one of their villages to make arrangement for Jesus to spend the night (Lk 9.51-56)
- Jesus' disciples were shocked he would even speak to a Samaritan woman at the well, "for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." (Jn 4.9)
Parable of Good Samaritan (Luke 10.30-37)
Woman at the well (John 4.1-10, 15-30, 39-43)
In Christ barriers and prejudices are melted away by God's radically inclusive love demonstrated in the ministry of his perfect son, Jesus.
Tax Collectors
Whether or not a Jew should pay taxes to Rome was a hugely controversial issue (Luke 20.22)
Why Tax Collectors were hated
- do we really need a reason to dislike the guy who comes and says, "Pay up"
- they were working for Rome, the hated foreign power
- they were considered ceremonially unclean because of their continual contact with Gentiles and the fact that they worked on the Sabbath
- they often extorted more money than was actually required (Lk 3.13)
- they could force you to pay up using Roman power or they could take your farm or other posessions
Bad Reputation of Tax Collectors in Jesus' Day
- Jesus said that even the tax collectors love those who love them (Mat 5.46)
- Jesus said regarding excommunication of an unrepentant brother, "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." (Mat 18.17)
- They called Jesus, "a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" (Mat 11.19)
- Tax collectors were lumped in with sinners (Mark 2.15), Gentiles (Mat 18.17), and prostitutes (Mat 21.31-32)
Jesus and Zaccheus (Luke 19.1-10)
Jesus' and Matthew (Levi) the tax collector (Luke 5.27-32; Mat 10.3)
Bottom line: we are to love the unlovable, include the outcast, and reach out to the people that this world throws away, locks up, or kills off.
Luke 10:38-42 Was Jesus condemning service and work? What was the one thing needful that Mary was enjoying and Martha was missing?
The cares of this life can deceive us, even when they seem to be righteous and commendable. Nothing of a worldly nature could have been more proper than to provide for the Lord Jesus and supply his wants. She missed the main thing, which is the joy of fellowship.
John 15:1-11 Joy is to be the believer's normal state of mind. When sadness, depression, complacency, and hopelessness are the normal state of mind, we will seek for relief, usually by ungodly means such as excessive TV, eating, work, drinking, drugs, etc.
Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Philippians 4:4-9 When we are anxious, we are behaving like Martha and not Mary. We need to seek the one thing that is needful.
Philippians 4:10-13 Paul maintained joy regardless of his outward circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16; 1 Peter 1:3-9
Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28 Fellowship and prayer are companions.
Luke 11:1-13 Persistence
Luke 18:1-14 Prayer is the manifestation of faith and humility.
Deuteronomy 4:15-18 The Canaanites and Egyptians practiced this kind of idolatry. The former worshipped Baal and Astarte, and the latter Osiris and Isis. Today, many Eastern religions worship idols as does the Roman Catholic Church.
Verse 19 Today, people focus on their signs and horoscope.
Deuteronomy 5:7-10; 6:4-6, 13-16 Recurring theme throughout the Scriptures
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 God had them take extreme action to eliminate this evil from among them. Rebellion is opposition to God, the absolute authority in the universe. Such open defiance to Yahweh is deadly and must be stopped, or all of Israel would suffer.
Deuteronomy 13:6-18 As with cancer, idolatry has potentially unlimited growth and destruction and therefore cannot be ignored. The public capital punishment had a purpose --"Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you."
The kingdom of Israel was divided into Israel and Judah because of the idolatry of Solomon. The first act of the king of Israel after the split was by Jeroboam which was to set up the golden calves of Egypt (1 Kings 12:25-33). Ahab, the King of Israel, brought in Baal worship (1 Kings 16:29-34), which was ultimately the demise of the nation.
2 Kings 17:7-23 Idolatry was the reason for the fall of their kingdom. Eventually, Judah also fell because they too were given to idolatry. Psalms 106 and 115
Ephesians 5:3-14; Colossians 3:5 and 6 The other form of idolatry common in professing Christians is greed or covetousness. We need to pause and consider how much of our lives are dedicated to our stuff.
Matthew 6:19-21 What are our treasures? What do we value the most? The deception we face is thinking that something other than what gets most of our attention is what we truly treasure. "I value my family which is why I work 60 hours a week."
Matthew 6:25-33 What do we worry about?
Matthew 13:44 The Kingdom is to be our treasure, that which we desire most.
Luke 6:20-26 What do we think this means? How do we determine who is rich? By looking at Donald Trump? By the people of the Congo, we are rich!
Luke 12:13-34 We must beware and be on guard.
Luke 18:18-31 Many times we are blind to the consequences of our own sins.
1 Timothy 6:3-11
February 1987 - I was a young corporate man, married, with two kids, running a home fellowship. Then, out of the blue, I was told I had cancer at 31 years old. This news rocked our world. We believed in the Lord's healing, yet devastation and terror ran throughout our minds, and fear overwhelmed us. But, we kept our eyes on the Lord.
The Lord God in all His mercy showed us how to hold onto Him through this valley we walked and that He would absolutely see us through if we stayed our eyes on Him. I speak in the plural because as husband and wife, we are, we were, and will always be one with Jesus Christ as head of our family.
I had anchor verses that kept us grounded as I look back:
Proverbs 3:5&6 trust; Psalms 119:11 His Word; Isaiah 26:3 perfect peace; I Cor. 10:13 God is faithful; Hebrews 13:5 never leave thee nor forsake; Psalms 103:3 who healeth all they diseases
Conclusion: The message I share is of our Heavenly Father's mercy on our lives and our gratitude to Him. How can we but endeavor to walk in his steps all the days of our lives...one day at a time!
All Glory be to God,
Jay
Jesus walked with great compassion:
John 14:15; John 15:12; Mt. 9:3; Mt. 14:14; Mt. 15:32; Mk 1:41; Mk 5:19; Mk 6:34; Mk 8:32; Lk. 7:13; Eph. 4:32; Mt. 20:29-34
WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY UNTO THE LORD?
Exodus 1:13 & 14 They lived under forced labor and cruelty, had involuntary servitude, and were controlled.
Exodus 2:23-25 The Israelites were in bondage in the house of slavery because they did not maintain faithfulness to Yahweh as their fathers had done.
Exodus 4:22, 23; 7:16; 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3 God freed Israel from the house of slavery so that they could voluntarily serve Yahweh.
Ephesians 1:6-14 Like Israel, we were slaves of sin and living in the house of bondage, and by the grace of God, He sent His Son to redeem us.
Ephesians 2:1-10 We are saved by grace for the purpose of serving Yahweh.
Exodus 14:11 and 12 At the Red Sea, they turned on Yahweh with the first sign of adversity and wanted to return to the house of slavery. Many Christians do exactly the same. When encountered by a little difficulty, they want to run back to their drinking, drugs, sex, etc. − slavery.
Exodus 15:22-26 The people grumbled (complained, muttered discontentedly) because things were not going the way they wanted. Life was still all about them and not Yahweh.
Exodus 16:1-3 They accused God rather than worshipping and serving Him. They missed the point of their freedom: to serve Yahweh.
Exodus 17:1-7 This record is a hallmark indicating their gross unbelief in spite of all that God had done for them.
Romans 6:1-ff Leaving Egypt was a one time event, but staying out of Egypt required lifelong decisions which determined entrance into the promised land.
Our Father demonstrated his care by creating the world
He created us to be relational, to experience love, to do work and enjoy a sense of accomplishment, to enjoy eating and sleeping, to be creative, to be compassionate, and to glorify, worship, and enjoy him forever.
Our Father demonstrated his care throughout the drama of history
fall > flood > Abraham, Isaac, Jacob > Moses > Judges > Kings > Exile > Return > Jesus
(Nehemiah 9.6-37)
Our Father demonstrated his care by sending his Son
Jesus' birth (Luke 1.35)
Jesus' ministry (Acts 10.38; Lk 4.17-19; Mark 7.31-37)
Jesus' death and resurrection (John 3.16; Rom 5.8; 1 John 4.8-10)
Our Father demonstrates his care by saving us from our depravity
He saved us from our unworthy, depraved, God-hating, nature.
(Eph 2.1-10; 1 Cor 6.9-11)
Our Father demonstrates his care by "fathering us"
He has sent the holy spirit to help us (Rom 5.5; 8.12-17)
He cares for our daily, mundane needs (1 Pet 5.6-7; Luke 12.22-32)
Our Father demonstrates his care by providing a kingdom for us
In the kingdom, he will dwell with us, wipe our tears away, and abolish death and pain.
(Rev 21.1-8)
In the end, God gets what he always wanted--a family to enjoy forever in paradise
The Bible is not an ordinary book written by men. The author of the Bible is God.
John 1:18a; I Timothy 1:17 No one has seen God at any time. How did the invisible God produce a book that can be read by mortal man?
II Peter 1:20-21 This needs to be known "first of all." The Scriptures came from God. He is the author of this collection of writings, and as such, the instruction from this book takes on unique significance. The prophecy of Scripture did not come by way of human will. Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. When the spirit of God came upon individuals and moved them to action, then the people would prophesy and speak on behalf of God. (Numbers 11:25)
Jeremiah 36:4, 18 "He dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink on the book."
The Bible has at least 30 different writers, but only one author -- God. These men prophesied, using their vocabulary and their own writing style, but the content of the message originated from God. For over 1,500 years of history, with over 30 different writers, God moved, by way of His spirit upon men, and brought about the Holy Scriptures.
Galatians 1:11-12 Paul did not receive the Gospel from any man. It came to him by way of a revelation of Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 2:13 The Gospel message that we preach is not a conjured up man-made religion. It is not the word of men. It is the word of God. Do you believe it?
I Peter 1:24-25 People come and go, but the Scriptures will stand. Whether anyone believes it or not, the truth of the Gospel will come to pass for God has declared it! Men will fail you. Organizations will fall. But the Word of the LORD will endure forever!
II Timothy 2:8-9 Paul was writing to the young man Timothy. Paul was coming to the end of his life. He wrote this epistle while imprisoned. However, Jesus Christ was not imprisoned! The Messiah has risen from the dead! And the Word of God is not imprisoned!
II Timothy 2:15 Whose approval do you seek? When we accurately handle the Word of truth, we do not need to be ashamed before our God.
II Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God. The word "adequate" in this verse is the Greek word artios which means: complete, capable, proficient, and able to meet all demands, perfect of its kind, suitable, exactly fitted, and perfect. It was used in Greek literature to describe a ship fully equipped for its voyage. The word "equipped" is a derivative of this word. It is the Greek word exartismenos, and it means: having been finished, fully equipped, being thoroughly prepared, being furnished perfectly.
The Scriptures make us perfect, adequate, fully equipped for the voyage.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Put on faith, love, and hope three separate and very vital concepts that we need to live until the time our Lord returns.
FAITH
Hebrews 3:7-4:2 Faith is to have confidence and trust that God is real and that He means what He says. Faith always has corresponding obedience. The children of Israel in the wilderness were continually disobedient because they did not believe. The great deception we face is thinking we have faith because we mentally acknowledge that God is real and His Word is truth. Faith goes way beyond an intellectual acknowledgment; rather, it translates into action.
Hebrews 11:6-13 It is impossible to please God without faith. Faith is connected with hope. Our forefathers of faith had a strong conviction regarding their hope.
HOPE
Hebrews 6:13-20 Hope is the anchor of the soul.
Romans 8:18-25 We have a great hope which encourages us in the darkest moments of life. Jesus Christ is coming back, and we will be transformed to be with him and our Father forever.
LOVE
Romans 8:26- 39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 4:7-21 If we love God, we love each other.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Faith, hope, and love are interwoven with each being a vital part of Christian living. God says the greatest is LOVE.
Matthew 13:1-9 Jesus gave this parable explaining the main responses people have when hearing the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Matthew 13:11 Jesus' gospel was the Gospel of the Kingdom. Matthew 9:35; 4:23. Jesus, the great prophet, made known the mysteries of the Kingdom, but only those who had a genuine heart for God were able to understand. If the preachers and teachers of our day are an indication, the knowledge of the Kingdom is still a mystery.
Matthew 13:12 The granting to know and to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has never been given in an arbitrary, capricious, or unjustly discriminating way; rather, this knowledge is given in direct relationship with the heart of the person. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness have always been filled.
Matthew 13:13 Just showing up is not enough. God knows our hearts.
Matthew 13:18 Jesus always spoke the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Mark 4:23-25 Take heed to what or whom you hear. Matthew 7:14-20
Luke 8:16-18 Take heed to how you listen.
Galatians 1:6-10 The gospel that is taught today in the name of Jesus has little to do with the message that Jesus and his apostles (including Paul) taught.
Matthew 13:18 This parable is about how people who hear the message regarding the Kingdom respond and not those who hear a false message.
Matthew 13:19 In Matthew, he is called "the evil one;" in Mark, "Satan;" and in Luke, "the devil." Everyone who hears the Gospel of the Kingdom will be attacked by the devil (1 Peter 5:8&9). He is a supernatural force that works through lies and deceptions. He causes people to think their problem is with other people, when in reality we wrestle not against flesh and blood.
Matthew 13:20 and 21 Jesus warns his disciples that there will be affliction or persecution because of our faith. John 16:33
Matthew 13:22 The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth; Mark says - "the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word;" Luke -- "they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity."
Matthew 13:23; Luke 8:15 We must remain faithful to receive the fruit. Perseverance is required.
Matthew 20:1-16 So the last shall be first, and the first last.
Matthew 16:24-28 Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Romans 12:1-8 Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice.
James 2:14-17 Faith without works is dead by itself.
Philippians 2:14-18 The sacrifice and service of your faith
Matthew 19:16-26 With God all things are possible.
Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Proverbs 22:9 He who is generous will be blessed.
Proverbs 28:22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth.
I John 3:17-18 Let us love, not with word or tongue, but in deed and truth.
I Timothy 6:6-19 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
Proverbs 3:1-8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
Philippians 4:4-14 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Matthew 24:45-46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
Psalms 37:1 Fret vexed, annoyed, or troubled; to become worn, chafed,
or corroded. Hebrew kindled.
Do not have resentments or discontentment over the possessions or
activities of wrongdoers.
Psalms 37:2 Wrongdoers wither and fade. Desiring what they have is
desiring smoke and mirrors. Their end is destruction.
Verse 3 Cultivate faithfulness feed on His faithfulness. Trust is founded
upon faithfulness.
Psalms 89:1-10 The Lord God of hosts foretold the destruction of Egypt,
Assyria, Babylon, Israel, Judah; and the Lord of hosts promised Israel a
remnant.
Romans 9:27-29
Acts 2:1-4, 14-21, 24-28 Foretold in Joel 2:28 and 32; Psalms 16:8-11;
Psalms 110:1 God's track record is perfect.
Psalms 37:3 and 4 Delight yourself in the Lord by prayer, reading, and
meditating.
Verse 5 Commit your way to the Lord.
Verse 7 Rest be Still, be silent. Psalm 4:3-5
Fret do not let the world chafe you, rather trust delight commit
Psalms 37:8 Anger displeasure causing a mental anger; wrath hot
displeasure causing rage and poison.
Fretting, anger, and rage are at the opposite end of trust, delight, and
commit.
Verse 9 Wait for the Lord. Verse 34, Psalms 27:14
Psalms 37:11 The humble will inherit the Land. Verses 18, 22, 27, 29,
and 34
Acts 2:19-21, 37-42
Psalms 24:1-10 LORD - strong, mighty, and mighty in battle is the
LORD OF HOSTS. The first time "hosts" is used is in Genesis 2:1
"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts."
The subsequent occurrences are frequently translated as "armies."
When used with "LORD," it refers to the God of the armies of heaven
and earth.
1 Samuel 17:45 David went up against the Philistine giant in the
name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.
2 Kings 19:1-37 The Assyrians went up against the LORD of hosts
and did not fare well. (2 Kings 19:25 is referring to Deuteronomy 32:1-
43, the song of Moses.)
Isaiah 10:5-19 The Assyrians thought their success in conquering was
due to their own ability.
Isaiah 9:1-ff The LORD of hosts is often associated with the judgment
and wrath of God.
Isaiah 13:1-ff The day of the LORD will be the day that the LORD of
hosts takes His revenge.
Isaiah 31:1-ff
Psalms 46:1-11 A psalm about the last days when the wrath of God
will be poured out upon the earth. In that day, we will have the LORD
of hosts as our refuge (Psalms 48).
Psalms 84:1-12 We can have great trust and confidence throughout
our lives because our God is the LORD of hosts.
James 5:1-11 When we are wronged today, we do not need to take
revenge; rather, we are to let it go, maintain holiness, and be patient,
knowing that the LORD of hosts is coming with His judgment and
wrath. The LORD of the armies of heaven and earth is coming; be
patient.
Romans 12:14-21 "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay."
Luke 6:20-23 If we accept the Lordship of Christ and live today in light
of the coming kingdom, even the most destitute and hopeless situations
will not overwhelm us.
Luke 6:24-26 Jesus is addressing the focus of our faith which should be
on the Kingdom to come which is contrasted with living for today.
Luke 4:18-19 Jesus came to save the poor, the captives, the blind, and
the oppressed those society regarded as lost causes.
Matthew 11:4-6 The hopeless cases did not take offense in him;
whereas, the worldly successful were offended in him and threatened by
him. Those in appalling need were blessed.
A theme seen throughout the Scriptures is the lifting up of those cast down
and the casting down of those lifted up.
Mark 10:21-31 First will be last, and the last, first.
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Luke 6:27 The way most people normally respond is to hate their
enemies and to do badly to those who hate them.
Verses 28-30 We must hold onto the great promises regarding the
Kingdom when Jesus will rule over all and at which time justice will
prevail. Today, humans violate each other and will continue to do so until
the Lord returns.
Verse 31 A simple, easy to understand way to evaluate what we do
NONRECIPROCAL LOVE
Luke 6:32-36 These commands are perhaps the most radical and, at the
same time, the most powerful of all.
MEASURED IN RETURN
Luke 6:37-45 To judge others opens a gateway to much evil.
DO WHAT I SAY
Luke 6:46-49 The great deception is thinking and not doing.
