John 1:14-18 The NASB has translated verse 18 incorrectly. The KJV is much closer to the original Greek text. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
"Declared" is the Greek word exegeomai from ek (out of) and hegeomai (to lead out or to go before). It means to lead out, be leader, go before. It is used metaphorically to draw out in narrative, unfold a teaching. In Greek writing, it is used of the interpretation of things sacred, oracles and dreams (i.e. Daniel).
Jesus made known God in a manner that no one had done before. He brought great understanding to the world about Yahweh. A large part of his ministry was making known to the world Yahweh.
Luke 4:16-21 Jesus' own words on what his ministry was about
Matthew 4:23-25
Mark 1:29-39 His ministry was to the world, not just a handful in one certain area.
Matthew 9:35-38 Again, a summary of His ministry
Matthew 10:1-15 He commissioned the 12 to carry out the same ministry.
Luke 10:1-12 The 70 Disciples were given the same instruction.
Matthew 28:18-20 The Church today is an extension of our Lord's ministry.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 We are ambassadors for Christ which means we are in the place of Christ. He is not here, so we speak on his behalf the same message.
Luke 5:1-11 Peter had an epiphany by realizing who Jesus was, who Peter was, and the grace relationship that bonded them together. The impact of this event changed the course of his life.
Luke5:12-16, 27-33 Jesus healed and called the social outcasts.
Luke 5:17-26 Jesus forgave sins.
Luke 15:11-32 God loves and forgives you.
Ephesians one:
2 Grace is used 12 times in Ephesians -- verses 2, 6, 7; 2:2, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29; and 6:24
3 God's love is evident by the spiritual blessings He freely gives to us.
4 These blessings bestowed upon Christians are in accordance with an eternal purpose. They were not conferred by chance or haphazard. They were the result of intention and design on the part of God, and they come to us as the result of His everlasting plan. It was not a recent plan; it was not an afterthought; it was not by mere chance, nor was it caprice.
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons.
6 Grace has been freely bestowed on us in the beloved.
7 In Jesus Christ, we have redemption, the forgiveness of our trespasses.
8 Lavished with all wisdom and insight
9 Made known to us the mystery
11 Gave us an inheritance
13 Sealed us
14 Gave us a pledge
2:1-10 All this was done for us when we were dead in trespasses and sins. God loves you!
READ THE BIBLE TO UNDERSTAND GOD!
Psalms 19:1-6 God's creation to a large extent teaches us about God.
Genesis 1, 6, 14, 17; Exodus 3 and 6
Exodus 34:6 and 7 His glory revealed; the seven unchanging attributes of God
ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYTHING GOD REVEALS ABOUT HIMSELF
The great question we should ask is how does God present Himself?
Genesis 19:15 - 19 First use in the Bible of "mercy"
Genesis 6:5-8 The first time "grace" is written in the Scriptures
Numbers 14:1-35 The second place "longsuffering" is used in the Scriptures.
God is not who you want Him to be; rather, He is who He is. Far too many view
God the way they want Him to be.
Job 42:5 "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees
You"
STUDY THE WHOLE BIBLE
Some of books in the Bible (for example, Deuteronomy and Acts) present a
wide-ranging view of God, while others (for example, Ezekiel and Revelation)
emphasize limited aspects such as judgment and wrath. No one book covers
everything about God; rather, the whole Bible contains the full picture. The
Torah (Genesis -- Deuteronomy) sets the foundational understanding about God.
Many start their reading of the Bible in the Gospels since they perceive those
books to be the New Covenant (testament) and to be addressed exclusively to
Christians.
Who starts reading a book 3/4 of the way through and expects to gain a
comprehensively understanding of the main theme or character? It is not
surprising that so many believe Jesus is God rather than the son of God.
If you had the Torah in your mind, you would see the vast contrast between Jesus
and God. Jesus was able to feed multitudes with a few fish and loaves of bread;
Yahweh created fish and wheat. Jesus had extraordinary power to calm the sea,
raise the dead, heal the blind...; however, this is somewhat limited compared to
the one who created the sun and the trillions of stars.
Psalms 19:7-ff
MEEKNESS TO GOD; SHUN POPULAR WORLD VIEW
HUNGER TO KNOW GOD
Exodus 34:1 Moses wanted to see God.
Ephesians 1 and 3
God is omniscient and omnipresent; therefore, He always knows true reality. Humans quite often are deceived and believe lies, distortions, and half-truths. We have very limited knowledge and wisdom, and we are always only in one place at a time.
1Kings 14:1-9 God always sees things the way they really are.
2Kings 6:8-23 The true reality was different than what the senses reported.
John 8:44 Deceptions are powerful, prevalent, and persistent. The primary way the devil operates is with lies. We are confronted with lies and deceptions from our own flesh, which includes reasoning, rationalization, memories, ignorance, and such like. The world and the demonic realm play a big part in creating our sense of reality, which too often is not true reality.
The Great Principle Is:
What we believe determines who we are and what we do. When we believe lies, we produce the fruit of those lies in our lives. When we believe the truth, we produce the fruit of the truth in our lives.
1Kings 22:1-37 Jehoshaphat believed that he and Ahab were one. Jehoshaphat's son was married to Ahab's daughter.
We tend to twist things in our minds so that we can live with ourselves.
To avoid accepting responsibility for our wrongdoing, we blame others.
We tend to see what we want to see rather than what is real.
We are self centered and therefore prone to grandiosity.
We are not well informed, but think we know.
Galatians 6:1- 10 What you sow, you reap is a law and applies to every soul.
HOW TO HAVE AND HOLD TRUE REALITY:
Stay connected with God.
Spend most of your time in reality while avoiding fancy.
Communicate with others and avoid living in your "own head."
Always remember that feelings are not necessarily true.
Do not buy into others' deceptions.
Live now and understand that memories and expectations can deceive.
EXISTING ONE
Exodus 3:13-15 "I am" is the Hebrew word Hayah, which is the verb form of God's proper name "Yahweh."
De 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
Revelation 1:4 and 8 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Alpha and the omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The rabbis did the same with the Hebrew alphabet as a way to denote the whole of anything, from beginning to end; it is thus equivalent to saying that He has always existed, and that He will always exist.
Revelation 4:8 and 9; 10:6; 11:17; 15:7; and 21:6
CREATOR
Revelation 4:11- You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."
Revelation 10:6 ...WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT....
14:7 - Worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."
Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Acts 14:15; 17:24
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Revelation 4:8 - "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME."
Revelation 15:4 - "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy."
Isaiah 6:3; 57:15; 1Peter 1:15 and 16
ALMIGHTY
Revelation 11:17 - "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
Revelation 16:7 "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
19:6 - Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
THE RIGHTEOUS AND JUST JUDGE
Revelation 15:4 and7; 16:5 and 7; 19:1
WORLDLY or Biblical view?
God is omnipotent or almighty. The wrong worldview is God can do anything He wants and everything that happens is according to the will of God.
God is omniscient, has infinite knowledge, and is all wise, all knowing, all seeing. The wrong worldview is that God knows everything before it happens. If He knows what is going to happen before it happens, He could and should intercede and ensure that only good happens.
Romans 11: 33 and 34 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?
God is unchanging based upon verses such as Malachi 3:6 -- and James 1:7
The wrong worldview is that God never changes. God's person or nature never changes, but He can change His mind. Exodus 32:14
God inhabits eternity - The wrong worldview is that God dwells in the physical heavens. 2Chronicles 6:18 This wrong perspective makes people susceptible to the evil doctrine that when you die you ascend into heaven or descend into hell.
God is one. The wrong worldview is that He is really three.
John 3.13-21 believe in the Son to attain eternal life
John 5.16-30 Jesus is the one who will judge (unique combination of humility and authority)
John 6.39-40, 44, 53-54 Jesus will resurrect on the last day
John 8.23-30 The Pharisees must believe in Jesus or else die in their sins
John 12.44-50 Jesus came to save; his word will judge on the last day
The "I Am" Statements
I am the bread of life (John 6.48-51)
"I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."
I am the light of the world (John 8.12)
"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."
I am the door (John 10.9)
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
I am the good shepherd (John 10.11)
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11.25)
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies'"
I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14.6)
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'"
I am the vine (John 15.5)
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
1 Cor. 15.1-8, 14, 17-19 It all comes down to resurrection. If Jesus actually was raised from the dead then Christianity is true. If not then it is false.
The Royal Law: Love thy neighbor as thyself
Matthew 22:36-39; Matthew19:16-19; Mark 12:28-33; Luke 10:25-27; Romans 13:9-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8
Mark 12:33 says this is "more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
In Matthew 19:16-19 and Luke 10:26, Jesus stated that doing this commandment is part of what needs to be done to inherit eternal life.
Romans 13:9 says that this is the fulfillment of the law.
Galatians 5:14 states that the whole law is fulfilled in this one word.
And James 2:8 says that this is the "royal law."
Loving others is not something exclusive to the New Testament.
Leviticus 19:9-10 Care for the stranger, the poor, and the needy
Leviticus 19:11-12 We are not to lie, steal, or swear falsely.
Leviticus 19:13 We are not to oppress or rob others. We are to be fair and honest in all our dealings with others.
Leviticus 19:14 We are not to put a stumbling block for those who have physical handicaps.
Leviticus 19:15 We are to have impartial judgments (James 2:1-8).
Leviticus 19:16 We are not to slander or falsely accuse our neighbor.
Leviticus 19:17-18 We are not to hate or take vengeance.
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is not "new covenant" behavior. It is how God has always wanted His people to behave towards one another. This is the behavior of a believer in God, of a disciple.
Greater Love
Jesus Christ set an even higher standard.
John 13:34-25 The new commandment -- love as he loved!
John 15:12-14 There is no greater love.
Ephesians 5:1-2 We are to love like Christ.
Ephesians 5:17-19 This love surpasses knowledge. It is supernatural. How much do you think you can love? God is able to do far more abundantly than you can ask or think. He is at work within us, and he is not limited to our inability to love.
Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2, 54-60 Stephen loved
Acts 3:1-11 "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!"
Acts 16:16-18 "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out at that very moment."
Ephesians 1:18-23 Jesus has authority over every name that is named now and in the age to come.
Philippians 2:6-11 At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.
1 Peter 3:22 All angels, authorities, and powers are subjected to him.
John 14:13 And If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 15:16 Jesus repeated himself.
John 16:23-27 The one with absolute authority has given us authority to use his name to accomplish his purposes.
Acts 3:11-16 "...On the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus..."
Acts 4:5-12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
Matthew 5: 13-16 We are the salt and light of the world.
Hebrews 10:26-31, 35-39
"When you fear God you fear nothing else. When you don't fear God, you fear everything else." Oswald Chambers
Ephesians 1:3-4 He chose us to be holy and blameless.
Ephesians 2:3-5 We lived and sinned against God.
Genesis 3:6 She saw, she thought, she desired, she took, and she encouraged someone else to sin.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Thoughts => desires => actions => ________ => CHARACTER => destiny
Romans 12:1-2 Metamorphis -- Changing your present state to a new, transformed, Christ-like state
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Strongholds are torn down through Christ-like thinking.
John 14:21-24 Your character will determine your response. We are to be the reflection of the lord living in us.
John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less.
Genesis 14:18 - The priest of the Most
High God and the King of Salem are a shadowy type for Jerusalem and
the reign of the Messiah. "Salem" means peace. The word "Jerusalem"
in the original is in the dual form and means "possession of peace"
or "foundation of peace." The dual form probably refers to
the two mountains, Zion and Moriah, on which it was built.
Exodus 15:17 and 18 The
mountain of Your inheritance the place Yahweh made for His dwelling
Deuteronomy 12:5, 6, 10, 11 and 26
Before Israel entered the Promised Land, God told them about the place
but did not identify the specific location.
Deuteronomy 15:19 and 20
The firstling offering was to be eaten at this place.
Deuteronomy 16:2, 6 The
Passover was to be sacrificed in this place.
Deuteronomy 16:11 All the
people of Israel were to rejoice before God at this place.
Deuteronomy 16:16 The three
major feasts were to be kept in this place.
Deuteronomy 17:8 and 9
Judgment of the high priest or judge was to be done at this place.
Deuteronomy 18:6 The priests
and Levites would minister out from this place.
Deuteronomy 31:10-12 Every
seven years, the Law was to be read to all Israel from this place.
During the time of Joshua, when the
children of Israel entered the Promised Land, the city of Jerusalem
was never taken. The Jebusites occupied it during the 450 years
of Judges and during the 40 year reign of King Saul.
David finally took the city, once he
was anointed king over all Israel, and he prepared a tent and brought
the ark of God to Jerusalem.
1Chronicles 23:24-32 Solomon
built the temple in this place.
Jeremiah 9:12-14; 19:7-9; and 21:10
Moses and all the prophets foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem.
Nebuchadnezzar did destroy the city. During the time of Ezra and Nehemiah,
it was rebuilt.
Luke 19:42-44 Jesus foretold
of the destruction of Jerusalem.
Zechariah 14:3-5 Christ will
come back to the Mount of Olives to take the city of Jerusalem, and
all the saints will come with him. When he comes back, an earthquake
will split the Mount of Olives in two.
Psalms 110:2; 72:8, 11; Daniel
7:13 and 14 Out of Jerusalem, Jesus the Messiah will begin to
rule all the nations of the world.
Revelation 21:10-22:7 After
the millennial Kingdom, a new Jerusalem will come down out of heaven.
Matthew 21:18-22 The fig tree was a compelling and persuasive example. Jesus illustrates the endless possibilities.
Matthew 7:7-12 God responds to those who ask, seek, and knock. Faith and action coincide. Faith and passiveness contradict. When our faith is in God, we can love others rightly.
Matthew 8:1-3 The leper sought out Jesus and asked for help. Humility and faith correspond.
Matthew 8:5-10 Great faith understands supernatural authority. We need to reason things out with our biblical knowledge.
Mark 2:1-12 Jesus could see their faith because they were aggressive. Obstacles or circumstance did not deter them.
Some say it is impossible to find a job today because there is 9.7% unemployment, which is about 15 million people. However, 90.3% are employed, which is about 150 million. You want a job, get out and get one. Your full time job is getting a job. Walk into every store in the mall.
Matthew 9:18-22 She took action, was shamelessly humble and aggressive. She did not sit on the sideline wishing. I'll never get near him! She got to the front of the stage, reached in, and took her healing.
Matthew 15:21-28 - Canaanite woman refused to give up. She had humble aggressive action. Faith can be reasoned out by logically thinking about the Scriptures. These people did not have blind faith.
Matthew 20:29-34 Gabberialle
Luke 19:1-10
Luke 17:1-10 Asking God for help with your faith is not a bad idea, but it is usually not enough. Faith grows with practice. When things do not happen the way we want, we seem to lose faith. Build faith with baby steps such as resisting temptation.
The prayer in John 17 divides into three parts.
Jesus prays for himself (17.1-5)
Jesus prays for the twelve (17.6-19)
Jesus prays for us (17.20-26)
A look at John 17, focusing on what Jesus says about the world
1-5 note the intimacy between Father and Son
v1: "the hour has come"
We are at the edge of a precipice: Jesus will be arrested in 18 and by 19 he is dead and buried. These are the last precious moments with his disciples.
We are at the end of a significant chunk of John called the Last Supper, which spans chapters 13 through 17.
Chapter 13 begins by mentioning that Satan had already put it into Judas Iscariot's heart to betray Jesus. In other words, Jesus' betrayal is imminent, premeditated, and only a short while stands between the present time of fellowship and his passion. Jesus rises from dinner and washes his disciple's feet.
Chapters 13-16 cover the themes:
they should serve one another, washing each other's feet
Jesus is departing soon and the disciples cannot follow him
A new command to love one another as Jesus loved them
Jesus will return and reveal himself to his disciples but not the world
Jesus is the only way to the Father
Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father; he reveals him through his words and works
The coming of the helper, the spirit of truth will equip them
Love and obedience are inseparable
They must abide in him like a branch in a vine so as to produce fruit
The world will hate them like they hated Jesus; persecution will be their lot as well
The advocate will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
The advocate will fill in what Jesus could not say
They will weep b/c of what will happen but then rejoice like a woman giving birth
Ask the Father in his name and it will be given
He offers a peace that even the world's tribulation cannot overcome
By the time we arrive at chapter 17 the room is quiet but the air is thick. The disciples feet may still be a bit wet and Jesus knows that the end is at the door. The time has come. He has told them everything he can--everything they were able to hear at that time, and now there is only one thing left to do. He prays.
6-10 the Father separated the disciples out from the world and gave them to the Son
v6, 9 "out of the world...I am not praying for the world"
what is "the world?"
Two perspectives on the world
Theist: sees the world as God's creation; focuses on beauty of sky, stars, planets, moon, sun, trees, animals, humans, plants, rivers, mountains, birds chirping, etc.
Atheist: sees the world as a horrible place where life is a struggle, only the fittest and luckiest survive, everything is flawed, death is ubiquitous
A third perspective: Christians see both the fingerprints of God and Satan on the world. We recognize that the world is basically good because it is the creation of God and yet it has become corrupt. The fall explains all the facts. So, when thinking about the world, we can't help but think of it as both beautiful and ugly, awesome and horrifying, well ordered and chaotic, full of love and hate, pointing to God's goodness and humankind's original sin, a paradise and a hell, to be embraced and shunned.
Even human society is both good and evil. Care for the poor, exploration of the planet, biology, medicine, physics, some technologies are good. However, lust, greed, apathy, hatred, oppression, and rebelliousness are bad.
So the disciples are called by God out of the world and given to Jesus
(matrix analogy?)...they have awoken to the truth that the Son has been sent whereas everyone else in "the world" goes on as if everything is the same, as if the defining moment in history had not just happened right in their midst, as if the calendar had not just flipped from BC to AD since the hinge point of history had come
11-19 he is going to the Father and prays for his disciples to be kept from the evil one
v14: "the world has hated them b/c they are not of the world"
John 15.18-21; 1 John 3.1, 11-14
v15-16: "keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world."
Separation from the world
The subtle corrupting influence of the world (sewer analogy: mention flaw that in a sewer you don't get to see the beauty as well)
Two extreme views on the Christian response to the world
Total separation from word: should be separate in culture, geography, language, clothing, music, how we walk, wearing shoes/clothes, etc.
Total integration: same music, tv, movies, view on relationships, sense of morality, attitude towards God, politics, the poor, the outcasts (but on Sunday I go to church, if I can wake up on time, and if they don't confront my 'worldliness' in the sermon, and they have trendy 'worldly' music, and they have air-conditioning, and they don't expect anything of me, and the service is beneficial to me in some way).
A third perspective: Christians are in the world but not of it. Epistle of Diognetus :
For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or custom.
For nowhere do they live in cities of their own,
Nor do they speak some unusual dialect,
Nor do they practice an eccentric way of life.
This teaching of theirs has not been discovered by the thought and reflection of ingenious people,
Nor do they promote any human doctrine, as some do.
But while they live in both Greek and barbarian cities, as each one's lot was cast,
And follow the local customs in dress and food and other aspects of life,
At the same time they demonstrate the remarkable and admittedly unusual character of their own citizenship.
They live in their own countries, but only as nonresidents;
They participate in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners.
Every foreign country is their fatherland, and every fatherland is foreign.
They marry like everyone else, and have children, but they do not expose their offspring.
They share their food but not their wives.
They are in the flesh, but they do not live according to the flesh.
They live on earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.
They obey the established laws; indeed in their private lives they transcend the laws.
They love everyone, and by everyone they are persecuted.
They are unknown, yet they are condemned;
They are put to death, yet they are brought to life.
They are poor, yet they make many rich;
They are in need of everything,yet they abound in everything.
They are dishonored, yet they are glorified in their dishonor;
They are slandered, yet they are vindicated.
They are cursed, yet they bless;
They are insulted, yet they offer respect.
When they do good, they are punished as evildoers;
When they are punished, they rejoice as though brought to life.
By the Jews they are assaulted as foreigners, and by the Greeks they are persecuted,
Yet those who hate them are unable to give a reason for their hostility.
1 John 2.15-17
Overcoming the evil one
1 John 5.18-20; 4-5
v18: "as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world"
Jesus doing the unexpected
Jesus saying the unexpected
1 John 4.14-17
20-23 the testimony of unity that the Son was indeed sent by the Father
v21: "so that the world may believe..."
John 3.16, note his desire for the world to be saved; he cares about the world!
24-26 the Son has revealed the Father to us and the Father's love for his Son is in us
John 17.21-26 modified for prayer
I pray that we may all be one, just as you, Father, are in Christ, and he in you, that we also may be in you and him, so that the world may believe that you have sent him. The glory that you have given him he has given to us, that we may be one even as you and he are one, he in us and you in him, that we may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent him and loved us even as you loved him. Father, he desired that we also, whom you gave to him, may be with him where he is, to see his glory that you have given him because you loved him before the foundation of the world. Oh righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, he knows you, and we know that you have sent him. He made known to us your name and he will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved him may be in us, and he in us. (adapted from the ESV)
Radical ideas that put us in sync with God and out of sync with the world
Exclusive worship of God
Community unity (other-regard, concern for other's interests)
Vision of the future, pa???s?a, Bas??e?a, reversal of fortunes, restoration
Faith that even the most wicked people can repent and be forgiven
Childlike trust that God knows best how we ought to live
Confidence that self-sacrificial, cross-shaped, enemy love is redemptive
Sensitivity towards and an unwillingness to accept sin
Common practices in ancient Greco-Roman world that Christians rejected
Exposure of infants and abortion, Theatre, Circus, Banqueting, Worship of the gods, Imperial cult, Divorce
Name:
Character and purpose (N.T. Wright)
To manifest the name is to make God known as the holy and loving Father (Marcus Dods)
The Father's name is his character, which Jesus has manifested to his disciples, pre-eminently in his actions and words there in the upper room (13.1-16.33) (F.F. Bruce)
Proverbs 29:25
Fear brings a snare. It captivates people and keeps them from action.
Many people are overcome with fear and cannot do the things of God because they are afraid.
Isaiah 44:1-8
If we put our trust in Yahweh, if we believe we are His chosen ones, and if we are willing to say "I belong to Yahweh," then we have nothing to fear.
Psalms 34:1-4
Bless Yahweh; make your boast in Yahweh; magnify Yahweh with you; seek Yahweh, and He will hear and deliver you from all your fears!
Deuteronomy 31:1-2
For forty years, Moses had led the children of Israel. However, he was about to die. He would not be leading them into the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 31:3-8
Moses reminded them that Yahweh was the one who was leading them.
And He will not fail or forsake you! Be strong and be of good courage. Do not be afraid! There have been many who have gone before us, who are now dead. Now it is our time to have faith!
I Samuel 17:1ff
The men of Israel were frozen with fear. The giant that stood before them, mocked them, challenged them, and caused them to become afraid. But the young man David did not look at the circumstances or the doubts surrounding him. Rather, he declared the name of Yahweh, knowing that God would not fail or forsake him.
God promised He would pour out His spirit upon all flesh, and this happened at Pentecost. 50 days before, at the time of the crucifixion, Peter couldn't even acknowledge that he knew Jesus. On the day of the resurrection, he was with the other apostles behind closed doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). However, once he was filled with the holy spirit, Peter got bold. Acts 2:14-16, 22-24, 26; 3:12-15; 4:1-12. He was a changed man!
NO PEACE WITHOUT CHRIST
Isaiah 48:22 The wicked cannot find peace.
Romans 3:17 The natural man cannot find the path of peace.
Isaiah 59:1-8 Iniquities cause a separation between you and God and no peace.
CHRIST BRINGS PEACE
2 Corinthians 1:2; 13:11; Galatians 1:3; 5:22; 6:16 Peace is a
part of the gift of salvation.
Ephesians 2:14-17 We have peace with God and each other.
DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR PEACE
John 16:32 In Christ, we have peace; and in the world, tribulation.
Romans 8:5-8 Our focus must stay in the right place.
Philippians 4:4-9 Anxiety is a signal for you to act -- 1) you can try to control on your own causing great disturbance and agitation to yourself and others or 2) pray and ask God to deliver you.
Colossians 3:15 You choose to be peaceful. No one can take your peace; rather, you decide to surrender it.
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men.
Isaiah 55:6-13; 57:15-21 Repent from sin and regain peace.
THE AGE OF PEACE IS COMING
Isaiah 32:15-18; 52:1-15; 54:1-10
John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Acts 2:1-4 The promise of the Father came on the day of Pentecost. Acts 1:4-8 − They were to wait until the gift came after Jesus ascended. Acts 2:32 and 33 − Jesus sent forth this gift.
Genesis 15 When God made a covenant with Abram, He received the sacrifice by fire provided from God firmly establishing the covenant with Abram.
Exodus 3:2 When God called Moses, fire appeared out of the midst of a bush.
Exodus 13: 21 and 21 In the wilderness, God provided by night for 40 years a pillar of fire signifying His presence.
Exodus 19:18 God appeared on Mount Sinai with fire.
Leviticus 9:23 The fire of God consumed the sacrifice when they dedicated the tabernacle.
Numbers 3:4 Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
Judges 6:20 and 21 When Gideon was called, the fire of God consumed the offering with fire.
1Kings 18:38 Elijah's sacrifice was received by the fire from heaven.
2Chronicles 7:1-3 When Solomon dedicated the temple, the sacrifices were received by God with His fire from heaven.
When cutting a covenant like with Abraham and Mount Sinai, God did so with fire. Fire from heaven appeared when God called someone such as Moses and Gideon. The fire of God signified His presence with the people. At the dedication of the tabernacle and the temple, the sacrifice was accepted by fire from heaven. On Pentecost, the fire of God came down in a vision for one last time. On Pentecost, a new covenant went into full force. The apostles and the entire Church were called to carry out a new ministry. A new dwelling place of worship began on Pentecost because now the people make up the temple of God.
Acts 2:4 The fire never appeared again, but the tongues continues to this day. Clearly stated in Acts 10 and 19, believers spoke in tongues. In Acts 8 and 9, tongues is implied.
1Corinthians 12:1-11 Everyone who desires can speak in tongues.
1Corinthians 14:2, 14-18 It is a great way to bless God!
Malachi 1:6 (NKJV)
6 "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?'
Malachi 1:7-8 (NKJV)
7 "You offer defiled food on My altar. But say, 'In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, 'The table of the LORD is contemptible.'
8 And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" Says the LORD of hosts.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NKJV)
5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Luke 2:48-52 (NKJV)
48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Jeremiah 14:20-22 (NKJV)
20 We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness And the iniquity of our fathers, For we have sinned against You.
21 Do not abhor us, for Your name's sake; Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory. Remember, do not break Your covenant with us.
22 Are there any among the idols of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O LORD our God? Therefore we will wait for You, Since You have made all these.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise:
3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
Luke 1:38 (NKJV)
38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NKJV)
27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.
28 Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there.
1 what we seek determines what we do and what we think what we crave
2- the great key to Christian is thinking about the things above and no the things on earth. What we expose ourselves to is what we will think. What you seek determines what you think
3 and 4 we are complete in Christ we now have a new life that we can choice to live which we did not have before Christ, a life so superior in every way that there is no comparison with the old. The intense or severe problem we face is 1) we are ignorant of the new life 2) we are tempted into thinking that aspects of the old are more desirable and 3) we believe it is impossible to live the new life. Home fellowship coordinators, this is the battle we all face and need help with.
Immorality is illicit sexual conduct which includes adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animal, close relatives and porn Read Lev. 18:6-23 Impurity follows immorality because it is the result.
Passion, which is inordinate affection and lust, seem to go together. Seeking evil rather than good again determines lifestyle.
Greed is the emotion that runs our economy today.
Proverbs 8:36; 7:26-35; 6:12-15; 5:3-11
8 the great deception is I cannot do this it is impossible for me see chapter 2:18-23 caged animals
9 Buds' land and clean up day.
11 things apply to all no matter your worldly status . We are a new age church and we are new age people. 1:24-29
12 -- 1:21-22
HEART OF COMPASSION IMMORALITY
KINDNESS IMPURITY
HUMILITY EVIL PASSION
GENTLEMESS EVIL DESIRE
PATIENCE GREED
BEARING WITH ON ANOTHER ANGER
FORGIVING WRATH
LOVE MALICE
PEACE OF CHRIST RULE SLANDER
THANKFUL ABUSIVE SPEECH
LIE TO ONE ANOTHER
Matthew 26:26-29 The new covenant is a covenant of forgiveness.
Romans 3:21-25 With redemption in Christ, our sins are passed over.
Ephesians 1:7 and 8 Through his blood, we have the forgiveness of our trespasses.
Ephesians 2:1-8 By grace we are saved from our sin and the consequences thereof.
Colossians 1:13 and 14; 2:13-15 In him, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Psalms 103:1-ff Three phrases that describe the degree of forgiveness are: 1) high as the heavens above the earth, 2) as far as the east is from the west, 3) from everlasting to everlasting.
Psalms 136 The loving kindness of Yahweh is everlasting.
Matthew 5:43-45 Be like God -- love your neighbor, which is impossible to do if you have not forgiven.
Matthew 6:12-15 Forgiveness is not optional; rather, it is required.
Matthew 18: 21-ff Jesus emphatically communicated the need to forgive.
Hebrews 12:15 The lack of forgiveness is a root of bitterness.
1John 1:5-2:2 God is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 28:18-20 The great commission
1 Timothy 2:3 and 4 If indeed this is the great desire of God, then He will help us to bring it to pass.
2 Peter 3:9 He longs for the age to come more so than we do.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Psalms 51:12-15
Acts 4:29-31 Passion for the unsaved
Ephesians 6:19 and 20
Colossians 4:3
How do we do this?
1. Pray for your community.
2. Look for opportunity to speak.
3. Think of one person that you know that you can witness to.
4. Think through what you are going to say.
5. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount offered great reward for following him.
6. Use basic human relations techniques, such as complimenting people.
7. Get into situations in which it is easy to speak.
8. Believe we can do this because it is the will of God; the light shines brightest in the darkness. We can do this!
9. Each one win one!
Through a study of the Scriptures, one can gain insight about the Messiah. His death, sufferings, and resurrection are all prophesied in the Old Testament. However, until these events actually happened, the wisdom of God was veiled in a mystery.
Acts 13:22-27; 17:1-3; 26:22-23; 28:23
The Apostle Paul used the Hebrew Scriptures in teaching these New Testament realities.
I Corinthians 15:3 and 4
The Scriptures (the Old Testament) tell of the death and resurrection of Christ.
Romans 16:25-26
The mystery was kept secret since the world began. Paul used the Old Testament Scriptures -- the Scriptures of the prophets -- in revealing the truths relating to the mystery in the book of Romans. Romans 15:9 (quote from Psalms 18:49 & II Samuel 22:50); Romans 15:10 (quote from Deuteronomy 32:43); Romans 15:11 (quote from Psalms 117:1); Romans 15:12 (quote from Isaiah 11:10)
I Corinthians 2:6-8
Had the princes of this world known the wisdom of God in the mystery, they would not have crucified Jesus Christ.
What's the Mystery???
Mystery: something not understood or beyond understanding; something strange or unknown which has not yet been explained or understood
This definition holds true in Scripture. A mystery is something that is not understood. Jesus taught that the parables revealed "the mysteries" of the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 13:9-13)
The wisdom of God is recorded in the Old Testament Scriptures. However, until God revealed the meaning, the understanding was hidden. It was a mystery. Mark 9:31-32; Luke 9:44-45; 18:31-34
Ephesians 3:1-10
The revelation given to the Apostle Paul put understanding to what Moses and the prophets spoke.
Colossians 1:20-29; 2:1-3
The riches of the glory of this mystery -- Christ in you, the hope of glory! In this mystery of Christ, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
The Mystery of God is not yet complete. The end has not yet come. (I Corinthians 15:51-52; Revelation 10:7)
Romans 11:18-33
The Mystery of God is filled with depths and riches of wisdom and knowledge.
CROSS TO THE RESURRECTION
Matthew 27:57-60 Joseph from Arimathea
Matthew 27:61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
John 19:39-42 Nicodemus
THE RESURRECTION
Matthew 28:2-4 Women came again.
John 20:1-10 Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb.
John 20:11-18 Mary sees Jesus.
Matthew 28:5-7 Angel and the women
Luke 24:4-44 Two men on the road and Jesus
John 20:21-24 Jesus and the his disciples
WHAT THE RESURRECTION MEANS TO US
Romans 1:1-3 Proof that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah and Savior
Romans 6:1-11 Connection or identification - old dead, new alive
1 Corinthins 15: 20-23 Firstborn, which means we too will be raised
WE ARE WITNESSES OF THE RESURRECTION
2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Acts 2:22-32
Acts 3:13-26
Acts 4:5-12, 23-31; 5:14, 20, 27-32
Philippians 3:9 and 10
Leviticus 4:14 -- 20
First acknowledge the sin. This first step seems like it should be apparent, but it is often not so for people are slow in acknowledging sin.
Bring sacrifice to the door of the tent.
Lay hands on the head of the animal to identify with the transfer of sin to the animal.
Slay the animal.
Anointed priest takes the blood in to the tent.
Prepare the animal and offer it on the altar.
Atonement and forgiveness are received.
2 Chronicles 6:18-21 Solomon's great request was when they prayed toward this temple, God would hear in heaven and forgive. They were to identify with what happened at the temple, the sacrifices, atonement, and forgiveness.
Verse 22- Sins against his neighbor
Verse 24 -- Defeated before an enemy because of sin
Verse 26 -- When the heavens shut up and there is no rain because of sin
Verse 28 -- If there is famine, pestilence, or sickness because of sin
Verse 32 -- The foreigner prays toward this house.
Verse 34 - When Your people go out to battle
Verse 36 -- When they sin and are taken away into captivity
John 2:19-21 Jesus referred to himself as the temple that they would destroy; indeed, in many ways he was the temple. Jesus is the place of atonement and forgiveness. Just like the animal sacrifice, the people killed Jesus, the final sacrifice.
Matthew 26:61 The only thing the witnesses could agree upon
Matthew 27:40 With the crucifixion, the old temple was destroyed, Matthew 27:51
He certainly was the temple of God because God dwelt within him. With his death, the temple in Jerusalem became null and void as the center for sacrifice and forgiveness. Jesus from that day forward became the standard for sacrifice and forgiveness. We no longer turn to the temple and pray for forgiveness; rather, our eyes are upon Jesus and the cross for our forgiveness.
Mark 14:58 The new temple today is the Church. Another temple is coming in the future different from all that proceeded.
1 John 1:7-ff
Confess our sin
Repent or stop sinning
The sacrifice has already been offered on the cross.
The blood has been brought into the holy of holies by Christ our high priest.
We must indentify with or lay our hands on Christ and accept that our sins are laid on him.
Receive the forgiveness.
When he returns, the temple in Jerusalem will be much different. It will be similar to the time of David when the people celebrated, praised, and gave thanks without the sacrifices. Jesus will sit on the throne in the temple of God and rule the world.
Genesis 1:1 -- 2:1 The six days of creation
Exodus 7 -- 12 The ten plagues
Exodus 20 The Ten Commandments
Genesis 1:28, 2:8 -- 3:24 Authority given to Adam and Eve
Proverbs 16:18, 29:23 Pride
Hebrews 11:7 -- 10, 17, 22, 24-26 Those of faith
Ephesians 5 YHWH's design regarding authority in the Church and the family
Learning To Listen
God's voice is heard through creation,
Scripture, Jesus, & the spirit.
These will not be contrary to each other.
I Kings 19:1-10
-- Elijah distraught
Exodus 19:10-25 - The LORD on
Horeb (Mountains of Sinai)
The 10 commandments spoken by
God (Exodus 20:1-17)
Exodus 20:18-21 - The people's
response to hearing from God
I Kings 19:11-18 - Elijah on Mount
Horeb
1 - Great & strong wind,
breaking in pieces the rocks
2 - Earthquake
3 - Fire
4 - __________________________
Psalm 46
What are the
three most predominant voices in your life?
1.
2.
3.
Goal For This Week
God Needs You!
Genesis 20:1-17 the first biblical
record on prayer and the first healing. God works in conjunction with
people. God needs you to pray.
Genesis 18: 23-33 Abraham's conversation
or prayer with God.
Genesis 19:29 - The intercessory prayers
of Abraham apparently availed much for God saved the one righteous man
in the city. We cannot calculate the effective our prayers have with
our loved ones.
James 5:16 - The effective prayer of
a righteous man can accomplish much.
Exodus 8:8-15, 28-31 Moses prayed then
God moved
Exodus 32:11- 14 Yahweh changed His
mind due to the prayer of Moses.
2Kings 19:20-35 Hezekiah prayed and
Sennacherib king of Assyria lost 185,000
Church leadership
pray -- Romans 1:8-10
1Sa 12:23 the most important thing
that you can do for the people under your care is to diligently pray
for them "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should
sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct
you in the good and right way.
Pray for your church
leadership- Romans 15:30
1Thess. 5:25 - Pray for us!
Prayer for our country
- 2Ch 7:14 and 15 Anyone can
complain about the government but you actually have the authority and
ability to make a difference.
James 5:14 - The effective prayer of
a righteous man can accomplish much.
Matthew 7:7-11; 21:22 Pray with confidence
that God will hear and respond
2Chronciles 14:11 and 12
Luke 18:1-8 Don't give up!
Prophet like Moses Deuteronomy 18:15-19
High Priest like Melchizedek Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 5 and 6; Zechariah 7:12 and 13
King like David Psalm 110; Luke 1:32 and 33
Prophet
John 1:14-18 Moses was the prophet of the Law, and Jesus was the prophet of grace and truth.
John 12:44-50 The words of Jesus give life, eternal life.
Galatians 1:12 The apostles were an extension of the Prophet Jesus. They spoke on his behalf.
Acts 1:9-11 Jesus ascended into heaven and is now serving as our High Priest.
High Priest
Hebrew 2:17; 4:14-16 Today, he serves as our High Priest.
1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"
Hebrews 12:24, 10:11-18 He is the mediator of the new covenant.
1 John 1:6-2:2 Jesus is our advocate with the Father.
Ephesians 1:20-23 He is the head of the Body and walks among the churches.
Revelation 1-3
KING
Psalms 110:1 Yahweh said to Adown which is a human lord. The Messiah is the Lord. Matthew 22:41-46
Acts 3:21 Times of restitution when all things will be made right
Psalms 110:1-7 "He will drink from the brook" most believe refers to the time of Gideon.
Judges 9:1-ff Pressing on to victory; Messiah, like Gideon, faint yet pursuing
He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he has set judgment in the earth.
1 Corinthians 15:22-28 The end will come.
Revelations 20:1-ff Enemies a footstool
1 Peter 1:3-5
Lively hope -- lively in the sense that it is animated, vigorous, intense, active, resilient, and living
Matthew 28:18-20 Our aim is to make disciples in all the world or to all nations.
Making disciples begins with witnessing to the unsaved but includes much more. A disciple is an ardent and committed follower.
John 8:31-36 A disciple is someone who continues in his word and thereby experiences freedom. Disciples accept and assist in spreading the doctrine of another. The way to do this is each one win one who will win one.
Matthew 28:19 The order is to baptize them in three things: 1) the name of the Father, 2) the Son, and 3) the holy spirit.
1) THE NAME OF THE FATHER - Exodus 6:2-8; Exodus 3:13-15. The name of the Father would include everything the name represents. Exodus 34:6
2) THE SON - Luke 1:31 and 32 Jesus will sit upon the throne of David. Acts 28:31 The Kingdom of God and concerning the Lord Jesus Christ
3) HOLY SPIRIT -- Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49 Clothed with power from on high, John 14:16; 16:7
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you
2 Corinthians 3:5 God enables us through the holy spirit.
Acts 19:8-20 With Yahweh, all things are possible.
God has freely supplied all that man needs to live life abundantly. Everything from Him is gift. We have a responsibility to give to Him.
Israel Gave To God
Exodus 13:2, 12-15; 22:29 and 30 Israel owed God their firstborn and firstfruits.
Leviticus 7:35-38 They were to offer sacrifices to Yahweh.
FIVE FREEWILL OFFERINGS:
- Burnt
- Grain/meal
- Sin
- Guilt/trespass
- Peace
Leviticus 23:1-3, 37 and 38 They were to give Him their time with the weekly Sabbaths and the three annual feasts.
- Unleavened bread
- Firstfruits/Pentecost
- Booths/Tabernacles
We too can and should give to God!
Give Praise and Thanks
Psalms 147:1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Give Tithes and Offerings
Proverbs 3:5-10 Honor Yahweh from your wealth and from the first of all your produce.
Philippians 4:14-20 Our tithes and offerings are a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God.
2 Corinthians 9:6 and 7 When we are generous, God is blessed
2 Corinthians 9:9-15 Our giving blesses God and gives others cause to give thanks to him. We want to be a generous church like those in Corinth.
Serve Your Fellowman
Romans 12:1 Present yourself a living sacrifice, which is your spiritual service of worship.
- Prayer is vital.
- Encourage one another. A smile, kind word, a hug can do a lot for people. Greet one another with a kiss of love.
- Serve one another. Get busy serving one another. In addition to prayer and love, we need help with physical work. This is your church; invest in it! If you want to feel more a part of things, volunteer to serve. We need help!
- Evangelize. Main Street Mission
Ephesians 6:5-8 We are to be always serving the Lord...your servants for Christ's sake.
Share the Gospel
Luke 15:1-10 When someone repents and turns to God, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God.
Give Glory to God by the Way You Live
Matthew 24:32-51 Now is the time to serve, not when our Lord comes back − then is too late.
Matthew 25:14-30 In the day, you want to hear, "Well done good and faithful slave." You do not want to hear, "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness."
"Tithe" means a tenth part or 10%.
Genesis 14:17-20 Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth or tithes of all the goods out of a heart of love, respect, and thankfulness to God and to give God the glory for the victory.
Genesis 14:21-24 Abraham refused any part of the returned goods because he wanted God to get the glory for the day's victory. He knew that Yahweh was his sufficiency.
Genesis 28:12-19, 20-22 Jacob confirmed that the tithe is the right way for man to believe and respond to God's blessings.
Deuteronomy 14:22-23 The tithe taught the people to reverence and respect God and to hold Him in awe. Tithing is a fundamental way to put God FIRST.
Proverbs 3:5-10 ALL that we have, our God has provided for us. Tithing is our proper acknowledgement to God for His blessings with a heart-felt attitude of love, honor, respect, and thankfulness.
Malachi 3:7-9, 10-12 The Scriptures tell us that God wants to bless His people and provide for our needs abundantly. The Scriptures also tell us that God is just. God gave man freedom of will. When we turn away from God, He has no choice but to refrain from blessing us.
Matthew 23:23 Jesus Christ said to continue to tithe but also to perform the weightier matters of the law (justice, mercy, and faithfulness).
II Corinthians 9:5-8 To sow bountifully means to give generously and to give with the right heart -- a heart showing love, reverence, respect, honor, and thankfulness to our Father in Heaven.
Philippians 4:14-20 When we trust God with our finances, He promises to supply all of our need "according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
II Corinthians 9:9-15 Generous giving with the proper attitude is glorious to all: God, the giver, the recipients, and those who see the giving.
God desires His people to love and trust Him and be obedient to His commands with our whole heart. Tithing is one of God's commands. Our attitude of heart in obeying is to show love, reverence, respect, honor, and thankfulness to our Father in Heaven for all that He has done for us in this life and all that He will do for us throughout eternity.
1 Corinthians 7:23 You were bought with a price the blood of Christ. The relationship we have with Jesus the Messiah is he is the lord and we are the bond-slave.
The Hebrew and Greek words for "slave" are usually rendered simply "servant," "bondman," or "bondservant." Slavery as it existed under the Mosaic Law has no modern parallel.
Exodus 21:1-6 The master cared for the slave, and the slave served the master. To be a bond-slave was the freewill choice of the slave.
Philippians 2:1-11 Jesus considered himself a bond-slave of God, and he is now our example.
Philippians 3:17 Paul is also our example to follow. He often referred to himself as a bond-slave.
2 Corinthians 4:5 "...Ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."
Galatians 1:10
Matthew 8:9 The first use in the New Testament reveals the bond-slave is to obey his master. The eye of the slave is upon the hand of the master.
Matthew 20:20-28 The right mind-set is to think of ourselves as slaves and not as masters or lords.
Galations 5:13 You were the slaves of sin, but now you are free to be a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ and to serve one another in love.
Ways of serving:
Prayer is vital Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 6:18 and 19; 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Encourage one another 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18 - A smile, kind word, a hug can do a lot for people.
Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Evangelize Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Serve one another Galatians 5:13 - Get busy serving one another. In addition to prayer and love, we need help with physical work. This is your church; invest in it! If you want to feel more a part of things, volunteer to serve. We need help!
Matthew 24:32-51 Now is the time to serve, not when our Lord comes back − then is too late.
Matthew 2514-30 In the day, you want to hear, "Well done good and faithful slave." You do not want to hear, "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness".
Matthew 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Many things in life can consume our time, our attention, and our heart's desire, but if we set our minds to seek after God and His kingdom, we will have the proper perspective to live in this world and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Three examples are given in this context:
* Matthew 6:19-21 -- Your treasure
What do you treasure? What is your heart's desire (Psalm 37:4)?
* Matthew 6:22-23 -- Your eye
Where are you looking? What is the focus of your life?
* Matthew 6:24 -- Your service
Whom do you serve? What is at the core of your service?
Matthew 6:25-34 What do you pursue? What is first in your life? If you could choose one thing in your life that is a priority above all else, what would it be?
Ecclesiastes 1:12-17 -- A pursuit of wisdom is vanity and striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-17 -- All of the work and pursuits of this life will not bring satisfaction.
Ecclesiastes 12:8 -- All is vanity without God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 -- The conclusion is fear God and keep His commandments.
Luke 10:38-42 Martha was serving. She was doing work, but she was missing the one thing that was needful. Mary had chosen this one thing. She was listening to the Lord's word.
Philippians 3:3-8 Paul had worldly credentials. Yet, all these pursuits he counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
Philippians 3:9-11 Paul's pursuit was in light of the Hope -- the Kingdom of God -- that he might attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:12-14 Paul did this one thing. He pressed toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!
1 Peter 3:10-12 God's ability to help is equal to His willingness to help. God answers prayer for those who desire Him and His ways. God has integrity, so hold Him to His word. An attitude of expectancy is appropriate; whereas, arrogance and demanding are inappropriate.
Psalms 107:1 "Lovingkindness" is also translated mercy, kindness, and goodness. Yahweh's loving-kindness has no end and is forever extended to those who seek Him.
Psalms 107:5 The Psalmist writes with descriptive words − wandered in the wilderness, did not find a way, was hungry and thirsty, soul fainted within him.
Psalms 107:6 The all important and often forgotten step -- cry to Yahweh!
Psalms 107:9 The Bible contains written historical records of the many times Yahweh demonstrated His willingness is equal to His ability to help. We must ask and expect help. Yahweh has integrity!
Psalms 107:10 Again, such descriptive language is used that captures the human plight.
Psalms 34:8 -15 Peter read the Old Testament.
Psalms 107:14 The first place to seek help is Yahweh; yet, most often God is the last sought, after everything else has failed. God should be first aid, and the doctors should be third aid. We do not have to do this on our own! Seek help!
Psalms 18:1-7 God responds when we call. We need to be persistent like the widow woman or the importune friend. We may need to declare a fast as they did in Nineveh when they were withdrawing from worldly distractions to focus on Yahweh.
Psalms 107:20 The Word of God is powerful. The centurion in Jesus' day knew the power of the word for he said, "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
Psalm 30:2 and 3; 103:3 and 4; 56:13; 147:3
Psalms 107:30 We do not have to wait until it gets so bad! When you lack peace, joy, love, or hope, stop your normal activity, take time to read the Word and pray to your Father and allow Him to minister to you.
Psalms 107:35 He can take away from the wicked and give to the righteous.
Psalms 43 Consider the loving-kindness of Yahweh our God and Father.
Matthew 22:1 The wedding of a prince is a very special occasion with special accommodations such as attire provided by the king. In our culture, we wear tuxes and wedding dresses.
Matthew 22:7 He is speaking to chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus is the prince, and the wedding feast is yet coming in the future age, but they wanted no part of it.
Matthew 22:10 With Israel's rejection of the Messiah, the doors were open to the Gentiles.
Matthew 22:12 Receiving the invitation is one thing; attending the wedding is another. We must come clothed with the garments provided by the King.
Isaiah 64:6 Our own righteousness is like filthy rags.
Isaiah 61:10 We are clothed in God's righteousness by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 22:12 Based upon the context, we understand that many are called but those who respond the proper way are chosen. The whole of humanity is called, but only those who respond by faith in Christ will attend the wedding. Israel thought that they were the chosen ones because they were called first. Christians talk the same way today.
Romans 8:28-30 Who decides if we are chosen? God extended the invitation, but you have to respond in the proper way.
Romans 8:29 We will be conformed to the image of His Son, that is in his resurrected form, but not by our own righteousness but the righteousness by which we are clothed in Christ.
Romans 3: 19-26
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Verse 36 refers to Psalm 44, which makes clear the reference is regarding our love for him.
Romans 8:36 "For thy sake" means in thy cause; or on account of attachment to You. Psalms 44:22
Ephesians 1:3-14 We are chosen to be with Him in glory.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Since we have been called we should stand.
I Peter 1:1- 9
I Corinthians 13:1-3 Love is not an emotion or a feeling; rather, it is a deliberate choice to obey God's Word above our thoughts, feelings, emotion, or desires. God Himself is the standard of His love because, according to I John 4:8 and 16, God is Love.
I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, long - suffering or suffers long.
I Peter 3:20; Exodus 34:6; 2 Peter 3:9 and 10 God is very long suffering which means having forbearance and self-restraint before proceeding to action. It is to be long on patience with others even if their actions are evil.
Ephesians 4:1-3; I Thessalonians 5:14 and 15 God wants His children to behave as He does.
James 5:7-9 Today is an evil day with many trials and tribulations, but we can be long - suffering because his coming is drawing near.
Nehemiah 9:17 Love is kind. God is our model to follow regarding this aspect of love.
Romans 2:4 Kindness, goodness, and gentleness can all be translated from the same Greek word.
Titus 3: 3-5 Kindness is contrasted with the hard - hearted attitude of bitterness, wrath, anger.
Ephesians 4:31 and 32 We are to be kind.
Ephesians 2:7 In the age to come, we will experience the full kindness of God.
Luke 6:35 and 36 Our kindness to others is to be unconditional.
Love envies not -- Since everyone in the Church is blessed with God's gracious gifts, there should never be reason for envy.
The end of the year or the beginning of a new year is always a great time to take a mental inventory and to make adjustments.
Matthew 5:3 The humble are blessed today and inherit the Kingdom of heaven in the age to come. The beginning point and lifelong undertaking is to maintain this proper attitude. God can; we can't; He will if we let Him. The impossible is possible if we are humble. God can propel us out of the darkest darkness if we are humble.
Matthew 5:4 Each of these blessed-attitudes is a state of mind determined by individuals rather than something that happens to them. Christ came to preach repentance, to provoke men to mourn over their sins and to forsake them (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sin must be repugnant to us, and if it is not, we need to go back to humility and ask God's help. Those who mourn will be comforted now and in the future.
Matthew 5:5 The gentle or meek are those who willingly receive God's Word and will above their own. The meek inherit the earth when the Kingdom comes. The believers' eternal destiny is eternal life. John 5:19; 6:38 and 39; Matthew 11:29
Matthew 5:6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied.
Matthew 6: 33 To be satisfied is a very great blessing. James 1:3 and 4
Matthew 5:7 The merciful will receive mercy (Colossians 3:12). Jesus gave the story of the Good Samaritan as the example of a merciful person. Humility, mourning, hunger for righteousness all precede mercy.
Matthew 5:8 The pure in heart see God. Proverbs 4:23; Jeremiah 17:9 and 10; Psalms 27:14; 73:26; 51:10; 86:10-12; 119:32-36; 141:3 and 4; Isaiah 57:15
Matthew 5:9 To be a peace maker, one has to have the previous attitudes. People who are overly concerned about themselves will always have trouble making peace. Self interested people cause strife and divisions. Matthew 5:21-48
Matthew 5:10 - 12 We are blessed when we are persecuted if we respond the right way.
Matthew 5:13 - 16 We are salt and light when we live the way Jesus puts forth in this teaching.
Luke 1:5 The birth narrative begins and ends in the temple -- Luke 2:21-24
Zechariah and Elizabeth -- Luke 1:6-80
Mary and Joseph -- Luke 1:26-2:28
Shepherds -- Luke 2:8-20
Simeon -- Luke 2:25-36
Anna -- Luke 2:36-38
Luke 1:7 Barren women and the redemption of Israel illustrate man's impotence or futility compared to God's miraculous and merciful provision -- Sarah (Genesis 18), Rebekah (Genesis 25), Rachel (Genesis 30), the mother of Samson (Judges 13), and Hannah (1 Samuel 1 and 2).
Luke 1:10 Prayer and incense are connected -- Ezra 9:5-15; Revelation 8:3.
Luke 1:11 The angel of the Lord in the Old Testament is also the angel of Yahweh.
Luke 1:15 The prohibition against wine and strong drink indicates John to be a Nazirite. Numbers 6 has the laws of the Nazirites. Both Samson and Samuel were under the Nazirite vow.
Luke 1:16 Malachi 2:6
Luke 1:17 Malachi 3:1-ff John is the eschatological Elijah. Jesus makes plain the connection in Matthew 11:7-19.
Luke 1:28 Yahweh is with you!
Luke 1:32 The Davidic dynasty -- 2Samuel 7:8-16; 1Chron 17:13 and 14; Psalm 89
Luke 1:35 Acts 1:8 The holy spirit facilitates God's workings.
Luke 1:37 These words built her faith.
Luke 1:50 Psalms 103:17
Luke 2:1-7 The birth
Luke 2:8-20 The shepherds
Luke 2:21- 35 Simeon
Luke 2:36- 38 Anna
Exodus 34:5 -- 7 God is compassionate and merciful. He is willing to forgive our sin, and He tells us that throughout the Scriptures
Psalms 103:8 -- 13 God is merciful, gracious, patient, and forgiving to them that fear Him.
1 John 1: 5 -- 10 God knows our frame and that we miss the mark at times, but, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins.
2 Chron. 7:14 Are we seeking forgiveness today? Then we need to humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways.
Luke 15:11 - 12 The inheritance was freely given to them because of the loving generosity of their father.
Luke 15:13 The younger son by wasting his inheritance on loose living showed little regard for his father's loving generosity.
Luke 15:14 -- 16 The younger son began to be in want and ended up in "hog country."
Luke 15:17 -- 19 The younger son, realizing that he had sinned against heaven and before his father, decided to humble himself, confess his sin, and ask to be a servant in his father's house because he believed he was no longer worthy to be a son.
Luke 15 20 -- 24 The love and compassion of the father is OVERWHELMING! That is exactly how God is with us. When we repent and return to God, He welcomes us with open arms.
Psalm 51:1 -- 17 David humbled himself, prayed, sought God's face and turned from his wicked ways, and received God's forgiveness.
2 Chron. 33:1 -- 16 Manasseh did MUCH evil in God's sight. Yet, when Manasseh prayed and "humbled himself greatly," God heard his prayer and allowed him to return to Jerusalem to make things right.
Psalms 147:1, 4-5; Psalms 19:1; Genesis 1:14 The heavens tell of the glory of God.Matthew 2:1-2, 9-10 What was his Star? Who were the Magi?
- Priestly caste
- From the East -- Parthia, Media, Persia, Babylon
- Interpreting divine matters for kings and rulers
- Diligent in their study of the heavens
- First appear in the Bible in Daniel
Daniel 2:48; 5:11-12 Daniel was made "chief of the magi"Dating "his star"- The historian, Josephus, writes that Herod died shortly after a lunar eclipse. There was a partial eclipse in March of 4 BC. However, there was also a total eclipse in January of 1BC. Significance of Leo (The lion)
Genesis 49:9-10; Numbers 24:17; Revelation 5:5
The tribe of Judah is represented by the lion.
The Messiah came from the tribe of JudahThe six astronomical events in Leo that captured the Magi's attention August 3BC Jupiter and Venus in conjunctionSeptember 3BC Jupiter and Regulus in conjunction February 2BC Jupiter and Regulus in conjunction May 2BC Jupiter and Regulus in conjunction June 2BC Jupiter and Venus in conjunction August 2BC Jupiter and Mars in conjunction massing of planets Venus and MercuryMatthew 2:9-10 The star stood. This could be the astronomical phenomena called retrograde motion.Daniel 9:24-27 Daniel prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. Revelation 12:1-5 In the year 3BC, this celestial wonder appeared in the sky on September 11th.Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17 We can be convinced the Messiah is coming again.
Matthew 1: 18-25 the phrase the angel of the Lord is frequently in the Old Testament and is always referring to Yahweh.
Genesis 16:6-12
Matthew 2:12-ff
2:15 - Hosea 11:1 referring to Israel coming out of Egypt but also Jesus coming out of Egypt.
Matthew 2:13-19
Matthew 3:1-3 Isaiah 4O:1-8 NASB acknowledges Yahweh when quoting from the OT by putting LORD in caps
Matthew 4:1-11
Matthew 5:33
Matthew 7: 21-23 the first place in the NT were Lord refers to Jesus. The New Testament is written in Greek and not Hebrew. In the Hebrew the word Adonia is used primarily when speaking about God and Adon when speaking about men.
Genesis 15:1-8 Adonai
Genesis 18:1-3, 12; 23:6-11 Adon
Mathew 7:23 no distinction is made so we must understand from the context and scope of scriptures and not preconceived doctrines
Matthew 8:1-ff
Revelation 1:1-8
Revelation 4:8-11; 7:14; 15:1-4; 16:7
Revelation 22:20 and 21
Exodus 15:2 --"Yah" is an abbreviated and oft poetic form of the name "Yahweh." It is primarily used in songs and compound words. The term is generally found where the subject theme dwells upon a rejoicing over victory and deliverance or where there is an acknowledgment of God's mighty hand and salvation.
Psalms 68:4; 118:14; Isaiah 12:2; 26:1-4 Yah is used 46 times in the Old Testament, 40 of which are in the book of Psalms, the book of songs and prayers.
Exodus 15:1- 22 The song is after the great exodus from Egypt which is a type for what will happen at the end of the age.
Isaiah 11:1- 16 In the context, "in that day" refers to the end of the age.
Isaiah 12:1- 6 This follows the context which is talking about the future while remembering the past.
Isaiah 12:2 The wording is identical to Exodus 15:2
Revelation 15:1-5 This refers back to the song of Moses in Exodus 15 which was also referenced in Isaiah 12.
Revelation 19:1-6
"Hallelujah" is made up of "hallelu," praise, and "Jah" or Yah; so, "hallelujah" means praise Yah.
Hallelu-Yah is used 26 times in the book of Psalms and is usually in the plural imperative which is a command to praise Yah. So, it could read, "You praise Yah" or "Praise Yah, you people."
01984 is the Hebrew word "halal," and 03050 is "Yah."
Hallelu-Yah
01984 is the Hebrew word "halal," and 03050 is "Yah."
Ps 102:18 This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD .
Ps 104:35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth And let the wicked be no more. Bless the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD !
Ps 105:45 So that they might keep His statutes And observe His laws, Praise the LORD !
Ps 106:1 Praise the LORD ! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting.
Ps 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, "Amen." Praise the LORD !
Ps 111:1 Praise the LORD ! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
Ps 112:1 Praise the LORD ! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments.
Ps 113:1 Praise the LORD ! Praise , O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD.
Ps 113:9 He makes the barren woman abide in the house As a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD !
Ps 115:17 The dead do not praise the LORD , Nor do any who go down into silence;
Ps 115:18 But as for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD !
Ps 116:19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD !
Ps 117:2 For His loving kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD !
Ps 135:1 Praise the LORD ! Praise the name of the LORD; Praise Him, O servants of the LORD,
Ps 135:3 Praise the LORD , for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.
Ps 135:21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD !
Ps 146:1 Praise the LORD ! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Ps 146:10 The LORD will reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD !
Ps 147:1 Praise the LORD ! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.
Ps 147:20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His ordinances, they have not known them. Praise the LORD !
Ps 148:1 Praise the LORD ! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
Ps 148:14 He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the LORD !
Ps 149:1 Praise the LORD ! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
Ps 149:9 To execute on them the judgment written; This is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD !
Ps 150:1 Praise the LORD ! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Ps 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD . Praise the LORD !
Names with Yah:
Elijah from the Hebrew Eliyahu (El E Yah who)which means Yah is my God
Isaiah from the Hebrew Yeshayah (Yes she yah) which means Salvation of Yah
Jeremiah from the Hebrew Yirmyah ( Yirm Yah)which means Whom Yah has appointed
Joshua from the Hebrew Jehoshua (You shoe ah) which means Yahweh is salvation
Joshua 5:1-9 - Genesis 17:11-14 Failure to circumcise their children reflected their unbelief and broke the covenant. The covenant was reestablished with a new generation.
Joshua 5:10 The Passover foreshadowed the new covenant that would come with Christ.
Joshua 5:15 After reconfirming the covenant and participating in the Passover, the captain (ruler or prince) of Yahweh's host appeared to Joshua. "Host" means army or multitude. The same Hebrew word is also translated army, war, and battle.
"Yahweh of hosts" is used about 230 times in the Old Testament, revealing yet another aspect of the God we worship. Genesis 1:1 ELOHIM - the Creator is the supreme or ultimate reality, the one true God. Genesis 14:18-23 ELYON - the Most High God is the possessor of heaven and earth.
Genesis 17:1-9 EL SHADDAI - Almighty God is the covenant keeping one.
Joshua 6:1-5 They took the city because Yahweh of hosts battled for them. He is in charge of the armies of heaven and earth.
1 Samuel 17:45-47 David knew the battle was Yahweh's. In order for Yahweh of hosts to be victorious, someone must step up and fight on His behalf. The Israel army was frozen in fear because they did not relinquish the battle to Yahweh. They tried to do it themselves.
2 Samuel 7:1-8:8 Yahweh of hosts caused David His servant to be successful in conquering the nations around him.
1 Chronciles 11:9 "David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him."
1 Kings 22:15-40 No matter what man does, Yahweh accomplishes His purposes because He is Yahweh of hosts.
2 Kings 3:13-ff By the mouth of Elijah, we are again told that Yahweh of hosts wins the battle.
Psalm 24 "Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah."
Psalm 46
Psalms 94:1-23 For the first 11 verses, the psalmist is venting about the problem. The remainder of the psalm, he changes his focus to Yahweh which builds his faith.
Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man who is disciplined and taught by Yahweh.
Psalms 94:22 Yahweh is firm, certain, unmovable, powerful, with great stability as a rock; in Him, we find our shelter. In Him, even in Him alone, we find safety. Let the world rage as it may; we are safe in the arms of our God.
Deuteronomy 32:1-47 Yahweh is the rock of our faith and our salvation.
Deuteronomy 32:4 God had been true to His covenant with their fathers and with them. Nothing that He had promised had failed; therefore, if their national experience had been painfully checkered by severe and protracted trials, it was traceable to their own perverse conduct and not to any vacillation or unfaithfulness on the part of God.
Deuteronomy 32:18 Idolatry destroys faith for many reasons. When Yahweh is central and the focus, faith soars. When other gods, the world, or our problems are central and the focus, faith diminishes quickly.
Deuteronomy 32:25 When the believer turns on God, he becomes an enemy and suffers severe consequences.
1 Samuel 2:1-10 She had a perspective that magnifies God and encourages faith.
2 Samuel 22:1-7 David cried to Yahweh with the confidence that his rock would help.
Psalms 62:1-12 Yahweh is my rock and salvation.
Psalms 95:1-11 After Israel finally left Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness, and they constantly doubted Yahweh. Yet, He consistently endeavored to help them believe that He was the one true God.
Hebrews 3:6-8 The years Israel was in the wilderness, God calls "provocation" because they constantly provoked God to anger with their sinful, unbelieving behavior. The first year alone, they tempted Him ten times.
Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
Surely they shall not see the land which I swore unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
(Numbers 14:22-23 AV)
Daniel Timeline
In concurrence with
the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel and books of II Kings & II Chronicles
625BC
Jeremiah begins to prophecy in the
13th year of the reign of Josiah (Jer 25:1-3)
622BC
* Approximate date for the birth of
Daniel
608BC
Jehoiakim begins to reign in Judah.
He reigns for eleven years (II Ki 23:36; II Chr 36:5)
604BC
Nebuchadnezzar invades Jerusalem,
takes first wave of Judeans captive to Babylon in the third year of
the reign of Jehoiakim. The exiles including Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah. (Daniel 1:1-6) Daniel is possibly around
18 years old*
603BC
Daniel interprets the dream of Nebuchadnezzar
(Daniel 2:1)
597BC
Jehoiakim's son Jehoiachin rules
in Jerusalem for 3 months (II Ki 24:8; II Chr 36:9)
597BC
Nebuchadnezzar invades Jerusalem again,
removes Jehoiachin from being king and takes him, along with his family
and 10,000 mighty men of valor, in exile to Babylon in this second
wave of captivity. (II Ki 24:8-15; II Chr 36:10). Ezekiel the
prophet came either with this group, or with Daniel -- seven years
earlier (Ez 1:1-3). Nebuchadnezzar appoints Zedekiah as king in
Judah. Zedekiah rules for eleven years (II Ki 24:17-18; II Chr
36:10-11).
596BC
Jeremiah writes a letter of exhortation
(from Jerusalem) to the exiles in Babylon. Prophecies of a return
in 70 years (Jeremiah 29:1ff)
591 -- 587BC
While in captivity in Babylon Ezekiel
gives vivid prophecy about the God's judgment on Judah and the impending
siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (Ezekiel chapters
1 through 24)
586BC
The destruction of Jerusalem and the
temple (after over a year of siege on the city). (II Ki 25:1-21; II
Chr 36:17-20). Third carrying away of Judeans to Babylon
(II Ki 25:11; II Chr 36:20; ).
580BC
Possible date of the record in Daniel
chapter three -- Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace
(Daniel chapter 3).
572BC
In 25th year of captivity,
Ezekiel prophecies of the restoration of the city of Jerusalem (Ezekiel
40:1ff -- 48:1ff).
570BC
Possible date of the record in Daniel
chapter four -- the second dream of Nebuchadnezzar and it's fulfillment
one year later, with Nebuchadnezzar going mad -- into the wilderness
for seven years.
561 -- 559BC
Reign of Evil-Merodach -- successor
of Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. (II Ki 25:27-30; Jer 52:31-34).
559 -- 557BC
Reign of Nehglissar, king of Babylon.
557 -- 539BC
Reign of Nabonidus, king of Babylon.
Likely that his son Belshazzar ruled as king in the province of Babylon,
towards the end of his reign.
542BC
First year of rule under king Belshazzar
-- vision in Daniel chapter 7
540BC
Third year of rule under king Belshazzar
-- vision in Daniel chapter 8
539BC
Record of the writing on the wall
and the Persians' defeat of the Babylonians by Cyrus the Great and
Darius the Mede - Daniel 5:1ff
538BC
Daniel and the Lion's Den (Daniel
6:1ff). Daniel is approximately 84 years old. *
538BC
First year of rule by Darius the Mede.
Daniel's answer concerning the 70 year return to Jerusalem as prophesied
by Jeremiah. (It has been 48 years since Jerusalem was destroyed).
Daniel 9:1ff.
Also the vision of Daniel in chapter
11-12.
536BC
Third year of Cyrus, king of Persia
-- vision in Daniel chapter 10.
*- Actual dates for the age of Daniel
are never recorded. The first chapter of Daniel indicates
these men were to be educated and able to serve in the king's court.
The term "youth" would seem to indicate young men, possibly elder
teenagers. The eighteen year old reference for the year
of captivity is simply as a point of reference. Daniel's
actual age could be different than indicated in this chart.
Daniel was a faithful man his entire life. From a young man until his old age, he lived righteously among the nations; he maintained wisdom and peace. His life was a shining beacon and a witness for the one true God.
Other Scriptures provide more details of the times in which he lived. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, II Kings, & II Chronicles give more details about this time in history.
Daniel 1:1-7 Daniel was well aware of the Scriptures. In considering his current situation, Daniel could have understood that his circumstance was foretold by the words of the law and the by the words of the prophets. God said, if they disobeyed they would be scattered from their land. However, God also promised, that if, while in their captivity, they would humble themselves, that He would not forsake them (Deuteronomy 28:15-67; Leviticus 26:41-45; I Kings 8:46-53).
Daniel 1:8-21 Daniel made up his mind, he "purposed in his heart" (KJV), "resolved"(NIV).
Daniel 2:1-14 Daniel's reaction is one to be admired. Daniel replied with "discretion and discernment," "counsel and wisdom," "wisdom and tact." He didn't reply with fear and anxiety, anger and bitterness, worry and frustration. Daniel was a wise man. His wisdom surpassed all the minds of the great men of Babylon. How did Daniel respond with such wisdom? James 3:13-18
We too have been told of tribulations that may come our way in this world. We are called to be wise in this world (Matthew 10:16; Luke 21:10-15; Ephesians 5:16-17; Colossians 4:5).
Daniel 2:15ff This opened the door for Daniel to declare his God.
There were times he received encouragement from his contemporaries.
Jeremiah 29:1-14 -- Imagine what this letter did for the heart of Daniel and the other sin exile.
Ezekiel 11:14-20 -- Ezekiel, a fellow exile in Babylon, spoke these words of hope.
Daniel 6:1ff Daniel's life had surpassed five kings of Judah and five rulers in Babylon. He prospered in a foreign land. He knew experientially that all nations were in the hands of the Almighty. Now toward the end of his life, Daniel still maintained faithfulness to God. He was unwavering in his conviction to God. What a testimony for us today!
Isaiah 40:1-11 The Israelite exiles under the Babylonian superpower had sunk into massive discouragement. The prophet's words provided comfort, encouragement, and promise of deliverance.
Isaiah 40:4 Anything that could be construed as a barrier to the return of the exiles will be removed.
Isaiah 40:5 The promise is sure because the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.
Isaiah 40:8 Everything else may change, including man, but the Word of God stands forever.
When we read about the promises of Israel returning to Jerusalem, it is hard to think that anyone thought that the promises had been exhausted in the small-scale return to the Promised Land under the leadership of men such as Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
1 Peter 1:1 and 2 Peter's readers are also in exile and have sunk into massive discouragement because of the oppression of the Roman Empire.
1 Peter 1:2-6 He speaks of the great Hope just as Isaiah did in his day.
1 Peter 1:13 Three important commands are: 1) prepare your minds for action, 2) keep sober, 3) trust your Hope completely
1 Peter 1:25 The word preached to them was the identical word that Isaiah preached in his day, only with the additional information of Jesus the Christ and all that goes with the veiled information.
1 Peter 2:13-17
1 Peter 3:8-16 Why should I love through it? God said to, and in the end, you get God.
Jesus' Last Words (John 13-17)
John 13.1-17 washing the disciples' feet
John 13.33-35 by your love you will be known
John 14.15-27 spirit of truth as helper
John 15.1-6 parable of the vine and branches
John 15.7-17 abide in him; keep commandment to love
John 15.18-21 the world may hate you
John 17.11-23 Jesus prays that we would be one
Jesus' Example on the Cross
Philippians 2.1-16 the key to unity--humility
Living Proleptically
Revelation 5.9-10 The kingdom will be inhabited with people from ever tribe, language, and nation.
Galatians 3.27-29 In the church ethnicity, social status, and gender barriers are torn down.
1 Corinthians 6.1-11 Our future role as kingdom citizens should shape how we live now.
Matthew 6.33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well
Psalms 17:7 Show Your marvelous loving kindness,
Psalms 26:1-12 The prayer of one with passion for God
Psalms 36:5-12 How excellent is Thy loving kindness!
Psalm 51 David, knowing his guilt, asked for loving kindness.
Psalms 143:1-12 David's prayer was for pardon and for relief from enemies; afflictions, as usual, were producing confession and penitence.
2 Samuel 15:1-ff Records an extremely difficult time in the life of David because of Absalom's rebellion
Psalms 63:1-ff David wrote his thoughts during this very painful time of his life.
Jeremiah 9:23-26 The right thing is to glory in understanding and knowing God, for everything else is worthless.
Psalm 136
2 Kings 6:24 The kingdom suffered as it did because of idolatry.
2 Kings 6:25 The ass was deemed unclean food, and the head is the worst part of the animal. Eighty pieces of silver was equal to $50. A cab was the smallest dry measure. The proportion stated here was nearly half a pint for $3. Dove's dung is a kind of pulse or pea common in Judea.
2 Kings 6:31 The king blamed the prophet for his own sin. Blaming the prophet was like blaming God.
2 Kings 7:3 They asked a great question -- "Why do we sit here until we die?" Life has struggles, so what are you going to do? Should we sit here and die or get up and go?
2 Kings 7:11 Action does not always bring such positive results, but inaction most always brings no results. Refuse to sit here and die; rather, get up with God and go.
Acts 5:12-18 When good is done for God, opposition will arise. We are in a war; therefore, every action has a counteraction.
Acts 5:20 The angel did not say to sit here until you die!
Acts 14:1-ff Peter and Paul did not get discouraged, but they stood tall and became more determined to speak the words of God.
2 Kings1:1-4 Ahaziah's mother was Jezebel, a devout Baal worshipper. His grandfather was Ethbaal, the high priest of Baal, and his father, the king of Israel, was also a Baal worshipper.
Deuteronomy 6:1-15 The primary law of God is YAHWEH IS OUR GOD, YAHWEH IS ONE
To understand the Bible rightly, we must of necessity understand God's basic laws and the fundamental truths that are consistent through the Bible.
2 Kings 2:5-18
Exodus 34:6-7 YAHWEH is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and truth, keeps lovingkindness for thousands, forgives, yet punishes the guilty.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 Yahweh is just in all His ways with no injustice.
Psalms 99:1-5; 145:17; 89:14 God is just and equitable.
2 Kings 2:1-14 Some wrongly conclude that Elijah was taken into heaven where he has been ever since.
Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15 and 18; Revelations 1:5 Jesus is the first human to receive eternal life. Those of faith gain eternal life at the resurrections, and no one other than Jesus has direct access to God until the end when Paradise is reestablished.
Malachi 4:4-6 Prophecy regarding John the Baptist
Matthew 11:13-15; 17:1-13
James 5:16-18 Elijah is an example of faith and prayer.
Ephesians 6:10 A raging, relentless spiritual war which is much bigger than we can handle on our own is always at hand; therefore, we must be strong in the Lord.
Ephesians 1:19- 23; 2:4-6 We are united with him at the right hand.
Ephesians 6:11 and 12 Our warfare has three fronts (Ephesians 2:1-3): the flesh, the world, and evil supernaturalism.
Ephesians 6:13 We need the full armor of God. Our aim is to stand during this evil day, and the devil's aim is to cause us to quit.
Ephesians 6:14 The very first step is to have our loins girded with truth. Satan works with lies and deception; therefore, honesty and truthfulness are mandatory. The word of truth is the gospel of salvation (Ephesians 1:13). The way we grow up into him in all things is by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The first instruction regarding putting on the new man is to put away lying and speak the truth with our neighbor (Ephesians 4:21).
Ephesians 6:14 Sinful living must be replaced with righteous living. The breastplate of righteousness is having faith that in Christ we are made to be righteous, and therefore we live rightly. We are to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:15).
Ephesians 6:15 Those caught up in anger, contention, strife, dissensions, and factions have been pulled into wickedness. God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ have given us peace (Ephesians 1:2; 6:23). "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Ephesians 2:14). Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace (Ephesians 2:15). And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh (Ephesians 2:17). We are to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) and to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)."
Matthew 5:3-9 The normal for a Christian is supposed to be peace.
Ephesians 6:16 Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. We are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8).
