Luke 7:1-17

What characteristics of the Centurion stand out?
1. He valued all people (2)
2. He was compassionate (2)
3. He sought solutions (3)
4. He invested in good things (5)
5. He was humble (6-7)
6. He had great faith (7, 9)
7. He understood Jesus’ authority (8)

Do you think Jesus’ arrival in Nain at that time was accidental?
--doubtful. I think he was answering the question of whether he would make himself unclean (unclean by their standards)
What was particularly moving about this woman’s situation?
--lost husband AND only son
Why did Jesus tell the woman not to cry?
--because he had knowledge of the hope

Luke 6:43-49

Describe a good tree?
--Deep roots, straight, no bugs, fruitful, provides shade, beautiful leaves, etc
How do you produce a ‘good’ tree?
--Initiate, make environment good, don't interfere too much
Describe a bad tree?
--Shallow roots, crooked, bug infested, ugly
How do you produce a ‘bad’ tree?
--bad environment, interfere
What was Jesus really talking about here?
--Good & bad men, good & bad hearts
How can we pursue a ‘good’ heart?
--Deep roots, straight, no infestations, fruitful, peaceful, beautiful. Let God's nature take its course

How easy is it to call Jesus ‘Lord’?
--very easy, that's why 80% usa has done so
Who experiences storms?
--everyone
What does a storm reveal?
--How strong you are, a test reveals your knowledge
How do we build our house on rock?
--relationship with Jesus, being in His word

Luke 6:37-42

To Judge or Not to Judge

1. God doesn’t judge based on appearances (John 7:24)
2. God doesn’t aim to condemn, but to save (John 3:17)
3. God doesn’t refuse to forgive (Matthew 18:32-33)
4. God doesn’t keep good things to Himself (Matthew 7:11)
5. People become like the one they listen to
6. People naturally are more critical of others than themselves
7. People must learn to see their own shortcomings
8. People are commanded to judge in the right way

Luke 6:27-36

Religious Teaching Regarding Love for Neighbors & Enemies
1. Almost every religion teaches us to love our neighbor
2. It is quite easy to love our neighbor (but who is our neighbor? Luke 10:25-37)
3. Some religions teach that we should hate our enemies
4. It is quite easy to hate our enemies

Jesus’ Teaching Regarding Love for Neighbors & Enemies
1. Do good to them (L-27)
2. Bless them (L-28)
3. Pray for them (L-28, M-44)
4. Let them hit you (L-29)
5. Let them steal from you (L-29/30)
6. Give when they ask you for something (L-30)
7. Treat them how you want to be treated (L-31)
8. Lend to them without expecting it back (L-35)
9. Be merciful (L-36)
10. Greet them (M-47)

The end result is treating enemies as you would a friend.
See...Romans 12:14, 17-21 & Proverbs 25:21-22

Luke 6:17-26

Luke 6:17-19
1. How had all these people heard about Jesus?
2. What motives did people had for coming to see Jesus?
3. What kinds of sicknesses was Jesus able to control?

Luke 6:20-26
1. Why do you think Jesus gave this encouragement to them?
2. Do the ‘Beatitudes’ make sense?

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied

Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man

3. Why should such people rejoice?
4. Who hated/excluded/insulted/rejected such people?
5. What kind of ‘rich/full/laughter/popular is Jesus talking about?

Luke 6:1-16

Luke 6:1-5
1. Were the disciples stealing this grain?
--No, this was an accepted practice
2. Whose law were the disciples breaking?
--Traditions of men (hedge around the law)
3. Had the Pharisees read what David did?
--Oh yes
4. What did the reference to David prove?
--That laws were meant to aid, not hinder
5. What did Jesus’ final statement teach?
--Jesus is bigger than the law (He's the law, matured)

Luke 6:6-11
1. Why did the religious leaders follow Jesus around?
--To try to trap him
2. Who ‘lost out’ in regards to Israel’s strict Sabbath rules?
--The needy
3. How did Jesus know what they were thinking?
--He was Spirit led
4. What was the point of Jesus’ statement in verse 9?
--To turn the tables on them
5. Why were the religious leaders furious?
--Because they'd been bested once again

Luke 6:12-16
1. What do you think Jesus prayed about overnight?
--A new phase of ministry perhaps (insight before choosing 12)
2. Why did Jesus pick 12 to be His Apostles?
--I think to correspond to the 12 tribes
3. What do you think the other disciples thought of this?
--There might have been some jealousy. We don't know.
4. What do we know about the 12 Apostles?
Simon- Fisherman, was looking for something big, very instinctive
Andrew- Seems to have been the 1st disciple, also a fisherman
James- Fisherman
John- Fisherman/net-mender
Philip- Well versed in OT, but misunderstood it, 3rd disciple
Bartholomew- Not much info
Matthew- Tax collector
Thomas- Willing to die for Christ (John 11:16), devestated by death of Christ, doubted resurrection
James- Not much info
Simon- Politically minded
Judas- Treasurer, greedy, satan led, dissolutioned, suicide
5. What did it mean to be a capital “A” Apostle?
--a. you'd been with Jesus (physically)
--b. Sent out by Jesus
--c. Did miracles
--d. Preached resurrection

Colossians 1:24-2:5

This section of Colossians is one of the places in the NT that best reveals the meaning of the 'mystery' of the Gospel. Let's first look at other key passages on this topic:

Romans 9-11
--9:6 Not all Israel is Israel (9:8)
--9:27 Only the remnant will be saved
--10:12 No difference b/w Jews/Gentiles
--11:14 Paul hopes 'some' of the Israelites will get saved
--11:25 Israel (national) in part (some) so (not then)

Thus, the mystery, as described in Romans is that believing Gentiles AND believing national Israelites together make up spiritual Israel. Paul was dealing with believers who were conceited against national Israelites, even if they became believers.

Ephesisans 1-3
--1:9 The mystery brings all things together into 1 head
--3:3-6 Gentiles are heirs together with Israel

Thus, the mystery, as described in Ephesians is that believing national Israelites AND believing Gentiles together make up one spiritual Israel. Paul was dealing with believers who were discouraged and thought of themselves as 2nd class citizens.

Colossians adds to this discussion with, perhaps, the deepest teaching regarding the mystery of the Gospel

1. Paul is willing to SUFFER for the mystery
--physically
--persecution
--risk of life
--in chains
--it's actually Christ suffering through us
--We might not be faced with physical suffering, but are we willing?

2. Paul is willing to SERVE for the mystery
--Don't wait for some special calling to serve
--if you are saved, you are called to serve
--'Called into ministry' is a somewhat silly phrase
--We don't need modern day Apostles, Prophets, etc (notice the capital A & P) because the Gospel came in it's fullness

3. Paul is willing to STRUGGLE for the mystery
--I'm sure Paul got tired
--I'm sure Paul got gloomy
--I'm sure Paul got discouraged
--Struggling is different from suffering here in my opinion
--Struggling is internal warfare
--But Christ is in us
--Since we have Christ's energy in us, we can overcome our struggles
--We can struggle together b/c the same Christ is in all of us

Thus, Colossians gives us the deepest meaning to the 'mystery' discussed before. The mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is in Jewish believers. He is in Gentile believers. He's in me. He's in you.

--There's no need for complex and fine sounding arguments in light of the simple recognition of the mystery of the Gospel

Social Issues

Below are links to a series I'm teaching through contemporary social issues

Abortion
Alcohol
Divorce
Entertainment
Environmentalism
Euthanasia
Gambling
Homosexuality

Alcohol

Thinking About Drinking

Current Statistics in America
Alcohol Use---------165 million use alcohol each month
Alcohol Abuse-------17 million drink to the point of causing harm
Alcohol Addiction---10 million people drink 50% of the alcohol

One in every 6 drinkers deals with alcoholism during their life
Alcohol is the 3rd leading cause of preventable death in North America
The alcohol industry spends $1 Billion on advertising each year
Society pays $170 Billion dealing with alcohol related illnesses

87% of High School Seniors report having used Alcohol
28% of High School Seniors report having abused Alcohol
35% of all traffic deaths are alcohol-related
40% of all suicide attempts are alcohol-related
55% of all violent crimes are alcohol-related
60% of all emergency room admissions are alcohol-related
80% of all reported domestic disputes are alcohol-related

7 Biblical Principles

1. Don’t get drunk (Ephesians 5:18)
Noah (Genesis 9:20-25) Lot (Genesis 19:30-38)
Nabal (1 Samuel 25:1-38) Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-13)
Absolom (2 Samuel 13:28) Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-6)
Israel (Joel 1:5, 3:3) Israel (Habakuk 2:15-16)

2. Don’t drink for bad reasons (Some Bad Motives for Drinking)
--A. Don’t drink just to fit in (Proverbs 23:17, Isaiah 5:22, 1 Peter 4:3)
--B. Don’t drink to deal with stress (1 Peter 5:7)
--C. Don’t drink to rebel (1 Peter 5:6)
--D. Don’t drink to erase inhibitions (Ps. 69:12, Hab. 2:15, Matt. 10:28)

3. Don’t forget you have a borrowed body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

4. Don’t forget the devil is prowling around (1 Peter 5:8)

5. Don’t forget you have a purpose (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

6. Don’t forget to set your standards high (1 Corinthians 6:12)

7. Don’t forget that your life touches others (Romans 14:21)

*Outline above courtesy of Rev. John Bray (Heritage Wesleyan Church)
*Reasons below for abstaining courtesy of Keith Drury (Indiana Wesleyan)

Does the Bible have Examples of Abstaining?
1. Nazarites during their seperation (Numbers 6:1-4, 20)
2. Priests when on duty (Leviticus 10:8-9)
3. Daniel when in Babylon (Daniel 1:8)
4. John the Baptist (Luke 1:15)
5. Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:23)
6. Stronger brother (Romans 14:19-22)

Does the Bible Command us to Abstain?
1. No

Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise

Proverbs 21:17
He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 23:29-31
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!

So why does the Wesleyan Church teach complete abstinence?
1. Abstaining shows that we don’t need alcohol
2. Abstaining shows that we protest the social effects of alcohol
3. Abstaining provides a clear line
4. Abstaining shows that we know how to submit to authority
5. Abstaining allows us to model what we want our kids to practice
6. Abstaining allows us to use our money for better purposes

The Godly Alternative
Be so filled filled with God, that your actions stand out
1. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:12-14)
2. Jesus (Matthew 11:18-19)
3. Apostles (Acts 2:1-13)

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (eph. 5:18)

Colossians 1:15-23

Having complimented them & expressed his prayer for them
Paul know gets to the purpose of his polemical letter

5 False Teachings that seem to have been in Colosse
1. Matter is evil
2. God would never become flesh
3. Christ was not unique
4. Christ is not the source of salvation
5. Angel worship

Paul emphasizes the truths that reject each of these false teachings
If Paul were writing to the American church today, what false teachings would he confront?
The content of these verses corresponds to today's false teachings as well

1. Image of the invisible God (confronts mormon theology)
2. Firstborn over all creation (confronts watchtower theology)
3. By him all things were created (confronts naturalists agenda)
4. In him all things hold together (confronts deist theology)
5. Firstborn from among the dead (confronts hyper-preterist theology)

God's Plan
1. Put all His fulness into 1 man
2. Reconcile all things by the cross

How does He accomplish this?
It's as simple as ABC

A- Admit that youwere aliens & seperated from God (21)
B- Believe in your reconcilation by the cross of Christ (22)
C- Continue in the faith (23)

Paul says of these 3 points, 'this is the gospel'

The section ends by declaring that the Gospel had been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. What other verses in the NT support this claim?

Acts 2:5
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

Colossians 1:5-6
You have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing

Colossians 1:23
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven

Romans 16:25-26
The revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations

What is the fate of the wicked?

One of the main arguments I've encountered against Christianity is a rejection of the idea of eternal torment (wicked suffering forever in the lake of fire). In the past, I have defended that view since it is, far and away, the most accepted view among contemporary evangelicals. I still feel I can defend that view somewhat adequately. But the more I study, the more I realize that this idea isn't quite as 'concrete' as I was taught.

The Bible says very little about what the wicked experience after the future Day of Judgment. Throughout church history, there have been 3 major views that have been accepted by many believers at different times. Below, I will give a quick analysis of each view. Since the 'eternal torment' view is well accepted, I will critique it. And then I will show the arguments for the 2 alternative views.

CRITIQUE OF THE 'ETERNAL TORMENT' VIEW

It seems a vast majority of evangelicals believe that those who are unsaved when they die will face an eternity of torment. In other words, they will suffer for their sins forever. Where evangelicals debate is what hell will be like. Will there be a literal fire? Will there be literal darkness? How can there be a literal fire and literal darkness at the same time? And so on.

But, in history, this is not where the debate was at. In the early centuries of Christianity, there were 3 strongly supported views regarding the future (or lack thereof) for the unsaved: Universalism, Annihilationism, & the Eternal Torment view. Since the latter is so firmly established in most minds, it's probably necessary to point out some of the problems with this view before expecting people to seriously consider any alternatives.

Problems with the 'Eternal Torment' View
1. It's based on a few passages in symbolic parts of Scripture
2. God didn't warn Adam & Eve of eternal torment
3. The Bible nowhere claims that unsaved people live forever
4. Many feel this view doesn't match with God's love
5. For some, the punishment seems to outweigh the crime

THE UNIVERSALIST VIEW

Most modern evangelicals cringe at the thought of 'all people' being saved (although I'm not sure why this would make us cringe). But many Bible believing Christians of the past believed this view. Why? Instead of stating their reasons, I'll post the Scriptures they tend to bring up:

1 John 2:2
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 Timothy 4:10
(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

Romans 5:18
Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

Colossians 1:20
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Isaiah 45:23
Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear

Additionally, it is argued that of the six main Christian schools known to exist in the first four centuries, four taught universalism (Alexandria, Edessa, Antioch and Caesarea); while only one taught annihilationism (Ephesus); and one taught eternal torment (Rome).

Those who take this view often believe that dead unbelievers suffer for their sins until judgment day, at which point they confess Jesus as Lord and enter paradise.

CONDITIONAL IMMORTALITY

God alone is immortal (1 Tim. 6:16). I think most Christians agree with that statement. Fewer Christians recognize that the eternal torment view, then, involves God actually keeping people alive so as to punish them eternally. Many Christians throughout history, however, have taken another approach. They believe that, on Judgment Day, the wicked are annihilated.

The term 'annihilated' is actually too strong. According to this view, men simply aren't expected to exist beyond death. Men must seek immortality (Romans 2:7). It can only be found in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Eternal life is the gift of God for believers (Romans 6:23), but the words used to describe the fate of the wicked are death, destruction, consumed & perish (Matt. 10:28/ Rom.2:12). Can you find any verse in Scripture that boldly asserts that the wicked live forever?

Could it be that the Greek philosophy of mankind's immortality creeped into some branches of early Christianity and was utilized by the Institutional church in history to keep people in line?

This view doesn't deny the existence of a place of suffering. It simply denies that the wicked continue to suffer beyond Judgment Day. At that point, according to Annihilationists, the wicked simply lose their God given gift of life.
...............

Because the Bible does not 'shout' 1 particular view (in my opinion), I choose to remain silent on this issue insofar as boldly advocating 1 perspective over another. Growing up, I only heard the 'eternal torment' view and so it is very difficult for me to reject it. That being said, lately I find the annihilationist view to have more Scriptural support than the other 2 views.

Philemon

Philemon is among the shortest books in the Bible. Below you will find a summary of its contents, applications, and a list of Paul’s methods in persuasion.

SUMMARY

Letter from Paul to Philemon (1:1-7)

Paul was likely under house arrest in Rome when he wrote to the church in Colossae and attached this personal letter to his dear friend Philemon. Paul’s prayers and this letter are aimed at persuading Philemon to take the appropriate action toward Onesimus.

The situation that provoked this letter is never explicitly stated, but most scholars agree that Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who, as a runaway, had run into Paul and been converted. Paul was now sending Onesimus back to Philemon.

Paul’s Persuasive Pen (1:8-20)

Paul would rather persuade Philemon than boss him around. He wants Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. Philemon ought to carry his Christianity to its logical conclusions and recognize that Christian brotherhood transcends social class.

Paul’s ‘PS’ and Other Greetings (1:21-25)

As a final appeal, Paul anticipates that Philemon will do even more than he’s being asked regarding these matters. Paul will soon find out for himself, as he hopes to visit and see how this situation had been resolved.

APPLICATIONS

1.     There are no earthly circumstances that eliminate your potential to minister. As long as you are breathing, you can breathe life into the world.

2.     We should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the early Christian ‘house’ church.

3.     Much of our Christian walk is learning to apply the full implications of the Gospel to our daily lives.

4.     Love is better than the law… Persuasion better than command… Freedom better than compulsion.

5.     When somebody becomes a Christian, this identity transcends all others in the church. Believers are, first and foremost, brothers and sisters in the Lord.

6.     The willingness to sacrifice our preferences for the benefit of others provides the church with a means of eliminating many problems the world faces.

7.     Rather than dwelling on complaint in regard to unfortunate situations, we should attempt to see how God might be working in them to do a good work.

8.     Rather than doing the bare minimum in our Christian obligation, we should aim to go beyond mere expectation.

9.     Churches should have a sort of positive peer-pressure. We should be held accountable when we have made a commitment to the Lord.

10.            The private vs. public breakdown of our lives is largely a myth. We are made for community and, therefore, live best when in healthy (open and transparent) community.

PRINCIPLES OF PERSUASION
1. Be polite (1-3)
2. Compliment first (4-7)
3. Speak with authority (8)
4. Make it moral (8)
5. Give them the chance to make the final decision (9)
6. Appeal to your experience (9-10)
7. Paint a bright future (11)
8. Eliminate obstructions when possible (18-19)
9. Speak with high expectations (21)
10. Create accountability (2, 22)

Philemon 1

BACKGROUND

WHO
Philemon was written by Paul (and Timothy)
Philemon was written to Philemon (and Apphia, Archippus & house-church)
Philemon was written about Onesimus

WHAT
Onesimus was a run-away slave
Onesimus had become a Christian
Onesimus was returning to his master

WHERE
Paul was under house arrest in Rome
Onesimus was with Paul about to return home
Philemon was a member of the church in Colosse

WHEN
The letter was probably written in AD60

WHY
Paul wanted to persuade Philemon to welcome Onesimus home

HOW
Onesimus probably delivered this letter to his master personally

POINTS TO PONDER
1. A ‘church’ is a group of believers, not a building
2. The early church met in homes more often than not
3. Sharing our faith gives us a greater perspective
4. Acting based on love is superior to acting based on fear
5. If someone becomes a Christian, they become a family member
6. God uses bad situations for good purposes
7. We should be willing to pay a price to provoke peace
8. We should have high expectations for each other

PRINCIPLES OF PERSUASION
1. Be polite (1-3)
2. Compliment first (4-7)
3. Speak with authority (8)
4. Make it moral (8)
5. Give them the chance to make the final decision (9)
6. Appeal to your experience (9-10)
7. Paint a bright future (11)
8. Eliminate obstructions when possible (18-19)
9. Speak with high expectations (21)
10. Create accountability (2, 22)

Colossians

Below are the links to my notes from a series I am teaching through Paul's letter to the Colossians

Colossians 1:1-14
Colossians 1:15-23
Colossians 1:24-2:5
Colossians 2:6-23
Colossians 3:1-10
Colossians 3:11-4:1
Colossians 4:2-18

Colossians 1:1-14

The book of Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome (28:30-31)

But Paul made the best out of that situation
He turned the 'house' into

1. A house church (reaching many guests for Christ)
2. A publishing house (writing many letters to churches)
--Colossians
--Philemon
--Ephesians
--Philippians
--Laodiceans (4:16)
--Etc.

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)

WHO: Paul & Timothy (4:18 was proof to combat fake letters, 2 thes. 2:2, 3:17)
WHAT: Letters/Epistles
WHERE: Written in Rome while under house arrest (Colossians 4:3+18)
WHEN: Almost certainly in the very early 60's
WHY: To encourage, correct, teach, update
HOW: Sent with Tychicus & Onesimus

QUALITIES OF THE COLOSSE CHURCH (1:3-8)

1. Faith in Christ
2. Love for the saints
3. Hope in heaven

Their founder: Epaphras
1. Probably from Colosse
2. Probably converted by Paul's teaching near Ephesus (Acts 19:10)
3. Went back to Colosse and spread the Gospel
4. Left to work with Paul (Colossians 4:12-13)
5. Prayer warrior for the church

PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (1:9-14)

1. That they be filled with knowledge (along with wisdom and understanding)
2. That they live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing to Him in every way
3. That they be strengthened with power for endurance and patience
4. That they be joyful and thankful for their salvation

* Each of these items was in jeopardy due to some false teachings in the area

Lamentations 5

*Unlike the 1st 4 chapters of Lamentations, this chapter is not in a Hebrew acrostic format (though it was still, later, divided into 22 verses).

This chapter is about the feeling that God is not present (5:1)
When such a time comes, we must decide whether we will:

1) Turn to Him
2) Turn away from Him

When we feel homeless (2)
When we feel fatherless (3)
When we feel husbandless (3)
When we feel thirsty (4)
When we feel attacked (5)
When we feel tired (5)
When we feel dependant (6)
When we feel cursed (7)
When we feel hopeless (8)
When we feel scared (9)
When we feel sick (10)
When we feel overwhelmed (11)
When we feel disprespected (12)
When we feel we're weakening (13)
When we feel downcast (14-15)

The Jews, post 586BC, felt all these things
But would they turn to God or not?
They, at least, realized their sin (16)
In that sense, the judgment produced the desired effect

1) They recognized their lowliness (17-18)
2) They recognized God's greatness (19)

But was it too late? (22)

Traditionally, Jews re-read verse 21 after verse 22, unable to end a Scripture reading on such a sour note. Nevertheless, Jeremiah ended with verse 22 for a reason. There was a deliberate tension.

Genesis 50

BACKGROUND
Why was Jacob embalmed? (2)
--Egyptian custom & preparation for long procession
What was purpose/process of embalming in Ancient Egypt? (3)
--To preserve body for the afterlife
What should Christians think of burial/cremation issues?

What are the arguments for cremation?
1. Emotional Reasons
2. Economic Reasons
3. Ecological Reasons

What are the arguments for traditional burial?
1. Burial is practiced throughout the Bible
2. Burial is a great symbol of the future resurrection
3. Burial is said to highlight the sanctity of the body

*One thing is sure, God won't have 'problems' resurrecting His people

Why was the organized ‘mourning’ period so long in Bible times? (4)
--Perhaps ancient people valued each life moreso than we do
Why did Joseph have Pharaoh’s court ask permission for his absence? (4-6)
--Sign of respect
How long was the journey from Goshen to the burial site? (7-14)
--Apparently, about 300 miles
What must the towns along the way have thought of this procession? (7-14)
--They probably took note and assumed it was a high ranking Egyptian's funeral

POINTS TO PONDER
1. A funeral is a great opportunity to bury bad family history
2. Worldly minds can’t understand spiritual characteristics
3. God’s sovereignty works alongside man’s free will
4. God has the ability to use bad situations for good purposes
5. The ultimate goal of God’s plan is ultimate peace

CONCLUSION
What characteristics in Joseph’s life showed here? (17-23)
--He showed great spiritual maturity, patience, and forgiveness
Do you think Joseph was aware of Genesis 15:13-16? (24)
--Yes, especially considering he was Jacob's favorite son
Where did Joseph want to be buried? (25)
--In the promised land
Did the brothers honor Joseph’s wishes? (26)
--Yes, we read about this at the end of Joshua
What image are we left with at the end of Genesis? (26)
--Genesis, though it began with Adam in a beautiful garden, ends with Joseph in an Egyptian coffin, far from the promised land. Though, as we saw, Joseph had many similar characteristics to Christ, every 'type' ends somewhere. Genesis ends in death, but the story of Jesus never ends.

Lamentations 4

Read Jeremiah 19

They thought their temple and palaces were indestructable and their princes and priests had a bright future...but they were wrong

1-11

THEME #1
Their beauty was destroyed (1-2, 7-8)
After effects of a burned city

THEME #2
They were worse of than animals (3-5, 10)
To the observing eye, they were acting like animals (Job 39:14-15)

THEME #3
They would have been better off dead (6, 9)
Q--Why did they have a stronger punishment?
A--They had been given prophets/miracles (Matthew 11:23-24)
Q--Why was this judgment so complete
A--Because it was from God giving 'full vent' and consuming their 'foundation'

12-20

Jerusalem had a strong reputation
* The world thought more of Jerusalem's God than the Jews did!

Q--Why did this judgment occur?
A--
Bad Prophets (13)
Bad Priest (14-16, note the irony)
Bad King (20)
Bad People (Jeremiah 5:31)

***The prophet/priest/king system was meant to work as a system of checks and balances, but at this point in history, all 3 branches were corrupt.
***Jeremiah offers no solution, but at least he exposes the real problems
***The solution is found in Jesus Christ. For He is the Great Prophet, the Great High Priest, and the King of Kings.

17-22

Even after the invasion, they still sought safety in all the wrong places
1. Egypt (Jeremiah 37:5-8)
2. King Zedekiah (2 Chronicles 36:11-19)

There is a small glimmer of hope in 21-22
1. They still have a future with God
2. Their enemies will not survive (Obadiah)

Genesis 47:28-49:33

Chapter 47

1. Why did Jacob tell Joseph to put his hand under his thigh?
--Cultural Equal to our handshake, a sign of seriousness
2. Why do you think it was so important, to Jacob, to be buried with his fathers?


Chapter 48

1. Why did Jacob tell Joseph about God’s promises?
--Pass on the legacy of the promise
2. Why did Jacob adopt Ephraim & Manasseh?
--It was his way of giving Joseph a double portion
3. Why did Jacob bless Ephraim as if he was the older son?
--He seems to have been led by the Spirit to do this. This further illustrates God's pattern of taking the foolish things of this world and using them in mighty ways.
4. What does the blessing tell us about Jacob’s faith?
--God was no HIS God, not just the God of his father's. See Hebrews 8:21

Chapter 49

Tribe----------Verse-------Life Action--------------Result
Reuben --------3-4 ------- Defiled father’s bed----- Will not excel
Simeon-------- 5-7 -------- Killed men in anger---- Will be scattered
Levi----------- 5-7 -------- Killed men in anger ----Will be scattered
Judah--------- 8-12 -------+Was leader of 12 ------Will be praised
Zebulun 13
Isaachar 14-15
Dan 16-18
Gad 19
Asher 20
Naphtali 21
Joseph -------22-26 ------+Overcame Attacks ----Will be blessed
Benjamin 27

What we now know about the tribal history...

Simeon…
2nd Census they were smallest (Numbers)
Moses didn’t even mention them (Deut. 33)
Joshua 19:1-9 says people of Simeon got a few cities in Judah

Levi…
Moses and Aaron were from the tribe of Levi
The Levites were eventually given 48 cities…scattered, dispersed
Joshua 21

Judah…
Revelation 9:5
Ezekiel 21:26-27
Zedekiah last King, but they remained with some authority until Herod

until Shiloh come--Shiloh--this obscure word is variously interpreted to mean "the sent" (John 17:3), "the seed" (Isaiah 11:1), the "peaceable or prosperous one" (Ephesians 2:14)--that is, the Messiah (Isaiah 11:10, Romans 15:12); and when He should come, "the tribe of Judah should no longer boast either an independent king or a judge of their own" [CALVIN]. The Jews have been for eighteen centuries without a ruler and without a judge since Shiloh came, and "to Him the gathering of the people has been."

Dan…
Judge, Samson
Rev. 7:5-8 Dan is omitted. Some in history think antichrist from Dan

Joseph…
Shows his international influence
Shows the hatred of his brothers
Shows his overcoming nature

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
Jacob is giving Joseph the physical birthright, a double portion
Joseph was now receiving 2 portions of the inheritance
Judah, however, received the spiritual birthright

Genesis 46:1-47:27

Chapter 46
Was Beersheba a significant place in Jacob’s life? (1a)
--Abraham (Gen. 21:33), Isaac (Gen. 26:25) & Jacob had all had significant moments there
Why do you think Jacob stopped to offer sacrifices? (1b-4)
--It was a difficult thing to leave the land of promise (Gen. 35:12)
How large was ‘Israel’ when they went to Egypt? (5-27)
--70
Who has emerged as the leader amongst the brothers? (28a)
--Judah
Can you imagine the re-union between Jacob & Joseph? (29b-30)
What is the significance of the fact that they were shepherds? (31-34)
--They would have their own land and some freedom of religion

Chapter 47
Why did Joseph select 5 brothers to be presented to Pharaoh? (1-4)
--I don't know, maybe they were the most mature (least likely to mess things up)
If Goshen was the best land, why didn’t the Egyptians live there? (5-6)
--Maybe it was only the 'best' for shepherding
Why did Pharaoh ask Jacob’s age? (7-12)
--Sign of respect
Was Joseph un-ethical to require such payments? (13-19)
--Actually, it was very charitable to allow these people to keep 80%.
Was this the beginning of ‘big government’? (20-26)
--This was a slave state and only had 20% tax. We live in the land of the free and have a higher tax rate than this. Pharaoh/Joseph had the rights to all, but they let the people keep 80%. It is an interesting comparison to God, who owns all that we have, but allows us to keep such a high percentage.
How did God use Israel’s time in Egypt? (27)
--He grew their numbers

*Verse 25 is a great example of how we should respond to salvation with service

Anger Management

ANGER MANAGEMENT
Ephesians 4:20-27 (NIV/NKJV)

20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old man, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new man, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

1. Christians need not be ruled by anger (20)
2. Victory is found through Christ (21)
3. We must take Adam off (22)
4. We must let the Spirit change our mind (23)
5. We must put Christ on (24)

In your anger
do not sin

1. Anger is not a sin
2. Anything can make you angry
3. Many things will make you angry
4. Some things should make you angry
5. Ask yourself, ‘what makes me angry?’
6. Try hard not to be the offended
7. Try hard not to be the offender

Do not let the sun go down
While you are still angry

1. Anger can turn into sin
2. Anger must be dealt with
3. Anger is the devil’s door
4. Don’t scream your anger
5. Don’t silence your anger
6. Don’t remember your anger
7. Always be willing to forgive

Ready for Return

Living the Parables
-Part XVII-

#31 The Foolish Bridesmaids
Matthew 25:1-13

1 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7 Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

10 But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11 Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12 But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

The End of the Olivet Discourse

24:36-41 Coming Compared to Days of Noah
24:42-44 Coming Compared to Thief at Night
24:45-51 Coming Compared to Master’s Return
25:1-13 Coming Compared to Bridegroom’s Arrival
25:14-30 Coming Compared to Master’s Return
25:31-46 Coming Described as Time of Separation


UNDERSTANDING JEWISH CUSTOM

1. The Arrangement
2. The Betrothal
3. The Celebration

UNDERSTANDING THE SYMBOLS

At that time… Judgment Day
Bridegroom… Jesus Christ
Five foolish… Nominal Christians
Five wise… Genuine Christians
Lamps… External Faith
Oil… Internal Preparation
Long time… Church Age
Midnight… Unexpected Hour
Door was shut… End of Opportunity


POINTS TO PONDER

There will be a delay prior to the 2nd Coming
1. He is waiting for an increase in QUANTITY
2. He is waiting for an increase in QUALITY

The wise were prepared for both delay
1. The wise person keeps WORKING
2. The wise person keeps WATCHING

The foolish weren’t prepared for delay
1. They think they can be saved by OTHERS
2. They think they can be saved by TIME