The Knew Kingdom: December 2009

6:14-7:1 (The Power of a Yoke)

The Power of a Yoke

1. A yoke is a powerful image (good and bad)
- A tool of submission
- A tool of partnership

2. A yoke can be a very positive symbol
- Jesus said 'take my yoke' (easy and light)
- Paul called the Philippians his loyal yokefellow
- There's a synergy (partnership is greater than the sum of its parts)
- A yoke is positive when used by a good mater and when used wisely

3. A yoke can be a very negative symbol
- Jesus implied that other yokes were burdensome
- Peter called the Law a yoke
- Paul referred to the 'yoke of slavery'
- A yoke is negative when the master is oppressive or when used unwisely

So... 6:14
1. Be yoked together with believers!
2. But don't be yoked together with unbelievers!
- You're a different kind of creature
- You'll pull in different directions
- You'll work with different principles
- You'll have different missions in mind

But to wht does this apply?
Marriage?
Workplace?
Charities?
Binding relationships?

5 (supposed to be) Easy to Answer Questions

1. What do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
- Nothing, they are opposites!

2. What fellowship can light have with darkness?
- None, they cancel each other out!

3. What harmony is there between Christ and belial?*
*Belial seems to be a synonym for Satan (used 16x in KJV, many times 'sons of Belial' refers to wicked people / trouble-makers).
- None, they are enemies!

4. What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
- The answer should be not much! But the Corinthians were, in some ways, very much like the unbelievers! In the American Church (At least) it seems that the believers have A LOT in common with the unbelievers. Perhaps this question, though it should have been as easy to answer as the others, was convicting.

5. What agreement is there b/w the temple of God and idols?
-Again, this should have been easy to answer, but as we've seen in the Corinthian correspondence, it might not have been very easy for the Corinthians to answer. Paul reminds them that they ARE the temple of God and that allowing wickedness to co-exist within their midst doesn't make sense in light of the fact that God desires to dwell in their midst.

Paul then brings together about 5 different OT texts (Leviticus, 2 Samuel, Isaiah, Ezekiel) which make the point that God will live with His people (but they must be pure).

We also learn something from Paul's usage of the OT texts here
1. Paul viewed the OT as God's word
2. Paul used the OT quite freely (mixing texts, adding words, changing words)
3. Paul's theology of the OT promises are that they are realized in Christ & the Church.

Feast of Trumpets

Holy Daze: Confronting the Confusion of Sacred & Secular Festivals & Feasts
Part 5: Feast of Trumpets

What did the Feast of Trumpets mean to Israel?

1. The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashana) was to be celebrated on the 1st day of the 7th month of the Jewish Calendar. This came to be the civil ‘New Year’ for Israel and, thus, a day of reflection and anticipation. Leviticus 23:23

2. The Feast of Trumpets was another special Sabbath day (assembly, no work). Leviticus 23:23

3. The Feast of Trumpets was so named because it was to be commemorated with trumpet blasts (trumpets also played a role in other settings). Leviticus 23:23

4. The Feast of Trumpets was to include special offerings to the Lord. Numbers 29:2-6

What does the Feast of Trumpets mean for Christians?

1. Just like ancient Israel, we tend to have multiple times of ‘New Year’ (calendar, fiscal, and school/church-programs). We, too, would be wise to use these days for reflection and anticipation.

2. In the New Testament, the trumpet blast is most associated with the return of Christ. When Christ returns it will truly be a new beginning for all of creation. See Matthew 24:31, 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Thes. 4:16, Rev. 11:15.

The Transfiguration (16:27-17:13)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 48: The Transfiguration)

Last week we saw how following Jesus may entail suffering for Him in the here and now. But there is coming a day when the faithful will be rewarded. In today’s passage, a few of the disciples are given a special glimpse into the glory of Christ.

Is 16:28 a mistake? (list of options below)

1. Yes, Jesus’ 2nd coming didn’t occur within the lifetimes of any of the first disciples
+ This does keep 27-28 connected, apparently, to the 2nd Coming
- We have no other evidence of Jesus ever having been wrong
2. No, Jesus’ reference was to the Transfiguration
+ This does come next in all 3 synoptics
- But how was this the 'coming of his kingdom'?
- None of them tasted death before this event
3. No, Jesus' reference was to the Resurrection/Ascension
+ The coming may be a coming toward the father (Daniel 7)
- Only Judas died before this event
4. No, Jesus’ reference was to Pentecost
+ Mark & Luke describe the kingdom coming in power
+ Jesus referred to the coming of the Spirit as His own coming too
- Only Judas died before this event
5. No, Jesus’ reference was to AD70
+ Seems to make the most sense of 'some who are standing here'
+ The temples destruction demonstrated Jesus' Kingship
- Was AD70 really the coming of the kingdom?
6. No, Jesus' reference was to the 2nd Coming
+ Keeps the apparently easiest interpretation (2nd Coming)
- Completely generalizes the 'some of you will not taste death'

What was the Transfiguration all about?

1. Jesus took a select few to witness this event (1)
Peter, James & John (also see resurrection of daughter, Gethsemane)

2. Jesus’ glory was revealed (2)
He's like Moses and MORE

3. Moses & Elijah talked with Jesus (3)
They were talking about Jesus' departure (confirmation for disciples?)
Why these 2? They represent Law and Prophets?

4. Peter just had to say something (4)
Groggy, scared... but interrupted by the Father

5. This was a Trinitarian event (5)
Cloud = Holy Spirit? (see also birth and baptism)

6. This was a clarifying event (6-13)
Jesus is exalted over Moses and Elijah
Only Jesus was left
They STILL weren't sure about resurrection (Mark 9:10)

Dividing the Promised Land (13-24)

Possessing the Promise
Part 9: Joshua 13-24

Dividing the Promised Land (13:1-14:5, 15:1-19:48)
Now that the heart of the Promised Land had been won, it was time for Joshua to send the tribes to their allotted territories to defeat remaining enemies and begin to live out their lives as God’s holy nation. A special meeting was held at Shiloh to work out the details.

Special Cities & Towns (14:6-15, 19:49-21:45)
There were, of course, some exceptional cases in regards to land allotment. Caleb was given the suburbs and fields around Hebron within the territory of Judah. Joshua was given Timnath-Serah within the territory of Ephraim. The clans of the Levite tribe were given 48 individual towns scattered throughout the territories. Six of these Levitical towns were designated as ‘Cities of Refuge’

Joshua’s Farewell (22:1-24:33)
Now that wars had been won and boundaries determined, Joshua allowed the 3 ‘east-of-the-Jordan’ tribes to return to their homes providing that they continue to love and obey the Lord. When they crossed over the Jordan, they built a large replica of the tabernacle’s altar. The ‘west-of-the-Jordan’ tribes assumed they intended this as an alternate place of sacrifice and were preparing for war, but the ‘east-of-the-Jordan’ tribes explained to them that it was only intended as a witness of union between the east and west. After leading all Israel in a vow of covenant renewal, Joshua died.

5:11-6:10 (Simple Man, Simple Message)

Defending a Simple Message Delivered by a Simple Man

Persuade vs. Command
Plain vs. Sophisticated
Heart vs. Appearance
Private vs. Public (Ecstasy)

Simple Message
1. Jesus died for all
-all died in Him v. 14
-His death reconciles v. 19
-He was our sin offering v. 21
2. Jesus rose again
-we should live for Him v. 15
-we experience new life v. 17
-we becoming righteousness of God v. 21

SO NOW...
1. We are ministers for reconciliation v. 18-19
2. We are ambassadors v. 20
3. We are God's fellow workers v. 1
4. We are servants of God v. 4

Summary of Victories (9-12)

Possessing the Promise
Part 8: Joshua 9-12

The Gibeonite Deception (9:1-27)
While the other wicked nations of the land were preparing for war against Israel, the Gibeonites made a plan to trick Israel into an alliance. They made it appear that they were from far away. The Israelites agreed to the alliance without even consulting the Lord.
* See also 2 Samuel 21ff

Defeating the Southern Kings (10:1-43)
When some of the kings heard that the Gibeonites had made an alliance with Israel, they attacked Gibeon. Upon request, Israel came to aid the Gibeonites. The Lord confused the enemy armies, targeted them with hailstones and even granted Joshua’s prayer that the sun stand still which provided Israel with an opportunity to more thoroughly defeat the enemy. This began a string of complete victories for Israel.

Defeating the Northern Kings (11:1-15)
When they heard of Israel’s victories, the remaining people of the land joined forces into one vast army, but the Lord guided Joshua & Israel to victory once again.

Summary of Victories (11:16-12:24)
Thus, Israel conquered much of the Promised Land and experienced a time of rest from war. In sum, Joshua & Israel had defeated 31 Kings and their kingdoms.

Feast of Weeks

Holy Daze: Confronting the Confusion of Sacred & Secular Festivals & Feasts
Part 4: Feast of Weeks

What did the Feast of Weeks mean to Israel?
1. From the day of the Feast of Firstfruits, the Israelites were to count off 7 full weeks (49 days) and then (on the 50th day) celebrate the Feast of Weeks. Leviticus 23:15.
2. This was another harvest festival (Firstfruits was for barley, this was for wheat). Leviticus 23:16b-17, Exodus 34:22.
3. This was to be celebrated in Jerusalem (one of the three pilgrim festivals). Exodus 34:23, Deuteronomy 16:11+16.
4. The celebration included various offerings: free will (wheat), wave (bread), burnt (lambs, bull, ram, goat), grain, drink, and fellowship. Deuteronomy 16:10, Leviticus 23:18-20.
5. The Feast of Weeks was another special Sabbath day (assembly, no work). Leviticus 23:21.
6. The harvesting that followed the Feast of Weeks was to done with the poor and with the gentiles in mind. Leviticus 23:22.
7. Jewish tradition teaches that the Law was given to Moses about 50 days after the Exodus. Thus the Feast of Weeks is associated with the giving of the Law. Exodus 19:1.

What does the Feast of Weeks mean for Christians?
1. After His crucifixion (Passover), rest in the tomb (Regular and Special Sabbath for Feast of Unleavened Bread), and resurrection (Firstfruits), Jesus appeared among His disciples for a period of 40 days. Just before His ascension, Jesus promised them that they would shortly receive the Holy Spirit. When the time came for the Feast of Weeks (called Pentecost in Greek), the disciples were all together when The Holy Spirit came and filled them. Acts 1:3-9, 2:1-12.
2. Thus, the Feast of Weeks which was traditionally associated with the coming of the Law (the Old Covenant) was now to be associated with the coming of the Spirit (the New Covenant). So the BIG question is, why do so many Christians celebrate the coming of the 2nd Person of the Trinity (Jesus Christ), but not the coming of the 3rd Person of the Trinity (the Holy Spirit)?
3. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of an even greater future. Romans 8:23.

Why Did Jesus Come (16:21-26)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 47: Why Did Jesus Come?)

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed

*Jesus came to die
What did He not cling to? (omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence?) Phil 2:5-8

How far are we willing to follow Jesus? (16:21-28)

 Many will only follow Him to His Birth

 Some will only follow Him to His Ministry

 Few will also follow Him to His Cross

How can we survive suffering? (2 Corinthians 4-5)

B/C inwardly we are being renewed (4:16)

B/C we realize that suffering is short-term (4:17a)

B/C we know the reward is worth it (4:17b-18)

B/C we have certainty of resurrection (5:1-4)

B/C we have the Spirit as a guarantee (5:5)

Next Week: The Transfiguration (17:1-13)

Firstfruits

Holy Daze: Confronting the Confusion of Sacred & Secular Festivals & Feasts
Part 3: Feast of Firstfruits

What did the Feast of Firstfruits mean to Israel?
1. After the Passover, the Israelites were on their way to the Promised Land. When they began to reap a harvest from that land, God wanted them to give the first fruits (a sheaf of grain) to Him. Leviticus 23:9-10.
2. They were to bring the sheaf to the Priest who would wave it before the Lord the day after the Sabbath. Jewish tradition holds that this was during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and that the ‘Sabbath’ being referred to here was the 1st Special Sabbath of that week (see chart above). Leviticus 23:10-11.
3. The waving of the Sheaf was to be accompanied by special offerings. Leviticus 23:12-13.
4. The giving of first fruits had the practical benefit of providing for the priests. Numbers 18:13.
5. The giving of first fruits was a show of faith: God will bless the rest of harvest. Leviticus 23:14a.
6. The giving of first fruits was to be a pattern for Israel. Leviticus 23:14b, Proverbs 3:9.

What does the Feast of Firstfruits mean for Christians?
1. After the Crucifixion, the Lord was buried (placed in a tomb). But 3 days later the Lord came out of the ground (so to speak). Because of this, Paul refers to the Lord as the ‘firstfruits’ from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:4, 20
2. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ is described as a ‘firstfruits,’ it implies (even guarantees) the rest of the harvest. In other words, Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our future resurrection.
3. We are allowed to experience the ‘firstfruits of the Spirit’ to give us further assurance as we await the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23.

Next Week: The Feast of Weeks

Peter's Confession (16:13-20)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 46:Peter’s Confession)

“Who do you say I am?”

Who do people say Jesus is?

John the Baptist- Herod (out of guilt) believed this in 14:1-2

Elijah- B/c he was a miracle worker and reportedly never died, was prophesied to return

Jeremiah- Rabbi's taught that Jeremiah would come back with Ark and multiply manna

One of the Prophets- Returned or simply that he was another in that tradition

Just a carpenter’s son- His hometown crowd took this approach in 13:55

A demon-possessed man- His adversaries took this approach in 12:24

A good teacher- Some addressed him as good teacher (many take this view today)

Liar-

Lunatic- His family thought he was mad in Mark 3:21

Legend- Currently popular (Jesus never existed OR Bible made up way later)

Christ the Lord-

*But more importantly, what do YOU say about Jesus. A decision is not made solely on an intellectual basis. In point and fact, Simon-Peter HAD been told that Jesus was the Christ by his literal flesh and blood (his brother Andrew), but now he was saying it had been revealed to him personally.

“On this rock I will build my church”

What does this mean?

Roman Catholic Interpretation-
Roman Catholics believe the rock refers specifically to Peter. They believe the church is an institution. Therefore, they interpret this to mean that God will build his institution through Peter as an institutional leader. In other words, this verse is predicting Peter will be the first pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Protestant Interpretation #1
Some Protestants believe the rock refers to Jesus. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as the foundation of the church (1 Cor. 3:11, 1 Peter 2:6-8).

Protestant Interpretation #2
Some Protestants believe the rock refers to Peter’s faith (his confession). In other words, the church is made up of those who, like Peter, confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

Protestant Interpretation #3
Some Protestants believe the rock refers to the Apostles in general (not just Peter). The New Testament speaks of the Apostles being the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20).

** When it says the 'Gates of Hades will not overcome it,' many interpret this, somehow, to mean that satan and the demons can't defeat Christians. Hades, though, is simply the realm of the dead or the grave. And it's not talking about the grave being on the OFFENSIVE. It's referring to the offensive posture of the church. In other words, the church will be triumphant and death with not be able to hold its own.

***The 'bind and loose' verse is usually poorly translated. What it means is that Peter (and the other Apostles, see 18:1+18) and perhaps the church as a whole has the authority and responsibility to live out heavenly realities here on earth. Essentially, this is the same as the Lord's Prayer which asks that the Kingdom come on EARTH as it (already) is in heaven. Peter is being told here that he has the authority (the keys) to lead the church in a march to a different drummer (the King of kings).

Next Week: Why did Jesus come? (16:21-28)

The Later Years

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 10: The Later Years

Last week, we studied the feuding that went on in the family of David including the rebellion of his son Absalom. We pick up now after that rebellion has been crushed and Absalom has been killed. David is grieving for his son.

Returning to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19)
David’s men had crushed the rebellion, but their King was crying over the loss of his son rather than congratulating his soldiers. Joab convinced David to greet his men, lest they too rebel against him (19:1-8a). David made some strategic moves to re-unite the people (19:11-15, 22-23, 29-30, 38-40). Nevertheless, another conflict was already brewing (19:41-43)

Sheba’s Rebellion (2 Samuel 20)
Sheba was a troublemaker who took this opportunity to build his own following (20:1-2). David’s men pursued him and, through the help of a wise woman, were able to end this latest rebellion without destroying a significant city (20:15-22). Israel now experienced some stability (20:23-25).

Foreign Relations (2 Samuel 21)
When a 3-year famine came upon the land, David sought the Lord for an explanation. It turned out that the famine was the result of Saul’s previous injustice toward the Gibeonites (21:1). David righted this wrong and the land began to flourish again (21:6, 14b). While David grew older and weaker, his men continued to experience military victories against the Philistines (21:15-22).

David’s Legacy (2 Samuel 22-23)
Chapter 22 records a song that David wrote near the end of his life. The song highlights God’s protection of David through the years of conflict and gives credit to God for David’s successes. Chapter 23 records the last words of David, which speak to God’s promises to the king. The end of the chapter lists and describes David’s mighty men.

David’s Census (2 Samuel 24)
Compare 2 Samuel 24:1, 10 and 1 Chronicles 1:7-8. It’s difficult to determine exactly how this census came about (prompted by the Lord, Satan, David etc?). In any case, David eventually admits it was a sinful thing to do. David was given the opportunity to choose between three consequences to his sin. He chose the one that depended most directly on God’s mercy (24:14). The punishment was significant, but God eventually did relent and 2 Samuel ends with the purchase of a piece of land that eventually would host the Temple of the Lord!

David’s Charge to Solomon (1 Kings 1-2)
As David’s death neared his son Adonijah set himself up to be King, but not everyone followed him since Solomon had already been chosen for that role (1:5-8, 13). Once made aware of the situation and reminded of his promises, David declared Solomon the King of Israel. David commissioned Solomon to be strong and obedient to the Lord. He also gave him some specific instructions about how to deal with certain individuals. David died after being king for 40 years (2:10-12)

4:7-5:10 (In Defense of Suffering)

* The Corinthians may have seen Paul's suffering as somewhat embarrassing and perhaps as evidence that his message wasn't such great news after all

Paul's response:
1. The Message IS great news, a treasure
2. But it's stored in frail vessels, us!

Yes, I'm...
Hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, dying (like Jesus)

But I'm not...
Crushed, despairing, abandoned, destroyed, just dying (I'm also getting up again, like Jesus)

v. 12 So yes, death/suffering is a part of my life
- B/c we're illustrating Christ
- B/c we're suffering for you (and others)
- Maybe you should question your peaceful existence

v. 13-15 Plus, it's been worth it b/c we know the future AND now more will participate

*We do not lose heart despite sufferings
1. B/c inwardly we are being renewed (16, are souls are thriving)
2. B/c we realize that suffering is short-term (17a)
3. B/c we know the reward has greater quality and quantity (17b-18)
4. B/c we have certainty of resurrection (1-4)
5. B/c we have the Spirit who guarantees our security (5)

Conclusion
1. We're still here and suffering comes with this territory (6)
2. But by faith, we believe there's another territory (7-8)
3. Since I prefer that territory, I make it my goal to please that king (9-10)

4:1-6 (Ministry Temptations)

Ministry Temptations Paul Rejects

1. Secrecy
- Not for a select few
- Financially accountable
- Paul spoke plainly

2. Shameful Ways
- Sinful habits/attitudes
- Some even used Gospel for this
- Paul's character was obvious

3. Deception
- Emotional arguments
- Fancy rhetoric
- Paul just spoke the truth

4. Distortion
- Watered down message
- Utilitarian mindset
- Paul preached w/o compromise

5. Super-self
- Win people to self
- Charismatic personality
- Paul won people to Christ

If your ministry is so pure and true...
Why doesn't everyone accept it?

--> Satan has blinded minds
--> That's why other 'ministers' resort to other means to get results
--> Paul, though, depends on the miraculous move of God (6)

Jericho & Ai

Possessing the Promise
Part 7: Joshua 6-8

Jericho
1. God’s power broke the wall of separation
2. Israel accessed God’s power with a shout
3. The contents of the city needed to be separated
4. Work was a response to God’s victorious act
5. To undue the Jericho event was a serious offense
6. Jericho pointed Israel toward complete victory

Justification
1. God’s power breaks the wall of separation
2. Christians access God’s power by calling out
3. The contents of our heart need to be separated
4. Work is a response to God’s victorious act
5. To undue the Justification event is a serious offense
6. Justification points us toward complete victory

Ai
1. Israel experienced defeat even after Jericho and this caused great dismay
2. The Lord brought the sin problem to their attention
3. By dealing with the problem, they experienced victory and renewal

Sanctification
1. We experience defeat even after Justification and this causes great dismay
2. The Lord brings the sin problem to our attention
3. By dealing with the problem, we experience victory and renewal
In 2 Weeks: Joshua 9-12

Jericho
by matthew rose

Marching around this city
How could it fall so simply?
Not a thing that I have done
Could have made this battle won
The enemy was in great fear
Before I was even near
Walls went down without a fight
The battle won was not by might

Jericho, Jericho
I have had my Jericho
And my victory has been won
By what I could not have done
Jericho, Jericho
And now I will always know
Though in the future I will fight
Victory will never be by might

Marching through that city
And all the things so pretty
Oh the treasures of this earth
Could a little plunder hurt?
The command you made was clear
There were still things I held dear
Oh, the price of selfish eyes
Oh, the price of hidden lies

Marching from that city
Toward the land that's for me
All the kingdoms that must fall
For you to be my all in all
Town to town I'll always go
But I'll remember Jericho
I will have to fight the fight
But I'll never fight by might

Spiritual Leadership & Visions

Possessing the Promise
Part 6: Deuteronomy 31- Joshua 5

How to effectively change spiritual leaders…
1. Adequately explain your departure (31:1-2)
2. Point to God’s eternal leadership (31:3-6)
3. Affirm the new leader before the people (31:7-8)
4. See that the new leader is commissioned (31:14)

Tools to witness to/against Israel…
1. Scriptural (31:9-13)
2. Songs (31:19-22, 32:1-47)
3. Ark of the Covenant (31:24-29)
4. Blessings from Moses (33:1-29)
5. Stones (Joshua 4:1-9)

Necessities for Spiritual Leadership…
1. A sense of God’s presence (Joshua 1:1-5)
2. A willingness to seek progress (1:6)
3. An obedience to God’s commands (1:7-8)

Carrying Out a Spiritual Plan…
1. Cast the spiritual vision (1:10-11)
2. Keep others accountable (1:12-18)
3. Study your target (2:1)
4. Consider strategic alliances (2:14-21)
5. Remember your dependence (3:1-17)
6. Make success a part of your story (4:1-9)
7. Commit to the ongoing mission (5:1-8)
8. Enjoy the life of promise (5:9-12)

Next Week: Joshua 6-8

Joshua

Below you will find my notes from a study in Joshua

Spiritual Leadership & Vision (Deuteronomy 31-Joshua 5)
Jericho & Ai (Joshua 6-8)
Summary of Victories (Joshua 9-12)
Dividing the Promised Land (Joshua 13-24)

27-31 Blessings, Curses & Transitions

Blessings & Curses

In the Sanctions section of Deuteronomy we have Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim being used as pulpits to pronounce curses and blessings on Israel as consequences to either breaking or keeping the covenant. Curses are announced from Mount Ebal and blessings from Mount Gerizim. The blessings were basically health and wealth and safety. The curses were basically disease and poverty and destruction.

How to effectively change spiritual leaders…
1. Adequately explain your departure (31:1-2)
2. Point to God’s eternal leadership (31:3-6)
3. Affirm the new leader before the people (31:7-8)
4. See that the new leader is commissioned (31:14)

Tools to witness to/against Israel…
1. Scriptural (31:9-13)
2. Songs (31:19-22, 32:1-47)
3. Ark of the Covenant (31:24-29)
4. Blessings from Moses (33:1-29)
5. Stones (Joshua 4:1-9)

Necessities for Spiritual Leadership…
1. A sense of God’s presence (Joshua 1:1-5)
2. A willingness to seek progress (1:6)
3. An obedience to God’s commands (1:7-8)

Carrying Out a Spiritual Plan…
1. Cast the spiritual vision (1:10-11)
2. Keep others accountable (1:12-18)
3. Study your target (2:1)
4. Consider strategic alliances (2:14-21)
5. Remember your dependence (3:1-17)
6. Make success a part of your story (4:1-9)
7. Commit to the ongoing mission (5:1-8)
8. Enjoy the life of promise (5:9-12)

Passover & Feast of Unleavened Bread

We started the class with a short review of Sabbath. I said that just b/c we are not obligated to keep Sabbath (Saturday), it is still wise to take a day off and pick a day to assemble together with other believers. Then we moved into Passover & Unleavened Bread. The reason we did these 2 together is b/c they are celebrated together. Passover is a 1 day celebration and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is celebrated for a week following passover. Passover celebrates the night that God's wrath 'passed-over' Jewish houses in Egypt and the Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrates how God helped Israel escape (The exodus) from Egypt the following morning. Here are the notes and references:

Holy Daze: Confronting the Confusion of Sacred & Secular Festivals & Feasts
Part 2: Passover & Unleavened Bread

What did the Passover mean to Israel? (Actual 'Passover' event is recorded in Exodus 12)
1. It commemorated the day God’s wrath passed-over Jewish households
2. On the 10th of the 1st month, each head of household was to obtain a lamb. The lamb was to be 1 year old, w/o defect, and cared for until the 14th (note: Jewish months are different from ours, this correlates to our 'Easter' time) Exodus 12:3-6a.
3. The lamb was to be slaughtered at twilight of the 14th day of the 1st month. Exodus 12:6b
4. Blood from the lamb was to be put on the doorframe of each household. Exodus 12:7
5. They were to eat all the meat along with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. They were to eat it quickly, dressed ready to run. Exodus 12:8-11
6. It was mandatory to commemorate this day (punishment was excommunication). If for some reason you were unable, you could commemorate it 1 month later. Numbers 9:1-13.

What did the Feast of Unleavened Bread mean to Israel?
1. It was a week long festival to be celebrated after Passover (15th –22nd)
2. On day 1, they were to remove all yeast from their homes, assemble & do no work
3. Each day of the festival was to include offerings made by fire. Numbers 28:16-25.
4. On days 7, they were to hold a sacred assembly and do no work

How did these Holy Days Evolve Through Jewish History?
1. Though Moses & Joshua kept them as priorities, they were neglected during the period of the judges and only restored by some of the later Kings. See Joshua 5:10-11.
2. Hezekiah & Josiah were 2 kings who put these days back on the calendar. At this point, observance was centralized at Jerusalem and some details were changed. See 2 Chronicles 30:1-5 & 35:1+18.
3. Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C. and the people were exiled. But 70 years later they were permitted to return and this returning group kept these the Passover/Feast. See Ezra 6:19-22.
4. The Passover & Feast of Unleavened Bread were being kept in Jesus day, centralized in Jerusalem. In fact, the main reason we know the length of Jesus’ ministry is because of the number of times the Passover is mentioned in the Gospel of John. See John 2:13+23, 6:4, 11:55... thus, Jesus ministry happened amidst at least 3 passovers, so most scholars think his ministry was about 3 years in length (baptism to resurrection)

What do Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread mean for Christians?
1. These days were meant to remind the Israelites that God had delivered them from their enemy (Egypt). As Christians, we are to celebrate the fact that God has delivered us from our enemy (Sin/Death). God delivered Israel from Egypt via the Passover. God delivered us from sin/death via the cross of Christ. The lamb paid the price for Israel. Jesus is the lamb of God for us.
2. The New Testament specifically teaches that Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)
3. We are to keep the feast by living lives of truth and sincerity (1 Corinthians 5:8)

How to Destroy Fellowship (16:1-12)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 45:How to Destroy Fellowship)
*my 'how not to' story

“Be on your guard against the yeast”

5 Distinct Types of Yeast (Fellowship Breakers)

The Yeast of the Pharisees
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the
Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1)
*Context 11:37-46 --> Hard to worship w/hypocrites

The Yeast of the Sadducees
“A wicked and adulterous generation
looks for a miraculous sign” (Matt 16:4)
*Signs all around you! (Doubt)

The Yeast of Herod
“Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees
and that of Herod” (Mark 8:15)
*Worldly Priorities

Power- He was a politician
Pleasure- Matt 14:3 (brother's wife), wanted Jesus to put on a show
Paycheck- Mark 12 taxes
Prestige- Acts 12:21-23
* These aren't bad things in and of themselves, but can't be priorities for God's people

The Old Yeast
“Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a
new batch without yeast” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
*Immorality

The Yeast of the Law
“You who are trying to be justified by law have
been alienated from Christ” (Galatians 5:4)
*Legalism

Jesus for Gentiles? (15:21-39)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 44: Jesus for Gentiles?)

Leaving that place, Jesus withrew…
Jesus had just warned the disciples to ‘leave them’ (referring to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were rejecting Jesus, 15:14) and here He physically demonstrated that leaving.

Q Does Jesus have any reason to depart from us?
- When we focus on tradition
- When we focus on the external
- When we focus on what others don't do instead of our own hearts

To the region of Tyre and Sidon…
It is hard for us to imagine how shocking it would have been for some devout Jews for a would-be-Messiah to enter into Gentile territory and engage with Gentiles.

Q Do you know an area that needs Jesus’ ministry?

A Canaanite woman…
By the end of the passage, this Gentile woman had her faith complimented and her request granted.

Q What can we learn about faith from this woman?
- Desperate
- Persistent
- Humble
- High view of Jesus' power

Into the Region of the Decapolis (Mark 7:31)…
Earlier Jesus had miraculously fed a large Jewish crowd, but here He demonstrates the same concern for a predominately Gentile group.

Q Do you know anyone in need of leftovers?
-12 for the 12 tribes?
-7 for the 7 hills?

Tradition vs. Transformation (15:1-20)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 43: Tradition vs. Transformation)

Why do you break the command of God
for the sake of your tradition?

1. Many times, the habits of religious people don’t necessarily come from God, but are products of people. This doesn’t mean that they are evil, but it does mean they shouldn’t be elevated to equal standing with the Scriptures (Matt 15:1-2).

Traditions: Sunday, order of worship, buildings, pews, type of music, 'pastor'
Same things happened in Judaism through rabbis and pharisees
Creatures of habit (Calf Path by Sam Walter Foss)

2. Sometimes these ‘traditions’ become more important to religious people than the sacred texts/divine commands! When this happens, religion has become a matter of external superficialities rather than internal transformation (Matt 15:3-11, 15-20).

End up breaking commands to keep traditions
Ends up being lip service to God

3. Pointing out the superiority of transformation over mere tradition ruffles feathers, but is a necessary action if God’s people are to remain God’s people (Matt 15:12-14).

The Message isn't always popular
True Christianity is a matter of heart

Walking on Water (14:22-33)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 42: Walking on Water)

* Notice what Jesus is doing (prayer 6pm-3am)

The TEST (22-24)
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

The FEAR (25-27)
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.
* They had plenty to be scared about. This world is a scary place. Until we're close to Jesus, He seems like just 1 more thing to be scared about.

The FUMBLE (28-31)
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
*Give Peter credit for getting out of the boat. Ask, 'what did he do wrong?' Learn from Jesus example (help THEN rebuke). What was Jesus' tone here?

The FAITH (32-33)
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying,
"Truly you are the Son of God."
*Safest place to be is in close relationship to Jesus. It's about an elevation of our estimation of Christ. It is I ='s I am (Job 9:8, Psalm 18:16 --> Son of God)

Where are you at this morning?

Sabbath

Holy Daze: Confronting the Confusion of Sacred & Secular Festivals & Feasts
Part 1: The Jewish Sabbath

What did the 4th Commandment Entail?

1. It was a command to keep Saturday separate (Exodus 20:8)
2. It was a sign of God’s covenant with Israel (Ex. 20:18-20)
3. It was a day to abstain from all work & money (Ex. 20:9-11)
4. It was a day to assemble together for worship (Leviticus 23:3)
5. It was a day of special ritual & animal sacrifices (Lev. 24:8, Numbers 28:9-10)
6. The penalty for disobedience was death (Ex. 31:14-17)
7. At times, it became an empty shell (Amos 8:4-5 --> Hosea 2:11)

What did Jesus Teach about the Sabbath?

1. Jesus did not give a direct affirmation regarding Sabbath observance (unlike other 9 Commandments)
2. Jesus consistently brought the issue to the table (Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 12:9-14)
3. Jesus allowed His disciples to break the Sabbath (Matt 12:1-8)
4. Jesus argued that it was sometimes common sense to break the Sabbath (Matt 12:11-12)
5. Jesus implied that the Sabbath was a ceremonial law, not a moral law (Matt 12:3-8, John 7:21-24)
6. Jesus argued that God prefers morality over ritual (Matt 12:7)
7. Jesus seems to have broken the Sabbath to do good works (John 5:18)

How did the early church interpret Jesus’ teachings?

1. They came to the conclusion that Christians were not under Old Testament Law and, especially, Gentiles should not be burdened by it (Acts 15:1-21)
2. Paul knew that many Jewish Christians would continue to observe the Sabbath Law, but seems to imply that such is the ‘weaker’ position (Romans 14:1-2, 5-6)
3. Paul knew that many Gentile Christians would see no need for observing the Sabbath Law, and implies that such is the ‘stronger’ position (Rom. 14:1-2, 5-6)
4. Paul teaches that each believer should be led by the Lord on this issue and that no Christian should judge another on this matter. Instead, we should show respect toward various practices. (Rom. 14:22-23)
5. Paul teaches that the Sabbath was merely a ceremonial shadow that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:16-17)
6. The author of Hebrews teaches that the fulfillment of the shadow is the peace we experience in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:1-11)
7. The 1st & 2nd generation of Christians believed we now experience a perpetual Sabbath. Early Christians met daily, but met specially on Sunday’s to celebrate the day of the resurrection

Holy Daze

Holy Daze: Confronting the Confusion of Sacred & Secular Festivals & Feasts

Jewish Holidays
Sabbath
Passover & Feast of Unleavened Bread
Firstfruits
Feast of Weeks
Feast of Trumpets
Day of Atonement
Feast of Tabernacles
Purim & Hanukkah

Modern Holidays
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Halloween
Super Bowl Sunday
Valentine's Day
Ash Wednesday/Lent
Veteran's/Memorial Day
Independence Day
St. Patrick's Day
Thanksgiving
Holy Week
The Appearances
Ascension
Pentecost
Earth Day
Christmas
Father's Day
Mother's Day