The Knew Kingdom

www.knewkingdom.blogspot.com

2011-12-30T22:03:00.001-05:00

The Kingdom of Heaven has come to the hearts of men and women who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. Here you will find my thoughts on this kingdom in the form of chapter by chapter Bible studies, sermons, answers to tough questions, and comments on my doctrinal distinctives. Check back often for updates!

Recent Updates
Job
John
James

At the Feast of Tabernacles

2011-07-25T13:28:00.001-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 14: Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles

3 Arguments Against Jesus Claims

#1 If Jesus were the Messiah/Christ,
He would presently prove it to everyone

BUT  Jesus submits to the Father’s timing
 The world has the wrong wants

Sidebar Issue: The Sabbath

#2 If Jesus were the Messiah/Christ,
His origins would match with prophecy

BUT  Jesus’ origins did match with prophecy
 Jesus’ ultimate origins were heavenly

Sidebar Issue: The Spirit

#3 If Jesus were the Messiah/Christ,
Witnesses would validate his testimony

BUT  Jesus’ testimony is enough
 The Father testifies on Jesus’ behalf

Sidebar Issue: The Judge

The Woman Caught in Adultery (7:53-8:11)
1. The passage was likely not part of the original composition of the 4th Gospel, but that is not necessarily a reflection on the stories’ authenticity.
2. The presentation of the woman was a trap more than a quest for justice. Would Jesus ‘err’ on the side of the law or on the side of mercy?
3. We can only guess as to what Jesus wrote, but it was perhaps associated with Jeremiah 17:13b.
4. Jesus shows the woman mercy, but commands her to leave her life of sin.
5. The story provokes a lot of questions in the mind of its readers, but the main point seems to be to display the difference b/w Jesus and the authorities in the areas of integrity, law, and judgment.

Are we all God’s Children? (8:31-59)
1. This section begins with a classic example of the misunderstandings that mark the 4th Gospel, but ultimately turns into a flat-out disagreement.
2. First, the people insist they are free children of Abraham. Jesus insists that they are slaves to sin and that they don’t act like Abraham.
3. Second, the people insist that they are God’s children. Jesus insists that if they were God’s children then they would love the One God sent.
4. Third, Jesus insists that they are children of the devil and don’t even know God. The people insist that Jesus is a Samaritan and demon-possessed.
5. Jesus ends the section by claiming that He is greater than Abraham, even to the point of claiming deity.

Feeding the 5000

2011-07-25T13:27:00.000-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 12: The Miracles and The Message

Feeding the Masses (6:1-15, 22-34)

1. The crowd seemed more interested in what Jesus could offer them (miracles) and be for them (a political savior) than in Jesus’ true mission. They didn’t want a savior who would be broken and bloodied by the Romans.

2. The miracle presents Jesus as a great provider for His people, even greater than Elisha (2 Kings 4:42-44).

3. Indeed, Jesus is portrayed, here, as a new and greater Moses (see 6:3-5, 13-15, 32-34).

Walking on Water (6:16-21)

1. The 4th Gospel includes this story, most likely, because it was traditionally linked to the feeding of the masses, but the author doesn’t provide as much detail as the Synoptics.

2. The story is another strong hint toward Jesus identity (Job 9:8, ‘It is I,’ and ‘do not be afraid’).

From Father to Son (6:28-48)

1. Jesus states that what God requires is that we believe in the One He has sent (Jesus, the Messiah). They should have been focusing more on Jesus and not on works/miracles.

2. Calvinists believe that this chapter contains some of their strongest proof-texts (v. 37, 39, 44, 65), but the point of these verses is the continuity between the Father and the Son. It is a christological more than soteriological passage.
Eating Flesh & Drinking Blood (6:49-58)

1. Jesus speaks of Himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament imagery. Whereas the manna from Moses only provided temporary life, Jesus provided eternal life.

2. Though some use this text to argue that the Lord’s Supper involves Jesus’ actual flesh and blood, the passage is not actually talking about Holy Communion at this point. Eating Jesus’ body and drinking His blood has already been equated with coming to Jesus and believing in Him (v. 35).

3. Indeed, John 6 is not about the Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s Supper is about what is described in John 6 (D.A. Carson).

Many Disciples Desert (6:59-71)

1. Some of the disciples found Jesus’ teaching difficult to stomach and offensive. They had a hard time believing that He was truly from Heaven (and not simply from Nazareth). They were offended by the idea of eating his flesh and drinking his blood (either because they took it too literally or because it meant that the Messiah would die).

2. Rather than trying to make up for his offensive speech, Jesus wonders what they will think of His being lifted up on the cross and ascending back to the Father.

3. Jesus urges His listeners to interpret His words spiritually.

4. Jesus was not alarmed that many of His disciples stopped following Him. Indeed, He knew from the beginning who had a superficial faith and who had a faith that would last.

Healing at the Pool

2011-07-25T13:26:00.002-04:00

4TH and 1

The Healing of the Man at the Pool (5:1-9a)
1. The historicity of this story was largely doubted until the 19th century when archaeologists located the pool in question.
2. The earliest manuscripts do not contain v. 3b-4. They were likely added later to provide detail to people unfamiliar with the setting.
3. The Scripture doesn’t necessarily say whether the pool ‘worked’ as a place of healing, but the fact that Jesus heals this man without utilizing the pool surely says something significant about Jesus.

The Sabbath Controversy (5:9b-18)
1. The 4th commandment called for ‘no work’ on the Sabbath. Jewish tradition had since attempted to define what constituted ‘work.’ By their measure, carrying a mat was a violation of the law.
2. The healed man is portrayed in a somewhat questionable way in this story. While his original complaint (v. 7) is understandable, he failed to seek out Jesus’ identity. After Jesus suggests that his sickness was due to sin, he provides Jesus’ name to the authorities.
3. Jesus does not deny that He had done ‘work’ on the Sabbath. Rather, He argues that since the Father works on the Sabbath, so does He! This response provoked murderous plots, for Jesus was not only admitting to the charge of working on the Sabbath, but was also claiming equality with God.
The Relationship between God & Jesus (5:19-20)
1. Jesus speaks of His relationship to God as the ideal father-son relationship, one in which the Father shows his son all he does and the son submits perfectly to the father’s will. This way of speaking of God was unique to Jesus.
2. If Jesus does ‘in flesh’ exactly what the Father does ‘in Spirit’ then Jesus is the revelation of God Himself.
3. Jesus predicted that God would make even greater revelations of Himself through Jesus than miracles.

The Role of Jesus as Judge (5:21-30)
1. As the Father is able to raise the dead, so too may the Son raise the dead. Indeed, the Son has been given the role of Judge so that people may Come to honor Him.
2. As a foretaste to physical resurrection, those who submit to Jesus experience new spiritual life. This ability to bestow life also shows Jesus’ true nature (God alone has life by nature).
3. A time is coming when Jesus will serve as Judge of all people. His judgment will be perfectly just since it corresponds perfectly to that of the Father.

The Judgment of the Jewish leaders (5:31-47)
1. The Jewish leaders should have accepted Jesus on the basis of the witness of John the Baptist and the Father (as evidenced by Jesus’ works and by Scriptures’ words).
2. That the Jewish leaders were rejecting Jesus served as evidence that they had never truly heard from God, seen God, or had His word dwell in them. Otherwise, they would have recognized Jesus since He was God!
3. The Jewish leaders’ error was not a lack of study, but a lack of using that study to draw them closer to Christ. They were more interested in being seen as right than in being right.
4. In the end, they were going to be found guilty and the case against them was going to come from Moses himself!

Jesus Heals the Officials' Son

2011-07-25T13:26:00.001-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 10: Jesus Heals the Official’s Son

43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, for they also had been there. 46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine.

1. Israel had a long history of rejecting their prophets. Jesus, among other roles, was serving in a prophetic ministry. Thus, it is no surprise that He was largely rejected.
2. There are questions as to the sort of welcome the people of Galilee gave to Jesus. Were they merely interested in seeing miracles or truly interested in becoming His disciples?

And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” 49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed.

1. The story is comparable to one found in Matt 8 and Luke 7, but given the differences, this is surely a different miracle. The man in this story is likely an official of Herod.
2. Jesus questions the kind of faith represented by the crowd (1 Corinthians 1:22-23), but this particular man was motivated by love for his child and did indeed believe before seeing evidence of the miracle (see John 20:29).
3. The royal official’s faith is demonstrated by his humility (a royal official asking help of a carpenter?), his passion (he begged for his dying son’s life), his persistence (he asked again after a seeming rebuke), his trust (he took Jesus at His word), his obedience (he departed without seeing visible evidence of a miracle), and his witness (he led his whole household to believe).

54 This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.

1. This was not the second miracle Jesus had ever performed (2:23), but it was the second in a pair of miracles performed at Cana of Galilee which form a bookend (2:1-4:54).

Jesus and the Samaritans

2011-07-25T13:25:00.000-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 9: Jesus and Samaritans

1 The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

1. At this point, Jesus transitions his ministry to Galilee.
2. The Jews and Samaritans had a long history of conflict.
3. Jesus, by talking to a Samaritan woman, was breaking 2 social conventions.
4. This story may also continue the bridegroom/bride theme.

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

1. Jesus agrees with the woman that it is odd for him to ask her for water, but for a different reason. She should be asking him for water! He is, of course, speaking in a spiritual sense.
2. This passage, again, shows the superiority of Jesus to Old Covenant characters and rituals.
3. Jesus continues to speak in spiritual terms, establishing the woman’s spiritual need for the water he can provide.

19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.”

1. At this point the woman clearly understands that Jesus is someone special, but that only prompts her to ask about the religious differences between them.
2. Jesus states that the debate between Jerusalem and Gerezim (as the centers for worship) will soon be rendered unnecessary. God would soon be revealing that what matters to Him is not that worship is done in a particular place, but that it is done from the heart and with integrity.
3. Jesus confesses to be the promised Messiah of Samaritan religion. He was generally more ambiguous when speaking to Jews about this b/c they had so much of their own baggage attached to the term Messiah.

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

1. Leaving the water jar behind showed the woman’s understanding, excitement, and desire to come back! She still had questions, but she was an effective witness for Jesus.
2. The disciples tended to take Jesus’ words in an overly literal manner just as the woman had (though this time it was about food instead of drink).
3. More important than a meal was the fact that the disciples could share in the harvest of souls. The Samaritan townspeople were on their way. This was the promised age when sowing and reaping would occur at the same time (Amos 9:13).
4. It is important for God’s workers to understand the role that others have played in preparing any fruit that they see.

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

1. Many Samaritans believed b/c of this woman’s witness, despite the fact that her witness couldn’t have been overly informed in areas of doctrine. Her witness was effective b/c it was a personal testimony most likely told with a large dose of excitement.
2. The woman’s testimony was effective in drawing people to Jesus, but they were even better off hearing from Jesus Himself. They recognized Him as Savior of the world.

John 3:16

2011-07-25T13:23:00.000-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 8: John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

1. John 3:16 is, perhaps, the most famous verse of the Bible.
2. In light of these verses, it may be inaccurate to say that God ‘sends people to hell.’ We are facing death b/c of our sin.
3. Christianity is both inclusive (anyone is welcome) and exclusive (one must believe in Christ).

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.

1. John 4:2 clarifies that Jesus, himself, didn’t baptize people.
2. John is a great example to us of humility.
3. In NT culture, the friend of the bridegroom (best-man) was responsible for making everything ready for the wedding.
4. John picked up the bridegroom/bride metaphor from the Old Testament (Isaiah 62:5, Jeremiah 2:2, Hosea 2:14-20).

31 “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

1. John sees himself as earthly and Jesus as heavenly.
2. John sees Jesus and God as sharing words/sovereignty.
3. John sees the Holy Spirit as not only remaining with Jesus (1:32), but is given to Him w/o limit (3:34).
4. Rejection of the Son is met by the wrath of God.

Nicodemus

2011-07-25T13:21:00.001-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 7: Nicodemus

1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

1. Nicodemus is mentioned on 3 occasions in the 4th Gospel (see also 7:50-52, 19:38-42).
2. The prologue hinted at the ‘born-again’ concept (1:12-13) and it occurs elsewhere in the NT (Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:3, 23, 1 John 2:29, 3:9, 4:7, 5:1, 4, 18), but here it is the focus.
3. There are 3 leading interpretations of ‘water and spirit’.
a) Water is in reference to natural birth
b) Water is in reference to baptism
c) Water is in reference to Spirit
4. Jesus is suggesting that nobody (not even a Jewish leader like Nicodemus) is just naturally ‘in’ the kingdom of God.

7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?

1. The Hebrew word ruah and the Greek word pneuma can be translated as wind or spirit. Jesus uses this semantic range to create an analogy.
2. The wind can’t be directly observed or managed and yet we can still know it is a reality by observing its effects. Likewise, those who are born of the Spirit can’t be directly observed or managed by human institutions and yet we can still know they have truly been born again because we see what a difference it makes.
3. Nicodemus could/should have understood these things b/c the Old Testament prophesied a time when God’s people would undergo a thorough transformation (Jeremiah 31:33-34, Ezekiel 36:25-27).

11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

1. Nicodemus’ problem is not so much an inability to understand Jesus’, but an unwillingness to accept Jesus’ testimony. Our view of Jesus is of primary concern.
2. Thus far, Jesus has used analogies to speak of introductory matters of faith. If Nicodemus cannot receive this teaching, there is no point going on to deeper truths.
3. Jesus argues that no one had ever gone to heaven and come back to tell about it, but He’s from heaven to begin with!
4. Jesus uses an OT story (Numbers 21:4-9) to make the point that He 1) will be lifted up and 2) will be the source of life.

Jesus and the Temple

2011-03-30T17:10:00.001-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 6: Jesus at the Temple

12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. 13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

1. While the Synoptic Gospels record a temple-action by Jesus near the end of his earthly ministry (Matt 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46), the event is found near the beginning here. While it is possible that Jesus performed this temple-action twice, most scholars believe that the author of the 4th Gospel has re-arranged the material.
2. Some have struggled with this passage in that it portrays Jesus as angry and/or violent. One should not overestimate the amount of violence involved in this story, but it is impossible to avoid the fact that Jesus was acting with zeal.
3. The most popular interpretation of this passage is that Jesus was angry that the religious space had been turned into commercial space.
4. At a somewhat deeper level, Jesus’ anger may have been toward the fact that Israel was failing in its mission to bring the nations into a relationship with the true God.

18 Then the Jews demanded of him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

1. The Jewish authorities were less interested in whether Jesus’ action was justified (right) and more interested in whether He had the proper authority to do it (legality).
2. Jesus refused to provide miracles on demand, choosing instead to prove His authority in such a way that required careful consideration and patience from His hearers.
3. The Second Temple beautification project had begun under Herod the Great 46 years prior to this event. It was not completed until AD63 (just 7 years before it was destroyed).
4. In a sense, by clearing the temple, Jesus was depicting the soon coming end of the Temple Era and sacrificial system. He was the True Temple and Passover Lamb.

23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25 He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.

1. Jesus knew that many people were only in pursuit of the signs (what Jesus could offer) and not what the signs pointed to (who Jesus was).

John 2:1-11 (Water to Wine)

2011-03-14T16:18:00.001-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 5: Water to Wine

1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

1. 1st century Jewish weddings often involved the whole village and the whole week. In that culture, to run out of wine was a dreadful embarrassment.
2. The wine was not mere grape juice, but it was diluted with water (a bit less strong than American beer).
3. This story marks a transition in the relationship between Jesus & Mary. Jesus had submitted to his parents (Luke 2:51), but now it was time for Mary to submit to Jesus.
4. This story prepares/focuses the reader on the yet future (from the perspective of chapter 2) time/hour that Jesus here refers to.

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”;

1. Six, most commonly in Scripture, represents imperfection and incompletion.
2. The story symbolizes that the Jewish religion was imperfect (the water jars were sitting empty) and incomplete (only 6 water Jars).

so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

1. That the water jars were filled to the brim anticipates the miracle. The abundance of wine was an indicator that ultimate joy and salvation had arrived.
2. The story reveals that Jesus is the source of that anticipated abundance. He is what Israel had been waiting for.

11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

1. The 4th Gospel is routinely divided into two main sections: The Book of Signs (1:19-12:50) Book of Glory (13:1-20:31). The Book of Signs contains 7 ‘Sign’ Miracles.

1. Water to Wine (2:1-11)
2. The Sick Son (4:43-54)
3. Healing at the Pool (5:1-15)
4. Feeding the 5,000 (6:1-15)
5. Walking on Water (6:16-24)
6. The Man Born Blind (9:1-12)
7. Raising of Lazarus (11:38-44)

Next Week: Jesus at the Temple (John 2:12-25)

John 1:35-51 (The First Followers)

2011-03-14T16:17:00.000-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 4: The First Followers

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

1. This is the account of when certain individuals began to follow Jesus (literally). It comes prior to the account in the synoptic gospels when Jesus calls them to full-time discipleship (Matt 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11).
2. On a surface level reading this passage appears quite mundane, but there are probably double meanings intended in many of the phrases.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

1. Andrew, who is a bit more prominent in the 4th Gospel, illustrates the evangelistic nature of faith in this text.
2. For Jesus to change Simon’s name to Cephas/Peter not only demonstrates his authority, but also speaks to his thorough knowledge of a person’s character & potential
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

1. Philip, like Andrew, is more prominent in the 4th Gospel than in the Synoptics. He, too, is evangelistic.
2. Nathanael is usually equated with the disciple Bartholomew.
3. Nathanael’s response may demonstrate a prejudice against the town of Nazareth and/or skepticism due to the lack of prophecies connecting the Messiah to such a place.

47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

1. Once again, Jesus showed that he possessed intimate knowledge of his seemingly new acquaintance.
2. Jesus’ statement in v. 51 refers back to the story in Genesis 28:10-22. Thus, he is either saying he is the bridge between heaven & earth, or the head of the newly constituted Israel. In either case, he is Jacob’s dream come true.

Next Week: Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)

John 1:19-34 (John the Baptist)

2011-03-14T16:16:00.000-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 3: John the Baptist’s Ministry

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

1. The Jewish leadership wanted to investigate John the Baptist because his message & activities were attracting large crowds. Indeed, his ministry is even mentioned by Josephus.
2. The people of the 1st century were waiting for various prophecies to be fulfilled. John denied that he was either the Christ, Elijah (Malachi 4:5), or The Prophet (Deut. 18:15).
3. Despite John the Baptist’s denial that he was Elijah, Jesus affirmed that John was the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy (Matthew 11:14, Luke 1:17).
4. John did affirm, however, that he was the fulfillment of another prophecy from Isaiah 40:3.

24 Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

1. If he wasn’t fulfilling one of these significant prophetic roles, then what business (some Pharisees wondered) did he have baptizing people (especially Jewish people!)?
2. John viewed his ministry as humble preparation for another.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

1. The “Lamb of God” is an Old Testament image, probably a combination of Isaiah 53:4-12 and Exodus 12:1-11.
2. John says Jesus takes away sin
3. John says Jesus takes away the sin of the world
4. John says Jesus existed before he did
5. John says the purpose of his ministry was to reveal Jesus

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”

1. John had been told in advance that a sign (the Spirit coming down as a dove and remaining on Jesus) would accompany the arrival of the Lord.
2. John testified that Jesus was the Son of God.

Next Week: The First Followers (John 1:35-51)

John 1:1-18 (Prologue)

2011-03-14T16:14:00.000-04:00

4TH and 1
Part 2: Prologue

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

1. The passage has clear allusions to Genesis 1
2. Usage of ‘The Word’ comes from the Old Testament*
3. Psalm 33:6, Isaiah 55:11
*’The Word’ was also used in ancient pagan philosophy
4. The Word is both distinct from and equated with God

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.*

1. The Word was responsible for all creation. This is the consistent teaching of the New Testament. 1 Cor. 8:6, Colossians 1:16-17, Heb. 1:2
2. Knowledge of God is available through the Word.
3. Darkness (ignorance and evil) cannot defeat* light. They are not equal opposites.
*Understood is better translated as ‘overcome’

6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

1. The focus changes, here, to how darkness was ultimately defeated in Jesus Christ. The story of Christ’s victory begins with the witness of John the Baptist.
9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

1. Through the incarnation of the Word, the true/ultimate means to knowing God came to the world.
2. Amazingly, the very world that the Word created did not (in general) recognize Him as their Creator. What’s more, not even God’s covenant people received Him.
3. Some, however, received/believed-in His identity/authority and were born-again as children of God, a birth not of the flesh (sexual relations), but of God (Spiritual relations).

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” 16 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.

1. The author is part of a community of witnesses to the shocking incarnation of God. This would have been shocking to both Jews and Gentiles for different reasons.
2. The incarnation is, of course, superior to all previous revelation. Seeing Jesus amounts to having seen God.

John

2011-02-14T12:13:00.008-05:00

Below you will find handouts/notes from my study through the 4th Gospel

Introduction
Prologue
John the Baptist
The First Followers
Water to Wine
Jesus and the Temple
Jesus and Nicodemus
John 316
Jesus and the Samaritans
Jesus Heals the Officials' Son
Healing at the Pool
Feeding the 5000
At the Feast of Tabernacles

John (Introduction)

2011-02-14T12:13:00.004-05:00

4TH and 1
Part 1: Introduction

The Non-Synoptic Gospel
1. Missing material
~ No Birth story
~ No Baptism story
~ No Parables
~ No Exorcisms
~ No Transfiguration
~ No Olivet Discourse
~ No Institution of Communion
2. Extra information
~ Extra Miracles (7 escalating in body of text)
~ Born-Again Discussion
~ Famous ‘I AM’ statements
~ Frequent Trips to Jerusalem (3 Passovers)
~ Raising of Lazarus

According to Who?
1. The Internal Evidence
~ The author is the ‘beloved disciple’ (21:20, 24)
~ He witnessed the resurrected Lord (21:7, 20, 24)
~ He witnessed the empty tomb (20:2-5)
~ He witnessed the crucifixion (19:25-27, 35)
~ He witnessed the supper betrayal (13:22-27)
*He may have had connections with priests (18:10, 15-16, 26)
*He may have been one of the first disciples (1:35-42)

2. The External Evidence
“John too, he who leant back on the Lord’s breast, who was a priest, wearing the sacerdotal plate, both martyr and teacher. He has fallen asleep at Ephesus.” (Polycrates’ Letter, 190’s)

“The fourth Gospel is of John, one of the disciples… The same night it was revealed to Andrew, one of the Apostles, that all should certify what John wrote in his own name… he professes himself not only an eyewitness and hearer but also a writer of all the miracles of the Lord in order.” (Muratorian Canon, AD200)

“The apostle, the son of Zebedee, the brother of James, by whom the Gospel of John and the Catholic Epistle were written. For I judge from the character of both, and the forms of expression, and the entire execution of the book, that it is not his. For the evangelist nowhere gives his name, or proclaims himself, either in the Gospel or Epistle." (Eusebius, 320’s)

Leading Theories
1. John the Apostle
Strengths- External Evidence
Weaknesses- Internal Evidence (lack of Zebedee stories, Matt 26:36, focus on Jerusalem, connection to priests)

2. John the Elder
Strengths- External Evidence
Weaknesses- Unknown Character

3. Lazarus
Strengths- Some Internal Evidence (11:3, Jerusalem focus, rumor of long life)
Weaknesses- External Evidence

* All three, if they were the "Disciple whom Jesus Loved" were qualified witnesses seeing as how they were witnesses to the last supper, cross, empty tomb, appearance (and, perhaps, among the first disciples). All three of them would have written the 4th Gospel prior to AD100, more likely a couple decades or more before the turn of the century.

Purpose of the 4th Gospel
“The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35)

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

Speeches

2011-01-17T12:27:00.003-05:00

Eliphaz
His theology insists that God blesses us when we live righteously (4:1-6) and curses us when we live wickedly (4:7-11). He claims to have spiritual insights on this subject (4:12-21). Job is a fallen human being (5:1-7) and should just admit whatever wrong he has committed (5:8-16). God will forgive and restore Job if he will only take his friends’ advice (5:17-27).

Job
He admits his words have been harsh, but they are his true feelings (6:1-7). Job wants to die before his emotions get the better of him and cause him to curse God (6:8-10). He feels powerless and hopeless (6:11-13). Eliphaz’ speech was not helpful (6:14-23) in that he seemed more interested in philosophy than in actually considering Job’s situation (6:24-30). Job feels like he has worked and served for nothing (7:1-5). Since he will soon die and be forgotten (7:6-10), why shouldn’t he cry out and long for death (7:11-16). Job has no idea why God has brought such suffering into his life (7:17-21).

Bildad
Bildad also believes that suffering is the consequence of sin and that blessing will come if seeks after God (8:1-7). He believes his view is tested and true (8:8-19). If Job gets back to righteousness, things will get better soon (8:20-22).

Job
Job tends to agree with the ancient wisdom, but is baffled as to how to measure up to God’s standards (9:1-20). Disaster ultimately happens to everyone and Job can’t figure out who could be behind this other than God (9:21-24). Life feels short, but not so sweet (9:25-26). Pretending like everything is OK doesn’t work (9:27-29). Nor can he make himself righteous before God (9:30-31). The only solution, as Job sees it, would be if God were a man or if there was a mediator between he and God (Job 9:32-35). In the absence of that, Job simply wants to hear what charges God has against him (10:1-2). He has questions about God’s goodness and greatness (10:3-17). If He’s not going to reveal the reasons for His wrath, God should remove his wrath and let Job die in peace (10:18-22).

Zophar
Zophar is very upset that Job is questioning conventional wisdom (11:1-6). If God is punishing Job, surely He must be doing so because Job has sinned (11:7-12). If Job would simply repent, everything would get better (11:13-20).

Job
Job has heard all this conventional wisdom time and time again, but it doesn’t ring true in his situation (12:1-6). Job and his friends were in agreement that God was in complete control of all of earth’s happenings (12:7-25). But Job thinks his friends should stop speaking. Their cookie-cutter theology doesn’t match the real world circumstances (13:1-12). Job would much rather face God in a trial setting than endure this seeming silence (13:13-28). Apart from this, he wishes God would just leave people alone (14:1-6). He wishes there were such a thing as life after death (14:7-17). But, alas, he doesn’t believe in such a thing (14:18-20). Living through his children is not an option for him and doesn’t really work anyway (14:21-22).

Eliphaz
Eliphaz is offended by Job’s speeches and insists that Job is in the wrong (15:1-6). Job is going against ancient wisdom that was considered to be of divine origin (15:7-13). Job should humble himself (15:14-16). Eliphaz concedes that wicked men may temporarily prosper, but he states with certainty that the wicked will face punishment in this life and have no hope for the future (15:17-35). Eliphaz is implying that this is the case with Job.

Job
Job is beginning to realize that it may be his friends’ fear that is prompting them to argue against him (16:1-5). All these words are getting him nowhere since, from Job’s perspective, God is still targeting him without cause (16:6-17). Even still, Job persists in prayer and believes that there must be an advocate for him in heaven (16:18-21), but will he be vindicated from his accusers before it’s too late (16:22-17:9)? Job sarcastically suggests that his friends should start their speeches over since nothing they have said so far has actually addressed his hopelessness (17:10-16).

Bildad
Bildad doesn’t see why they should abandon long-held beliefs for the sake of one man’s circumstances (18:1-4). He simply reiterates that what has happened to Job must have come as a consequence of sin (18:5-21).

Job
Again, Job is recognizing that more is at stake for his friends than just proving him wrong (19:1-4). The bigger issue is reconciling the sovereignty and goodness of God with the severity of pain (19:5-7). Indeed, in Job’s case it seems like God is his attacker (19:8-13). And to add insult to injury, God has turned everyone against him (19:14-20). Job just wishes his friends had pity on him (19:21-22). He disagrees with Bildad and believes his circumstances do in fact merit a re-writing of long-held beliefs (19:23-24). Even still, Job is beginning to hope and long for some form of life after death (19:25-27). His friends, though, should consider the possibility that their wrath against Job is itself a sin worthy of judgment (19:28-29).

Zophar
Zophar sees Job pointing the finger back at him and isn’t happy about it (20:1-3). Like Bildad, all that is left for him is to insist that disaster comes upon the wicked as a form of punishment from God and seeing how Job has experienced disaster he must fit in the category of wickedness (20:4-29).

Job
Job just wants his friends to truly listen to him (21:1-3). If they would just look around they would see that many wicked people actually prosper despite their rejection of God (21:4-16). God’s justice is not timely and is, therefore, practically irrelevant (21:17-26). Word on the street doesn’t match the words coming from Zophar’s mouth (21:27-34).

Eliphaz
Eliphaz’ last speech begins by claiming that man is too insignificant to be the apple of God’s eye (22:1-3). He can’t fathom that Job would be suffering because of his righteousness (22:4). It makes much more sense to suggest that Job must have sinned and so Eliphaz begins to speculate about what Job might have done (22:5-11). The wicked shouldn’t be surprised when God sends punishment (22:12-20). If Job will simply submit to God then he will begin to prosper once again (22:21-30).

Job
Job feels stuck. His suffering isn’t subsiding (23:1-2) and he has no access to God to figure out why it has come upon him in the first place (23:3-9). His only hope is that God will vindicate him when/if the suffering ends (23:10-12), but he still sees the source of his suffering as God (23:13-17). Job wonders why God doesn’t judge evil in a timelier manner (24:1-17). His only hope is to trust that justice will eventually be done (24:18-25).

Bildad
Bildad’s final speech is very short. He emphasizes that God is great and compares people to maggots and worms (25:1-6). His point seems to be that the human race is of no special significance to God. This basically contradicts his own earlier statements that God blesses the righteous. His argument is falling apart.

Job
Job says that his friends have said nothing helpful (26:1-4). God is all-powerful and beyond figuring out (26:5-14). Job continues speaking instead of letting Zophar give a third speech (27:1). Job was willing to go to the grave while insisting on his innocence (27:2-10). He trusts that God, in His power, will eventually judge the wicked (27:11-23).

Job considers how humanity is able to successfully mine for precious resources (28:1-11). Wisdom, however, is more valuable and harder to come by (28:12-19). It comes only to the person who realizes that it belongs to God (28:20-28).

Job longs for the former days when God’s blessing was over him (29:1-11). Job had been a righteous man who looked out for those who were suffering (29:12-17). He had thought that life would go on like this for the rest of his life (29:18-20). But Job has experienced a complete reversal. Now, instead of being the most respected man in his community (29:21-25), Job was being mocked by the lowest of the low (30:1-10). He is being terrorized and is on the brink of death (30:11-19).

Job prayed to God for help and the reply was silence and, worse yet, further attack (30:20-30)! All this despite the fact that Job has searched his life and found no areas of sin. He has not sinned sexually, socially, or spiritually (31:1-34). Job has nothing left to but to restate his desire to state his innocence directly to God (31:35-40).

Introduction to Elihu
When the dialogue between Job and his three friends had reached an impasse a younger man named Elihu spoke out in anger (32:1). He was angry with Job for attempting to justify himself rather than God (32:2). He was angry with the three friends for condemning Job without having any genuine evidence or argument against him (32:3). Elihu had waited before speaking because of his age, but his frustration with how the conversation had ended stirred him to speak (32:4-5).

Elihu’s Justification for Joining In
Elihu begins by explaining why he should be listened to. He had humbly waited his turn (32:6-7), but wisdom comes from the Lord and not necessarily from age (32:8-10). Indeed, their words had failed (32:11-15) and he felt compelled to bring the conversation to completion (32:16-20). Elihu sees himself as an impartial witness in these proceedings (32:21-22). He speaks with sincere integrity (33:1-4) and suggests he is an ideal dialogue partner for Job (33:5-7, 31-33).

Elihu Appraisal of Job
Elihu had listened well and understood Job’s arguments. Job believed he was innocent, under attack from God, and that God was silent (33:8-11). But Elihu insists that God was not silent in Job’s situation, rather, he was speaking through Job’s pain (33:12-22). Job could be restored by grace (33:23-28), but would need a new and improved view of pain and suffering (33:29-30).

Elihu’s Appraisal of the Dialogue
Elihu invited the friends to listen to him (34:1-4). Job had put into question God’s justice (34:5-9), so Elihu felt the need to defend God (34:10-28). Who are we to question God when He seems silent (34:29-30)? Job should repent, not only for his previous sins, but also of the accusatory nature of his speeches against God (34:31-37).

Elihu’s Own Argument
Elihu doesn’t like the conclusions that Job has reached (35:1-4). He seems to repeat an earlier argument that God is too big to be overly concerned with man’s behavior (35:5-8). Wicked people don’t credit God when things are going good, and then they get mad at God when things go badly. Why should God respond to such people when they cry out to Him? And why should God respond to Job when he accuses Him of injustice and indifference (9-16)?

Elihu’s Big Conclusion
Elihu is very confident that his words are true (36:1-4). God is just (36:5-7), and because of this justice He must discipline people before they are acceptable to Him. We should view this discipline as God’s word to us. We can either learn the lesson or suffer the consequences (36:8-15). Job’s problem is that he doesn’t seem to be growing through his trials (36:16-21). Elihu insists that God’s ways are mysterious and beyond our complete comprehension (36:22-37:24).

Introduction to the LORD
It may be the case that, as Elihu was finishing his speech, a storm was emerging (36:27-37:13). The LORD answered Job out of the storm (38:1, perhaps meant both literally and symbolically). He rebukes Job for speaking in ignorance (38:2). God, not Job, will ask the questions (38:3).

LORD of the Land (Creation)
The LORD begins by asking Job rhetorical questions about the creation. Where was Job when God created the earth (38:4-7)? How about when He set the limits of the sea (38:8-11)? Does Job control when the day dawns (38:12-15)? Has he discovered the depth and the breadth of the earth (38:16-18)? Does he control light and darkness (38:19-21)? Is he in charge of the weather (38:22-30)? Is he sovereign over the stars and skies? (38:31-35)? Is Job the source of wisdom (38:36-38)?

LORD of the Living (Creatures)
The LORD continues by asking Job rhetorical questions about living creatures. Does Job provide food for the animals (38:39-41)? Does he watch over their cycle of reproduction (39:1-4)? Is Job the one in charge of the wild (39:5-12)? Did he endow even the dumb animals with skills to survive (39:13-18)? Did Job design the horse for battle (39:19-25)? Did he teach the birds to fly and find food (39:26-30)?

A Brief Exchange with Job
The pointed questions in the previous section seem to be aimed at humbling Job. He’s not the source and Sovereign over creation. He’s not the one who cares for and equips the animals. Is it really Job’s place to give God advice (40:1-2)? Job realizes his humble status and silences himself before the LORD (40:3-4).

The Largeness of the LORD
The LORD begins a second round of questions for Job (40:6-7). In defending himself, Job had essentially put God on trial (40:8). But God is the judge and Job isn’t qualified to sit in that seat (40:9-14). If the first speech was meant to humble Job (give him a proper view of self), then the second speech is meant to exalt God (give Job a proper view of the LORD). God is even bigger than the biggest creatures known to man (40:15-41:34).

Job’s Response to God’s Speech
In response to God’s speech, Job exalts God (42:1-2). He confesses that he had been speaking in ignorance and had failed to leave room for mystery (42:3). Previously, Job had held a high view of God in theory, but now he realized how great God truly was in practice (42:4-5). The only proper response was repentance (42:6).

Masonry

2010-09-07T11:36:00.000-04:00

World Religions: Masonry

What is the origin of Masonry?
Originally, the ‘masons’ were simply a guild of stone workers in Europe during the Middle Ages. Individual members of the guild shared various religious perspectives with the group. In the 17th century, these close-knit guilds began allowing non-masons to join what was becoming an active fraternal organization. By 1717, the Grand Lodge of England was formed, uniting masons throughout the country. Masonry soon spread throughout the developing world.

How does it work?
Many communities have a Masonic Lodge. Men can either be invited or request membership and begin progressing through various degrees of Masonry. Membership appears to be on the decline (roughly 5 million), but Masonry has often yielded considerable influence relative to its size.

Is Masonry a religion?
Not all Masons think of Masonry in the same way.
 For many (perhaps most), being a Mason just means being part of a social club/fraternity and is akin to joining the Rotary or Lion’s Club.
 For others, Masonry is an understanding of 4 key principles (The Fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, the immortality of the soul, and Masonry as the hope of the future).
 Still others think of Masonry as the 1 true religion. This variety of Masonry tends to be very mystical and is connected to paganism and occult practices.
The higher up you go in Masonry, the more ‘religious’ it becomes. On the back, we’ll focus on religious Masonry.
What do Masons believe?
 God: Masons must confess theism (atheists are excluded). Members are granted freedom to define God however they want. As they rise up the ranks, members are informed that the gods of various religions are the same God. In the highest degrees of Masonry, God is defined as pantheistic.
 Salvation: Masons believe that, in the end, all men will be saved (universalism). Salvation comes by acknowledging the truth of Masonry and, therefore, engaging in personal reformation (toward good works).

What are the significant symbols/rituals?
Symbols and ritual are used to teach Masonic ideals. The most famous symbol uses the square, compass, and often the letter G to emphasize morality, spirituality and God respectively.

What is good about Masonry?
 Masons are theistic
 Masons emphasize close fellowship/brotherhood
 Masons may be motivated by a desire for ultimate unity
 Masons are active in various ‘good works’

What is bad about Masonry?
 Masonry is a ‘secret society’
 Its higher degrees are thoroughly paganized
 It ultimately rejects the uniqueness of Jesus Christ
 It calls for the full allegiance of its members

Can a Christian be a Mason?
A Christian man might be ignorant of the teachings of Masonry and treat his Lodge just like one would treat any other social fraternity. But if a man comes to acknowledge the religious nature of Masonry, it would seem necessary for him to leave the Lodge out of allegiance to Christ.

From Selfishness to Submission (5:21-6:9)

2010-09-07T11:32:00.001-04:00

EPHESIANS 5:21-6:9
- From Selfishness to Submission -

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”

Relationships to Consider
1. What should I do?
2. Why should I do it?
3. What should happen if I do it?

Wives to Husbands…
1. Christian wives should submit to their husbands in a similar manner to how they and the broader church submit to Christ (complete submission).
2. They should do this because, in a spiritual sense, the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church.
3. In this submission, wives should expect to receive vital connection, rational direction, and active protection from their husbands.

Husbands to Wives…
1. Christian husbands should love their wives in a similar manner to how Christ loves the Church (sacrificially with her purity and future in mind) and to how they themselves love their bodies (taking care of them).
2. They should do this because they are symbols of Christ and because, in a spiritual sense, husbands and wives truly are one flesh.
3. In this love, husbands should expect to receive respect from their wives.

Children to Parents…
1. Christian children should obey their parents (in the Lord).
2. They should do this because it is the right thing to do and may be motivated by the promise of blessing.
3. In this obedience, children should expect to not be provoked to anger, but to be properly trained in the way of the Lord.

Slaves to Masters…
1. Christian slaves should obey their earthly masters in a similar manner to how they obey Christ.
2. They should do this because in doing so they may find favor with their master, but also because they’ve truly learned what it means to submit in their heart.
3. In this obedience, they should expect reward from the Lord (if they have a non-Christian master) or good treatment from their master (if they have a Christian master, since he will realize that they are both equal citizens of the 1 true Master).

Questions to Consider
1. How has the command the wives submit to their husbands been mis-used? (5:22)
2. Should we be surprised when Christian wives don’t submit to husbands? (5:24)
3. Don’t lots of people hate their bodies? (5:29)
4. Why did the 1st Commandment come with this promise? (6:3)
5. Why didn’t God simply abolish slavery? (6:5-9)

Is the OT God a monster?

2010-08-10T14:04:00.004-04:00

Is the OT God a Monster?

The Question
Many non-Christians think Jesus was a pretty nice guy, but have a real problem with the God of the Old Testament. They hear/read stories of God telling Abraham to sacrifice his son or of God sending a worldwide flood and take from them that the OT God is a terrible character. Is it true?

The Answer
Most often, two issues exist with the person who accuses the OT God of being a terrible character. First, they usually have not understood the supposedly incriminating OT accounts and missed the broader message. Second, they think they have the right to judge God, when the reality is the reverse.

God’s actions in the OT must be understood correctly before they can be judged fairly. We don’t have space to respond to every popular accusation against God’s actions in the OT, but we can say that a careful reading of the Abraham/Isaac story (Genesis 22) reveals that God had no intention of having Abraham sacrifice Isaac. Anyone who takes the time to read the entire Old Testament finds that God is good, just, merciful, patient, loving, gracious, etc.

Most accusations against God’s actions in the OT assume that God has the same set of rights and limitations as we do. But God is the Creator and owner of all. God has the right to judge rebels. God has the right to punish His children. God has the right to end a life because all life belongs to God.

Does the Trinity make sense?

2010-08-10T14:04:00.003-04:00

Does the Trinity make sense?

The Question
The ‘Trinity’ seems like a really confusing thing to believe in. Christians say that they are monotheists (people who believe in one God), but they also claim that the Father is God AND that the Son (Jesus) is God AND that the Spirit is God. Does this make sense?

The Answer
People like to try and figure things out. We must recognize, however, that if God exists, it will be beyond our intellectual abilities to understand the nature of God. We may come to realize that God exists, but we will probably never fully comprehend how God exists. It is possible that the Trinity makes complete sense even if we (as limited human beings) can’t make much sense of it at all.

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible. It is a word made up by Christian theologians in an attempt to understand what history and the Bible tells us about God. The Bible is clear that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:8). But as history unfolded, it became clearer and clearer that this God was a complex being provoking a new term.

The definition of God was transformed by the arrival of Jesus Christ on the earth. Because of His life, words & actions, it became clear to those close to Him that He was the Son of God. Even though the earliest Christians were Jews who believed strongly that there was only 1 God, they began to worship Jesus too.
Before Jesus ascended to the heavens, He promised that He would send the Spirit of God to His followers. This happened on the Day of Pentecost. The Spirit of God entered into the lives of Jesus’ people. Some of these Spirit-filled Christians went on to write the New Testament. The New Testament speaks of the Spirit as a personal being and equates the Spirit with God.

In sum, the Bible teaches there is one God, but there is a relationship within this one God. There is a Father, Son & Spirit. Even though this is difficult for us to understand, it is clearly communicated in Scripture:

 At creation, God said “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” (Genesis (1:26)

 An angel told Mary that the Spirit would come upon her and she would give birth to the Son of God despite being a virgin because nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:35-37)

 At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke of the Son as the Spirit descended as a dove (Matthew 3:16-17)

 When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He told the disciples to make disciples of all people baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son & Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

 Paul writes that God sends the Spirit of the Son to our hearts so that we can call out to the Father (Galatians 4:6)
But it’s one thing to recognize that the Bible teaches that God exists as Trinity (Tri-Unity). It’s another thing to begin to understand why that is important. What is the significance of knowing that God exists as Father, Son & Spirit? We think there are three main marks of significance:

First, we believe the truth is always worth finding out. God has been revealed as Trinity and, thus, the Trinity is something true. Truth always has value even if we’re not quite sure what that value is.

Second, we believe the concept of Trinity helps us to understand the process of salvation. The Father initiates our salvation by sending Jesus. Jesus opens up a way for us to relate to the Father by offering forgiveness through the cross. The Spirit helps us to navigate toward the Father during our lives here on earth.

Third, the fact that God exists as Trinity shows us the importance of relationship. Relationship is not just something God wants, relationship is Someone God is. Since we were made in God’s image, we were made for relationship. There is a loving relationship within God, and so we were created to love and be loved as well.

Many people have tried to figure out the Trinity by comparing it to earthly things that exist with 3 parts (like eggs, triangles, lemonade, etc), but ultimately there is nothing like God. God is unique. If we could completely figure God out, it would mean we were God’s superiors. God is above us and beyond our full comprehension.

How could a loving God allow so much suffering?

2010-08-10T14:04:00.001-04:00

How could a loving God
allow so much suffering?

The Question
This question is often referred to as the Problem of Pain. John Stott, a famous Christian theologian, once said this about the issue: “The fact of suffering undoubtedly constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith, and has been in every generation. Its distribution and degree appear to be entirely random and therefore unfair. Sensitive spirits ask if it can possibly be reconciled with God’s justice and love.”

The problem of pain is, perhaps, best posed by the Greek Philosopher Epicurus: “Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to; or he cannot and does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, and does not want to, he is wicked. But if God both can and wants to abolish evil, then how comes evil in the world?”

Thus, there are 4 claims in play here:
1. God exists
2. God is perfectly good
3. God has unlimited power
4. Evil exists

It seems to many that the first three claims cannot be reconciled with the fourth claim. But the fourth claim feels like the one that is the most evidently true! Is it possible to reconcile the idea of a loving God with the existence of evil (pain, suffering & death)?

The Answer
We agree with John Stott that the Problem of Pain is the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith (and to the belief in God in general). For this reason, we are devoting more room to this issue (usually, each tract tackles two questions). That beings said, we recognize that a subject as big and close to home as this cannot be adequately dealt with in a lengthy book, let alone a single piece of paper. We aim only to provide some helpful starting points.

We believe that the best way to start thinking about a solution to the Problem of Pain is to consider it with a past, present & future Christian perspective.

The Past Perspective
A non-Christian might wonder why a loving God would create a world that was so messed up, but the Christian response is that the loving God did NOT create a messed up world. The Bible says that when God finished creating, the result was ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31). God created paradise.

From a Christian perspective, the Problem of Pain only entered into the world through the Fall of Humanity. When human beings decided to reject God, there were negative results. Humanity began to experience problems like physical pain (3:15), broken human relationships (3:16b), problems with the natural world (3:17-18), and spiritual conflict (3:15 & 23). These problems did not originate with God’s creation, but with the poor choices of humanity.

The Present Perspective
If we only consider the past perspective, however, the Christian answer to the Problem of Pain might seem too easy. Even if we grant that God created a good world to begin with, we may question why God created a world that could go so wrong? Why give human beings the ability to mess up a good world? Why grant free will?

But consider God’s options: 1) He could have created no living beings 2) He could have created good beings without free will 3) He could have created beings with free will. 4) He could have created bad beings without free will.

We can easily recognize that options 1 & 4 would be terrible from a human perspective! Option 2 only looks attractive at first glance. Would we really want to exist without choice? Wouldn’t that make us more like machines than like human beings? It turns out that option 3 is actually the best option.

But even if we say option 3 is to be preferred, we are still left with a number of significant questions. 1) Why doesn’t God give us a slightly different version of option 3 in which the degree and/or scope of pain is lessened? 2) Is there something valuable about suffering that causes God to allow it? 3) How can God observe all this suffering and not do something about it?

As to the first question, who is to say that God hasn’t limited the amount of pain and suffering that we experience? Maybe this is the best version of option 3. The degree and scope of pain and suffering surely is limited.
As to the second question, we need to recognize that many positives come from pain. Everyone from world class athletes to first time mothers realize that much gain can come through pain, but sometimes we don’t recognize this when we are angry with God. Truth be told, most of us can think of good results that came out of painful situations in our lives.

As to how God could sit up in heaven watching all this pain and suffering and not do anything about it, the Christian answer is that God does no such thing. Instead, in Christian theology, God became flesh (Jesus) and suffered an excruciating death on a cross. And because Jesus suffered and died, a future free from such things has been assured for those who find life in Christ.

The Future Perspective
No Christian response to the problem of pain is complete without reference to the future. In Christian theology, God has promised to bring an end to all pain and to death itself. The problem will not last. One should not judge God solely on the present when so many of the promises are focused on the future. And this hope of a future resolution to the Problem of Pain is not a blind hope, but one based God’s established record of keeping promises.

Thus, when we thoughtfully consider all of the above, the Problem of Pain becomes less of an argument against God’s existence and more of an opportunity to reflect who God is, who we are, and where we are headed in light of the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

What if I'm still not sure?

2010-08-10T14:03:00.000-04:00

What if I’m still not sure?

The Question
Suppose there is a person who has thoughtfully considered the claims of Christianity, but they still have doubts. Should that person wait until they are absolutely certain that Christianity is true before becoming a Christian?

The Answer
Since becoming a follower of Christ is a life changing commitment, it is necessary to use careful consideration before taking that step. Jesus himself insisted on this when he warned would-be followers about the potential cost of following Him. Christianity is not to be entered into lightly.

That being said, is it necessary to have every question about Christianity answered before committing to Christ? No. In life, we make all sorts of good decisions based on probability rather than absolute certainty.

Whether we are walking down the sidewalk or eating a slice of pizza, we are acting as if the sidewalk won’t collapse beneath our feet and the pizza is not poisoned. Do we know this for certain? No. But, in the absence of legitimate suspicion, such events are so unlikely that we’d be foolish to live in fear.

Responding to the Gospel does not require absolute certainty that Christianity is true, and it will not necessarily erase all doubts. Some people, just because of their personality type, will always have doubts enter their mind. It is completely legitimate to express these doubts to God. The opposite of faith is not doubt, but disobedience.

One Bible story describes a man who had substantial doubts, but he also had a growing belief that Jesus was who he claimed to be. When he finally met with Jesus, he honestly stated “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” We can be honest to God about our doubts even as we grow in our faith.

Can you prove that God exists?

2010-08-10T14:02:00.002-04:00

Can you prove that God exists?

The Question
Isn’t belief in God simply a matter of faith? Many people in today’s world choose to believe things based only on actual evidence and solid argumentation. Can you prove that God exists? Or is belief in God a blind leap?

The Answer
Some people think of proving something as showing it to be 100% certain, but clearly very few things, if anything, fall into the category of certainty. The truth is that we base our lives on high probabilities, not certainties.

To prove something simply means to establish its truthfulness through sound argument. We do believe such arguments for theism (belief in God) exist and that they demonstrate the truth of theism beyond reasonable doubt. Below we will briefly explain seven of the strongest arguments that set out to prove God’s existence.

#1 The First Cause Argument
Any sane person would agree with the law that anything that begins to exist has a cause. Most people now agree that the universe at some point in the past began to exist. Therefore, the universe must have a cause. We can rightfully label that cause the Creator. This argument doesn’t give us very much information about the Creator, but it shows that the Creator is a necessary reality. There must be a first cause, a reality that does not have a beginning.
#2 The Design Argument
Any careful observer recognizes that the universe displays a high degree of apparent order/design. This could be explained either by chance or by actual intelligence behind the design. But it is so statistically improbable that chance can account for the order/design we observe that intelligence becomes a superior explanation. That intelligent designer can be labeled as God.

#3 The Conscience/Morality Argument
Throughout time/space human beings have shared a common sense of right and wrong. Despite recent attempts to show otherwise, the atheistic view cannot adequately explain the source of our morality. Theism can and does explain it. The source is God.

#4 The Desire Argument
Every natural desire that human beings have corresponds to something real that can satisfy the desire. Yet most will admit that they have a natural desire for something more than this world can offer. The most probable explanation for this is that there does exist something beyond this world.

#5 The Prophecy Argument
The Bible contains many bold predictions that came true in history. Isaiah spoke of Cyrus’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem more than 100 years before Cyrus was even born (Isaiah 44:28). Micah predicted that the Messiah would be born in the little town of Bethlehem some 700 years before the birth of Jesus (Micah 5:2). Thus, their claim to be inspired by God was verified by the accuracy of their predictions. Therefore, God exists.
#6 The Experience Argument
Many people throughout human history through to today claim to have an experience with the divine. One could argue that it is highly improbable that all such people have been utterly mistaken. It is far more likely an explanation that a divine being exists and has been experienced.

#7 The Jesus Argument
Jesus Christ claimed to be God. He demonstrated his trustworthiness through his life & teachings and his claims were verified through miracles and his resurrection from the dead. Given these realities, it is far more likely that Jesus was who he claimed to be than any other option. If Jesus was who he claimed to be, then there is a God.

One could say that none of these arguments, by themselves, prove the existence of God with certainty. But we could say that these arguments (and there are others), taken together, make a very strong case for the existence of God. Belief in God, then, need not be a blind leap of ignorance, but a logical step of faith.

What evidence is there that Jesus rose from the dead?

2010-08-10T14:02:00.001-04:00

What evidence is there that Jesus rose from the dead?

The Question
The Bible itself states that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then the Christian faith is not a faith worth having (1 Cor. 15:14+17). What evidence supports the incredible claim that Jesus rose from the dead?

The Answer
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is, indeed, the core doctrine of Christianity. And because it is such an extraordinary claim, it is understandable that one would doubt it in the absence of evidence. But we believe the resurrection of Jesus is, by far, the best explanation for three strands of evidence.

The first strand of evidence is that the tomb was empty. This fact of history has been explained in a number of ways:

~ Maybe Jesus only fainted on the cross
~ Maybe the disciples stole the body
~ Maybe they went to the wrong tomb
~ Maybe it was Jesus who died on the cross

But all of these explanations, once considered, are quite unreasonable. Roman soldiers knew how to crucify people and make sure they were dead. The tomb was well guarded. The Jewish and/or Roman authorities would have quickly corrected a case of mistaken location, as they would have a case of mistaken identity.

The second strand of evidence is that of the appearances. This fact of history (that many claimed to have seen the risen Jesus) has also been explained in various ways:

~ Maybe they actually saw a look-alike
~ Maybe they hallucinated
~ Maybe they really saw a ghost of Jesus
~ Maybe it was a mass conspiracy

But, again, all of these explanations are harder to believe than the biblical account. Could a look-alike have truly tricked Jesus’ family and friends? Could so many people hallucinated the same thing (even the one’s who were skeptical) at different times and places? Why would they use the word ‘resurrection’ (which referred to a material body) to describe a ghostly appearance? And why would they die for a lie (most of Jesus’ followers died for their belief that he rose from the dead and was the King of kings)?

A third strand of evidence is the emergence of Christianity. How does one explain the spread of the good news that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead if the last event in his life was his death on a Roman cross? How does one explain the millions who testify to a relationship with Jesus?

To make matters worse (for those doubting the resurrection), one must come up with a theory (or combination of theories) that reasonably explains all three strands of evidence. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). In our opinion, it is much more reasonable to believe that Jesus really did rise from the dead, as the Bible records.

If Darwin was right, is Christianity wrong?

2010-08-10T14:01:00.000-04:00

If Darwin was right, is Christianity wrong?

The Question
In his 1859 book On the Origin of Species Charles Darwin developed the theory that simple life (like that of a microbe) evolved/changed through time into more complex life (like that of a man). To put it simply, this theory suggests that the accumulation of tiny changes over millions of years can account for the origin of a complex species like humanity.

If Darwinian evolutionary theory is true (and many suppose that it is) doesn’t this render God obsolete? Why should I believe in a Creator if Darwin can adequately explain the origin of species?

The Answer
To answer such questions, we first must understand the limits of the theory of evolution. Darwin’s theory offers a possible explanation of how a complex species came about, but it actually has nothing to say in regards to the origin of life in general. In other words, the theory suggests how microbes might become men, but it has no explanation for where the microbes came from.

Because of this, many people who believe in Darwinian evolution still believe in God. They believe that God was necessary to initiate the process of evolution. This view is known as Theistic Evolution.

But despite the confidence of many of its leading advocates, we are not convinced that Darwin’s theory best explains the evidence. While some Christians can be labeled as Theistic Evolutionists, others consider the Theory of Evolution to be fatally flawed on the basis of science and/or Scripture.

Some of the Christians who deny Darwinism agree with him that the earth is very (millions and millions of years) old. They believe the scientific evidence supports this and they suggest that each day of the creation week (Genesis 1) represented a long span of time. This view is known as the Day-Age Theory.

Other Christians reject the popular belief in evolution AND the popular belief that the earth is old. They believe the evidence demonstrates an ancient catastrophe (Noah’s flood) and not an ancient age (millions of years). This position is often referred to as Young-Earth Creationism.

In sum, then, Christianity does not stand or fall on the truthfulness of Darwin’s theory or popular ideas about the age of the earth. If Darwin was right, we still need an explanation for the original species and for the existence of matter itself! But Darwin’s theory has a lot more holes than we are sometimes led to believe.

Christianity stands or falls, not on the truthfulness of the Theory of Evolution, but on the truthfulness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why do Christians ignore some Old Testament Laws?

2010-08-10T14:00:00.004-04:00

Why do Christians ignore some Old Testament Laws?

The Question
The Old Testament/Covenant contains 613 laws, but even a casual observer can recognize that Christians don’t even attempt to keep them all. For example, most Christians don’t eat a kosher diet or keep the Sabbath day (Saturday) separate. Isn’t it incredibly arbitrary for Christians to pick some laws and ignore others?

The Answer
The truth of the matter is that Christians are not directly bound to any of the 613 Old Testament laws. Christians, by definition, are people who are directly bound to Christ and his complete authority.
Certainly Christ repeated some of the 613 laws (and that is why Christians obey some of them). But other laws were not re-instated under Christ’s administration. Many Christians have come to understand why certain laws were not re-instated.

In general, the Old Testament/Covenant contained 3 different kinds of laws. Some laws were moral in nature (do this, don’t do that), some were instructions regarding religious rituals (sacrifice this, don’t sacrifice that), and others were national in character (lead like this, don’t lead like that).

When we examine which laws Jesus repeated/re-instated, it is not surprising to find that they were the moral laws. After all, what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong no matter what administration you are under.

But Christ did not command his people to keep the Old Covenant religious rituals or national laws. Why would he? The religious rituals of the Old Covenant were symbolic of Christ. Once Christ had come, the symbols were no longer necessary. And the civil laws were meant for leading the people of Israel, but the New Covenant is not centered on an individual nation.

In most cases, common sense makes clear which laws are moral and, therefore, still in effect and which one’s are not. Christians, then, are not necessarily arbitrary in their submission to certain Old Covenant laws and their lack of submission to others. They are submitted to the law of Christ.

How could a loving God send people to Hell?

2010-08-10T14:00:00.003-04:00

How could a loving God send people to Hell?

The Question
Many non-Christians hear two consistent messages from vocal believers. First, they hear that God is love. Second, they hear that if one doesn’t become a Christian, this loving God will send them to a place called Hell where they will be tortured in fire forever. For many, these 2 messages seem to be contradictory. How could a loving God send human beings to an eternity of flames?

The Answer
Thoughtful Christians have responded to this important question in two very distinct ways. Some attempt to defend the two doctrines (God’s love & eternal torment) as non-contradictory. Others, however, have suggested an alternative fate for the wicked. In what follows, we offer a defense of the doctrine of eternal torment along with two alternative views held by some Christians.

“When did you stop beating your wife?” If you ask this question to a husband who has never beaten his wife, his only possible answer is to deny the legitimacy of the question. Similarly, if you ask “How could a loving God send people to hell?” a Christian has the right to deny the legitimacy of the question since, it may be argued, the wording doesn’t match with reality. Most Christians who believe the doctrine of eternal torment do not believe God sends anyone there. People choose Hell by rejecting God.
Defenders of the doctrine of eternal torment might also suggest that those with this objection are giving too much weight to God’s love in comparison to God’s justice. If there was no punishment, the question could be turned on its head to ask, “How could a just God let the wicked go free?”

Finally, those compelled to defend the doctrine of eternal torment might suggest that the fiery imagery associated with hell is symbolic rather than literal. It is, they suggest, symbolic for the fact that unbelievers will spend eternity separated from God.

While these 3 defenses of eternal torment may satisfy the objections of some, others (Christian and non-Christian alike) insist that problems remain. Many people (again, Christians and non-Christians alike) are unaware that there are alternative Christian thoughts about the fate of the wicked.

One alternative to eternal torment may be called conditional immortality. This view insists that eternal life is a gift given to believers and not natural to humankind. Upon death, an unbeliever could be punished in accordance with their sins (for a time, not an eternity) and then simply cease to exist.

Another alternative may be described as universal reconciliation. In this view, the wicked are punished after their deaths, but God’s purpose in the punishment is to bring them to repentance. When that happens, they are forgiven by Jesus and welcomed into eternity with God.
It is important to note that those holding these alternative views do not necessarily do so simply to avoid the question at hand. Both these alternatives had supporters in the early church and attempt to support their views with the Bible and reason. But if true, these alternatives do resolve the main objection raised by this question.

In sum, the Bible leaves room for a variety of interpretations as to what happens to unbelievers when they die. In the end, if there really is a God who is loving and just, we can trust that this God will deal lovingly and justly with all people even if we do not know exactly what form that will take.

What about those who have never heard?

2010-08-10T14:00:00.001-04:00

What about those
who have never heard?

The Question
The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6), the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12), and the only means to eternal life (1 John 5:11). But what about people who have never even heard of Jesus? Do they miss out on God, salvation & eternal life just because they were never presented with the necessary information? If so, isn’t that unfair?

The Answer
There are 2 issues involved in this question. First, certain people are being thought of as innocent due to their levels of ignorance. Second, God’s justice is being disputed. Both issues require a closer look.

Before accusing God of injustice, we should be clear about the levels of ignorance and innocence attached to the persons in question. According to the Bible, just because a person has never heard of the story of Jesus doesn’t mean they haven’t been given information about God.

The Bible says that the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). In other words, creation itself points to a Creator. Paul says that God’s existence and even some of God’s attributes can be clearly discerned from creation (Romans 1:20).

But beyond creation pointing to the existence of a Creator, we also have a conscience that points to the Creators moral standards. Across the globe a general sense of right and wrong is agreed upon.

Because people have creation and conscience pointing them toward God, even people from isolated tribal groups are without excuse when it comes to responding to God’s natural revelation.

The question becomes, if a tribal member did respond positively to creation and conscience, could they be saved despite their ignorance of Jesus? The Bible doesn’t address this question directly, but the answer may very well be yes!

If God chooses to save such a person, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they found some other way to be saved than by Jesus. It may simply mean that Jesus saves them despite their ignorance of His name. Just because they were ignorant of Jesus doesn’t mean Jesus was ignorant of them. The Bible says that Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). If they were seeking truth, they were seeking Jesus all along!

In the end, we can trust that God will make the right decisions. God knows our limitations. He will judge people according to how they have responded to the revelation they did receive (Proverbs 24:12).

Not all Christians would agree with this response to the question. But from our point of view, this answer makes the most sense of God and the relevant Bible passages.

Can you prove that Jesus actually existed?

2010-08-10T13:59:00.001-04:00

Can you prove that Jesus actually existed?

The Question
It has recently become popular among atheists and skeptics to bring into question the very existence of Jesus. Can we really be confident that there actually was a historical person in the 1st century that corresponds to the character Christians claim as their forgiver and leader? Or is Jesus just another legend that developed over time without any real basis in reality?

The Answer
Before we begin to provide evidence of Jesus as a historical figure, we should stop and ask ourselves what kinds and what degrees of evidence we should expect to find for a 1st century character like Jesus.

It would be easy to over-estimate Jesus’ fame amongst his contemporaries. In fact, his public ministry lasted less than 4 years. During this time, his travels only extended about 120 miles north to south and about 30 miles east to west. There were no TV interviews, podcasts to download from the internet, and he never self-published a book.

In a sense, then, we should be quite surprised to find any evidence of a 1st century Jewish teacher who died in the beginning years of his ministry. But in another sense, if Jesus really was God in the flesh, did miracles, and rose from the dead, one would think he would leave behind a historical trail!
Indeed, Jesus left a large literary legacy. The problem is that most atheists and skeptics deny that the bulk of these documents are admissible as evidence on the grounds that they were written by believers (for example, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John).

But we should question this automatic dismissal of the Gospels. Indeed, believers wrote them, but these believers were also Jesus’ contemporaries and, in many cases, eyewitnesses to the events of his ministry. Very few ancient figures have as much written of them by contemporaries as Jesus.

Even if we dismiss the Gospel records, though, we are not left without evidence of Jesus’ existence. As a matter of fact, we have confirmation of Jesus’ life from 2 major Roman historians (Tacitus and Suetonius) and 1 major Jewish historian (Josephus) from the late 1st century.

Truth be told, even if we only accepted antagonistic sources like those mentioned above, we would still know the following pieces of information about Jesus:

1) Jesus was a 1st century figure
2) Jesus taught in Palestine
3) He performed extraordinary works
4) He was sentenced to death
5) Some claimed he rose from the dead

Thus, when we speak of Jesus as a historical figure, we are on solid ground. To question his existence is valid, but the investigation yields clear results. His historicity is beyond reasonable doubt.

Why are there so many denominations?

2010-08-10T13:58:00.000-04:00

Why are there so many denominations?

The Question
Christians claim love and unity. But when we look around town, we see all sorts of churches divided from one another. If Christians can’t even get along with each other, why should one be interested in what they have to say about love and unity, let alone God?

The Answer
We have neither the space nor the brainpower to give justice to a complete answer for this question, but there are a few important realities to keep in mind.

First, we have to make sure that we aren’t seeing division where there is really only the appearance of division. Just because there are distinct pieces of property in a geographical area doesn’t mean the Christians in those locations are necessarily divided from each other.
Many churches have good relationships with other local churches in their neighborhood. In such cases, the appearance of division due to separate locations is simply deceiving.

But let’s be honest, a lot of the apparent division between supposedly Christian churches is more than superficial. Many people have visited a church only to hear negative comments about the church down the street or across town. It’s a real problem.

In short, it’s a people problem. Some pastors have joked that leading a church would be great if it weren’t for the people! The truth behind the joke is that a church is, among other things, a group of flawed human beings.

One specific problem is the abundance of nominal (in name only) Christians in churches. A true Christian is someone who is a follower of Jesus Christ (who did indeed call His people to love & unity). But it is easy for individuals or entire groups to label themselves as Christians and yet not really be followers of Christ. Such people might bring division and give Christianity a bad reputation. They often do.

A second explanation has to do with the fact that even genuine Christians sometimes sin and bring division. This is what Paul was addressing in 1 Corinthians 1:11-13. The people of the church were quarreling and aligning themselves with different church leaders (like Paul, Apollos or Peter). Paul’s response was to remind them that they were all to be followers of Christ.

Christianity today struggles with something similar to the Corinthian context. There are people who are more aligned with men like Luther, Calvin or Wesley than they are with Christ. I find it very hard to see a significant difference between the two situations. It was a shame then and it is a shame today.

In sum, then, the answer to the question is quite complex. In most ways, it is a downright shame that Christianity is so marked by visible division. Even if the problem of nominal Christianity went away, genuine Christians must learn to better maintain unity in the face of genuine differences over disputable matters. Christians agree on the basic points of belief and this should provoke a spirit of unity.

As hard as it may be, you shouldn’t let people who are just pretending to be Christians determine your thoughts about genuine Christianity. And, even though it may be even harder, you shouldn’t let the inconsistent behavior of some Christians influence your thoughts about what Christ is really like.

The church, as we see it, is collection of people who call themselves followers of Christ. In many ways, it is a broken institution just like most/all other institutions in this world. But within that institution, there are many authentic followers of Jesus who are truly interested in His kind of love and His kind of unity.

Maybe you can be part of the answer to this important question!

If they find life on other planets, is Christianity proven false?

2010-08-10T13:57:00.002-04:00

If they find life on other planets, is Christianity proven false?

The Question
Most atheists believe in aliens and it is quite consistent for them to believe in this way. Atheists generally believe that, if the conditions are right, life can emerge from non-life without the aid of a divine being. Add to this the enormous size of the universe and, from their perspective, there must be E.T. life somewhere(s) beyond our present day vision.

If we are alone it would be very difficult for atheists to explain why that is. But is the reverse true? If we do find life on other planets, would that be hard for Christians to handle?

The Answer
Those atheists who think the discovery of life on other planets would somehow disprove Christianity (or religion in general) have always perplexed thoughtful theologians. Neither the lack of life nor the abundance of life would be a shock to the Christian worldview. Let me explain.

Suppose we never discover life on other planets (or somehow proved that it didn’t exist). This shouldn’t surprise Christians since we do believe that the creation of life requires a divine source. Since we aren’t told that God created life on other planets, it is quite possible (maybe even probable) that it doesn’t exist.

On the other hand, the Bible doesn’t tell us everything that God has ever done. It is written to the people of earth. Since we know God was fond of the idea of creating various forms of life on this planet, it wouldn’t shock us at all if God has also created life across the universe.

Thus, both possibilities seem to fit within the Christian worldview. And it seems that both possibilities are fascinating.

Did God show favoritism by choosing Israel?

2010-08-10T13:57:00.001-04:00

Did God show favoritism by choosing Israel?

The Question
The Bible says that God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11), but this seems to contradict the fact that God specifically made a covenant with the people of Israel in the Old Testament. As a British journalist once wrote: How odd of God to choose the Jews. Is this an inconsistency?

The Answer
Most everyone who thinks God’s fairness is brought into question by the covenant made with Israel fails to understand two realities: 1) The purpose of the covenant
2) The definition of true Israel

The purpose of God’s covenant with Israel was never to heap blessings on them alone. God said to Abraham, I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you (Genesis 12:2-3). Israel was chosen for the purpose of reaching the whole world with the good news of God’s love.

By Jesus’ day, many of the Jewish authorities had forgotten this commission to be an access point between God and humanity. Rather, they viewed their selection as a mark of superiority or special privilege. Christians often make this same mistake in regard to their calling, but this mindset was never God’s intention.
Furthermore, it is important to understand God’s definition of what makes someone a true Israelite. Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel, was not chosen on the basis of blood or culture. He was chosen on the basis of faith (Romans 4:3). What makes someone a true descendant of Abraham is not that they have the same DNA as Abraham, but that they have the same faith!

One day Jesus was speaking to physical descendants of Abraham who thought they were part of the covenant on the basis of shared blood and culture. Jesus recognized that they were Israelites in the natural sense (John 8:37), but then questioned whether or not they were Israelites in the spiritual sense (John 8:39). By the end of the conversation, Jesus declared that their true father was actually Satan (John 8:44)!

Paul, too, recognized that some Israelites were only Jewish in the flesh (Romans 2:28, 9:6), but that it was much more important to be a Jew by the Spirit (Romans 2:29). If we have faith, we are truly Abraham’s children (Romans 4:16). It doesn’t matter if we are Jews or Gentiles, if we have faith in Jesus Christ, we are heirs to the promises (Galatians 3:26-29).

When Peter came to know these truths, he was able to say: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right (Acts 10:34-35).

Who Made God?

2010-08-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

Who made God?

The Question
Most people take it for granted that everything has a cause. If the kitchen stinks, it may be because someone left leftovers on the counter or forgot to take out the trash. But we all agree that there is a reason why the kitchen stinks!

Christians often point out that creation also has a cause. Creation exists because a Creator created it. If you were to find a working watch in the middle of the desert, you would never claim that the wind and the sand just happened to put it together. You’d reason, rightly, that someone had made the watch. The world is much more complex than a watch and so it is reasonable to think that someone made the world as well. This evidence for God is sometimes called the design argument.

But a skeptic might respond, “If the design of a complex creation makes you think there is a designer, then who made God? After all, surely a being like God is more complex than a watch or even a world!” In fact, this is the very argument made by one of the world’s most famous atheists in his best selling book The God Delusion.

But it is also a question asked out loud by little children and, we suspect, pondered by thoughtful adults. Who made God? How is it possible that God has simply always been?

The Answer
If you’re looking for a short answer to the first question (who made God?) then the answer is nobody. God is, by definition, the un-made Maker, the un-caused Cause, the un-created Creator.

But how can this be? How could someone so complex simply exist? The first question is answered by the doctrine of God. The second question wants to know the details.

The important detail here is the wording of the problem. It is not technically true that everything has a cause. Scientifically, we can only insist that everything that has a beginning has a cause. Big difference!

There is plenty of evidence that the universe had a beginning (even most atheists will now grant this point). So what do they think caused the universe? Most would suggest something called Big Bang Theory. But who/what caused the big bang?

It becomes obvious that something had to exist originally without a cause. Christians call this something a Someone: God. God is someone who had no beginning and, therefore, needs no cause. God is eternal. Granted, God’s eternal existence is hard to fathom, but that shouldn’t be surprising. After all, God is awesome!

To our minds, it makes a lot more sense to believe in an eternal God than to believe in eternal matter. What do you think?

From Sinners to Saints (4:17-5:20)

2010-08-09T10:30:00.002-04:00

Questions to Consider

1. Are these 6 sins present in our world today?

Sexual Impurity 19, 3, 5
Lying/Falsehood 25
Anger 26, 31
Stealing 28
Coarse Joking 29, 4
Drunkenness 5:18

2. Are these 6 fruits present in the church today?

Holiness 24
Truthfulness 25
Kindness 32
Hard-Work/Charity 28
Edifying-Talk/Thanksgiving 29, 5:4, 19-20
Spirit-filled-ness 5:18

3. How clear is the contrast b/w the world & church?
- Are the 6 sins present in the church?
- Are the 6 fruits present in the world?
- A lot of this depends on one's definition of 'church'
- In my opinion, the church is watered down and the church is flavored up since the 1st century (b/c of disobedience to Christ and the influence of Christ respectively)

4. Is the contrast recommended or commanded?
- Commanded (insist, must, do not, get rid of all, not a hint, nothing to do with, be very careful)

5. Why MUST we live in a counter-cultural way?

We know better (4:20)
It’s what we were designed for (4:24)
We’re part of a team (4:25)
The devil wins if we don’t (4:27) a battle, not a war
Failure grieves the Spirit (4:30) you're a marked man
It’s what God does (4:32, 5:1-2)
It’s fitting for God’s people (5:3)
We’ll miss the kingdom otherwise (5:5-6)

Unity & Diversity (4:1-16)

2010-08-09T10:22:00.002-04:00

Questions to Consider

1. Ephesians, like many of Paul’s Epistles, divides into two sections (theological and practical). Why does Paul write in this way? What purpose does each section serve?
- Generally, good behavior springs from right belief
- Theology provides the big picture
- Practical teaching provides the step by step instruction ("walk" better picture than "live")

2. What is meant by the term “calling”? What calling had they received? What calling have we received?
- Individual call? No
- Called by name of Father or Christ? No
- Called from future hope, by God in eternity? Yes, I think so (kingdom people)

3. What traits does Paul command them to have? Are these traits natural to humanity?
- Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Bearing one another in love
- These traits were contrary to the 1st century image of the ideal man

4. Is unity easy to accomplish in the church? Why?
- No, it takes great effort
- We tend to focus on the differences
- We should focus on the similarities

5. What is the meaning of the Old Testament quotation in verse 8?
- Very challenging quote of Psalm 68:18 (Paul makes alterations)

6. Why is the punctuation important in verse 12?
- Fatal comma (KJV) allowed some to think ministers alone do the work of ministry (and that only paid ministers are ministers!)

7. Should the church believe in evolution? By what means does/will it evolve?
- Evolution simply means change. The church MUST always be changing/growing in Christ-likeness.

8. What’s the risk in not balancing truth & love? Who do you know that balances these 2 things well?

The Mystery Revealed (3:1-21)

2010-08-09T10:14:00.002-04:00

This is a long parenthesis to end the theological section and is followed by a prayer before continues his thought in 4:1.

Questions to Consider

1. Why was this mystery kept secret in ages past?
- Humanity not ready? Tried but not received? Momentum of love?

2. Does Paul genuinely think of himself as the least of all God’s people?
49 Apostle (Gal. 1:1)
55 Least of Apostles (1 Cor. 15:9)
60 Least of God's people (Eph. 3:8)
64 Chief of Sinners (1 Tim 1:15)

3. When was this revelation given to Paul? Why is Paul so significant if it was given to others too?
- Soon after Damascus probably
- He was a Jew schooled in Greek thought and philosophy

4. What is the mystery? Is it all that mysterious?
- Gentiles are welcome in
- See 1 Peter 1:10-12, Romans 16:25, Col. 1:26, 1 Cor. 2:6-10

5. How does the mystery reveal the wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms? Who are they?
- Even angels didn't get it (1 Peter 1:12)
- This was the eternal purpose

6. What does the mystery have to do with freedom and confidence in approaching God?
- Breaks down dividing walls b/w people (Jew & Gentile) and their relationship with God

7. How does the importance of Paul’s message change his thoughts about suffering?
- It was worth it

From Strangers to Citizens (2:11-22)

2010-08-09T10:07:00.002-04:00

It seems to me that Paul, here, is assuming that his readers understand the floor-plan of the Jewish Temple. There were Gentile Courts, Jewish Courts & the Holy of Holies. He makes the case, in this section, that the wall b/w the Gentile and Jewish courts has been destroyed and that all people are now equal. Furthermore, the wall between all people and the holy of holies is gone so that all people have access to God's presence.

1. What was our former state and why does Paul insist that we ‘remember’ it?

Separate/Far-Away (12-13) --> Connected/Near (13)
Excluded (12) --> Included (13)
Foreigners/Aliens (12, 19) --> Citizens/Members (19)
Without Hope/God (12) --> Built/Access (18, 22)

2. By what means do people move from the left to the right (on the lists above)? How does this work? (13)
- Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law (breaking wall b/w Gentiles and Jews)
- Jesus fulfilled the moral law (breaking wall b/w people and God)

3. Why was there so much friction b/w Gentiles and Jews? How does the cross resolve this conflict? (11, 14-18)
- Eliminates ceremonial law (Sabbath, Kosher, Circumcision, etc)

4. In what sense did Jesus abolish the law? (15)
- Ceremonial is completed, gone
- Moral is fulfilled, perfected (not removed)

5. Do you see the Trinity in this passage? (18)
By Spirit, through Son, to Father

6. Why so many metaphors?
New Man (15)
Body (16)
Household (19)
Citizens (19)
Building (20)
Temple (21-22)

7. Why are the Apostles/Prophets foundational? (20)

Go (28:16-20)

2010-06-27T14:54:00.003-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 70: Go!)

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

1. Jesus has been given ALL authority!
- All ='s all. Jesus is unique, not just another great one (King of kings)
- Not shared with Moses, sports, tv, shopping, family
- 'has been given' (past tense) there are still rebels

2. Jesus delegated authority to the APOSTLES!
- Government, parents, apostles, etc
- authorized, sent, confirmation
- Rev 21:14 (12 foundations of the church)

3. Jesus’ delegates left an authoritative BOOK!
- But they died! Who do we turn to?
- Catholics --> Peter's successor's
- Protestants --> Peter himself (and the other Apostles)

4. Jesus desire is to have diverse DISCIPLES!
- not 'converts' 'fans' or 'attenders'
- Obedient to all Jesus' commands

5. Jesus has promised His continued PRESENCE!
- The Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9-11)
- No ascension story b/c focus is on presence

He has Risen! (27:57-28:15)

2010-06-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 69: He Has Risen)

1. The women went to anoint Jesus’ body
Matt 28:1, Mark 16:1-3, Luke 24:1

2. An angel appears at the tomb (guards afraid)
Matt 28:2-4

3. Women arrive at tomb (Mary Magdalene sent back)
Mark 16:4, Luke 24:2, John 20:1-2

4. Women have conversation with angel (then go back)
Matt 28:5-8, Mark 16:5-8, Luke 24:3-11

5. Peter & Beloved Disciple come to tomb
Luke 24:12, John 20:3-10

6. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene
Mark 16:9-11, John 20:11-18

7. Jesus appears to the other women
Matt 28:9-10

8. Priests pay off the guards
Matt 28:11-15

9. Jesus appears to Peter
Luke 24:34, 1 Cor. 15:5

10. Jesus appears to 2 other disciples
Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-35

11. Jesus appears to the disciples
Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-20

12. Thomas misses out on seeing Jesus
John 20:24-25

58-66 (Toward Restoration)

2010-06-22T13:22:00.001-04:00

Chapter 58
The people in Isaiah’s day seemed quite devout (2-3a), but they lived wicked lives (3b-4). Religious activities like fasting, however, are useless if they are not connected to holy activism (5-7).

Chapter 59
When salvation has not occurred, it is not a reflection on God’s capabilities (1) but on our iniquities (2, 9). Sin separates all people from God (16a). If salvation is to occur, it will have to me initiated by God Himself (16b). And so God became flesh (17, 20) to bridge the chasm between God and humanity. The incarnation shows that God is connected to humanity. The presence of the Spirit (21) shows that humanity is connected to God.

Chapter 60-62
The group of people that will be connected to God through this Messiah (61:1) are described as light (60:5), a building (60:18, 62:5), a tree (61:3b), a priesthood (61:6), a bride (62:4), and a holy city (62:12). These are some of the very same images used to describe the church in the New Testament.

Chapter 63-66
God had established a covenant with Israel (63:8) and saved them from their enemy (63:9), but they rebelled against Him (63:10a) and brought upon themselves the judgment of God (63:10b). Eventually, this judgment produced a sense of guilt (64:6-7) and some cried to God for help (64:8-9). At that time, God extended Himself to Gentiles (65:1) and excluded some obstinate Jews (65:2, 7). In the future, all believing (65:10, 66:2) Jews & Gentiles will rejoice in paradise (65:17-25), but the rebellious will be sentenced to death (66:24).

He has Died (27:45-56)

2010-06-15T11:49:00.000-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 68: He Has Died)

7 Sayings from the Cross

1. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)

2. I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)

3. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34)

4. Dear woman, here is your son… Here is your mother (John 19:26-27)

5. I am thirsty (John 19:28)

6. It is finished (John 19:30)

7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46)

From Death to Life (2:1-10)

2010-06-15T11:38:00.003-04:00

EPHESIANS 2:1-10
- From Death to Life -

In a sense, all of chapter 1 was preparatory to the actual content of the Epistle. Chapter 2 begins with a description of what the Ephesians were saved from (wrath/death) and what they are saved to (love/life).

Questions to Consider

1. What is the meaning of ‘dead’ (1)
- Total Depravity (hard version): Takes this in a literal manner (completely dead spiritually)
- Total Depravity (soft version): Takes this is a metaphorically manner (as good as dead, cut off from the source of life)

2. What 3 systems are at play for those that are dead in their sins? (2-3)
- World- It's patterns
- Satan- His deceptions and temptations
- Flesh- It's desires/lusts

3. Are these 3 systems still present in the life of a believer? (2-4)
- They are still present, but no longer in power
- The Church becomes the shaping human influence rather than the world
- The Spirit becomes the shaping spiritual influence rather than Satan
- The renewed mind becomes the shaping willing influence rather than the flesh

4. Why is Satan referred to as the ruler of the kingdom of the air? (2)
- This could refer to the principalities and powers all around us (not flesh and blood)

5. What is the difference between mercy and grace? What motivates them? (4-5)
- Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve (punishment)
- Grace is when God does give us what we don't deserve (blessing/reward)

6. What is the purpose of verses 6-7 (why the past and future tenses?)
- The past tense is used in 6 b/c it is true of Christ and we are 'in Christ' so it is as good as done for us as well. I heard someone say recently that because we are "seated with Christ in the heavenly realms" then our prayers should take on a different emphasis. Rather than simply asking God to intervene in a situation- we should be asking more along the lines of "how are we going to get this done together?" in other words, it is more of a "partnering" approach than a hiearchal approach.
- The future tense is used in 7 b/c, though we experience a foretaste of blessing now, the best is yet to come (complete fulfillment)

7. What is Paul speaking against with his statement that we are not saved by works and why? (8-9)
- Good deeds were never to be a means to earn salvation, they are a mark of who has already received it

8. How does Paul’s positive statement about works fit with the previous verses? (10)
- It shows that Paul was not opposed to works. By no means! Works were a necessary response!

9. What is the significance of the last phrase “which God prepared in advance for us to do”? (10)
- God has prepared good works for us. It is our job to see them and do them.

49-57 (The Servant)

2010-06-07T15:09:00.003-04:00

The 'Suffering Servant' becomes an even greater theme in this section, though it is unclear in Isaiah who exactly is in mind. Is the servant Israel? Isaiah? A future Messiah? All three interpretations would fit well with some of the texts and none of them seem to perfectly account for all of the texts. For the most part, though, it seems that the future Messiah, Jesus Christ, is in (distant) view here.

The theme of Gentile mission is in view in chapter 49. A vision of God's mission which includes only Jews is simply too small (49:6). God will both restore the fullness of the Jews (49:19) and reveal Himself to all of humanity (49:22, 26).

The Jews must realize that their predicaments were caused by their sins (50:1). Though righteousness was hard to find in Israel (50:2), God would identify a willing vessel (50:4). This vessel would pay a price for serving God (50:6). And just as God had turned Abraham (one man) into a great nation (many), so God would turn this servant (one man) into a great nation (51:2). This would take place through the putting of the law into the hearts of people (51:7). This would be done through a new exodus (51:9-11). God would reverse the injustices of this world (52:1-2).

The 'Suffering Servant' theme appears most directly (and most easily linked to Jesus) in 52:13-53:12. 52:13 may either refer to the exaltation of Jesus' ascension or, ironically, to the exaltation that came through his being raised up in crucifixion. That Jesus would attract many nations (52:15) has been a consistent theme of this section. What Israel had been told to be (a light to the nations), God would do through 1 true Israelite (Jesus Christ).

Chapter 53 describes the servant (Jesus) as not having any worldly beauty to attract us. Rather, he was to be a man of sorrows. He would heal the sick and yet be rejected (53:4). But by his death, sin(s) would be dealt with (53:5). This atoning death was the will of God (53:10). But death was not to be the end! God would prolong his days (a rare glimpse of resurrection in the Old Testament).

Chapter 54
Verses 7-9 refer to a brief moment of judgment followed by an long/eternal period of kindness. What do you think these verses refer to?

Chapter 55
Verses 1-3 & 6 speak of an urgent invitation. Verse 11 describes the necessary vehicle for response. How do you understand verse 11?

Chapter 56
Last week we talked about how the Old Testament speaks more often than we may have realized about Gentile inclusion. See verses 3 & 6-8.

Chapter 57
This chapter offers, in my opinion, the 3 main features of a strong solution to the problem of pain. First, we may be underestimating the value of suffering/death (1-2). Second, we may be underestimating the value God places on free-will (10). Third, we may be discounting the future restoration (16)

Jesus on Trial (26:57-68, 27:1-2, 11-44)

2010-06-07T15:03:00.000-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 67: Jesus on Trial)

In the greatest injustice in history, the one perfect human being to ever exist was sentenced to death on a Roman cross. Why did this happen? Who is responsible?

Were the disciples responsible?
Judas
Peter
The Twelve

Were the Jews responsible?
Annas
Caiaphas
Sanhedrin

Were the Gentiles/Romans responsible?
Pilate
Herod
Pilate

Were all people responsible?
Adam/Eve
Me
You

Was God/Jesus responsible?
Isaiah 53:10
Romans 8:32
John 3:16

Trial # Official Reference(s)

1 Annas John 18:13, 19-23

2 Caiaphas Matt 26:57-68
Mark 14:53-65
Luke 22:54
John 18:24, 28

3 Sanhedrin Matthew 27:1-2
Mark 15:1
Luke 22:66-71

4 Pilate Matt 27:11-14
Mark 15:2-5
Luke 23:1-7
John 18:29-37

5 Herod Luke 23:8-12

6 Pilate Matt 27:15-26
Mark 15:6-15
Luke 23:13-25
John 18:38-19:16

He Exits the Garden Alone (26:36-56)

2010-06-07T15:02:00.001-04:00

Jesus Prayer Life: Lessons from Gethsemane
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we get glimpses into his prayer life. With this story, we get one of the most thorough portraits of the prayer life of Jesus. What can we learn from this story and apply to our own lives?

1. He made prayer a priority (36)
2. He selected special places for prayer (36)
3. He selected special people for prayer (37-38)
4. He selected special positions for prayer (39a)
5. He prayed with extreme honesty (39b)
6. He recognized the role of the Father’s will (39c)
7. He made prayer a matter of significant time (40)
8. He believed prayer was life changing (41)
9. He prayed repeatedly (42-44)
10. He received answers (40, 43, 45-46; Luke 22:43)

Religious Violence: A Response to Peter
Many evils are done in the name of religion (47) and, perhaps, even with a righteous motivation (51). But Jesus, as our King, forbids His people from using violence to further the Kingdom of God. Why?

1. It isn’t effective. It just breeds more violence (52)
2. It isn’t necessary. We have spiritual strength (53)
3. It isn’t right. God has a bigger plan (54-56)

Praying for You (1:15-23)

2010-06-07T13:19:00.002-04:00

After praising (and calling for the praise of) God (1:3-14), Paul shares that he has continually given thanks and lifted up prayers to God on behalf of the recipients. This section expresses some of Paul’s prayer requests.

Questions to Consider

1. How do you think Paul heard about their ‘faith in the Lord Jesus’ and their ‘love for all the saints’? (15)
- Their faith was demonstrated by actions (James 2:14-26)
- Their love was demonstrated by actions (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

2. In what sense did Paul pray continuously? (16-17a)
- Without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17) means without giving up, not 24/7 (Luke 18:1-8)

3. What is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation? (17b)
- This refers to vertical knowledge (sorta like street smarts vs. book smarts)
- It is by the presence of the Spirit that we truly get to know God

4. In this text, what is the purpose of the Spirit? (17c)
- To get to know God!

5. In what sense can hope be known? (18)
- It is an invisible reality, but it can be experienced spiritually

6. What is the hope God had called them to? (18)
- Glory, restoration of creation

7. In what sense can power be known? (19)
- Through experience ('know' in the Bible is an experiential term)

8. For whom is this power available? (19)
- To believers

9. Just how powerful is this power? (19-21)
- It is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead to the throne, triumphing over all rivals

10. Do we treat Christ as the head of the church? (22)
- The head is the boss

11. Why would Paul call the church Jesus’ body? (23)
- It's made up of those who submit to Jesus and are enlivened by His Spirit

40-48 (The Road from Exile)

2010-06-02T15:06:00.002-04:00

Chapter 40 marks the start of the second section of Isaiah. Whereas the first section was marked by messages of judgment, the second section is marked by messages of comfort. For this reason, and because of the first words of 40:1, chapters 40-66 is sometimes called 'the Book of Comfort.' Some have found a further division of this section in that the first 9 chapters end with the words "There is no peace for the wicked" (48:22) and the second 9 chapters end with the same words (57:21), thus creating 3 sections. The first section (40-48) seems primarily about a return from Exile in Babylon. The second section (49-57) seems primarily about the Coming (1st) of the Messiah. The third section (58-66) seems primarily about Judgment Day and the ultimate restoration of the heavens and earth.

A main reason why some scholars reject Isaiah as the author of this 'Book of Comfort' is that it (especially this first sub-section) speaks very specifically about happenings much later than Isaiah's lifetime. For example, Babylon itself was not a superpower during Isaiah's lifetime, but the 'Book of Comfort' speaks as if Babylon will become such a power and then be destroyed. Perhaps more alarmingly, Isaiah speaks directly of 'Cyrus' (41:2, 8, 25, 44:28, 45:1, 13, 46:11). But unless an anti-supernatural bias (either a rejection of a supernatural being or a rejection of the possibility of such a being knowing the future) is in place, it is difficult to argue for differing authorship based on the evidence.

In discussing the end of Babylon, the decree of Cyrus, and the like, it would be easy to assume that the events being covered are more ancient than the 1st Century AD. Nevertheless, the NT authors do quote this section (or quote Jesus quoting this section) as pertaining to their own time. Indeed, 40:3-5 is clearly considered a prophecy of John the Baptist. Why would discussion of the Jewish return from exile in Babylon be mixed with discussion of John the Baptist and, eventually, the Messiah (40:9)? The answer lies in the fact that the return from exile in Cyrus' day didn't seem like much of a return. Jesus ministry, then, could well have been viewed as a 'true' return from exile (not exile to Babylon, but exile to sin). Cyrus delivered the Jews from Babylon, but Jesus delivered them from the sin that sent them to Babylon.

The people who will benefit from God's activity are those who put their trust in the Lord rather than fearing the circumstances. Fear is a major theme in this section (41:10, 13, 14, 43:1, 5, 44:8, etc). Trust in the Lord is the preferred alternative (40:29-31).

Praise be to God (1:3-14)

2010-06-01T12:17:00.001-04:00

Questions to Consider

After a brief introduction, Paul launches into the epistle by praising (and calling for the praise of) God (3, 6, 12, 14). The section gives some of the reasons why God is praiseworthy.

1. How does 3a relate to the Trinity?
- Certainly a surprising line coming from a staunch Jew
- Reflects the deity and humanity of Christ

2. Why does 3b emphasize ‘heavenly’ & ‘spiritual’?
- Christianity doesn’t promise earthly & material blessing

3. What does 3c mean by ‘in Christ’?
- Used by Paul hundreds of times, rarely elsewhere
- Speaks to deep presence, inclusion, part of body

4. How does a Calvinist read 4-5?
- Election of individuals specific individuals before time
- Election of individuals based on God’s will/pleasure

5. Is there a better way to read 4-5?
- Some think God looked ahead at who would believe
- I think Jesus alone is elect, ‘in him’ is the key
- We are ‘elect in the son’

6. How do we access the redemption/forgiveness of 7?
- Through the blood

7. What ‘mystery’ is 9 talking about?
- That through faith in Christ, Jews & Gentiles are saved
- See Romans 11:25-26, Ephesians 3:2-6, Col. 1:26-27

8. Who is the ‘we’ in 11-12?
- The Jews. The ‘you’ in 13 is the Gentiles (thus, mystery)

9. How does 13a say we are ‘included in Christ’?
- They heard and believed

10. What guarantee are we given in 13b-14?
- Assurance of salvation through witness of the Spirit
- This is 1 of 4 tests spoken of in 1 John 5:1-6
Moral- Obedience
Social- Love
Doctrinal- Belief in Jesus
Spiritual- Witness of Spirit

Q & A for Today

2010-05-28T15:42:00.004-04:00

Below you will find concise answers to some of the most asked questions about Christianity

Who made God? How can God just exist?
Did God show favoritism by choosing Israel?
If they find life on other planets, is Christianity proven false?
Why are there so many denominations?
Can you prove Jesus actually existed?
What about those who have never heard?
How could a loving God send people to hell?
Why do Christians ignore some Old Testament laws?
If Darwin was right, is Christianity wrong?
What evidence is there that Jesus rose from the dead?
Can you prove that God exists?
What if I'm still not sure?
How could a loving God allow so much suffering?
Does the Trinity make sense?
Is the OT God a Monster?

34-39 (Transitions)

2010-05-19T13:55:00.002-04:00

Like much of Isaiah, chapters 34-35 are subject to multiple interpretations. Is chapter 34 a description of the final judgment (against all nations at the end of the world)? Some of the language, taken in a certain literal sense, would seem to convey as much (34:2, 4, 10). On the other hand, there is some evidence that the passage is focused specifically on the judgment of Edom (34:5-6, 9) while using apocalyptic language to describe the judgment. It's not as simple, then, as just picking either a literal or spiritual interpretation. The former interpretation takes the description of the judgment literally. The latter interpretation takes the name of those being judged literally. And both groups take the reverse spiritually (so to speak).

Certainly God's judgment of Edom was meant as a sign of God's judgment in general. God's judgment brings desolation and wilderness like conditions (34:1-15). But judgment is ultimately for the purpose of bringing about restoration. Chapter 35 speaks of the wilderness becoming fruitful once again. While some interpret this to be a literal prophecy of desert sands turning into fruitful fields, it seems in keeping with Isaiah's use of language to take this to mean spiritually dryness/deadness will be transformed into fruitful spirituality (see 32:15, 40:3-5, Jeremiah 31:12). These predictions point to the coming of John the Baptist in the wilderness (40:3-5), the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (32:15) and the coming of the New Covenant through Christ (Jeremiah 31:12). It is after John, through Christ, and by His Spirit, that the dead come to life spiritually. The weak are strengthened. Justice will be had. Such blessings will be accessed through a new way of life, or, more accurately, a new Way of life (Jesus Christ, 35:8).

Chapters 36-39 tell a portion of the story of King Hezekiah. The section serves as a historical interlude between the judgment and comfort sections of Isaiah. Much of the material is nearly identical to 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 32.

The Assyrian Empire was taking over the entire region (including the northern kingdom). Nevertheless, Hezekiah had stopped by tribute to them and was trusting in God's word (through Isaiah) for protection. The Assyrians mocked Hezekiah's apparent confidence. If he was depending on Egypt, he would be let down (God had said as much!). If he was relying on his God, then why had he torn down the altars (perhaps the Assyrians didn't realize that Hezekiah tore down the altars of false gods, not the God of Israel OR he may have just been spreading lies). Finally, the Assyrians argued that Hezekiah's God had commanded them to come against Jerusalem (indeed, God had used the Assyrians as a tool of judgment previously, but in this case God had promised protection). These mockings were made loud and clear so that even the common people would become afraid and stop listening to Hezekiah's confident claims.

In the face of this opposition, Hezekiah turned to prayer and to the prophet Isaiah. He was assured that he would indeed remain protected. The King of Assyria would be turned away and eventually killed (37:7). Sennacherib (King of Assyria) had come to believe that it was by his strength that he had accomplished the building of an empire (37:24). God reminded Hezekiah (through Isaiah) that it was actually God who had allowed Sennacherib to become prominent (37:26) and thus God was capable of ending his fame and protecting His city. Indeed, God put to death 185,000 Assyrian soldiers causing Sennacherib to retreat. He was then murdered by 2 of his sons.

Chapter 38 speaks of Hezekiah's life threatening illness and recovery. God revealed to Hezekiah (through Isaiah) that his time had come (38:1). But when Hezekiah prayed and wept, the Lord responded by granting him another 15 years of life. As a sign to confirm this promise, God caused a sundial to go backwards in time (miraculously). 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 tells us that Hezekiah became prideful after this promise was made. Only upon repentance did God's wrath not come upon Hezekiah and the people for their pride. Isaiah 39 may provide some evidence of the pride mentioned in 2 Chronicles. Some envoys had come from Babylon (at that point, Babylon was just another subject of the Assyrian Empire). Hezekiah showed off his riches as if they were truly HIS riches. Isaiah proceeded to tell Hezekiah that someday after Hezekiah's death the Babylonians themselves would take the Jews into exile. Hezekiah acknowledged this prophecy, but was thankful still to avoid God's wrath during his own lifetime (39:8).

Earth Day

2010-05-17T13:01:00.001-04:00

EARTH DAY

Why do some environmentalists go to the extreme?
1. Some believe the physical realm is all we’ve got
2. Some believe animals are our ancestors
3. Some believe big business is evil

Why don’t some Christians care?
1. Some fail to correctly interpret key passages
2. Some fail to listen to God first and politicians second
3. Some fail to be stewards in light of their eschatology

Principles for a Christian environmentalist
1. God is the owner of the world
2. God is the sustainer of the world
3. God has made us stewards of the creation

What can be known through God’s Creation?
1. The Creator exists (Psalm 19:1)
2. The Creator is eternal (Psalm 93:2)
3. The Creator is wise (Psalm 104:24)
4. The Creator is to be worshipped (Acts 14:15, 17:24)
5. The Creator is good (Acts 14:17)
6. The Creator is transcendent (Acts 17:24)
7. The Creator is self-sufficient (Acts 17:25)
8. The Creator is sovereign (Acts 17:26)
9. The Creator is immanent (Acts 17:26-27)
10. Many practical lessons can be learned by taking a close look at creation

28-33 (Where to put your Trust)

2010-05-17T12:33:00.002-04:00

The over-riding theme of this section seems to be the issue of TRUST. Some of the Jews were putting their trust in political alliances / military might. But God wants to say to them, through Isaiah, that they should put their trust in Him.

Chapter 28 begins with an indictment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (here referred to as Ephraim). They were drunkards facing doom (judgment from God via the Assyrians). This judgment would leave the Southern Kingdom as God's remaining people. But even they were corrupted (28:7) from the top (priests and prophets) down. They rejected Isaiah's preaching (28:9-10, 14) as babel, so God promised to send them a worse kind of babbler (foreigners). If they wouldn't listen to preaching, perhaps they would listen to harsher discipline. The problem was that they were placing their trust in alliances with Egypt (28:15) rather than in something truly secure (28:16). Because of this, God would do the strange work (28:21) of coming against His own people. But this, too, was for a purpose. God knows how to accomplish His ultimate purposes, just as a farmer knows how to handle different crops.

Chapter 29 is a woe to Jerusalem (Ariel, Lion of God). The people of that city were putting on a show of religion (29:1, 13), but their leaders were spiritually blind(ed) (29:9-10). They were acting as if God couldn't see their secret sins. Ultimately, they were acting as if they were the potter and He was the clay. They had things upside down (29:16). If it was upside down they wanted, it was upside down they were going to get. God was about to turn their world upside down (so to speak) through judgment (29:17). Gentiles (29:18) would be included in God's household and some Jews would be excluded. It is possible that here we have a foreshadowing of the awesome reality that through Gentile inclusion some Israelites would repent and be restored to the people of God (29:22-23).

Chapter 30 specifically addresses the problem of finding security in Egypt (30:2, 7). Their refusal to heed the warnings of the prophets (30:10) would prevent the warnings from coming to fruition. The alliances with Egypt would break down (30:13). It was only in repentance and trust in the Lord that they would find true security (30:15). Isaiah was to urge them to recognize that God was sending discipline so that they would cry for His help, at which point He would do so (30:19).

Chapter 31 continues this theme. Those who place their trust in Egypt and Egypt's military strength will be utterly disappointed (31:1). The Egyptians are men and not God, their horses are flesh and not spirit (31:3). The Lord's protection comes from on high (31:5).

Chapter 32 is about the true security found in the King who will reign in righteousness (32:1). When that King comes (presumably a Messianic vision), wrongs will be righted. The end of the chapter is an indictment against the Jewish women who were complacent and corrupt themselves. Judgment was coming, but the pouring out of the Spirit was the solution (32:15).

Chapter 33 is a woe against Assyria (33:1). Just because God is currently using them as a tool for judgment doesn't mean they will, themselves, escape future judgment. Isaiah prays for deliverance is finds his security in God (33:2-6). Isaiah states the kinds of people who will survive all the judgments that have been considered. They are the righteous and just (33:15). The rest will be taken/gone (33:18-19). There will be a beautiful Jerusalem again (most likely a reference to spiritual Jerusalem, the church).

The Denial (26:31-35, 69-75)

2010-05-17T12:03:00.002-04:00

The Emphatic Promise (Matthew 26:31-35)
"Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
"Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you."

~Becoming a Christian is making a covenant promise
~But Jesus knows we all stumble
~Peter's problem was over-confidence (Despite Jesus statement!)

The Emphatic Denial (Matthew 26:56b, 69-75)
"I don't know what you're talking about,"
"I don't know the man!"
"I don't know the man!"

The Emphatic Restoration (John 21:15-19)
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
"Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
"Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

~Peter's denial was like 'the elephant in the room'
~Parallelism b/w promise/denial & promise/restoration
~Agape/Phileo wording may be very significant

24-27 (Remnant Realities)

2010-05-10T13:36:00.002-04:00

Chapters 24-27 can be interpreted as concerning the final judgment of the world (using translation 'earth') or of a judgment of Israel (using translation 'land'). The Hebrew word allows for both translations. In favor of the global interpretation is the plural form of 24:21. In favor of the local interpretation is the covenant language of 24:5-6. In any case the passage is about judgment and the remnant that would return/remain after judgment (24:6, 13). Below are some realities concerning this remnant:

1. The remnant will be made up of people from East to West that rejoice (24:14-16)
2. The remnant will be made up of people who recognize their need for God (25:4)
3. The remnant will be made up of people from all nations (25:6)
4. The remnant will be made up of people who no longer need to fear death (25:7-8)
5. The remnant will be made up of people who trust in the Lord (25:9)
6. The remnant will be made up of people who are righteous (26:2)
7. The remnant will be made up of people who seek after God (26:8-9)
8. The remnant will be made up of people who will have resurrection bodies (26:19)
9. The remnant will be made up of people who will be fruitful (27:6)
10. The remnant will be made up of people whose sins are atoned for (27:9)

Judgment of Nations (13-23)

2010-05-10T12:35:00.002-04:00

In this section, Isaiah prophecies judgment against various nations.

Judgment against Babylon (13:1-14:2) and its king (14:3-23). Babylon was not yet a major threat in Isaiah's day, but God revealed to Isaiah their coming judgment. The vision reveals that God would call the Medes (13:17) would carry out his wrath against Babylon (13:3). Cosmic language is used (for example, 13:10) to convey the severity of this judgment. The evil of Babylon (Psalm 137) would come full circle and envelop them (13:16). The effects would be enduring (13:19). Israel would be freed from their Babylonian captivity (this happened through Cyrus, 14:1).

The King of Babylon himself would fall (14:4). This passage has most popularly been taken to be about Satan. The story goes that Lucifer (morning star, 14:12) is another name for Satan. Satan fell from heaven because of his pride and ambition (14:13-14). But contextually, it is hard to justify this interpretation of the text. The passage is clearly about the King of Babylon (14:4, 16, 19) and uses cosmic imagery to speak of his pride, ambition, and demise. The imagery probably derives from the story of the tower of Babel (pride/ambition). 'Morning Star' is not a proper name (Lucifer) for Satan, but a royal title in the ancient world (see 2 Peter 1:19, Revelation 22:16).

The rest of the chapter seems to speak judgment against the predecessor of the Babylonian Empire (Assyria, 14:25) and the Philistines (14:29) who may have been glad to hear of the demise of these 2 powers.

Chapters 15-16 is a prophecy against Moab. This people group came from the incestuous union b/w Lot and one of his daughters. The Moabites had reason to mourn because they were going to be destroyed very shortly (16:14). On a positive note, however, there would be surviving fugitives who were to be received by Israel (16:4, 14b). They could share in the Messiah (16:5)!

Chapter 17 is an oracle against Damascus/Syria. Again, destruction was looming (17:14), but a remnant would remain (17:3, 6). This remnant would turn to the God of Israel (17:7). Chapter 18 is a prophecy against Cush (Nile region). But, again, a remnant will survive and bring gifts to the LORD Almighty (18:7).

Chapter 19 is a prophecy against Egypt (Assyria's rival). The LORD was set to come to Egypt (not bodily, but in judgment, 19:1). Her wise-men would look foolish in comparison to Isaiah (19:11-14). Yet again, a remnant would survive and acknowledge the LORD (19:21-22). The passage actually envisions Egyptians and Assyrians (a Gentile majority) worshiping with Israel (19:23-25)!

Chapter 20 involves an enacted prophecy. Isaiah was commanded to walk around naked (or nearly naked) for three years (20:2-3). This was a sign that Egypt and Cush would be humiliated by God's judgment through the Assyrians (20:4). This was intended to convince Israel not to put their hopes in an alliance with Egypt.

Chapter 21 is either another prophecy against Babylon or a prophecy against the greater Babylonian territory. In any case, the Medes were coming (21:2) in a frightening way (21:3-4). Edom was doomed too (21:11, Dumah being its capital). Arabia would suffer the same fate (21:13-17).

Chapter 22 speaks of an oracle concerning the valley of vision, but most commentators feel this concerns Jerusalem (22:9). Judgment was coming upon her too.

Chapter 23 concerns the coming judgment of Tyre.

2 themes emerge from these judgment chapters
1. Judgment is coming on everyone
2. There will be remnant survivors

The Sign of the Remnant (9-12)

2010-05-10T12:31:00.000-04:00

“Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me.
We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty”
(Isaiah 8:18)
The Situation
Even with the defeat of the alliance between Israel and Aram, the people of Judah must have wondered if there was any ultimate hope given the strength of the Assyrian Empire. Isaiah’s other son’s name was a sign to God’s people that they did indeed have a future in God’s plan.

The Child
Name: Shear-Jashub
Meaning: A Remnant will Return
Message: God has a plan starting in Galilee (9:1-2)
God will enlarge His nation again (9:3-5)
God will establish His divine kingdom (9:6-7)
God will cut off wicked Israelites (9:8-10:4)
God will judge prideful Gentiles (10:5-19)
God will be faithful to the Remnant (10:20-23)
God will protect His people (10:24-34)
God will provide a descendant of Jesse (11:1)
He will attract the nations (11:2-10)
He will attract the remnant (11:11-16)
He will inspire praise (12:1-6)

The NT Usage
The NT writers consistently apply these prophecies to the 1st Coming of Jesus. Jesus established His Kingdom (9:7) made up of the Remnant of Israel (10:20-22) and a number of Gentiles (11:6-10). Together, these believers would constitute God’s true people (12:4-6).

Introduction (1:1-2)

2010-05-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

EPHESIANS

The City of Ephesus (5 Facts Worth Knowing)

1. Became prosperous when Augustus Caesar made it the capital of western Asia Minor in 27BC. Its peak was the 1st and 2nd Centuries AD.
2. The population of Ephesus was roughly 250,000 in Paul’s day (3rd largest in Roman Empire). It also had a very large Jewish population.
3. Location of the famous Temple of Artemis/Diana, one of the ancient wonders of the world, measuring 425x225 with 127 65ft columns
4. Contained a massive theatre (holding 25k)
5. It was the ‘magic’ capital of Asia minor

Christianity in Ephesus (7 Significant Events)

1. Some Jews from Ephesus were possibly present in Jerusalem at Pentecost in AD30 (Acts 2)
2. During the 2nd missionary journey (Acts 15:36-18:22), Paul stopped at the synagogue in Ephesus. Priscila & Aquila remained in Ephesus (AD 50)
3. Apollos came to Ephesus and spoke boldly in the synagogue. Priscilla & Aquila taught him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:24-26).
4. Paul stayed in Ephesus for about 3 years (Acts 20:31, AD53-56) during the 3rd missionary journey (Acts 18:23-21:16). He bid them farewell (20:25).
5. Paul writes Ephesians (around AD60) from prison.
6. Tradition has Timothy serving in Ephesus (65-??)
7. Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7)

Ephesians

2010-05-10T11:48:00.012-04:00

Below you'll find my notes through Paul's epistle to the Ephesians

Introduction (1:1-2)
Praise be to God (1:3-14)
Praying for You (1:15-23)
From Death to Life (2:1-10)
From Strangers to Citizens (2:11-22)
The Mystery Revealed (3:1-21)
Unity & Diversity (4:1-16)
From Sinners to Saints (4:17-5:20)
From Selfishness to Submission (5:21-6:9)

The Betrayal (26:1-30, 27:3-10)

2010-05-10T11:41:00.002-04:00

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Option 1 He didn’t (Gospel of Judas)
Option 2 Satan (Luke 22:3-4, John 13:27)
Option 3 Fate (Matt 27:9-10, Acts 1:16, 20)
Option 4 Money (John 12:4-6, Matt 26:15)
Option 5 Disappointment/Impatience (Matt 27:3-5)
* In my opinion, while Satan did have an influence, it is the combination of 3&4 that explain why Judas betrayed Jesus

Your 3 Enemies

The Fallen World
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him (Matt 26:3-4)

Your Fallen Heart
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over
(Matt 26:14-16)

The Devil
Then Satan entered Judas (Luke ??:3)
Satan entered into him (John 6:27)

But be not depressed! God can overcome the world, your heart, and the devil!

Negative peer pressure (world) can be conquered by positive peer pressure (church)
God is a master surgeon, able to give you a new and clean heart
We have access to victory over Satan through the work of Jesus Christ

What have you done with Jesus? (25:31-46)

2010-05-10T11:40:00.000-04:00

In today’s passage, Jesus continues to prepare us for Judgment Day. He compares judgement day to the separation of sheep from goats. The point of this passage is to emphasize a key basis for separation.

The Sheep
1. Will be rewarded with eternal life (34, 46)
2. Gave food to the hungry (35)
3. Gave drink to the thirsty (35)
4. Welcomed the stranger (35)
5. Clothed the naked (36)
6. Cared for the sick (36)
7. Visited the prisoner (36)
8. Didn’t realize service to Christ (37-40)

The Goat
1. Will be cursed to eternal punishment (41, 46)
2. Gave nothing to the hungry (42)
3. Gave nothing to the thirsty (42)
4. Did not welcome the stranger (43)
5. Did not clothe the naked (43)
6. Did not care for the sick (43)
7. Did not visit the prisoner (43)
8. Didn’t realize neglect of Christ (44-45)

Ready for Return? (24:35-25:30

2010-04-26T09:12:00.001-04:00

Last week I argued that Matthew 24:1-34 wasn’t about the end of the world, but about the destruction of the Temple in AD70 (when Jesus came in judgment of Jerusalem). In Matthew 24:35-25:46, though, we are given the warning to be ready for the yet future Second Coming of Christ.

7 Facts You Need to Know
To Be Ready for the Return

1. The Day of Judgment looms on the horizon (35)

2. No one on earth knows when that day will be (36)
- So we should stop crying wolf

3. Life will be going on as usual when He comes (37-41)
- In this context, you WANT to be 'left behind'

4. It is, therefore, appropriate to be ready now (42-44)
~ Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (25:1-13)

5. The way to get ready is to be good stewards (45-46)
~ Parable of the loaned money (25:14-30)

6. Rewards await the servants of God(47)
~ 25:21, 23, 28b-29a

7. Punishments await the rebels against God (48-51)
~ 25:26-28a, 29b-30

Isaiah 7-8

2010-04-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

“Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me.
We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty”
(Isaiah 8:18)
The Situation
As the Assyrian Empire grew in power, regional kings began to make alliances to better protect themselves. But when Ahaz (King of Judah) rejected an offer of alliance from Pekah (King of Israel) and Rezin (King of Aram), they marched up to fight against Judah in hopes of replacing Ahaz with another man. This caused the hearts of Ahaz and his people to be shaken.

The Child
Name: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz
Nickname: Immanuel (God is with us)
Meaning: Quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil
Message: The alliance will…
Not defeat you (7:4-7)
Be defeated (7:8-9)
Be defeated quickly (7:10-16, 8:1-4)
Be defeated by Assyria (7:17)
Be defeated soundly (7:18-25)
Be defeated for rejecting God (8:5-7)
Be defeated b/c God is w/His people (8:8-10)
*It is proper, instead, to ally with God (8:11-17)

The NT Usage
The NT writers pick up on this OT prophecy as see an even greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ:
1. A literal virgin (Mary) gave birth to a son (Jesus) who was literally ‘God with us’ (7:14  Matt 1:22-23).
2. Jesus is the LORD (8:13  1 Peter 3:14b-15a, etc).
3. Jesus is the stone/rock (8:14  1 Peter 2:4-8, etc).

Isaiah 5-6

2010-04-20T11:12:00.001-04:00

The Song of the Vineyard
~ Israel belonged to God (5:1)
~ Israel was meant to be fruitful (5:1-2)
~ Israel had everything necessary (5:2)
~ Israel failed to produce good fruit (5:2)
~ Israel was going to be destroyed (5:3-7)

Woe to Those
~ Who add and add and add (5:8-10)
~ Who drink and drink and drink (5:11-13, 22)
~ Who mock and mock and mock (5:18-21)

The Call of Isaiah
~ He was given a vision of the Holy God (6:1-4)
~ He recognized his own uncleanness (6:5)
~ He was given an assurance of atonement (6:6-7)
~ He heard and responded to a call from the Lord (6:8)

The Message of Isaiah
~ Hardening will come upon Israel (6:9-10)
~ Hardening will last until destruction (6:11-12)
~ Hope will exist only through the tiny remnant (6:13)

Isaiah 1-4

2010-04-20T11:09:00.001-04:00

Wednesday Night Prayer Group

The Book of Isaiah

7 Sins
Neglect of relationship w/God (1:3)
Political Injustice (1:23a)
Neglect of Poor (1:23b, 3:14)
Idolatry (1:29, 2:6, 8, 18-20)
Materialism (2:7)
Pride (2:9-17)
Vanity (3:16-24)

7 Comparisons
Rebellious child (1:2b, 4c)
Dumber than an ox (1:3)
A disgusting body (1:5-6)
A building in peril (1:8)
Sodom & Gomorrah (1:10)
Harlot (1:21)
Foe (1:24)

1 Hope
Not religious activity (1:11-15)
Through Genuine repentance (1:16-20)
A renewed kingdom (2:1-5, 4:2-6)

The Ascension

2010-04-20T10:48:00.002-04:00

THE ASCENSION
“It is for your good that I am going away”
(John 16:7)

The Ascension is discussed a number of times in the Bible, recorded in Luke-Acts, and part of the Apostle’s Creed. Nevertheless, it has been my experience that it is largely ignored in the contemporary church. What is the significance of The Ascension? Above all, why is it for our good that Jesus went away?

Part 1 The Announcement

John 13:33+36
Somewhere we can't go on foot (another realm?)
John 14:1-6a
Going to prepare a place for us
He will come back
We can do even greater things
Jesus will come to us
Going to the Father
John 16:5-11
So the Spirit will come

Part 2 The Ascension

Luke 24:49-51
1. Sending of Spirit
2. Blessing them as taken
3. Left them (Active)
4. Taken up (Passive)
5. Into heaven

Acts 1:4-11
1. Sending of Spirit
2. Delay of kingdom
3. Hidden by cloud
4. Future return

Part 3 The Advantages

1. It means Jesus is at right hand of Father (power, intercession, preparation, building, etc)
2. It means the Spirit comes (omni-presence, conviction, transformation, etc)

The Appearances

2010-04-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

THE APPEARANCES

Post-Resurrection in Matthew
28:8-10
Greets the women coming from tomb
Accepts worship from the women
Instructs women to not be afraid
Instructs women to tell disciples to go to Galilee
28:16-20
Accepts worship from disciples
Claims to have been given all authority
Commissions them to make more disciples
Promises His enduring presence

Post-Resurrection in Mark (disputed text)
16:9-11 Appears to Mary Magdalene
16:12-13 Appears to 2 disciples on road
16:14-18
Appears to the 11 as they ate
Rebukes them for their lack of faith
Rebukes them for not believing witnesses
Commissions them to preach the good news
Tells them sings that will accompany them
16:19 Ascends to heaven
16:20 Works with the disciples

Post Resurrection in Luke-Acts
24:13-35
Meets with 2 disciples as they traveled
Rebukes them for foolishness/unbelief
Explains OT in light of Himself
Breaks bread in their home
Disappears from their sight
24:36-53
Meets with the disciples in peace
Offers evidence of His physicality
Opens their minds to understand OT
Commissions disciples as witnesses
Instructs them that He will send the promise
Instructs them to stay in Jerusalem until then
Taken into heaven as He blesses them
1:1-9
Instructs them to wait in Jerusalem for gift/Spirit
Commissions disciples as witnesses
Ascends until hidden by cloud

Post-Resurrection in John
20:14-18
Appears to Mary Magdalene
Tells Mary not to hold on to Him
Tells Mary to tell the disciples He’s going to God
20:19-25
Meets with the disciples in peace
Offers evidence of His physicality
Sends the disciples
Breathes on them the gift of the Holy Spirit
20:26-29
Meets with the disciples in peace
Offers evidence of His physicality to Thomas
States blessing over those who believe w/o seeing
21:1-23
Appears to disciples as they were fishing
Provides them with a miraculous catch
Ate with the disciples
Talked with Peter

Holy Week

2010-04-20T10:44:00.002-04:00

HOLY WEEK
MATT MARK LUKE JOHN

SUNDAY
Triumphal Entry
21:1-11
11:1-11
19:28-44
12:12-19

MONDAY
Temple Turn-over
21:12-17
11:12-19
19:45-46

TUESDAY
Cursing of Fig Tree
Controversy w/Leaders
Prophetic Teaching
21:18-22
21:23-23:39
24:1-25:46
11:20-26
11:27-12:44
13:1-37
19:47-21:4
21:5-38

WEDNESDAY
Anointed w/Perfume???
Judas Agreement???
26:1-13
26:14-16
14:1-9
14:10-11
22:1-6
12:1-3
12:4-11

THURSDAY
Last Supper
Gethsemane Prayer
Arrest
26:17-35
26:36-47
26:48-56
14:12-31
14:32-42
14:43-52
22:7-38
22:39-46
22:47-53
13:1-17:26
18:1
18:2-11

FRIDAY
Trials
Crucifixion
Placed in Tomb
26:57-27:31
27:32-56
27:57-61
14:53-15:20
15:21-41
15:42-47
22:54-23:25
23:26-49
23:50-56
18:12-16a
18:16b-37
18:38-42

SATURDAY
Guards Placed
27:62-66

SUNDAY
Tomb Found Empty
Appearances
28:1-7
28:8-10
16:1-8
16:9-14
24:1-12
24:13-43
20:1-9
20:10-20

It's NOT the End of the World

2010-04-20T10:37:00.000-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 61: It’s NOT the End of the World)

The most popular interpretation of Matthew 24:1-34 is that Jesus is providing us with a list of signs that the end of the world is at hand, but is that really what Jesus is talking about in this passage?

Reasons why this passage is NOT about the end…
1. The 1st question was about the TIMING of the destruction of the 1st century temple (24:1-3a)
2. The 2nd question was about the SIGNS which would precede that destruction (24:3b)
3. The SIGNS that Jesus provided came to pass between AD30 & AD70 (24:4-33)
- False Christ’s (24:4-5)
- Wars & rumors of wars (24:6-7a)
- Famines & earthquakes (24:7b-8)
- Persecution & martyrdom (24:9)
- Apostasy & false prophets (24:10-13)
- Gospel preached to whole world (24:14)
- Temple desolation (24:15)
- Christian exodus from Jerusalem (24:16-19)
- Great tribulation (24:20-22)
- False claims/signs/miracles (24:23-26)
- Jesus coming in judgment (24:27-28)
- A catastrophic end (24:29)
- The vindication of Jesus (24:30)
- God’s people gathered/protected (24:31)
4. The TIMING of the destruction was promised to be their own generation (24:34)

The Show Must NOT go on

2010-04-20T10:26:00.002-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 60: Bad Religion)

1. It doesn’t practice what it preaches (3)

2. It ties people down with guilt (4)

3. It is most interested in prestige (5-12)
~ Wide Phylacteries (5)
~ Long Tassels (5)
~ Seats of Honor at Banquets (6)
~ Most Important Seats at Synagogue (6)
~ Being Greeted in Marketplace (7)
~ Being Called Rabbi/Father/Teacher (7)

4. It prevents genuine spiritual seeking (13-14)

5. It corrupts its adherents (15)

6. It creates arbitrary exceptions (16-22)

7. It neglects the most important practices (23-24)
~ The Gnat: No Tithing (23)
~ The Camel: No Justice/Mercy/Faithfulness (23)

8. It is only interested in appearances (25-28)

9. It Will be Judged Harshly (29-36)

10. It is Invited to Genuine Relationship (37-39)

Emmaus Road

2010-04-05T09:53:00.002-04:00

Where are you on Emmaus Road?
Luke 24:13-35
* We know one is named Cleopas, the other may be his wife (Mary, John 19:25)

1. The Point of Disappointment (13-21)
- They were downcast b/c the story had ended wrong
- But they didn't realize that Jesus was with them even at this point

2. The Point of Discovery (22-27)
- They had heard rumblings of hope, confused but learning
- Gained a new perspective, a new way of reading the story

3. The Door (28-29)
- They needed to take action and invite Jesus in (He won't force Himself in)

4. The Point of Dining (30-32)
- Once inside, Jesus takes charge
- They may have been present at the last supper
- It became obvious looking back that Jesus was there all along

5. The Point of Declaration (33-35)
- So urgent they traveled during the night
- Told the 11 what had happened 'on the way'

At every point of this road, Jesus was present
- Even when they didn't recognize Him
- Even when He disappeared
- He was with them, and with us, to the end of the age

Resurrection

2010-04-02T11:34:00.001-04:00

THE RISING OF JESUS

1. It explains the rise of Christianity

What else could turn...
- The Fearful into Fanatics
- The Persecutor into an Apostle
- Brothers into Believers

2. It demonstrates the power of God

3. It was a final sign of His authority

4. It shows that the cross worked

5. It makes Christianity unique

Other worldviews (This way, full tomb)
Christianity (I am the way, empty tomb)

6. It gives us a new perspective on our past

7. It gives us a glimpse into our future

-An imperishable body
-A glorious body
-A powerful body
-A spiritual body

8. It makes this realm matter

Death

2010-04-02T11:32:00.001-04:00

THE DEATH OF JESUS
- How Does Jesus’ Death Work? -

Ransom Theories
- Early Church, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostals
- Deal with the problem of Satan’s power
- God trades Jesus for mankind, but gets both
- Mark 10:45, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Timothy 2:6
- Illustrated by The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
- Satan wins? God deceives? Other Scriptures?

Satisfaction Theories
- Roman Catholics, Conservative Protestants
a) Commercial (Roman Catholic)
b) Political (Protestant- Arminian)
c) Legal (Protestant- Calvinist)
- Deal with the problem of God’s justice
- Man is in debt to God, Jesus volunteers to pay
- Leviticus 16:10, 21-22, John 10:18, 1 Peter 3:18
- Illustrated by The Last Sin Eater
- Violence? Justice? Other Scriptures?

Moral Influence Theories
- Liberal Christians
- Deal with the problem man’s inability
- Man is selfish, Jesus shows the way of sacrifice
- Romans 5:8, Philippians 2:5-8, 1 John 3:16
- Illustrated by Pay it Forward
- Depravity? Grace and works? Other Scriptures?

7 Sayings from the Cross

1. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)

2. I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)

3. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34)

4. Dear woman, here is your son… Here is your mother (John 19:26-27)

5. I am thirsty (John 19:28)

6. It is finished (John 19:30)

7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46)

The Big Inning (22:15-46)

2010-03-30T09:39:00.000-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 59: The Big Inning)

In this section a Pharisee, a Sadducee, and an Expert all try to throw Jesus a curveball kind of question, but Jesus keeps hitting the pitches out of the park!

Pitch #1 (The Pharisee)
They hoped this question about Caesar would force Jesus to either side with Rome (thus alienating the people) or side with Rebellion (thus provoke the authorities). By answering as He did, Jesus managed to critique Caesar without causing confrontation while simultaneously calling for greater allegiance to God.

Pitch #2 (The Sadducee)
They hoped that by posing a hilarious hypothetical question that it would expose the ridiculous nature of the doctrine of resurrection. Jesus exposed the inconsistency and lack of faith present in the Sadducees. They were wrong about resurrection.

Pitch #3 (The Expert)
Impressed by Jesus’ previous answer, this man seems genuinely interested to hear an answer to a 3rd question. Jesus summarizes the entire Old Covenant with 2 quotes emphasizing love for God and love for people.

At this point, Jesus decides to throw them a curveball. The Jews all agreed that the Messiah would be from the line of David, but they didn’t quite understand that He would also be much greater than David was. This question leaves them speechless.

The Banquet (22:1-14)

2010-03-30T09:19:00.002-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 58: The Wedding Banquet)

1. God invites us to a time of celebration!
- A kings son! Rev. 19:6-9, bride metaphor

2. We may begin the celebration immediately!
- Future came into present (John 3:29, Matt 9:14-15)

3. An invitation from a King is like a command
- Cultural faux pax

4. Accepting the invitation takes more than words
- Takes more than verbal acceptance (Matt 7:24-27, 21:28-32)

5. Many reject the invitation

~ Some are self-employed (me stuff)

~ Some are pre-occupied (new stuff)

~ Some are already-taken (more important stuff)

6. Many accept the invitation

7. God wants the celebration to be crowded!
- Luke 14:22-23

8. All guests must abide by the dress code
- Warning for Gentiles to not make the same mistake
- Rev. 19:8

Isiah (Introduction)

2010-03-19T10:28:00.002-04:00

The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah ministered at a time when the Assyrians were expanding and threatening both Israel and Judah (approximately 745-695 B.C.). Indeed, Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722. Isaiah served as a prophet, historian, poet, and statesman.

The Book of Isaiah is almost unanimously divided into 2 main sections:

I. Book of Judgment (1-39)
A. Against Israel (1-6)
B. Against Judah (7-12)
C. Against Nations (13-23)
D. Woes and Beyond (24-35)
E. Historical Interlude (36-39)
II. Book of Comfort (40-66)
A. Focus on Cyrus (40-48)
B. Focus on Messiah (49-57)
C. Focus on Messianic Age (58-66)

It is interesting to note, even though chapter divisions were added later, that the Book of Isaiah shares some common features with the Bible as a whole:
- Isaiah has 66 chapters, the Bible has 66 books
- Isaiah has 39 chapters in its first section, the OT has 39 books
- Isaiah has 27 chapters in its second section, the NT has 27 books/letters
- The 2nd section begins with John the Baptist and ends with New Heavens & Earth, so does the NT
- Isaiah 53 is the center of the second section and the most significant prophecy

Recent commentators tend to reject the idea that section 2 was written by Isaiah, but this rejection is largely based on prior assumptions that it would have been impossible for Isaiah to predict future events so accurately (for example, naming Cyrus 200+ years before his birth). Assuming a biblical worldview, however, such is not problematic. There is plenty of evidence for unified authorship. Tradition (Isaiah's authorship was unquestioned throughout history), Internal evidence (similar vocab/themes), and external evidence (dead sea scrolls count it as a unified document) all point to one source.

Isaiah

2010-03-19T10:26:00.014-04:00

Introduction
1-4 The Problems & The Hope
5-6 The Song & The Call
7-8 The Sign of Immanuel
9-12 The Sign of the Remnant
13-23 Judgment of Nations
24-27 Remnant Realities
28-33 Where to Place Trust
34-39 Transitions
40-48 (Road from Exile)
49-57 (The Suffering Servant)
58-66 (Toward Restoration)

Suffering

2010-03-15T11:16:00.003-04:00

THE PASSION
- The Suffering Savior -

Arrest
Accepts Cup (Matt 26:39, 42)
Deserted (Matt 26:56b)

Before Annas
Bound (John 18:12)
Struck (John 18:22)

Before Caiaphas
Spit on (Matt 26:67)
Blindfolded (Mark 14:65)
Mocked (Matt 26:68)
Struck/Slapped (Matt 26:67)
Beaten (Mark 16:65)
Insults (Luke 22:65)

Before Sanhedrin
Condemned (Matthew 27:1)
Bound (Matthew 27:2)

Before Pilate

Before Herod
Mocked (Luke 23:11)

Before Pilate
Flogged (Matt 27:26)

Soldiers
Stripped (Matt 27:28)
Thorns (Matt 27:28)
Mocked (Matt 27:28-29)
Spit on (Matt 27:30)
Struck (Matt 27:30
Disrobed (Matt 27:31)

Cross
Carried Cross (John 19:17)
Nailed to Cross (John 20:25)
Disrobed (Matt 27:36)
Mocked (Matt 27:37)
Insulted (Matt 27:39-44)
Forsaken (Matt 27:46)

Why was all this suffering part of Holy Week?
1. Reveals the terribleness of sin
2. Reveals the enormous love of God (John 15:13)
3. To demonstrate that God can sympathize with our suffering (Heb. 4:14-16)

Betrayal

2010-03-15T11:14:00.000-04:00

The Betrayal
- The Story of Judas -

Background on Judas
Judas was selected by Jesus to be one of the 12 Apostles (Mark 3:13-19). His name suggests he was the only non-Galilean among the group. At an early point, Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him (John 6:70-71). Judas had a habit of stealing from the groups’ money bag, which he was put in charge of (John 12:4-6).

Was he ever a genuine believer?

Evidence for YES
~ He was among the crowd following Jesus (Mark 3:13)
~ He was sent by Jesus to preach (Mark 3:14, Acts 1:17)
~ He was sent by Jesus to do miracles (Mark 3:15)
~ He seems to have felt great regret (Matt 27:3-5)

Evidence for NO
~ He was corrupt prior to the betrayal (John 12:4-6)
~ He loved money (John 12:4-6, Matt 26:15)
~ He was led by Satan (Luke 22:3, John 13:27)
~ He didn’t turn to God after regret (Matt 27:3-5)

Why did he betray Jesus?

Option 1 He didn’t (Gospel of Judas)
Option 2 Satan (Luke 22:3-4, John 13:27)
Option 3 Fate (Matt 27:9-10, Acts 1:16, 20)
Option 4 Money (John 12:4-6, Matt 26:15)
Option 5 Disappointment/Impatience (Matt 27:3-5)

Proverbs 26-27

2010-03-15T11:03:00.001-04:00

7 Habits of a Very Foolish Person

Doesn’t learn from his mistakes (26:11)

Doesn’t mind his own business (26:17)

Doesn’t know when to stop joking (26:18-19)

Doesn’t recognize that each day is a gift (27:1)

Doesn’t seek to learn from other people (27:17)

Doesn’t focus on his hearts condition (27:19)

Doesn’t know how to take a compliment (27:21)

The Wicked Tenants (21:33-46)

2010-03-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 57: The Wicked Tenants)

A. Jerusalem’s Celebration (Matt. 21:1-11)
B. Jesus’ Anger at Jerusalem (Matt. 21:12-17)
C. Condemns Fig Tree (Matt. 21:18-22)
D. Questioning Jesus (Matt. 21:23-27)
E. Parable of 2 Sons (Matt. 21:28-32)
F. Wicked Tenants (Matt. 21:33-46)
E. Parable of Wedding Feast (Matt. 22:1-14)
D. Questioning Jesus (Matt. 22:15-46)
C. Condemns Religious Leaders (Matt. 23:1-36)
B. Jesus’ Compassion for Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37-39)
A. Jerusalem’s Destruction (Matt. 24:1-35)

Landowner = Father
Vineyard = Israel
Tenants = Leaders
Servants = Prophets
Son = Jesus
Wretched End = AD 70
Other Tenants = Church

Lessons to be Learned
1. God gave Israel everything needed to succeed (33)
2. God gave Israel freedom to obey or disobey (33b)
3. God gave Israel time to turn back to Him (34-36)
4. God gave Israel His only Son to save them (37)
5. National Israel rejected God’s Son (38-39)
6. National Israel ran out of time (40-41)
7. National Israel lost its place as God’s chosen (42-45)
8. The Church (believing Jews & Gentiles) is now to be God’s fruit-bearing people (41)

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-15T10:57:00.000-04:00

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

1. St. Patrick (originally Maewyn Succat) was born in the late 4th century in Roman Britain. His grandfather was a priest, but like many people in Britain at that time, the young Patrick didn’t take his faith very seriously.

2. At 16, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and spent the next 6 years serving as a herdsman for his master. During this time the seeds planted in him as a child emerged and he developed a deep relationship with God.

3. One night, while in prayer, Patrick heard a voice calling him to flee and that a means of deliverance had been prepared for him. Patrick found a ship and eventually was reunited with his family.

4. But after returning home, Patrick received a vision in which his former captors were calling for him to return to Ireland and shepherd them! Patrick obediently cashed in his inheritance and began training for ministry in Ireland.

5. Patrick played a pivotal role in establishing the Church in Ireland. He taught everything from literacy to leadership. Within 200 years of his arrival, Ireland was thoroughly Christianized.

Patrick in his own words...

'My confession…'
But I entreat those who believe in and fear God, whoever deigns to examine or receive this document composed by the obviously unlearned sinner Patrick in Ireland, that nobody shall ever ascribe to my ignorance any trivial thing that I achieved or may have expounded that was pleasing to God, but accept and truly believe that it would have been the gift of God. And this is my confession before I die.

I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many, had for father the deacon Calpurnius, son of the late Potitus, a priest, of the settlement of Bannavem Taburniae; he had a small villa nearby where I was taken captive. I was at that time about 16 years of age. I did not, indeed, know the true God; and I was taken into captivity in Ireland with many thousands of people, according to our deserts, for quite drawn away from God, we did not keep his precepts, nor were we obedient to our priests who used to remind us of our salvation. And the Lord brought down on us the fury of his being and scattered us among many nations, even to the ends of the earth, where I, in my smallness, am now to be found among foreigners.

On finding God while herding…
But after I reached Ireland I used to pasture the flock each day and I used to pray many times a day. More and more did the love of God, and my fear of him and faith increase, and my spirit was moved so that in a day (I said) from one up to 100 prayers, and in the night a like number; besides I used to stay out in the forests and on the mountain and I would wake up before daylight to pray in the snow, in icy coldness, in rain, and I used to feel neither ill nor any slothfulness, because, as I now see, the Spirit was burning in me at that time.

Guided by a voice, he escapes….
And it was there of course that one night in my sleep I heard a voice saying to me: 'You do well to fast: soon you will depart for your home country.' And again, a very short time later, there was a voice prophesying: 'Behold, your ship is ready.' And it was not close by, but, as it happened, 200 miles away, where I had never been nor knew any person. And shortly thereafter I turned about and fled from the man with whom I had been for six years, and I came, by the power of God who directed my route to advantage (and I was afraid of nothing), until I reached that ship.

Called back to Ireland by a dream…
And after a few years I was again in Britain with my kinsfolk, and they welcomed me as a son, and asked me, in faith, that after the great tribulations I had endured I should not go anywhere else away from them. And, of course, there, in a vision of the night, I saw a man whose name was Victoricus coming as if from Ireland with innumerable letters, and he gave me one of them, and I read the beginning of the letter: 'The Voice of the Irish', and as I was reading the beginning of the letter I seemed at that moment to hear the voice of those who were beside the forest of Foclut which is near the western sea, and the were crying as if with one voice: 'We beg you, holy youth, that you shall come and shall walk again among us.' And I was stung intensely in my heart so that I could read no more, and thus I awoke. Thanks be to God, because after so many years the Lord bestowed on them according to their cry.

Independence Day

2010-03-15T10:56:00.000-04:00

INDEPENDENCE DAY

1. The colonists of the ‘New World’ believed they were entitled as British citizens to the rights established by the Magna Carta (1215) and the British Bill of Rights (1689). As these rights were removed, the colonists’ non-violent appeals to justice were dismissed. Militias began to form to confront British authority.
2. On July 2nd 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. An explanatory ‘Declaration of Independence’ was prepared and approved on the “Fourth of July.”

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
~ John Adams in a letter to his wife on July 3rd 1776

3. Celebration of ‘Independence Day’ on July 4th began immediately (even as the war raged on) in much the same form as it takes today (as prescribed by Adams above). The 4th of July became an official federal holiday in 1870.
4. From an OT perspective, July 4th is parallel to the story of the Exodus for the Jewish people (Ex. 6:6). From a NT point of view, it is parallel to the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus (Luke 4:18, Gal. 5:1-13, 1 Peter 2:16)

Workers Paid Equally

2010-03-15T10:35:00.002-04:00

Am I Envious that God is Generous?
Matthew 20:1-15

Seems like an odd question
But I've been thinking about this passage
And I'm convinced it is relevant

A Parable uses every day pictures to convey spiritual realities
- The landowner = Lord
- Hired men = God's covenant people
- Vineyard = The world
- Denarius (days wages) = The Promise
* This is a very typical 1st century scene (6am-6pm work day)

What do we learn from this parable?

1. God is on the move toward the lost (key word "went out")

Impressions from the parable
- God is on the move
- There's a sense of urgency
- He does not discriminate in his call

This truth in Scripture
- Abram (called to GO. Yes, he'll be blessed, but also BE a blessing to others)
- Egypt (God wanted THEM to know He was God too)
- Philistines (God wanted THEM to know He was God too (1 Sam. 5:1-4)
- Ninevites (God wanted THEM to know He was God too)
- Gentiles (God wanted all to know!)
* That's why we have parables like the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son

God Is On The Move!

2. The Found tend to develop bad attitudes
* These attitudes are revealed, in the parable, at 6pm (The end of the work day)

A. We forget that we were found (prolly b/c of time, it's natural)
B. We get prideful about our position (prolly b/c of our good works, it's natural)
C. We see God's targets as intrusions (prolly b/c of our comfort zones, it's natural)
* These are all natural human tendencies (don't you feel their frustration?).
** The Israelites in the OT, the disciples in the NT shared this syndrome
*** But we are called to live SUPER-natural lives

3. God wants to change our attitudes (the key is 8b)

A. We don't get a smaller piece of the pie just b/c more are included (13-14a)
B. We don't get to make the decision, God is the owner (14b-15a)
C. In this light, the question of 15b becomes more relevant to me
- This was Jonah's problem
- This was the problem for the Prodigals brother
- This was Peter's problem in the middle of Acts
- This is sometimes my problem
- Is this sometimes your problem?
- Is this sometimes our problem?

Are we angry that God is always on the move? Or will we join Him?

The Role of Rebuke

2010-03-06T15:20:00.001-05:00

Samuel the Seer:
Part 4 The Role of Rebuke (Saul tends to take matters into his own hands)

Rebuke #1 13:7b-14
Rebukes Saul's failure to wait on the Lord

Rebuke #2 15:12-35
Rebukes Saul's failure to completely obey the Lord

Rebuke #3 28:1-19
Rebukes Saul's failure to accept the declaration of the Lord

References to Samuel later in Scripture
Psalm 99:6
Jeremiah 15:1
Acts 3:24, 13:21
Hebrews 11:32

The Circuit Riding Prophet

2010-03-06T15:11:00.002-05:00

Samuel the Seer:
Part 3 The Circuit Riding Prophet

Successful Circuit (7:13-17)
Bethel/Gilgal/Mizpah (about 40 miles roundtrip)

Unsuccessful Succession (8:1-5a)
We don't know why his kids were bad (possible that his grandson "Heman" wrote some Psalms)

Cry for a King (8:5b-12:25)
1. B/c your sons are bad!
2. B/c other nations have them
3. B/c they wanted 1 central leader (9:20)
4. B/c they wanted someone to fight their battles for them (9:20)

What a king will do...
1. Take your kids for government service (8:11-13)
2. Take the best land for government use (8:14)
3. Take your money for government use (8:15-17)

You won't like it! (v. 18)

Samuel told to anoint Saul (9:15-10:16)
Saul's initial successes (10:17-11:15)
Samuel's farewell speech (12:1-25)
- His innocense 1-5
- Israel's history 6-11
- Israel's bad request 12-19 (since they already had a King!)
- Israel's only hope 20-25

Proverbs 22-23

2010-03-06T15:08:00.001-05:00

MEN’S GROUP #290
-Becoming a Wise Guy 6-

FOUNDATIONS FOR A GOOD REPUTATION

1. Stay humble
22:2

2. Teach/Discipline your children
22:6, 22:15, 23:13-14
??? Is wickedness inherited, learned, or both?

3. Don’t make excuses
22:13

4. Restrain your materialism
23:4-5

5. Don’t waste time on idiots
23:9
??? What is Proverbs 26:4-5 all about?

6. Keep an eternal perspective
23:17-18

7. Always honor your parents
23:22

8. Be wary of wine
23:29-35

Passion Predictions

2010-03-02T10:46:00.002-05:00

In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus made three direct passion predictions:

1st Prediction: Matt 16:21/Mark 8:31/Luke 9:22
2nd Prediction: Matt 17:22-23/Mark 9:31/Luke 9:44
3rd Prediction: Matt 20:17-19/Mark 10:33-34/Luke 18:31-33

By analyzing these predictions, we may be able to determine what aspects of that week were most significant to Jesus.

Jerusalem is mentioned 4x (1st Prediction Matt, 3rd Prediction All)
Betrayal is mentioned 5x (2nd Prediction All, 3rd Prediction Matt & Mark)
Suffering via Authorities is mentioned 6x (1st prediction All-Jewish, 3rd Prediction All-Roman)
Death is mentioned 8x (1st prediction All, 2nd Prediction Matt & Mark, 3rd Prediction All)
Resurrection is mentioned 8x (1st prediction All, 2nd Prediction Matt & Mark, 3rd Prediction All)

Thus, these 5 features will be the focus of our series

The Passion of Jesus

2010-03-02T10:41:00.005-05:00

Below is a series that focuses on the final week of Jesus' ministry prior to His resurrection appearances.

Passion Predictions
Jerusalem
Betrayal
Suffering
Death
Resurrection

Veterans/Memorial Day

2010-03-02T10:29:00.002-05:00

MEMORIAL & VETERANS DAY

What is the origin & history of Memorial Day?
1. The official birthplace is Waterloo, NY (1866) where the graves of union soldiers were decorated. “Decoration Day” was an attempt to honor the sacrifice of fallen soldiers from the Civil War.
2. The name of the day was changed to “Memorial Day” in 1967. The following year the date of observance was changed from May 30th to the last Monday in May so as to create a 3-day weekend.
3. Memorial Day, today, is used to commemorate U.S. men and women who died in service to their country (often including rescue workers as well).

What is the origin & history of Veterans Day?
1. President Woodrow Wilson declared 11/19/1919 “Armistice Day” after WWI. It was made a legal holiday in 1938 as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace” and to honor WWI veterans.
2. In 1953 a shoe store owner in Kansas began a campaign to honor all U.S. veterans on Armistice Day. Congress approved of the campaign and signed the holiday into law in 1954 (and that same year changed the name to Veterans Day).
3. Veterans Day, today, is used to honor all U.S. men and women who have served their country via the military. For some years it was kept on the 4th Monday of October, it is now observed on November 11th.

Pacifism & Christianity

All Christians should be pacifists in some sense, but there is debate as to what extent. It seems to me that we should avoid to extreme positions.

Position 1: The Church and the Nation should go to war together (crusades)
Position 2: The Church should not go to war, but the nation sometimes should (just war)
Position 3: The Church and the Nation should refuse all war together (complete pacifism)

Position 1 is reprehensible as the Church has been called to 'fight' in a different way than the Kingdoms of this world. Position 3 is idealistic as there is a time and a place for evil to be confronted. Position 2 is a position of tension. It requires careful analysis on the part of the nation and much prayer on the part of the Church.

What traits are we honoring on these days?
Selflessness- Putting others first
Service- Hard-Work & Dedication
Sacrifice- Willingness to suffer/die
* these are very ‘Christian’ oriented values

Selfishness- Philippians 2:3
Service- Acts 20:35
Sacrifice- 1 Peter 2:19

Military Service is ‘typical’ of Christ
John 11:50-51
Romans 5:6-8

From Triumph to Temple (21:1-32)

2010-03-02T10:23:00.001-05:00

From Triumph to Temple

Understanding the Symbols of Jesus’ Entrance

Jerusalem (v. 1) at passover (Egypt)

Donkey (v. 2-7) Zechariah 9:9-11

Branches (v. 8) Maccabean Revolt, Independance

Son of David (v. 9) 2 Samuel 7

Nazareth (v. 10-11) John 1:46

Understanding the Symbols of Jesus’ Anger

Overturning Tables (v. 12-13) Isaiah 56:7 (nations)
Jeremiah 7:9-11
Blind/Lame/Children (v. 14-17) Outsiders

Fig Tree (v. 18-19) Fruitless (Jer. 8:11-13)

Mountain (v. 20-22) Earthly Jerusalem

Authorities (v. 23-27) Jesus’ turns tables again!

Two Sons (v. 28-32) Movement to outsiders

Proverbs 18-19

2010-02-24T10:44:00.001-05:00

Q&A from Proverbs 18-19

Q Are words worse than sticks and stones?
A 18:6-8

Q Is there really such a thing as financial security?
A 18:10-11

Q Should I say: “I do”?
A 18:22, 19:13-14

Q What should make me angry?
A 18:19, 19:11

Q How do I know who my real friends are?
A 18:24

Q What’s more important: Passion or Knowledge?
A 19:2

Q Will I give God blame or fame?
A 19:3

Q Are there rewards for the un-rewarded?
A 19:17

Q If I spare the rod will I spoil the child?
A 19:18-19

Samuel Part 2

2010-02-22T18:36:00.001-05:00

Samuel the Seer:
Part 2 From Ichabod to Ebenezer

Empty Worship (4:1-22)
Where did Israel place the blame for defeat? (4:3a) God
How were they using the Ark of the Covenant? (4:3b) As a good luck charm of sorts
What was the Philistine view of God? (4:7-8) Polytheistic? Mighty? To be feared?
What is the significance of Ichabod? (4:21-22) The glory had departed!

Divided Worship (5:1-6:16)
Why did the Philistines want the ark? (5:1) Possibly as a trophy (or to add another god!)
Why did God knock Dagon over? (5:2-4) To reveal to the Philistine's His Greatness
Why did God’s hand come against them? (5:6-9) To reveal to the Philistine's His Greatness
Why did God direct the cows/cart to Israel? (6:9) To reveal to the Philistine's His Greatness

Genuine Worship (6:17-7:14)
Why is 6:20 finally the right question? It recognizes God's greatness
Why is 7:2 the right attitude? It's a humble approach
Why are 7:3-9 the right actions? It's a complete surrender
What is an Ebenezer? (7:12) A memorial of commitment

Samuel Part 1

2010-02-22T18:33:00.002-05:00

Samuel the Seer (Judge, Priest, Prophet):
Part 1 Spiritual Foundations

What truths do we see in his spiritual foundations...

1. The power of a praying parent
1 Samuel 1:10-20, 2:19

2. The power of complete consecration
1 Samuel 1:11, 24-28

3. The power of consistency amidst corruption
1 Samuel 1:28b, 2:11, 18, 21, 26, 3:1, 19
* Hophni & Phinehas (materialism 2:12-17 & sexual corruption 2:22)

4. The power of the word at work
1 Samuel 3:19 - 4:1
- Let no words fall to ground
- Accessed God through His word
- Spread the word

Life of Samuel

2010-02-22T18:32:00.005-05:00

Spiritual Foundations
From Ichabod to Ebenezer
The Circuit Riding Prophet
The Role of Rebuke

Proverbs 15-16

2010-02-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

7 Insights from Proverbs 14-15

1. Life is a highway
14:12, 15:10, 15:24

2. We’re a body-soul unity
14:30

3. Charity is a form of worship
14:31

4. Death is not the end for us
14:32

5. God sees everything
15:3, 15:11

6. There is such a thing as bad religion
15:8, 15:29

7. Love is more valuable than Lavishness
15:17

Upside-Down Kingdom (20:17-34)

2010-02-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

Death Threats (Upside Down Takeover)
The Synoptic Gospels all record 3 separate occasions in which Jesus predicted the Passion. He highlighted the following features:

1. Location of Jerusalem
2. Betrayal
3. Attacking Authorities
4. Suffering & Death
5. Resurrection on 3rd Day

Request to Rule (Upside Down Leadership)
The Sons of Zebedee wanted to be in positions of power in Jesus’ coming Kingdom. Jesus used the request as an opportunity to teach them about true greatness.

Blind Beggers (Upside Down Followers)
While the disciples were blind to Jesus’ mission and wanted special treatment, these two blind men simply wanted to see and were willing to follow Jesus anywhere

Season of Lent

2010-02-22T11:10:00.002-05:00

SEASON OF LENT
Getting Ready for Resurrection!

1. The early Christians made it their habit to fast before Easter. The length of the fast ranged from 1 to 40 days in different regions (and this dates back at least to the 2nd century). The idea of a 40 day season surely comes from the significance of ‘40’ in the Bible (flood, Moses on mountain, wilderness wandering, Goliath, Elijah's fast, Nineveh, Jesus' fast before temptation, post-resurrection appearances, etc). QUOTE from Irenaeus.

2. In biblical times, ashes were connected to themes like humility (Genesis 18:27), repentance (Job 42:6), mourning (Jeremiah 6:26), etc. This would sometimes include putting ashes on your head or body (2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, Ezekiel 27:30).

3. Many Christians came to begin the season of Lent by having ashes (repentance) placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross (forgiveness). Thus we have ‘Ash Wednesday’ (the 1st day of Lent).

4. At the time of the Reformation, some Christians (especially Calvinists & Anabaptists) stopped practicing many of the ‘holy days’ because they imagined that they were invented by the Roman Catholic Church. In the case of Lent, however, the practices preceded the Roman Catholic institution.

5. In modern times, the season of Lent is often kept by giving up (fasting) something (not just food) for the 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter.

Spiritual Foundations

2010-02-15T11:19:00.002-05:00

1. The power of a praying parent
1 Sam. 1:10-20, 2:19

2. The power of complete consecration
1 Sam. 1:11, 24-28

3. The power of consistency amidst corruption
1 Sam. 1:28b, 2:11, 18, 21, 26, 3:1, 19
*Hophni & Phinehas= Materialism (2:12-17) and sexual corruption (2:22)

4. The power of the word at work
3:1b, 3:19-4:1
- Let no words fall to the ground
- Accessed God thru His word
- Spread the word

Life of Samuel

2010-02-15T11:18:00.000-05:00

Below are notes through a study of the life of Samuel

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T11:15:00.001-05:00

VALENTINE’S DAY
-Celebration of Love or Hallmark Holiday?-

The Origins of Valentine’s Day

1. In Roman mythology, the eventual founders of Rome were a pair of previously orphaned brothers who were cared for in a cave by a she-wolf (lupa) and later by a shepherd (Lupercus) and his wife. A mid-February Roman festival called Lupercalia developed and was linked to increases in health and fertility.

2. Pope Gelasius abolished Lupercalia in AD 496 and may have attempted to replace it with a February 14th commemoration of the martyred Saint Valentine. Actually, the Pope seems to have had 2 or even 3 different Valentine’s in mind, but very little is known about the men themselves except for their willingness to die.

3. We have no clear link between Saint Valentine’s Day and romance until the 14th century (by this time a distinction b/w the different Valentine’s had been lost). Many attribute the romantic aspect to a poem by the famous author Geoffrey Chaucer in which he mentioned birds finding mates on Valentine’s Day.

4. By the 18th century, Valentine’s cards were popular in Britain. Esther Howland mass-produced Valentine’s cards in America in the mid-19th century. Gift exchange was not common on Valentine’s Day until the 2nd half of the 20th century.

Summary Statement
Valentine’s Day, as it exists (a celebration of romantic love), has no real connection to Christian history (who is thinking of martyrdom on February 14th?).

A- Adapt to Valentine’s Day
Share in the celebration of romantic love

B- Boycott Valentine’s Day
Ignore it b/c it isn’t Christian or b/c it is materialistic

C- Cultivate Valentine’s Day

Option 1: Use it to speak of pure romantic love

Option 2: Use it to speak of general Christian love

Option 3: Put the focus back on martyrdom

Next week: Ash-Wednesday (February 17th)/Lent