John Chapter 21 (Due to my surgery, this lesson is being taught in church by my class member, Steve Bruzik)
Many scholars believe John added this “chapter” some time after the events of chapter 20.
There are 3 incidents recorded in this chapter: 1) the fishing experience on the lake (showing us that Jesus is to be the Lord of our wills); 2) the breakfast on the sea shore (showing us that Jesus is Lord of our hearts); and 3) the announcement of the death of Simon Peter and call him to service (showing us that He must be Lord of our minds).
Verses 1-3 – This is sort of the convention of the problem children: Simon Peter (impulsive and impetuous); Thomas (the skeptic, who had a question mark for a brain); Nathaniel (“Can any good thing come out of Nazareth); the sons of Zebedee (James and John) and two other disciples (maybe they represent you and me).
Peter, perhaps in an attempt to soothe his nerves, announces, “I’m going fishing.” It’s what he knew how to do. Remember, Jesus had said He would make him a fisher of men. The others volunteer to go with him. Although they were expert fishermen, they caught nothing.
Verses 4-14 – The disciples did not recognize Jesus standing on the shore. (Why not? Maybe He was too far away to be recognized.)
As they came in, Jesus asked, “Catch anything?” They answered, “Nope.” Jesus said, “Cast your net on the other side of the boat and you will find some.”
So, here’s this guy on the shore, telling the expert fishermen, now that they are in shallower water, to fish on the other side of the boat. That must have gone over well. But they did it.
When they did, they could hardly haul the net, there were so many fish! When you follow Jesus and allow Him to direct you, you can expect results!
Then John recognizes Jesus…whether by sight or by the miraculous experience, and shouts, “It is the Lord!” And they fellowship together around a camp fire…sharing their hearts. What stories there must have been around that camp fire!
Verses 15-17 Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him. It went like this:
Jesus Peter Jesus
Do you agapao1 me? You know I phileo2 you. Feed3 my little lambs (newborn Christians).
Do you agapao1 me? You know I phileo2 you. Disciple4 my sheep (growing Christians).
Do you phileo2 me? You know I phileo2 you. Feed5 my sheep (maturing Christians).
We hear a lot about the words for “love” in the Greek. But there are some other important words used in this passage as well, as knowing them helps us understand the meaning better. They are:
1agapao – the highest, Godly love;
2phileo – strong “brotherly” affection;
3Feed – provide infant nourishment;
4poimaino – disciple or shepherd;
5Feed – provide adult nourishment.
Verse 19 – Jesus tells Peter that there will come a time when he (Peter) will follow in Christ’s footsteps in death, and then exhorts him to follow Him.
Verses 20-23 – Peter asks about John, whose special bond with Jesus Peter did not miss. Jesus tells him not to worry about others’ relationship to Him, but his own. Then He repeats, “Follow me.”
Followship is superior to “fanship.” To be a fan requires little commitment. To be a follower requires 100% commitment.
Verses 24-25 John identifies himself, and tells us there were many other things Jesus did.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
A Study in John Week 4
( Due to my surgery, this lesson is being taught in church by my class member, Steve Bruzik)
Between the crucifixion and the resurrection
The Jews never refused to bury any executed criminal, but instead of allowing the bodies of such sinners to be placed in family tombs, where they might desecrate those already buried, they provided a burial site for criminals just outside the city
Most of the disciples were keeping their distance from Jesus at this point in time. It does not even appear to be possible for any of Jesus’ disciples or family to secure His body and give it a proper burial. And to make the situation even more difficult, time to give Jesus a proper burial had virtually run out.
After His death He was given a rich man’s burial. We might even say that Jesus was given a burial “fit for a king.”
Even though the disciples had forgotten our Lord’s words about His resurrection, the Jewish religious leaders had not: they went with the soldiers of the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.
Once the stone was “sealed,” no one would dare to try to steal the body of Jesus, to make it look as if He had been raised from the dead in fulfillment of His own prophecies. And to be doubly sure, guards were posted at the tomb so that no one could gain access to the body of Jesus.
John Chapter 20
Verse 1-9 – It was on Sunday, early in the morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. Joseph and Nicodemus had prepared the body for burial (John 19:40). They sealed in the body with 100 pounds of ointment, wrapped it with strips of linen cloth, and prepared it like a mummy. Each finger was wrapped separately, then the hand, then the arms were strapped to the body and the body was wound.
John and Peter knew that He could not have gotten out of that encasement. It would have been physically impossible to get that body out of graveclothes without unwinding them. John got to the tomb first, but would not go in. Peter (the impetuous one) had no trouble and went right in.
Verses 10-18 – Everybody but Mary Magdalene went home, presumably to mourn.
Jesus appeared to Mary, but would not allow her to touch Him. He told her to go tell the others, which she did.
Verses 19-23 – Jesus appeared to the disciples, who were overcome with elation. “…He breathed on them them…” is a reference to the other Scriptures that speak of the Holy Spirit being invisible like the air, but powerful like the wind.
Verses 24-31 – Thomas, being a “realist,” did not believe the disciples’ report. A week later Jesus appeared to the disciples and offered physical proof of His resurrection.
Many say, "If I just had physical proof of the resurrection, I would believe."
No, you wouldn't. Thousands saw proof of His power and diety face-to-face and still didn't believe.
Belief yields faith, and faith does not require proof.
Between the crucifixion and the resurrection
The Jews never refused to bury any executed criminal, but instead of allowing the bodies of such sinners to be placed in family tombs, where they might desecrate those already buried, they provided a burial site for criminals just outside the city
Most of the disciples were keeping their distance from Jesus at this point in time. It does not even appear to be possible for any of Jesus’ disciples or family to secure His body and give it a proper burial. And to make the situation even more difficult, time to give Jesus a proper burial had virtually run out.
After His death He was given a rich man’s burial. We might even say that Jesus was given a burial “fit for a king.”
Even though the disciples had forgotten our Lord’s words about His resurrection, the Jewish religious leaders had not: they went with the soldiers of the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.
Once the stone was “sealed,” no one would dare to try to steal the body of Jesus, to make it look as if He had been raised from the dead in fulfillment of His own prophecies. And to be doubly sure, guards were posted at the tomb so that no one could gain access to the body of Jesus.
John Chapter 20
Verse 1-9 – It was on Sunday, early in the morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. Joseph and Nicodemus had prepared the body for burial (John 19:40). They sealed in the body with 100 pounds of ointment, wrapped it with strips of linen cloth, and prepared it like a mummy. Each finger was wrapped separately, then the hand, then the arms were strapped to the body and the body was wound.
John and Peter knew that He could not have gotten out of that encasement. It would have been physically impossible to get that body out of graveclothes without unwinding them. John got to the tomb first, but would not go in. Peter (the impetuous one) had no trouble and went right in.
Verses 10-18 – Everybody but Mary Magdalene went home, presumably to mourn.
Jesus appeared to Mary, but would not allow her to touch Him. He told her to go tell the others, which she did.
Verses 19-23 – Jesus appeared to the disciples, who were overcome with elation. “…He breathed on them them…” is a reference to the other Scriptures that speak of the Holy Spirit being invisible like the air, but powerful like the wind.
Verses 24-31 – Thomas, being a “realist,” did not believe the disciples’ report. A week later Jesus appeared to the disciples and offered physical proof of His resurrection.
Many say, "If I just had physical proof of the resurrection, I would believe."
No, you wouldn't. Thousands saw proof of His power and diety face-to-face and still didn't believe.
Belief yields faith, and faith does not require proof.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
YOUR PRAYERS ARE SOLICITED
I'll be going in for hip replacement surgery in the morning, and will not be blogging until at least Friday, and maybe longer.
If you would like to see what it is like, watch the following.
If you don't like watching this kind of thing, don't.
I find it interesting, neat, and I am looking forward to it.
I built a cabinet one time with tools very much like those used in the video.
See you soon!
If you would like to see what it is like, watch the following.
If you don't like watching this kind of thing, don't.
I find it interesting, neat, and I am looking forward to it.
I built a cabinet one time with tools very much like those used in the video.
See you soon!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
A Study in John Week 3
John Chapter 19
Pilate faces Jesus
Verses 1-3 – Pilate should have released Jesus. He had found Him innocent of wrondoing. Instead he had Jesus beaten to unrecognizability. Jesus did not even look human after the scourging (See Isaiah 52:14). Even after the beating, Jesus was mocked and struck.
Verses 4-7 – Pilate once again said that he could find no fault with Jesus. It was the religious leaders who called out for His crucifixion. Pilate bascically said, “You want Him crucified, you do it. I find no basis for any charge agains Him.”
The Jews had a law with which to charge Jesus, but they did not have the authority to carry out an execution. Their charge was blasphemy, a capital offense. This is direct evidence that Jesus had claimed to be God.
Verses 8-11 – Pilate then tried to intimidate Jesus with his political power. Jesus would have none of it, and told him where his power came from. But notice that Jesus accused the religious leaders of being guilty of greater sin than the pagan, Pilate.
Verses 12-16a – Pilate continues to “get Jesus off,” but ultimately turned Him over to the Jews, who proclaimed their allegience to Ceasar.
The Crucifixion
Verses 16b-25 – Hebrew (Aramaic) was the language of religion; Greek was the language of culture, philosophy and learning while Latin was the language of law and power.
The inscription over the cross, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, was written in all three languages.
The Jews didn’t like it, but Pilate had had enough of them. “It is what it is, “ he said.
While Jesus was on the cross, dying a torturous death, the Roman guards shot dice for His garment to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 22:8. While He was on that cross, 28 prophecies were accomplished and He proclaimed His work done.
For three hours, God pulled a veil of darkness over the land while He and Jesus completed the transaction that would set you and me free from the sin that besets us.
So, a carpenter who built His life on integrity, developed a significant local following but was otherwise unknown in the world, died a criminal on the cross, a criminal who had done nothing illegal.
More than 2,000 years later, in a world of turmoil, He is still the Hope of the world, the only hope for humanity.
The Jews, by crucifying their own Savior, trying to observe the Passover that speaks of Him, they are fulfilling prophecy. Compare John 19:36 with Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; and John 19:37 with Zechariah 12:10 and Revelation 1:7.
Verses 38-42 – Because He was only going to need it for three days, Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb. The Jews only allowed Jesus to be burried there because they did not have time to carve a new tomb, it being the day of Preparation for Passover.
Jesus was dead, and it looked like Satan had won the battle. Great sadness filled the hearts of Jesus’ followers, while great joy filled the crevaces of Satan and his minions.
It was Friday.
But Sunday was on the way.
Pilate faces Jesus
Verses 1-3 – Pilate should have released Jesus. He had found Him innocent of wrondoing. Instead he had Jesus beaten to unrecognizability. Jesus did not even look human after the scourging (See Isaiah 52:14). Even after the beating, Jesus was mocked and struck.
Verses 4-7 – Pilate once again said that he could find no fault with Jesus. It was the religious leaders who called out for His crucifixion. Pilate bascically said, “You want Him crucified, you do it. I find no basis for any charge agains Him.”
The Jews had a law with which to charge Jesus, but they did not have the authority to carry out an execution. Their charge was blasphemy, a capital offense. This is direct evidence that Jesus had claimed to be God.
Verses 8-11 – Pilate then tried to intimidate Jesus with his political power. Jesus would have none of it, and told him where his power came from. But notice that Jesus accused the religious leaders of being guilty of greater sin than the pagan, Pilate.
Verses 12-16a – Pilate continues to “get Jesus off,” but ultimately turned Him over to the Jews, who proclaimed their allegience to Ceasar.
The Crucifixion
Verses 16b-25 – Hebrew (Aramaic) was the language of religion; Greek was the language of culture, philosophy and learning while Latin was the language of law and power.
The inscription over the cross, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, was written in all three languages.
The Jews didn’t like it, but Pilate had had enough of them. “It is what it is, “ he said.
While Jesus was on the cross, dying a torturous death, the Roman guards shot dice for His garment to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 22:8. While He was on that cross, 28 prophecies were accomplished and He proclaimed His work done.
For three hours, God pulled a veil of darkness over the land while He and Jesus completed the transaction that would set you and me free from the sin that besets us.
So, a carpenter who built His life on integrity, developed a significant local following but was otherwise unknown in the world, died a criminal on the cross, a criminal who had done nothing illegal.
More than 2,000 years later, in a world of turmoil, He is still the Hope of the world, the only hope for humanity.
The Jews, by crucifying their own Savior, trying to observe the Passover that speaks of Him, they are fulfilling prophecy. Compare John 19:36 with Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; and John 19:37 with Zechariah 12:10 and Revelation 1:7.
Verses 38-42 – Because He was only going to need it for three days, Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb. The Jews only allowed Jesus to be burried there because they did not have time to carve a new tomb, it being the day of Preparation for Passover.
Jesus was dead, and it looked like Satan had won the battle. Great sadness filled the hearts of Jesus’ followers, while great joy filled the crevaces of Satan and his minions.
It was Friday.
But Sunday was on the way.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
A Study in John Week 2
John Chapter 18 - The Passion
The Verses
Verses 1-3 – Judas led the soldiers and priests to the olive grove. He knew the place, since he had been there before. Why torches and lanterns? Why weapons? Because they feared the power of Jesus.
Verses 4-9 – “Who is it you Want?” Didn’t Jesus know? Why did they fall back and to the ground? Jesus demonstrated that if He was arrested it was because He allowed it to happen. He even told them who they could and could not arrest.
Verses 10-11 – Peter drew his sword…why? Jesus told them not to fight the enemy. Jesus had to “drink the cup.” The cup is the cross: Jesus came to die.
Verses 12-14 – The same Annas who had operated the Bazaar of Annas at the temple when Jesus overthrew the tables of the thieves. We don’t have a temple today. But if we did, it would be thievery if we sold things there at usury prices. Annas is the one who plotted the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. The trial was a mockery; they had already decided that He was going to die.
Verses 15-18 – Peter chose to align himself with the servants and officials. He not only denied that he knew Jesus, he identified with Jesus’ enemies. He denied Jesus three times. Some have said it was one denial for each of the three persons of the Trinity.
Verses 19-24 – When questioned, Jesus pointed out that his preaching was open and to the public. Being struck by one of the officials demonstrates the length to which the religious leaders were willing to go to protect their religious system…even to violence. Jesus challenged them to actually verbalize what He has said that was wrong or untrue. They could not.
Verses 25-27 – Peter’s second and third denials of Jesus. It’s easy to love and admire Jesus. It is not so easy to follow Him. Recommendation: the book, “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. What do you suppose went through Peter’s mind when the rooster crowed? What goes through your mind when you don’t follow Jesus?
Verses 28-32 – The Jews “did not want to be forbidden to eat the Passover. In the name of religion they were plotting the death of the very One who is the fulfillment of Passover! They “made” Pilate come out to them. Good Jews, those guys. They pointed out that they, of course, were right or else they wouldn’t have done what they did. Their response to Pilate showed that they had already made up their minds about Jesus’ fate. This was the fulfillment of the prophecy of His mode of death thousands of years before He was born.
Jesus before Pilate.
Verses 33-40 – Jesus knew how to handle Pilate. His question in verse 34 both embarrassed and enraged Pilate. He professed to know nothing of Jewish Law. Jesus makes a pretty bold statement: If you want the Truth, listen to Him (“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…”).
Like all liberal politicians, Pilate twists the issue into a philosophical question. In the end, though, he could find no fault with Him.
Pilate offered the crowd a choice: release a known killer, extortionest, leader of a rebellion and thief or release an innocent man. The crowd chose to have the killer released. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.
Every person has a choice: the murderous; extortionistic, rebellious and thieving way of the world or Jesus. Most, sadly, reject Jesus. The way to eternal life is narrow, and it is a one way street.
Be sure you make your choice for Jesus.
The Verses
Verses 1-3 – Judas led the soldiers and priests to the olive grove. He knew the place, since he had been there before. Why torches and lanterns? Why weapons? Because they feared the power of Jesus.
Verses 4-9 – “Who is it you Want?” Didn’t Jesus know? Why did they fall back and to the ground? Jesus demonstrated that if He was arrested it was because He allowed it to happen. He even told them who they could and could not arrest.
Verses 10-11 – Peter drew his sword…why? Jesus told them not to fight the enemy. Jesus had to “drink the cup.” The cup is the cross: Jesus came to die.
Verses 12-14 – The same Annas who had operated the Bazaar of Annas at the temple when Jesus overthrew the tables of the thieves. We don’t have a temple today. But if we did, it would be thievery if we sold things there at usury prices. Annas is the one who plotted the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. The trial was a mockery; they had already decided that He was going to die.
Verses 15-18 – Peter chose to align himself with the servants and officials. He not only denied that he knew Jesus, he identified with Jesus’ enemies. He denied Jesus three times. Some have said it was one denial for each of the three persons of the Trinity.
Verses 19-24 – When questioned, Jesus pointed out that his preaching was open and to the public. Being struck by one of the officials demonstrates the length to which the religious leaders were willing to go to protect their religious system…even to violence. Jesus challenged them to actually verbalize what He has said that was wrong or untrue. They could not.
Verses 25-27 – Peter’s second and third denials of Jesus. It’s easy to love and admire Jesus. It is not so easy to follow Him. Recommendation: the book, “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. What do you suppose went through Peter’s mind when the rooster crowed? What goes through your mind when you don’t follow Jesus?
Verses 28-32 – The Jews “did not want to be forbidden to eat the Passover. In the name of religion they were plotting the death of the very One who is the fulfillment of Passover! They “made” Pilate come out to them. Good Jews, those guys. They pointed out that they, of course, were right or else they wouldn’t have done what they did. Their response to Pilate showed that they had already made up their minds about Jesus’ fate. This was the fulfillment of the prophecy of His mode of death thousands of years before He was born.
Jesus before Pilate.
Verses 33-40 – Jesus knew how to handle Pilate. His question in verse 34 both embarrassed and enraged Pilate. He professed to know nothing of Jewish Law. Jesus makes a pretty bold statement: If you want the Truth, listen to Him (“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…”).
Like all liberal politicians, Pilate twists the issue into a philosophical question. In the end, though, he could find no fault with Him.
Pilate offered the crowd a choice: release a known killer, extortionest, leader of a rebellion and thief or release an innocent man. The crowd chose to have the killer released. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.
Every person has a choice: the murderous; extortionistic, rebellious and thieving way of the world or Jesus. Most, sadly, reject Jesus. The way to eternal life is narrow, and it is a one way street.
Be sure you make your choice for Jesus.
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Saturday, March 03, 2012
A Study in John Week 1-The Passion
John Chapter 17
Jesus is facing the cross and He knows it.
It is not the pain of the cross He fears. It is not the nails, the humiliation or the injustisce of the cross He fears.
Jesus is about to suffer something unimaginable. While on the cross, God will turn His back on Christ. Jesus will bear the very penalty for all sin…sin He never committed.
Before all of this happens to Him, He prays a prayer unique in all of creation’s history.
His prayer has three parts: 1) He prayes for Himself; 2) He prays for His disciples and 3) He prays for His church.
The Verses
Jesus’ prayer for Himself
Verses 1-5 – Notice that Jesus looked up. He didn’t bow or kneel, He lifted up His eyes, which were apparently open. The position of prayer is secondary to the purpose of prayer. Prayer can happen with eyes wide open while standing, walking, driving or whatever. (Psalm 25:1, 123:1 & Psalm 121)
.
“Father the time has come.” Before the foundation of the world, Christ was the Lamb of God slain. This was the plan from before time began. But in the midst of time, it was time for Christ to pay a debt He did not owe.
“Glorify Thy Son.” All of the glory of the heavens and the universe belongs to Jesus. And Jesus simultaneously glorifies the Father.
John explains that those who come to Christ constitute the church, that is: Those that you have given Him.
The church can be seen as God’s gift to Christ; His elect; His bride.
“…with the glory I had with you before the world began.” If you cannot see that this is a reference to the Trinity and the creative activity of Christ before time began, then I guess you’ll just have to go back to school to learn to read.
Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples
Verses 6-12 – Jesus gave His disciples the words God the Father gave Him to give to them.
Here Jesus once again identifies himself as one with the Father and the one able to protect them. He did it in the interest of their unity (“unity” is one of the major themes of Scripture).
Verses 13-19 – We are not of this world. The world hates the Word of God. The disciples were to spread the gospel. That gospel would be rejected by the world.
Jesus prays for his coming followers…us.
Verses 29-26 – We are one in Him. We are to be in Him and united in Him.
God’s love is shown to us in Jesus. He is both the source of love and the essence of love, for God IS love.
Jesus is facing the cross and He knows it.
It is not the pain of the cross He fears. It is not the nails, the humiliation or the injustisce of the cross He fears.
Jesus is about to suffer something unimaginable. While on the cross, God will turn His back on Christ. Jesus will bear the very penalty for all sin…sin He never committed.
Before all of this happens to Him, He prays a prayer unique in all of creation’s history.
His prayer has three parts: 1) He prayes for Himself; 2) He prays for His disciples and 3) He prays for His church.
The Verses
Jesus’ prayer for Himself
Verses 1-5 – Notice that Jesus looked up. He didn’t bow or kneel, He lifted up His eyes, which were apparently open. The position of prayer is secondary to the purpose of prayer. Prayer can happen with eyes wide open while standing, walking, driving or whatever. (Psalm 25:1, 123:1 & Psalm 121)
.
“Father the time has come.” Before the foundation of the world, Christ was the Lamb of God slain. This was the plan from before time began. But in the midst of time, it was time for Christ to pay a debt He did not owe.
“Glorify Thy Son.” All of the glory of the heavens and the universe belongs to Jesus. And Jesus simultaneously glorifies the Father.
John explains that those who come to Christ constitute the church, that is: Those that you have given Him.
The church can be seen as God’s gift to Christ; His elect; His bride.
“…with the glory I had with you before the world began.” If you cannot see that this is a reference to the Trinity and the creative activity of Christ before time began, then I guess you’ll just have to go back to school to learn to read.
Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples
Verses 6-12 – Jesus gave His disciples the words God the Father gave Him to give to them.
Here Jesus once again identifies himself as one with the Father and the one able to protect them. He did it in the interest of their unity (“unity” is one of the major themes of Scripture).
Verses 13-19 – We are not of this world. The world hates the Word of God. The disciples were to spread the gospel. That gospel would be rejected by the world.
Jesus prays for his coming followers…us.
Verses 29-26 – We are one in Him. We are to be in Him and united in Him.
God’s love is shown to us in Jesus. He is both the source of love and the essence of love, for God IS love.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
A Study in Hebrews-Week 15
Hebrews Chapter 13
Chapter 10 was the “privileges” chapter; chapter 11 was the “faith” chapter; was the “hope” chapter. And now we come to chapter 13, which is the “love” chapter.
You will remember that it was chapter 13 of I Corinthians that was its “love” chapter. In Romans, it was chapter 12. In II Corinthians chapter 8 was the love-in-action chapter, as was Galatians 6b. In Ephesians the practical aspect of love was emphasized.
Paul was big on love. And so he is in Hebrews.
The Verses
Verses 1-3 – We are to love each other. Paul also emphasizes the importance of loving strangers, in order that we might witness to them as he admonished us in chapter 12:15.
Verses 4-6 – Here Paul speaks of marriage as he did so often, particularly in Ephesians 5:21-32. and Colosians 3:16-25. Because he is speaking to Jews, he keeps it short and to the point: you be personally responsible for keeping your marriage honorable…free from adultery (in thought or deed), and don’t make money the central theme around which it is built.
Verses 7-8 – This love is to extend to your leaders (and here he is talking about your church leaders.
You owe “followship” to your spiritual leaders, so long as they do not lead you away from God’s Word, into illegality or to immorality.
Verses 9-10 – DO NOT BE INFLUENCED BY THOSE WHOSE DOCTRINES ARE DERIVED FROM SOME PERVERSION OF THE MEANING OF GOD’S WORD OR BY SOME VISION OR “SPECIAL” REVELATION.
Christian fellowship is when you are around the Word of God and when it brings you to the person of Christ.
The priests of the Old Covenant made their sin offerings in a specific place. We have an altar without and “address.” It is the Throne of Grace.
Verses 11-14 – The priests of the Old Covenant made the sin offering outside the city walls.
Jesus made his sacrifice outside of the city. He was the sin offering. We are to go to Him.
Verses 15-16 – The only sacrifice we have is ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-4) and our praise that confesses His name.
Verse 17 – We are to make our pastor’s work an absolute joy. We are to help him and stand beside him.
Verses 18-19 – Paul desired the prayers of God’s people.
Verses 20-21 – Paul asks that God would equip us with everything we need to accomplish His will, and that we will strive to do what is pleasing to Him.
Verses22-25 – Paul actually had much more to say, but he wanted to get this much out immediately.
He also reminds the reader to lovingly greet their leaders and God’s people from Italy, who send their greetings.
He closes with a prayer for God’s GRACE to be with every one of them.
That's love.
Chapter 10 was the “privileges” chapter; chapter 11 was the “faith” chapter; was the “hope” chapter. And now we come to chapter 13, which is the “love” chapter.
You will remember that it was chapter 13 of I Corinthians that was its “love” chapter. In Romans, it was chapter 12. In II Corinthians chapter 8 was the love-in-action chapter, as was Galatians 6b. In Ephesians the practical aspect of love was emphasized.
Paul was big on love. And so he is in Hebrews.
The Verses
Verses 1-3 – We are to love each other. Paul also emphasizes the importance of loving strangers, in order that we might witness to them as he admonished us in chapter 12:15.
Verses 4-6 – Here Paul speaks of marriage as he did so often, particularly in Ephesians 5:21-32. and Colosians 3:16-25. Because he is speaking to Jews, he keeps it short and to the point: you be personally responsible for keeping your marriage honorable…free from adultery (in thought or deed), and don’t make money the central theme around which it is built.
Verses 7-8 – This love is to extend to your leaders (and here he is talking about your church leaders.
You owe “followship” to your spiritual leaders, so long as they do not lead you away from God’s Word, into illegality or to immorality.
Verses 9-10 – DO NOT BE INFLUENCED BY THOSE WHOSE DOCTRINES ARE DERIVED FROM SOME PERVERSION OF THE MEANING OF GOD’S WORD OR BY SOME VISION OR “SPECIAL” REVELATION.
Christian fellowship is when you are around the Word of God and when it brings you to the person of Christ.
The priests of the Old Covenant made their sin offerings in a specific place. We have an altar without and “address.” It is the Throne of Grace.
Verses 11-14 – The priests of the Old Covenant made the sin offering outside the city walls.
Jesus made his sacrifice outside of the city. He was the sin offering. We are to go to Him.
Verses 15-16 – The only sacrifice we have is ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-4) and our praise that confesses His name.
Verse 17 – We are to make our pastor’s work an absolute joy. We are to help him and stand beside him.
Verses 18-19 – Paul desired the prayers of God’s people.
Verses 20-21 – Paul asks that God would equip us with everything we need to accomplish His will, and that we will strive to do what is pleasing to Him.
Verses22-25 – Paul actually had much more to say, but he wanted to get this much out immediately.
He also reminds the reader to lovingly greet their leaders and God’s people from Italy, who send their greetings.
He closes with a prayer for God’s GRACE to be with every one of them.
That's love.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A Study in Hebrews-Week 14
Hebrews Chapter 12 Part 2
The Verses
Verse 14 – Living in peace with one another does not come easily, automatically or by magic. It takes work. We must strive to overlook and forgive one another’s foils and fables.
Our holiness comes from God through Christ, and is not the result of our own efforts.
Verse 15 – We are to be a constant witness of the grace of God to everyone.
Verse 16 – We are our brothers’ keepers. If they are not saved, we must introduce them to Christ.
Verse 17 – There is a point at which it is no longer possible to reach some people because they have rejected God’s Spirit so often that their hearts are hardened to the gospel.
Verses 18-21 – Here is reference to Moses at Mt. Sinai. Mt. Sinai represents the Old Covenant. A believer is not brought back to the legal system of the Old Covenant (see Exodus 19).
Verses 22-24 – “You have come to Mt. Zion, “Ye are come” indicates position. A believer is
brought to the New Covenant:
(1) “Mt. Zion,” the heavenly city;
(2) “city of the living God”;
(3) “heavenly Jerusalem”;
(4) “angels” in joyful assembly;
(5) “general assembly and church of the first-born” — New Testament church;
(6) “God, the Judge” — the Lord Jesus Christ;
(7) “spirits of just men made perfect” — evidently a reference to Old Testament saints;
(8) “Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant”;
(9) blood of Jesus — better than Abel’s blood.
Verse 25 – This is warning against failing to hear the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, both for the unsaved and the saved. We are to pay attention to God’s voice in our lives.
Verses 26-27 – This reminds us that privilege creates responsibility. God has nothing more to say. The Word of Jesus is final. There is danger of not hearing Him. He is shaking the world that men might see some things unshakeable.
Verse 28-29 – We are reminded that what we have in Christ is “earthquake proof.” It is set on a firm foundation (who is Christ), and therefore should fall down in worship with reverence and awe.
The Verses
Verse 14 – Living in peace with one another does not come easily, automatically or by magic. It takes work. We must strive to overlook and forgive one another’s foils and fables.
Our holiness comes from God through Christ, and is not the result of our own efforts.
Verse 15 – We are to be a constant witness of the grace of God to everyone.
Verse 16 – We are our brothers’ keepers. If they are not saved, we must introduce them to Christ.
Verse 17 – There is a point at which it is no longer possible to reach some people because they have rejected God’s Spirit so often that their hearts are hardened to the gospel.
Verses 18-21 – Here is reference to Moses at Mt. Sinai. Mt. Sinai represents the Old Covenant. A believer is not brought back to the legal system of the Old Covenant (see Exodus 19).
Verses 22-24 – “You have come to Mt. Zion, “Ye are come” indicates position. A believer is
brought to the New Covenant:
(1) “Mt. Zion,” the heavenly city;
(2) “city of the living God”;
(3) “heavenly Jerusalem”;
(4) “angels” in joyful assembly;
(5) “general assembly and church of the first-born” — New Testament church;
(6) “God, the Judge” — the Lord Jesus Christ;
(7) “spirits of just men made perfect” — evidently a reference to Old Testament saints;
(8) “Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant”;
(9) blood of Jesus — better than Abel’s blood.
Verse 25 – This is warning against failing to hear the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, both for the unsaved and the saved. We are to pay attention to God’s voice in our lives.
Verses 26-27 – This reminds us that privilege creates responsibility. God has nothing more to say. The Word of Jesus is final. There is danger of not hearing Him. He is shaking the world that men might see some things unshakeable.
Verse 28-29 – We are reminded that what we have in Christ is “earthquake proof.” It is set on a firm foundation (who is Christ), and therefore should fall down in worship with reverence and awe.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE--JESUS IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE-He Is-AaronJeoffrey
The Bible is God's revelation of His character, His love for
His creation and His plan for its redemption. It's not me, it's not about you. It's all about Him.
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Study in Hebrews-Week 13
Hebrews Chapter 12 Part 1
The Verses
Verse 1 – Once again Paul uses his signature connective “Therefore”(“Wherefore in KJV). Since all of these Old Covenant people had joined us in their faith in Christ, as “witnesses” (not spectators, but active in their lives), we are to throw off those things that attach us to the world.
Verse 2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” is a continuation of the “therefore” in verse 1. He is the Pioneer (KJV “author”). That is He is the originator of and the focus of our faith. He authored our faith before the beginning of time. He is also the “Perfecter” (KJV: “finisher”) of our faith. He has finished the work of redemption and now sits at the right hand of God.
Verse 3 – Believers are now in both a contest and a conflict. Jesus knows our struggle and the hurdles we have to overcome.
Verse 4 – There is still a struggle with sin in our lives and we are tempted just as He was in His 40 days n the wilderness. But the shedding of our blood is insufficient to cover sin. Only the shedding of HIS blood is adequate.
Verse 5 & 6 – We have been made God’s children.
It is a mistake when the world says, “We are all God’s children.” Only those who have received the gift of His salvation through faith in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary are His children.
He quotes from Proverbs 3:11 & 12.
The word “discipline” does NOT mean “punishment.” It is the same root as “disciple,” one who trains Himself to follow Christ. However the word for “punishment” used in verse 6 means to train (Greek-paideuo) and the word “punishes” or “scourgeth” (Greek-mastigoo) means to press into your mind by force, in a whip-like manner.
(NOTE: Almost all translations try to make this verse mean “gives a whipping to,” which is not the picture it is conveying).
Verse 7 – This really clears the matter up, as it is a continuation of the same thought and tells us that when hardships occur we should see them as opportunities to deepen our faith.
Verse 8 – Further explains that if you are not disciplined (properly trained), you are a fake Christian. (Could this be a strong argument for a Discipleship Training Ministry?)
Verse 9 – Fathers discipline [train (as in Proverbs 22:6)] their children. Properly disciplined (trained) children respect their fathers more than untrained children do. Likewise, we should be trained by God and should submit ourselves to His training.
Verse 10 – As with high school or college, there is an end to the training period, but the learning never stops.
Verse 11 – Discipline is hard to endure. An athlete must train for his sport with weight lifting, running, pushing the blocking sled, etc., and it is tough. But the rewards are great when he gets to play in the Super Bowl.
Discipline in God’s ways produce “…a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it.”
Verses 12-13 – Do what it takes to strengthen yourself so you can be useful in the healing of others by introducing them to God’s salvation.
The Verses
Verse 1 – Once again Paul uses his signature connective “Therefore”(“Wherefore in KJV). Since all of these Old Covenant people had joined us in their faith in Christ, as “witnesses” (not spectators, but active in their lives), we are to throw off those things that attach us to the world.
Verse 2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” is a continuation of the “therefore” in verse 1. He is the Pioneer (KJV “author”). That is He is the originator of and the focus of our faith. He authored our faith before the beginning of time. He is also the “Perfecter” (KJV: “finisher”) of our faith. He has finished the work of redemption and now sits at the right hand of God.
Verse 3 – Believers are now in both a contest and a conflict. Jesus knows our struggle and the hurdles we have to overcome.
Verse 4 – There is still a struggle with sin in our lives and we are tempted just as He was in His 40 days n the wilderness. But the shedding of our blood is insufficient to cover sin. Only the shedding of HIS blood is adequate.
Verse 5 & 6 – We have been made God’s children.
It is a mistake when the world says, “We are all God’s children.” Only those who have received the gift of His salvation through faith in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary are His children.
He quotes from Proverbs 3:11 & 12.
The word “discipline” does NOT mean “punishment.” It is the same root as “disciple,” one who trains Himself to follow Christ. However the word for “punishment” used in verse 6 means to train (Greek-paideuo) and the word “punishes” or “scourgeth” (Greek-mastigoo) means to press into your mind by force, in a whip-like manner.
(NOTE: Almost all translations try to make this verse mean “gives a whipping to,” which is not the picture it is conveying).
Verse 7 – This really clears the matter up, as it is a continuation of the same thought and tells us that when hardships occur we should see them as opportunities to deepen our faith.
Verse 8 – Further explains that if you are not disciplined (properly trained), you are a fake Christian. (Could this be a strong argument for a Discipleship Training Ministry?)
Verse 9 – Fathers discipline [train (as in Proverbs 22:6)] their children. Properly disciplined (trained) children respect their fathers more than untrained children do. Likewise, we should be trained by God and should submit ourselves to His training.
Verse 10 – As with high school or college, there is an end to the training period, but the learning never stops.
Verse 11 – Discipline is hard to endure. An athlete must train for his sport with weight lifting, running, pushing the blocking sled, etc., and it is tough. But the rewards are great when he gets to play in the Super Bowl.
Discipline in God’s ways produce “…a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it.”
Verses 12-13 – Do what it takes to strengthen yourself so you can be useful in the healing of others by introducing them to God’s salvation.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Friday, February 03, 2012
A Study in Hebrews-Week 12
Hebrews Chapter 11
This chapter is often called “The Hall of Faith.”
Verse 1 – The definition of faith is found in this verse. In the King James, faith is “substance” (Greek: hupostasis-a scientific term meaning the opposite of a theory or title deed). Faith is also “evidence” (Greek elegchos) is a legal term; it is evidence that is accepted for conviction.
Verse 2 – It was their faith that got the “ancients” (also called “Elders”) that got them “commended” in God’s eyes, not their behavior.
Verse 3 – This is a critical verse regarding the application of our faith. This verse reminds us that God creates, He does not just rearrange what already is.When there was no such thing as light, God spoke it into being.
Verses 4-32a – Each of these people represent a different characteristic of faith:
Abel – the worship of faith (Genesis 4:1-5);
Enoch – the walk of faith (Genesis 5:21-24);
Verse 6 – tells us we come to God only by faith. The emphasis is not on His existence or His rewards, but on His being.
Noah – the witness of faith;
Abraham – the obedience of faith;
Sarah – the power of faith;
Isaac – the willingness of faith (Isaac was grown when Abraham offered him on the altar. Abraham believed in the resurrection.);
Isaac and Jacob – the future of faith; Joseph – the fulfillment of God’s promises;
Moses – the sacrifices of faith;
Joshua – the foolishness of faith (How absurd to think one could bring down a city by marching around its walls);
Rahab – the unlikely place of faith;
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel – faith in action.
Verses 32b-38 – The persecution in store for people of faith.
Verses 39-40 – These are not necessarily heroes of faith, but this is what faith has done in the history of man under different circumstances in different periods through different individuals.
Faith has no merit in itself; merit is in the object of faith.
In other words, we musn’t have faith in our faith, but in Christ, His finished work at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection.
This chapter is often called “The Hall of Faith.”
Verse 1 – The definition of faith is found in this verse. In the King James, faith is “substance” (Greek: hupostasis-a scientific term meaning the opposite of a theory or title deed). Faith is also “evidence” (Greek elegchos) is a legal term; it is evidence that is accepted for conviction.
Verse 2 – It was their faith that got the “ancients” (also called “Elders”) that got them “commended” in God’s eyes, not their behavior.
Verse 3 – This is a critical verse regarding the application of our faith. This verse reminds us that God creates, He does not just rearrange what already is.When there was no such thing as light, God spoke it into being.
Verses 4-32a – Each of these people represent a different characteristic of faith:
Abel – the worship of faith (Genesis 4:1-5);
Enoch – the walk of faith (Genesis 5:21-24);
Verse 6 – tells us we come to God only by faith. The emphasis is not on His existence or His rewards, but on His being.
Noah – the witness of faith;
Abraham – the obedience of faith;
Sarah – the power of faith;
Isaac – the willingness of faith (Isaac was grown when Abraham offered him on the altar. Abraham believed in the resurrection.);
Isaac and Jacob – the future of faith; Joseph – the fulfillment of God’s promises;
Moses – the sacrifices of faith;
Joshua – the foolishness of faith (How absurd to think one could bring down a city by marching around its walls);
Rahab – the unlikely place of faith;
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel – faith in action.
Verses 32b-38 – The persecution in store for people of faith.
Verses 39-40 – These are not necessarily heroes of faith, but this is what faith has done in the history of man under different circumstances in different periods through different individuals.
Faith has no merit in itself; merit is in the object of faith.
In other words, we musn’t have faith in our faith, but in Christ, His finished work at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A Study in Hebrews-Week 10
Hebrews Chapter 10 (Part 2) – Verses 19-39
Verse 19-22 – In typical Pauline fashion, he begins this section with “Therefore,” a conclusion to be drawn from the fact that we are now engaged in a New Covenant through Christ.
Since we have been saved, let us be confident in our salvation. Let us realize that the tearing of the veil in the temple was a picture of Christ’s physical death and His spiritual opening of the gates of heaven. Thus we can draw confidently in faith to God.
Verse 23-25 – The hope we have must be unswerving. If it swerves, it was false hope. We can draw near to God in our hope (ourselves) and in love (others).
We are to meet together for worship, to encourage one another and to demonstrate our steadfast hope. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and (His) righteousness.”
Verses 26-31 – The phrase “no sacrifice for sin is left” gives us the explanation of what verse 26 is about: Going back to the sacrificial system, which would mean that Christ’s death had no purpose and was futile. But it did have purpose, was complete and will not have to be done again.
In verse 28 we see the Pauline doctrine that the Mosaic Law exacted the death penalty (Numbers 15:30 & 31; Deuteronomy 17:2-7). There is no comparison between rejecting the Law and rejecting God’s provision of salvation through Christ.
The sanctifying blood of the New Covenant is Holy, and to reject it is to “reject” the Holy Spirit, calling Him who He is not…the unpardonable sin.
Verse 30 reminds us that God has the right to judge. He is the perfect judge and His judgements, when contrasted with ours, are right and ours, if they contradict His, are wrong.
God is awesome, that is: He demands our fearful awe because of who He is (verse 31).
Verses 34-34 – Remember, Hebrews is written to the Jews as a commentary on Romans. When Jews turned to Christ, they were severely persecuted. They suffered. They were insulted, their land and property was confiscated and they were treated to all sorts of indignities.
But when one comes to Christ, one is given a strength that is supernatural. And the Jews were able to stand their ground in His power and were able to hold one another up. They knew that they had a posession that was superior to any earthly possession they could own.
Verses 35-39 – Here is Paul’s encouragement for the Jews to remain faithful (confident). The Lord will return and those who have exercised their faith will be vindicated (see Habakkuk 2:3 & 4).
Paul is certain that those who have truly accepted the claim of Christ on their lives will remain steadfast in their faith.
Thus we have the groundwork for the Hall of Faith, perhaps the most famous full section of the book of Hebrews.
Verse 19-22 – In typical Pauline fashion, he begins this section with “Therefore,” a conclusion to be drawn from the fact that we are now engaged in a New Covenant through Christ.
Since we have been saved, let us be confident in our salvation. Let us realize that the tearing of the veil in the temple was a picture of Christ’s physical death and His spiritual opening of the gates of heaven. Thus we can draw confidently in faith to God.
Verse 23-25 – The hope we have must be unswerving. If it swerves, it was false hope. We can draw near to God in our hope (ourselves) and in love (others).
We are to meet together for worship, to encourage one another and to demonstrate our steadfast hope. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and (His) righteousness.”
Verses 26-31 – The phrase “no sacrifice for sin is left” gives us the explanation of what verse 26 is about: Going back to the sacrificial system, which would mean that Christ’s death had no purpose and was futile. But it did have purpose, was complete and will not have to be done again.
In verse 28 we see the Pauline doctrine that the Mosaic Law exacted the death penalty (Numbers 15:30 & 31; Deuteronomy 17:2-7). There is no comparison between rejecting the Law and rejecting God’s provision of salvation through Christ.
The sanctifying blood of the New Covenant is Holy, and to reject it is to “reject” the Holy Spirit, calling Him who He is not…the unpardonable sin.
Verse 30 reminds us that God has the right to judge. He is the perfect judge and His judgements, when contrasted with ours, are right and ours, if they contradict His, are wrong.
God is awesome, that is: He demands our fearful awe because of who He is (verse 31).
Verses 34-34 – Remember, Hebrews is written to the Jews as a commentary on Romans. When Jews turned to Christ, they were severely persecuted. They suffered. They were insulted, their land and property was confiscated and they were treated to all sorts of indignities.
But when one comes to Christ, one is given a strength that is supernatural. And the Jews were able to stand their ground in His power and were able to hold one another up. They knew that they had a posession that was superior to any earthly possession they could own.
Verses 35-39 – Here is Paul’s encouragement for the Jews to remain faithful (confident). The Lord will return and those who have exercised their faith will be vindicated (see Habakkuk 2:3 & 4).
Paul is certain that those who have truly accepted the claim of Christ on their lives will remain steadfast in their faith.
Thus we have the groundwork for the Hall of Faith, perhaps the most famous full section of the book of Hebrews.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
