Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
A Study in Deuteronomy Week 3
Deuteronomy Chapters 1-4 Reconnecting with God's Purpose
Chapter 1
Verses 1-8 – A new generation grew up before Moses, but God's purpose remained the same. Through an elaborate rehearsal of events, good and bad, Moses reconnects that generation with God's unchanging purposes. He tells them the history of where they had come from.
Verses 9-18 – Moses tells them how he got things organized. He appointed leaders over each group. This is an indication that one man, such as a pastor, cannot do all of the work. He needs right hand men (deacons), left hand people to help with educating the people, musicians (the heart of worship) and feet (missionaries, etc.) to help him in his task.
Verses 19-25 – Key verse: 21 “See, the Lord you God has given you the land. Go get it.
Verses 26-46 – Moses reminds them of their grumbling (v-27). He reminds them that they did not trust the Lord (v-32). Then he reminds them that they made a new promise to God to commit to Him (v-41). The leader had done what God wanted, but the people would not follow. Followship is one of our obligations as people of God. Each generation has its opportunity to understand and join God in His greater purposes.
Chapter 2 The history lesson continues. Moses tells about their nomadic way of life.
Verses 1-3 – In these few words Moses comprised the whole of that wandering nomadic life through which they passed during thirty-eight years, shifting from place to place, and regulating their stations by the prospect of pasturage and water.
Verses 4-7 – Israel was fed manna, but they were not prohibited from eating regular food when it was available. But they were not to desire it above reason (or above their appreciation for what God had provided them).
Verses 24-37 – This is about the defeat of Sihon, King of Heshbon. The lesson here is that when God’s plan is followed, success is inevitable.
Chapter 3
Verses 1-31 – Here, Og is defeated, the land is divided and Moses learns that he is not going to be allowed to cross the Jordan. Chapter 4 We learn that God demands obedience, and we can choose to obe out of love for Him or we can let Him teach us the hard way. Idolotry is forbidden. We learn that God continues to be merciful toward his people
(Verse 31). Verses 32-40 – The Lord reasserts His authority.
Verses 41-43 Describes the cities of refuge.
Verses 44-49 Prepares us to take one more look at the Ten Commandments
Chapter 1
Verses 1-8 – A new generation grew up before Moses, but God's purpose remained the same. Through an elaborate rehearsal of events, good and bad, Moses reconnects that generation with God's unchanging purposes. He tells them the history of where they had come from.
Verses 9-18 – Moses tells them how he got things organized. He appointed leaders over each group. This is an indication that one man, such as a pastor, cannot do all of the work. He needs right hand men (deacons), left hand people to help with educating the people, musicians (the heart of worship) and feet (missionaries, etc.) to help him in his task.
Verses 19-25 – Key verse: 21 “See, the Lord you God has given you the land. Go get it.
Verses 26-46 – Moses reminds them of their grumbling (v-27). He reminds them that they did not trust the Lord (v-32). Then he reminds them that they made a new promise to God to commit to Him (v-41). The leader had done what God wanted, but the people would not follow. Followship is one of our obligations as people of God. Each generation has its opportunity to understand and join God in His greater purposes.
Chapter 2 The history lesson continues. Moses tells about their nomadic way of life.
Verses 1-3 – In these few words Moses comprised the whole of that wandering nomadic life through which they passed during thirty-eight years, shifting from place to place, and regulating their stations by the prospect of pasturage and water.
Verses 4-7 – Israel was fed manna, but they were not prohibited from eating regular food when it was available. But they were not to desire it above reason (or above their appreciation for what God had provided them).
Verses 24-37 – This is about the defeat of Sihon, King of Heshbon. The lesson here is that when God’s plan is followed, success is inevitable.
Chapter 3
Verses 1-31 – Here, Og is defeated, the land is divided and Moses learns that he is not going to be allowed to cross the Jordan. Chapter 4 We learn that God demands obedience, and we can choose to obe out of love for Him or we can let Him teach us the hard way. Idolotry is forbidden. We learn that God continues to be merciful toward his people
(Verse 31). Verses 32-40 – The Lord reasserts His authority.
Verses 41-43 Describes the cities of refuge.
Verses 44-49 Prepares us to take one more look at the Ten Commandments
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
A Study in Deuteronomy Week 2
Satan hates the book of Deuteronomy. He tries to twist its meaning in the minds of Christians and Jews alike.
The probable reason for the satanic attack upon the Book of Deuteronomy is that the Lord Jesus Christ quoted exclusively from this book in beating back Satan’s temptation.
Little wonder Satan hates this book.
1st temptation — Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4 compare Deuteronomy 8:3
2nd temptation — Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12 compare Deuteronomy 6:16
3rd temptation — Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8 compare Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20
The Old Testament prophets quoted from Deuteronomy frequently.
There are also over 80 references to it in the New Testament.
1. Greatest doctrinal statement in Old Testament: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. (Deuteronomy 6:4)
2. First mention of the Great Tribulation: But if from there thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice (for the LORD thy God is a merciful God), he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)
3. Promise of a coming Prophet: The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken, according to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. (Deuteronomy 18:15-18)
4. Test for determining true and false prophets: But the prophet, who shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously thou shalt not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) (Every prophet had to speak into a local and immediate situation.)
5. Prewritten history of Israel in the land before they enter the land: Deuteronomy 28 — 30
6. Palestinian Covenant: Deuteronomy 29:1 — 30:10
7. The Song of Moses — Prophetic: Deuteronomy 32
a. Call to hear, vv. 1-4
b. The nation returns evil for the grace of God, vv. 5, 6
c. Jehovah’s goodness, vv. 7-14
d. Apostasy of the nation, vv. 15-18
e. Judgment of God upon them, vv. 19-25
f. Longing of God for His people, vv. 26-42
g. Nations of the world blessed with Israel, vv. 43, 44
8. Lonely and strange death of Moses: Deuteronomy 34:5-8 (One translation has it, “…died by the kiss of God” — God kissed Moses and put him to sleep. What a lovely thought!)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
An Overview Study in Deuteronomy Week 1
Deuteronomy was written by Moses.
For most of church history “scholars” scoffed at the idea of Moses writing the book because they proclaimed that writing had not been invented by Moses’ time.
Now we have ample evidence that writing existed long before Moses.
The name Deuteronomy means “second law.”
This is neither another law nor a repitition of the Mosaic Law; rather it is an interpretation of the law based on 38 years of wilderness experience. It is a commentary on the Mosaic Law, much as Hebrews is a commentary for the Jews on Romans.
There are four Hebrew titles of Deuteronomy:
1. Debarim — “The Words” or “These be the Words”
2. The Kith, or the Fifth of the Law
3. The Book of Reproofs
4. The Iteration of the Law
The THEME of Deuteronomy is : “Obedience Out of Love”
Love of God — 4:37; 7:7, 8; 23:5
Love for God — 6:4, 5; 30:6, 16, 20
Obey God — 4:40; 11:26-28; 30:8-20
The book teaches that we are to obey God to demonstrated our love for Him.
“Love” occurs 22 times in Deuteronomy, “obey” 10 times.
This fits with Jesus’ statement: “The Lord Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The true motive for obedience is stated in Deuteronomy 6:4, 5. God’s love for man is the motive for His government and the giving of laws. Man’s love of God is the motive for his obedience. This is not the gospel, but the principle of the gospel is here.
Moses gives the Israelites reasons to obey God:
1. Israel belonged to God (14:1)
2. God loved them (4:37)
3. God wanted to preserve and prosper them (4:1)
4. Their show of gratitude (4:7, 8)
Israel had broken God’s law through sins of commission; They had failed to believe God through sins of omission.
In Romans 8:3 Paul explained that the Law was “Weak through the flesh.”
The new generation of Israelites had not learned the Law, nor had they been required to follow it. A generation of permissiveness had arisen, much like today’s generations.
This new generation was unfamiliar with the experiences of Mt. Sinai, and they needed to have the Law called to their attention and interpreted in the light of their experience and future dwelling in the Promised Land.
The Book of Deuteronomy has been the center of attack by the critic. The critic stated that the purpose of the book was to glorify the priesthood at Jerusalem, but neither the priesthood nor Jerusalem is mentioned in Deuteronomy.
(This Introduction to Deuteronomy will continue next week)
Sunday, April 08, 2012
SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Christ the Lord Is Risen Today-Steve Green
HAVE A WONDERFUL RESURRECTION SUNDAY EVERYBODY!
Saturday, April 07, 2012
HOLY SATURDAY
Different churches have different "traditions" concerning Holy Saturday.
This much I know:
THE PHYSICAL JESUS IS DEAD...BUT SUNDAY'S ON THE WAY!
Friday, April 06, 2012
What’s So ‘Good’ About Good Friday?
For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4).
On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Rom. 6:5).
Still, why call the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday” instead of “Bad Friday” or something similar? Some Christian traditions do take this approach: in German, for example, the day is called Karfreitag, or “Sorrowful Friday.” In English, in fact, the origin of the term “Good” is debated: some believe it developed from an older name, “God’s Friday.” Regardless of the origin, the name Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.
As Doug Wilson recently wrote on the Resurgence, in order for the good news of the gospel to have meaning for us, we first have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we are enslaved. This is simply another way of saying that it is important to understand and distinguish the Law and the Gospel as the “two words” of scripture. We need the law first to show us how hopeless our condition is; then the gospel of Jesus’ grace comes and brings us relief and salvation.
In the same way, Good Friday is “good” because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out on the nations. Without that awful day of suffering, sorrow, and shed blood at the cross, God could not be both “just and the justifier” of those who trust in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage.
The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness. Psalm 85:10 sings of a day when “righteousness and peace” will “kiss each other.” The cross of Jesus is where that occurred, where God’s demands, his righteousness, coincided with his mercy. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of God’s righteousness against sin. “For the joy set before him” (Heb. 12:2) Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of God’s reign of righteousness and peace.
Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross. That’s why Good Friday is so dark and so Good.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
WE ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!
It is a good example of how wonderful the human brain is: If you can read this you have a strong mind:
7H15 M3554G3
53RV35 7O PR0V3
H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N
D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!
1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!
1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG
17 WA5 H4RD BU7
N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3
Y0UR M1ND 1S
R34D1NG 17
4U70M471C4LLY
W17H 0U7 3V3N
7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17,
B3 PROUD! 0NLY
C3R741N P30PL3 C4N
R3AD 7H15.
The more times you read it, the easier and more obvious it becomes!
What a mighty God we serve, that He could make us like that!
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
AN EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER
We are getting older and things are getting bad here. Gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating costs too high.
I know some have taken you out of our schools, government and even Christmas, but Lord I'm asking you to come back and re-bless America . We really need you!
There are more of us who want you than those who don't!
Thank You Lord, I Love you.
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Study in John Week 5
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.
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.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
