Sabbath Brothers

It's a New Day,
what will you do with it?

His word is the bread of Life it is important to eat each day so that your spiritual life might have the nourishment that it needs…
How will you use what God has given us last week this week?
But He answered, “
It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
(Matthew 4:4)

He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
(Deuteronomy 8:3)

Thoughts on Sunday September 9, 2024 Bible Study
 
It was good to gather in God’s garden and in His presence on the First day of our week. I want to thank Tom for leading us into the book of Proverbs. It is good to focus on God’s wisdom and to put it into practice. The Hebrew word for wisdom is Colman, which includes action as in “applied knowledge.”  Tom was focused in his approach and very appropriately started us in Prov 1:7 and 9:10. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction’ and ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.’
 
We discussed how some scholars seem to lean toward a masculine perspective coming from Proverbs and maybe a feminine one in the Song of Solomon. Prov 1:8 Hear my son, your Father’s instruction… and Song 1:8 If you do not know, O’ most beautiful among women….
 
Tom lead us consider God’s law, His statutes, precepts, and commandments, Ps 19 and Ps 119 how we ought to delight in the Law of the Lord.  The Ten Commandments are the anchor or capstones of God’s law and the depths of His riches go down deep in each of the Ten Commandments. We can spend years digging and searching the depths of each Command. Prov 2:3-4 yes if you call out for insight and raise your voice “for understanding; if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures….
 
We discussed the seductress or forbidden women whose lips drop honey and her speech is smoother than oil. (Pr5:3-6) She pursues and is juxtaposed to wisdom who calls out to us, they are both like a two edged sword one leading us to death and the other a weapon for us to attack sin, while defending those we love. The seductress does not even ponder her own ways!  We must be attentive to our Father’s instructions that we may gain insight. Pr 4:1. 
The discipline of the Lord was a most fascinating disscusion as some of us could remember times when the Lord disciplined us because of our sin.  We also talked about the discipline of the Lord being guide rails for us and as we, and He, trains us to stay on His path we are blessed in this life. More importantly we are blessed in our life to come eternity!  (Pr 6:23, 12:1)
 
Discussing Solomon, as a young man, who loved the Lord walking in the ways of his father David, asked for wisdom to rule God’s people, 2 Chron  1:7-13 & 1 Kings 3:3-15. Then Solomon didn’t follow or walk in the wisdom that God blessed him with, but walked in worldly wisdom, making political alliances through marriage, and turning to the lust or his eyes, lust of his flesh, and finally the pride of life!  
 
This does ring true for us and brings us to Prov 1:24-28 which is a heavy warning to us and all that would chose to ignore God’s Word and then when it is too late call out to Him and seek Him diligently but not find Him. 
 
May we all seek Him and His wisdom this week as we put it into practice and come back together to glorify our coming Messiah at the first of next week. 
 
Give to Him all your first fruits this week!

Thoughts on Sunday September 1, 2024 Bible Study

Throughout the ages, the message of atonement resonated with God’s people in different ways that are all true and relevant. During the Patristic Period (100-700AD) while slavery was widespread, Christ’s death and resurrection was viewed as being a victory that set His people from sin and death. During the Medieval Period (800-1400AD), serfs became indebted to feudal lords and Christ’s work was viewed as the payment for an unpayable debt. During the Age of Reformation (1500-1800AD), the judicial system moved into courthouses, and Christ’s sacrifice was His payment for the sinful offenses of man. From 1900-2000AD, more action-oriented believers saw Christ’s loving, sacrificial life as an example to be followed. The story of atonement had so many widespread implications and wonderful blessings for God’s children.

At the conclusion of the “spiritual life of the Christian” (Election; Justification/Salvation and Sanctification), there is Glorification. The Christian is separated from his body and the world. (Luke 16:22) At the second coming of Jesus, the believer is given a resurrected body. (Titus 2:13; John 14:3; Philippians 3:20-21; Romans 8:11, 18, 23; 1 Corinthians 15:54; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16) This is followed by the Bema Seat judgment; sins have been forgiven, but the works of the Christian will be assessed for reward. (Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 4:5, 5:10). Finally, the saint will be situated in his eternal home of the new heaven and earth.  (Revelation 21:1-22:5; Isaiah 65:17; Romans 8:21; 2 Peter 3:13)

While Arminianism places a great emphasis on man’s will and responsibilities, Calvinism stresses God’s will, ways and working in spite of man. “Come to me with Your salvation, so that I may enjoy the prosperity of Your chosen ones…” (Psalm 106:4-5) While other religions reflect man elevating himself to god, Christianity shows the true God coming down to His chosen people. Whether Moses (Psalm 106:23) or Phinehas (Psalm 106:30), Jesus is reflected throughout Scripture as the “chosen one” to “turn God’s wrath away.” (Psalm 106:23)

The culture of the Canaanites had been sexual licentiousness (Psalm 106:39) which resulted in unwanted pregnancies where babies were destroyed. (Psalm 106:34-39) God’s people adopted idolatrous Canaanite ways as has America resulting in a baby being ripped apart through abortion every thirty seconds. (Psalm 139:13-16) The innocent bloodshed is one of the things God hates (Proverbs 6:16; Exodus 23:7)  

While God’s people were being tested and tried, God responded to the cries of His people’s prayer. The trial would occur (Psalm 107:10, 17, 26) and God’s people would cry out in prayer (Psalm 107: 13, 19, 28). God would respond to the prayers with salvation (Psalm 107:13, 20, 29), and His people would respond in giving thanks (Psalm 107:15, 21, 31). Time and again, God’s people would follow the acrostic T.E.S.T. pattern (Trial/Test; Exclaim/Prayer; Salvation; Thanksgiving/Praise). The Hebrew phrase for “give thanks” is “Todah (תודה)

The middle verse of the Bible is an emphasis on focusing on God instead of men. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalm 118:8) The shortest chapter in Scripture (Psalm 117) is two verse exhorting God’s people to “Praise the Lord!” (Hebrew: “Hallelujah,” Greek: “Alleluia”) The longest chapter in Scripture is Psalm 119 where every verse exalts the Word of God and tells believers how they can keep the greatest command of loving God with all of their heart. (Deuteronomy 4:29, 6:5, 10:12, 11:13, 13:3, 26:16, 30:2, 6, 10) “I will keep your law and obey it with all of my heart.” (Psalm 119:34) Obedience is love. (John 14:15, 21-24, 1 John 2:5, 5:2-3, Joshua 22:5, 1 Samuel 7:3, 12:20, 12:24, 1 Kings 3:3)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 25, 2024 Bible Study

Mercy & Grace are at the very foundation of Christendom. Mercy bespeaks of not receiving the punishment that is deserved while Grace is oft-defined as receiving what (spiritual blessings, heaven, etc.) is undeserved. There are also different categories of “grace.”  “Common/general grace” is God’s goodness that is experienced by all of creation. (1 Tim 4:4, 8; Gen 1:26, 28; 2:19-20) “Common grace” prepares individuals for “Special grace” which is God’s saving power of the elect. (Eph 1:2-3; 2:4-5; 1 Cor 1:3-4; Titus 3:6-7; Zech 12:10; Heb 10:29; Rom 11:6). Election begins and ends with God’s sovereignty (instead of sinful man’s efforts). “Prevenient Grace” precedes and prepares a sinner for conversion as it draws sinful man to become a seeker of God. (Ps 80:3, 85:4, Jer 31:18) God does not force man to come to Him, but God changes man’s will as He reveals His prevenient grace.  God’s “Effectual Grace” means that God’s grace will always accomplish what he wills. (Jer 31:33; 24:7; Romans 6:18, 8:2, Eph 2:4-5)

When discussing God’s calling, the “Golden Circle of Salvation” is frequently referenced. (Romans 8:28-20).  In the 18th century Franz Buddeus & Jacob Carpov coined the phrase “Ordo Salutis” (the “Order of Salvation”) which emphasizes God’s work in the salvation of the elect:

  • Election: Prior to Creation, God chose some sinners to inherit eternal life
  • Effectual Calling: The Holy Spirit changes the will of the elect to respond to the Gospel
  • Belief in the Gospel: The elect are persuaded of the Truth of the Gospel (Faith)
  • Repentance: The elect are convicted & turn away from all known sin
  • Trust in Christ: The elect commit themselves to Jesus as Savior and Lord (dedication)
  • Regeneration: God changes dispositions towards the things of God (Born Again)
  • Union with Christ: The Spirit unites the “born again” into union with Christ (Spirit Indwelling)
  • Justification: God declares Christian as righteous/“not guilty” (salvation)
  • Sanctification: Lifelong transformation into image of Jesus Christ
  • Perseverance: The Spirit preserves the born again in faith and hope
  • Glorification: God completes ultimate redemption of believer (Body/Soul/Spirit) – (resurrected body)

Psalm 91:1 calls the believer into the “shadow of the Almighty.” The closer one is to the Lord, the more deeply enveloped one is into His shadow of presence and protection. The Lord will take His people under His wings (Psalm 91:4). He calls His people to come before Him with thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100:3). “Yahweh is God; He made us, and we are His” (Psalm 100:2)

God extends His faithful love (Hesed/Agape/Unconditional) to those who revere and fear Him. (Psalm 33:18, 103:11, 118:4, 147:11) Man’s worldly lives are equated to grass (Job 14:2; Ps 37:2, 90:5, 102:11, 103:15; Is 40:7-8; Mt 6:30; James 1:11; 1 Pet 1:24) while His “faithful love” is from eternity-to-eternity.

The angels, His servants, and all of His works/creation are called to praise the Lord (Psalm 103:20-22), and they’ll continue to praise God in His heavenly throne room. “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb…’ ” (Revelation 5:11-12)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 18, 2024 Bible Study

There are a number of translations of Scripture, and it is important to couple the right one with the engaged activity. Translations are usually categorized based on whether it is a word-for-word (literal) translation to a thought-for-thought (paraphrase) translation.  The word-for-word translation is referenced as a “Formal Equivalency” where the Hebrew/Greek source texts are translated by word. The thought-for-thought translation is referenced as a “Dynamic Equivalency” where the translator has attempted to capture the meaning of what is being said in the vernacular (every translation has some degree of “Dynamic Equivalency”). “Formal Equivalency” translations require a higher reading level, so the general rule is to achieve the greatest “Formal Equivalency” with the least reading level required. God’s Word is such a blessing, and I’m so thankful to God for the many translations that meet us where we are to take us where He wants us to be.

I am also blessed by the “Maskils” of Psalms that present an author experiencing a trial or challenge as he calls upon the Lord to act as He has in the past (a reference to God’s actions throughout Scripture). “I will sing about God’s “faithful love” forever.” (Psalm 89:1) God’s preeminent attribute (“faithful love”) towards His people is the Hebrew term “Hesed” which is translated as “Agape” in Greek (God’s unconditional love). “Righteousness and justice are the foundations of Your throne; faithful love and truth go before You.” (Psalm 89:14) He is a God of love and justice – what a perfect and complementary hallmark.

Psalm 89 makes much of the Davidic covenant from 2 Samuel 7. David was anointed three times as King (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3). Only 8 of the 19 Kings of the Southern Kingdom were considered “good” by Scripture, and yet the reigning years of Judah’s good kings (263 years) more than doubled the reigning years of Judah’s bad kings (125 years). God blessed the good kings while disciplining the bad kings (Psalm 89:30-32); however, God’s “faithful love” (Hesed/Agape) remained constant. (Psalm 89:33)

Christians have limited time on this earth to follow God’s will for our lives. (Psalm 90:12) Our desire is to experience His work to and through us as faithful servants. (Psalm 90:16-17)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 11, 2024 Bible Study

Book 2 of Psalms is only 30 chapters, so it is a relatively quick “read.” The author of Psalm 43 seems frustrated with himself that he is not applying the truths that he knows about God. “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 43:5) God’s word must move from one’s “head” to one’s “heart.”  God’s Word is meant to be obeyed. God’s people seek the truth to better understand how to follow Him. “Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place.” (Psalm 43:3) When the world becomes intimidating, believers should focus on Him. “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Psalm 46:7 says “the Lord of Hosts is with us” while Psalm 46:11 says “Yahweh of Hosts is with us.”  In verses 7 & 11, the phrase “is with us” is written with the Hebrew term “‘immānū” (עִמָּ֑נוּ) which is the first part of the word “Immanuel” (“God with us”).

While Solomon’s one Psalm (72) may relate to himself and King David, it also represent the King of Kings (Jesus) and His sons (believers). “God, give Your justice to the king and Your righteousness to the king’s son.” (Psalm 72:1) Christian receive the righteousness of God. The entire Bible is about Jesus. We are like a little child being led by our Father through a sinful world. “Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23)

As the wicked world decries Israel and urges their destruction (“from the river to the sea”) God gives a different perspective – “May he rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 72:8)  God will bless His people (whom the world wants to destroy) Ten nations are listed as enemies of God/His people in Psalm 83:5-8, and at the end of time10 nations will once again ally against Israel (Revelation 17:12)

Asaph likens God’s enemies as a tumbleweed against a fiery conflagration and a tempest wind (Psalm 83:13-15), but the tumbleweed will not stand a chance. However, the judgement of God against these enemies is ultimately for restoration and redemption. “Cover their faces with shame so that they will seek Your name Yahweh.” (Psalm 83:16) “May they know that You alone— whose name is Yahweh—are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:18)

Asaph was depressed by what he witnessed of the world – the wicked and egotistical seemed happy (Psalm 73:3); however, when he took a “spiritual view” with an eternal perspective, Asaph understood that sin brings only temporary happiness followed by disaster. (Psalm 73:16-2)

As Charles Wesley said on his deathbed, “Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.” (Psalm 73:25)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 4, 2024 Bible Study

It is thought that David wrote all of Book 1 in Psalms (1-41) including the introductory chapters 1-2. David wrote Psalm 33 as a Psalm of praise that transitions back and forth between Man’s response to who God is. The attributes of God begin with His character (Psalm 33:4-5) and conclude with His love. (Psalm 33:22). The response of mankind begins with praise/worship (Psalm 33:1-3) and concludes in faith (Psalm 33:20-21).

 “The earth is full of the STEADFAST LOVE of the Lord.” (Psalm 33:5) The term “steadfast love” is the Hebrew term “Hesed” (and the Greek term “Agape.”)  This is the unconditional, covenantal love of God. His plans are eternal and sure (Psalm 33:11) while man’s frustrated plans go awry. (Psalm 33:10). God’s steadfast love enables the hope within each Christian. (Psalm 33:22)

The Creator God spoke the heavens into existence just as He did earth in Genesis 1. (Psalm 33:6) He also breathed the heavenly hosts into existence. (Psalm 33:6) God even fashions the hearts of men. (Psalm 33:15) God watches those who realize His sovereignty and fear Him. (Psalm 33:18) We can also trust His holy name – His character is exalted and set apart. (Psalm 33:21).

As David’s plans failed, and he committed to waiting on God’s plan – David’s life was a testimony to others. “Many will SEE and FEAR and put their TRUST in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:3) God wants His people to live joyful lives of obedience. (Psalms 40:6-8) “Lord my God, You have done many things—Your wonderful works and Your plans for us.” (Psalms 40:5)

God understands our trials and sins much better than we do. David could not count how numerous they were. “For troubles without number have surrounded me; my sins have overtaken me; I am unable to see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my courage leaves me.” (Psalm 40:12) But God knew all of David’s troubles and sins as “…even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30).

Psalms contains 23 verses concerning the “happy” man, and most of them are determined by a focus on the Lord instead of a focus on men.  There are also “Imprecatory Psalms.” (Psalms 137:8-9) Imprecation is defined as a curse; this is where God’s holy judgment is realized (Isaiah 13:16).

The second Book of Psalms contains chapters (42 & 44-49) written by the sons (descendants) of Korah. They wrote 11 Psalms in total including Psalms regarded as “Maskil.” Maskils typically have a defeated individual who is questioning God while recounting past miracles.  This is fitting since Korah (the ancestors) had rebelled against God in the wilderness. (Numbers 16)

Psalm 42 finds the sons of Korah longing for God (Psalm 42:1) while weeping through the night. (Psalm 42:3) The sons of Korah encourage themselves about the truth of God’s faithfulness in spite of the situation. (Psalm 42:5) “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5) Hope is faith towards the future which every Christian can have because God has great plans for us – much better and surer than our own.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 28, 2024 Bible Study

Psalm 13 begins with David asking God how long the trial would last…it is interesting that we rarely ask God how long the blessings will last. Then David asks God how long he would be anxious and worry; David could have stopped worrying at any time because God was “for” him. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)  David did not base the reason for salvation on himself; instead, David based his request on God’s “loving kindness.” (Hesed/Agape – Psalm 13:5; 25:6)

It is a difficult world for those who act as if there is no God (Acts 14:1).  Believers are even foolish when we act as if God is not present.  God looks through mankind to find a single man who honestly seeks Him. (Psalm 14:2) His presence is with those who are made righteous in Christ and are living out that righteous calling. (Psalm 14:5).  Some people do not believe in the Yahweh God (Psalm 14) while others deny the spiritual world (Elohim) altogether. (Psalm 53)

The only one who could enter God’s Holy of Holies and ascend God’s mountain was His High Priest (Moses as a precursor of Jesus). However, God calls His people to lives of integrity (Psalm 15:2), lives that do not harm others (Psalm 15:3), lives that are God-centered (Psalm 15:4), and lives that do not exploit their fellow man (Psalm 15:5).

C.S. Lewis was expressly moved by Psalm 19 as the greatest Psalm to him. “The heavens declare the glories of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night, they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3) They speak without speaking. In ancient times, the stars were utilized to navigate to the desired destination.  The nativity star brought the wise men to the King of Kings. God calls His people to act as guiding stars to Him as well. (Daniel 12:3)

Psalm 22 foreshadows the crucifixion of Christ with the first verse being His first words on the cross, and the last verse being His last word of “tetelestai” (“paid in full”). His bones were not broken, but His hands and feet were pierced for us. (Psalm 22:16-18) Then the Roman guards (Gentiles) took His robe for themselves. (Luke 23:34; John 19:23-24)

Psalm 23 reveals Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.” Even His rod and staff can give His people comfort (Psalm 23:4) David asked God to consider his enemies in the same passage that David asks God to consider his sins. In many ways one’s sins can “hate them violently.” (Psalm 25:18-19)

David knows himself to be a sinner, but he also knows God to be good. David asks God to forgive his unintentional sins while keeping him from being ruled by his intentional sin. “Keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me.” (Psalm 19:13) David wanted to live faithfully in response to God’s faithful love. David desired to be a testimony of blessing. “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”  Jesus is our refuge (“rock”) and salvation (“Redeemer”).

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 21, 2024 Bible Study

In Psalms 9-12, King David was experiencing difficult times, but he kept his mind on the Lord. David continued to “boast about the Lord.” (Psalm 9:2) He continued to sing to the Lord and praise Him. (Psalm 9:11) David saw himself as a helpless orphan saying, “The helpless entrusts himself to You. You are a helper of the fatherless.” (Psalm 10:14)

David felt betrayed and abandoned by friends and family. “Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains; the loyal have disappeared from the human race.” (Psalm 12:1) David was surrounded by unfaithful men, and evil was prevalent. “The wicked wander everywhere, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.” (Psalm 12:8) David could not defend himself because he was uncertain where attacks would arise. “The wicked…shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.” (Psalm 11:2) The wicked boast of their own sinful perversions (Psalm 10:3). They deny the existence of God (Psalm 10:4), and they do not believe that they will be held accountable. (Psalm 10:13)

This brought David to the question, “when the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  (Psalm 11:3) If our foundations are built on worldly constructs (i.e., occupation, 401K, reason, friends, family, etc.), they can easily fall and fail. Things of this world are temporal. However, God calls us into His house (1 Timothy 3:15) which cannot be shaken. Jesus is the unmovable cornerstone. (1 Peter 2:7)

Although God doesn’t always remove the worldly struggle, He joins with His people in the trial. God’s presence is the greatest blessing and the greatest heavenly reward. God said to His people (Israel) in the Old Testament, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and listens. “Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully.” (Psalm 10:17)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 14, 2024 Bible Study

The Book of Psalms begins with a prologue of two chapters that begin and end with the way to be blessed/happy.  Each of the last five chapters of Psalms begins and ends with Hallelujah (“Praise the Lord”).  This book has a similar structure of the book of Job with the 2 chapters of prologue concluding with the greatness of God.

Considering His greatness, David asks “what is man that you remember him, the son of man that you look after him?” (Psalms 8:4) God has created an amazing world to sustain human life. The Anthropic Principle asserts that there are twenty mandatory characteristics that are needed to sustain complex life. The probability that these characteristics could coincidentally be achieved is estimated conservatively at 1/1,000,000,000,000,000.  It takes a very stubborn heart to reject the truth of an intelligent design.

On the other hand, there are men of faith like Matthew Maury (1806-1873) who believe the validity of Scripture, so when he read about the currents of the sea, he began to search for them.  Matthew Maury is also known as the “Father of Oceanography” because he found the currents that Scripture references.

David understood the greatness of God as well as His protection as evidenced by David awaking every morning.  God gives us every breath for every day; He has a plan for us each day to walk with Him.  As with David, let’s remember that God has a plan for each of us every day.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 7, 2024 Bible Study

To say it is an understatement ….is an understatement, “For God is greater than mankind.” (Job 33:12) However, “God speaks once, or twice, yet no one notices it.”  (Job 33:14) Can you imagine disregarding the words of the sovereign and omnipotent God?

We are called to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) But the story of Balaam teaches that all prayer does not please God; in fact, Balaam was not blessed until he pursued God’s desires instead of his own. (Numbers 24:1-2) Prayer is bidirectional as we are told to be still (i.e., quiet) and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) As Job personified, greater faith is found in an acceptance of God’s will which is probably the reason that the Lord’s will begins with a deference to God’s kingdom. (Matthew 6:10) Young Elihu understood his own lacking, “Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him.” (Job 36:26) Job humbly concludes in a similar fashion, “I know that you can do all things, and that no plan is impossible for you.” (Job 42:2)

In the end, we come to the same conclusion as the brother of Jesus (James – aka Jacob) who summarized, “We count those blessed – who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” (James 5:11)

We are closer to the next Christmas than the past – closer to the year’s end than the beginning…and for some, closer to the end of our lives than the start.  Let’s be purposeful as to how we live out our faith – time is short.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday June 30, 2024 Bible Study

The Book of Job is difficult to understand in many ways…so is the will of God. As with other Books of the Bible, be encouraged to embrace the emotion that the book invokes.   It is difficult to watch a “good man” suffer, but God is always working His plan for His glory and our good.  “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:28-29)

It is also difficult to reconcile suffering without considering the spiritual world. Satan wants to attack God through His children, but Satan can only inflict suffering where allowed by God. Just as Satan was talking with God, we need to be in communion with our Lord to protect us from Satan’s attacks and the world’s temptations. While Satan instigated the suffering, he was nowhere-to-be-found at the end of the book.

Job had suffered and would be blessed.  Job’s friends would discover that (although they were self-righteous) they still needed an intercessor. Jesus is prevalent throughout Scripture.  Just as prophecy proves out the Messiah, Christ also proves out Scripture.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son,[a] with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:16-21)

Sin has consequences, but there is no such thing as Karma…there is, however, God’s righteous judgment. We can have faith in His promises – “the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” (Job 42:12) This is the testimony of every believer as we will fellowship with God forever.  The greater our faith…the greater our hope in God’s promises.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday June 23, 2024 Bible Study

The consistency of God’s Word is supernatural. Expositional constancy by 40 different authors over 1,500 years as well as the continuing themes and cycles.  God is faithful and consistent in His interactions with His people in the old and new covenants. The Father gave the Spirit to His people (Psalm 16:8-11), and then filled His people with His Spirit (Acts 2:3).  In the end times, God will move through His Spirit in new ways (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-32).

I think of Nehemiah’s comfortable position in the royal castle as the cupbearer. It is amazing that he sacrificed those comforts out of care for God’s people.  Nehemiah traveled over 900 miles from Susa to Jerusalem – difficult, dusty, but God ordained.

Nehemiah placed guards at the most vulnerable places around Jerusalem. “So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.” (Nehemiah 4:13) The lives of the saints seem to be the most vulnerable at the “low points.” When life isn’t going well with troubles and trials, we need believing brothers to bolster our defense against the world.

Persia had allowed every Jew the opportunity to return to Jerusalem post-Babylon captivity, so those who did not are often considered the less faithful. However, Mordecai and Esther were essential to God’s plan outside of Jerusalem.  Although God’s name was not explicitly stated in the Book of Esther, God was working in every minor detail (the same is true in each of our lives).  We need to always be ready when He calls – we may be where we are for “such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday June 16, 2024 Bible Study

The repeated prayer of the second most-wise King (Solomon) in the history of the world: “Hear from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.” (2 Chronicles 6) God’s people are in need of forgiveness.  Fallen men approaching a holy and righteous God.

Much more than prayer, God requires repentance and obedience for fellowship. The sin of Balaam included his prayer life for personal gain. (Numbers 22-23) It wasn’t until he spoke the truth of God that the spirit poured down on him. (Numbers 24:1-2) The beauty of Solomon was that he prayed for the correct things. (2 Chronicles 1:11)

He is also good…and loving.  “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Humility entails a changeable heart with a willingness to listen. 

Christian fellowships should be able to discuss every topic in an attitude of love.  The meaningless of sports; the national sins of politics; the racial hatred of individuals in every race against other races; the need for sexual purity regardless of personal inclinations and perversions.  The first step in change is disagreement, but it doesn’t end there as concepts are kindly and humbly shared.

God forgives, and He changes people; however, sin has consequences. God’s people realized that after their Babylonian captivity…the Tabernacle would not be as grand; the peace would not be ubiquitous. The ramifications of sin are material and certain. However, God still works His universal (sovereign/decretive/predetermined) will as His revealed (preceptive/perfect) will is open to us in spite of our sinful choices with His permissive will.

God can also make the future better for us although our sin has diminished the present. When we seek God, our sin is diminished and the ramifications of sin are assuaged to varying degrees. The Dominican Monk’s “lawful” walk of purity amplifies their quiet prayers while the radical obedience of the Franciscan Friars amplifies their impact to a hurting world.

Our walks with the Lord are as unique and personal as my relationships with each of my children. Our heavenly Father loves us all.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday June 9, 2024 Bible Study

When reading through 2 Chronicles, it is critical to remember that the focus of Scripture is Jesus. David had ruled over Israel; but as Solomon ascended the throne, his kingdom would include the servitude of the surrounding Gentile nations. Solomon attempted to make peace with the world through his many marriages instead of trusting in God for His peace.

It is interesting that the King of Tyre donated to the Temple because the King of Tyre would later symbolize Satan (Ezekiel 28:11-19). King David would reward the King of Tyre with mountaintops, but the King of Tyre wanted farmland (being Phoenician), so he rejected these “mountaintop experiences.” However, God’s people enjoyed them. (2 Chronicles 8:2)

When the Temple was completed the Spirit of God came onto it just like His Holy Spirit would later move at Pentecost in Acts 2. There were 120 Christians (Acts 1:15) just like the 120 Old Testament priests. (2 Chronicles 5:12).  Just as the priests trumpeted at the Temple’s dedication, the New Testament “priests” shared their testimony. (Acts 2) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” (1 Peter 2:9)

The crescendo of Chronicles is when the Lord calls His people to soften their hearts – to change from what they have always done…”if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Let’s not be self-deceived. “They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14) God goes on to say, “I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’” (Jeremiah 6:17) 

God has called us to be responsive to His Word – to grasp Him instead of defending our sin.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday June 2, 2024 Bible Study

As the Book of Revelation promised, these are interesting “end times.”  800K babies continue to be ripped apart by their mothers each year. There is very little focus on the 50 million existing slaves in the world. America celebrates June as LGBT Pride Month. (This does not include International Transgender Day of Visibility which was set by our President for Easter of this year – March 31).  One would think that the Word of God would bring unity among believers, but it doesn’t.  Most of the “church” supports or celebrates each of these events. Others who understand that God views these as an anathema against Himself diminish their importance or do not believe that it should be discussed in Christian settings. “Tolerance” for sin is clearly society’s greatest virtue (although there is no tolerance towards Bible believing Christians).

However, man cannot thwart the plan of God. We have discussed God’s will quite often. His “intentional will” of what God prefers (made evident in His Word).  God’s “permissive will” as to allowing man to make obedient/disobedient decisions, and God’s “ultimate will” which creation cannot change. So often man cannot understand what God is doing, but that is the reason that He calls His people to walk in faith. (Romans 1:12)

David was a humble man of faith as attested by 1 Chronicles 17:16, ““Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” David had said nearly the exact same thing to King Saul, “David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?” (1 Samuel 18:18)

David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), but he leveraged the world to escape defeat. This is the reason that David took Goliath’s sword (1 Samuel 21:9), before fleeing to Goliath’s hometown of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10) until the prophet Gad sent David back into Israel (1 Samuel 22:5).  The next time that the prophet Gad is mentioned in Scripture (2 Samuel 24:11-13), it is in relation to God’s judgment concerning the census of David. To Mike’s point, Scripture gives signs that David doubted God’s protection, so he counted his fighting men to build his confidence.

God was upset with Israel; there is no question about that – Scripture states explicitly. “And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.” (2 Samuel 24:1) The question is how did God use His creation to bring about His judgment.   “Then the Accuser (Hebrew term “Satan” שָׂטָן) stood up against Israel and incited David to count Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1).

David recognized that God had elevated Israel as His people. “And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making for yourself a name for great and awesome things, in driving out nations before your people whom you redeemed from Egypt?” (1 Chronicles 17:21) However, God’s predestination has always been difficult for a prideful world to accept as reflected later in 2 Chronicles 32:15 when Assyria boasted, “No god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand!’”

Just like David, persecuted Christians in the world today are offered the things of this world if they kneel in submission to the god of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:4) During David’s time, the nation was founded on God’s principles, but their immoral lifestyles diminished God’s blessings. Prophet after prophet warned God’s people that the only way to ameliorate their fallen state was to repent and turn to the Lord. “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sin has been your downfall!” (Hosea 14:1) This culminated with Jesus calling Israel to repent. (Matthew 4:17) 

But the world did not listen – the world knew better. They yelled at the prophets, and their hateful anger increased until they killed the Son of God. (Matthew 21:35-41) God’s people have always been hated by the world. (Matthew 10:22; John 15:18) Scripture is consistent, it is vital to God that Christians sanctify themselves from the world. (1 John 2:15; James 4:4)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday May 26, 2024 Bible Study

Throughout the decades, I always asked Kevin to lead on 1 Chronicles because the 900 names were always a challenge to engage; however, it is interesting that the most challenging areas to most of us would be the highlight of the Bible if our names were listed there.

The names show the detailed, personal view of a God who cares about each individual (even thought we don’t). These genealogies reflect the reality of human lives and lineage in contrast to a fictitious novel. The book of Chronicles as a whole is emphasizes God’s sovereignty throughout Adam and David’s lineage to the promised Messiah.

Tim Keller discussed the “mature and nuanced retribution principle” which simply means that each sin has corresponding consequences.  “Your sin will find you out…” (Numbers 32:23) Keller also mentioned several times that the knife listed above Isaac represented the judgment of God’s wrath on His sinful “sons;” however, God provided the lamb (Genesis 22:8), so that we would be spared.

We each have verses that we continue to dwell on and return to…Rick has been considering 2 Peter 1:10-11, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fail. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  So many Christians “camp” on salvation, but they never continue on in the path of becoming more like Christ. They claim Him as Savior, but not as Lord. They are blind. (2 Peter 1:9) 

I’ve been thinking about 1 John 4:10 – “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”  Although no one on earth can see God, believers give visibility to God by our selfless loving acts in this world. There Christians who “get their hands dirty” as they live pure lives (to leverage Nathan’s thought).  These are the native pastors in 360Serve who minister all over the world; if you haven’t signed up for the 360Serve Global Prayer Journey, you might want to consider.

We are to be representatives of Christ in a hurting and blind world. A few of the lost see the chaos around us, but they have no idea that their decisions are driving the chaos. It’s easy to get lost in all of the 900 names, but God knows each one.  He knows the 8,050,033,201 people in the world right now;  He knows the 336,488,516 in America by name…that’s a unique number because there are more than 340 million Christians living in countries where they can be legally persecuted and discriminated against because of their faith…God knows each one. God knows the 13 Christians dying daily worldwide because of their faith…He greets them.

If you are as bored with your Christian walk as you were with the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, I encourage you to do something about it.  There are great victories of faith to be had, but you have to step out in faith.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday May 19, 2024 Bible Study

It was great to see Luke again this morning. God continues to work His plan as Luke’s trip to Brazil was rained out, and he is looking for a job while planning to join his girlfriend (Ana) in Tennessee at some point.  It was also a blessing to join on Zoom with Chris & Brian. We continue to pray for the travels of Tom and Kevin as they visit grandchildren.

Being a faithful follower of God is similar to the criteria of being a “good king.”  The good kings worshipped the one true God of Israel.  They rid their hearts of idolatry while remaining faithful to the covenant of God. Two of the greatest prophets (Elijah and Elisha) were focused on the northern kingdom where there were no “good” kings.

Worldly situations and consequences are simply a reflection of spiritual truths. A sincere walk with God is “not this world.” Believers have limited time to walk in the weakness and frailty of humanity where we can walk in faith before the realization of our hope in Christ. The Lord is patient to allow man to respond faithfully in repentance and witness. “God is love.”   “Love is patient.”

Mike mentioned that mankind is following a fourfold cycle: Creation…Fall of Man (Sin)…Redemption (Christ)…New Creation.  It seems that New Creation is on the horizon. As the Old Testament begins with God’s “good” creation, the last word of the Old Testament is “curse.”  The same is true with Solomon’s new Temple that is destroyed by Babylon. Man’s sin has a destructive influence on God’s good creation.

To Nathan’s point, Elijah and Elisha were often defined by the miraculous acts while the other prophets have less miracles. Isaiah’s prophecies were amazing but the only “local” miracle was the sun’s shadow during the extension of Hezekiah’s life. (2 Kings 20:8-11) This might be because miracles occur when societies are greatly fallen and wicked. (Matthew 12:39).  This might be the reason that Jesus had so many miracles as well as the miracles expected at the end times.

It is amazing that there is an ongoing (close knit) battle between good and bad. The rival of the new kingdoms: Can/Abel; Jacob/Esau; Judah/Israel. Each of us (each moment of each day) struggle between God focus contrasted to self-focus. This occurs at the “spirit” level that is demonstrated with the “physical” level in ways that the “soul” determines. I’ve been thinking of man’s three-part make-up while in the hospital. Does man’s sin nature run solely at the spirit level or is man’s natural sin conveyed at the “soul” level as well?
 
Along the same lines, the difference between Israel and all other ancient societies was that Israel was monotheistic as shown in their morning and evening Shema prayers – “the Lord our God is One.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)  In modern days, we do not often dscuss our worship of a triune God, but this worship of God (the “being/essence”) consists of three persons (Father, Son, Spirit) that are in an infinite loving relationship. The Creator’s endlessly giving love is now extended to creation that has no value outside of Him.  In fact, creation doesn’t exist outside of Him.  Creation was not a one time event, but is an on-going giving of life. “Fot from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36) The Scripture reference of “to Him” refers to the single unified being of God that consists of three persons.  
 

CC emphasized that in God’s economy, the first shall be last, and the last shall be first (Matthew 19:30, 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30). The same is true with the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – Galatians 5:22-23).  The more that you give, the more that you have.

Nathan referenced the Book of Job today where the friends approached Job without prayer, and then they judged Job without questioning whether they (themselves) were right with God. Job shows the importance of prayer because (at the “end of the day”) the only true knowledge of God comes from revelation (God revealing truths of Himself).  We should not diminish His revelation (especially God’s Word); however, we should not presume that we know Him outside of His revelation.  As I’m in the hospital this week, I’m even more grateful for the SB prayers and for Nathan’s faithfulness with the prayer list.

God calls His people to seek Him (even in our limitations). (Deuteronomy 4:29; Jeremiah 29:13, 33:3). He works His plan.  Footnote in closing, as I sat in the hospital on Zoom, the nearby tables heard me sharing of God’s will, and it seemed to be a good (and encouraging) witness (as they listened in). God has a plan for us, so as we discuss His wonders (and signs) it does indeed point the world to Him.

Love you guys & thanks again for your prayers.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday May 12, 2024 Bible Study

It’s interesting to consider what we think of David’s life. His anointing by Samuel; victory over Goliath; flight from Saul…but not so much about him as King except the sin with Bathsheba. (yes, I know there are exceptions).  But it is interesting that most of the Old Testament concerns struggles and challenges.

Solomon was then anointed as King and granted wisdom by the Lord. God blessed Solomon greatly, but just like any of God’s blessings – they can be squandered on ourselves and the world – or for God and the needy. The greatest thing that Solomon had going for him was that the Lord loved him, and he loved God too…for a time (1 Kings 3:3) “Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So, he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:24-25) “Solomon” means “Peace” while “Jedidiah” means “Loved by God.”

But Solomon broke God’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:16-17), and He fell away from the Lord because of it. (1 Kings 11:4) The little things can make a mighty man of God filled with God’s wisdom become unfaithful… “just one small request…” (1 Kings 2:20)  When we think of all of the “great” men of the Old Testament” who failed and needed a savior (Patriarchs, Judges, Priests, Kings, Prophets) Solomon failed in each of the categories as well.

Mike brought up an observation that Muslims believe that Solomon is a prophet, but the Jews actually list Solomon as one of their “48 prophets” as well. It is funny that Saul is not in the list while the Scripture clearly said he prophesied as well. (1 Samuel 10:1-13) The Prophets were fallen men used by God…for instance Jonah… or Habakkuk. (1 Kings 13:11-34). Solomon wrote Psalm 72, but he also wrote Psalm 127 (which is often quoted) – “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”  …and from there to Ecclesiastes…the vanity of everything “under the sun.”

  • In the end, it is not about how much you know, but how much you apply… (Philippians 4:9; James 1:23-24)
  • But more importantly, it is not what you know, but Who you know…(John 17:3; 1 John 4:6-7)
  • But more importantly, it is not who You know, but Who knows you….(Matthew 7:23)

Let’s listen to the Lord this week in the fashion of the “Old Testament” word “hearing…” (like the military’s “Willco”) The command has been heard and will be executed….

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday May 5, 2024 Bible Study

We discussed the consequences and ramifications of our decisions (aka “The Butterfly Effect”).  Everything that God calls us to do (from Sul’s Agag to David’s Shimei) is meaningful and has ripple effects. Our small choices in sin and righteousness lead to blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 28) for many others; both are contagious to those around us. Everything we do should be to the glory of God. “Anything not done in faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)

He was the King with “free will.” but there were still consequences for his decisions. Without praying beforehand, David sent comfort to the Ammonites at the loss of their king (2 Samuel 10:2).  Without praying beforehand, David attacked the Ammonites and the Syrians (2 Samuel 10:7). Without praying beforehand, David sent Joab into Jordan to fight the Ammonites and ended up in sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1). Without “asking the King,” Amnon took Tamar as his own (2 Samuel 13:13). Without “asking the King,” Absalom took revenge in killing Amnon (2 Samuel 13:29).  David was blessed by God’s presence and could inquire directly to the Lord, but he didn’t.  The curses and consequences were immense.

We also see how the lessons are passed from generation to generation as Ziba and Mephibosheth both claimed to follow the King, so David split their wealth between the two (2 Samuel 19:24-30. Solomon would later use this same principle on the decision with a little baby that was being claimed by two mothers (1 Kings 3:16-28). Children learn from their parents – whether good or bad lessons depends on the parent.

Let’s love God continually this week as we “take captive every thought to make it obedient fo Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday April 28, 2024 Bible Study

This week, our discussion centered around the many differences of Saul and David.  Although similar in the world’s view, these two men were dramatically different.  During the time of Judges, Israel had fallen into chaos “without a king,” so in the book of Ruth, we read about God’s provision for a kingly line.  However, the nation of Israel would not wait on the king (David) chosen by the Lord. Instead, they impatiently pursued their own king… Saul would fail for the same reason as he impatiently imposed his will. On the other hand, David would wait on the Lord and not lay a hand against God’s anointed (wonderful reference point of God).

The Amalekite (2 Samuel 1:1-16) would boast about serving the right king killing the “Lord’s anointed” for the right King in the same way that the Jews would boast about killing Christ/Messiah (meaning “the anointed one”).  They did not realize that God had provided Christ as their King.

Saul’s lineage of Ishbosheth & Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4) was (spiritually) lame in that they could not walk with the Lord. The Jebusites had defended Jerusalem against any offense, and they bragged that even the “blind and the deaf can repel” God’s people. (2 Samuel 5:6).  They were both spiritually blind and deaf without any knowledge of God. However, the people of God were victorious through the living water (2 Samuel 5:8).  God’s Spirit through His word leads to triumph over a “deaf and blind” world who will never enter God’s house. (2 Samuel 5:6)

The number “12” often represents organizational witness. The number “24” represents the church with the 12 Tribes of the Old Testament, and the 12 disciples of the New Testament.  The 12 who supported Saul (the Old Covenant) fought against the 12 who supported David (the New Covenant).  (2 Samuel 2:12-23) The “old school” Jews need to accept the new King of the New Testament, and the church should understand the value of the Old Testament Scripture.

 David’s heart is a wonderful example of being God-focused and repentant; however, he was a fallen man after all.  He wrongfully fled King Saul to Goliath’s country (Gath in Gaza) with Goliath’s sword. The prophet Gad told him to get back into Judah. (1 Samuel 22:5). Instead of accepting his legitimacy from God, David wanted to validate his kingly line by re-marrying Saul’s daughter Michal. They turned back Michal’s husband at the city of Bahurim (2 Samuel 3:16) and David would be taunted by Shimei at Bahurim as a judgment from God. (2 Samuel 16:5)

Lastly, we discussed Abner’s commitment to the true King of David, and how the true King welcomed him warmly while offering peace. (2 Samuel 3:21-23)  On the other hand, Joab claimed to be loyal to the rightful King while disobeying David time and again.  Ultimately, Joab would deny the rightful King, and it would cost him his life. (1 Kings 2:31-32).  This week, let’s be true to our King and faithful to His call.

God bless you guys!

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday April 21, 2024 Bible Study

It’s interesting that Israel (after the Book of Judges) realized that they needed a King; however, they didn’t realize that their King should be the Lord. Instead, they substituted the perfect King for a insufficient imitation named Saul. Israel was too impatient to wait for the Lord to provide, so they received King Saul who was too impatient to wait for the Lord to provide.

Hannah also grew impatient for God to provide as she rejected the double portion (of blessings) from her husband. However, in due course, God would provide a son for Hannah that would anoint David as the true King of Israel with an eternal royal lineage.

God is orchestrating a master plan with His creation which is amazing to watch it be revealed. We serve a good God who wants to reveal Himself to us.  The Tower of Babylon (Genesis 11) demonstrated that it is impossible to reach God through man’s efforts, but God does reach out for us (Immanuel).

We see this in this week’s reading: “But on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17:29-30) This is also mentioned in our weekly passage: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13) His Revelation in Scripture culminates in the final Book of the Bible: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.”

We are to live in total reliance on the Lord. Even the knowledge of Him, comes from Him – “Good things come to those who wait – not to those who hesitate – so hurry up, and wait upon the Lord.”

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday April 14, 2024 Bible Study

Prayer is such a powerful gift. (PTL that Brian’s surgery is over, and he is recuperating at home)

Can you imagine the story of Ruth if….

  • Elimelech would have prayed before moving from Bethlehem to Moab?
  • Orpah would have prayed before returning to her mother’s home?
  • Mara (Naomi) would have prayed about her relative Boaz?
  • If Naomi’s closest relative would have prayed about marring Ruth?

 That would be an interesting way to read through Scripture – what would have happened if Eli or Saul had prayed beforehand?

Since Abraham was designated Jewish by God (instead of Babylonian Gentile), God has always reached out to the Gentiles (although through the Tanakh – His chosen people were the Jews).  Although Naomi didn’t experience the joy of the kinsman redeemer personally (her interactions with Boaz are never documented), she did provide valuable guidance to the Gentile on how to  please the Kinsman Redeemer.

The Gentile (Ruth) had a continual submissive attitude, so when the Jewish Word (Naomi – OT) told her that she needed to wash (repent), apply oil (anointed be the Spirit), and change clothes/covering (righteousness) – Ruth obeyed immediately. (Ruth 3:3).  The time was short, and the harvest was nearly over. (Ruth 2:21)

How could our lives change by submitting to God in everything?  …by living and acting prayerfully in everything? (1 Thessalonians 5:17) How could this week change if we walked humbly with Him?

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday April 7, 2024 Bible Study

The discussion began with a focus on God’s goodness. (brief reminder that SB worship songs are also available on the website) We would have no hope without God’s goodness which reveals itself in His grace. The sun came up this morning; nature is beautiful around us, and most of humanity is free from pain (with noted exceptions). All of this is evidence of God’s grace while creation itself is defined by mortal competition in survival of the “fittest.”  “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” (Psalm 107:1; 136:1)

We love because God loved us first. (1 John 4:19) Salvation is not the “end,” but the beginning.  That’s probably part of the reason that it is called being “born again.” (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23). Can you imagine a baby that remains a baby his entire life?  Crying when he wants to be fed; “unloading” whenever he wants to unload, and generally being self-centered year after year. Who would take care of all of the new “baby believers?”

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:9)

Judges reveals fallen and depraved men in need of a Savior.  They struggled with blessing, and they struggled to deal with the consequences of sin on their own. “In those days, there was no king in the land; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6; 21:25)  These people were self-deceived, and it is important for us to fight against self-deception; it seems that every man (including man) struggles with self-deception to some degree. How willing are we to have sensitive hearts that are willing to change? Every time that we open God’s Word, we should be looking to learn, grow and change.

God has His truths to teach us this week; let’s pray that God gives us eyes to see.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday March 31, 2024 Bible Study

Praise the Lord for His sacrifice and then victory over death – “Oh death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)  I can imagine early Roman Christians saying (in Latin), “Surrexit” (He is Risen) to which the second Roman responded: “Surrexit vere” (He is Risen Indeed)

CC reminded us that Christianity is a covenant relationship of an on-going walk with our Master. He is a living God, and wants a living relationship.  Testimonies should be recent activities of God’s intervention in our lives; this is one reason for the weekly get-togethers of the church. To share what God has done for you this week, and also how you have served Him.

The key characteristic of Israel through the Book of Judges is that they did not serve a “King,” and each man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25).  President Biden declared Easter (March 31) as Transgender Visibility Day as an affront to God because our President is simply doing what is right in his own eyes. However, we are called to serve God according to His Word.

Jesus asked His disciples, “who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15; Mark 8:29).   Is He God incarnate or just a good man?  A similar question is, “what do you say that the Bible is?”  The first judge, Othniel (“Lion of God”) won a testimony (“Achsah”) by taking hold of the city, Debir (“the living oracle of God”). Until that time, Debir had simply been called “Kiriath-sepher” (“the city of the book”).  However, Othniel realized it as more than a book – Scripture is the living oracle of God.  The living water was given to Othniel/Achsah.

Scripture is about us – “You are the man” (2 Samuel 12:7) The Psalmist related to the sins of his forefathers, “We have sinned with our fathers; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6) As we read through Judges, let’s remember about the cycle of sin…we must be faithful when we are blessed, and we must be victorious in the valleys.

God bless you guys!

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday March 24, 2024 Bible Study

After all of this time, Brian (assisted by Joshua) got us into the Promised Land. Joshua told all of Israel that they would be crossing the Jordan River in three days (Joshua 1:11) before sending “spies” into Jericho to tell them the same thing.

The Hebrew name “Joshua” is translated “Jesus” in Greek. Joshua shared words with God’s people that continue to resonate today. “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite[c] it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)

There was great discussion about Rahab, the faithful woman who ran the brothel. She lied to the authorities, and Tom shared some insight into our serving a God of principles; He is relational, and CC emphasized the heart attitude of being the deciding factor in all actions (good and bad). Kevin shared that all of Jericho understood the power of God behind Israel, but most decided to “fight” Him instead of submitting to His will. Man (we) cannot struggle against God and win. It is not about the knowledge that you have, but instead it is about: 1. The knowledge that you apply 2. The God who you know 3. The God who knows you.

So, the people said to Joshua, ‘We will worship the Lord our God and obey Him.’ On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people at Shechem and established a statute and ordinance for them.” (Joshua 24:24-25) God’s people had the right commitment (just as they did at Mt Sinai – Exodus 24:3, 7), so CC will lead us in Judges the next two weeks, and we’ll see how great Israel was at making God their King.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday March 17, 2024 Bible Study

Mike opened with a review of the outline of Deuteronomy because it is important to understand God’s work in the past (Deuteronomy 1-4), His presence in the present (Deuteronomy 5-26), and His promises for the future (Deuteronomy 27-34).

Mike emphasized the importance of God’s covenants with His people – all have been fulfilled except His second coming, judgment and reward. I loved Brian’s “share” about his second wedding where Laurie detailed how they had carried out the commitments in their vows from their first wedding. God is faithful to His commitments, and he expects us to be faithful to ours.

Mike’s second emphasis the “circumcision of the heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6) where we have an inner change to reflect our outward commitment. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant; it was performed by the Father as a dedication and a promise. The wife of the circumcised man was the only one who truly knew whether he was circumcised. We discussed the origin of the phrase “stiff-necked” as it applied to the oxen plowing the fields without following the guidance of the master (Deuteronomy 10:16)

In His loving grace, God warns and cautions men about His sacrifice & salvation as well as His expectations. However, God is also holy, and His Scripture defines Him as vengeful.

  • The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The Lord takes vengeance against His foes; He is furious with His enemies.” (Nahum 1:2)
  • Vengeance is mine.” (Deuteronomy 32:35)
  • It is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
  • For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’” (Hebrews 10:30)

The list goes on, but I don’t have the time (nor patience) to list additional support for the obvious. Men who want to make a god in their own image – one who accepts and champions their sin – are simply idolaters.  They deny God because He is not who they want Him to be – and in the end, He will deny them. (Matthew 10:33) It is illogical to oppose the sovereign, creator God. This is similar to the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:24-27).  If a pompous sinner denies God because He will judge sinners, that sinner will deserve the judgment that God imparts.

In the midst of all this, Kevin added that Christians should live up to “what He called them to be.”  It is a royal calling of honor to be a member of his family…not because of our attributes, but because of God’s adoptive grace.  God provided His expectations for the King – not to turn to the right or the left (stiff-necked – Deuteronomy 17:20), but to humbly follow the master. A King is not to be focused on acquisition – of horses (worldly defense) or wives (carnal pleasures) – the “King” is not to chase a false American dream (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). The King is to stay close to God’s law in daily devotion (Deuteronomy 17:18-19).

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood…” (1 Peter 2:9)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday March 10, 2024 Bible Study

It’s encouraging to witness the miraculous way that God sustains His people through the wilderness. Moses had spent 40 years around Mt. Sinai shepherding Jethro’s sheep, and now he was leading God’s people through the wilderness. Of course, Jesus is the “Good Shepherd,” who leads His people even today (John 10:1-18).

Mike emphasized the “covenant” that God instituted with His people. I’ve heard it said that God has interacted with His people through covenants since the beginning. The Suzerainty Covenant established the relationship for the Lord and his vassal. Christianity is much like a marriage commitment where we enter a dedicated walk with our Lord and faithfully fulfill our commitment on a daily basis.

Mike offered a unique distinction between a covenant and a contract.  A contract is a relationship for the sake of obligation while a covenant is an obligation for the sake of relationship.  Deuteronomy may have been the favorite book of Jesus because He quoted from it more frequently than any other book of the Bible. Moses understood that he had only 1-2 months left in his life, so he focused on the important concepts. 

Mike referenced several authors that we might want to check out: The Devotions of Paul Tripp as well as the Book “God’s Little Acre.”  Nathan also has me thinking a lot more about living out the Sabbath (to CC’s point – it’s in our name!). We are called to live in His provision and peace every day (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday March 3, 2024 Bible Study

Tim Keller gives three questions that should be asked of every book that we study:

  • What is the Book about?
  • How does it fit into the overall story of the Bible?
  • Where do we see the Gospel (Jesus) in the Book?

God met the physical needs of >2 million Israelites in a parched desert wasteland.  Daily water and manna were provided to His people as they were called to follow Him (Numbers 10:11-28). The Tribes that were positioned on east of the Tabernacle (Judah, Issachar, Zebulon) would have followed the Spirit of God in the cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21).  The tribes on the south (Reuben, Simeon, Gad) would have followed the Tribes on the east – followed by the tribes on west…and then finally the tribes that were north of the Tabernacle. Are we following God…or are we following men who are following God?  Each person must make his relationship with the Lord – uniquely his own.

In spite of God’s grace and provision, His people grumbled in the wilderness.  Even in modern times, God’s people should be known as being appreciative and grateful to God for His grace and unmerited love towards us. No one is worthy – not even Moses who was not allowed to lead Israel into the promised land.  This is filled with symbolism as the law (Moses) can only take us towards the promised land, but only Jesus (Hebrew: Joshua) can lead us safely into the promised land.

We discussed the annihilation of Midian/Moab (east of the Dead Sea) as a judgment (Numbers 31) against their seduction of Israel away from the Lord (Numbers 25). God would teach His people several important lessons while they were Trans-Jordan (east of Jordan) before entering into the promised land.

  • How to fight the world
  • How to not be seduced by the world into being unequally yoked

We do not fully understand the wickedness of sin contrasted to the goodness of our holy God – praise the Lord for His merciful forgiveness and grace.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday February 18, 2024 Bible Study

 As we read the Book of Numbers (about Israel in the wilderness), it is important that we understand God’s purpose for including certain stories and the way that it impacts our lives. We began by asking three questions:

  • What is the Book about?
  • How does it fit into the overall story of the Bible?
  • Where do we see the Gospel (Jesus) in the Book?

The Abrahamic covenant included three promises in Genesis 12:2:

  • I will make you into a great nation (Israel)
  • I will bless you (the Promised Land)
  • I will make you a blessing to the nations (the Messiah)

God’s covenant was with His entire people of over 2 million Jews. Although He had personal relationships with each individual, God’s covenant was the same over all of His people.  The gospel message is the same for the church; individuals in lifestyles of sin often view themselves as the exception, but God holds the same standard: “Be Holy because I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Everyone has missed His standard to some degree (James 2:10), but after salvation, God calls His people to obedience with Him as Lord of their lives. (Matthew 7:21-22)

Moses was elevated to draw close to God and lead His people, but Moses maintained his humility. (Numbers 12:3)  Although a number of people attempted to usurp authority from him (Numbers 12:1-2; 16:1-50), Moses never defended himself – he left his defense to God the father. In the same way, Jesus humbled Himself…even to the point of death. (Philippians 2:5-8)

God has filled His people with His Spirit – as Rick says, beyond “professing,” God’s people should be “possessing” His Spirit.  Everything that is not done for God is vanity.  (Romans 14:23)  As God’s people, we are called to live contented (grateful) lives where we have spiritual ambitions and worldly sacrifices; let’s walk in faith with the Lord this week.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday February 18, 2024 Bible Study

God is good. In fact, no one is good but One, that is, God. (Mark 10:18) In the Bible, “good” is defined by God, so by definition, everything from God is good. (Psalm 34:8; Nahum 1:7; Romans 12:2)  Our modern society judges biblical truths according to man’s changing standards and perverted societal beliefs; however, God calls on His people to obey in faith (whether they understand or not). (John 14:23; Deuteronomy 11:1).

God has redeemed His people which carries multi-dimensional truths that should move our spirits and soften our hearts. CC demonstrated his profundity as he taught us that “redeem” is a “transitory verb” which means that it requires a direct object… in fact, the direct object provides the impact and meaning for the verb. It is man’s fallen state that adds the significance to the redemption of Christ.

There were a number of definitions for redeem, but my favorite was the last one on the list – “to make worthwhile.”  Under the new covenant, God’s word teaches His people how to live meaningful lives (instead of lives of vanity). “They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.” (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7)

In the 613 laws (mitzvot/commandments), there are unique directives that God gave to His Jewish people for obedience.  Whether they understood or not – His people were called to obey in faith. “Now if you faithfully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all His commands, I am giving you today, the Lord your God will put you far above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come and overtake you, because you obey the Lord your God:” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

Moses made demands of Pharaoh, and commanded several million Israelites in the Exodus as their judge (Exodus 18:26).  Yet Moses was the humblest man in all the earth.  IT turns out that humility had nothing to do with how he acted… but instead, humility was his attitude towards himself and others.  Humility is not thinking “less” of yourself; instead, humility is thinking “less of yourself.” (Thinking less about yourself) When approaching God, the priests were to replace their extravagant robes with simple linen garments – humble and pure. (Zechariah 3:3-5)

Let’s remember that everything (pleasant & unpleasant) comes from our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday February 11, 2024 Bible Study

Kevin began with a review of the Tabernacle that was very plain from the outside with a fence of goat hair and the Tabernacle structure covered with badger skin.  However, the Tabernacle was glorious on the inside with gold, silver, colorful curtains and incense aroma. A believer’s life is similar in that it may appear plain to an outside observer, but is a splendid existence in spiritual truths with our glorious God.

The Book of Leviticus reveals the appropriate way to approach God (God’s way that He desires to be worshipped). The narrative of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-11) demonstrates the consequences of approaching God in our own way instead of His way.

God provided the law to show His holiness and the way that He is pleased. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10).  A concept that I’ve been considering is without His sacrifice, our good works are vanity, and without our good works…faith is dead. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14) “See then that you walk circumdspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) “As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.” (Proverbs 27:19)

CC mentioned the recurring themes of redemption and sanctification.  God’s sacrifice to save His people, so that they can live sacrificial lives for His glory. Just as the Hebrew word for “Peace is “Shalom,” the Hebrew word for “restitution” is “Shalam” (שָׁלַם) which means to make “whole/complete.”   CC also pointed out that the focus of “love” is always the other person (not one’s self).

Nathan emphasized that we are to be purposeful about the “name of God” and not take it in vain. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:28-29) As Christians, we are called to be “little Christs” as we die to ourselves daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31)

Tom emphasized the importance of having the right “heart attitude.”  If we sacrifice with the wrong motive, it is vain and dangerous. God challenged Cain’s sacrifice of worship; “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)   CC added that actions validate what you say…and what you say sho uld validate your heart.

Let’s worship God this week through pleasing sacrifices of burnt offering (total dedication), thanks offerings (gratitude for the spiritual & physical), and fellowship offering (as we walk with our Lord). “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday February 4, 2024 Bible Study

I’ve been blessed by Nathan’s focus on the Sabbath.  The fourth and longest commandment that was only 1 of 2 positive commandments (“do this” instead of “do not do that”). The other “positive” commandment is the very next (fifth) to honor your father and mother.  These two commandments are very similar with an homage to our heavenly father as well as our earthly parents. “For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8)

God sent Moses to bring His people out of their slavery in Egypt (representing the world). Moses was the most humble man in the world (Numbers 12:3), but this “humility” impeded his willingness to obey God’s call. It would be God’s strength instead of Moses’ ability that freed His people. We must remember that God’s call is based on His presence instead of the capabilities of Moses.

The Israelite foremen complained to Moses that he had made them a stench to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:21), but (as CC pointed out) God’s people were a sweet aroma to Him (2 Corinthians 2:15). It is interesting that the very first plague (of the Nile turning to blood) caused a palpable stench to Pharaoh and all of Egypt (Exodus 7:18, 21).

Nathan pointed out that God foretold to Moses exactly what would occur (Exodus 3:21), so it should not have been a surprise when the Egyptians gave wealth to the Israelites before the Exodus (Exodus 12:35). This wealth could have been used on the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:22); however, some Israelites misused the blessing by making the golden calf (Exodus 32:2-4). How many times has God blessed us with jobs, income and health, but we wasted these blessings on the vain idols of the world instead of the work of the kingdom.

The rock (that Moses struck) foretells of the sufferings and persecution during the first incarnation of Christ (Exodus 17:6).  The stone that supported a tired Moses during his first battle with the Amalekites was symbolic of Christ (Exodus 17:12).  The stone that provided protection for Moses as he enjoyed the afterglow of God’s glory represents our Lord (Exodus 33:21-22).

Let’s depend on our Lord this week as we walk in faith that He will provide. “They all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday January 28, 2024 Bible Study

It always amazes me with the diverse ways that God is walking with each one of us…unified and varied…corporate and personal… we serve an amazing God.

 “Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?” (Joshua 18:3) This verse has been the focus of Nathan for several years, so it was meaningful when he shared that he is shifting his focus in 2024 towards God in a new way. After a week of travel to Las Vegas (or thereabouts), I’m grateful for Nathan’s preparation and candor as he shared.  

Nathan guided us through the Jewish Feasts that God ordained in Scripture.  The sequence outlines every believer’s process: Passover (Salvation); Unleavened Bread (Eradicating Sin); First Fruits (Gifts to God); Feast of Weeks (God’s Gift of His Spirit); Feast of Trumpets (Rapture); Day of Atonement (Judgment Seat); Feast of Tabernacles (Heavenly Residence).

Just as 70 families populated the earth in the “Table of Nations” (Genesis 10) and just as Jesus sent out 70 disciples to establish God’s Kingdom on earth (Luke 10:1) …Jacob brought his family of 70 “down” to Egypt.  Nathan’s formula of the average family was very interesting (70/11=6.36363636363636).  So much of our lives is spent “on-and-off” again with God; the name of Israel (“striving/wrestling with God”) is very apropos.

We discussed the fearfulness of generational sin.  The opposite is also true as there can be generational blessing as a father teaches his children the way to faithfully walk with Him.  I am so appreciative to be in such a great “cloud of witnesses” for God’s glory.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday January 21, 2024 Bible Study

There is no end to what His power can do, so let it go and be amazed by what you see through the eyes of grace.” Kudos to Brian for masterfully wrapping up Genesis. He began with the 3rd Step Prayer: “God, I offer myself to Thee, to build with me, and to do with me as thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way of life.”

Jacob wrestled with God in the same way that we do.  Sometimes we submit to the Lord, but other times we overcome His desire for us with our efforts against Him. God blessed Jacob as he continued to struggle with himself as the center of his self-centered reference point.  Jacob elevated his efforts above spiritual truths; he never rested in God’s plan.  His sons (Levi & Simeon) actually reduced the outward sign of their covenant with God to entrap Shechem.  Jacob understood the value of the spiritual blessing, but he never rested in it or submitted to it.

Joseph was committed to living according to the will of God regardless of his situation. Whether sold into slavery or incarcerated in the King’s prison, Joseph obediently walked with God. God elevated Joseph from prison to a throne, but only after Joseph faithfully overcame sin and walked with Him. People look at Joseph’s wealth and call him blessed; however, his blessing was a spiritual blessing with the presence of God in his life.

His brothers of Israel rejected him (especially in the context of their bowing to him). They thought he was dead, but the Gentiles had welcomed him, and Joseph was ruling on a throne. When he revealed himself to them, it was their choice as to whether to follow him and trust in his provisions…or to die.  The story of Joseph is a foretelling of the story of Christ.

We are called to spiritual living this week – regardless of the worldly situations around us. God will continue to work in our lives – whether we acknowledge Him or not.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday January 14, 2024 Bible Study

The Bible is a supernatural book of contrasts and paradoxes. Genesis opens with God’s wonderful creation that He proclaimed as good. Within chapters, Adam/Eve are exiled from the Garden of Eden because of their sin.  Scripture goes from God’s powerful creation to His formidable judgment with the flood.  Within the opening passages of Scripture, His creative power is revealed as well as His judgment of exile & destruction. Both aspects of God’s love and His holiness are revealed through the remainder of Scripture….to the worldly tribulations and heavenly glory described in Revelation. “For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” (Psalm 37:34)

As a child, do you recall chasing rainbows…looking for the pot of gold where the rainbow touches the earth?  Rainbows are elusive, and salvation can be just as elusive (Genesis 9:16) if not for God reaching down to man. The Babylonians felt that they would be able to build a tower and take hold of heaven, but God through them into confusion…each man spoke his own language and was an authority unto himself. However, God’s plan was to come down to man (Immanuel).  Instead of man making his own name (Genesis 11:4), God offered to make a name for Abraham (Genesis 12:2).

Abraham praised Melchizedek who focused on “blessing,” as he saw Abraham in the context of God. (Genesis 14:19).  However, Abraham did not praise the king of Salem who recognized the efforts of Abraham and saw the world as giving & taking. (Genesis 14:21) Life is completely different when we see it as God working His plan instead of seeing the Babylonian confusion that man makes for himself.

As we walk with the Lord this week, let’s put our worldly circumstances in its rightful context of His plan and perspective. “Whoever does not see God everywhere does not see Him anywhere.” (18th Century Hasidic Rabbi – Kotzker Rebbe).

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday January 7, 2024 Bible Study

Great discussion around Genesis and our Creator God; appreciate Kevin for facilitating. As we head into 2024, we want to be purposeful in our walks with our Lord. Just as the visible (creation) came from the invisible (spiritual), our worldly experiences will be outcomes of our spiritual walks. So as we think about what we would like to materially achieve this year, let’s consider what spiritual ambitions we can pursue. (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 14:19; 2 Peter 1:5-11)

The first created object in the Genesis 1 account is “light.”  As we read through the remainder of Scripture, God will continue to emphasize spiritual “enlightenment” … God-given revelation and understanding that is promoted beyond Proverbs to all of the books of the Bible. This does not mean that we will have all of the answers because the defining factor of Christians is our walk of faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 11:6).  This is similar to the Jewish daily “Shema” which recognizes a sovereign creator God beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:9).  One value of the “Gap Theory” is to reveal that there is more beyond our earthly perspectives. Our enlightenment reveals our limitations, and the knowledge that God has a plan of love for His people (Ephesians 3:18-19).

God separated the dry land from the sea on the third day, and saw that it was good (twice). This is the reason that Jewish scholars refer to the 3rd day as being “doubly blessed” (Genesis 1:10-13). To a believer, the 3rd day is doubly blessed because it is the day of Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 20:19; Luke 24:46).

In the garden, Eve was attracted to the “tree” before she ate the “fruit” of the tree (Genesis 3:6). In Scripture, “trees” often symbolize men/nations and the “fruit of the tree” represent the associated outcomes of their actions. Even though someone might be impressive, we need to be able to discern between good and bad fruit.  Satan’s temptation of Eve followed a similar construct as his temptation of Jesus… food to eat… promise of being exalted.

We discussed Genesis 3:15 as the “protoevangelium” since it is the first verse to prophesy of the virgin birth and the coming Messiah. In reality, Jesus is referenced from the very first verse… “In the beginning, God (Alef/Tav – beginning/end) created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) God is a God of new beginnings (Revelation 21:5).

As we begin a new year, God gives us another opportunity to forget past sin and wrongdoing as we turn our focus towards a faithfulness to Him.  Have a great week as we walk with our Creator God who can do amazing things.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday December 31, 2023 Bible Study

God rest you merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay…” Praise the Lord for new beginnings. (Revelation 21:5) We should be purposeful as we enter 2024 and be careful not to slide into spiritual acedia.

The Bible concludes (and crescendos) with the Revelation of Jesus, and that is the way that we conclude our year.  While chapter 1 reveals the glorified Jesus right now, chapters 2-3 reveal how the aspects of Jesus correspond to each church in a very specific way.  The warning to the churches of Revelation is consistent – if these Christians do not correct their behaviors, God will discipline them. Anyone who makes sin less grievous is a false teacher… sin brings death, and there is nothing more dangerous.   While the Christian rightfully takes solace in forgiveness, the Christian should never take liberties in forgiveness.

God’s two prophets testify about the sin that has resulted in the end time tribulations. As with the demise of Sodom and the plagues of Egypt, God’s two witnesses reveal the righteous consequences of sin. (Revelation 11:8) The two witnesses are martyred only after their ministry is complete (Revelation 11:7).  When God’s witnesses die, the world celebrates… in their sin.  But their celebration is cut short when God breathes new life into His witnesses.

Satan was thrown out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-8), and then turned his murderous anger against the Messiah child (Revelation 12:4).  Afterwards Satan turned his murderous intent towards the woman (Israel), but God protected Israel to the dismay and objections of the entire wicked world. Then Satan turned his persecution to the woman’s other offspring (Christians – Revelation 12:17). Although Satan was given victory in this sinful world over faithful Christians (Revelation 13:7), the ultimate victory would belong to God.

Jesus is “faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:5) God’s Word is true today and forever (faithful).  God will not change, and He will reward His children with the water of life, the tree of life and His illuminating light.

During the worries and uncertainties of 2024, we can have hope in God’s plan and in God’s glory.  The world might be suffering from God’s tribulation because of sin, but heaven is celebrating in restoration, adoration and glorification. Scripture ties “hope” with the Second coming of Jesus. “Look, I am coming quickly! The one who keeps the prophetic words of this book is blessed.” (Revelation 22:7)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday December 24, 2023 Bible Study

What is Jesus like right now?  His description is documented in Revelation 1, and He is glorious.  Chapters 2-3 of Revelation reflect on various churches – both their strengths and failings.  This is very reflective of every church; there is good and bad. As they continue to sin, God removes their “light” (enlightenment) which leaves them “in the dark.”

Chapters 4-5 describe the wonderful Throne Room of God.  The worship of the angels, the four living creatures and the 24 elders is ongoing. Jesus is revealed as the only one who could open the “Title Deed” of Earth.  “I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.” (Revelation 5:6) Jesus was in the midst of the throne and all of creation.  Jesus is our amazing mediator who came to sacrifice and die, so that through Him, we will live.  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)

Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 9:12) What a wonderful future for those who are His… “They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17)

There might be “tribulation on Earth,” but there is always “adoration in Heaven.”  I hope that you guys have a wonderful Christmas full of His peace & joy.  

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday December 17, 2023 Bible Study

Jude, the little brother of Jesus, warned the young church to be wary of heretics and false teachers who preached the freedom to sin (instead of the freedom from sin). We are to “contend earnestly for the faith in a fallen and foreign world. Jude referenced the judgment of God – even with His people who had rescued from Egypt. (Jude 1:5)  Just as God punished the spiritual beings (Nephilim – Genesis 6:1-4) who misused the world for their own pleasure (Jude 1:6), God also destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah, where humans attempted to misuse spiritual beings for their own gratification (Jude 1:7). Christianity should have a reference point of God and then others. 

Jude referenced (Jude 1:11) the first murder that was born out of a worship service where Cain was distracted by his brother.  Jude also referenced Balaam who sold his understanding of God for the love of money, and finally Korah’s attempt to promote himself over God’s selected leaders.  Jude warned that churches were not to be self-serving, but instead, a church was meant to be a place of sacrificial love and dying to one’s self.

Like Elijah, Enoch was taken from this earth without dying.  The only documented sermon of Enoch is focused on the coming judgment of Christ.  “I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:23)

The final Book of the Bible is “the Revelation of Jesus” which reveals Jesus in His glory as a fierce Ruler above all. It is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for those who read and keep it with Jesus as the Lord of their life. (Revelation 1:3)  The circular letter to the churches of Asia Minor began with unique attributes of Jesus that applied to the specific church in their specific situation. Jesus will meet you where you are – to take you to where He wants you to be…

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday December 10, 2023 Bible Study

John was the last surviving disciple of Christ; he was an elder at approximately 100 years of age as he referred other believers as children who were deeply loved. When anyone wants confirmation of being a genuine believer, 1 John should be read and applied (1 John 5:13); Christianity can be summarized as obedience to God and love for your brother. John likens obedience to love for the Lord. (1 John 2:5 & 5:2; 2 John 1:6). 

The life of a genuine believer is based on sound doctrine (1 John 2:18-25; 4:1-6, 14-16; 5:1, 5, 10) that results in a godly lifestyle of obedience (1 John 2:3-6; 3:1-10; 5:2-3) and reveals itself in acts of selfless acts of love towards others (1 John 2:7-11; 3:11-18; 4:7-12, 16-21; 5:2-3).  This love that impels Christians to act in faith comes from the Lord (Ephesians 2:8). “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

God can be tangibly witnessed in this fallen world whenever a Christian lives out the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ. Just as Messiah/Christ means “the anointed one,” Christians have also been anointed for a unique mission with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27).  As we share God’s love with the needy during this Christmas Season, we show tangible truth of the working of the Spirit.

It is so easy to get tied up with the things of this world – especially this time of year. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16) The world rejects Christlike, sacrificial living – “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13)

Be encouraged though, I’ve seen and witnessed God’s continuing growth in each of your lives this year as you’ve grown closer to the Lord. (Galatians 4:19; 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24)   So for the new year, this is my prayer for you, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday December 3, 2023 Bible Study

It was near the end of Peter’s ministry as he sat incarcerated in the Mamertine Prison under Nero awaiting death (2 Peter 1:14). As Christians, we are to embrace suffering as a way to grow more Christlike. “When you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.” (1 Peter 2:20) “If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” (1 Peter 4:16)

The church was being persecuted and tempted by false teachers who believed in the freedom TO sin. This behavior is called “antinomian” (when an individual pursues sin instead of fleeing from it). These leaders prioritized money (jobs/investments) and sex (social media/friends) above holiness.  They were fairly popular because they embraced sinful lifestyles; they made people feel good about their sin.

Instead, Peter encouraged godliness. “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-15) God calls us to be separate from the sinful world according to God’s will for us. “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4) “Live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:2)   

God calls His people to selfless sacrificial love towards Him and others. Believers are to die to themselves just as Christ’s death resulted in victory over sin and death. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18) “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11) God “impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.” (1 Peter 1:17) This verse demonstrates that every believer will be judged. “Anything not done in faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)

Finally, Peter emphasized his concern for believers who had walked away from their faith. “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.” (2 Peter 2:20-21)

As with James, Peter encouraged believers that their suffering in this world resulted in eternal rewards in heaven. “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” (Romans 6:8) Through suffering and death comes victory. Even at His birth, Christ was born in a stable to enable poor Shepherds and their sheep accessibility to His birth.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday November 26, 2023 Bible Study

James the Just (old “camel knees”) grew up as the younger brother of Jesus – can you imagine?  I would love to hear about the younger years of Jesus from his brother’s perspective. James (and the brothers of Jesus) did not believe that Jesus was Lord until His resurrection. But James would become the head of the church in Jerusalem and, ultimately, end up being martyred for his Lord.   James also provided the church with its first book of the New Testament; for the first several years of Christianity (50AD – 52AD), the Book of James was their only New Testament book.

James emphasized that although salvation was a free gift of Grace from the Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9), believers were saved to perform good works (Ephesians 2:10). That is our calling, ministry and mission; that is the reason that we were anointed with the Spirit. The Book of James emphasizes that any Christian can examine their own words, works and wealth to determine whether they are living by worldly wisdom or heavenly wisdom.

  • Words – how often do we speak the name of Jesus to others?
  • Works – how often do we serve ourselves instead of God?
  • Wealth – do we invest more in assets, hobbies & vacations for ourselves or for the Lord’s kingdom?
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

Although the reference point of a believer should be God then others – the “religion’ approved by God does call us towards personal purity as well as serving the needy. “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)

God desires to make His people like Christ as “Christians.”  Dying to ourselves for others and lessening ourselves to exalt others just as our Lord did. (Philippians 2:1-11) James directs his fellow believers not to be angry or speak evil when the Lord is maturing us to be more like Christ. Believers should not covet the things of the world, but instead understand that the Lord is changing us to be increasingly like Him.

  • Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26)
  • My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” (Galatians 4:19)
  • Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
  • We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  • Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)
  • We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)

As we walk with Him through this week, let’s watch Him working around us as He makes us more like His selfless, sacrificial Son.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday November 19, 2023 Bible Study

Hebrews is the only book of the Bible that references Jesus as our High Priest.  It was the purpose of the Priest to make sacrifices for God’s people…to make them acceptable to God.  Jesus fulfilled this in making Christians acceptable to God (eternally). Jesus was the ultimate High Priest and sacrifice.

Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” (Hebrews 5:11) It is important not to “plateau” in faith, but instead to stay engaged as God calls. The reader is the first person listed in the “Hall of Faith.” “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3) The tangible/visible actually came from the intangible/invisible. The spiritual is more material than the world.

The things of this world are also temporal & transitory. The pains & pleasures of this world will pass away. The martyred missionary Jim Elliot would say, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep…to gain what he cannot lose.” Moses lived by this truth as well. Moses chose to “endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:25-26)

There have been national revivals preceding the United States of America; these were called “Great Awakenings.”  The first one began with a sermon called “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards.  “The Lord will judge His people. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31) When the reality of this single verse was believed by our nation, miracles began to happen.

Tangible creation points to intangible spiritual truths.  We need to make sure that we don’t get entangled with the things of this world (2 Timothy 2:4); instead, we must transcend every situation and circumstance. That does not mean that there will always be worldly victory (Hebrews 11:33-36), but there will always be spiritual victory. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday November 12, 2023 Bible Study

It’s great to come together each week and hear how the Lord is working in everyone’s lives as we watch Him work in our lives.  DM shared of his new writings and creative idea of adding the word “when” to Psalm 23.  When “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”  Then there were the repeated mentions of Lamentations in Nathan’s life (including on the way home from SB’s… “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Hebrews was an encouraging book to the Jewish community. Don’t disregard the Tanakh (the Old Testament) because it points to Jesus. However, you must understand that Jesus is to be more highly exalted in Scripture (and our lives) than anything else.

Jesus is exalted above the Angels (and all of creation in the spiritual realm).  Jewish Rabbis held the Law in the highest regard, and they believed that angels had delivered the Law on Mt. Sinai. “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.” (Psalm 68:17)

Jesus is exalted above humanity although He joined humanity with the express purpose of dying and defeating death. “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14) The baptism of Christians is an outward sign of an inward change.  “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into Hiss death?” (Romans 6:3)

Jesus is not only exalted above mankind….He is exalted over “the” man… the man that is revered by Jews even more than Abraham.  God spoke directly to Moses to construct the Holy Items of worship according to the eternal spiritual truths. “See to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown to you on the mountain.” (Exodus 25:40) Although Moses constructed the Temple/Tabernacle, Jesus constructed all of creation… including this world that contains the temporal Temple/Tabernacle. The expanse between the things of this world and Jesus is considerable.

Moses was a servant…Jesus was a son.  Moses constructed an inanimate “house of God” with godly men; Jesus constructed godly men as the “house of God.” “Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house – whose house we are.” (Hebrews 3:5-6)

Of course, enlightenment of God’s truths is presented with a call to faith.  Faith will naturally result in change and action.  “Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.’” (Hebrews 3:7-8) Paradoxically, more acts of faith result in experiencing His peace.

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people did not have the faith to obey. “Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.” (Hebrews 4:1-2)

Let’s walk with our Lord faithfully this week as He walks with us. 

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday November 5, 2023 Bible Study

Just blessed by the many ways that you are walking with our Lord…Jesus came to “purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14) Let’s remember to lift each other up every day of the week (truly appreciative of Nathan’s faithfulness to the Prayer Requests). As we joined CP by going to our knees before our Master, I thought our wonderful Lord who gave Himself up for us. “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:2)

Paul had been incarcerated in Rome for two years under house arrest (Acts 28:30) before being released by Nero to visit Spain-Crete-Miletus-Colossae-Ephesus-Philippi-Nicopolis.  In fact, if Paul had not been released from house arrest, we would not have any of the “Pastoral Epistles.” 1 & 2 Timothy as well as Titus were written after the release of Paul’s Rome house incarceration (these were the last three epistles/letters that Paul penned).

Just as a “Corinthizer” is someone who is licentious, a “Cretan” was known to be a liar. Titus was a daunting minister of the gospel, and he was called to his homeland to establish churches in each of the major ports of Crete. (Titus 1:5)  As Don mentioned, this was a challenging task (as with any port city).  However, Paul reminded (the uncompromising) Titus that he must be “hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, and self-controlled” while appointing leaders who also meet the requirements (Titus 1:8).

Regardless of the “Life Stage” of a believer (from the venerable elder to the slave/servant), they are called to selflessly & submissively walk with the Lord. (Titus 2:1-10).

“For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)

We also discussed the book of Philemon… a runaway slave (Onesimus) that had wronged his master (Philemon); however, the mediator/intercessor (Paul) was able to reconcile the two as he asked forgiveness from the master for the runaway slave. The mediator asked that the master regard the slave as himself; “accept him as you would me.” (Philemon 1:17) Any debt owed by the runaway slave would be paid in full by the mediator. “But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” (Philemon 1:18)

Praise the Lord for enabling freedom from sin. “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” (Romans 6:22)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday October 29, 2023 Bible Study

Paul lived during the reigns of five Roman Emperors: Caesar Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero. These men were overcome by the wickedness of the world and became cruel despots while Paul kept his eyes on Jesus.

Paul was first incarcerated under house arrest in Rome (60AD) and began witnessing to the Praetorian Guard (Philippians 1:13). Paul viewed Rome as a base to get to Spain, so upon release after 2 years of house arrest, Paul ministered in Spain for 2 years.  (Emperor Claudius began conquering Britain in 43AD, so the gospel probably spread northward at that time. The Venerable Bede (England’s first church historian) recorded that in 156AD, a British king requested guidance in Christianity from the Pope in Rome.)  Paul then established Titus on Crete and Timothy in Ephesus before being recaptured in Nicopolis, and returning to the Mamertine Prison for his death sentence…his “departure.”

Paul was writing his final letters to Timothy as he traveled towards his “departure” (2 Timothy 4:6) at the hands of Nero. Timothy was gentle and compassionate, but now he must summon his energy and courage to become a self-starter and strong leader. Timothy was called to establish godly leadership (Overseers – 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Deacons – 1 Timothy 8-13) for the church in Ephesus. Timothy was encouraged to call the women of the church to good works and submissiveness. The young men were to live godly lives of love…to God and others.

Scripture is very clear that it does not please God to “forbid marriage and abstain from certain foods.” (1 Timothy 4:3) regardless of any restrictions by false teachers.  Some men want “to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.” (1 Timothy 1:7) While declarations and assertions can be true, even falsities can be made assertively; this is one reason to study His Word…to understand what pleases Him. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Saint Ignatius of Antioch was able to remain purposeful and sanguine as he was transported to Rome to face lions that would tear him asunder.  Ignatius embraced and welcomed the opportunity to suffer for Christ. “For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:11-12) “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Believers are called to have an eternal perspective instead of “chasing the winds” of the world. (1 John 2:15-17) “Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” (1 Timothy 6:6) “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil…” (1 Timothy 6:10) “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19)

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) “For I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

We are all headed for a meaningful departure (100%) and a glorious homecoming. “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3:21)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday October 22, 2023 Bible Study

The church in Thessalonica was so young; Paul had only spent three Sundays with them.  But clearly Paul was so proud of their faithfulness (despite the persecution) as they waited together for the rapture of the saints (1 Thessalonians) and the second coming of our Lord (2 Thessalonians).

Paul encouraged his Thessalonian brothers while he taught them God’s truth. “…Constantly bearing in mind your work of Faith and labor of Love and steadfastness of Hope in our Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3) Having come to the Lord by faith, we are called to loving others with an eternal hope that we will be with our Lord who rules in peace and joy.  We have turned to God from the idols of this world “to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

I think of Paul’s prayer for the young believers; “may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people.”  (1 Thessalonians 3:12) We are called to selfless acts and attitudes.  “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) We are to separate (sanctify) ourselves from a self-centered, sinful world. “For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Sometimes this world can be challenging, but we can encourage each other that Jesus is coming again. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

God’s will is that we are filled with joy from an eternal perspective outside of worldly circumstances. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Instead of viewing God through worldly circumstances, we should view the worldly circumstances through what we know of God.

The masses are headed to eternal judgment (separated from the presence of God) – “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9) However, “when He comes, He will be glorified in His saints on that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:10) “The name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in us.” (2 Thessalonians 1:12) While unbelievers are separated, believers are infused with the presence of God.  

In fact, “He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:14) How wonderful and encouraging is that?   

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday October 15, 2023 Bible Study

Paul was incarcerated as a Roman Prisoner, and the Philippians were concerned for his safety.  But Paul reminded them that Christ had suffered, and Christians are called to suffer as well (2 Tim 3:12; 1 Cor 15:31; Rom 8:36; Mt 5:11-12, 10:39; Philippians 1:29; John 12:25).  Because of the difficult situation, Paul had access to share the gospel with the Praetorian Guard; if they hadn’t been forced to guard him, they would have never listened.  Was Paul chained to them…or were they chained to him?

Paul used this opportunity to describe God taking on the image of man (Jesus) to suffer and die for His people (Philippians 2:1-11). “Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:8) Paul was determined to please God which made him hard for the world to control.  “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:6-8)

From Rome, Paul also penned a letter to believers that he had never met in Colossae. Paul shared the greatness of Jesus with them as well. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-16)

Paul was concerned that the believers in Colossae would be polluted by sinful authorities with worldly perspectives. “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

This week, the world will try to pull us into jobs, hobbies and worldly interests, but Paul encourages us to have an eternal perspective. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday October 8, 2023 Bible Study

Praise the Lord for a warm morning as we enjoyed God’s sunrise and discussed Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. You guys bless me in so many ways…Mike provided verses on heaven/hell…Don took care of me with a cough drop…Kevin & Tanya are saving lives with the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

As we watch America in decline (Transgenderism, Police Forces kneeling before BLM, Groups of Shoplifters, 800,000 abortions each year, etc.) …  on the last day of Sukkot, we have witnessed a direct attack on Israel that has massacred more Israeli civilians than any other time in the 75-year history of Israel.  Paul wrote to “make the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) As we enjoy the things of the world (i.e., jobs, hobbies, vacations, etc.) let’s not be deceived, times are evil.

So many Christians believe that the purpose of Christianity is to make us happy and comfortable; however, Christianity actually requires sacrifice. We understand that the liberal press/educational system/media will promote sin, but through it all – God is working His plan.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

God has a purpose for each one of us as well. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love.” (Ephesians 1:4) In Scripture, we read about “walking in light” … “You were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” (Ephesians 5:8) The term “light” infers understanding (i.e., “enlightenment”), so let’s not be children who are swayed by various opinions.

One of the reasons that we study God’s Word is that we are “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10)  Believers are called to witness to the world as we edify the brothers. “Always give thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:20-21)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday October 1, 2023 Bible Study

God called His people to celebrate seven feasts every year, and three of the feasts were to be celebrated in Jerusalem (including this last Feast of Tabernacles – Sukkot).

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ’Tell the Israelites: The Festival of Booths to the Lord begins on the fifteenth day of this seventh month and continues for seven days. There is to be a sacred assembly on the first day; you are not to do any daily work. You are to present a fire offering to the Lord for seven days. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present a fire offering to the Lord. It is a solemn gathering; you are not to do any daily work.’”  (Leviticus 23:33-37)

God mandated that His people appear before Him in Jerusalem for Passover (to witness Christ’s crucifixion), Pentecost (to witness the giving of the Spirit), and Sukkot. Can you imagine the faithfulness of God’s people to make this long journey up Jerusalem’s mountain three times each year?  But because they faithfully obeyed God, they witnessed His amazing work.

God’s command will be reinstated during the millennium kingdom with a warning. “Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, and to celebrate the Festival of Booths. Should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, rain will not fall on them.” (Zechariah 14:16-17)

In Galatians, Paul clearly sets the expectations of God’s people. He doesn’t warm his Galatian brothers with platitudes, but goes directly into, “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you…” (Galatians 1:6)  Paul’s Christian brothers had grown tired of God’s truth. “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)

The life of the believer was to be “faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6) Paul goes on to say that true believers deny themselves; true believers faithfully sacrifice for the Lord. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Galatians 5:16-17)

Paul challenges His people to faithfully obey….to not follow their wicked hearts and do what they please – just like the world. “Remember all the Lord’s commands and obey them and not become unfaithful by following your own heart and your own eyes.” (Numbers 15:39)  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.“ (Galatians 6:7)

Paul had faith that he had been saved by God’s grace, and he continued with an eternal perspective. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Paul lived a wholly different life than the world with the reference point being God and others instead of prioritizing himself and his needs/wants.

It was great to read through Galatians together this year as we walk with God and pursue lives of obedience. “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  (Galatians 5:14)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday September 24, 2023 Bible Study

“On Yom Kippur, we fast all day…and we eat daven…” The Jewish people are amazing in that they fast and “eat” on the same day… Yom Kippur is the “Day of Atonement” when the Jewish nation fasts together as they reflect on the covering of their sin.  In ancient times, this is the one day of the year that the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) entered the Holy of Holies.  This was the one day that the scape goat (with the red thread) was released into the wilderness.  (Leviticus 16:10)

The High Priest laid aside his royal garments for humble linen clothing just as Jesus laid aside His divine nature.  The Priests were left in the courtyard and the Holy Place as the High Priest alone entered the Holy of Holies; in the same way Jesus left 8 of His disciples before taking Peter James & John into the Garden of Gethsemane – before Jesus alone went further into the garden before the Father. The scarlet of the scapegoat reminds us of the blood of our innocent Christ who paid the price for us. The many symbols of Jesus that the Jewish community denies.

We concluded Paul’s letter (epistle) to the Church of Corinth with several broad themes that mirrored Yom Kippur.  Paul walked with an eternal vision instead a worldly perspective.  “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  “For we know that if our temporary, earthly dwelling is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1). 

Every man will come before the judgment seat.  “For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) We are to live for the Lord instead of ourselves…in everything that we think, say and do. “He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) “Taking every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

God calls His people to repent of their sin. “For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10) God calls His people to devote themselves, their time & resources completely to Him.  ““Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” (2 Corinthians 6:1)

God calls us to give joyfully (or more literally – “give hysterically”). When you give 10%, you are keeping 90% of God’s money for yourself.  Nothing that we have is our own…it all belongs to Him.  “Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) Are we more likely to miss God’s Word or work, exercise, hobbies, sports, etc.?  We go to great pains to be perfectly consistent with the things of the world…let’s prioritize Jesus this week.

The Holocaust was a terrible time, but it helped the Jewish community understand that the vanities of this world are meaningless. From Auschwitz, 2,500 Jewish women were sent to a Czech concentration camp called Parschnitz. It is from there that Livia Koralek delivered her Yom Kippur message nearly 80 years ago…

On behalf of everyone here, I beg God’s forgiveness, for we are guilty… We have caused pain to our parents, relatives, siblings and friends. We have hurt them because we are but flesh and blood, because the evil inclination clung to us, and led us astray from the path of justice and righteousness… May this Yom Kippur be a day of pardon, forgiveness and atonement, and may God forgive us for all our iniquities…

We promise to be righteous and good. True, this is not easy as we are all sad, hungry and cold, but here in this camp, we must try and be tolerant… I remember that our brave and holy rabbi of Gyor gathered us together in the ghetto on the Friday night before his deportation to Auschwitz, and in the Sabbath eve prayers, he spoke of love, of the fact that however much is given to others, love still remains in the heart of the giver.

I remember his last sermon, given on Friday night in the camp huts to those awaiting deportation. Among other things, he said: “God is not man’s sanctuary, but rather man is God’s sanctuary. It is easy for man to retain his humanity in a beautiful home, but let us prove our humanity here in the overcrowded huts too. Here too, where we are given a 10th, a 20th, or a 25th of a tiny room, we must try to preserve our human dignity…”

Livia did not know Jesus; however, she did realize her fallen nature…even while being persecuted in the Holocaust.  Corinth spent most of their time enjoying sports, pleasuring the flesh and beautifying the corpse that every human carries around.  Unlike Corinth, let’s remember to mature our Spirit as much as we focus on our flesh. 

Shabbat Shalom

 

Thoughts on Sunday September 17, 2023 Bible Study

Shana Tova!!” What a great morning to celebrate Rosh Hashana together as Jews around the world begin a new “civil year.”  This is the beginning of the “High Holy Days” with the blowing of the shofar.  As we demonstrated with our shofar, Jews play three distinct blasts with the shofar (ram’s horn):

  • Tekiah (“Trumpet Blast”) with a long, unbroken blast that calls everyone to attention
  • Shevarim (“Broken”) with three broken blasts sound like crying representing a sadness at another year passing
  • Teruah (“Shout of Alarm/Jubilee”) with over nine staccato, rapid fire blows representing a wake-up call to the New Year

Rosh Hashanah gives a focus of repenting of past sins while renewing a commitment to live right before God this coming year.  It is timely to be reading Paul’s 2 Corinthian letter (epistle) because Paul was restoring his relationship with Corinth as they committed to following God in their personal lives.

Paul had originally lived in Corinth for 18 months to establish the church in Corinth. (Acts 18:11) Paul was now on his “3rd Missionary Trip” and he had sent multiple letters chastising the self-deception of the Corinthian church.  They considered themselves seasoned believers while living unfaithful lives. Paul identified immature believers as those who lived according to their own reasoning/will/plans.  They lived worldly lives of sex, exercise and sports while claiming to be Christians.

It seems that most people in our society are unhappy because of worldly situations and circumstances, but God calls His people to suffering lives (of “Little Christs”) while being joyful in Him. “We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

However, Paul provides the secret of living above the fray of the world.  “So, we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Just as the first words of God in Scripture were “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) In the same way, the first act of salvation as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) is for the Lord to fill the sinner with “light” (spiritual understanding) of His truth. “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Although Gentiles do not recognize Rosh Hashanah as the “new year,” it is never a bad time to rededicate ourselves to walking with the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:2). To be more godly individuals… more godly husbands… more godly friends…

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday September 10, 2023 Bible Study

“People Get Ready” with a North Carolina tune… as Paul moved from the traditional “Doctrine” section of his letter to the “Application” section of the letter to Corinth, it’s easy to “check-out.”  Well next week, we will be focused on Doctrine again (2 Corinthians), so it’s safe to attend for a week before we move to Application the second week.

1 Corinthians 12 shows that our gifts should exalt Jesus. ““Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3). 1 Corinthians 13 shows that our thoughts, speech and actions should be based on love. 1 Corinthians 14 focuses on the edification of fellow believers.

1 Corinthians 12 asserts that our appearance should not draw attention to us, and it should not offend others.  Our appearance is spiritual and testifies to all of creation. “For this reason, the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” (1 Corinthians 11:10) We find in 1 Corinthians 13 (the “Love” chapter”) that any sacrifice that is not done in love, is of no avail. “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) All love requires sacrifice, but not all sacrifice includes love.

1 Corinthians 14 provides the reason that God gave each of us spiritual gifts – to edify each other. “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” (1 Corinthians 14:12) Scripture does not claim that being a Christian is an easy life…however, the things of this world should not affect the believer as these situations affect unbelievers.

We should understand the entirety of the gospel. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) We should have an “eternal perspective” in everything that we do.  As Christians (“Little Christs”) we should be living with such sacrifice that the world pities us.  We should be giving and sacrificing so much that if the gospel is not true and eternal reward is not real, that we should be viewed as being pitied above all men. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

Most believers, live so much like the world that even if Christianity is not true, there lives on earth have been without sacrifice. However, there is an eternity, and believers will be rewarded for their loving acts of obedience and sacrifice. Be careful of letting the world infect your spiritual understanding. “Do not be misled: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15 :33) So many respected Christians would never read through Scripture every day or join a 6:30am Bible Study to worship God.  I just want to sleep in!! This is Paul’s response, “Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34)

As with everything in life, there will be a “last time” that you do everything.  Let’s live this week purposefully. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) It takes courage to live like Christ; it also takes a different perspective focused on God and others. 

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday September 3, 2023 Bible Study

The opening song says, “I don’t wanna love what the world loves…” and I think about the Russian Jews in the “Fiddler on the Roof.” who were forced to leave everything as they were attacked and exiled during the Russian Pogroms.  How easy would it be to leave everything for the Lord?  Thinking of Hope680, some have even chosen to be homeless for the Lord.

Paul began his letter to Corinth by discussing their unity in the Lord. Unity does not equate to uniformity.  God wants us to be like Him (“Christians” literally meaning “Little Christs”) in the selfless sacrifice of our unique gifts and abilities to Him. We are not called to change to be like each other… we are called to change to be like Him.  We should see each other “through Heaven’s eyes” (with an eternal perspective).  “…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3) 

It is really a matter of focus…worldly or godly. Some boast of riches while others boast of poverty; some boast of boundless energy where others boast sleep depravity.  Either way, the focus is one’s self. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17)

Paul then transitions to relationships between men and women… brothers and sisters in Christ. Corinth was known for their sexual motivation towards the opposite sex. Paul said to FLEE immorality…don’t dally with it (1 Corinthians 6:18). Paul cautioned not to even touch the opposite sex. (1 Corinthians 7:1)

Paul taught that a husband has a faithful duty to his wife (and vice versa).  It is in that context that Paul encourages believing men to be content.  Stop looking for the world to satisfy in any way. It is interesting to me (from an etymological perspective) that one can choose to be “content” or to have “contention.”  “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) God can sustain where the world cannot.

Paul had sacrificed everything, but He selflessly served the Lord.  “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

A Christians call is not glamorous, but it is glorious.  Remember that God is with you right now…and He wants this week (all that we think, do & say) to be centered on Him…

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 27, 2023 Bible Study

After establishing the gospel message to the Romans, this week we read Paul’s epistle/letter to the primarily gentile church in Corinth. Circa 53/54AD, Chloe’s household informed Paul (in Ephesus) of a number of shortcomings of the Corinthian church (as well as some of the questions that they had). Corinth was a port city that prided themselves on athleticism and physical acumen; they were a licentious city of prostitutes that worshipped Aphrodite/Venus (the goddess of sexuality & beauty). Sinful temptations were everywhere!

Paul’s letter to Corinth attempts to lift them out of (elevate them from) the world of flesh. They had a higher calling (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2, 9, 24, 26).  This reminds me of the father in the book of Proverbs that warned his son.  Wisdom calls out (Proverbs 7:24, 8:4-5, 9:4); however, the worldly flesh (like the Sirens of Homer’s Odyssey) also call men to destruction (Proverbs 9:16).  This week, we will be called by God as well… or we can be lured by the call of the world.

Paul encourages the unity of the church (1 Corinthians 1:10) as they have the same purpose (Greek term “auto”).  We can pray for each other to live godly lives of love – to God & others. God understands our weaknesses, and this is the reason that He called us. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) God us to overcome the world through spiritual power…not physical.  “For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3)  As believers, we are to approach our lives, wives, jobs, football season, travel, hobbies, charities, etc. with a different perspective.  We are called to an eternal mindset… a different focus than the world.

A Christian life is a spiritual life.  “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

God’s plan for each of us precedes the creation of the world (Matthew 25:34; Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8). “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (Isaiah 64:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9) “Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:8)

Corinth was down the road from Olympia (who hosted competitions every 4 years). Corinth hosted the “Isthmian Games” every 2 years with a judge elevated six feet high overlooking the finish line of the races.  This was called the “Bema seat.”

Every thought and deed will be judged at the Judgment seat of Christ…the Bema Seat.  “Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (2 Corinthians 3:13-15)

Let’s “run the (spiritual) race” well this week. As with Paul, we will all cross the “finish line” someday.  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 20, 2023 Bible Study

Another beautiful morning to worship the Lord together outdoors, but it is getting gradually darker. As we being to reflect on Paul’s letters (“epistles” in Greek), Romans is the perfect way to begin.  We all share in our sinful natures that continue to plague us, but we have all been justified by the same Grace of God, and filled with the same Spirit as we continue through sanctification to become like Christ. (Genesis 1:26; Galatians 4:19; 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24) “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:28-29) Whatever it takes to be more like our sacrificial, selfless Christ who died for us….  

We have all been justified by the one and only God & judge – proclaimed innocent. The Greek term “dikaiósis” (δικαίωσις) is a legal term that means “to declare an acquittal.”  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace” (Romans 3:23-24) God bestows goodness and blessing on His creation (Titus 3:7).  God’s declaration of “not guilty” is free to us because of His work on the cross.  “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” (Romans 4:5) Justification is the salvation experience which gives us peace. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1) “Through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.” (Romans 5:18) We (the offenders/sinners) cannot proclaim that we are justified by works (Romans 4:2; Galatians 2:16-17; 3:11)

We don’t need to fear the judgment of God anymore – His judgment is FOR us because of what He has done. “Having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”  (Romans 5:9) We have a new life in Christ because He overcame death. “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” (Romans 4:25)

Of course, mankind has always justified their actions to each other. ““You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15) “By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight.” (Romans 3:20) But praise the Lord that we are dead to sin (Romans 6) and dead to the Law (Romans 7).  No more guilt or shame.  Although the sin of our bodies fails, our spirits can rejoice in the Lord.  We can please the Lord through love (instead of being under the Law).

Although believers are not under the law any longer, their actions will still reflect a living faith in love just as it did with Abraham and Rahab. They actively received God’s grace and put their faith into action with courage and love. (James 2:21-25)  If a person has a living faith towards justification, it will be evident in their works….because of love, and not because of the law.

Remember that (at our core) we are spiritual beings – that is “who we are.”  We consist of a spirit (the “why” we do what we do) that has a soul (personality/inclinations that shape “how” we do what we do) that is covered with a body (our visible “selves” in “what” we do).  Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit; our unique characteristics are formed by God the Father; and we live as Christians becoming increasingly like Jesus Christ every moment. We wrestle with the “flesh” (backwards “h-self”), but we are much more than our sin.  We are alive in the “body” of Christ. (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Colossians 1:18)

As with Romans, we will be spending three weeks in 1 Corinthians as well. Paul wrote the Romans epistle while in Corinth, so there is a lot happening there. God has a message for you every day, so be purposeful as you open His Word. He has justified you… and He is excited to continue to sanctify you this week.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 13, 2023 Bible Study

Paul had never met the church in Rome, but in laying the framework for Christianity, he began at the starting point – their sin.  He had never met them before… I can just see them laying the letter aside immediately – “this guy thinks he is better than us!” But Paul was true to his call… we will all answer to God concerning our individual calling.  “So how can you judge what a man is worth – by what he builds or buys?  Look at your life through Heaven’s eyes…”

If you ever want to recall something that has been discussed on Sunday mornings, remember that you can search “Encouragement” on SabbathBrothers.com for past Sunday evening letters.  Paul was in Corinth writing to the church in Rome who he had never met, and trying to reconcile the Gentile Christians with the returning Jewish Christians to Rome.  To do this, Paul laid out the fundamentals of Christianity – beginning with the fact that all men (Jew & Gentile) are sinners.  All men (Jew & Gentile) are justified the same way – God’s declaration of righteousness. All men (Jew & Gentile) receive God’s truth by the same faith – that God gives life to the dead.  

Paul usually began his letter with doctrine (Romans 1-11) before he transitioned to application (Romans 12-15).  Doctrine can be boring, but it is critical that our doctrine is sound for us to apply it correctly.  Correct action is built upon correct doctrine.

As it is written, ‘A father of many nations have I made you’) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.” (Romans 4:17). Abram believed that God gave life to the dead. “Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God…” (Romans 4:19-20)

Because of Abraham’s faith that God could give life to those who are dead, he was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your descendants shall be called.’ He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.” (Hebrews 11:17-19) “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3)

While still a Gentile, Abraham believed God – even before he began the Jewish line.  “For we say, ‘Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.’ How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.” (Romans 4:9-10)

So often we live days/night void of God. We respond to His word as the world would.  We get offended at the “tool” sharing His Word. “All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, there is not even one.” (Romans 3:12; Isaiah 53:6) “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18)  God doesn’t want our lives/weeks/days to be in vain…in futility.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) Paul warns of “the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds.”  (Romans 2:6)

There will come a day when “God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:16) We can respond as the world responds (Romans 14:23) … or we can respond in faith.  God has a higher calling for our lives, and that should encourage us in Christlike lives as we face a challenging world…

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday August 6, 2023 Bible Study

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the teaching by the SB’s this year as one after another has shared God’s Word through the Gospels and Acts of the Spirit. Thank you, Lord for Brothers who prepare so diligently to share your Word with others. Please remember to continue bringing your cell phones to be able to view the materials that we are covering as the sun rises over us.

The layout of Scripture is very consistent between the Old & New Testament. Both begin with a foundation (Pentateuch & Gospels), followed by a section on God’s people, and then ending with prophecy. In the Old Testament, God’s people (Israel) waited for the coming Messiah (the first incarnation of Jesus); in the New Testament, God’s people (the Church) also await the second coming of our Lord & Savior. Our hope is in our Lord’s coming when He becomes the reigning king through the millennium.

We discussed the different categories of “epistles” (Greek for “letters”) including the church epistles, pastoral epistles, private epistle, Jewish epistle and general epistles. It’s important that we understand how each of these letters speak to us.  The primary theme might differ between us, but it is important to know why and when we would read each of the letters. Romans highlights the shared sin and salvation of all believers (both Jew and Gentile).

The church of Rome had begun at the time of Pentecost when the Spirit was given, and even at that time, Jews and Gentiles were together in the congregation. “…visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes…” (Acts 2:10).  When the Emperor Claudius exiled the Jews from Rome, the Roman church only consisted of Gentiles, so when the Jews returned to Rome under Nero’s rule, the Jews and Gentiles needed to pursue peace and unity in the Lord. Each one of Paul’s letter extends God’s grace (first) and then His peace (second) to the recipients of the letter.

Paul had never visited Rome, but he intended to make it to Rome (in the Lord’s way and time).  Paul emphasized the Trinity (three-in-one) Godhead, and encouraged God’s people to live by faith. The righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). We are not called to understand, but we are called to submit to God’s will and His timing. Let’s take comfort this week in the Lord’s will and way.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 30, 2023 Bible Study
 

I’m always so encouraged by the testimonies that the sb’s share each week…Don was able to witness to his PhD fishing buddy; Kevin is leaving Bibles in the break room at work; Mike is helping people move; Rick is witnessing to Zach & Annie, etc. Just as a father uniquely engages with his children, our heavenly Father uniquely engages with each one of us. (Matthew 23:9; Luke 11:13)

Approximately 18M children in America live without a Father (1 in 4). Those without fathers are twice as likely to drop out of school. Children who are close to their fathers are 80% less likely to spend time in jail.  Yet, we as a nation (world) have walked away from our heavenly father to independently pursue our own ways. We need to return to our heavenly Father.  

Kevin celebrated his birthday by wrapping up the Acts of the Spirit, and Paul finally made it to Rome. (Acts 19:21; 23:11) Life rarely works out the way that we intend, but the Lord took Paul to Rome in His own way and in His own time.  The number ”2” often symbolizes “witness” – Paul spent 2 years in Capernaum (Acts 24:27), and then Paul was under house arrest in Rome for 2 years (Acts 28:30)…Paul was witnessing the entire time…”being the witness.” (Acts 1:8)

Paul did not recognize Ananias as High Priest (Acts 23:2) because God had taken the role as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14; 9:11).  The very first High Priest (Aaron) had been told not to tear his robe (Leviticus 10:6); however, Caiaphas had torn his robe in front of Jesus (Matthew 26:65). The robe of Jesus was not torn as the soldiers cast lots for His garment. (John 19:23-24) Jesus always fulfilled Scripture – even as High Priest.

Being a Roman citizen meant that judgment did not arbitrarily fall on Paul (Acts 22:25; 25:10-11). In the same way, our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20-21), so we do not need to fear judgment (1 John 4:18). We have a spiritual citizenship…a spiritual Father…a spiritual salvation that transcends this world.

Where do you get your water? Our water is from heaven (Deuteronomy 11:13-17), so we never need to thirst (Jeremiah 17:13; Zechariah 14:8-9; John 4:14; Revelation 21:6-8). Egypt (representing the world) has always trusted in the longest river in the world (the Nile) which spans 4,132 miles; however, Ethiopia is building a dam that will regulate and dry up their flow.  I’d rather trust in God.

Let’s walk with the Lord this week, and trust in His plan for our lives. 

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 23, 2023 Bible Study

What a beautiful morning with Brian leading us through Paul’s 3rd Mission Trip.  (Brian always does a great job of asking questions to get us thinking…) Spending time looking into God’s Word with the flowers blooming, the birds singing…and Nathan hungrily watching the fig tree!

 Brian began in Acts 19:1-3 discussing baptism (the explicit definition is “to get immersed”). As with Scripture, the physical icon/action points to a greater (spiritual) truth.  As Paul laid hands on the 12 disciples of John the Baptist, they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Brian recounted fellow Christians laying hands on him as they prayed for his knee problems…how he felt the heat of the Spirit moving through his knee.

 The early church consisted of radical believers.  They came together to burn their ungodly books as the Word of God continued to prosper and grow. (Acts 19:20) What is in our lives that we need to eliminate?  Do we walk more closely with God without news, sports, hobbies, certain relationships, etc.?  What do we esteem higher than our “Lord?”

 The Ephesians had made their idolatry a business as they yelled out “Great is Diana!” (Diana has been called many names throughout the ages from Artemis to Astarte to Isis).  This began with Nimrod in Genesis 10 when he married the prostitute (Semiramis) who became the female object of worship through the ages (for instance, the wife of Nimrod is remembered in Isis (the Egyptian goddess of fertility), Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love), and Venus, the Roman goddess of love).  These days, worldly antichrists simply refer to this woman as “Mother Earth” while they deny the “Father God.”  They have denied the Creator while exalting creation.

 We spent  a good deal of time discussing the sacrificial attitude of Paul; he knew that he would be persecuted for his beliefs, but Paul also realized that God had a greater purpose and plan. CC reminded us that suffering is a natural part of life. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) God never promised a life without trials; He promised that He would be in the trial with us. (Daniel 3:28) In fact, the entire book of 1st Peter focuses on living godly lives as we suffer.

 Nathan has been witnessing to the Jehovah’s Witnesses in his neighborhood, and they do not believe that Jesus and the Father are one.  Kevin pointed out this verse, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28)

 Life is difficult, and even Jesus Christ came to this world to suffer; “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10)  Just as Jesus is the Messiah (“Christ”); we are also called to live “Christlike lives” as Christians.

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Let’s encourage each other as we cast all of our cares on Him who cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)  Have a great week!

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday July 16, 2023 Bible Study
 
In my old Southern Baptist days in the country fellowships of North Carolina, we used to celebrate “Homecoming Day.”  It was a day for past members to visit their previous churches to reconnect with brothers/sisters in Christ – to hear how God had worked in their lives while separated.  That’s what Sunday morning felt like: Don was back from his get-away with Kerri; Nathan returned from visiting family in the east on a business trip; CP came with Domine’s father (fresh from the Camino de Santiago); Anthony drove up from Carmel Valley, and Kailey flew up from San Diego.  Praying that God continues to bless those who have blessed us through the years.
 
Dan did a great job taking us through the beginning of Paul’s ministry with Barnabas.  Paul was an intense scholar that thrived in tension while Barnabas was an encouraging man of grace that extended an “olive branch” to any & everyone. God had a plan for both of these men to expand the gospel message throughout the Roman Empire.  Paul accompanied Barnabas to his homeland of Cyprus (Acts 4:36-37) on the first missionary trip (Acts 13:4), but Paul sailed right past Cyprus on his second and third missionary journeys – Barnabas and John Mark were already ministering on the Island of Cyprus (Acts 15:39). I can imagine them all attending the Antioch “Homecoming” to hear about the miracles throughout the travels (Acts 18:23).
 
God uses difficulties to further his kingdom (Acts 28:31). Paul/Saul struggled with poor eyesight which helped keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (Ezekiel 28:24; Hosea 2:6) may have been an eye problem (Galatians 4:13-15, 6:11) that could have been the result of the Damascus Road experience (Acts 9).  Jacob was also impaired after experiencing a true meeting with the Lord (Genesis 32:30-31).  Each of us will be confronted with trials this week, and our challenge is to respond with an eternal perspective.
 
Brian mentioned that it was amazing when Paul arose (2 Corinthians 12:2) after being stoned in Lystra to share the gospel in Derbe (Acts 14:19-20).  Paul would later return to Lystra to befriend Timothy who became Paul’s right-hand man (Acts 16:1). Don mentioned that any persecution of an American Christian would be considered “small” both historically and geographically. Believers in other lands are actively being persecuted – even as you read this email (13 Christians die each day worldwide because of their faith). God has us uniquely positioned to bless the world with His message without being pulled into the world chaos.
 
Kevin mentioned that the Law is a reality that reveals man’s sinfulness (Romans 7:7-12). Mike also reminded us that in spite of our weakness, God has promised a new covenant where His people are filled with the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
 
Paul continued to earn an income through tent-making (Acts 18:3-4) even while he ministered to the church of Corinth. Paul’s primary goal was to minister to others – even through his work and dietary practices. (1 Corinthians 9:4-5, 12; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; Romans 14:18-21).  Let’s not get caught up with the concerns of this world (1 Peter 5:7), but instead let’s look for opportunities to share God’s light and love (Matthew 5:13-16) in chaotic times with those who are fearful.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 

Thoughts on Sunday July 9, 2023 Bible Study

Dan did a great job leading us through the changes of heart and evangelical efforts of the early Christian church.  Then Mike opened his house to the SB’s to visit with a missionary from Africa who has given his entire life – and family – to furthering God’s kingdom in Ethiopia. It was a great time to hear about the miracles that God is performing among warring Ethiopian sects. Yohannes & Cara trained 5 men who have opened 16 churches in the past five years…spiritual giants!! It was moving to see the pictures of the Sunday when 200 people came to Christ…can you imagine leading 200 people to follow our Lord? One of the right-hand helpers of Yohannes was killed by warring troops while he was attempting to broker peace… the pain in Yohannes’ heart was palatable.  Yohannes discussed a massive dam that Ethiopia has opened across the Nile which reminds me of Isaiah’s end time prophecy. “The waters from the sea will dry up, and the river will be parched and dry.” (Isaiah 19:5-10)  Such a rich time – God is good!

It was revealed to Peter that God’s gospel extends to Gentiles as well as Jews. “Peter said: ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.’” (Acts 10:34)  These are the characteristics of faith – realizing man’s shortcomings in light of a sovereign, holy God, and then an obedience to His call.

Peter said, ‘No Lord’” (Acts 10:14) What an oxymoronic statement. (As Ben would say, “Quel dommage!”)  As “Lord,” the correct response is always “yes.”  A foundational characteristic of any Christian is a “sensitive heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26) that is willing to change.  The Christian walk is one of change towards God and away from our hard-heartedness.

Jesus had urged Peter to pray three times in the Garden of Gethsemane, so that he would not be tempted, but Peter slept. (Matthew 26:41-44) Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed. (Luke 22:54-62) After His resurrection, Jesus restored Peter to Himself at His third appearing to His disciples. (John 21:14) Peter was then restored to Jesus with three assurances of his love and commitment to serve Him. (John 21:15-17) After restoration, Peter was given a vision three times in Joppa which corrected his thinking that the gospel was only for the Jews. (Acts 10:16) Three Gentiles awaited Peter’s ministry of the gospel. (Acts 10:19)

Peter was then called in front of the Jerusalem Jewish council to systemically lead them to the discovery that the physical religious elements point to greater spiritual truths. Circumcision was a spiritual act of the heart. (Acts 11:3; Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:29) Water baptism points to a greater spiritual baptism. (Acts 11:16) Even the judgment of Peter was mis-directed because his actions had been spiritually ordained by God. (Acts 11:17) The physical things of this world only point to greater spiritual truths. (1 Corinthians 15:46)

On the first-year anniversary after Christ’s crucifixion, the first disciple was martyred as Herod killed James.  (Acts 12:1) Peter slept without fear of Herod because (as CC shared) Jesus had already foretold that Peter would live longer. (John 21:18)  The 16 guards trusted their own strength, but they would be dead in the morning (Acts 12:19); however, Peter trusted God.  

The angel woke Peter and freed him from his shackles (Acts 12:7) and the jail itself (Acts 12:10).  However, the angel urged Peter to dress and follow him (Acts 12:8).  The angel expected Peter to do what he could do while God provided the remedy for what Peter was incapable to do. In the same way, Jesus multiplied the bread/fish while He commanded His disciples to distribute the food. (Matthew 14:19) Jesus brought life back to Lazarus, but he also told the men to roll the stone away (John 11:39-44) God directs His people to do what they can do in obedience to Him…then God moves miraculously.

Rhoda shared that Peter was standing at the door, but it wasn’t until they opened the door that they believed that he was there. (Acts 12:16)  The same is true with witnessing; it is less about telling facts about Jesus… it is more about introducing others to Jesus.

Herod had murdered James without documented consequence. (Acts 12:1)  However, when Herod dressed in pomp and circumstance as he sat on his throne over Tyre and Sidon, the people viewed him as a god. (Acts 12:21-22) Because of that, God would take Herod’s life in a painful manner. Mark offered insight that others had praised Herod as a god, and he did not correct them (Acts 12:22).  When others “sing our praise,” we need to direct the praise to God.

The King died, but “the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” (Acts 12:24) As Brian reminds us, during times of persecution, the church grows.  “So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone.” (Acts 11:19) The first church (outside of Jerusalem) was established in Antioch which sent Paul and Barnabas as missionaries through Phoenicia and on to Cyprus.  The first missionary journey followed the exact route of the persecuted Christians.  God is amazing!

God’s prepared ministries for us this week as well; let’s wholeheartedly follow our Lord for His glory.

Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday July 2, 2023 Bible Study
 

It was awesome to meet outside again in God’s nature as Brian led us through Acts.  Brian did a great job reminding us of the reality of God. The early church kept their eyes on the Lord as they shared everything with each other. “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.” (Acts 4:32) CC referred to this as “communism” where everyone shared what they owned (instead of “communism” where the government takes/gives what they do not own).

First came the external attacks on the church, and then came the internal issues.  Ananias wanted others to believe that he was generous, but he was playing a game – Ananias was not genuinely hospitable to that great extent. His wife, Sapphira, supported his deception.  They were playing religious games in the name of God…God killed them.

The first use of the term “church” is used in the context of realizing that God is real, sovereign and powerful. “Great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.” (Acts 5:11)  In fact, some believers were drawn to the reality of God’s power while unbelievers stayed away from Christianity because they were worried about the power of God. “But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added.” (Acts 5:13-14)

Nathan emphasized that most of the actions that we take are based on what others think; It reminds me of that song “The Guy is Only Doing It For Some Doll” in the musical “Guys & Dolls.”  In reality, it only matters what God thinks – CC pointed out that Gamaliel believed that God’s will could not be transgressed. “If it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39)

In Acts 6, the Hebrew widows fought with the Hellenistic widows to ensure that everyone got their “fair share.”  What a catastrophe.  The leadership extricated themselves from the material struggles of the organization – CC shared that the leadership focused on prayer and then God’s Word. “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) Prayer makes all the difference – life is about God…special thanks to Nathan for his faithful execution of the SB prayer ministry.

One of the first deacons (Stephen meaning “crown”) would become the first martyr. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) He spoke of how Israel sons thought that they had killed their brother, Joseph, but God exalted him to the throne to save the world.  The sons of Israel did not recognize Joseph in the first encounter, but he revealed himself at the second coming. (Acts 7:13). He also spoke of how Israel did not recognize Moses at first, but at his second coming, they realized that Moses would lead them out of Egypt. (Acts: 7:35-36) 

Stephen would die (physically), but Saul/Paul would come to life (spiritually).  Possibly, Saul/Paul had felt the seeds planted by Stephen that the Tanakh (Old Testament) spoke of Jesus as the Messiah. (Acts 7:58) God brought Ananias to minister to Saul/Paul after his conversion; then Saul/Paul went forward “proving” (symbibazōn συμβιβάζων) that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 9:22).
 
Life wasn’t easy, but Kevin & Nathan agreed that the disciples rejoiced during the persecution.  They had an eternal perspective when they found peace that the world could not understand. (Philppians4:7). CP reminded us that the final two beatitudes follow along similar lines: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday June 25, 2023 Bible Study
 
Jesus walked on this earth for 33 years, and the “Truth” has continued to walk in this world ever since. (John 14:6) Jesus had lived His entire life fulfilling God the Father’s wishes (Philippians 2:8; John 8:29; Romans 5:19, 14:15, 23; Hebrews 5:8; Luke 11:28; Ephesians 6:1); even as He entered puberty, Jesus was interested in the things of His heavenly father instead of this world. (Luke 2:49)
 
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) as is every believer who follows our Lord. (Romans 8:9-11) Kevin listed a number of attributes of the Holy Spirit which primarily dealt with divine communication, clarity of understanding, and changing the individual believer. Mike mentioned that the term “counselor” is very applicable to the Spirit (John 14:26) who comforts and teaches us while empowering believers to do the will of God – however, the believer must put the lessons of the Spirit into practice. (Romans 8:14; John 16:13).
 
The Greek term for “one mind/accord” (homothymadon ὁμοθυμαδὸν) is used 10 times in the book of Acts (2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 7:57; 8:6; 12:20; 15:25, 18:12; 19:29) and only one other time in the New Testament (Romans 15:6). We are called to love, support and forgive each other as we continue to sacrifice our lives for our Lord… to be Christians (“Little Christs”) in the truest sense of personal sacrifice.  Let’s live honestly before God this week as we are His hands/feet in a hurting world.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 

Thoughts on Sunday June 18, 2023 Bible Study

What a Spirit-filled study on the Spirit together; thanks so much to CC for allowing the Spirit to work in and through you in such wonderful ways to bless us all!  I’ve also attached several pictures of Luke’s “Virtual Tour of Israel” as the virtual tour guide of ~40 folks. 

Chris focused on John’s simple test: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

What has God called you to do…or give up…and you’ve not been willing to obey?  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” (John 15:1)   The Jewish community was tight-knit and their financial power and emotional strength continue to grow, but Israel (with their legendary culture and heritage) is not the “true” vine. (Psalm 80-8-9; Isaiah 5:7) Israel will be grafted in to the “true” vine one day.

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the [h]rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.” (Romans 11:17-21)

We discussed the term “abide” (meinate μείνατε) which means to be stable and fixed in a state.

Abide in Me, and I in you.” (John 15:4) As we abide in Him, He abides in us through His Spirit as we abide in Him through a heartfelt attitude of obedience/love. We are to remain faithful and fruitful to Him regardless of the circumstances.  If you have ever walked more closely with God, now is the time to return to that closeness. Jesus tells each one of us – “Arise, let us go from here.” (John 14:31) He wants to walk with us through this week…through work…through hobbies…through everything.

CC emphasized that we are to “be about” the “work of God.” “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29) Our belief/faith results in our being filled with the Spirit which results in good/godly works.  It is not “us” working per se (Matthew 7:22-23), but “faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6) “Whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)

Let’s abide with Him this week as He abides in everything we do… Spirit filled lives of love to everyone around us…
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday June 11, 2023 Bible Study
 
It was great to dive into the Book of John with a focus on the activity of the Holy Spirit as well as the deity of Jesus.  The Holy Spirit is the third person (Shema – “God is one” – Genesis 2:24) of the triune God (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) who has intelligence (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), and a will (1 Corinthians 2:11).
 
CC began the discussion with a unique “object lesson” of being polluted by this world with no hope of self-purification…but then the living water of the Spirit is poured into our lives as we overflow into the world with God’s light and love.
 
John structured much of his book around lists of “7” including the seven “I Am” statements made by Jesus (the Bread; the Light; the Door; the Good Shepherd; the Resurrection; the Way; the Vine).  So many truths in each of the descriptors of Christ.  He is loving and desires an ongoing walk with His people.  Can you imagine going a day (or week) without talking to your spouse?  In the same way, God wants to interact with us as well.   It matters to Him that we follow Him and walk with Him.
 
John desired a unique walk with the Lord.  He identified himself in the context of Jesus instead of anything that he had personally done/achieved. He never referred to himself by name; instead of using his name, he identified himself as someone unworthy that Christ loved.  John emphasized the importance of Christians to be faithful and selfless in attitude and action.  (John 14:21; 1 John 5:2; 2 John 1:6) If an individual remains in the same sin after coming to Christ as Lord, it is likely that they are not filled with His Spirit (1 John 4:13), but instead, the individual is living by the spirit of their old nature.
 
Christians need to be fed by the vine each moment of each day. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing ” (John 15:5-7)
 
Think about it – “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God…” (John 13:3) All of this to say that Jesus understood His sovereignty over all things.  John emphasizes that Jesus understood His dominion above all creation…and then Jesus knelt down and washed the feet of the disciples. (John 13:5-15) We are to love God and love others by serving and supporting them. Each of us can ask who we have supported last week?  Who does God want you to serve and support this week?
 
CC pointed out that our desires, fantasies and ambitions reveal who we really are.  “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) We should contrast our worldly goals with the “eternal ambitions” to please our Lord?
 
Are there things in your life that trouble the Lord? (John 13:21) He cares….it matters….your life is not inconsequential. We need to stop acting out of worldly desires and vain hobbies….faithfulness is imperative. God has greater purposes for each one of us.  Let’s be purposeful with His calling this week. 
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday June 4, 2023 Bible Study
 
Nathan really got us thinking about so many different aspects of John’s gospel; I appreciate Nathan’s preparation (& patience) in leading the discussion; I’m also blown away by Nathan’s faithful management of the prayer requests.  …and yes, I’ll be singing “This Little Light of Mine” all week.  (Remember that all of the Sunday Morning SB songs are listed on the SB website – sometimes, it is encouraging to just play several from the list of past songs).  
 
In the Old Testament, it had been prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and it had also been prophesied that the Messiah would be a Netser (נֵצֶר) which is the “root” term for the Greek word, “Nazareth.” (Isaiah 11:1; 60:21).  The Pharisees were cynical about His worldly origins, and they completely missed His message.  They had no idea of His heavenly origins. (John 3:13; 6:38). Nathan made the point that being adamant does not equate to being correct. The Pharisees proclaimed their cynical falsities with conviction.  Assertion does not mean truth (nor does it mean falsity).
 
Nathan emphasized that Jesus is the Light of the world.  Throughout Scripture, the term “light” is synonymous with “spiritual enlightenment.” (John 1:9; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; 1 John 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 21:23)  The world’s natural state is darkness, and when it turns (rotates) away from the Sun (Son), it becomes dark. The light of the world comes from the sun shining into darkness.
 
During the first incarnation of Jesus, He did not judge the world, but instead, He came to save those who were lost. (John 3:17; 12:47), but during His second coming, He will come in holy judgment (Ezekiel 20:33-38; Revelation 19:11). Everyone will come before the throne (judgment seat) of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:1; Romans 14:10-12; John 5:22).  Christians will be judged at the “Bema Seat Judgment” as stewards of their faithful obedience to Him (2 Corinthians 4:5; 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8. James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:19) while unbelievers will be judged at the “White Throne Judgment” according to their sin (Revelation 20:11-15). Believers will be rewarded according to their good works of faith (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
 
“Good” is “of God.” Anything not done in faith is sin (Romans 14:23), so even the “worldly good” works of unbelievers are sin. (Isaiah 64:6)
 
The topic of judgment is often a “petri dish” of hypocrisies.   An individual who tells someone not to be judgmental is being judgmental.  Conservatives are warned that their judgmental spirits are sin by others with judgmental spirits.  Young believers selectively quote “Judge not that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) without taking in the full context of Scripture.  The real point of that verse is to not accept sin in yourself while judging others. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:2)  Maybe Scripture is less about “not judging others,” and more about judging one’s self appropriately – by God’s Word. “But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)
 
Jesus recuses Himself from the judgment as sin is judged by His Word. “If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” (John 12:47)  If actions are judged by God’s Word, the individual proclaiming God’s Word is not acting under his own volition. Maybe that is how Scripture commands Christians to judge – by the Word itself. ““Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) Paul was extremly judgmental according to God’s Word, but he did not enter into arenas of personal opinion. “…but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.”  (Acts 18:15)
 
Praise the Lord that He offers forgiveness of sin…even the sin of wrongful judgment. (unless you believe that is the unpardonable sin)  “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)  At the end of the day, we are called to love God through obedience (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6) and love others through selfless service. (Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Romans 15:1; Philippians 2:3-8)
 
Nathan reinforced that Jesus is divine; just as God introduced His personal name (Yahweh) to Moses (Exodus 3:14); Jesus also identified Himself as the “I Am” (John 8:24, 28).  All of creation will come before His throne on bended knee. (Philippians 2:9-11)
 
In this coming week’s reading, CC urged us to be sensitive to the critical time of Jesus’ life – the final hours of Christ with His disciples before His crucifixion/resurrection. (John 14-18)  As we read this week, keep these questions in mind:
  • How do we know that we love Jesus, and that we will spend eternity with Him?
  • What does John say about “once saved – always saved?”
  • What does John mean when He says “abide in Him?”
  • Who is the Holy Spirit?
  • What is the work of the Holy Spirit?
To quote our brother, Kevin – there is a “lot of good stuff in there!”  Enjoy walking with Jesus this week…
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday May 29, 2023 Bible Study
 
It is true that Satan & his ilk purposefully attack those who are leading in the name of Jesus.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
 
Nathan’s sincerity and genuine walk is a testimony; just as he reconciled with Amy, we all have disagreements where we should be humble and reconciliatory. We discussed the paralytic man at the pool of Bethesda who was focused on the mysterious and spiritual – but he needed to focus on Jesus.  The man thought that he wanted to get into the water quickly…but Jesus knew that the man had been distracted by the process, and really just wanted to be made well. Often, we confuse the simple truth of Jesus with complicated processes and organizations.
 
Afterward, Jesus told the man to “sin no more.” (John 5:14) In John 8:11, Jesus also told the adulterous woman to “sin no more.”  The greatest sin is to deny Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. (Mark 3:29)
 
The Jews focused on Jesus for all of the wrong reasons. “For this reason, therefore, the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” (John 5:18) This week we need to remember that our lives were meant to point others to Him.
 
The world does not understand that there is no “good” without “God.”  The world has defined “good” in their own warped reasoning that leads to chaos and death. (Look at the streets of North Korea, San Francisco, Las Angeles, New York, Chicago, etc.)  Society denies Jesus and His Word, but there is no other way to honor God the Father. “All will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” (John 5:23)
 
In John 6:66, a number of insincere followers fell away from Jesus; however, the genuine followers of Jesus had nowhere to turn, but to Him. (John 6:68).  Jesus prepared His people to receive the Holy Spirit into their own. “He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:39) Now the Spirit indwells His people. (Romans 8:9)
 
We can walk with our Lord Jesus in His Spirit.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday May 22, 2023 Bible Study
 
I liked Don’s definition of a friend, “It’s someone who walks in when everyone else is walking out.”  It reminds me of Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”  Some people (e.g., Mark Clark, Dave Mosby) leave Sabbath Brothers honorably while others walk away from God as they walk away from His Word. Scripture reminds us of the way that every single disciple of Jesus “walked out on Him” in His greatest time of need except for John. (John 19:26)  As we think of the ways that the “Holy Ghost/Spirit” draws an individual to God and others (Matthew 22:37-39), most ex-SB’s “ghost” their spiritual brothers.  They cut them off and don’t respond.  I think of Jesus pleading with these fallen isolationists. (Revelation 3:20) It is an act of rebellion and pride with a hardening of the heart. “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
 
Nicodemus was one of Jerusalem’s wealthiest citizens at the time. He was focused on the material…and he had a lot of “materials” to focus on.  He lived in a physical world, and understood all truth through what he recognized in the physical world. “Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (John 3:5) Mankind consists of Spirit (man’s spiritual core) surrounded by Soul (personality & inclinations) surrounded by a Body (appearance/speech/actions).  As the body interacts with the physical world, the spirit interacts with the spiritual world.
 
CC emphasized John 4:24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  The Bible is more than just a good classic…the Bible is the supernatural Word of God.  Scripture is spiritually alive. Beyond that, our lives are meant to be supernatural as God’s Spirit works in and through us.  We should keep our eyes open to God working around us this week. Of course, God seems to supernaturally engage even more so as we radically obey.
 
As Christians who follow God, we don’t know what adventure God has for us as we sacrificially submit to Him.  “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:9)   This sacrifice occurs when we choose to follow God even when we are not inclined to follow him – we are overcomers!
 
In Scripture, the term “Light” symbolizes enlightenment and understanding.  “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” (John 3:19-20) There are times when individuals flee God’s Word because of their sin while others are attracted to the healing life that comes from the truth of His Word. Believers are called to flee sin (1 Corinthians 6:18)
 
Mike gave a helpful explanation of Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well. She knew her own mind, but she did not have a spiritual perspective.  Jesus told her that eternal life did not have to do with location or dress…an accurate religion is spiritual… The woman at the well referenced her ancestor, Jacob (“the Usurper/Supplanter”) whom she considered great. (John 4:12).  The woman eventually left her jar at the well to go proclaim the good news of Jesus. (John 4:28).  Someone may have asked Jesus how He was tangibly helping her… but He was focused on eternal, spiritual truths. Let’s focus on the spiritual life offered by God this week. 
 
Lastly, Dan reiterated the utmost important gospel message that John repeatedly presented:
  • John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
  • John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
  • John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
  • John 17:3 “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday May 14, 2023 Bible Study
 
Don began with a Christian book on “TwelveOrdinary Men” by John MacArthur.  John (a “Son of Thunder”) continuously matured as he walked with the Lord until he was defined by Love.  Maybe that is the reason that John emphasizes Love: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7) John “aged well” in the Spirit.  As we grow in Christ, others are impacted by our witness. Brian mentioned his 44th anniversary dinner with Laurie when she encouraged him that God was maturing him in faith.
 
Clearly, God is impacting and maturing Don (just as He did John).  God is calling all of us to mature in Him – to change – to grow outside of our comfort zones. The Greek word for “witness” is “marturian” (root of martyr) as all believers are to live sacrificial lives for the Lord.
 
John the Baptist came as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.” (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23). John’s focus was on Jesus instead of himself. The disciple John echoed this “reference point” when he wrote: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  Our lives should reflet the Lord instead of ourselves, and anything that reduces our pride and increases our dependency on Him is beneficial.  
 
We discussed Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem.  It was God’s intention that His Temple be a “house of prayer” (focused on God’s sustenance – Isaiah 56:7); however, men had made it a “den of thieves” (a refuge for immoral mortal efforts – Jeremiah 7:11). (Matthew 21:13)  Kevin observed that we are now the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17); are we prayerful or living as thieves?
 
Literally, the central message (the middle verse) of Scripture is Psalm 118:8, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”  Jesus understood the sinfulness and weaknesses of men.  “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:24-25) 
 
However, in our weakness, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10) All we can do is turn all that we are over to Him for His purposes.  The Jews call this “Shema” (Deuteronomy 6:4) while Gentiles reference the Lord’s prayer “God, your will be done.” (Matthew 6:10) “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thesalonians 5:17)  “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday May 7, 2023 Bible Study
 
Rick began with a classic Christian book: “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller.  Not only does our Shepherd meet our needs, He also died as the sacrificial lamb.
 
Before we were indwelt with His Spirit, we were dead in our sins. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3) All of the imagery death includes: decaying; stench to the Lord, unclean and existence without meaning/purpose; no valuable ambitions – feeding the world system as the decay slowly consumes the corpse into the world.
 
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7). There is only one reason for God’s sacrifice for His people – His love. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
 
As spiritual corpses – dead to sin – our only salvation was to have God’s living spirit infused into our lifeless souls. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
 
The Greek term for “sins” (hamartiais ἁμαρτίαις) means to “miss the mark.” This is a personal failing against God. (Psalm 51:4) The Greek term for “offenses/shortcomings/trespass” (paraptōmasin παραπτώμασιν) means to “fall to one’s side.” This literally means that a person trespasses into another individual’s rights/belongings. These two failings against God and man seem to be the exact opposite of the two greatest commandments to love God and others. (Mark 12:28:31) 
 
As CC says, the choice of every action/thought/speech of every individual is a choice of a reference point being selfishly themselves or selfless towards God & others.
 
But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
 
As “Christians,” our spiritual battles are under the banner of Christ. Rick read through “A Physician’s View of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ” by Dr. C TrumanDavis.  What a great sacrifice because God loved us. Let’s walk gratefully in Him this week as we share His life/light to the world.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 

Thoughts on Sunday April 30, 2023 Bible Study

I appreciated Rick’s description of spiritual reality… literally “upside-down” – or stated another way, the kingdom of heaven on earth.
 
Rick began our time together by referencing Charles Spurgeon’s “Persevering Through Trials.” Spurgeon (1834-1892) was known as the “Prince of Preachers,” but he struggled with his well-known reputation.  He had depression for much of his adult life because of loneliness and illness. However, Spurgeon believed, “If you have faith, you have infinitely more than he who has all the world and yet is destitute of faith.”
 
The Hebrew language does not really have a word for “Obey.”  Instead, the Hebrew word for “Hear” (Shema שָׁמַע) implies obedience.  If action is not taken on what is spoken, the “hearer” did not really “listen.”  That is the reason that Scripture repeatedly states, “He who has ears, let him hear” – meaning, let him actively listen and respond (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8; Revelation 2:7, 3:6) “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 12:2) “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not.” (Jeremiah 5:21)  “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.” (Matthew 13:15)
 
God always reached out to the hurting and destitute. Even in the Old Testament, God selected Israel because they were few and small. (Deuteronomy 7:7)  In the first recorded sermon of Jesus in the synagogue, he quoted Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)
 
Jesus was concerned about the spiritual (eternal) nature – much more than the physical.  Israel awaited a worldly King to save them from their worldly circumstances (as we do on weekdays), but Jesus came to bring a supernatural (spiritual) victory. The beatitudes (Luke 6:19-22) reveal that a spiritually broken heart would be blessed while a spiritually proud heart would bring woes. (Luke 6:24-26)
 
Rick led us through the conference of the rich, young ruler.  He sneaked to Jesus at night when no one was watching. He addressed Jesus as “good teacher.”  He was confident that he had ‘done all these things” in keeping the law. He was focused on his efforts to lead to salvation.  He left grieving because of his materialism and wealth.   In a complete contrast to the spiritually proud, rich young ruler – Jesus called Zacchaeus. He climbed a tree to find Jesus in public during daylight. He addressed Jesus as “Lord.” He focused on his sinful state, but after Jesus brought salvation, Zacchaeus responded with charity.   Zacchaeus concluded by fellowshipping with the Lord, and bringing others to Him as well.
 
The Levitical Priests asked Jesus for His credentials; “who gave you authority to teach?” (Luke 20:2) Religious leaders are always more interested in worldly credentials instead of a godly calling. The Priests took pride in their manmade religious practices as well as their golden plated Temple. (Luke 21:5) However, a humble widow gave all she had to the Lord. (Luke 21:1-4) Can you imagine, Jesus using you as a testimony to others for sacrificial giving?  I love that the impoverished woman had two mites… the number “two” generally represents a “witness,” but also, she gave both instead of just giving one and keeping the other.  She gave both… she gave all.  God saw it. Is God asking each of us to give something that we have been witholding from Him? For some of us, our wives, children and friends encourage us to give less…. to be less dedicated to our Lord… They believe that when you give to the Lord, you are taking away from them.  “He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.’” (Luke 18:29-30) There are so many believing men who hide behind their wives, children and friends, so that they can withhold from the Lord and blame it on someone else.
 
As we walk with the Lord this week, let’s remember that He calls us to show His love to the unloved. He calls us to give sacrificially.  He wants us to give and act in faith – then certainly, God will bless our humble gifts. 
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday April 23, 2023 Bible Study
 
The Gospel of Luke is amazing.  A learned physician who bore the trials of Paul all the way to the end when Paul was incarcerated in Rome. In jail, Paul wrote, “Only Luke is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:11) The faithfulness of Luke is such a witness.  As “Christians,” believers are called to lives of sacrifice (as “Little Christs”). “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
 
Mike led an insightful discussion on the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21)  This is such a wise and interesting way of saying that the Kingdom is here, and yet not here, at the same time.  The Kingdom of God is a state of the heart where God rules and directs thoughts, speech and actions. The Kingdom of God was in their “midst;” although it was available to them at that time, they needed to humbly accept His rule over their lives. Dan made an interesting point that acts of righteousness typically begin with humility.
 
The key is the reference point of God then others. Instead of thinking “less of yourself,” we are called to “think less” of yourself. Moses and Timothy almost thought so little of their capabilities that God couldn’t use them.  God told them to stop thinking about themselves (even in modesty) and focus on Him. Mike did a great job reviewing the “shrewd manager” of Luke 16 which speaks of a steward of the Master’s resources (God owns everything).  As stewards, we are called to invest in eternal matters.
 
Luke spends a lot of time discussing the “wheat and tares.”  Luke says that many will be self-deceived about their standing in the Kingdom of God until they are rejected at judgment.   “…you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.” (Luke 13:26-28)
 
Mike concluded with the blindness of the disciples who couldn’t understand the truth of God as Jesus foretold His crucifixion and resurrection for the third time (Luke 9:22, 44;18:31-34). Immediately after that, Jesus met a blind man in Jericho…and Jesus restored his sight. (Luke 18:35-43) God is the source of our strength.  People will always fail, but the Lord never does. Let’s focus on lives pleasing to God and not be distracted with ourselves, the world or the attacks of others.  Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday April 16, 2023 Bible Study
 
Grateful to Mike for his preparation and prayerful approach to leading us in Luke. Some consider it one of the best “books” of the Bible.  So much that is only found in Luke alone: the nativity; the childhood of Jesus, and the Lord’s ascension. Out of the 39 parables in the gospels, 28 are in Luke, and 17 parables are unique to Luke.  There is so much wisdom in this book that it is an honor to read these writings.
 
In regards to self-awareness, there may be so much that we miss from God’s word (and from each other). We engage when we want, and then we disengage whenever we like. We ebb & flow… We are similar to the disciples of Jesus who heard Him explicitly foretell His crucifixion and resurrection, but they didn’t get it (Luke 9:22, 44).  We don’t “get it” either, but the question is – how do we more rightfully understand our Lord’s words and how should we incorporate them into our lives?
 
Jesus would send the Holy Spirit as He fulfilled the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah. What a wonderful comfort…the Holy Spirit enlightens our paths.  However, the unforgiveable sin is also tied to the Holy Spirit…the rejection of His calling. On a daily level, we are also called and guided by the Holy Spirit.  We should remain sensitive to His calling, and praise the Lord when He calls us to sacrifice.  It is in sacrifice and service where love is shown.
 
In light of the Spirit, we discussed that we needn’t worry about anything. Nathan mentioned that we should prepare, but not worry.  CC shared that he draws close to the Lord during the preparation. We discussed that we should be prepared for godly interactions each day. “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)  Brian incorporates the term “blessing” in his interactions, and there are endless other ways to share God’s love.
 
Prior to Mike’s daily quiet time in Scripture, he reads Paul David Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies,” so I’ll close with an excerpt from Paul, ““God knows what you too are facing. He sees well the brokenness that is all around you. He is not in a panic, wondering how he’ll ever pull off his plan with all these obstacles in the way. Don’t be discouraged. God has you exactly where he wants you. He knows just how he will use what makes you afraid in order to build your faith.”
 
Have a great week walking in the Spirit, Brothers!
 
Shabbat Shalom
 

Thoughts on Sunday April 9, 2023 Bible Study

Because Jesus lives, we can walk in hope this week of a wonderful time with Him. Appreciate Kevin leading the last three weeks through the opening of Luke (the Gentile physician of Paul).
 
Jesus gave specific guidance to individuals that corresponded to their position in life. (Luke 3:10-14)  Jesus directed the general public to love and care for the needy. To the leaders & tax collectors, Jesus counseled them to pursue justice. To the working soldier, Jesus urged them to not be abusive or deceitful – they should be satisfied with their wages.  “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you; But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
 
We read Luke 4:1-4 where Satan intended to tempt the One who never succumbed to the test or trial, but always overcame immediate gratification for the greater glory of God. In the Old Testament, God’s people (Israel) were comparable to sheep while God’s people in the New Testament (the church) were symbolized by fish. Jesus had authority over the Jews (Land) and Sea (Gentiles). “I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land.” (Revelation 10:1-2)
 
Not many fish are caught during the day when everything is light, bright and good….bothere are no fishing boats on the Sea of Galilee in the day … The fishermen come out at the end of day to fish all night.   The fish in the Sea of Galilee were literally swimmng to the surface as night came on…. More fish (people) come to Christ in the night time…the troubled, dark times…
 
God is the same in the Old & New Testament. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Although God is always faithful to us, sometimes we fall away. “So, I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)
 
Sometimes our sin separates us from God. “Simon Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!’” (Luke 5:8)  But our sin is exactly the reason that Christ came. “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” (1 John 1:1)  “As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:19-20)
 
Kevin encouraged us not to be like the tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh. They had too many possessions to enter God’s land completely (Numbers 32:1), so they remained on the outskirts where they were easily attacked by the enemy. Do we have too many possessions, worldly friends, carnal reputations, etc. to fully commit to God?  Dan was in a very safe place in the mid-west portion of Israel, but instead of being satisfied, they rejected God’s calling and moved to the far north where they were easily attacked by the enemies coming down from the fertile crescent. (Judges 18)
 
Maybe we have grown too dependent on the world…or our 401K…or our jobs, stock, funds, skills, friends, etc. God is calling for us to prioritize Him above everything else. CC mentioned that Simon the Zealot was always listed last with Judas. (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:12-19; Acts 1:13) Simon was all talk, but the zealous talk did not equate to the faithful commitment of Simon Peter (listed first each time).
 
Let’s recommit our sincere dedication with walking with our Lord and prioritize Him above everything this week.  He is alive and can be witnessed this week with our “spiritual eyes.”
 
Shabbat Shalom
 

Thoughts on Sunday April 2, 2023 Bible Study

I’m encouraged by Kevin’s spiritual approach to facilitating on Sunday mornings – just following the Spirit.  Kevin has amazing testimonies at his work where others see him as the chaplain.  We need to continue to lift up Chris Plumley (CP) as well who is the Chaplain as well as Sergeant.  Appreciate Don providing Bibles for CP to distribute to the policemen.

In the days of Jesus, the position of High Priest was bought and sold; the Jewish rites and rituals were as political as Herod’s appointments. Their reference points were themselves instead of God and others. Kevin opened with the focus of living “less like me and more like Jesus.”  God’s objective for “Christians” is for them to grow in the image of Christ. “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29)

Although it had been 400 years since the last active Prophet (Malachi), Zechariah (meaning “God has remembered”) and Elizabeth (meaning “God’s faithful promise”) were faithfully walking with Him.  God remembered His oath about sending the Messiah, and He would also provide “The voice crying out in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord.’” (Isaiah 40:3).  Zechariah foretold his son’s legacy, “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways.” (Luke 1:76)

Zechariah raised his son with the knowledge of John’s unique birth; Zechariah remembered that God had named his son (“John” – “god is gracious”) before he was born. Kevin mentioned the importance of being godly men as we lead our homes.  One of the greatest failures of American culture is the degradation of society. According to the U.S. census bureau, 1 out of every 4 children (19.5 million) live currently without a biological, step-father or adoptive father in the home.

Mike reminded us that we need to serve our wives as we serve others. Don assured the SB’s that with their knowledge of the Bible and personal relationships with the Lord, every one of us is prepared to serve. CP mentioned that the Lord uses “busy men” when they are active in life.

The shepherds were actively watching their sheep when the glorious angelic chorus alerted them to the birth of Jesus. “…things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look…” (1 Peter 1:12) Shepherds Fields east of Bethlehem now have buildings on them, but consider the angels shining over these fields…it would have been a short walk for the shepherds.

The shepherds would not have had access to the baby Jesus in an Inn, but they could easily access Jesus in the manger. In the first century, ancient homes often housed their horses, cows, and sheep in the bottom floor (basement) of their homes, and it was likely that the manger was stone.

Don mentioned that spiritual glory is often evident in humble people like a homeless woman quoting John 3:16. Similarly, there was a great deal of celestial glory in the midst of the humble setting of Bethlehem. CP mentioned that the humility of Jesus should be an example for us: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

God is always faithful to His promises.  Dan mentioned the many Old Testament promises that were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus. “As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2)

Herod’s advisor’s understood Scripture, but that they had no interest in a personal encounter with Jesus. Simeon and Anna also understood Scripture and embraced the birth of the Messiah. Two witnesses proclaiming Jesus at the Temple. Mike made the point that “with knowledge comes responsibility.” God has chosen to reveal Himself to us, so that we can shine His love to those around us this Easter week!

Shabbat Shalom

 Thoughts on Sunday March 26, 2023 Bible Study
 
In spite of a challenging week of work, Kevin was prayerfully prepared to lead into Luke (thanks for your faithful commitment, Kevin!). In the opening song, Toby Mac sang “This is not a Test.” So often we go through life lackadaisically, but God has given us today to serve Him in a unique way.  We have limited time/chances to serve God and each other. It is reminiscent of God’s words to Esther, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
 
Luke wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, and he was focused on the testimony of God through the life of Paul.  Dr. Luke was educated and accomplished, but the focus (reference point) of his 52 chapters was God and others…it was not an autobiography. Luke was the only Gentile writer of Scripture (aside from the Gentile ruler, Job in the Old Testament which was probably written by a Jewish Scribe like Moses)
 
Kevin had us write down three numbers: 4, 400 & 40.  The number “4” symbolizes “creation/trial” in Scripture (i.e., “north, south, east, west,” “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter,” Elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire,” etc.) The number “400” symbolizes the four centuries between the last prophecy (Malachi) and the incarnation of Jesus. Kevin will discuss the “40” this coming week.  God is precise & perfect, so He used the robust language of Hebrew (alpha, numeric, pictorial) to write the Tanakh/Old Testament.
 
Beyond being the “El Shaddai” of the Patriarchs who provided in mighty ways, God introduced Moses to His personal name of Yahweh – the ever self-existent one. Moses was performing his duties faithfully shepherding his father-in-law’s flocks when he took the time to respond to the burning bush. “So, Moses said, ‘I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight…’” (Exodus 3:3) We should also take the time to witness God working in our daily lives.
 
The Hebrew nation was looking for a Messiah to save them from their worldly oppressors (Rome). In current times, Jews put their faith in their Jewish nation of Israel. But the Messiah came as the Spiritual Savior and ruler of the Spiritual Kingdom of God (in the millennium, this will also become a physical kingdom on earth). We should also walk spiritually with God each day as we serve under worldly oppression in various forms. We should not live as the unbelievers do… “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  (2 Corinthians 4:4)
 
Although Luke was writing to the Greek audience about Jesus (“the man”) who had feelings and emotions, Luke incorporated more about prayer and angels than any other writer outside of Revelation. Luke understood the spiritual dimension beyond this physical world. The incense represented prayers offered as “sweet aroma” to God. “May my prayer be [a]counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.” (Psalm 141:2) “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15)
 
Sometimes it is difficult to lift our eyes to the spiritual.  Even Zechariah, the priest, was surprised when he entered the Temple to fulfill his worldly responsibilities of adding oil to the menorah, adding incense to the altar, and changing the showbread.  This reminds me of when we read Scripture or attend Bible Studies without being cognizant of the spiritual power behind the worldly event.
 
Lots were cast among the thousands in Aaron’s lineage to select the man who would enter the Temple a single time in his life for this responsibility.  An archeological find in Jerusalem of a 1st century house had a wall carving of the elements of the Temple.  It is thought that the priest who lived in this home carved caricatures of the Temple items into a wall of his house after his once-in-a-lifetime visit.
 

Let’s focus on the “Spiritual” this week;  let’s be sensitive to God’s interaction and let’s prayerfully walk with Him in supernatural ways…  

 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday March 19, 2023 Bible Study
 
Dan opened with a discussion on humility; is our focus on ourselves or God then others?  The Lord Jesus Christ gave the example of a sacrificial life – Christ gave His life on the cross, and we are called “Christians” to sacrifice as He did.  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
 
In Scripture, sin is symbolized by leaven which “puffs up” like pride. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)  Dan explained that Passover was celebrated a single day, but it was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  This is similar to the point of salvation followed by a life of overcoming sin (leaven). The Jews spend an excruciating amount of time/effort each year to cleanse any possible of remnant of leaven from their homes: Kashering Away Leaven. Jews dislike leaven so much that they even have a Festival named after getting rid of it (Unleavened Bread).  Christians should hate sin in the same way, and pray “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
 
Dan discussed the ongoing battle in scripture between good (Jerusalem/God) and bad (Babylon/Self). Mary focused on Jesus as she anointed Him for His calling to sacrifice Himself. On the other hand, Judas was focused on wealth. (John 12:6) Judas never looked to Jesus. As the disciples searched for a Passover location (Mark 14:12-16), Judas sought the evil Priests. After his sin, Judas dealt with his guilt in his own way…while Peter reconciled with Jesus. (John 21:15-17)  Judas was his own “reference point.” 
 
In the same way, Satan is his own reference point (“I”/”Me”/”My” – Isaiah 14:13-14) in contrast to Jesus who focused on the will of the Father and the love of others. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) “You shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18) These are the greatest commands. (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-30; Luke 10:25-28)  At any given moment of any given day, are we thinking about ourselves or God/others.  Humility is not thinking “less of yourself”…it is “thinking less” of yourself.  
 
Today, the Garden of Gethsemane (at the northeast base of the Mount of Olives) consists of ~50 olive trees that are over 1,000 years old. The oldest olive tree in the garden is 1,200 years old.  
 
My favorite church building sits beside the Garden of Gethsemane (the Church of All Nations (aka Basilica of the Agony)) with translucent purplish-blue alabaster windows to set the somber atmosphere of Christ’s death. 
 
Jesus spent the last night on the Mount of Olives; he was at the gateway of escape with the Wadi Qelt road leading straight down to Jericho and then out into the wilderness.  Jesus did not have to stay and await a torturous death, but instead of flight, He prayed and committed Himself to the will of the Father. “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) As a Jewish man, Jesus had recited the Shema twice daily since childhood that focused on the Father’s will.  Let’s live this week committing to the Lord’s will as well.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday March 7, 2023 Bible Study
 
First of all thank you Jesus for being with us yesterday morning. Thank you Ian for your preparation you did a great job continuing to lead us through Mark. First time doing a lesson for 1-1/2 hours!  You thought you would run out of material but we only ran out of time. That I you for Mike opening up their home and for Suzanne making the delicious blueberry crumb-cake. Thank you Rick for telling us about the new study from MacArthur, How to know the Bible. Five fingers taking hold of God’s Word (Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, Meditate) and holding on tight with our whole hand, not letting the Word of God slip from our hands!  Finally thank you CC for getting zoom up and going so the guys could join and give some input. 
 
Ian started us in Mark 6:1-6 having us read and discuss how, often times those closest to us don’t listen to the Truth from us.  We have sin that gets in the way but Jesus had no sin to get in the way. Mike gave the example of his grandson unwilling to listen to him or the rest of the family and them having to be careful of how they interact with him as a young college student he gets offended easily.  Someone we should be adding to our prayers as a group. Mike also pointed out how their lack of faith hindered Jesus from healing them. Ian brought us to verse 6 and Jesus being amazed at their unbelief when they of all people were without excuse!  You have the Creator of all, growing up among you and your only offended by Him. 
CC pointing out Jesus had no formal training, how often do we disregard someone’s teaching because they didn’t study in the worldly schools to get man’s formal education or training. 
 
Ian moved us right along into verses 7-13 calling out how Christ sent them out by two’s. Like the oxen (strong worker) who are yoked together to plow the field, we can help one another with different strengths, encourage each other to press on in the steady work of the Lord, and even lead each other.  We talked about the demons that are at work around us and how often in the American Church we discount them at the same time the world is elevating Satan openly. Ben told us about a time in his life before he was a believer where he felt the presence of demons and referred us to watch a video from Derek Prince. At times in our culture it can be difficult to discern between demons and the continual sin from the flesh resulting in physical or mental breakdowns. The spiritual world is real and we are living in it, so we ought to be doing our best to discern the battle around us. 
 
Ian had us keep in mind who that they said Jesus was (Some say John, Elijah, or a prophet) for later discussion. He had us in suspense as he moved us on to 6:33. The people who the Apostles had taught and had healed were eager to run ahead on land to the place where Jesus would be coming to shore! Dan pointed out that the disciples were growing sin faith yet they still failed to see clearly. Jesus intended to walk on by the boat above the caos of this world, the sea, but they saw Him and were terrified thinking He was a ghost but called out. Christ calms our fears when we cry out to Him. Brian earlier talked about when he prayed 35 years ago God completely took away his desire for alcohol.  God coming into the boat of our life calms the winds blowing against us. He is able to take away those sinful desires that ensnare us, freeing us to serve Him. Nathan brought us to Luke 24:28 Jesus would’ve kept going, but when they urged Him to stay and He came into the house blessed the bread and broke it and then their eyes were opened. We need to walk in faith, though we see dimly now we need to call out to Him and have fellowship with Him and in the future we will see clearly!  
 
In chapter 7:1-8 we discussed the Pharisees who focused on the wrong things. Jesus quotes Isa 29:13-14 “These people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from Me. They worshipMe in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.”  (Worship consisting of man-made rules learned by rote). We need to be careful that tradition doesn’t become what we worship but let us worship Him in Spirit and Truth this week.  It is what comes out of us that defiles us.  What should come out of us this week are the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control over the iniquity within so it does not come out.  The Syrophoenician woman, being a Greek responded with faith in v28, “Lord even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”  
 
Being in the red zone, Ian moved us into chapter 8 where he pointed out Christ in v2 having compassion on the crowd having been with them 3 days. 7 (being spiritually complete) loaves of bread were broken as He gave thanks the 4000 were satisfied and 7 (again) large baskets were left over. In v12 Ian talked about the deep guttural grown Jesus let out as the Pharisees demanded a sign but sign would be given. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees that can spread to us and let us not forget the great and mighty works the Lord has done through us and with us like He did with His disciples feeding the 5000 & the 4000!  
 
8:38 The “Son of Man” as told in Dan 7:13-14 “and I saw one like the son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.”  Coming back full circle who do you say that He is?  He is the Christ, the Messiah has come and we are looking eagerly to see Him come again in the clouds to call us home. Come quickly Lord Jesus. 
 
Wrapping up in 9:42-50 let us be on guard and aware that whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall or sin it would be better for a mill stone to be hung around your neck and thrown into the sea. In contrast we are to be salt and light this week and be at peace with one another. 
 

Thoughts on Sunday February 26, 2023 Bible Study

Brian recommended that we spend 8 minutes with an overview of the Book of Mark.

Please remember that the next two weeks will be at Mike Miller’s home while I am in Israel. Two weeks from today, the time will change to meeting an hour earlier on March 12 (at 6:30am PST). Below are several opportunities if you would like to engage in God’s work:
During the first 2 Sundays of March (5 & 12), the Sabbath Brothers will be meeting up-the-hill at Mike & Suzanne’s home (5787 Lewis Way, Concord)
Friday, March 24 – Jail Ministry Chaplain Banquet – 6:30pm at Oak Park Christian Center, 2073 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill (Tickets must be pre-ordered / none at door of event) – details attached.
The 2023 Facilitation schedule is attached with Ian leading this Sunday, and Dan leading the following Sunday.
Outreach to the homeless of Concord, Martinez, Pittsburgh & Antioch with Hope680 on Saturday, April 1 (9:00am-1:00pm)
I was so encouraged by Brian’s leadership as we began the book of Mark. John Mark was a young man who traveled with his cousin Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) and Paul (Acts 12:25). It seems that Peter led John Mark to Christ (1 Peter 5:13), and john Mark was probably Peter’s assistant. John Mark seemed to capture the purpose of the incarnation of Jesus Christ with “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

The opening of the Book of Mark was focused on the life, ministry and death of John the Baptist. This purposefully revealed that followers of Christ would have suffering and persecution in this world. Mark would characterize Jesus as a humble servant who is Lord over everything. This is similar to Isaiah’s suffering servant passages. (Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:1-53:12) As Christians (“Christ followers”), we are called to sacrifice ourselves as well.

The disciples are evidence of this as they responded immediately to the call of Jesus. They were all working, and God uses busy men. Their priorities and occupations were to be prioritized below the calling of Christ. Then Jesus healed the mother-in-law of Peter as Peter would then be called to travel with Jesus over the coming years. (Mark 1:29-34) Sometimes our priorities get in the way of following Christ. Sometimes, demons attempt to challenge God’s calling. Ben referenced the testimony of John Ramirez where he was freed from Satanic worship. Even now, there is a revival that is occurring at Asbury University. There are many spiritual beings in the world today.

The Scribes (who understood the Old Testament well) were extremely cynical (Mark 2:7), but when they saw the healing of the paralyzed man, everyone praised the Lord. (Mark 2:12). Then Jesus called Matthew/Levi away from his government job/commitment, and then Matthew followed Jesus to Matthew’s home to minister to his friends/colleagues. Jesus came for sinners (Mark 2:17), and everyone has access to the (spiritual) food of the Priests. (Mark 2:23-28)

This week, we can choose to draw close to Jesus or following him from afar. Even the twelve disciples of Jesus were separated into the same three tiers. Mark 3:16-19 is the second of four listings of the twelve disciples/apostles (Matthew 10; Luke6; Acts 1). Each listing contains identical first four names (1-4), second four names (5-8), and third four names (9-12). In Mark, the first three disciples listed were also renamed by Jesus.

Let’s walk with the Lord as He continues to call us to love Him first and then others.

Shabbat Shalom

Thoughts on Sunday February 19, 2023 Bible Study

So much to be grateful for…. Rick’s facilitation through the end of Matthew with the crucifixion/resurrection of Jesus Christ. CC opening his house to the Sabbath Brother’s for our beginning of the year get-together. Don hosting Hope680 to the SB’s. Don goes every two weeks, but we are attempting to get a group of SB’s for Saturday, April 1st. There are limited spots, and you do need to sign up beforehand – Hope680 Opportunities.

At CC’s house, it was a blessing to hear the way that Lord is speaking to each person individually. Mike continues his counseling instruction as well as a possible trip to Guatemala. Nathan & Amy continue to pursue God’s will in opening a home for young “emancipated” people from the foster system. CC will be constructing a new web presence for the Bay Area Chaplains and continuing in the jail ministry (as well as running the streaming service for his church). God continues to lead Ian into leadership roles. Ellis would like to understand Scripture more. Kevin continues to witness at church while supporting Tanya at the Crisis Pregnancy Center. It was encouraging to hear the many ways that God is showing His love through the acts of His saints. Mike shared that “so often an individual invites Jesus into their life instead of giving their life over to Jesus.” (We are to be about God’s priorities instead of our own.)

Below are several opportunities if you would like to engage in God’s work:
During the first 2 Sundays of March (5 & 12), the Sabbath Brothers will be meeting up-the-hill at Mike & Suzanne’s home.
Friday, March 24 – Jail Ministry Chaplain Banquet – 6:30pm at Oak Park Christian Center, 2073 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill (Tickets must be pre-ordered / none at door of event) – details attached.
The 2023 Facilitation schedule is attached with Brian leading this Sunday, and Ian leading the following Sunday.
Outreach to the homeless of Concord, Martinez, Pittsburgh & Antioch with Hope680 on Saturday, April 1 (9:00am-1:00pm)
Several weeks ago, God-through-Don urged us to “Do Something” and Rick has encouraged us to “Get your hands dirty.” Jesus forewarned his disciples that time is short. He would die…then His disciples would die… then the church age would pass… and then He would come again. Chapter 25 begins with the virgins that lacked oil (the Spirit) which is similar to the man at the wedding feast that was dressed incorrectly. We can only attend in clothes (righteousness) provided by the bridegroom. (Matthew 22:11) The virgins were in the same spot as the other virgins; however, they were unprepared.

Rick led us through a discussion of the “sheep & goats” where our acts towards the needy reflected our hearts toward Jesus Himself. Those without God’s love will “will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) Consider that (selah) – some are headed towards eternal punishment. As Ben would say, “C’est Incroyable!” The same word is used for “eternal” (aiōnion αἰώνιον) judgment as “eternal” (aiōnion αἰώνιον) life.

Jesus then took His disciples to Bethany (two miles east of Jerusalem) on the other side of the Mount of Olives. Mary Magdalene poured oil on Jesus in preparation for His death. She had been listening to His prophecy of His upcoming death. (Matthew 26:2) However, Judas was not focused on Jesus as Christ – Judas was focused on himself. (John 12:6) Judas would ultimately realize his sin, but instead of asking Christ for forgiveness, Judas died in his sin (Matthew 27:5). Sin leads to death. (Romans 6:23; James 1:15)

Rick reminded us that Jesus brought a message of Hope because after the difficult time, Jesus would overcome death and come again.

As believers, we need to fear God and not men. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) The mighty man, Peter, was afraid of a servant girl. (Matthew 26:69) When the women approached the tomb of Christ on Sunday morning, the angel told them, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.” (Matthew 28:5) “So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy…” (Matthew 28:8). “The fear of the Lord is his treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6) “In the fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge” (Proverbs 14:26)

The first words that Jesus (as a young boy) spoke in Scripture was a question to Joseph and Mary, “Why is it that you were looking for Me?” Then at the end of the ministry of Jesus, He said to the mob on the Mount of Olives, “Whom do you seek?” (John 18:4) The angels knew that the women were seeking Christ. (Matthew 28:5) The world is seeking Christ; let’s seek to walk with Him and shine His love this week.

Shabbat Shalom,

Thoughts on Sunday February 12, 2023 Bible Study
 
Definitely a “fruitful” time as CC led us in God’s Word…from the Parables to the Prophets.  It is a time of personal reflection instead of simply responding and reacting to the “tyranny of the urgent.” Let’s lift up Rick as he prepares to lead this coming week.  This coming Sunday night (02/19), we’ll also get together for dinner at CC’s home to talk about God’s direction for this year.  How is God leading you?
 
God’s truths are revealed to those who sincerely seek Him and obediently apply truths that they already know. An understanding of God’s Word is a blessing while a disregard of God’s Word is a judgment. God desires a sincere walk with His children – not simply “word games” and false spirituality. The religious leaders had pride in their “lip service.” Last week, we discussed the self-centered disciples of Jesus who were equally ambitious. (Mathew 20:20-28) Many “religious” folks are playing “religion” like the seemingly respectful son. (Matthew 21:28-32) However, the son who initially declined his father’s invitation to work in the vineyard, ultimately “counted the cost” (using Kevin’s words) and made the right choice to obey His father in word and deed. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) Are we sincerely open to God’s Word or simply going through the motions?
 
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) To Anthony’s point, saving faith is from God to chosen individuals (Romans 9:18) who are dead in sin. (Ephesians 2:1) Ben mentioned that the fig tree had flourished with leaves from living water but had not produced fruit harvest for the Lord.  Does our “religion” serve God or ourselves?
 
CC pointed out that the fruits of the Spirit are less about what we do than who we are. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) The good works will be “harvests” of the spiritual good fruits, but it begins with the “heart attitude” of a loving relationship with our Lord. Why do we do, what we do?  
 
We can enjoy the benefits of His kingdom right now. Living at peace; enjoying His Sabbath…no matter what the circumstances. Do not fear… Love God & others….
 
The Temple was likened to a “den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:12-13) The religious leaders became obstacles to those who approached to worship. Those who God meant to be witnesses, actually became hindrances. For the first time last year, I began focusing on the “den” as a place where the thieves feel safe.  The religious “thieves” felt safe because of the Temple; the thieves felt untouchable because they had the grandeur of the Temple behind them. Religion can become grandiose and extravagant. 
 

The religious leaders focused on the culture & crowds around them instead of God’s spiritual truth. The manner that we receive correction is an indicator of our hearts. As the Lord speaks to us this week through His Word, will we “Selah?” (stop & consider what God is saying)

Shabbat Shalom,
 

Thoughts on Sunday February 5, 2023 Bible Study

CC did a great job leading through his portion of Matthew; he has one more week before Rick concludes the book of Matthew the following week. Let’s remember to lift up CC as he prepares and Rick as he walks faithfully with the Lord in looking for his next occupational ministry. We have number of events coming up that you can join as the Lord calls.

Saturday, February 18 – Ministry to the Homeless – “Hope 680” (1214 Contra Costa Blvd, Concord). If you’d like to join on 02/18, please sign-up via the website, so that they can get an accurate headcount of who will be attending
Sunday, February 19 (5:00-8:00pm) – Annual SB Kick-off at Chris & Sheryl C’s home 
Friday, March 24 – Jail Ministry Chaplain Banquet – 6:30pm at Oak Park Christian Center, 2073 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill (Tickets must be pre-ordered / none at door of event) – details attached.

The 2023 Facilitation schedule is attached with CC leading one more Sunday before handing off to Rick
CC will be hosting the SB’s for dinner in two weeks (February 19) to discuss God’s calling in our lives for 2023. Christianity is more than simply “working through a checklist” – it is a moment-by-moment relationship with the Creator God who is active in our lives. Scripture repeatedly discusses “Going Up to Jerusalem” which might reference our lives as we travel “up” to our eternal “Jerusalem” (“City of Peace”).

As SB’s, we are in God’s Word every day, but do we sincerely understand that God is actively speaking to us through His Word? The parables of Christ were not understood for a variety of reasons: heart attitude, distractions of the world, personal ambition, sinful desires, etc. “Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 12:2) If the reader fears God, he will be blessed with an understanding spirit that recognizes the reality of God’s Word. (Jeremiah 5:21-23, 25) As the believer obeys God’s Word, greater truths will be revealed to him. (Matthew 13:12-13)

The Parable of the Laborers has multiple truths. (Matthew 20:1-16) Imagine that the “day” represents a lifetime. Some individuals walk with the Lord and work in His fields their entire life while others search for meaning until the very end of their life. I would suggest that the “pay” was only part of the blessing; living purposely while working for the Master would be much better than living in doubt about what is to come. Everyone who God called received a reward (as determined by God). God is the author of value and fairness. He is the Creator God who owns everything. Rick stated that anyone (even murderers) can experience God’s mercy and grace. Eternity is a function of God’s grace – not personal merit. CC pointed out that grace does not seem fair when it is directed to others although it is appreciated when it is extended towards us.

Jesus explicitly told the disciples that He would be persecuted, killed and then resurrect in Jerusalem (Matthew 20:17-19); however, the disciples did not sincerely accept (“hear”) what the Lord told them. They should have known in the same way that we should “know.” But just like the disciples, we disregard God’s active truth about creation and our lives.

Instead of caring about the Lord (as the reference point), James and John focused on their own eternal ambitions. This may have been driven by their mother as the women in our lives often urge us to be ambitious (Matthew 20:20-28). The other 10 disciples were indignant just like the 10 tribes of the northern kingdom were indignant about David’s royal line in the southern kingdom. Jesus clearly told His disciples that the first in the kingdom of heaven would be those who humbly serve on earth (I doubt anyone beyond the Heavenly Father even know their names and what they’ve sacrificed). Rick mentioned that “leadership” is not positional; leadership is an action of any rank or role.
There were “blind” men who recognized Jesus as Lord and were given sight in spite of the worldly obstacles in their way. These blind men exemplified faith that the powerful Word of the Lord would come to pass. This is much different than the blind religious leaders who did not recognize “The Coming of the Prince” (Sir Robert Anderson – Daniel 9:2-3) The Jewish leaders were also explicitly told that Jerusalem would be destroyed, but they also rejected that prophecy. (Luke 19:41-44) Not a single Christian died in 70AD because believers took the prophecy as truth and moved out of Jerusalem.

Jesus wept during the “Triumphal Entry” (Luke 19:41-42) because of the lack of faith by the people. Jesus cried repeatedly because of Israel’s lack of faith (John 11:35) As Jesus entered on the donkey, the people should have recognized Him as the Lord & Messiah, but instead they recognized Him as the “Prophet from Nazareth.” (Matthew 21:11) Jesus had not even performed any miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:56-58) How much do we miss because of our lack of faith? How much more would we receive from God’s Word if we sincerely knew that He was communicating with us?

Be encouraged that God wants to actively interact with each one of us this week in a very real way as we walk with Him and respond to His calling.

Shabbat Shalom,

Thoughts on Sunday January 29, 2023 Bible Study
 
It was once said, “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead…”  There is truth in that as we invest in God’s work now to enjoy heaven throughout eternity. Mike emphasized faith in this week’s reading which is so pleasing to our Lord. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) “Whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) The Lord Jesus was amazed by faith (Matthew 8:10; Luke 7:9) as well as those who were unfaithful (Mark 6:6). Paul based much of his writing on the Scriptural teaching, “the righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) which is an Old Testament concept (Habakkuk 2:4)
 
This faith culminates in the saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Don showed us that the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35) revealed that Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) symbolize the Old Testament. “…that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets…” (Luke 24:44)  God the Father focused on Jesus His Son. CP spoke of Jesus discussing His identity as the “Son of the Living God” in the midst of great idolatry. (Matthew 16:17)
 
Peter assumed that the Son of God would live a comfortable life (Matthew 16:21-23), but Jesus came as Christ (the anointed Messiah) to die for our sin. (Matthew 20:28) As Christians, we are called to sacrifice our lives in the same way as Jesus; this is the definition of love. (John 15:13) “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’” (Matthew 16:24)
 
The rich young ruler could not sacrifice (Matthew 19:21) because his love of money. (1 Timothy 6:10) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
 
CC, CP and Rick discussed the repercussions of pride. The disciples were focused on being viewed as great in God’s kingdom (Matthew 18:1) when God the Father had just told them to focus on Jesus. (Matthew 17:5). Part of pride is believing (like Jacob) that we can control the circumstances of our lives. God is in control, and we are called to faithfully walk with Him. Mike shared that we should apply our faith to watch it grow; “if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
 
God will bless a life of faith with an understanding of Himself (Matthew 16:17) while unfaithfulness will result in a lack of understanding. (Matthew 12:38-39). Let’s walk with an eternal perspective this week as we walk faithfully with Him.
 
Shabbat Shalom
                                                                                      Thoughts on Sunday January 22, 2023 Bible Study
 
Jesus trained His disciples, so that He could send them out to share God’s truth with the world. (Matthew 10:5-7) As we enter 2023, we should think about what God is preparing us to do. The unpardonable sin is an individual’s rejection of Holy Spirit’s call to salvation; however, even believers reject the Spirit’s call to serve & “do something.”  We need to be careful when we follow our own comforts, conveniences and control because the rejection of the Spirit is more serious than we acknowledge.  Which are we going to prioritize higher? Our agenda or God’s plan?
 
Being sensitive to God’s Spirit in continual prayer contrasts greatly from ritual, rote religion. The Pharisees were blinded by Legalism and Unbelief, and we can feel comfortable in the same false practices. “Therefore, the Lord said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.’” (Isaiah 29:13) “’Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) “’To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?’ says the Lord. ‘I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats.’” (Isaiah 1:11)
 
God is pleased when we obey His Spirit and serve where He calls. Sometimes this means forgiving others. Mike shared, “Has anyone sinned more against you than you have sinned against God? Yet God forgave us.”  Regardless of the reason for our rejection of the Spirit, at the source, it is that we had a rebellious and self-centered heart.  When Israel asked Jesus for a sign (Matthew 16:1-4), He referred them to the most improbable part of the story of Jonah (3 days in the great fish) which continues to be challenging for people to “swallow.”  
 
As CC reminded us, the Pharisees had just witnessed the healing of a man’s hand by Jesus on a Sabbath, but they hardened their hearts.  The Pharisees persistently attacked Jesus based about the fourth command to keep the Sabbath day holy. (Matthew 12:2; Mark 2:24; Luke 6:2, 13:14). “They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.” (Mark 3:2) They overlooked the supernatural for legalism. “For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.” (John 5:16)
 

The Pharisees even attacked the men who were healed on the Sabbath. “So, the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” (John 5:10) ” Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Therefore, some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” (John 9:14-16)

Let’s remember that the Sabbath has always been Saturday (the seventh day that God rested from creation).  The Sabbath has never been Sunday; Christians worshipped on Sunday because it was resurrection day.  We call ourselves Sabbath Brothers because of the perpetual “sabbath peace” that is extended to us through Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 4:1-10) 

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord, he does not observe it.” (Romans 14:5-6) “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” (Romans 14:8-9)

Those in His hometown (Nazareth) especially lacked faith (Matthew 13:53), so Jesus did not work any miracles. “Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.’” (Mark 6:4) The same is true in our lives…when we lack faith, we do not experience the supernatural work of the Lord either.   Those who reject God’s call to serve eventually stop reading His Word and walking in Prayer…they become bored with their relationship with God.
 
Chris P urged us to not live in vanity this week. “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36) Christ took care of our sin on the cross, but repeatedly, Paul states that believers should not live in vanity. (1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 6:1).   Let’s be purposeful in the service that God is calling us to…God might want more from us than attendance; faithful attendance is the bare minimum, but we acquire knowledge to change and act on what we know. It’s not about how much you know; it’s about how much you apply what you know. 
 
Shabbat Shalom,

 

Thoughts on Sunday January 15, 2023 Bible Study
 
While each of the gospels is targeted towards specific audiences, they all speak to me from different vantage points. Matthew (the tax agent) was writing to the Jewish community that would never pronounce the personal name of God “Yahweh,” so he used the unoffensive term “Kingdom of Heaven.”  To Kevin’s point, Jews were awaiting a military Messiah, so the “Kingdom of Heaven” emphasized the spiritual kingdom instead of the physical world.
 
It is interesting that Jesus called two sets of brothers – Andrew/Peter and James/John. Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist, but then he was called to follow Jesus directly (John 1:29-39).  James and John were the cousins of Jesus as their mother (Salome/Mary the wife of Clopas – Matthew 20:20-21, 27:56) was the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus (John 19:25).   These men had traditionally focused on the world (fishermen), but Jesus re-focused them to “fishers-of-men” (Matthew 4:19).
 
The followers of Jesus continued to grow in the northern regions of Syria/Galilee and the eastern region of the Decapolis as well as the southern region of Judea; however, Samaria is not listed (Matthew 4:25).
 
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven (after His death and resurrection), he made it a point to mention Samaria. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Assyria had initially established Samaria with defeated Gentiles that now had intermarried with Jews (2 Kings 17:24-41).  These foreigners intermingled their pagan idolatries with Judaism to begin their own religion. “They feared the Lord yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.” (2 Kings 17:33) Samaria built their own Temple on top of Mount Gerizim in the 5th century BC (John 4:20). The Jews destroyed the original Samaritan Temple in 112BC. following the orders of the High Priest John Hyrcanus. The animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans might be very similar to the present-day Israel-Palestinian conflict.
 
We discussed the beatitudes which run counter to the thinking of the world. CC emphasized the parallels between the beatitudes and the process of salvation (aka “the stairway to Heaven”).  Individuals must be broken and self-aware of our spiritual inadequacies. The culmination of our walk is persecution…. Wow, think about that as the “high point” of our worldly experience. That is probably the reason for the verse, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
 
Nathan shared that (when making sourdough bread) the purpose of salt is to keep the yeast/leaven from spreading unabated (Matthew 5:13-15). The Spirit in our lives keeps sin from growing, and the same is true for us in a dark, sinful world.
 
Nathan also pointed out that there will be a rating/ranking system in heaven, “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19) The rating/ranking is eternal…
 
The Sermon on the Mount changed the focus from the acts/results of sin to its origin with the “heart.”  Our sin confirms a lack of faith in God (Psalm 51:4).  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) God is the reference point.
 
Nathan shared about an aggressive dog that is focused solely on the thing to be attacked. But the Master taps the dog to remind him that the Master should be the focus. As we walk with our Lord, there are times when our Master needs to get our attention as well.
 
I wonder if the fruits of the Spirit were recognized in the Prophets by the world.  Were Jeremiah or Ezekiel known for “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?” (Galatians 5:22-23) The fruits seem to come through the “love” which is a sacrificial obedience to God.  “He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.” (1 John 2:4-5) The world summarizes the fruits of the Spirit as “Tolerance;” the world is fine with unfaithfulness in every way.
 
Through the gospels we hear John the Baptist (in the Spirit of Elijah – Matthew 11:13-14) crying out to repent (Matthew 3:1-6); Elijah proclaimed God’s truth to “Repent” although he didn’t know those who heard his call in the wilderness. Jesus also proclaimed to repent to the crowds without knowing the individuals personally (Mark 1:14-15).  They understood God’s truth that repentance was necessary for salvation.
 
Whether our existence in this world is a success or failure comes down to the Lord’s opinion instead of our own. ““Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
 
Let’s sincerely focus on the walking with the Lord in prayer this week. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  “Whatever is not done in faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Thoughts on Sunday January 15, 2023 Bible Study
 
While each of the gospels is targeted towards specific audiences, they all speak to me from different vantage points. Matthew (the tax agent) was writing to the Jewish community that would never pronounce the personal name of God “Yahweh,” so he used the unoffensive term “Kingdom of Heaven.”  To Kevin’s point, Jews were awaiting a military Messiah, so the “Kingdom of Heaven” emphasized the spiritual kingdom instead of the physical world.
 
It is interesting that Jesus called two sets of brothers – Andrew/Peter and James/John. Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist, but then he was called to follow Jesus directly (John 1:29-39).  James and John were the cousins of Jesus as their mother (Salome/Mary the wife of Clopas – Matthew 20:20-21, 27:56) was the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus (John 19:25).   These men had traditionally focused on the world (fishermen), but Jesus re-focused them to “fishers-of-men” (Matthew 4:19).
 
The followers of Jesus continued to grow in the northern regions of Syria/Galilee and the eastern region of the Decapolis as well as the southern region of Judea; however, Samaria is not listed (Matthew 4:25).
 
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven (after His death and resurrection), he made it a point to mention Samaria. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Assyria had initially established Samaria with defeated Gentiles that now had intermarried with Jews (2 Kings 17:24-41).  These foreigners intermingled their pagan idolatries with Judaism to begin their own religion. “They feared the Lord yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.” (2 Kings 17:33) Samaria built their own Temple on top of Mount Gerizim in the 5th century BC (John 4:20). The Jews destroyed the original Samaritan Temple in 112BC. following the orders of the High Priest John Hyrcanus. The animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans might be very similar to the present-day Israel-Palestinian conflict.
 
We discussed the beatitudes which run counter to the thinking of the world. CC emphasized the parallels between the beatitudes and the process of salvation (aka “the stairway to Heaven”).  Individuals must be broken and self-aware of our spiritual inadequacies. The culmination of our walk is persecution…. Wow, think about that as the “high point” of our worldly experience. That is probably the reason for the verse, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
 
Nathan shared that (when making sourdough bread) the purpose of salt is to keep the yeast/leaven from spreading unabated (Matthew 5:13-15). The Spirit in our lives keeps sin from growing, and the same is true for us in a dark, sinful world.
 
Nathan also pointed out that there will be a rating/ranking system in heaven, “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19) The rating/ranking is eternal…
 
The Sermon on the Mount changed the focus from the acts/results of sin to its origin with the “heart.”  Our sin confirms a lack of faith in God (Psalm 51:4).  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) God is the reference point.
 
Nathan shared about an aggressive dog that is focused solely on the thing to be attacked. But the Master taps the dog to remind him that the Master should be the focus. As we walk with our Lord, there are times when our Master needs to get our attention as well.
 
I wonder if the fruits of the Spirit were recognized in the Prophets by the world.  Were Jeremiah or Ezekiel known for “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?” (Galatians 5:22-23) The fruits seem to come through the “love” which is a sacrificial obedience to God.  “He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.” (1 John 2:4-5) The world summarizes the fruits of the Spirit as “Tolerance;” the world is fine with unfaithfulness in every way.
 
Through the gospels we hear John the Baptist (in the Spirit of Elijah – Matthew 11:13-14) crying out to repent (Matthew 3:1-6); Elijah proclaimed God’s truth to “Repent” although he didn’t know those who heard his call in the wilderness. Jesus also proclaimed to repent to the crowds without knowing the individuals personally (Mark 1:14-15).  They understood God’s truth that repentance was necessary for salvation.
 
Whether our existence in this world is a success or failure comes down to the Lord’s opinion instead of our own. ““Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
 
Let’s sincerely focus on the walking with the Lord in prayer this week. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  “Whatever is not done in faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
                                                                                             Thoughts on Sunday January 8, 2023 Bible Study
 
I appreciate Nathan kicking off the New Testament (NT) focus for 2023. He showed us the evolution of all of the world empires through the era of the modern English Bible.  The first verse of the NT reads, “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham…” tracing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; 2 Chronicles 6:16)
 
Nathan emphasized that the first several chapters of the New Testament continue to establish Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah of the Old Testament. Prophet-after-prophet is quoted as the Book of Matthew contains more references to the Old Testament than all of the other gospels combined. Don added that all of the main characters of the Messianic Prophecies are established within the first three chapters of the New Testament. We witness God the Father, Jesus the Messiah, the Holy Spirit at the Jordan Baptism, the Angels as well as John the Baptist in the Spirit of Elijah the Prophet.
 
In spite of all of that, God’s people (Israel) would miss the coming Messiah.  They had waited through the “400 silent years” (the history during these years is foretold in detail in Daniel 11). During this time, the Syrian Seleucids battled against Egypt’s Ptolemy empire with an embattled Jerusalem in the middle of the two.  This would end with peace during Jesus’ first incarnation just like the Tribulation will conclude with the beginning of the millennium in the future. “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:1-3)
 
Nathan read through the story line described by the meanings of the names in Matthew’s genealogy. The last 10 names through Joseph translate into: “Although they were born in this world, the Father of Praise would rise and help the righteous that He establishes in His grandeur.  God has helped with a gift to supplant, and He will continue to add.”  
 
At the end of the first chapter of Matthew, we read about Joseph who is the only person in Matthew (other than Jesus) to be called the “Son of David.”  Chris P. emphasized that Joseph did not immediately respond in passion but slowed down and waited for the Lord to talk tom Him. Joseph was a righteous man who did not want to disgrace Mary. (Matthew 1:19) The Greek term for “righteous” (dikaios δίκαιος) is used in the phrase “the righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) Joseph was called to live by faith instead of his own understanding.
 
When Ahaz rejected a “sign” from God, he was given the sign of Immanuel (meaning “God with us”). (Isaiah 7:10-16) Ahaz was trusting in Assyria to help Judah defeat the Syria/Israel alliance. God was telling the King to trust in God instead of man (this world).  God had provided a small running stream into Jerusalem that would not be hampered, but instead King Ahaz trusted in the “Euphrates” (Assyria).
 
“Inasmuch as these people have rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoice in Rezin and the son of Remaliah; “Now therefore, behold, the Lord is about to bring on them the strong and abundant waters of the Euphrates, Even the king of Assyria and all his glory; And it will rise up over all its channels and go over all its banks. “Then it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass through, it will reach even to the neck; And the spread of its wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” (Isaiah 8:6-8)
 
John baptized the Messiah even though he didn’t understand the reason. “But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:14-15) John’s submission to Jesus allied him with fulfilling righteousness. We are united with Christ. “So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead.” (Romans 7:4) “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.” (Galatians 2:19) “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2)
 
This week, we can either trust God or man which is the central truth (the middle verse) of the Bible (Psalm 118:8). Let’s walk in the faith of Abraham, David and Joseph as the Holy Spirit anoints us for His work.
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
                                                                                             Thoughts on Sunday January 1, 2023 Bible Study
 
Blessed with another year to serve and celebrate our Lord.  We concluded the Old Testament by discussing Habakkuk/Zephaniah prior to the Babylonian captivity and Haggai/Zechariah/Malachi post-captivity. Godly men who were living in challenging times.
 
Habakkuk felt that God was detached from the times as well as his prayers. “How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen or cry out to You about violence and You do not save?” (Habakkuk 1:2) God was to teach Habakkuk that God’s ways were above his ways (Isaiah 55:9). Faith in God Includes faith in His timing.
 
The world has their own view of morality. “Their views of justice and sovereignty stem from themselves.” (Habakkuk 1:7) The world esteems the individual as capable of achievements. “They are guilty; their strength is their god.”  However, God controls the fate of everything. “Now, the Lord of Hosts says this: ‘Think carefully about your ways: You have planted much but harvested little.  You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to become drunk. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it.” The Lord of Hosts says this: “Think carefully about your ways.” (Haggai 1:5-7)
 
The righteous will live by faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) As God’s people, we should commit to walking faithfully with the Lord through the coming year. “Consider carefully from this day forward…” (Haggai 2:18) God urged His people to be aware of His blessings towards their faithfulness and His judgment towards their unfaithfulness. We can be strong for God’s work because of the presence of God – “My Spirit is present among you; don’t be afraid.” (Haggai 2:5) “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)  After a blessed year, we can give Him the glory for His faithfulness. “I will triumph in Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Yahweh my Lord is my strength.” (Habakkuk 3:18-19)
 
The Prophets (who closed the Old Testament) clearly depended on God; however, this was not an excuse to serve Him half-heartedly or in mediocre ways.
 
But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil?  And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?” says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 1:8) God urges His people to prioritize the Spiritual over the Physical.
 
Let’s have peace as we enter 2023; committed to walking with the Lord, reading His word every day and applying His truths to our lives.
 
Shabbat Shalom