Grade 4-5
2017 Spring
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We follow Jesus because we know Him (John 10:1-6, 14; Psalm 23).
Jesus willingly died to save us (John 10:7-18; 15:13). (Psalm 23:1-2) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. (John 10:11) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus is our promised King. (John 12; Matthew 21:1-11, 12-17) (Matthew 21:9) "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" (2 Thessalonians 2:15) Stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you. Serve each other with love. (John 13:1-17; 14:15-31) Jesus washes His disciples feet; Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:13. 14) Through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Symbolic of spiritual cleansing, and standard of humble service. Disciples to take up their cross and follow Jesus (Mark 8:13). (John 13-17) Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Jesus is aware that his followers will betray him. Jesus is fully cognizant of who he is, in his impending death and betrayal. Understanding of value and worth; pride and self-sufficiency for control over weakness; dirtiness of real life. (i.) Footwashing foreshadows the cross. (ii.) Jesus is the model of servant love. Service requires self-sacrifice. (John 13:34) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one others." Jesus prays in Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-46, 47-56; Matthew 27:32-54) (Matthew 28:20) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Hebrews 4:15-16) 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Trials (Mark 14:32-65, 15:16-37; Hebrews 10:19-22) (Philippians 2:5-8) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (2 Corinthians 5:19) In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. (Hebrews 10:19-22) 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (John 19-20; Luke 24) Forgiven and Restored (Matthew 26:23-25, 31-35, 57-75; John 21:15-1) (Psalm 103:8) The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (1 Peter 1:3-6) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. God helps us grow to be more like Jesus. (2 Peter 1:1-11) (2 Peter 1:3) His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Confirm your calling and election. Sanctification is the continual process of being made more holy. (Acts 1-2) (Acts 2) (Acts 3-4) Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple complex at the hour of prayer at three in the afternoon. 2 And a man who was lame from birth was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple complex, he asked for help. 4 Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, “Look at us.” 5 So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”7 Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. 8 So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him. When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you. 15 You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you. 4:19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. 5:40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. (Acts 4-5) 4:32 Now the large group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 And the apostles were giving testimony with great power to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed for each person’s basic needs. 36 Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? 4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!” 5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. 11 Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things. (Acts 6-7) (Acts 8) (Acts 9) |
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John 20:30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. (John 6:1-13; 24-40). Jesus is able to meet all our needs.
(John 6:35) “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again."
(John 6; Exodus 16) "Anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” Jesus proved for the physical needs of the crowd. Only Jesus is able to satisfy our should be providing forgiveness, friendship with God, and eternal life.
Jesus is the Light of the World. (John 8:12; 9) The light of Jesus helps us to see the truth.
(John 8:12) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Jesus was the promised Messiah, and he opened the eyes of the blind. As sinners, we are blind to the truth about God until Jesus opens our eyes and saves us.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (John 1:43-49; 10:11-14) Jesus knows and cares for us.
(John 10:14) “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me"
(Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34) Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep and his sheep know him. He came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Jesus lays down his life for his sheep. He has authority to take it up again.
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:1-44) Jesus has absolute power over death.
(John 11:25) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
This illness does not lead to death. It is the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus. He stayed two days longer. "Lazarus has died and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe." Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Jesus was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." Jesus showed that He has power over death. Because Jesus died on the cross for our sin and rose from the dead, He offers eternal life to those who know and love Him.
Jesus is the True Vine. (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23) Jesus wants us to stay connected to Him.
(John 15:5) “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
Old Testament Israel.
Be doers of the Word. (Matthew 7:24-27; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Don't just listen to the Word; do what it says.
(James 1:22) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
The scribes and Pharisees looked righteous on the outside, but Jesus taught His disciples about a righteousness that comes from the inside. People who know and love Jesus have changed hearts that want to honor Jesus because they are grateful for His gift of salvation.
The scribes and Pharisees looked righteous on the outside, but Jesus taught His disciples about righteousness that comes from theinside. People who know and love Jesus have changed hearts that want to honor Jesus because they are grateful for His gift of salvation.
Parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-29) We all have abilities to use for God.
(1 Corinthians 12:5) There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. He gave talents to each according to his ability. Then he went away. His master said to the first two, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
The kingdom of heaven and judgment, teaching the disciples. Responsible activity, producing results which the coming master can see and approve, an opportunity to put to good use the talents entrusted to his servants.
Final Judgment, the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) Show love to those who seem less important.
(Matthew 25:40) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Judgment and be ready. He who receives you receives me, response to the kingdom of heaven in their relationship to Jesus himself.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44-46)
(Matthew 6:33) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. (John 6:1-13; 24-40). Jesus is able to meet all our needs.
(John 6:35) “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again."
(John 6; Exodus 16) "Anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” Jesus proved for the physical needs of the crowd. Only Jesus is able to satisfy our should be providing forgiveness, friendship with God, and eternal life.
Jesus is the Light of the World. (John 8:12; 9) The light of Jesus helps us to see the truth.
(John 8:12) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Jesus was the promised Messiah, and he opened the eyes of the blind. As sinners, we are blind to the truth about God until Jesus opens our eyes and saves us.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (John 1:43-49; 10:11-14) Jesus knows and cares for us.
(John 10:14) “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me"
(Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34) Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep and his sheep know him. He came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Jesus lays down his life for his sheep. He has authority to take it up again.
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:1-44) Jesus has absolute power over death.
(John 11:25) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
This illness does not lead to death. It is the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus. He stayed two days longer. "Lazarus has died and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe." Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Jesus was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." Jesus showed that He has power over death. Because Jesus died on the cross for our sin and rose from the dead, He offers eternal life to those who know and love Him.
Jesus is the True Vine. (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23) Jesus wants us to stay connected to Him.
(John 15:5) “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
Old Testament Israel.
Be doers of the Word. (Matthew 7:24-27; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Don't just listen to the Word; do what it says.
(James 1:22) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
The scribes and Pharisees looked righteous on the outside, but Jesus taught His disciples about a righteousness that comes from the inside. People who know and love Jesus have changed hearts that want to honor Jesus because they are grateful for His gift of salvation.
The scribes and Pharisees looked righteous on the outside, but Jesus taught His disciples about righteousness that comes from theinside. People who know and love Jesus have changed hearts that want to honor Jesus because they are grateful for His gift of salvation.
Parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-29) We all have abilities to use for God.
(1 Corinthians 12:5) There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. He gave talents to each according to his ability. Then he went away. His master said to the first two, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
The kingdom of heaven and judgment, teaching the disciples. Responsible activity, producing results which the coming master can see and approve, an opportunity to put to good use the talents entrusted to his servants.
Final Judgment, the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) Show love to those who seem less important.
(Matthew 25:40) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Judgment and be ready. He who receives you receives me, response to the kingdom of heaven in their relationship to Jesus himself.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44-46)
(Matthew 6:33) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
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EXODUS: going out, redemption and deliverance
God wants us to do things His way. (Exodus 1:7-21; 2:1-15; Acts 7:2) The new king of Egypt was afraid of the Israelites being numerous and powerful, oppressed them with forced labor. But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread. Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah feared God and did not kill the sons birthed by Hebrew women. Pharaoh then commanded all his people to throw every son born to the Hebrews into the Nile. Levite son adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. Moses flees to Midian. (Isaiah 55:8) 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. 9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Exodus 1:1-6, 7-21; 2:1-15, 16-24; Matthew 2:16; Acts 7:23; Genesis 46:8) Genesis: Creation and blessing through the patriarchs. The sons of Israel came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family. The Israelites were fruitful and multiplied, so that the land was filled with them. God remembers his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. Exodus: Deliverance in God's redemptive plan. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. Israel's rebellion and rejection of Moses. God helps us to do what we think we can't do. (Exodus 3:1-4:20) Moses shepherding his father-in-law's flock in Midian. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a bush on fire but not consumed. Moses in the presence of a holy God. God makes known to Moses, "God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob" and the Lord has seen, heard, and knows what his people have been enduring under Egyptian oppression. "I have come to rescue them... and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land... I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” 13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land... a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty. ... So that they will believe that the Lord has appeared: Moses' shepherd staff turns into a snake; God inflicts a skin disease on Moses and then cures; the changing water into blood. Moses replied, "I am slow to speak and hesitant in speech. Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.” (Exodus 4:12) 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. (John 8) Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” God initiates, a holy God calls us into his kingdom and to participate in kingdom service, as active servants sent out on a mission. God is in us and we are in Christ. We respond in worship. 21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel. 30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped. God is in control, so don't give up. (Exodus 5:1-10:29) And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt,4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” (1) Waters become blood; (2) frogs; (3) gnats; (4) flies; (5) plague on livestock; (6) boils; (7) hail; (8) locusts; (9) darkness; (10) death of firstborn. 19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said... 22 But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. 23 Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen.” ... ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. 14 For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. 16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.17 You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go. (James 1:12) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. The ten plagues demonstrate God's power over all creation, in contrast to the feeble gods of Egypt. The 10 plagues are acts of divine justice meant to compel Pharaoh to humble himself and let Israel go free. Aaron's staff swallowing those of Pharaoh's magicians. Decreation/ creation reversal. Only God has the power for the cessation of the plagues. A distinction is made between Egypt and Israel, God's people are protected. The magicians' inability not only to reproduce the plague, but even to stand before Moses. God extends beyond Egypt to know the true God and includes the earth as a whole. Creation-salvation, judgment and deliverance by God. (Romans 8:18-27). The plagues are revelation of who God is and what he can do, to make himself known to us. God fulfills His promises. (Exodus 11:1-12:42) The Passover was the way God chose to save His people. It's a picture of the sacrifice Jesus would one day make for sinners. By his grace, God spared the Israelites from judgment by requiring the blood of a lamb. Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, and those who trust in Christ are under His saving blood and will be passover int he final judgment. (Numbers 23:19) God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Regulations for the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread and the consecration of the firstborn. The purpose for the benefit of those generations who did not participate in the Exodus. A sign placing themselves under God's protection and so will be spared. To remember who they are, Israel's identity of what God has done for them. The Passover festival accomplishes Israel's redemption through the offering got a sacrificial substitute, the spotless lamb (Exodus 13-14). Jesus used the Passover meal as a way of explaining his impending death to his followers (Luke 22:7-20). The image of Jesus as the Passover lamb. God can help us in hopeless times. (Exodus 13:17-15:22) 13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Hebrews 11:1) 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Nothing is impossible for God. God created a way for the Israelites to escape the Egyptians. In the same way, God created the way for people to escape the penalty of sin -- His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only way to get to God. (Hebrews 11:29) "I was in a foreign land under the sentence of death and in bondage, but I took shelter under the blood of the lamb. And our mediator led us out, and we crossed over. Now we're on our way to the Promised Land, though we're not there yet. but he has given us his law to make us a community, and he has given us a tabernacle because we must live by grace and forgiveness. And he is present in our midst, and he will stay with us until we arrive home." Israel's celebration of God's power and justice looks back to the Exodus and forward to Israel's entry into the promised land. Salvation describes the Exodus as act of divine deliverance. The Exodus song shows that Israel's God is the true God among all others. It looks forward to a future Exodus that will involve God bringing Israel into the promised land, saving them from hostile nations, and settling them in his presence. Grumbling is rejection against God. (Exodus 15:23-17:7; Numbers 20:1-13). Water, Manna and Quail. (Isaiah 29:24) And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction.” The bread of life; Living water; The Son of Man must be lifted up; Rest. (Exodus 15-17; Numbers 20, 11, 21, 14; John 6, 7, 3; Psalm 95; Hebrews 3-4; 1 Corinthians 10) I am the bread of life: 6:26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” I AM living water: 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 95 Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. 10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.” 11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,“They shall not enter my rest.” 3:3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ 11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’”12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 10:1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. An idol is anything more important to us than God. (Exodus 19:16-25; 20:22-23; 32:1-35) (Luke 4:8) 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ God is holy. God made a covenant with His people. But the people did not obey God. They sinned against God, and Moses asked God to forgive them. Moses acted as their mediator, or advocate, before God. When we sin, Jesus is our mediator. Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins. God is pleased with us because He looks at Jesus, who never sinned. God wants to live in us. (Exodus 25:1-27:21; 40:17-38; Leviticus 9:1-5, 22-24). The Tabernacle was built. (Ephesians 3:17) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. God wants to dwell with His people and be worshipped by them. God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle so that He could dwell with them. God desires to be with His people. As part of His plan of salvation, God sent Jesus to "tabernacle" or dwell with people on the earth. Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:1-14:38) Joshua 24:15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Even though Joshua was not perfect, he lived a life of obedience to God. Joshua as faithful was going to lead the people into the promised land. His accomplishments point to Christ's finished work on the cross -- defeating Satan, setting people free from sin, and making the way into the promised land of eternity. Sin has to be punished, but God promises to forgive when people seek forgiveness. In God We Trust (Joshua 1:1-6:27) The Israelites crossed the Jordan River; The Conquest of Jericho Joshua 1: 9 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.” God told Joshua and the Israelites to set up memorial stones to remember what God had done to bring them into the promised land. God fought for His people and handed Jericho to the Israelites. (Joshua 6-8) Achan sinned and the defeat at Ai. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. God hates sin and punishes sin. The punishment of Achan's sin was death. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death. Because we sin, we deserve to die too. Jesus came to die in our place. When we confess our sins and trust in Jesus, we are forgiven and saved from spiritual death. The Israelites were under a covenant in which their obedience directly related to God's people with them. We are under a new covenant through Jesus Christ, who took the punishment for our sin on Himself. Because of Christ, we are in right standing with God. We are victorious over our enemies because our faith in Christ. God blesses people who obey Him. (Joshua 9-10) Gibeonite deception and the sun stands still. Yahweh is salvation. God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. God brought us salvation by sending His sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross, giving us victory over sin and death. |
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GENESIS: creation and blessing
(Genesis 11:27-12:20) Terah the father of Abram and Haran; Haran the father of Lot; and Abram's wife Sarai. Terah took Abram, Lot, and Sarai from Ur to Canaan. (12) Covenant; and Egypt. (13-15) Lot; and Covenant. (16:1-18:15) Hagar and Ishmael; Sarah and Isaac; Theophany and Circumsion. (18:16-19:35) Theophany; Sodom; Lot; Moabites/Ammonites. (20-21) Abimelech; Ishmael; Treaty. (22) Test. (23:1-25:18) Rebekah and brother Laban. 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Birthright and Blessing (Genesis 25:19-28, 29-34; 27:34-46) The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Esau despised his birthright. The LORD appeared to Isaac, "I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees, and my laws." Rebekah said to her son Jacob, "Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, 'Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the LORD before I die.' Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: God out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so i can prepares me tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to the your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies." (Genesis 25:19-28, 29-34; 27:34-46) Isaac is portrayed as following his father Abraham. Isaac is blessed and those around him recognize the blessing he enjoys from the Lord. God is able to accomplish his plan despite the masquerades, jealous, hostility, and conflict, God is able to preserve his covenant and bring blessing. Covenant land, family, and blessing. God works through circumstances to overcome obstacles. Esau is an unworthy steward of the covenant. (Genesis 32-33) Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau. He instructed them: "This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: 'You servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes." In great fear and distress, Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought, "If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape." Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,' I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant... Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attached me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted." He instructed the one in the lead: "When my brother Esau meet you and asks, 'Who do you belong to, and where are you going, and who owns all these animals in front of you?' then you are to say, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. The are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.' " ... For he thought, "I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me." So Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man say that he could not overcome him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." ... Then the man said, "You name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome. ...So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Genesis 25:19-34; 26:34-35; 27:1-46; 28:1-9; 28:10-22; 29:1-35; 30:1-43; 31:1-55; 32; 33) Bethel; Laban; Rachel and Leah. The wrestler is unable to overcome Jacob spiritually because Jacob is not willing to yield. The assurance of blessing, however the name change of character conceded to God. (Genesis 37) Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. "Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams." So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. Then they got Joseph's robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornamented robe back to their father and said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe." The Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. (Genesis 37-47) (Genesis 37) The Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. (Genesis 39-41) (Colossians 3:23) Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. (Genesis 50) But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. |
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JESUS' LIFE AND MINISTRY
Jesus teaches Nicodemus (John 3; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Numbers 21:4-9; John 9:39, 7:50-52, 19:38-40) The work of the Spirit, the work of the Son, the work of God himself, and the place of faith. Contrast judgement, light, moral and spiritual darkness. (John 3:15) “Everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life." Born of the Spirit. To see the kingdom of God was to participate in the kingdom at the end of the age, to experience eternal, resurrection life. The kingdom, God's saving transforming reign, inaugurated in the person, works and message of Jesus. Regeneration is required before the end of the world in order to enter the kingdom. To be born again or to be born from above, that is, to become children of God, to be born of God by believing in the name of the incarnate Word. Jesus expected Nicodemus to grasp the significance of the new birth out of his background as a distinguished teacher of Scripture. Participation in the resurrection life of the new order, new birth was a requirement for entrance into the kingdom. Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4) A well of living water springing up from within for eternal life. (Philemon 6) I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. Jews and Samaritans by history and religion. The woman in shame and isolation. Jesus promises living water, by the Spirit giving eternal life. Not that Abraham built an altar on Mount Gerizim, rather the object of the Samaritans' worship is not known to them. To worship the Father in spirit and in truth in and through the person and ministry of Jesus as God revealed. My food is to do the will of him who sent and to finish his work (Deuteronomy 8:3). The Samaritans heard for themselves, and judged the witness to be true. Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man (Mark 2:1-12) Some men came, brining to Jesus a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Jesus said, "Which is easier: to say tot his paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sin." (2 Corinthians 9:8) (Matthew 9:1-8, 9-13; Mark 2:1-12, 13-17; Luke 5:1-11, 12-26, 27-32) Jesus shows how he can cleanse physical ailments as well as restore people to a walk with God. The Lord has power to heal. A group of men try to bring a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. Jesus declares the man's sins to be forgiven. Is it easier to declare sins are forgiven or tell a paralytic to get up and walk? ... so that they can know the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins. The paralyzed man gets up and walks to show the power to forgive sin. The crowd praises God. Jesus Calls Levi and Eats with Sinners (Luke 5:27-32) The call to repentance of a tax collector. Levi responds to the invitation, leaving his vocation and financial security. Levi then throws Jesus a great feast. (Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Matthew 9:1-8, 9-13; Mark 2:1-12, 13-17; Luke 5:1-11, 12-26, 27-32) Jesus reaches out to those suffering physical limitations and those perceived as social outcasts. A healthy person does not seek a physician; the sick do. Repentance is a change of direction that shows a difference by coming into the grace God offers them. Salvation and healing for sinners in restoring their relationship to God. (Ephesians 5:7-14; 4:30-5:2) The Seventh Sign: Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:25-26) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Jesus gives life. It will end in resurrection from the dead, and that God's glory may be revealed so God's Son may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus. Four days between Lazarus' death and resurrection, Jesus powerfully demonstrates himself to be the resurrection and the life, and establishing the faith of his disciples, some Jewish onlookers, and the Bethany family. Those who are Jesus' friends and who fall 'asleep' will one day be awakened by him who is the resurrection and the life. From an abstract belief in what takes place on the last day, to a personalized belief in Jesus as Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. He not only raises the dead on the last day but is himself the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in him will immediately possess eternal life. The same sin and death, the same unbelief, that prompted his outrage, also generated Jesus' grief. (John 11-12) Jesus is God's Son and our Savior. (Isaiah 53:5-6; Matthew 16:13-16; 1 John 4:14-15) (1 John 4:15) "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God." Jesus fulfilled prophecies of the coming Savior throughout the Old Testament. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled God's plan of redemption that God planned from the beginning of the world. (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53; John 1:1; 8:56-58) Jesus traded His life for our sins (Matthew 27:1-50; 28:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21; Hebrews 4:14-16) (2 Corinthians 5:21) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus was, and is, God the Son -- one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave His life willingly. It was not taken from Him by His enemies. As the Lamb of God, He gave His life for our sins. Jesus died in our place. he traded His life for our sins. He is alive now! He conquered death. The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:1-12, 13-35, 36-53) Two disciples were going to a village called Emmaus from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. Jesus appears but they were kept from recognizing him. "Jesus of Nazareth was a prophet, powerful in word and dee before God and all the people. The rulers crucified him; but we had hoped that he he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. The women went to the tomb but didn't find his body. They old us that they had seen angels, who said he was alive. Our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said." ... "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself... When Jesus was at the table with them, then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. (John 20:31) But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (Acts 9:1-19) (Hebrews 1:1-4) God has spoken to us in his Son, who, as heir of all things, has sat down at the right hand of the Father, having made purification for sins and become superior to the angels, reflecting in the process the same, natures, and role of Son. Knowing the Son of God is through that God raise him from the dead to be the center of his promise and plan. |
AdventAdvent means "coming." Advent has historically tied the First Advent (the coming of Christ in the manger at Bethlehem) to the Second Advent. Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest Nov.30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown.
God sent prophets to preach about the promised Messiah (Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 52:12-53:12; John 8:56-58) God planned a very long time ago that Jesus would die on the cross for our sins. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote that this would happen! Jesus was the Servant who suffered so that those who trust in Him could be forgiven.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6) God's servant, Jesus, suffered so we could be forgiven (Isaiah 9:6; 53; John 8:56-58) The baby Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy as well as other prophecies of the coming Savior throughout the Old Testament. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled God's plan of redemption that God planned from the beginning of the world. God sent angels to tell about the promised Messiah (Luke 1:26-34, 35-38, 39-45, 46-56; Matthew 1:18-25) “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) Jesus was born to be God's promised Savior (Luke 2:10-11) Jesus was born (Luke 2:1-20) 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12) Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins and to be their King. The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2) as read in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Jesus presented at the Temple, Simeon and Anna see the consolation of Israel and to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-40) Wise men visited Jesus (Matthew 2:1-21) The wise men came to worship Jesus as King. God became human (John 1:1-18) The boy Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) John the Baptist prepares the way in repentance (Luke 3:1-20) Baptism (Matthew 3; Luke 3) Temptation (Matthew 4; Luke 4:1-13) Disciples (John 1:35-51) Mission (Luke 4:14-30) |
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GOD JUDGES SIN BUT REDEEMS THOSE WHO FAITHFULLY FOLLOW HIS COMMANDS. REDEMPTION FOR ALL COMES THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.
Israel demanded a king. God planned to send the perfect king. (1 Samuel 8-10) God provided the first kings to rule His people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through David's family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah. God punished sin and divided Israel into two kingdoms. Sin divided the kingdom, but Christ's perfect Kingdom is forever. (1 Kings 11-12) King Solomon's sin led to the division of Israel. Every king failed to lead God's people perfectly. God's people needed a better king, a perfect king! Through David's family, God would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be King over God's people forever. Jesus would lead the people perfectly back to God. Elijah Confronted Evil Ahab. Yahweh is the one true God. (1 Kings 16-18) The prophets called God's people to repentance as Christ calls us to repentance. Elijah called on the power of God to prove to the worshipers of Baal that Yahweh is the one true God. By sending fire from heaven, God displayed His great power. God would use His power years later to raise Jesus from the dead, showing that Jesus is the Son of God. Jehoshaphat led the people to obey the Word of God (2 Chronicles 17) God sends out leaders to the people to warn of God's judgment but also with messages of hope through Jesus Christ. The Northern and Southern Kingdoms were Destroyed. God allowed their enemies to capture them. (2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 36) The prophets called God's people to repentance as Christ calls people to repentance. Sin continued to divide and ultimately destroy the kingdoms, but Christ's perfect kingdom is forever. Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. God righteously punished His people for their sin but remained faithful to them, keeping the promise He made. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever. God gave Daniel Wisdom and Humbles the Proud (Daniel 5) Despite captivity, God used faithful people to continue His plan to provide salvation through Jesus Christ. God used Daniel's wisdom to get the king's attention about his pride. Jesus humbled Himself by dying on the cross for our sin. God raised up Jesus and gave Him honor. When we humble ourselves and trust in Jesus, God will raise us up too, and we will be with Him forever in heaven. God's Word helped people obey God so they could be holy. God restored a faithful remnant and reminded them of His promise of a new covenant through Jesus Christ. (Nehemiah 8) God's Word is powerful. Ezra read God's Word, the people changed their ways and loved God more. The Bible says the Jesus is "the Word." Jesus is God who came to live with people on earth. Jesus has the power to change our hearts. God keeps his promises for He is faithful, and He loves us. (Malachi 1-3) Malachi was messenger, a prophet, who told God's people to repent. Malachi also told about another messenger God would send. This messenger, John the Baptist, would call people to repent and get them ready for a final Messenger, Jesus Christ. Jesus would bring good news of salvation. |
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KINGDOMS
King David (1010-970 BC) King Solomon (970-930 BC) Divided Kingdom, Northern Kingdom of Israel and Southern Kingdom of Judah (931 BC) Rehoboam, King of Judah 17 years (930-913 BC) Jeroboam, King of Israel (930-910 BC) Micah, prophet to Judah on judgment and forgiveness (750-687 BC) Isaiah, prophet to Judah on God and his salvation plan (740-681 BC) Hoshea, Last King of Israel (732-722 BC) Shalmaneser, King of Assyria (722 BC) Zedekiah, Last King of Judah (597-586 BC) Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (605-562 BC) Daniel, prophet from Judah taken captive (605 BC) Belshazzar, Last King of Babylon (550-539 BC) 70 years of captivity Cyrus, King of Persia (539 BC) RETURN FROM EXILE Zerubbabel/ Sheshbazzar, led 1st Return in 538 BC (Ezra 1:1-8); Temple rebuilt 516 BC Ezra, scribe led 2nd return in 458 BC (Ezra 7:6-7); Reforms Nehemiah, cupbearer led 3rd return in 445 BC (Nehemiah 2:5); Walls rebuilt Malachi, prophet (460 BC after temple reconstruction) reminds the people of God's covenant promise Over 400 years pass Hellenistic Period 331-164 BC Maccabean Period 164-63 BC Romans 63 BC - AD 70 The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2) as read in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" |
kingdom
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miracles and restorationThe purpose of Bible miracles, lead not simply to cognitive belief, but to worship, to awe and wonder. Jesus used miraculous power to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and raise the dead.
We modern people think of miracles as the suspension of the natural order, but Jesus meant them to be the restoration of the order. The Bible tells us that God did not originally make the world to have disease, hunger, and death in it. Jesus has come to redeem where it is wrong and heal the world where it is broken. His miracles are not just proofs that he has power but also wonderful foretastes of what he is going to do with that power. Jesus' miracles are not just a challenge to our minds, but a promise to our hearts, that the world we all want is coming. (Timothy Keller, The Reason for God p.99) the Reality of the Resurrection"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead."
If the resurrection is true it meant we can't live our lives any way we want. It also meant we don't have to be afraid of anything. It changes everything. (Timothy Keller, The Reason for God p.210) the word of godThe person of Jesus Christ; speech by God as God's decrees, personally speaking directly to people; speech through humans as in prophets; and the Bible in written form.
The Christian faith requires belief in the Bible. Exegesis is the original intent of the words of the Bible, then and there. The true meaning of the biblical text for us is what God originally intended it to mean when it was first spoken. Hermeneutics also seeks the contemporary relevance of the text's meaning in the here and now. prophecyForth-telling
Foretelling prediction of what is to come. Apocalyptic literature God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisedom, justice, and truth. nothing happens except through him and by his will.
incommunicable Attributes of god and timeIncommunicable attributes of God are those attributes of God that are less shared by us, or less communicated with others. God has existed for all eternity, but we have not. God is everywhere present but we are present only in one place at one time.
God has no beginning, end, or succession of moments in his own being, and he sees all time equally vividly, yet God sees events in time and acts in time. To be infinite is to be unlimited, and time does not limit God. God is timeless in his own being. God sees all time equally vividly. God sees events in time and acts in time. We will always exist in time. God does not have size or spatial dimensions and is present at every point of space with his whole being, yet God acts differently in different places. God is present everywhere. God does not have spatial dimensions. God is not divided into parts, yet we see different attributes of God emphasized at different times. PrayerPrayer is personal communication with God.
Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.
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creation[under construction]
Genesis 1-2, 3 Veritas Apologetics (Albert Mohler, The Briefing) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) God created the entire universe out of nothing; it was originally very good; and he created it to glorify himself. Animals and man were both created on the sixth day. Death was introduced as part of the curse of the fall. (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology p.262-309, 439-450,) worldviews(Kenneth Richard Samples, A World of Difference)
we can be saved only by faith in jesus christ and in his substitionary atoning death on the cross. (Ephesians 2:8-9, "for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of god -- not by works, so that no one can boast.")
Question about "limbo" (limbus patrum):And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ (Luke 16:24-26).
Those not united to Christ by faith, after death, will be cast out from the presence of God, into hell, to be justly punished forever. "Limbo" (limbus patrol) does not exist. Upon death all people immediately enter either eternity with God or eternity apart from Him in eternal punishment and separation. The souls of believers go immediately into God's presence and enjoy conscious existence and fellowship with God in heaven upon death. The Bible does not teach the doctrine of purgatory, to be further purified from sin. The Bible does not teach the doctrine of "soul sleep," a state of unconscious existence. Old Testament believers also entered immediately into conscious enjoyment of God's presence in heaven. The souls of unbelievers go immediately to eternal punishment. Scriptural passages affirm eternal conscious punishment, not annihilationism that after death unbelievers suffer the penalty, and then are "annihilated," or destroyed, so that they no longer exist. Hardheartedness without repentance, even if one rises from the dead, they will still not be convinced. (Luke 16) (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology p.810-824) What is heaven?
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