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Category: Snapshots (Page 33 of 45)

Messiah’s Star

Isaiah 60:1-61New International Version Translations
1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

clip_image160Biblical Truths2http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/isaiah/60.html

Verses 1-8 – As far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favor of God towards us, our light is come. And if God’s glory is seen upon us to our honor, we ought, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to return its praise. We meet with nothing in the history of the Jews which can be deemed a fulfillment of the prophecy in this chapter; we must conclude it relates principally to future events. It predicts the purity and enlargement of the church. The conversion of souls is here described. They fly to Christ, to the church, to the word and ordinances, as doves to their own home; thither they fly for refuge and shelter, thither they fly for rest. What a pleasant sight to see poor souls hastening to Christ!

Items for Discussion

  • In what way does the modern Christian church uphold the spirit of these Old Testament verses?
  • These verses and prophecy seem to indicate physical wealth accompanying the Messiah. Knowing what we know today about Christ, how might we interpret the wealth brought to us by Jesus?
  • Why do you believe there has been such a preoccupation with wealth throughout history?
  • Do you believe there will come a time when wealth will not have such a high appeal? If so, what might replace it?

 

Psalm 76
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. 2 May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. 3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. 4 May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. 5 May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. 6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. 7 In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. 8 May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 May the desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust. 10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. 11 May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. 12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. 13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. 14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. 15 Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long. 16 May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field. 17 May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. 18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. 19 Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. 20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Bible Truths3http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=19&c=72

This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his government; but, before the end of his reign, there were troubles and unrighteousness. The kingdom here spoken of is to last as long as the sun, but Solomon’s was soon at an end. Even the Jewish expositors understood it of the kingdom of the Messiah. Observe many great and precious promises here made, which were to have full accomplishment only in the kingdom of Christ. As far as his kingdom is set up, discord and contentions cease, in families, churches, and nations. The law of Christ, written in the heart, disposes men to be honest and just, and to render to all their due; it likewise disposes men to live in love, and so produces abundance of peace. Holiness and love shall be lasting in Christ’s kingdom.

Through all the changes of the world, and all the changes of life, Christ’s kingdom will support itself. And he shall, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, come down like rain upon the mown grass; not on that cut down, but that which is left growing, that it may spring again. His gospel has been, or shall be, preached to all nations. Though he needs not the services of any, yet he must be served with the best. Those that have the wealth of this world, must serve Christ with it, do good with it. Prayer shall be made through him, or for his sake; whatever we ask of the Father, should be in his name. Praises shall be offered to him: we are under the highest obligations to him. Christ only shall be feared throughout all generations. To the end of time, and to eternity, his name shall be praised. All nations shall call HIM blessed.

We are taught to bless God in Christ, for all he has done for us by him. David is earnest in prayer for the fulfillment of this prophecy and promise. It is sad to think how empty the earth is of the glory of God, how little service and honor he has from a world to which he is so bountiful. May we, like David, submit to Christ’s authority, and partake of his righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives, praying for the spread of his gospel.

Items for Discussion

  • What kind of world is this prophecy pointing to?
  • Why do you think so many people forget that God is active in the world today and interested in us today?
  • What is risked if we postpone this world for the next one to come?

 

Matthew 2:1-12
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Biblical Truths4http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/matthew-lbw.htm

Verses 1-2 ‘Bethlehem’ means ‘house of bread’. It is a small town six miles from Jerusalem. It was the home of David (1 Samuel 16). The Jews were expecting a king who would come from David’s town. This king would be even greater than his ancestor, King David.

The ‘wise men’ studied the stars. The Greek word for them is ‘magi’. They probably came from Persia. Christians often call them ‘kings’. God’s servant Isaiah wrote about this long before this time. He said that other nations and ‘kings’ would come to give honour to God’s light in Jerusalem (Isaiah 60:3). Psalm 72:10-11 describes ‘kings’ who bring their gifts to a great ruler. The idea of ‘kings’ probably comes from these verses.
Verse 2 We do not know what the ‘star’ was.

Verse 3 The Romans allowed Herod to rule as Judea’s king. But he was very afraid that he would lose his power. Herod suspected that some men wanted to be the ruler instead of him. So he killed anyone whom he suspected. He even murdered three of his own sons. He thought that they were plotting against him. The great Roman king Augustus said that it was not safe to be Herod’s son. He said that it was safer to be Herod’s pig.
The people in Jerusalem were worried. They knew that Herod would remove the child. And they knew how he might do it.

Verses 4-6 The ‘chief priests’ were those who had been high priest. The chief priests came from a few special families. The men who taught the law were experts. They explained the Old Testament. They reminded Herod of what God’s servant Micah wrote long ago (Micah 5:2). God had promised that the ruler would come from Bethlehem. They gave the right answer, but they did not go to Bethlehem. They did not go to see whether Micah’s words had come true or not.

Verses 7-8 Herod pretended that he wanted to show respect to the new king. Instead, Herod was making plans to kill him. He wanted to know when the wise men first saw the star. Then he would know how old the child was.

Verses 9-11 The wise men arrived in Bethlehem a long time after the birth of Jesus. The men who look after sheep had seen the ‘baby’ at the beginning. He was in a box where they usually put animal food (Luke 2:16). Matthew says that the wise men went into the house. They saw the ‘child’ with his mother. The wise men may have travelled for nearly two years to find this new king. People think that there were three wise men because there were three gifts. ‘Gold’ showed that Jesus was a king. ‘Frankincense’ showed that Jesus was a priest. The priests offered it to God when they worshipped him in the Temple. Because of Jesus, people would be able to come near to God. People used to put ‘myrrh’ on dead bodies. This gift showed that Jesus would die. He would rescue people from their sin.

Verse 12 The wise men did not tell King Herod where Jesus was.

Items for Discussion

  • Common beliefs today are that stars and planets in retrograde formed an unusual bright light in the sky, so unusual that Magi knew a great historical event was happening. Discuss what you know about how stars and planets move.
  • If one accepts the creation of the universe by God, how would events such as bright stars be viewed by believers?
  • Where do you see Satan in this story?
  • Where is the power in this story?
  • How do people today try to destroy God’s plans?

Discussion Challenge

  • How do we keep the joy of an active and loving God alive all year?

 

Environment–The Way We Live Now

Deuteronomy 30:9-141NIV New International Version Translations
9 Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, 10 if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

clip_image161Background2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy or Devarim (literally “things” or “words”) is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible, and the fifth of five books of the Jewish Torah/Pentateuch. The book consists of three sermons or speeches delivered by Moses, a recounting of the law (thought to be the Book of the Covenant found in Josiah’s time), and supplementary material, including an account of Moses’ death. Theologically the book constitutes the renewing of the covenant between God and the “Children of Israel”.

Biblical Truths3http://www.ccel.org/ccel/jamieson/jfb.x.v.xxx.html

They were completely weaned from idolatry; and this outward reformation was a prelude to the higher attainments they are destined to reach in the age of Messiah, “when the Lord God will circumcise their hearts and the hearts of their seed to love the Lord.” The Scriptures would point this out clearly: that the hearts of the Hebrew people shall be circumcised (Colossians 2:2); in other words, by the combined influences of the Word and spirit of God, their hearts will be touched and purified from all their superstition and unbelief. They will be converted to the faith of Jesus Christ as their Messiah—a spiritual deliverer, and the effect of their conversion will be that they will return and obey the voice (the Gospel, the evangelical law) of the Lord. The words may be interpreted either wholly in a spiritual sense (John 11:51, 52), or, as many think, in a literal sense also (Romans 11:1-36). They will be recalled from all places of the dispersion to their own land and enjoy the highest prosperity. The mercies and favors of a bountiful Providence will not then be abused as formerly (Deuteronomy 31:20; 32:15). They will be received in a better spirit and employed to nobler purposes. They will be happy, “for the Lord will again rejoice over them for good, as He rejoiced over their fathers.”

That law of loving and obeying God, which was the subject of Moses’ discourse, was well known to the Israelites. They could not plead ignorance of its existence and requirements. It was not concealed as an impenetrable mystery in heaven, for it had been revealed; nor was it carefully withheld from the people as a dangerous discovery; for the youngest and humblest of them were instructed in those truths, which were subjects of earnest study and research among the wisest and greatest of other nations. They were not under a necessity of undertaking long journeys or distant voyages, as many ancient sages did in quest of knowledge. They enjoyed the peculiar privilege of a familiar acquaintance with it. It was with them a subject of common conversation, engraven on their memories, and frequently explained and inculcated on their hearts. The apostle Paul (Romans 10:6-8) has applied this passage to the Gospel, for the law of Christ is substantially the same as that of Moses, only exhibited more clearly in its spiritual nature and extensive application; and, accompanied with the advantages of Gospel grace, it is practicable and easy.

Items for Discussion

  • What would our society have missed if we did not have books?
  • Based on modern technology like the Internet, how do you see knowledge changing?
  • In what ways does knowledge remove excuses for mankind? (not necessarily just from knowledge of God but from any subject)
  • In what ways has mankind’s responsibility for learning and knowing God changed as it becomes easier to learn about God?
  • What are the risks we face in today’s times with regard to the information on God?
  • How do we guard ourselves against those risks?

 

Colossians 1:1-14
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Background

Colossians claims to have been written by the apostle Paul (1:1,23,24). The book of Colossians gives the clearest, most comprehensive teaching on Christ from the perspective of Paul. Colossians was written to the church at Colosse, probably between 60 and 63 AD. It was written from Rome during Paul’s ‘first’ imprisonment, at which time he also wrote Ephesians and Philemon. According to Acts 28:30, Paul was in Rome during this time and in both Ephesians and Philemon he refers to himself as being a prisoner (Eph. 3:1,4:1, Phn. 1,9).

These three letters were carried by Tychicus and Onesimus also with further instruction for the churches. Colosse was located toward the mid-southern region of Asia Minor, which today is modern Turkey. The letter itself mentions two neighboring cities: Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 2:1; 4:13-16). The city was on the Lycus River about 125 miles almost due east of the capital of Ephesus in the Lycus valley at the foot of Mount Cadmus. Under the Persian kings, it had been “a populous city, prosperous and great”, but by the time of the writing it seems to have declined in importance in relation to its two neighbors. The inhabitants of Colosse were mostly Phrygians, with a strong influence of Greek culture. There was a large Jewish community in the area which had been deported from Mesepotamia by Antiochus the Great, but the Church there and the focus of the letter seems to have been predominantly Gentile.

The reason Paul wrote this epistle was to combat what was later called the ‘Colossian Heresy’. This is probably why Epaphras came to Rome, to seek his help on this matter. The exact nature and origin of the heresy is difficult to ascertain, and even today there are still differences of opinion. But it appears to a forerunner to the Gnosticism of the second century. This heresy may have been the teaching of a single individual, but he was evidently a person of eloquence and influence (ch. 2:4,8,23).

Bible Truths4http://www.christianinconnect.com/colossians.htm

  1. Greeting, Colossians 1:1,2
  2. Thanksgiving for the faith and love of the Colossians in response to the hope of the gospel, which is the word of truth they had learned from Epaphras, Colossians 1:3-8
  3. Prayer that the Colossians would be filled with a knowledge of God’s will, Colossians 1:9-14
    1.  So they walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, Colossians 1:10
    2. So they are strengthened by the power of God in endurance and patience, Colossians 1:11
    3. So they give thanks to the Father for sharing in the inheritance of the saints of light, who were delivered from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of his Son, in whom they had forgiveness, Colossians 1:12-14

Items for Discussion

  • While we may be saved by faith, what do we miss within our lives if we do not know the Gospel’s message?
  • What happens to people when they do not know God’s will for them?
  • How does the knowledge and acceptance of forgiveness help us with living in this world?
  • How would the world be different if there was perfect forgiveness?
  • Can forgiveness be learned?
  • Can anyone use the excuse, “I didn’t know what the Gospel’s message was all about?” Explain your position on this concept.
  • What is unique about the concept of inheritance? How does it work?
  • Would or could our world have hope if Christ did not die on the Cross?

Discussion Challenge

  • What should the modern church do about the Gospel’s message?

Trust: An Open House

Proverbs 3:5-61NIV New International Version Translations
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

clip_image162Background

The authorship of Proverbs is typically assigned to Solomon, whose name appears in Proverbs 1:1, “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel.” Solomon is often mentioned as someone who has extensive wisdom in the Bible as well as in extra-biblical literature. In 1 Kings 4:32, 3000 proverbs and over 1000 songs are said to have come from Solomon and it is also said that people came from all over to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Because of the size of the court of Solomon, he had many children and used the form of a proverb for providing advice on living. Proverbs is unique in this respect, it is not filled with God’s commands but, instead, suggestions for wholesome living.

Biblical Truths[re]http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=20&c=3&com=mhc[/mfn]

In the way of believing obedience to God’s commandments health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days may not be long upon earth, we shall live forever in heaven. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; God’s mercy in promising, and his truth in performing: live up to them, keep up your interest in them, and take the comfort of them. We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Those who know themselves, find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail. Do not design anything but what is lawful, and beg God to direct you in every case, though it may seem quite plain. In all our ways that prove pleasant, in which we gain our point, we must acknowledge God with thankfulness. In all our ways that prove uncomfortable, and that are hedged up with thorns, we must acknowledge him with submission. It is promised, He shall direct thy paths; so that thy way shall be safe and good, and happy at last.

Items for Discussion

  • How is trust created?
  • What destroys trust?
  • Why is it important not to rely on our own wisdom (understanding) when trusting God?
  • Much of wisdom comes from observations – what are the reasons human observations are inferior to those of our God?
  • Why can’t peace exist without trust?
  • How does God make our “paths straight?”

 

Matthew 22:34-37
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Background2http://www.essortment.com/bible-characters-matthew-disciple-43968.html

Matthew was a “publican” or tax collector for the Romans. Tax collectors made a good living. They were generally despised by their fellow Jews and merely tolerated by their Roman employers. Tax collectors were creative in finding ways to tax the people. Luke 3:13 states, “They overcharged [and] brought false charges of smuggling in the hope of extorting hush-money”. Other ways of making money included taxes on axles, wheels, animals, roads, highways and admission to markets. Some even charged pedestrians taxes.

Mark (Mark 2:14) and Luke (Luke 5:27) refer to Matthew as Levi. Matthew may have been from the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Levi was largely absorbed by the tribe of Judah after the kingdom of Judah had been exiled and returned from Babylon several centuries prior. Matthew was probably fluent in Greek and Aramaic. Greek was the official language while Aramaic was the local dialect. Matthew was literate and an educated writer and scribe. It is also believed that he knew a form of shorthand called tachygraphy. This may be the reason why he was able to write the detailed accounts of Christ’s spoken sermons including the long Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew resided in Capernaum located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was a large region that was heavily populated. Many lived and worked around the lake. It had numerous fisheries and lots of surface traffic because it was a major trade route through the region. The Romans set up a customhouse in the region and appointed Matthew as the tax collector. This was considered a lucrative and powerful position because he was supported by the strength of the Roman Empire. Rome was the greatest power on the earth. Because of the lucrative trade and fishing industries, Matthew probably had a very profitable position and was probably considered wealthy.

Bible Truths3http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/matthew-lbw.htm

Verses 34-36 Jesus had answered the Sadducees. Now the Pharisees (the other Jewish leaders) prepared to test Jesus. The Jewish teachers said that the Law contained 613 commands from God. Some of these laws were more important than other laws. The expert about the Law asked Jesus which was the most important command.

Verses 37 Jesus used words from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. The most important command is part of what the Jews call the Shema. It is their statement of what they believe. So Jews say the Shema every day. The most important of God’s commands is that people should love him. They should love him with their whole soul – the whole of their thoughts, all of their feelings and their entire life.

Items for Discussion

  • Why is the response from Jesus a perfect response?
  • When are the modern Christian churches like the Sadducees and Pharisees of Jesus’ time?
  • Is there anything in Jesus’ response that would lead one to believe there are other expectations for inclusion into God’s Kingdom?
  • How should we respond when given a list of criteria by a “religion” to assure our salvation?
  • If love is the perfect commandment, then how would you describe the kind of relationship God wants with His people?
  • Could “religions” exist in a world who obeyed Christ’s commandment?

Discussion Challenge

  • How are the ways a church can move its members toward Christ’s commandment?

Interpersonal Relationships: How Wonderful It Would Be

Jeremiah 31:1-31NIV New International Version Translations
1 “At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” 2 This is what the LORD says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” 3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

clip_image163Background2http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=24&c=0

Jeremiah was a priest, a native of Anathoth, in the tribe of Benjamin. He was called to the prophetic office when very young, about seventy years after the death of Isaiah, and exercised it for about forty years with great faithfulness, till the sins of the Jewish nation came to their full measure and destruction followed. The prophecies of Jeremiah do not stand as they were delivered. Blayney has endeavoured to arrange them in more regular order, namely, ch. 1-20; 22; 23; 25; 26; 35; 36; 45; 24; 29; 30; 31; 27; 28; 21; 34; 37; 32; 33; 38; 39; (ver. 15-18, 1-14.) 40-44; 46-52. The general subject of his prophecies is the idolatry and other sins of the Jews; the judgments by which they were threatened, with references to their future restoration and deliverance, and promises of the Messiah. They are remarkable for plain and faithful reproofs, affectionate expostulations, and awful warnings.

Biblical Truths3http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=24&c=31

God assures his people that he will again take them into covenant relation to himself. When brought very low, and difficulties appear, it is good to remember that it has been so with the church formerly. But it is hard under present frowns to take comfort from former smiles; yet it is the happiness of those who, through grace, are interested in the love of God, that it is an everlasting love, from everlasting in the counsels, to everlasting in the continuance. Those whom God loves with this love, he will draw to himself, by the influences of his Spirit upon their souls. When praising God for what he has done, we must call upon him for the favors his church needs and expects. When the Lord calls, we must not plead that we cannot come; for he that calls us, will help us, will strengthen us.

Items for Discussion

  • How do you feel about the statement of Jeremiah, “those who survive the sword”?
  • Survival is in the wilderness, not a jeweled and rich city-how to you interpret this?
  • What seems to come before we are given rest?
  • Can this verse be applied to our world today? In what ways?
  • Why is knowledge of our God’s history important to our faith?
  • What are the sources of learning the history of God?

 

2 Corinthians 5:11-17
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Background4http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/1co/1co_00.htm

Corinth was situated on the Isthmus of Greece (called Achaia in the Bible) between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea, above the Mediterranean Sea. About 50 miles to the east was the city of Athens. The Corinth of Paul’s day was relatively new. The old Corinth (which was famous and powerful in the days of the Peloponnesian War) was burned in 146 B.C. by the Roman proconsul, L. Mummius. Because it was a city devoted to the gods, a hundred years were required to pass before the city could be rebuilt. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar rebuilt the city, populated it with a colony of veterans and freedmen, and named it Julia Corinthus. It soon became a very important commercial center.

With a population of 400,000 and being a prominent center of commerce in the Mediterranean world, it was a place for all sorts of vice. An example of its immorality was found in the temple of Venus (Aphrodite), which hosted 1000 priestesses dedicated to prostitution in the name of religion. The city’s close proximity to the city of Athens probably added the problem of intellectualism. As noticed in the epistles written by Paul, such an environment had its effect upon the church in Corinth. It is amazing that a church existed at all in such a city.

Bible Truths5http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=47&c=5

The apostle quickens himself and others to acts of duty. Well-grounded hopes of heaven will not encourage sloth and sinful security. Let all consider the judgment to come, which is called, The terror of the Lord. Knowing what terrible vengeance the Lord would execute upon the workers of iniquity, the apostle and his brethren used every argument and persuasion, to lead men to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to act as his disciples. Their zeal and diligence were for the glory of God and the good of the church. Christ’s love to us will have a like effect upon us, if duly considered and rightly judged. All were lost and undone, dead and ruined, slaves to sin, having no power to deliver themselves, and must have remained thus miserable for ever, if Christ had not died. We should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions. A Christian’s life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how many show the worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and to the world!

The renewed man acts upon new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company. The believer is created anew; his heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him. He is the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Though the same as a man, he is changed in his character and conduct. These words must and do mean more than an outward reformation. The man who formerly saw no beauty in the Savior that he should desire him, now loves him above all things. The heart of the unregenerate is filled with enmity against God, and God is justly offended with him.

Items for Discussion

  • Knowing that Corinth was such a difficult place for a Christian Church to survive, what was Paul trying to do in his letter to the church about how he lived?
  • Why is it that the more difficult the challenge, the more effective witness?
  • Paul is talking about the human heart – why is it so hard to change what we believe?
  • Paul is making it clear that Christ’s death had a purpose and a benefit – how should a Christian’s life demonstrate that purpose and benefit?
  • What are the new rules of Christian living that Paul wants us to live under?
  • How are we to respond when surrounded by sin?

Discussion Challenge

  • Why is living the “new life” as Paul describes so effective in our world today?

Gifted Women

Ruth 4:13-171NIV New International Version Translations
13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” 16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

clip_image164Background1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Ruth

During the time of the Judges when there was a famine, an Israelite family from Bethlehem—Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion—emigrate to the nearby country of Moab. Elimelech dies, and the sons marry two Moabite women: Mahlon marries Ruth and Chilion marries Orpah. The two sons of Naomi then die themselves. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She tells her daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers, and remarry. Orpah reluctantly leaves; however, Ruth says, “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.” (Ruth 1:16–17 NKJV)

The two women return to Bethlehem. It is the time of the barley harvest, and in order to support her mother-in-law and herself, Ruth goes to the fields to glean. The field she goes to belongs to a man named Boaz, who is kind to her because he has heard of her loyalty to her mother-in-law. Ruth tells her mother-in-law of Boaz’s kindness, and she gleans in his field through the remainder of the harvest season.

Boaz is a close relative of Naomi’s husband’s family. He is therefore obliged by the Levirate law to marry Mahlon’s widow, Ruth, in order to carry on his family line. Naomi sends Ruth to the threshing floor at night and tells her to “uncover the feet” of the sleeping Boaz. Ruth does so; Boaz awakes and asks,”Who are you?” Ruth identifies herself, then asks Boaz to spread his cloak over her. The phrase “spread your cloak” was a woman’s way of asking for marriage. For a man to spread his cloak over a woman showed acquisition of that woman. Boaz states he is willing to “redeem” Ruth via marriage, but informs Ruth that there is another male relative who has the first right of redemption.

The next morning, Boaz discusses the issue with the other male relative, Ploni Almoni (“so-and-so”) before the town elders. The other male relative is unwilling to jeopardize the inheritance of his own estate by marrying Ruth, and so relinquishes his right of redemption, thus allowing Boaz to marry Ruth. They transfer the property and redeem it by the nearer kinsman taking off his sandal and handing it over to Boaz. (Ruth 4:7-18) Boaz and Ruth get married and have a son named Obed (who by Levirate customs is also considered a son or heir to Elimelech (and thus Naomi). In the genealogy which concludes the story, it is pointed out that Obed is the descendant of Perez the son of Judah, and the grandfather of David.

Biblical Truths2http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/ruth-law.htm

Here are some of the things that these verses in Ruth teach us:

  • God rules what happens in the world. It was God that gave food to the people in Bethlehem, Ruth 1:6. It was God that led Ruth to Boaz’s field, Ruth 2:3. It was God that gave Ruth and Boaz a son, Ruth 4:12. When bad things happened (Ruth 1:21), God still used them. God can make good things come from bad things.
  • God loves people. He does not only love Jews. He loves people from all other countries also. He does not only love men. He also loves women, Ruth 2:10, 13. Boaz’s love for Ruth is a picture of God’s love for us. Read the family tree in Matthew 1. There are 4 women in it. And we think that 3 of them were foreign to the Jews.
  • God is kind to people. In other words, he gives them what they need. God was kind to the family of Jesus 1000 years before Jesus came to the earth, (Ruth 4:16). God uses people to give help to other people. He used Naomi to give help to Ruth and Obed. Those people that love Jesus are part of his family. That means that God gives help to them as well.

Items for Discussion

  • What can you learn about our God through these verses on Ruth?
  • How is the nature of fairness and diversity upheld in this story?
  • What reassurances do you see that we should take away today from the story of Ruth?
  • God thought well enough of Ruth to see that a lasting story of her faith was written. What were those attributes?
  •  Why do you think that this is a story about a woman named Ruth, not a man named Boaz?

 

Matthew 6:24-34
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Background3http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=40&c=0

Matthew, surnamed Levi, before his conversion was a publican, or tax-gatherer under the Romans at Capernaum. He is generally allowed to have written his Gospel before any other of the evangelists. The contents of this Gospel, and the evidence of ancient writers, show that it was written primarily for the use of the Jewish nation. The fulfillment of prophecy was regarded by the Jews as strong evidence, therefore this is especially dwelt upon by St. Matthew. Here are particularly selected such parts of our Savior’s history and discourses as were best suited to awaken the Jewish nation to a sense of their sins; to remove their erroneous expectations of an earthly kingdom; to abate their pride and self-conceit; to teach them the spiritual nature and extent of the gospel; and to prepare them for the admission of the Gentiles into the church.

Bible Truths4http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=40&c=6

There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often ensnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for to-morrow, or the events of it. God has given us life, and has given us the body. And what can he not do for us, who did that? If we take care about our souls and for eternity, which are more than the body and its life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and raiment, which are less. Improve this as an encouragement to trust in God. We must reconcile ourselves to our worldly estate, as we do to our stature. We cannot alter the disposals of Providence, therefore we must submit and resign ourselves to them. Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, and make religion your business: say not that this is the way to starve; no, it is the way to be well provided for, even in this world. The conclusion of the whole matter is, that it is the will and command of the Lord Jesus, that by daily prayers we may get strength to bear us up under our daily troubles, and to arm us against the temptations that attend them, and then let none of these things move us. Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal. Let thy Spirit convince us of sin in the want of this disposition, and take away the worldliness of our hearts.

Items for Discussion

  • Where are the ways our world today goes astray as defined by Jesus’ story here?
  • What are the logical points in this argument being made here?
  • There is a fine line between complete faithfulness that all will be provided and providing for one’s self. How and where do you draw this line?
  • How does Jesus tell us to prioritize our lives?

Discussion Challenge

  • Who are the Ruth’s you know and how have they helped your own personal faith walk?

Outlook Lookout

Jeremiah 17:7-91NIV New International Version Translations
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

clip_image165Background2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Jeremiah

According to the book, the Prophet Jeremiah was a son of a priest from Anatot in the land of Benjamin, who lived in the last years of the Kingdom of Judah just prior to, during, and immediately after the siege of Jerusalem, culminating in the destruction of Solomon’s Temple and the raiding of the city by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. According to the book, for a quarter century prior to the destruction, Jeremiah repeatedly issued prophecies predicting God’s forthcoming judgment; advocating the Israelites put down their idols and repent in hopes of turning away God’s judgment and fulfilling their destiny as his chosen people. Jeremiah’s fellow Israelites refused to heed his warnings and did not repent. His efforts failed and he witnessed the destruction of everything he knew, the exile of the Israelite elite to Babylonia, and the fleeing of the remainder to Egypt.

The book of Jeremiah depicts a remarkably introspective prophet, a prophet who was impetuous and often angered by the role into which he has been thrust. Jeremiah alternates efforts to warn the people with pleas to God for mercy until he is ordered to “pray no more for this people.” He engages in extensive performance art, walking about in the streets with a yoke about his neck and engaging in other efforts to attract attention. He is taunted and retaliates; he is thrown in jail as the result. At one point he is thrown into a pit to die.

Biblical Truths3http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/H24C017.htm

Those who make God their Hope, shall flourish like a tree always green, whose leaf does not wither. They shall be fixed in peace and satisfaction of mind; they shall not be anxious in a year of drought. Those who make God their Hope, have enough in him to make up the want of all creature-comforts. They shall not cease from yielding fruit in holiness and good works. The heart, the conscience of man, in his corrupt and fallen state, is deceitful above all things. It calls evil good, and good evil; and cries peace to those to whom it does not belong. Herein the heart is desperately wicked; it is deadly, it is desperate. The case is bad indeed, if the conscience, which should set right the errors of other faculties, is a leader in the delusion. We cannot know our own hearts, nor what they will do in an hour of temptation. Who can understand his errors? Much less can we know the hearts of others, or depend upon them. He that believes God’s testimony in this matter, and learns to watch his own heart, will find this is a correct, though a sad picture, and learns many lessons to direct his conduct. But much in our own hearts and in the hearts of others, will remain unknown. Yet whatever wickedness there is in the heart, God sees it.

Items for Discussion

  • What do you think Jeremiah meant when he used the words “When the heat comes?”
  • How would you explain a person who bore fruit in the year of a drought?
  • Why is it so hard for mankind to understand his/her own failings before God?
  • Besides trust, we are called to place our confidence in Him – What do you think this means?
  • Who are the Jeremiah’s of our time?
  • Why is it so hard to recognize a prophet?
  • How would you decide if someone was a “prophet” of today?

 

Philippians 4:11-12
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Background4http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/H50C001.htm

The Philippians felt a very deep interest for the apostle. The scope of the epistle is to confirm them in the faith, to encourage them to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ, to caution them against judaizing5to adopt the Jewish religion and Jewish cultural practices teachers, and to express gratitude for their Christian bounty. This epistle is the only one, among those written by St. Paul, in which no censures are implied or expressed. Full commendation and confidence are in every part, and the Philippians are addressed with a peculiar affection, which every serious reader will perceive.

Bible Truths6http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/H50C004.htm

The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favorable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly.

Items for Discussion

  • Is it harder to be content with our circumstances today than it was in the Apostle Paul’s day? Why or why not?
  • What are some examples of how pride interferes with generosity?
  • How can a person in need be prideful?
  • In the commentary used for this study from Matthew Henry, he uses a term, “Christian Bounty.” What is a Christian’s bounty?
  • The Apostle Paul knew both plenty and want. How might a full set of life’s experiences help someone with their faith walk and their understanding of God?
  • Why would God’s kingdom benefit from watching someone in need?

Discussion Challenge

  • How does a church live up to the very characteristics that the Apostle Paul is describing?

Making a Big Splash

Psalm 231NIV New International Version Translations
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

clip_image166Background2http://www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm023-taw.htm

It is not known when David wrote Psalm 23. Perhaps it was when his son Absalom tried to become king. During this time, David ran away. He went down to the River Jordan. He crossed it by the ford that called Jabbok and then went on to Gilead. There he met Barzillai, a shepherd. Barzillai gave David food and shelter. All this made David think. God was like a shepherd. God was like a guide. God was a good friend. David put these ideas into Psalm 23. Many people know this psalm better than they know than any other psalm.

Biblical Truths

Verses 1–2: God is like a shepherd. In Israel, sheep followed their shepherd. The man that wrote Psalm 23 said:

  • He makes me to lie down in green fields: these were fields where the grass was new. Green fields means that the sheep would find plenty to eat. And they would sleep easily.
  • He leads me to waters where I can rest: this was the best water. It was probably a well, not a river.

The shepherd leads the sheep to all that they need: food, rest and water. Jesus leads his people to all that they need. Remember – what we NEED is not always what we WANT.

Verses 3–4: God is like a guide. We do not know who led David to Barzillai. There was a guide. Just as the old shepherd Barzillai made David think about God, so the guide made David think about God. Some Christians think verses 3 and 4 are also about the shepherd and his sheep. Others think that it is about a guide. That guide led David through the wild places to where Barzillai lived. The two ideas are true. GOD IS LIKE A GUIDE. GOD IS ALSO LIKE A SHEPHERD. The valley of the River Jabbok was very dark. But with God as guide and shepherd David was safe. God brought David through the shadow of death. He will do the same for us – if we believe in Jesus. We must all die. It is a great help to know that:

  • Jesus died and God raised him from the dead
  • if we believe in Jesus God will raise us from the dead

Verses 5–6: God is like a friend. Psalm 23:1-4 is about life on earth. Psalm 23:5-6 is about life in heaven. In the psalm, Barzillai made a great dinner for David. He poured oil, from plants, on David’s head. This was usual in those days. He gave David wine to drink. It made David feel very happy. But it also made David think this: I WILL ALWAYS LIVE WITH MY GOD. It is the same for us. If we believe in Jesus we can say, “I will always live in the house of the LORD.”

Items for Discussion

  •  What was the impact of Barzillai’s act of kindness on David?
  • How would you interpret the words, “he makes me lie down in green pastures?
  • What other kinds of places might the sheep pick to wander to – how are sheep similar to people?
  • How would you describe “quiet waters” in your life?
  • Discuss the differences between a “rod and a staff” — How does God use both to give us hope?
  • What characteristics of God can we find in David’s psalm?
  • What parts of this psalm refer to life here and now on earth and what parts refer to our life in heaven?
  • What are the benefits to your life when you place your trust in God?

 

Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Background3http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=45&c=0

The scope or design of the apostle in writing to the Romans appears to have been, to answer the unbelieving, and to teach the believing Jew; to confirm the Christian and to convert the idolatrous Gentile; and to show the Gentile convert as equal with the Jewish, in respect of his religious condition, and his rank in the Divine favor. These several designs are brought into on view, by opposing or arguing with the infidel or unbelieving Jew, in favor of the Christian or believing Gentile. The way of a sinner’s acceptance with God, or justification in his sight, merely by grace, through faith in the righteousness of Christ, without distinction of nations, is plainly stated. This doctrine is cleared from the objections raised by Judaizing Christians, who were for making terms of acceptance with God by a mixture of the law and the gospel, and for shutting out the Gentiles from any share in the blessings of salvation brought in by the Messiah. In the conclusion, holiness is further enforced by practical exhortations.

Bible Truths4http://wes.biblecommenter.com/romans/15.htm

Now the God of hope – A glorious title of God, but till now unknown to the heathens; for their goddess Hope, like their other idols, was nothing; whose temple at Rome was burned by lightning. It was, indeed, built again not long after, but was again burned to the ground.

Items for Discussion

  • As mankind’s greatest pursuit, how is peace and joy found?
    • As the world tells us
    • As the Apostle Paul tells us
  • What is the weakness in the world’s advice for finding peace and joy?
  • Can peace and joy be found in this world or do we have to wait for the next world?
  • What happens to people when they have no hope?
  • Is Paul saying that to have hope in this world, we must have the help of the Holy Spirit?
    • If so, how would you seek the Holy Spirit?
    • If not, then what would the role of the Holy Spirit be in a person’s life?

Discussion Challenge

  • How do you help others hope?

A Ride Inside a Spinning Bubble

Isaiah 26:1-31NIV New International Version Translations
1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. 2 Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

clip_image167Background2http://goodcommentaries.angelfire.com/isaiahcommentary.html

The Book of Isaiah was written at a crucial time in history when the people whom God had brought out of Egypt, and had formed into a covenant community possessing His Law, were facing one of their greatest ever threats. For the first time since they had entered the land of Canaan and had settled there, ISRAEL, which had split into two nations, were being threatened by a powerful and cruel empire, the empire of Assyria, even to the point of extinction.

It was at this point in time that God raised up a prophet named Isaiah to guide them through this troubled period of their history, and in this Book we are brought face to face with his message. But the reason why it is so important is not only because it describes a turning point in history, but also because in revealing the future that lay ahead Isaiah explained in some detail both how in that future God would bring judgment on the world, and how He was going to send into the world His King and Servant Whose power and ministry would transform the world and offer it righteousness and salvation. It was He Who was to be the hope of generations yet to come, and Who would bring that righteousness and salvation to all who responded to Him. Indeed He would bring it not only to those of Israel who responded to Him, but to the world, for He would not only bring Israel back to God, but would be a light to all nations.

Written over seven hundred years before the coming of Jesus Christ it explains in some detail precisely what He would come to do, and how He would accomplish it, first through suffering, and then by being crowned in glory. It reveals Him as the crowning point in history, and as the hope of all nations.

Biblical Truths3http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=23&c=26&com=mhc

“That day,” seems to mean when the New Testament Babylon shall be leveled with the ground. The unchangeable promise and covenant of the Lord are the walls of the church of God. The gates of this city shall be open. Let sinners then be encouraged to join to the Lord. Thou wilt keep him in peace; in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, in all events. Trust in the Lord for that peace, that portion, which will be forever. Whatever we trust to the world for, it will last only for a moment; but those who trust in God shall not only find in him, but shall receive from him, strength that will carry them to that blessedness which is forever. Let us then acknowledge him in all our ways, and rely on him in all trials.

Items for Discussion

  • How would you describe “Perfect Peace?”
  • How is Isaiah’s peace different and similar to the peace you seek?
  • Why hasn’t our world found peace yet?
  • If faith in God will bring us peace, why is so much of the world involved in religious wars?
  • Where does mankind go wrong with regard to Isaiah’s call to “trust God?”

 

Acts 17:1-9
1 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

Background4http://www.godrules.net/library/clarke/clarkeact17.htm

Chapter 17 – Paul and his company, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, come to Thessalonica, were they preach the Gospel to the Jews, several of whom believe, 1-4. Others raise a mob, and bring Jason, who had received the apostles, before the magistrates, who, having taken bail of him and his companions, dismiss them, 5-9. Paul and Silas are sent away by night unto Berea, where they preach to the Jews, who gladly receive the Gospel, 10-12. Certain Jews from Thessalonica, hearing that the Bereans had received the Gospel, come thither and raise up a persecution, 13. Paul is sent away by the brethren to Athens, where he preaches to the Jews, 14-17. He is encountered by the Epicureans and Stoics, who bring him to the Areopagus, and desire him to give a full explanation of his doctrine, 18-20. The character of the Athenians, 21. Paul preaches to them, and gives a general view of the essential principles of theology, 22-31. Some mock, some hesitate, and some believe, and, among the latter, Dionysius and Damaris, 32-34.

Bible Truths5http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=44&c=17&com=mhc

The drift and scope of Paul’s preaching and arguing, was to prove that Jesus is the Christ. He must needs suffer for us, because he could not otherwise purchase our redemption for us; and he must needs have risen again, because he could not otherwise apply the redemption to us. We are to preach concerning Jesus that he is Christ; therefore we may hope to be saved by him, and are bound to be ruled by him. The unbelieving Jews were angry, because the apostles preached to the Gentiles, that they might be saved. How strange it is, that men should grudge others the privileges they will not themselves accept! Neither rulers nor people need be troubled at the increase of real Christians, even though turbulent spirits should make religion the pretext for evil designs. Of such let us beware, from such let us withdraw, that we may show a desire to act aright in society, while we claim our right to worship God according to our consciences.

Items for Discussion

  • Why do you believe that Jesus had to suffer in order to become the Messiah?
  • After hearing Paul’s arguments, how many different groups emerged? How would you compare them to our world today?
  • What were the rights of each group?
  • Paul gives a peaceful message and Jason is thrown into jail – What were the motivations affecting the crowds and how does this compare to today’s contemporary headlines?
  • What motivations are in play here that drive one group to attempt to take away the freedoms of another group?
  • How is Luke’s story in Acts similar to today’s battles within governments?
  • Is there ever a time when peace is not the answer?

Discussion Challenge

  • What’s the answer? 

A Matter of Death and Life

Deuteronomy 30:15-191NIV New International Version Translations
15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

clip_image168Background2http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/H05C001.htm

The Book of Deuteronomy repeats much of the history and of the laws contained in the three foregoing books: Moses delivered it to Israel a little before his death, both by word of mouth, that it might affect, and by writing, that it might abide. The men of that generation to which the law was first given were all dead, and a new generation was sprung up, to whom God would have it repeated by Moses himself, now they were going to possess the land of Canaan. The wonderful love of God to his church is set forth in this book; how he ever preserved his church for his own mercies sake, and would still have his name called upon among them. Such are the general outlines of this book, the whole of which shows Moses’ love for Israel, and marks him an eminent type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us apply the exhortations and persuasions to our own consciences, to excite our minds to a believing, grateful obedience to the commands of God.

Biblical Truths3http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/H05C030.htm

What could be said more moving, and more likely to make deep and lasting impressions? Every man wishes to obtain life and good, and to escape death and evil; he desires happiness, and dreads misery. So great is the compassion of the Lord, that he has favored men, by his word, with such a knowledge of good and evil as will make them forever happy, if it be not their own fault. Let us hear the sum of the whole matter. If they and theirs would love God, and serve him, they should live and be happy. If they or theirs should turn from God, desert his service, and worship other gods, that would certainly be their ruin. There never was, since the fall of man, more than one way to heaven; which is marked out in both Testaments, though not with equal clearness. Moses meant that same way of acceptance, which Paul more plainly described; and Paul’s words mean the same obedience, on which Moses more fully treated. In both Testaments the good and right way is brought near, and plainly revealed to us.

Items for Discussion

  • The pursuit of everlasting life seems like everyone would search for the knowledge of how to achieve it – Why do you think so few have a plan?
  • God provides a vision of two paths or choices: what is required to walk each one?
  • What in our knowledge of history validates these verses?
  • Is there any middle ground being offered to mankind? Then why do you think mankind pursues a middle ground (a negotiated faith with God) if none is offered?
  • Is it as simple as a choice?

 

John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Background4http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/john-lbw.htm

John’s gospel is telling the good news of our salvation from sin by Jesus Christ. This gospel is different from the other three. It does not tell us so many of the events of Jesus’ life. For example, it does not tell of his birth. John wants to tell us more than the story of Jesus’ life; he tries to explain the meaning behind the things that Jesus said and did. He tells us who Jesus Christ is rather than what he does. John wrote about the great mystery – that Jesus is God as well as a man.

John wrote his gospel for believers in the early churches. These churches were in the countries of Greece and Asia. He wanted to help them to develop in their Christian lives. He wanted to show them why they should look at Jesus. They would discover what God the Father is like. Jesus is the one who shows the glory and greatness of God to the world. God shows his glory through his Son. He is a man born of a woman. He lives among His people today.

The salvation that Jesus obtained for us at the cross means that we can have God’s life now, while we are alive. Moreover, we can have it for all time in heaven after we die.

Bible Truths5http://www.studylight.org/com/bnn/view.cgi?book=joh&chapter=015

Life is the most valuable object we possess; and when a man is willing to lay that down for his friends or his country, it shows the utmost extent of love. Even this love for friends has been rarely witnessed. A very few cases have occurred where a man was willing to save the life of his friend by giving his own. It greatly enhances the love of Christ, that while the instances of those who have been willing to die for friends have been so rare, he was willing to die for enemies, bitter foes, who rejected his reign, persecuted him, reviled him, scorned him, and sought his life, (1 John 4:10; Revelation 5:6,10). It also shows us the extent of his love that he gave himself up, not to common sufferings, but to the most bitter, painful, and protracted sorrows, not for himself, not for friends, but for a thoughtless and unbelieving world.

Items for Discussion

  • If Christ had not died, what would Christianity be missing?
  • If Christ had not suffered what would Christianity be missing?
  • If Christ had not lived (risen) what would Christianity be missing?
  • What motives bring people to church during the Easter season?
  • Is this a problem or an opportunity? Explain
  • The world tries to remove Christ from Easter – can this ever be done?
  • What opportunities do we have during Holy Week to serve God?

Discussion Challenge

  • How should a congregation respond to the influx of people during a holy season?

Home Sweet Home: There is No Place Like Home

Isaiah 32:181NIV New International Version Translations
18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.

img169Background2http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/isaiah1-6-gc-lbw.htm

There are 66 chapters in Isaiah’s book. The book is easier to understand if we divide it into parts. Below is one way to do it. Isaiah was a prophet. A ‘prophet’ tells people what God is saying. The words ‘king’, ‘servant’ and ‘messiah’ do not always mean the same people in Isaiah’s book. That often confuses people who read it. The notes will help to explain those things. A messiah is a leader, like a king. However, Christians believe that Jesus is the special Messiah, whom God sent. So he is the Messiah, with a capital M!

We can divide Isaiah’s book into 5 parts.

  1. Chapters 1 to 5 – Isaiah describes the people that live in Judah and Jerusalem.
  2. Chapter 6 – God makes Isaiah into a prophet.
  3. Chapters 7 to 40 – God’s king rules God’s people.
  4. Chapters 41 to 55 – God’s servant saves God’s people.
  5. Chapters 56 to 66 – God’s messiah beats God’s enemies.

Biblical Truths3http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/isaiah31-39-lbw-nh.htm

This verse simply means that there will be a new security for all to enjoy.

Items for Discussion

  • With all of the wars and lack of peace in the Middle East, how would you interpret Isaiah’s claim for security and peace in their homes?
  • Why is God’s promise so important to have or to reach?
  • How does security in a home affect a family, especially the children?
  • What is necessary for Isaiah’s prophecy to be possible?

Acts 16:14-15
14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Background4http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/acts-lbw.htm

Most people agree that Luke wrote Acts. Luke also wrote the third Gospel. In Acts, he told how the good news about Jesus Christ spread. It spread to the world beyond Jerusalem. Luke was a Gentile and he was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). He worked with Paul and he travelled with Paul (Philemon 1:24). Luke was very careful about what he wrote. He knew that some things were true. And he wrote only those things. At the beginning of his Gospel, he wrote this. ‘You have heard many things. I am writing this account so that you will know the truth about them’ (Luke 1:4). In Acts, he continued with this account.

Luke was travelling with Paul. Luke wrote about what happened during that time (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). In these verses, he used ‘we’ instead of ‘they’ or ‘he’. So, we know that Luke was there at those times.
After Luke had arrived in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17), he stayed in Judea. He stayed there for two years. Then he left to travel to Rome (Acts 27:1). He went to Rome with Paul. While Luke was in Judea, he probably spoke to other witnesses. They told him about the other events that he describes.

Luke had several reasons why he wrote Acts. People were telling false stories about Christians. They were afraid that Christians wanted to make trouble. Luke wanted the Roman rulers to know that this was not true. Christians helped other people to behave well. He wanted to show that to the rulers. It was good for the Roman government.

Luke wrote about many miracles. God gave to Christians the power to cure people, for example. Also, God rescued Peter from prison by a miracle. So, anyone who opposed the Christians was opposing God. He also wanted to show to the Jews that the Christian faith was not a separate religion. Instead, it made Judaism complete, because Jesus is the Messiah.

However, Luke had one main reason why he wrote this book. The good news about Jesus had travelled from Jerusalem to Rome. Luke wanted to record how that happened. Rome was the most important city in the world. Luke showed that the gospel was for all people in every nation. It was for Jews and it was also for Gentiles.

Bible Truths5http://clarke.biblecommenter.com/acts/16.htm

Lydia, a seller of purple – She probably had her name from the province of Lydia, in which the city of Thyatira was situated. The Lydian women have been celebrated for their beautiful purple manufactures.

Which worshipped God – That is, she was a proselyte to the Jewish religion; as were probably all the women that resorted hither.

Whose heart the Lord opened – As she was a sincere worshipper of God, she was prepared to receive the heavenly truths spoken by Paul and his companions; and, as she was faithful to the grace she had received, so God gave her more grace, and gave her now a Divine conviction that what was spoken by Paul was true; and therefore she attended unto the things – she believed them and received them as the doctrines of God; and in this faith she was joined by her whole family, and in it they were all baptized.

Items for Discussion

  • As this is mother’s day, what were those good attributes that the Apostle Luke saw in Lydia that he chose to record this visit to her home?
  • How do you think Lydia changed after accepting Paul’s’ message of faith in Christ?
  • Lydia was much like the modern women of today, she was a working mother. What were the challenges of being a “working woman” that she probably had to overcome?
  • Why is it so important to “invite people into one’s home?”
  • Why is the faith of the mother so important to the faith of the household?

Discussion Challenge

  • How can every gathering of believers become like Lydia’s household?
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