Category: Snapshots (Page 44 of 45)

Psalm 124¹NIV New International Version Translations
1 If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, 3 they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; 4 the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, 5 the raging waters would have swept us away. 6 Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. 7 We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Background

We believe that David wrote this psalm after he and his people were delivered from some very threatening danger. It was likely to have involved them all in ruin. Whether by foreign invasion, or internal insurrection, is not certain but whatever it was he seems to have had a great affect upon David and a very desirous to affect others, with respect to the generosity of God, in making a way for them to escape. David is careful to give all the glory to God and takes none for himself as conquerors usually do.

• David magnifies the greatness of the danger they were in, and of the certain ruin they that they were at the brink of (v. 1-5).
• David gives God the glory for their escape (v. 6, 7 compared with v. 1, 2).
• David takes encouragement in trusting God (v. 8).

In singing this psalm, besides applying it to any particular event or calamity meant for us that we were delivered from, we can have parallel thoughts of the work of our redemption by Jesus Christ, by which we were rescued from the powers of darkness.

Biblical Truth²http://www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm124-taw.htm

“Eaten us alive” is like a picture that means “destroyed us”. The waters, deep river and angry waters are all like pictures of the enemy. David felt that Israel was in a *trap. But God made them free! Their enemies wanted to destroy Israel but God did not let them do it. It is a word-picture. Another word-picture is the river in verses 2 – 5. If God had not sent help, the river would have drowned Israel. The enemy was not a river. But the river was like a picture of what the enemy could do. Same purpose of the analogy of a snare meant to capture a bird.

Items for Discussion

• How is this Psalm similar to a sporting event like a national championship and how is it different?
• What are the things that interfere with our daily recognition of what God does for us?
• Do you think people today recognize when they are saved from great calamities? Why or why not?
• We truly live in a world that loves to take credit for being great, doing great things – rewarding winners – What criteria should we be using when handing out our rewards?
• This Psalm is an example of being saved from a national calamity – How is it that we assure our children never take their own credit for the victories and blessings that come our way but give credit where credit is due?

Mark 9:38-50
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. 42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. [44] [a] 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [46] [b] 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where “‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’[c] 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

44 [a] Mark 9:44 – Some manuscripts include here the words of verse 48.
45 [b] Mark 9:46 – Some manuscripts include here the words of verse 48.
Mark 9:48 – Is quoted from Isaiah 66:24

Background

The Book of Mark is the earliest and shortest Gospel. Like the other Gospels, it tells us about the things that Jesus did. And it tells us some things that he taught. Mark belonged to a family who lived in Jerusalem. Mark became a Christian and he joined the church there. Then he travelled to tell people about Jesus, working with both Paul and Peter. Mark wrote his Gospel so that people across the world who never met Jesus would learn about God’s good news.

Biblical Truth³http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=41&c=9

Many remain ignorant because they are ashamed to inquire. While Jesus teaches so plainly the things which belong to His love and grace, men are so blinded that they do not understand what He is saying. We will be held accountable for our disagreements and disputes, especially those about being greater than others. Those who are most humble and self-denying, most resemble Christ, and shall be most tenderly owned by Christ. This Jesus taught them by a sign; whoever shall receive one like this child, receives me. Many have been like the disciples, ready to silence men who have success in preaching to sinners to repent in Christ’s name. They do this because they are not the ones who the flock follows, sort of a completion for souls. Christ blamed the apostles, reminding them that he who renders miracles in His name would not be likely to hurt His cause. If sinners are brought to repent, to believe in the Saviour, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives, we then see that the Lord works though the preacher.

It is repeatedly said of the wicked, their eternity is where the worm does not die and the fire is never quenched. Surely it is beyond compare and better to undergo all possible pain, hardship, and self-denial here, and to be happy for ever hereafter, than to enjoy all kinds of worldly pleasure for a season, and to be miserable for ever. Like the sacrifices, we must be salted with salt; our corrupt affections must be subdued and mortified by the Holy Spirit. Those that have the salt of grace, must show they have a living principle of grace in their hearts, which works out corrupt dispositions in the soul that would offend God, or our own consciences.

Items for Discussion

• So looking at our current events today, who are those we see that may have a humility problem?
• How are humility and your ability to learn new things intertwined?
• We are told that all will be held accountable for our disagreements and disputes. Why would God view disagreements so negatively?
• God is not calling us to agree with everyone but He is calling us to peacefully settle disagreements. How do you do that in a world that thrives on divisive behavior?

Discussion Challenge

• How does our Church promote the skills to live like we are being called to live, humble, with living grace in our hearts and fully trusting in our God?

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  NIV New International Version Translations
• 2
  http://www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm124-taw.htm
• 3
  http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=41&c=9

Psalm 26¹NIV New International Version Translations
1 Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. 2 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. 4 I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. 5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, 7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. 8 Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

Background

We do not know when David wrote Psalm 26. He wrote Psalms 2-41 when his enemies were fighting him. So, he probably wrote Psalm 26 when he was fighting someone. David did not feel safe. He asked God to show him that he was safe because he was honest to God.

Biblical Truth

We can walk with God when he makes us new, whole people. Only God can make us whole. When we are right with God then we can start being right with people. To become a Christian begins with being right with God, or honest to God. We ask God to excuse our faults and we promise to become his servants. Only then we are whole people on the inside to God and on the outside to the people around us. David wrote about God’s good ways. He was referring to the rules that God gives to us in the Bible. The good news is that if we do not obey these rules we can start again. We ask God to forgive us and he does. The goal is to strive for our goal of obedience to God.

David is referencing Deuteronomy 21:6-7, where we read about people washing their hands to show that they had not committed murder. We find the same idea in verse 6. Here it is not murder, but anything that is wrong. In verse 6 we also read about the altar of the LORD. There were two altars. On the big one they sacrificed animals. They burnt their bodies as a gift to God. On the small one they burnt incense as a pleasing aroma for God’s pleasure.

At this time in Jewish history, the house of God was a tent. The Jews carried it with them as they travelled. When David was king he took it into Jerusalem. In verse 8 David says that he loves the place where they put this tent. He did this because he believed that God was there as well as in His home in heaven. In verse 9 David means that when he dies he does not want to be with sinners. He wants to be free, as David wrote in verse 11. This means free after he dies. He wants to be with God in heaven, not with sinners. The flat place in verse 12 is describing a safe place.

Items for Discussion

• David seems to think he leads a blameless life – Do you think that is a reasonable position for David to have taken? Why or Why Not?
• David recognizes the importance for securing God’s forgiveness, why would he need forgiveness if he is blameless?
• What do you think God has placed in the human heart and mind to know that we are hopelessly sinful and in need of our creator’s forgiveness?
• David says he doesn’t want to end up in an afterlife with sinners, the wicked. If all are in need of forgiveness first, who is it that David does not want to spend eternity with?
• Is there anyone group or type of person that you do not want to spend eternity with?
• Yes, we are saved by faith, supported by our good works – What is the role of repentance then?

John 13:33-35
33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Background

Jesus having finished his public discourses, in which He “endured the contradiction of sinners,’’ now applies himself to a private conversation with his friends, in which he designed the consolation of saints. So here we have an account of what passed between Him and his disciples, who were to be entrusted with the affairs of His household (the Church), when He gone “into a far country.” Christ gives them the necessary instructions and comforts. His hour being at hand, He applies himself to set his house in order. In this chapter:

• He washes his disciples’ feet (v. 1-17).
• He foretells who should betray him (v. 18-30).
• He instructs them in the great doctrine of his own death, and the great duty of brotherly love (v. 31-35).
• He foretells Peter’s denying him (v. 36-38).

Biblical Truth

Although Jesus would die soon, he seemed excited. He knew about the glory that He would receive. However, the disciples did not understand this. When Jesus went to heaven, they would not be able to follow him immediately. This was because they would not die immediately. So Jesus knew that they would be sad because they had separated physically. But they had not separated spiritually. Later, Jesus explained how the Holy Spirit would come to help them. And he would come to guide them.

But first, Jesus gave an important command to his disciples and to all Christians. He told them to love each other. ‘To love other people’ was not a new command (see Leviticus 19:18). But Jesus added something new. To love people as much as Jesus loved people was very different! Jesus showed how much he loved us by means of his death. He became a sacrifice on our behalf. He suffered the punishment that we all deserve. He loved us when we were sinners. He continues to love us, even when we do bad things. He even loves people who reject him. Jesus loves people in a way that is completely unselfish. That is the way that Christians should love each other. This kind of love is more than just a feeling. We show it by means of what we do on behalf of other people. We should help people and we should not expect a reward. When people hurt us, we must not hurt them back.

Items for Discussion

• Jesus says that others will know you are with Christ if you love one another – What should that outward love look like?
• Love and hate have been around for as long as mankind. What is it about love that overcomes evil?
• Can love exist without sacrifice?
• Can love exist without humility?
• What is required for evil to exist?
• Now taking your list of attributes of love and of evil, how do you sort out what others see in us and know, beyond any doubt, we are of Christ?

Discussion Challenge

• What is the role of discord or peace when others see either in Christ’s church?

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Exodus 18:23
23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

Background

The Book of Exodus or, simply, Exodus (from Greek exodos, meaning “going out”), is the second book of the Torah and the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament).

The book tells how the Israelites leave slavery in Egypt through the strength of God who has chosen Israel as His people. Led by their prophet Moses they journey through the wilderness to Mount Sinai, where God promises them the land of Canaan (the “Promised Land”) in return for their faithfulness. Israel enters into a covenant with God who gives them their laws and instructions for the Tabernacle, the means by which He will dwell with them and lead them to the land, and give them peace.

Biblical Truth

Chapter 18 is ending the documentation of Moses and his trip up to the Promised Land. In the next chapter 19, Moses would begin to lay out the laws for the people of Israel to follow when they actually crossed into the Promised Land.

Here Moses meets Jethro, his father-in-law. Moses tells Jethro about everything that had happened. Moses tells how God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt. Also Moses tells Jethro about the difficulties that they had experienced since leaving Egypt. Jethro is happy to hear about the LORD’s great power. He hears how God had saved the Israelites from the Egyptians and Jethro praises the LORD. Jethro declared that all other gods are worth nothing, concluding that those other gods are false gods.

Jethro lays out advice Moses, to delegate authority through a structure of judges. So what we see here is that the concept of delegation was obviously of the utmost importance, and was to be done with expediency and necessity, Jethro very modestly leaves it to the wisdom of Moses to choose or reject his advice. Moses, knowing that in all things his relative was now acting under the immediate direction of God and intimates that no measure can be safely adopted without a positive intersession from God himself. Moses concludes that Jethro’s counsel was inspired by the Divine Spirit and was sanctioned by the same. Therefore, Moses acts in every respect according to the advice he received from Jethro.

Items for Discussion

• When you are given advice, how might you determine if it is part of Godly wisdom?
• Where and from whom do we learn Godly wisdom?
• Moses sees the Holy Spirit (God’s intervention) in the advice from his father-in-law so how do Christians today tell good advice from bad advice?

Romans 2:6-10
6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Background

Paul had not visited Rome at the time when he wrote this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul arrived there.

Paul dictated his letter to Tertius (Romans 16:22). Paul wrote it during his stay in Corinth, probably about 57 A.D. While Paul established churches in many cities, he was careful not to upset anyone else’s work (Romans 15:20). However, the church in Rome was not the result of the work of any one particular person. So Paul was not concerned with upsetting anyone’s work if he visited there. And for many years, Paul had wanted to visit the Christians in Rome. He had completed his work in the east. There were elders (leaders in the church) to take care of the new churches. Paul wanted to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:23-24).

• There were several reasons for the letter:
• to prepare the church in Rome for his visit.
• to give a clear explanation of the Gospel.
• to give the truth about the Christian faith to any Christians in Rome who had false ideas about it.
• to give practical advice about how Christians should behave towards each other (chapters 14-15).
• to give practical advice about how Christians should behave towards their rulers (Romans 13:1-7).
• to unite Jewish and Gentile Christians. In many churches, there had been serious arguments between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. The Jewish Christians said that God had given his law in the Bible. So they told the Gentile Christians to obey it. But the Gentile Christians said that God had given them freedom. So, they did not want to obey any Jewish rules or traditions.
• to urge the Christians in Rome to help Paul in his work. He might need their help in order to continue his journey to Spain (Romans 15:24). And he needed the Christians in Rome to support and to encourage him by their prayers (Romans 15:30-32).

Biblical Truth

Both the Old Testament and New Testament record the fact that God judges human actions. For example, in the Old Testament, see Psalm 62:12 and Jeremiah 17:10. In the New Testament there are examples in Matthew 16:27 and Revelation 20:12. Paul is not saying that a person can earn eternal life by his good deeds. Only faith in Jesus will save that person. But after a person has trusted Jesus, that person will want to please him. So that person will do the right things, because of the faith that God has given to him. See James 2:17.

Paul speaks about people who continue to practice their faith. He contrasts them with selfish people. The good people will enjoy eternal life. They will have close relations with Jesus and the Father (John 17:3). People who continue to do wicked things will suffer God’s judgement.

Items for Discussion

• Why do you think that we as both Christians and humans are always so consumed with what our reward will be?
• Aside from the concept of doing good and not doing evil, what is Paul stressing that the church in Rome concentrate on?
• While we are saved by faith, how do you interpret verse 6, where we will be paid for what we have done?
• Not all rewards are eternal – What is Paul telling us to expect in our daily lives?

Discussion Challenge

• How can the modern day Christian Church assure that it is upholding the correct balance of faith building exercises and opportunities to seek “Doing Good?”

Jeremiah 29:11-13¹NIV New International Version Translations
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Background

The members of Jeremiah’s family were priests who lived in the town called Anathoth, about 3 miles from Jerusalem. Jeremiah prophesied during the 7th century BC, when there were great political problems. Baruch, Jeremiah’s secretary, recorded the messages that Jeremiah dictated. But King Jehoiakim burned that record (Jeremiah chapter 36). So Baruch wrote it again and Jeremiah added more messages. Many of the prophecies are poems. Sometimes Jeremiah used dramatic actions to make the people understand his message. The various messages are not in the order in which Jeremiah gave them. So sometimes we do not know to which period in history they refer.

Jeremiah loved his country called Judah. But God would punish the people from Judah because of their wicked behavior. Jeremiah had great mental pain when he had to warn his own people. His message was not well received. Many people insulted and attacked him. On several occasions, he was close to death. But many years later, people respected Jeremiah. Some people thought that he was the Servant of the LORD.

One of the most important things that Jeremiah spoke about was the New Covenant. It replaced the covenant that the LORD had made with the Jews during the life of Moses. In the first Covenant, the LORD promised to look after his people, the Israelites. Because they were the LORD’s people, they had to obey his orders. In the New Covenant, the LORD promised that his people will want to obey him. And the LORD promised to forgive their sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Biblical Truth

These verses (including verse 10) repeat the promise in Jeremiah 25:12. The LORD had plans for the future of his people after their 70 years in Babylon. The LORD’s people had to be completely sincere when they returned to the LORD. Then he would answer their prayers. He would take them back to their own country from wherever he had sent them.

Items for Discussion

• If you had to summarize what God’s plans for us are, what would they be?
• How are these plans similar to the plans our forefathers established when they created our country?
• What is our part in receiving God’s plans for us?
• What do you think the impact is on a society when they remove God from their lives?
• How do human plans differ from God’s plans?

Ephesians 1:9-14
9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Background

Some believe that the letter to the Ephesians was a circular letter sent to several churches, and that the copy directed to the Ephesians happened to be the one taken into Scripture, and thus bore the name of their city. It has much of common concernment to all Christians, and especially to all who, having been Gentiles in times past, and were converted to Christianity. On the other hand, the letter is expressly inscribed (Eph. 1:1) to the saints which are at Ephesus; and in the close of the letter, Paul tells them that he had sent Tychicus to them, whom, in 2 Tim. 4:12; he says he had sent to Ephesus.

It was written while Paul was in prison with many believing that this time of captivity helped Paul focus on God. When Paul’s troubles were greatest, his consolations and experiences were that much more focused on God. This may be very well why so many sermons, testimonies, stories of one’s faith walk contain stories of “hard times.” Paul’s design of his letter is to settle and establish the Ephesians in the truth, and to further acquaint them with the mystery of the Gospel. Paul represents the great privilege of the Ephesians, who, having been in time past idolatrous heathens, were now converted to Christianity and received into covenant with God, which he illustrates from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion, Eph. 1:1-3:21. In the latter part (which we have in the Eph. 4:1-6:24) he instructs them in the principal duties of religion, both personal and relative, and encourages them to the faithful discharge of those duties.

Biblical Truth

In verses 9-10, we learn that God will let us know ‘his secret plan that Christ would complete’. He makes it possible for us to understand this. But he did not show his plan before Jesus came. God’s plan was that Jesus Christ will be the head (or ruler) of the whole universe (heaven and earth). God arranges the time of all things. He does this in perfect wisdom. God has fixed all the ages and seasons. He has decided when they will end. God is now working out his plan (that Christ will rule the whole universe). His plan is working all the time. One day God will complete it. History is ‘God’s story’.

Through the ages, God is bringing everything together under his rule. That is why it would be difficult for a person who is not a Christian to understand this. He would not make sense of history. Different events have taken place in different ages. They would not link with each other. Paul shows that God has a plan for the history of men and women. Once God hid this secret. Now he makes his plan plain. Christians today can now understand it. It is the job of Christians to tell the world about it.

In verses 11-12, we learn that from the beginning, God chose us to ‘have hope in Christ’, the Messiah. He chose that we should be a part of his plan. God works out everything in agreement with his choice. Everything that he wants to do, he does. Everything will be as he said. This plan includes Paul and the Jewish believers (‘we’ verse 12). They were the first to hope in Christ, the Messiah. They hoped in him before he came (see Acts 28:20). They looked forward to him as their Saviour. The plan then includes ‘you also’ (the Gentile Christians) who believe in him (verse 13).

Verse 13 tells us that the most important thing is to hear God’s word. God’s word is the word of truth. The word of truth is the gospel. The gospel is the good news about salvation. The knowledge of salvation comes by hearing about Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14). Hearing, however, must lead to faith. God can bless us only if we have faith. So, when you believe, God marks you with a special sign. This is for both Jews and Gentiles. It is for those who have heard and believed. In those days, a seal was a person’s own sign. It was a stamp or mark. It showed that he was the owner. He used it when he sent something important to another person. He would use this on a letter. It showed that everything was true and not false. It was a promise. You could be sure that no one had opened the letter and changed it.

The Holy Spirit is the seal for the Christian. The Holy Spirit in him is a proof to himself of his faith. It also shows other people how real his faith is. The Holy Spirit makes the Christian certain that he has salvation. This seal also keeps the Christian safe. No one can break the seal. No one can break into his life. In the end, he will be safe with Jesus.

We end with a reminder of a common practice. In those days, when you bought something, you paid some money. This was only a part of the whole price. You made a promise to the seller. You promised that later you would pay the rest of the price. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal or promise. It is a promise to all those who believe in him. He promises that one day he will make them completely his own possession. They will belong completely to him. That includes both Jews and Gentiles.

Items for Discussion

• How does God make known to us today, His purpose for us and for Christ?
• What are the dangers in being “Politically Correct,” to the point that we remove Christ from our society?
• What are seals used in our society today? What do they signify?
• Do you think that people today feel comfortable being marked with a “Seal from God?”
• What would visible seals today, markings of God, look like?

Discussion Challenge

• In times of a world crisis with violence and war against Christians, how do we honor God (keep our seal visible) while at the same time remain safe?

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Habakkuk 3:17-19¹NIV New International Version Translations
17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

Background²http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/nhz-law.htm

Habakkuk lived in Judah in about 600 years B.C. We know very little about Habakkuk. The name means ‘he who holds somebody close to him’. The country that ruled that part of the world until 612 B.C. was Assyria. In 612 B.C. Babylon beat Assyria. Then the Babylonians ruled that part of the world. Both the Assyrians and the Babylonians loved and obeyed false gods and ruled through oppression. God chose the Babylonians to punish the leaders of Judah. The trouble was that they punished the people in Judah along with the leaders.

Habakkuk did not understand this. He knew that someone must punish Judah. But he did not know why it should be the Babylonians. The Babylonians were the worst of the worst. The Babylonians loved and obeyed false gods. In his book, Habakkuk talks to God:

• In chapter 1 he asks God a question. “Would God ever answer when Habakkuk prayed to God?”
• In chapter 2 he waits for God’s answer. “God says that he will punish the Babylonians later and the whole world would see what God would do.”
• In chapter 3 Habakkuk says that he believes that God will do this, God will punish the Babylonians and he will make Judah safe.

We still have similar problems today. Many countries say that they believe in God but their people do not live like they believe. When believers pray about this, nothing seems to happen. So many people say that God is dead! But God is not dead! He is always doing something. If we wait, we will see this. Sometimes God uses non-Christians to do His work for Him. Or God brings good things from the bad things that people do. God still has authority! This we must believe even if it does not seem that God has this authority.

• Habakkuk 2:4 says, ‘righteous people will live by their faith (in God)’, meaning: They will continue to believe all through their lives that God will give them help;
• After they die on this earth, they will live with God.

At the end of his book, Habakkuk writes a psalm praising God. He also says that whatever happens, he will still praise God. That is the message of Habakkuk to us: Whatever happens, praise God! So why did Habakkuk compare himself to a deer? Deer have been around a long time, 3½ million years. The strength of the deer is its flexibility; they are ecological generalists, or opportunists. This means that, as a group, they can get by in all sorts of environments, different climates and temperatures; they can eat a huge variety of foods…they have been documented eating fish, dead birds and insects! Their flexibility allows them to coexist with human development.

Deer are great escape artists, and that is another key to their successful strategy for survival. Their style of escape is a high speed sprint which puts obstacles between themselves and their pursuer. They can also play cagey tricks: they might hide and remain hidden until the predator is very near, and then make an explosive escape…they’re gone down a well-known escape route before the confused predator knows it. They will cross their own path, sometimes circling and crossing many times, to make their trail confusing. They will slink away on their bellies. They will walk in water to delete their trail, and will even hide by submerging themselves in the water, using their noses like snorkels. They are even known to run near other deer trying to shuck off the predator onto another unlucky animal.

Typically though they escape down a well-known trail with twists and turns that the trailing predator has to figure out at every change. The path might have obstacles that the fleeing deer knows it can easily and expertly clear, while the pursuer has to figure them out, then wear itself out climbing, jumping, detouring or tunneling, all the while trying to keep track of its prey. These survival techniques are found to be both instinctive and learned soon after birth.

Biblical Truth

Whatever happens Habakkuk says he will still praise the LORD. He knows that God is still in authority! That is why he can still praise God. Even when times are bad, he will be like a deer, climbing mountains with no difficulty!

Items for Discussion

• We have people in our world who have no concept of a deer. How should Christians overcome the lack of comparative experiences when sharing God’s Word that is filled with them?
• What similar generational gaps exist (comparative experiences of our generation with those of the next generations)?
• God’s creations are all given the attributes to survive in our world. What are our God given attributes?
• What are the greatest dangers of despair?
• What can we learn from the deer’s adaptability and abilities to survive?

Philippians 4:10-15
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;

Background³http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/philippians-lbw.htm

Luke described the city called Philippi as a Roman ‘colony’ (Acts 16:12). The emperor Augustus allowed retired soldiers to live there after they had supported him in a battle in 31 BC. As a Roman colony, its citizens possessed the same rights and laws as those who lived in Italy. Paul and Silas, with Timothy and Luke, established the church there after they crossed from Asia into Europe (Acts 16:12-40). Paul visited Philippi again on his third journey (Acts 20:1-6). It was a group of Christians of whom Paul was very fond. He called its members his ‘joy and crown’ (4:1). The Christians in Philippi were not rich, but they supported Paul with more than one gift of money. They also gave money for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter and not sure of the result of a trial. It is most likely that he was in Rome, writing this letter at the end of the two years that we read about in Acts 28:30.

The purpose of Paul’s letter was to:

• Thank the Christians at Philippi for the gifts that they had sent him by Epaphroditus.
• Inform the Christians at Philippi about his own circumstances. He also wanted to tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from his dangerous illness. He was returning to Philippi.
• Appeal for unity and for the end of quarrels in the church.
• Warn them about false doctrine, especially that of Jewish Christians who insisted on circumcision for Gentiles.
• Urge them to remain loyal to their faith and to stand firm against opponents.

Biblical Truth

Our translation loses the word but, Paul used a word for a plant that had flowered again. It was not dead, like the way a tree or plant seems in winter. At the right time, we see flowers. The right time for Paul’s friends had arrived. Before this there may have been no suitable messenger or there was some other reason for their lack of opportunity. Stoics believed that they could be ‘content’ in any situation by an effort of will. They aimed to be free from every emotion. Paul, however, knew that to be ‘content’ was a gift from God. Christ had given him the strength to accept pleasant or difficult circumstances. ‘I have ….. known lack of sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty. I have often been without food, shelter or clothing’ (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Christians at Philippi had helped Paul when he went to them during his second journey. His troubles included a night in prison with Silas (Acts 16:11-40). (Now Paul is in prison again, as he writes this letter!) Their practical help had continued when he went on to Thessalonica. He said that they had shared ‘in the matter of giving and receiving’. They had given him what he needed for his physical life. Paul taught them and he encouraged their spiritual life. He showed them, by his life, how to live as a Christian (1 John 1:6).

Items for Discussion

• What does contentment mean to you?
• Is there a difference between contentment without God and contentment with God?
• Can you learn to be content in all things? If so how?
• Why is being content hard to do?
• What are the signs of someone who is content?
• If someone is not content, are there any risks to them?
• The world gives people things to overcome despair and create contentment. What does God give people?

Discussion Challenge

• What are the secrets to flourishing in a world filled with despair, much of which is caused by not being content?

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  NIV New International Version Translations
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  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/nhz-law.htm
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  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/philippians-lbw.htm

This Sunday, our choir shares its talents by singing a cantata entitled, “A Noel Celebration.” So let’s look at the meaning of Noel and revisit what a cantata meant to be.

Every year, people sing songs like “The First Noel” at Christmas, and many wonder what a “noel” is. In French, joyeux noel means “Merry Christmas.” Our modern English word comes from the Middle English nowel, which Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defined as “a shout of joy or Christmas song.” The roots of the word are the French noel (“Christmas season”), which may come from the Old French nael. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin natalis, meaning “birth.” Since Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, it was natural for people to refer to the celebration as the “nativity” or the “birth.”

Another possible root for noel, also from the French, is the word nouvelles, meaning “news.” As the popular carol says, “The first noel the angels did say / was to certain poor shepherds. . . .” The meaning of “news” certainly makes sense in that context; however, the early usage and definition of noel seem to focus more on the idea of birth, and that is probably the more accurate meaning.

There are very few records giving the details of the earliest Christmas practices, but at least as early as the 4th century, some Christian groups were celebrating natus Christus on December 25. Since their almanac referred to the day as “the birth of Christ,” it would be natural to see derivative words like nael and noel used in the same way.

In the Middle Ages, several English carols began with nowell, and French carols similarly used noel. Since early songs often used the first word as the title, a “noel” came to refer to any song about the birth of Christ. Because of this, the word now carries the dual meaning of a Christmas song and the Christmas celebration itself.

What is a Cantata?

During the preparation for Advent and the Christmas season, many churches prepare a special service, highlighting the musical talents of their congregation. These special services are often called “A Cantata.” So here is a little history about the Cantata.

It does not take our Scriptures long to mention music. In Genesis 4:21, we are introduced to Jubal and the horn and harp. God chides His people in Genesis 31:27 for not coming to Him so he could bring them joy through music. The first mention of singing, maybe our first Cantata, can be found in Exodus 15:1–18, Called the “Song of Moses and Miriam,” we find the people of Israel singing the praises of and to their God.

Cantata means “To be sung.” Not everything that is sung is classified as a cantata, however. Here are some signs that a musical service may be a cantata, and not an opera or oratorio.

• The topic is all about one thing
• It is performed before smaller audiences
• It is not overly-dramatic
• It is typically broken into several small sections, or movements
• It can be performed in as little as 10 to 15 minutes

To give some perspective on other types of musical programs, we have two to compare along with a cantata:

An oratorio is a large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Similar to an opera, various distinguishable characters may be introduced. However, an opera is typically musical theatre, while oratorio is strictly a concert.

An opera tends to deal with history and mythology, including age-old devices of romance, deception, and murder, whereas the plot of an oratorio often deals with sacred topics, making it appropriate for performance in the church. Protestant composers took their stories from the Bible, while Catholic composers looked to the lives of saints.

Because a Cantata can be similar to the oratorio and the opera, they may be hard to distinguish. Think of it this way. An opera is the big monster of vocal music. High drama; complex; long. Then comes the oratorio – opera’s little brother. They tend to be shorter, don’t have sets and staging, etc. Smaller than the oratorio is the cantata. Fewer performers and even shorter.

The cantata was hugely popular in Italy in the 1600’s. So popular that many composers wrote them as their primary work. Most of these were secular (non-church-related) pieces. Right around 1700 Germany took hold of the form, and brought it to church. The German cantatas tended to be more dramatic and more complex than the earlier Italian ones. The Christmas Cantata typically tells us about the birth of Christ.

The Christmas Story

So where is the story of Christ’s birth in the Bible? Where would a director of a cantata look?

The Gospel of Matthew – Chapter 1

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Chapter 2

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] 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.

The Gospel of Mark has no reference to the Nativity story

The Gospel of Luke – Chapter 1

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Chapter 2

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at nigh. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 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” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor .” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord hs made known to us.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the mange 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The Gospel of John has no reference to the Nativity story

A Quiz on the Nativity Story¹https://chaosandoldnight.wordpress.com/2008/01/09/common-misconceptions-of-the-christmas-story/

How do you know if you are operating with a mythical view of Christ’s birth? Here’s a short quiz to help you determine your Biblical knowledge.

1. How many wise men were there?
2. Did the wise men visit Christ in the manger?
3. Were the wise men kings?
4. Were the wise men from the Orient (Eastern Asia)?
5. Where did the bright star appear above the Christ child?
6. Was Christ born in December?
7. Did it snow when Christ was born?
8. What animals attended the birth of Christ?
9. Did the innkeeper turn Mary and Joseph away?
10. What was the name of the angel that stood above the stable that night?
11.  Did Mary deliver Jesus with only Joseph’s help?

If you answered “yes” to any questions which required a yes/no answer then you have a misunderstanding of the biblical account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Check the link in the footnotes for the answers.

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Isaiah 43:1-7¹NIV New International Version Translations
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”.

Background

Isaiah 40-55 is sometimes called “Second Isaiah.” The objectives of these writings is meant to change people’s minds. These verses are not filled with warnings over wrongdoing, but with encouragement to reevaluate Judah’s past and future. The verses were written for exiled people in the mid-sixth century, just as the possibility of returning to the broken city of Jerusalem is reopening to the Israelites. Isaiah invites with a poetry of hope, offering to pave the way homeward with confidence.

Because the words of “Second Isaiah” are so overwhelmingly positive and comforting, it is one of the portions of the prophets most frequently quoted in the New Testament, in the Jewish Haftarah lectionary, and among Christians and Jews.

Biblical Truth

God speaks about His favor and good-will to his people and the comfort He will bring to all believers. These verses describe a new creature, wherever it is, it is of God’s forming. All who are redeemed through the sacrifice of Christ, God sets apart for Himself. Those who have God for themselves need not fear; who or what can be against them? Even the great countries of Egypt and Ethiopia, all their lives and treasures, do not compare with the sacrifice of Christ. True believers are precious in God’s sight, His delight is in them, above anyone else. Even though their lives were as if they went through fire and water, while they had God with them, they did not need to fear evil. It was as if they were picked up, carried and brought out. From God’s words and His love for us, we the faithful are to be encouraged. God’s people were to be assembled from everywhere. So with this pleasing picture in view, Isaiah again dissuades from our anxious fears.

Items for Discussion

• What are the things that could happen in today’s world that would lift your spirits, fill you with hope, and give you that positive feeling that everything is OK?
• What are the waters, rivers and fire of today’s world that we seek God’s protection from?
• Why should we as modern day Christians believe that God will prevail in our world?
• Read verse 4: So why do people still worry today?

2 Timothy 2:8-13
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my Gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Background

The first time that Paul was in prison in Rome was about 60 AD. He was there for two years. Then he travelled again and he went to Macedonia. Paul may have travelled as far as Spain before he went back to Rome. He was in prison again and soon after that the Emperor Nero had him killed. Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy from prison just before he died.

Paul wanted to see Timothy again. He thinks about him as his own son (2 Timothy 1:4). Paul is lonely and the prison is cold. He urges Timothy to try to come before the winter (2 Timothy 4:21). He asks Timothy to bring the warm coat that he had left in the town of Troas. He also wants Timothy to bring his books and papers (2 Timothy 4:13). In the court for the first time, Paul had been successful. But all his friends except Luke had left him (2 Timothy 4:11, 16). Although Paul had succeeded in court the first time, the Romans would not set him free this time. Paul expects that they will soon kill him (2 Timothy 4:6).

Paul writes to encourage Timothy in his Christian life. He urges him to be strong in what he believes. Paul tells Timothy to use the gifts that God has given to him and to preach the Gospel and teach the truth.

Biblical Truth²http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/2tim-lbw.htm

Verse 8: Jesus Christ was and is God. But, although he was God, he was born as a man. He was born to Mary who was of the family of David. This shows that he was the Messiah. He was the one whom God had promised to send. What Paul writes here is similar to what he wrote in Romans 1:3-4. There he wrote that the Holy Spirit declared Jesus to be the Son of God. He did this when God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is the Son of God and Timothy is to remember, not a dead Christ, but the living Lord. Jesus suffered and died. But now he is alive. This is meant to encourage Timothy, as he too will have to suffer for Christ. The fact that Jesus Christ died and rose again is the heart of the Gospel. This is the good news and truth that Paul preached.

Verse 9: Paul urged Timothy to preach the Gospel. And he urged him to be ready to suffer for doing so. He writes about his own experience. He preached the good news of Jesus Christ and he had to suffer because of it. He was now in prison and in chains. He had not done any crime. But he suffered as if he were a criminal. Paul was no longer free but that did not stop the spread of the Gospel. No one can bind up the word of God. It is free to go wherever God sends it.

Verse 10 Paul is willing to suffer for the good news. That is because God saves those whom he has chosen by this Gospel. So Paul is suffering for them so that they may believe in Christ Jesus. It is true that when we accept the Gospel, we choose Christ. But before we came to Him, God chose us. So Jesus says, ‘You have not chosen me but I have chosen you’ (John 15:16). Those who do accept the Gospel will have salvation. They will have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Paul and all who believe have this salvation now. Their future life will be with Christ. And they will share the glory that he has.

Verse 11: Timothy would have known these words. They were from a Christian song or poem. Paul says that the message of these words is true. In this part of the song or poem, ‘we’ means the Christians and ‘Him’ means Christ. There are four lines. Each one shows the actions of Christians and the result or the reaction of Christ.

1. If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him (verse 11)
2. If we do not give up, we will also govern with Him (verse 12)
3. If we refuse Him, he will also refuse us (verse 12)
4. If we do not believe, he will remain true. He cannot deny who he is (verse 13)

Death with Christ will result in life with Him. Death with Christ is death to sin even as Christ died to sin. It is in the death of Christ that Christians have died with Him. The death of Christ has freed them from sin. As they believe in Christ, it is as if God has put their old life into his death.
They receive a new life now. Christians should consider that they are dead to sin. And they should consider that they are alive to God. The Lord has also promised them that as Christ rose from the dead so they will rise. They will live with Christ and never die again.

Verse 12: The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with Him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven.

There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the Lord Jesus and they do not know Him. They have turned away from Him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with Him in that day.

Verse 13: There are those who did believe in the Lord Jesus but have turned away from Him. Some Christians fail to trust Him. But he will keep his promises to them. He will never turn away from them. He is the Lord who does not change. He will do what he has promised to do. He is always true to his own nature. He is God. For those who do not trust in the Lord Jesus at all, this is a serious warning. What God has said about the results of their sins will happen. But some have believed but are weak. They may fail but this should encourage them. They may not always be true to Him but he will always be true to them.

Items for Discussion

• Discouragement can affect one’s faith in Christ. What is our role in helping those who may be discouraged?
• What can we do to keep ourselves from becoming discouraged?
• What are the ways a Christian can deny Christ?
• Verses 11 and 12 may very well be the shortest synopsis of the Christian story. How would you explain this to someone who was discouraged?

Discussion Challenge

• How should the Church, as an organization, keep its flock from becoming discouraged when many churches themselves are discouraged?

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  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/2tim-lbw.htm

Jeremiah 4:1-10¹NIV New International Version Translations
1 “If you, Israel, will return, then return to me,” declares the Lord. “If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray, 2 and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ then the nations will invoke blessings by him and in him they will boast.” 3 This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. 4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done—burn with no one to quench it. 5 “Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: ‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!’ Cry aloud and say: ‘Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities!’ 6 Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction.” 7 A lion has come out of his lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant. 8 So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us. 9 “In that day,” declares the Lord, “the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled.” 10 Then I said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! How completely you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, ‘You will have peace,’ when the sword is at our throats!”

Background²http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/jeremiah1-10-lbw.htm

The members of Jeremiah’s family were priests. They lived in the town called Anathoth. It was about 3 miles away from Jerusalem. Jeremiah prophesied during the 7th century BC, when there were great political problems. Baruch, Jeremiah’s secretary, recorded the messages that Jeremiah dictated. But King Jehoiakim burnt that record (Jeremiah chapter 36). So Baruch wrote it again and Jeremiah added more messages. Many of the prophecies are poems. Sometimes Jeremiah used dramatic actions to make the people understand his message. The various messages are not in the order in which Jeremiah gave them. So sometimes we do not know to which period in history they refer.

Jeremiah loved his country called Judah. But God would punish the people from Judah because of their wicked behavior. Jeremiah had great mental pain when he had to warn his own people. Also he had troubles because many people insulted him. They attacked him too. On several occasions, he was close to death. But many years later, people respected Jeremiah. Some people thought that he was the Servant of the LORD. Isaiah wrote about the Servant of the LORD in Isaiah 52:12–53:12. Some people thought that Jesus was Jeremiah. They thought that Jeremiah had become alive again (Matthew 16:14).

Jeremiah had a close relationship with the LORD. One of the most important things that Jeremiah spoke about was the New Covenant. It replaced the covenant that the LORD had made with the Jews during the life of Moses. In the first Covenant, the LORD promised to look after his people, the Israelites. Because they were the LORD’s people, they had to obey his orders. In the New Covenant, the LORD promised that his people will want to obey him. And the LORD promised to forgive their sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Biblical Truth³http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/jeremiah/4.html

Sin must be put away out of one’s heart. Otherwise, it is not put away out of God’s sight, for the heart is always open before God. Ground that is untilled is like a heart without humility. Ground may be improved; God gives us our hearts just like the earth, to work and enrich but it can be empty of nutrition. It is over-grown with thorns and weeds, the natural product of the corrupt heart. We must go to God, our Lord, to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within us. Unless we are born again, we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.The fierce conqueror of the neighboring nations was to make Judah desolate. The Jeremiah was troubled by what he saw, the people lulled into security by false prophets. The passage describes the approach of the enemy. While some attention was paid in Jerusalem to outward reformation, it was still necessary that their hearts should be washed, in the exercise of true repentance and faith, from the love and pollution of sin. When lesser calamities do not rouse sinners and reform nations, a sentence will be given against them. The Lord’s voice declares that misery is approaching, especially against wicked professors of the gospel. When it overtakes them, it will be plainly seen that the fruit of wickedness is bitter, and the end is fatal.

Items for Discussion

• Biblical history shows us that there have always been consequences for not listening to our God. Why do we as a people not understand this?
• What could some of the modern warnings be that we are receiving today about the sinful nature of our society?
• Who might today’s false prophets be and how would we know that their message is not true?
• What are some of the idols of today and what are the dangers that they possess?
• So if the human heart is like soil, in need of tending and nutrition, how do we “till” the human heart?

1 Thessalonians 5:10-12
10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

Background⁴http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm

This letter is from Paul, Silas and Timothy. From these three, the apostle Paul was the main author. We do not know how much of the letter Silas and Timothy wrote. But all three of them were in agreement with what the letter contains.

This letter may be the earliest of the letters of Paul that we have. Paul and his friends wrote it between AD 50 and AD 53. That is about 20 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul was on his second main journey in which he spread the good news about Jesus. He and his friends were in the city of Corinth when they wrote the letter. We can be sure about this, and about the date, from the things mentioned in this letter and the book of the Acts.

• Paul had to leave Thessalonica and he went to the city of Beroea. From there, he went to the city of Athens (Acts 17). From Athens, he went to Corinth (Acts 18:1). Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia and were with Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-5). Then Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see what was happening with that church (1 Thessalonians 3:5). They wrote this first letter soon after Timothy had come back to join Paul and Silas in Corinth (1 Thessalonians 3:6).
• Silas and Timothy were with Paul when they wrote the letter (1 Thessalonians 1:1). Silas was only with Paul on his second main journey. So, we know that they wrote the letter during that journey.
• The ruler in Corinth was a man called Gallio. The Jews there, who were against Paul, brought him in front of Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). They accused him of breaking the law. Gallio was the ruler for one or two years, and that was between AD 51 and AD 53. As Paul was in Corinth for about 18 months, the date of the letter must have been in the period AD 50 to AD 54.

Timothy came back to Corinth with news about the church at Thessalonica. He told Paul and Silas that the church was strong but that there was much persecution. Some people were saying bad things about Paul and his friends. These people claimed that Paul’s intentions were false. Then the Christians had many questions and were in need of more teaching. So the purposes of the letter included:

1. To express the joy that the writers felt and to give thanks to God for the good news that Timothy brought.
2. To tell the Thessalonians how much they loved them. And to tell them that they cared about them. The writers wanted to encourage them as they tried to live for the Lord Jesus.
3. To answer the false things that the Jews and other people had said about Paul and his friends. These people said that Paul had come to make a profit from those who believed his message. They said that the message was not from God, but that Paul had made it up. They said that the fact that Paul had not come back showed that he did not really care about the Christians.
4. There were questions about Christians who had died. They wanted to know what would happen to those Christians when Jesus came to earth again. The authors wrote about this (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and taught some more about the return of the Lord Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11).
5. To teach that those who trust in God must not be guilty in matters to do with sex (1 Thessalonians 4:4-8). Such sins were common in the city in which they lived.

Biblical Truth

Here we are told how Jesus Christ obtained our salvation for us. He died for us. He died the death that should have been ours because of our sin. God judged all our sins and Jesus took the punishment for us. So, he will save all those who accept that Jesus died for them and trust him. He will save them from the anger of God. So great was that death that we can be sure about the future life. All who believe in him shall live with him. This is true whether we are alive then or have died. Christians need not fear missing the Lord’s return. When the Lord Jesus comes, he will raise them up. And then they will enjoy being with him.

All who believe in the Lord Jesus have his promise. The promise is that, when he comes, they will live with him. So, they can encourage each other as they speak about these things. They can help those who have doubts and fears. They can help them by showing them that the Lord accepts them. The writers want them to help each other to be strong and certain in what they believe. They need to help each other to know God better and to love him more. They were doing this already but they should go on doing it.

The writers now ask the Christians at Thessalonica to know and to respect their leaders. This would be the proper attitude toward them, because they worked so hard for the church there. They should appreciate all that these workers do for the church. It was the leaders’ task to direct and to care for the church. When any of the members did what was wrong, the leaders would have to correct them. This can be hard to do. So, those who do it well deserve respect. When any members were in need, the leaders would try to help them. The leaders had to guide the church in the right way. They made sure that the teaching in the church was true to the word of God.

Items for Discussion

• We are told to be thankful for those among us who admonish us:
  • What is our responsibility?
  • What is their responsibility?
• What are the ways one can encourage church leaders?
• How can we encourage one another?
• Why is encouragement important?
• What happens to the “Church” when encouragement is absent?

Discussion Challenge

• How can a church avoid the accidental discouragement of its leaders and members?

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  NIV New International Version Translations
• 2
  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/jeremiah1-10-lbw.htm
• 3
  http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/jeremiah/4.html
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  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm

Hosea 6:4¹NIV New International Version Translations
4 “What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.

Background²http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/hosea-lbw.htm

Hosea wrote in the middle of the eighth century BC. He gave most of his messages to Israel, the country in the north. But some of the messages were for Judah, the country in the south. The book has many curses and blessings, but there are many more curses than blessings. If we want to understand this book, we need to first understand the covenant at Sinai. The curses and blessings of Hosea are connected to this covenant.

Hosea’s job was to tell his people that there was danger. God was going to make sure that Israel kept his covenant. Hosea said that God was going to punish his people. It is the same message that many of the prophets gave before the exile. In most of the book, Hosea says that Israel will have death and illness. He also says that another nation will destroy Israel and take them away. When these things have happened, God will be able to bless Israel again. It is important that we understand what these promises mean. Israel will not be able to avoid God’s anger. Israel has broken the covenant and so the curses were going to happen soon.

Only a few people in Israel were loyal to God at this time. More people in Judah were loyal to God. Israel was a strong and rich country. The people of Israel were good at fighting wars. Because of this, people from Israel met people from other countries. This meant that Israel knew about other peoples’ gods. They forgot the commandments of Sinai. In the past, there had been a group of kings that started with Jehu in 842 BC. This group of kings ended with the death of Jeroboam 2nd (793 – 753 BC). But, after he died, there were six more kings in Israel. It was a difficult time. Other leaders in the country killed these kings. Also, there was a war between Assyria and Israel. In 734 BC, Israel became a much smaller country. This was the beginning of the end for Israel. Then, in 722 BC, Assyria destroyed Israel.

We are not sure where Hosea gave his messages. Maybe it was in Samaria and Bethel. None of the messages have dates. Hosea might have known Amos, who was older than he was. Amos also wrote messages to Israel. We do not know if Hosea spoke his messages to people. The message of 5:1-7 suggests that he did.

Biblical Truth

In verse 4, there is a change in who is speaking. In the first three verses of this chapter, it is the priests who are speaking. They say that they want to go back to God. But they do not say that they have done anything wrong. They just want God to be good to them. So, God asks them what he should do (verse 4). God also asks questions like this in 11:8-9. God says He has tried everything. When the people of Israel were rich, they forgot Him. When they were poor, they turned to other gods. They do not want to follow God’s covenant completely (verse 4).

Items for Discussion

• What is it about the human character that draws people away from God during periods of affluence?
• In a similar way, why might poverty draw people away from God?
• While it is obvious that our God is “Love,” why must God punish those who turn from Him?
• How do people keep a covenant—how do they behave?
  • With God
  • With a Country
  • With a Church
• What are the circumstances that would make people blameless before God?

Jude 24-25
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Background

The letter of Jude was one of the disputed books of the Canon. Although its canonical status was contested, its authenticity was never doubted by the Early Church. The links between the Epistle and 2 Peter, its use of the Apocryphal Books, and its brevity raised concern. It is one of the shortest books in the Bible, being only 25 verses long.

Jude is also known as Judas Thaddaeus, Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. He is sometimes identified with Jude, the brother of Jesus, but is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus prior to his crucifixion. Judas Thaddeus became known as Jude after early translators of the New Testament from Greek into English sought to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot and subsequently abbreviated his forename.

Jude is the Patron Saint of Hope and impossible causes and one of Jesus’ original twelve Apostles. He preached the Gospel with great passion, often in the most difficult circumstances. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he made profound differences in people’s lives as he offered them the Word of God. Jude died a martyr’s death for his unwavering faith. His body was later brought to Rome and placed in a crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica.

Biblical Truth³http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/jude-nh-lbw.htm

Most of Jude’s letter is about the wicked behavior of evil people and about the danger that such people are to true believers. But now Jude ends his letter on a much happier subject. He reminds his readers that their God is always their all-powerful guard. He will defend them against every evil attack.

• Jude wants to shout his final words to his Christian friends. God is so wonderful! He has done so much to prepare his loyal people to share in the family home in heaven.
• This has always been God’s great purpose from the beginning (Ephesians 5:25-27).
• To present without fault is a reference to certain perfect animals. Only these were fit for the priest to sacrifice on the altar (Exodus 29:38; Leviticus 1:3 and 3:1). This was a metaphor for the real perfect sacrifice. That was the death of Jesus the Messiah on the Cross (1 Peter 1:19-21; Ephesians 1:4-7; 1 Thessalonians 3:13). Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, God allows us to come to Him. And we can come without fear or shame.
• God also does much more. We come to share great joy – God’s great joy as well as our own.
• As a happy human family, we share love and joy with each other at home. That gives us a little glimpse of what our home in heaven will be like. We are members of the family of God the Father. We will know all the love and joy of that family in our future home.

Jude gives a list of four of God’s qualities.

1. God’s glory is the splendid beauty and wonderful light of His most holy character.
2. God’s majesty refers to His royal rule, which is universal.
3. God’s power is that of absolute control over His world. That power makes it certain that He will overcome all his enemies.
4. God’s authority refers to the way that He provides for his people. He provides everything that his people need. God passed on this authority to Jesus (Matthew 28:18).

Jude uses the words ‘before all ages’ and ‘now’ and ‘forevermore’. These words are the best that we have to refer to the past and the present and the future (Hebrews 13:8). The words emphasize God’s total and complete command of everything. The final ‘Amen’ is the Hebrew word of agreement. It means ‘Yes, certainly, let it be so’. From the earliest days of the church, ‘Amen’ has regularly ended words of prayer and praise to God.

Items for Discussion

• What comforts do you see in the comments, “keep you from stumbling?”
• Who is it that keeps you from stumbling and how is this done?
• Besides an active role in one’s life, what is the other important role of our Savior?
• Why is this other important role so important?

Discussion Challenge

• What does the Church at large need to do with respect to teaching tolerance if we are shown to be blameless in God’s eyes by Christ?

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  NIV New International Version Translations
• 2
  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/hosea-lbw.htm
• 3
  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/jude-nh-lbw.htm

Genesis 15:1-12¹NIV New International Version Translations
1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 7 He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.” 8 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” 9 So the Lord said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.” 10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. 11 Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. 12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

Background²http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/15.html

In this chapter we have a solemn treaty between God and Abram concerning a covenant that was to be established between them. The covenant to be settled between God and Abram was a covenant of promises; accordingly, here is the list of promises:

• A general assurance of God’s kindness and good-will to Abram (v. 1).
• A particular declaration of the purposes of God’s love concerning him, in two things:
  • That he would give him numerous heirs (v. 2-6).
  • That he would give him Canaan for an inheritance (v. 7-21).

Either an estate without an heir, or an heir without an estate, would have been but a half comfort to Abram. But God ensures both to him; and that which made these two, the promised seed and the promised land, comforts indeed to this great believer was that they were both typical of those two invaluable blessings we receive, Christ and heaven.

Biblical Truth

Verse 1 ‘After this’ may mean some time later, rather than immediately. Abram had refused a reward from the King of Sodom. God promised Abram a much greater reward.

Verses 2-3 The Hebrew text here is difficult. A servant could inherit goods if his owner had no children. That was a custom. Such a servant was usually young. His master would adopt him as a son. We do not know anything about Eliezer. But perhaps he is the same man as Abram’s chief servant in chapter 24. If so, Eliezer was very loyal to his master.

Verse 4 It was not God’s plan that Eliezer would inherit. God wanted to bless people from every nation by means of Abram. God’s plan was that Jesus would be one of Abram’s descendants.

Verse 5 God promised that Abram would have his own child, grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and so on.

Verse 6 Abram was not perfect, but he believed God. So God judged him as not sinful. We should believe that Jesus died for us. Then God will judge us as not sinful (Romans chapter 4).
This is a very important verse. We cannot please God because of our own efforts. We can only please God if we trust him. Paul repeats this verse in Galatians 3:6. And Hebrews 11:8-9 explains how Abram trusted God.

Verse 7 This verse is like Genesis 28:13 and Exodus 3:6. God showed Abram who God himself really is. God is always the only real God. There is no other real God. It was the same God who called Abram. It was the same God who guided Abram to the country called Canaan. And it was the same God who was making these promises to Abram. So, Abram could continue to trust God.

Verses 8-11 This was a special ceremony called the covenant. Enemies used to make a covenant at the end of a war. Each side made serious promises. They killed animals. But Abram’s covenant was different. He did not make this covenant with another man. Abram’s covenant was with God.

Verse 12 Abram was a friend of God. So, God told Abram about his plans (Genesis 18:17-19). God’s plans for Abram’s family were good, but there would be many terrible troubles. Abram waited for God to speak.

Items for Discussion

• Explain in your own words, what a covenant between two parties is?
• What makes a covenant work?
• What do you think of the fact that Abrams selfish position of wanting an heir became a covenant between him and God?
• What was Abrams role (duties) in keeping this covenant?
• How might we apply these principles to our relationship to God today?

Matthew 21:28-31
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

Background

This is not a parable to the disciples, but to the chief priests and elders of the people, whose heritage or fine credentials alone would not give them the right to continue to rule. Jesus tells the story of a son who says he will work and then does not as opposed to a son who says he will not but repents and does his father’s wishes. The former son represents the leadership of Israel who agreed to the covenant with God but rejected it. The latter son represents the tax collectors and harlots whose lives were sinful but who were willing to repent.

Biblical Truth³http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/matthew21-28-im-lbw.htm

Jesus told a simple story to a group of leaders. He asked them to think about it. In the story, the man asked both his sons to go and to work in his vineyard. One son said that he would go. But he did not go. The other son said that he would not go. But later he did go. The leaders all agreed on the answer. The son who went was the son who obeyed his father. Therefore, that son did what his father wanted. What matters most is the action, not the promise.

In the opinion of those leaders, the men who collected taxes and the prostitutes were the most sinful people. But those people believed what John the Baptist taught. John taught the people the right way to live. They repented and they changed their lives. They began to serve God because of the things taught to them. The Jewish leaders had seen the effects in the lives of those people. However, those leaders still did not believe in John’s message and they did not repent. Therefore, those sinful people would go into the kingdom before the leaders of their religion. The way into the kingdom is by means of repentance and faith. If the leaders had believed John, they would have accepted Jesus.

Items for Discussion

• How does the study title, “Promise or Performance” fit this parable?
• Where in society today do we see this parable come to life?
• Can religion ever be divorced from morality? Why or why not?
• If you had to summarize “repentance” for someone, what would you say it is?
• Why is it never too late to repent?

Discussion Challenge

• What would the “attitude of repentance” look like in a modern day church?

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  NIV New International Version Translations
• 2
  http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/15.html
• 3
  http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/matthew21-28-im-lbw.htm