This Sunday marks the third week of our series, Jesus Wins. As we move deeper into our series to establish a sound context for spiritual warfare and our victory in Jesus, we come to questions surrounding the origins of evil and God’s response to Lucifer’s pride. Where did sin originate? Who is responsible for it? What possible relevance does sin’s origin have to you and me?
These are profound and necessary questions for every Christian to consider. Indeed, our culture asks these questions reportedly in the face of pain and misery.
See the following YouTube video of Dr. Ravi Zacharias answering a student’s question at a university forum. Just Google YouTube Ravi Zaharias “Who is responsible for evil?” to see this seven minute clip. It is a great set-up for Sunday’s message.
A quick review… Sermon #1 – “In the Beginning” – We saw that there is what the Hebrew call a “hard break” or a “full stop” at the end of Genesis 1:1. As we noted, this means that God’s perfect creation set forth in verse 1 is somehow radically altered before we get to verse 2. Somehow between verse 1 and verse 2 what was created perfect, as a function of the perfect One who created it, has become a shapeless void, or as the Hebrew describe it, “a wreck and a ruin.” So what happened? Sermon #2 – “The Son of the Morning” – Lucifer, the most glorious being God ever made (“the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty”), says in his heart, “I will make myself like the Most High.”(Isaiah 14:12-14) Both Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 explain the giant chasm that exists between verses 1 and 2 of Genesis 1. And so we examined in some detail, four elements of Lucifer’s proud rebellion against the Most High God.
But all of this begs a few questions: How did this happen? How did such wickedness find a home in Lucifer’s heart? Was it environmental? Was it the negative influence of the angelic court? Was it God Himself who placed in Lucifer this evil desire? Or, is there another answer? It’s to such questions that we turn our attention this week in a message entitled, “The First Fall”.
After last week’s message someone asked, “What Scriptural evidence is there to suggest that Lucifer was given other responsibilities besides ruler or king over God’s creation? You mentioned “prophet” and “priest”, but what biblical evidence is there to support such conjecture?” To which I replied, “Come next week.” As we will see in Ezekiel 28:11-19 this week, the sin of Lucifer was an abrogation of all three offices or roles – prophet, priest, and king. The sin of his heart causes him to violate each of these divinely ordained offices.
In preparation for Sunday you may wish to consider the following:
1. What was Diogenes’ relationship with Plato?
2. Consider the full meaning of verse 14 in other translations. (The Hebrew says, “You were anointed the cherub that covers…”)
3. What was the kaphor or the cover used in the tabernacle?
4. Whose office was responsible for the sprinkling of the blood on the cover?
5. What is the problem with traveling back to Genesis 3 for the answer to the question, “Where did evil come from?”
6. What does God mean in verse 16 when He says, “Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence and you sinned?
7. What was Lucifer’s “trade”?
8. How does I Timothy 3:1-6 relate to verse 18?
9. What is the correlation between I Timothy 3:6 and Lucifer’s sin?
10. What is the role of the prophet? How does Lucifer lose that function? (see verse 16)
11. What does it mean to say that God’s sentence on Lucifer has been passed, but not executed?
See you Sunday!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Son of the Morning
There are a few New Testament texts that are completely relevant to our study of Jesus’ victory over the coming months. In I Corinthians 2, Paul follows up on the theme that God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise; the weak to shame the strong; and the low and despised in the world to bring to nothing things that are highly acclaimed.
He says, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” What an admission! It echoes the truth Jesus speaks to Nicodemus in John 3 when He says, “That which is born of flesh is flesh. That which is born of Spirit is Spirit.”
Then over in Matthew 12, Jesus is pronouncing woes on a couple of Palestinian cities. Suddenly He shifts His focus to His Heavenly Father saying, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” Now think of what that means. His Father’s will is to reveal Himself and His truth to His children. Because of His grace the Father will be known by His children. But how do his children put themselves in a place where they receive His revelation? By humbling themselves and seeking His face.
Last week’s message ended with several questions. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (PERIOD) And the earth became a wreck and a ruin, and darkness covered the face of the deep.” What happened? What caused God to destroy what He had created? What was the catalyst for God’s perfect creation becoming a wreck and a ruin? The same thing Paul is warning the Corinthians against – PRIDE.
This week we turn to two biblical prophets, Ezekiel and Isaiah, to fill in the space between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Here in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 God pulls back the curtain and lets us see back in time, to a time before time began, when the greatest, most glorious being God ever created, in his pride rebelled against the sovereignty and majesty of God. According to the prophets it was an event that was seen by all the heavenly host. Indeed, Jesus refers to the event in Luke 10, when He says to His disciples, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven…do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
This week our focus is on the one called by many names in Scripture – Beelzebub, Satan, the devil, the great dragon, etc. But, before Genesis 1:2, before his fall, he was known by only one name – Lucifer – which comes from the Hebrew root heyler meaning “to shine”, “to bear.” When the Hebrew text was translated into Latin the word used for him was Lucifer, meaning “the morning star.” Who is he? What can we know of him? What is the position he once occupied? What is the nature of his fall? All of these questions will be addressed this Sunday in a message entitled, “The Son of the Morning.”
In preparation for Sunday you may wish to consider the following:
1. What do you make of these words? “God loves your fault mixed with repentance more than your virtue seasoned with pride.”
2. What are the seven deadly sins?
3. How is pride the foundation for all sin?
4. What is the context of Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28?
5. Who is the King of Tyre? Does history record a “King of Tyre”?
6. What other examples are found in Scripture where God speaks of an event, past or present, by linking it to an historic figure?
7. How is the one described here in Ezekiel 28 unlike any human being?
8. What offices did Lucifer appear to hold prior to his fall?
9. Did Satan truly have the authority to make good on his temptation in Luke 4:6?
10. What is the cause of Lucifer’s rebellion? (v. 17)
11. What is at the root of unbelief and rejection of Christ?
Looking forward to Sunday!
He says, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” What an admission! It echoes the truth Jesus speaks to Nicodemus in John 3 when He says, “That which is born of flesh is flesh. That which is born of Spirit is Spirit.”
Then over in Matthew 12, Jesus is pronouncing woes on a couple of Palestinian cities. Suddenly He shifts His focus to His Heavenly Father saying, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” Now think of what that means. His Father’s will is to reveal Himself and His truth to His children. Because of His grace the Father will be known by His children. But how do his children put themselves in a place where they receive His revelation? By humbling themselves and seeking His face.
Last week’s message ended with several questions. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (PERIOD) And the earth became a wreck and a ruin, and darkness covered the face of the deep.” What happened? What caused God to destroy what He had created? What was the catalyst for God’s perfect creation becoming a wreck and a ruin? The same thing Paul is warning the Corinthians against – PRIDE.
This week we turn to two biblical prophets, Ezekiel and Isaiah, to fill in the space between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Here in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 God pulls back the curtain and lets us see back in time, to a time before time began, when the greatest, most glorious being God ever created, in his pride rebelled against the sovereignty and majesty of God. According to the prophets it was an event that was seen by all the heavenly host. Indeed, Jesus refers to the event in Luke 10, when He says to His disciples, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven…do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
This week our focus is on the one called by many names in Scripture – Beelzebub, Satan, the devil, the great dragon, etc. But, before Genesis 1:2, before his fall, he was known by only one name – Lucifer – which comes from the Hebrew root heyler meaning “to shine”, “to bear.” When the Hebrew text was translated into Latin the word used for him was Lucifer, meaning “the morning star.” Who is he? What can we know of him? What is the position he once occupied? What is the nature of his fall? All of these questions will be addressed this Sunday in a message entitled, “The Son of the Morning.”
In preparation for Sunday you may wish to consider the following:
1. What do you make of these words? “God loves your fault mixed with repentance more than your virtue seasoned with pride.”
2. What are the seven deadly sins?
3. How is pride the foundation for all sin?
4. What is the context of Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28?
5. Who is the King of Tyre? Does history record a “King of Tyre”?
6. What other examples are found in Scripture where God speaks of an event, past or present, by linking it to an historic figure?
7. How is the one described here in Ezekiel 28 unlike any human being?
8. What offices did Lucifer appear to hold prior to his fall?
9. Did Satan truly have the authority to make good on his temptation in Luke 4:6?
10. What is the cause of Lucifer’s rebellion? (v. 17)
11. What is at the root of unbelief and rejection of Christ?
Looking forward to Sunday!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
In the Beginning
Many years ago, in the early days of radio, in a certain central Pennsylvania town, there was a radio station that carried “The Bible Study Hour” with Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse. The problem was that the station was so remote from the transmitting station in Philadelphia that often on a Sunday evening another signal, from New York City, would often bleed into the Philadelphia broadcast. Instead of Barnhouse, the New York City station would be broadcasting the morning sermon of a New York City preacher.
Over time a woman listener wrote to Dr. Barnhouse telling him of the problem, and her sure-fire remedy. She said, “If I hear a voice talking about the dignity of the human personality, I know that I’ve got the New York station. But if I hear the voice saying that a man must be born again, I know that I have Dr. Barnhouse from Philadelphia.”
Within that exaggeration is a profound truth; a truth that is at the heart of our ministry at Hebron. I am convinced that a ministry that seeks to exalt mankind can, in the end, do no good for mankind. On the contrary, the ministry that sets forth the truth of man’s complete ruin in sin and God’s perfect remedy in Christ, can best reach the true need of any man and woman, and bring the only remedy that can heal the heart that God has declared humanly incurable (Jeremiah 17:9).
In the middle of June, Tim and I finished a year-long series on our brokenness and our transformation through Christ alone. And throughout the series we heard from many that it was the best series because all of us know what it’s like to be broken in our relationship with God, others, the world, and ourselves. From Scripture as well as contemporary life we saw how Jesus alone can address our two basic needs – to love and be loved and have a sense of worth.
This week we begin a deeper dissection of both the problem and the solution by going back to the beginning of the Scriptures. Have you ever wondered what’s behind the trials, the sufferings, and the difficulties of life? Have you ever wondered why a good God allows such misery? Why did He come to this world as a suffering Servant? And why, if God created all things good are things so screwed up?
Years ago several people suggested that we preach a sermon series on spiritual warfare. The reason they gave for their request was that they saw a lot of people being spiritually bloodied and battered and not appropriating the full armor of God (Ephesians 6). And while I sympathized with them, I felt less than equipped to frame the topic in its proper context. What’s more, I remained unconvinced that the proper groundwork had been established in our preaching to provide for widespread reception of the message.
In the last few months, however, there has been a confluence of two events that has convinced me that the time is right: (1) the completion of our last series; and (2) the digestion of the book The Invisible War by Donald Grey Barnhouse.
I quote from H.H. Ehrenstein’s preface (Ehrenstein is the former Editor of Eternity Magazine and the Director of Biblical Studies Evangelical Foundation, Inc.):
“Two features of the ministry of the late Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse made his witness unique: his tremendous insight into Scripture, and his remarkable ability to bring the truths he gleaned from his study to the Christian layman in such a way as to make the Bible come alive. Those who have heard Dr. Barnhouse teach, and those who have read his writings, can testify that this is true. In The Invisible War, Dr. Barnhouse explored a theme rarely touched upon by students of the Bible: the great conflict which exists in the spirit realm. Although almost entirely unrecognized by mankind, this warfare affects, in one way or another, the life of every person on earth and especially the life of the child of God.”
As we neared the end of our last series, I happened to be reading this book and instantly I thought what a perfect follow-up to drive us deeper in our understanding of both the ruin and the remedy.
We begin this week at the beginning – Genesis 1:1-2. In preparation for Sunday’s message you may wish to consider the following:
1. What do you think is meant by orthodox biblical scholars when they say, “Context is king”?
2. How has your understanding of the meaning of a biblical text and its application been expanded by greater insight into the context of the text?
3. Can you think of any recent examples of this from the preaching at Hebron, your reading of expositional works, etc.?
4. When you read Genesis 1:1-2, how do you read the “period” at the end of verse 1? Is it the end of a truth or more like a comma or the continuation of a thought?
5. Have you ever heard that Genesis 1 & 2 contain two creation accounts? Do you believe that? If so, where do you see a break between account #1 and #2?
6. If God is perfect, how do you explain Him creating anything like what we see in Genesis 1:2a?
7. What does it mean when theologians say God created ex nihilo?
8. How does Isaiah 45:18 bear on the events of Genesis 1:1-2?
9. How is Bible study like fitting a puzzle together?
10. The word “create” is found in Genesis 1:1 and not again until Genesis 1:27. Why do you suppose that is?
Can’t wait for Sunday! See you then!
Over time a woman listener wrote to Dr. Barnhouse telling him of the problem, and her sure-fire remedy. She said, “If I hear a voice talking about the dignity of the human personality, I know that I’ve got the New York station. But if I hear the voice saying that a man must be born again, I know that I have Dr. Barnhouse from Philadelphia.”
Within that exaggeration is a profound truth; a truth that is at the heart of our ministry at Hebron. I am convinced that a ministry that seeks to exalt mankind can, in the end, do no good for mankind. On the contrary, the ministry that sets forth the truth of man’s complete ruin in sin and God’s perfect remedy in Christ, can best reach the true need of any man and woman, and bring the only remedy that can heal the heart that God has declared humanly incurable (Jeremiah 17:9).
In the middle of June, Tim and I finished a year-long series on our brokenness and our transformation through Christ alone. And throughout the series we heard from many that it was the best series because all of us know what it’s like to be broken in our relationship with God, others, the world, and ourselves. From Scripture as well as contemporary life we saw how Jesus alone can address our two basic needs – to love and be loved and have a sense of worth.
This week we begin a deeper dissection of both the problem and the solution by going back to the beginning of the Scriptures. Have you ever wondered what’s behind the trials, the sufferings, and the difficulties of life? Have you ever wondered why a good God allows such misery? Why did He come to this world as a suffering Servant? And why, if God created all things good are things so screwed up?
Years ago several people suggested that we preach a sermon series on spiritual warfare. The reason they gave for their request was that they saw a lot of people being spiritually bloodied and battered and not appropriating the full armor of God (Ephesians 6). And while I sympathized with them, I felt less than equipped to frame the topic in its proper context. What’s more, I remained unconvinced that the proper groundwork had been established in our preaching to provide for widespread reception of the message.
In the last few months, however, there has been a confluence of two events that has convinced me that the time is right: (1) the completion of our last series; and (2) the digestion of the book The Invisible War by Donald Grey Barnhouse.
I quote from H.H. Ehrenstein’s preface (Ehrenstein is the former Editor of Eternity Magazine and the Director of Biblical Studies Evangelical Foundation, Inc.):
“Two features of the ministry of the late Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse made his witness unique: his tremendous insight into Scripture, and his remarkable ability to bring the truths he gleaned from his study to the Christian layman in such a way as to make the Bible come alive. Those who have heard Dr. Barnhouse teach, and those who have read his writings, can testify that this is true. In The Invisible War, Dr. Barnhouse explored a theme rarely touched upon by students of the Bible: the great conflict which exists in the spirit realm. Although almost entirely unrecognized by mankind, this warfare affects, in one way or another, the life of every person on earth and especially the life of the child of God.”
As we neared the end of our last series, I happened to be reading this book and instantly I thought what a perfect follow-up to drive us deeper in our understanding of both the ruin and the remedy.
We begin this week at the beginning – Genesis 1:1-2. In preparation for Sunday’s message you may wish to consider the following:
1. What do you think is meant by orthodox biblical scholars when they say, “Context is king”?
2. How has your understanding of the meaning of a biblical text and its application been expanded by greater insight into the context of the text?
3. Can you think of any recent examples of this from the preaching at Hebron, your reading of expositional works, etc.?
4. When you read Genesis 1:1-2, how do you read the “period” at the end of verse 1? Is it the end of a truth or more like a comma or the continuation of a thought?
5. Have you ever heard that Genesis 1 & 2 contain two creation accounts? Do you believe that? If so, where do you see a break between account #1 and #2?
6. If God is perfect, how do you explain Him creating anything like what we see in Genesis 1:2a?
7. What does it mean when theologians say God created ex nihilo?
8. How does Isaiah 45:18 bear on the events of Genesis 1:1-2?
9. How is Bible study like fitting a puzzle together?
10. The word “create” is found in Genesis 1:1 and not again until Genesis 1:27. Why do you suppose that is?
Can’t wait for Sunday! See you then!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
"A 'Labor' of Love"
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! They are considered by many to be the crucial issue of this election year in our nation. Many talk about more jobs, better jobs, secure jobs, etc. Obviously jobs play a key part in supplying our basic needs and hopefully providing a measure of security and prosperity as well. Jobs are a big part of most of our daily lives, not only financially, but also in regard to our schedules and even our emotions. Even retirees and those unable to work are affected daily by the jobs of others.
Labor Day was instituted as a federal holiday in 1894 to recognize the economic and social contributions of American workers. I find it rather humorous that we take a day off to honor work! All kidding aside, it is appropriate to recognize the value and benefits of jobs (work) and workers.
So does the Bible have anything to say about jobs, work, toil, labor, etc? Yes, it does! The fourth Commandment acknowledges that the Sabbath was to follow a work week even as God created for six days and rested on the seventh. William Barclay noted that Jesus the carpenter was a "working man". Hard work went into making the Old Testament worship facilities of the Tabernacle and Temple. Proverbs is filled with verses contrasting the benefits of work with the ills of laziness and lack of productivity. The parables of Jesus often include the activities of workers to illustrate the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul noted that workers deserve their wages and those who won't work shouldn't eat. Our whole approach to life, be it our job or our spiritual maturity, is to be that of a good worker.
Next time you come to church, please remember all the work that went in to having the facilities, electronic systems, refreshments, music and Bible teaching ready for meaningful workship (er, I mean worship).
See you Sunday!
1. Read about God as a worker. Exodus 20:11, 31:17; Hebrews 4:10
2. Who is an excellent worker that we can learn from? Proverbs 6:6-8
3. What does the Bible say about "slacking off"? Proverbs 18:9
4. Study Matthew 13. What various jobs or workers did Jesus describe to make His point?
5. What kind of job did Paul have in addition to the work of the ministry? Acts 18:2-3
6. What is a good biblical guide for our jobs or any responsibility in life? Colossians 3:23
7. Note the wonderful testimony of our Lord Jesus! John 17:4
Labor Day was instituted as a federal holiday in 1894 to recognize the economic and social contributions of American workers. I find it rather humorous that we take a day off to honor work! All kidding aside, it is appropriate to recognize the value and benefits of jobs (work) and workers.
So does the Bible have anything to say about jobs, work, toil, labor, etc? Yes, it does! The fourth Commandment acknowledges that the Sabbath was to follow a work week even as God created for six days and rested on the seventh. William Barclay noted that Jesus the carpenter was a "working man". Hard work went into making the Old Testament worship facilities of the Tabernacle and Temple. Proverbs is filled with verses contrasting the benefits of work with the ills of laziness and lack of productivity. The parables of Jesus often include the activities of workers to illustrate the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul noted that workers deserve their wages and those who won't work shouldn't eat. Our whole approach to life, be it our job or our spiritual maturity, is to be that of a good worker.
Next time you come to church, please remember all the work that went in to having the facilities, electronic systems, refreshments, music and Bible teaching ready for meaningful workship (er, I mean worship).
See you Sunday!
1. Read about God as a worker. Exodus 20:11, 31:17; Hebrews 4:10
2. Who is an excellent worker that we can learn from? Proverbs 6:6-8
3. What does the Bible say about "slacking off"? Proverbs 18:9
4. Study Matthew 13. What various jobs or workers did Jesus describe to make His point?
5. What kind of job did Paul have in addition to the work of the ministry? Acts 18:2-3
6. What is a good biblical guide for our jobs or any responsibility in life? Colossians 3:23
7. Note the wonderful testimony of our Lord Jesus! John 17:4
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Looking to Jesus
I am writing this e-newsletter preview of Sunday, August 26th’s sermon on Monday, August 20. There’s a lot about August 20 that gets my attention today. First, it is the 29th anniversary of our wedding – the hottest day in the history of Philadelphia! Today is also the 72nd anniversary of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s address to the House of Commons in the aftermath of the first chapter of the Battle of Britain.
If you happened to watch the Olympic coverage from London you may remember the one-hour piece on the Battle of Britain narrated by 72-year-old Tom Brokaw. The feature was entitled “Our Finest Hour”, taken from a Churchill speech given in the House of Commons months before the battle. However, as we prepare to take a fresh look at Luke 22:14-20 this week, it’s not that May 15, 1940 speech that captures my attention, but the one given on August 20, 1940.
A few weeks ago I read a report of newspaperman, Rupert Davis, who interviewed General Ismay, Churchill’s chief military assistant. In the interview General Hastings Lionel “Pug” Ismay told of riding to Parliament with the Prime Minister that night. As they started out, Churchill turned to the General and said that he’d like to rehearse the speech in front of him. So he began to read it. But when he got near the end, he uttered a line that turned out to be the most famous line in the speech. Interestingly, the words he read in the car were quite different than the ones he uttered on the floor of the House of Commons later that night. It was the General’s remonstration that affected the change, and at the center of his remonstration was Jesus Christ. I’ll tell you all about it on Sunday.
This week is Communion Sunday at Hebron and we will focus on the Last Supper and the familiar words Jesus utters there. The problem with the familiarity of these words is that we often pass over them as if we know them. I would submit that these words of Jesus in verses 15 and 19 are rarely mined to the depth of their meaning. That’s what we will seek to do on Sunday in a message entitled, “Looking to Jesus.” We will find in the words of Jesus – the Desire, the Direction, and the Declaration of Jesus – all of which are reminders to us that our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. It is ever the work of the Holy Spirit to turn our eyes away from ourselves and on to Him. My prayer is that He will do just that this Sunday.
In preparation for Sunday you may wish to consider the following.
1. What was “Pug’s” objection to Churchill’s words in the car that night?
2. Why is Jesus so interested in eating this Passover meal with His disciples? Haven’t they eaten Passover’s before?
3. What is the depth of Jesus’ desire here?
4. What is different about this Passover meal?
5. What does Jesus mean when He says, “This is my body”?
6. How does knowing His meaning affect your discipleship?
7. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Do this in remembrance of me”?
8. How does our memory of all that happens around that table comport with God’s memory?
See you Sunday!
If you happened to watch the Olympic coverage from London you may remember the one-hour piece on the Battle of Britain narrated by 72-year-old Tom Brokaw. The feature was entitled “Our Finest Hour”, taken from a Churchill speech given in the House of Commons months before the battle. However, as we prepare to take a fresh look at Luke 22:14-20 this week, it’s not that May 15, 1940 speech that captures my attention, but the one given on August 20, 1940.
A few weeks ago I read a report of newspaperman, Rupert Davis, who interviewed General Ismay, Churchill’s chief military assistant. In the interview General Hastings Lionel “Pug” Ismay told of riding to Parliament with the Prime Minister that night. As they started out, Churchill turned to the General and said that he’d like to rehearse the speech in front of him. So he began to read it. But when he got near the end, he uttered a line that turned out to be the most famous line in the speech. Interestingly, the words he read in the car were quite different than the ones he uttered on the floor of the House of Commons later that night. It was the General’s remonstration that affected the change, and at the center of his remonstration was Jesus Christ. I’ll tell you all about it on Sunday.
This week is Communion Sunday at Hebron and we will focus on the Last Supper and the familiar words Jesus utters there. The problem with the familiarity of these words is that we often pass over them as if we know them. I would submit that these words of Jesus in verses 15 and 19 are rarely mined to the depth of their meaning. That’s what we will seek to do on Sunday in a message entitled, “Looking to Jesus.” We will find in the words of Jesus – the Desire, the Direction, and the Declaration of Jesus – all of which are reminders to us that our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. It is ever the work of the Holy Spirit to turn our eyes away from ourselves and on to Him. My prayer is that He will do just that this Sunday.
In preparation for Sunday you may wish to consider the following.
1. What was “Pug’s” objection to Churchill’s words in the car that night?
2. Why is Jesus so interested in eating this Passover meal with His disciples? Haven’t they eaten Passover’s before?
3. What is the depth of Jesus’ desire here?
4. What is different about this Passover meal?
5. What does Jesus mean when He says, “This is my body”?
6. How does knowing His meaning affect your discipleship?
7. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Do this in remembrance of me”?
8. How does our memory of all that happens around that table comport with God’s memory?
See you Sunday!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Transformed Thief
I still remember as a boy going to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Our church Boy’s Brigade group visited the museum there which houses magnificent paintings including one of the Crucifixion. That's where I first really thought about the repentant thief on the cross represented in the painting. Down through the years since then I have heard sermons about him – sermons that emphasized the legitimacy of "death bed" conversions, that baptism is not necessary for salvation, and that we either receive or reject Christ illustrated by the two thieves.
While all of that is important to consider, the theme that comes to my heart from our text is HOPE! The repentant thief not only was a robber, but he also taunted Jesus and yet was saved. This thief was already nailed to a cross and yet was saved. This thief had no opportunity to make amends to those he had wronged and yet was saved. Another way to say HOPE is - "It's not too late"! No matter how old you are, bad you are, or down you are; it is not too late to be saved! You can even be nailed to a cross and still get saved by believing in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This week we will consider the following: How Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy by being crucified with criminals. How He died with sinners and for sinners. (That's good news for us sinners). Why the thief went from taunting Jesus to trusting Jesus. What marvelous promises and amazing grace Jesus offered this crucified criminal. Finally, beyond our hope for the future in Christ I want us to have the hope of transformation in the here and now. HOPE that it's not too late to find solutions to the challenges of our earthly "crosses"!
See you Sunday!
1. Study Isaiah 53:9-12. What could prophetically connect this passage with Jesus dying between two thieves?
2. Can you think of any significance to the fact Jesus died on the middle cross between the two thieves? Mark 15:27
3. Were the thieves the only ones who mocked Jesus? Study Mark 15:16-20, 29-32.
4. Do you struggle to think that such a sinner as this condemned criminal could be saved? Study I Timothy 1:15
5. The repentant thief was in good company with his prayer to have Jesus remember him. Study Nehemiah 13:14,22; Psalm 106:4
6. What does the Bible teach us about Paradise?
7. In Luke 23:43 I find Jesus making the repentant thief three promises - 1) Today... 2) you will be with Me... 3) in Paradise. Which one (s) stand out to you and why?
While all of that is important to consider, the theme that comes to my heart from our text is HOPE! The repentant thief not only was a robber, but he also taunted Jesus and yet was saved. This thief was already nailed to a cross and yet was saved. This thief had no opportunity to make amends to those he had wronged and yet was saved. Another way to say HOPE is - "It's not too late"! No matter how old you are, bad you are, or down you are; it is not too late to be saved! You can even be nailed to a cross and still get saved by believing in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This week we will consider the following: How Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy by being crucified with criminals. How He died with sinners and for sinners. (That's good news for us sinners). Why the thief went from taunting Jesus to trusting Jesus. What marvelous promises and amazing grace Jesus offered this crucified criminal. Finally, beyond our hope for the future in Christ I want us to have the hope of transformation in the here and now. HOPE that it's not too late to find solutions to the challenges of our earthly "crosses"!
See you Sunday!
1. Study Isaiah 53:9-12. What could prophetically connect this passage with Jesus dying between two thieves?
2. Can you think of any significance to the fact Jesus died on the middle cross between the two thieves? Mark 15:27
3. Were the thieves the only ones who mocked Jesus? Study Mark 15:16-20, 29-32.
4. Do you struggle to think that such a sinner as this condemned criminal could be saved? Study I Timothy 1:15
5. The repentant thief was in good company with his prayer to have Jesus remember him. Study Nehemiah 13:14,22; Psalm 106:4
6. What does the Bible teach us about Paradise?
7. In Luke 23:43 I find Jesus making the repentant thief three promises - 1) Today... 2) you will be with Me... 3) in Paradise. Which one (s) stand out to you and why?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
"Live...Today"
Hebron family – It is with great pleasure and excitement that I prepare the sermon for this Sunday. This is Jay Mitlo and I have been burdened by some Scripture that has really come alive to me in the past few months. As Trey continues to live - truly live, even though he is dying, I have had God work hard in me to understand some of His word. We will be looking at 2 primary selections from Matthew this week. They are: Matthew 6:25-34 and 16:21-25.
Up to the past couple of years I have looked at these verses and have been left either feeling guilty or simply confused. The Matthew 6 selection is where Jesus tells His disciples to not be anxious. Most often, I read this and began to really feel anxious…for feeling anxious. In Matthew 16 Jesus tells them that if they seek to save their life they will lose it, and if they lose their life they will save or find it. Yeah, that didn’t exactly make a whole lot of sense to me so I always tabled it for future understanding. Apparently, that time is now.
So, as you prepare your hearts for Sunday (or rather, as you allow God to prepare your hearts) I would encourage you to look at what makes you anxious. Can you categorize it? Are there some things that cause you to grip tight all the time and other things that just get you from time to time? Further, what does it mean to you to take up your cross daily and follow Him? Is it about you and the things you do? Is it about sharing in Christ, His suffering, and His plans for you here on earth while you are here? Both?
I am blessed and honored to share with you what God has revealed to me. I look forward to being with you Sunday.
Peace,
Jay Mitlo
Up to the past couple of years I have looked at these verses and have been left either feeling guilty or simply confused. The Matthew 6 selection is where Jesus tells His disciples to not be anxious. Most often, I read this and began to really feel anxious…for feeling anxious. In Matthew 16 Jesus tells them that if they seek to save their life they will lose it, and if they lose their life they will save or find it. Yeah, that didn’t exactly make a whole lot of sense to me so I always tabled it for future understanding. Apparently, that time is now.
So, as you prepare your hearts for Sunday (or rather, as you allow God to prepare your hearts) I would encourage you to look at what makes you anxious. Can you categorize it? Are there some things that cause you to grip tight all the time and other things that just get you from time to time? Further, what does it mean to you to take up your cross daily and follow Him? Is it about you and the things you do? Is it about sharing in Christ, His suffering, and His plans for you here on earth while you are here? Both?
I am blessed and honored to share with you what God has revealed to me. I look forward to being with you Sunday.
Peace,
Jay Mitlo
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