National Election
The scripture verse listed as our title for this blog is certainly timely for us at this time in our nation.
My heart does ache as I see our nation go through a very uncertain and troubling time as we anticipate a very important election of a new president on November 8. I am asking that you join me in praying that people of faith will go to the polls and vote. Yes, I agree that the decision of which candidate is the right choice is very difficult when one measures each candidates' character by our Biblical principles. May I suggest that you examine not only their character but the stated policies that they will endorse if elected. Another point to consider is the quality and belief system of each Vice President. If either Mr. Trump or Secretary Clinton were unable to fulfill their duties as President because of health issues or other issues which Vice President is the right choice.
Again, join me in praying for our nation and go to the polls and vote.
Our Bible Study for Sunday, October 23, 2016, is John 14:1-31.
Topics and sections:
Verse 1: General Scope of the chapter
Verses 2-4: Describes our Heavenly Dwelling Place
Verses 5-7: Thomas' Question and Jesus' Response
Verses 9-12; Philip's Question and Jesus'Response
Verses 13-15:Conditions of Prayer
Verses 16-17: Coming of our Helper
Verses 18- 21: God the Father's Love
Verses 22-25: Judas' (Thaddeus) Question and Jesus' Response
Verses 26-31: Our Advocate
Please take the time this week to read through this chapter four or five times. As Jesus interacts with his apostles, he assures them of God' love, His love, and that once he is no longer on planet earth, they will have a helper and advocate, the Holy Spirit. He communicates that after his death that they will see Him before his ascension and after his ascension he will return at some time in the future.
This is a very difficult time for his disciples. Jesus is speaking to them to prepare them for his death and departure.
Three disciples, Thomas, Philip and Judas(Thaddeus), asked three important questions.
What are these questions? What is Jesus' response?
Thomas' question:"Lord, we do not know where you are going. How do we know the way?"
Thomas' question provoked one of the greatest things that Jesus ever said.
John 14:6: "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
I am the Way: The Jews talked much about the way in which men must walk and the ways of God. Read these scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:32,33; 31:29; Isaiah 30:21; 35:8; Psalm 27:11
I am the Truth: Read these scriptures: Psalm 86;11; 26:3; 119:30.
I am the Life: Read these scriptures: Proverbs 6:23; 10:17; 16:11
What is the meaning of the following words:
Heart: "Kardia" see Shepherd's Notes page 67:
Read these scriptures: Ephesians 3:18; John 12:40; Romans 1:21; 2 Peter 1:19
Another counselor:" Paraclete" See Shepherd's Notes page 70
Answer the questions to guide your study: Shepherd's Notes page 70
See you Sunday.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Saturday, October 15, 2016
BEGINNING THE PRIVATE MINISTRY OF CHRIST
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Lesson John 13:1-38
We will examine the following sections:
Verses 1-20: Christ the Servant
Verses 21 - 30: Jesus predicts his Betrayal
Verses 31-32: The Fourfold Glory
Verses 33-35: The Farewell Command
Verses 36-38: Prediction of Peter's Denial
In Review:
John 5-12: Jesus' public ministry was mainly to his people, the Jews. John emphasized the seven "I Am" statements and the seven signs. In these chapters Jesus demonstrates that He is the Light of the World. As John pens the last chapters of his gospel he shows Jesus' love for the world.
As we study the scriptures, we recognize that in many passages there is a meaning that lies on the surface and there is a meaning which is beneath the surface. In John 13, there are several passages that fit this description.
For example in John 13:8. Jesus reply to Peter when he said "you shall never wash my feet", Jesus's answer, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Think about this response as to the deeper meaning. You may discover some of the meaning in verses 9 and 10. Also read Titus 3:4-6.
Another example, What is the difference in Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial as to their present and eternal relationship to Jesus?
I hope that you had a wonderful week. I had a great trip to Branson, Mo. We had 31 people that went and the Moses Production was beyond words to describe. Jacob, of course, was outstanding. We met with him after the production and he took us on a tour of the backstage. This production will continue next year March through December.
See you Sunday.
Lesson John 13:1-38
We will examine the following sections:
Verses 1-20: Christ the Servant
Verses 21 - 30: Jesus predicts his Betrayal
Verses 31-32: The Fourfold Glory
Verses 33-35: The Farewell Command
Verses 36-38: Prediction of Peter's Denial
In Review:
John 5-12: Jesus' public ministry was mainly to his people, the Jews. John emphasized the seven "I Am" statements and the seven signs. In these chapters Jesus demonstrates that He is the Light of the World. As John pens the last chapters of his gospel he shows Jesus' love for the world.
As we study the scriptures, we recognize that in many passages there is a meaning that lies on the surface and there is a meaning which is beneath the surface. In John 13, there are several passages that fit this description.
For example in John 13:8. Jesus reply to Peter when he said "you shall never wash my feet", Jesus's answer, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Think about this response as to the deeper meaning. You may discover some of the meaning in verses 9 and 10. Also read Titus 3:4-6.
Another example, What is the difference in Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial as to their present and eternal relationship to Jesus?
I hope that you had a wonderful week. I had a great trip to Branson, Mo. We had 31 people that went and the Moses Production was beyond words to describe. Jacob, of course, was outstanding. We met with him after the production and he took us on a tour of the backstage. This production will continue next year March through December.
See you Sunday.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
CHRIST AS THE MESSIAH: John 12:1-50
We will study and discuss John 12:1-50 for our lesson on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
As we study this chapter, we will observe that there are four main sections:
1. The anointing of Jesus (vss. 1-11)
2. The Triumphal Entry (vss. 12-19)
3. The Greeks seek Christ (vss, 20-36)
4. The Jews reject Christ (vss. 37-50)
As we look at the time frame of the life of Jesus, the events in this chapter take place six days before the Jewish Passover. So we are now looking at the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry. We see at the beginning of these days Jesus has gained popularity with the crowd that was gathering in Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Passover. It was every Jews desire to attend at least one Passover feast in his live time. Jews came from all over the world.
As William Barclay records: "On one occasion census was taken of the lambs slain at the Passover Feast. The number was given as 256,500. There had to be a minimum of ten people per lamb: and if that estimate is correct it means that there must have been as many as 2,700,000 people at the Passover Feast."
At this time, many people had heard about this man Jesus who had raised Lazarus from the dead. They believed that he is the one that will be their King and Israel will be a nation in power of all nations. Jesus does ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The people welcome him as their King. To us the donkey is a lowly and despised animal; but it was not so in the East. Some Kings did ride into their kingdom on a horse. The difference would show that a King riding on a horse would declare that he had been victorious in war. When a King was riding on a donkey, he was coming in peace. Although most of the crowd did not understand that Jesus was not the warrior figure men dreamed of but that he was the Prince of Peace.
In verses 23-26, Jesus uses the title, "Son of Man". Please read the following references to understand the origin of this term. Daniel 7:13; 7:1-8. How does Daniel describe the world powers? How does he describe a world power that is different from these? Would the Jews understand this title; "Son of Man". Read the following passages that gives more information about the Kingdom of the "Son of Man". Daniel 7:14; Ezekiel 37:25; Isaiah 9:7; Psalm 89:4
Please read Shepherd's Notes; pages 59-63 and answer the questions on page 62-63.
As we finish chapter 12, we learn that Jesus has finished his public ministry. Now the gospel writer records in John 13 - 17 the most precious times that Jesus spends with his disciples. He not only gives instruction to his 12 disciples but also to his future disciples.
See you Sunday.
As we study this chapter, we will observe that there are four main sections:
1. The anointing of Jesus (vss. 1-11)
2. The Triumphal Entry (vss. 12-19)
3. The Greeks seek Christ (vss, 20-36)
4. The Jews reject Christ (vss. 37-50)
As we look at the time frame of the life of Jesus, the events in this chapter take place six days before the Jewish Passover. So we are now looking at the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry. We see at the beginning of these days Jesus has gained popularity with the crowd that was gathering in Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Passover. It was every Jews desire to attend at least one Passover feast in his live time. Jews came from all over the world.
As William Barclay records: "On one occasion census was taken of the lambs slain at the Passover Feast. The number was given as 256,500. There had to be a minimum of ten people per lamb: and if that estimate is correct it means that there must have been as many as 2,700,000 people at the Passover Feast."
At this time, many people had heard about this man Jesus who had raised Lazarus from the dead. They believed that he is the one that will be their King and Israel will be a nation in power of all nations. Jesus does ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The people welcome him as their King. To us the donkey is a lowly and despised animal; but it was not so in the East. Some Kings did ride into their kingdom on a horse. The difference would show that a King riding on a horse would declare that he had been victorious in war. When a King was riding on a donkey, he was coming in peace. Although most of the crowd did not understand that Jesus was not the warrior figure men dreamed of but that he was the Prince of Peace.
In verses 23-26, Jesus uses the title, "Son of Man". Please read the following references to understand the origin of this term. Daniel 7:13; 7:1-8. How does Daniel describe the world powers? How does he describe a world power that is different from these? Would the Jews understand this title; "Son of Man". Read the following passages that gives more information about the Kingdom of the "Son of Man". Daniel 7:14; Ezekiel 37:25; Isaiah 9:7; Psalm 89:4
Please read Shepherd's Notes; pages 59-63 and answer the questions on page 62-63.
As we finish chapter 12, we learn that Jesus has finished his public ministry. Now the gospel writer records in John 13 - 17 the most precious times that Jesus spends with his disciples. He not only gives instruction to his 12 disciples but also to his future disciples.
See you Sunday.
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