:thesngroup

2010-08-29

SN - notes from 8/28/10

The Crucifixion of Jesus pt. 3 - the prayer in the garden (A)

Mark 14:32-41

review - part 2 of our series focused on Jesus’ words as He and the 12 walked to the garden. We noticed how He stressed the importance of His relationship to the Father and their relationship to Him. In sum:

Any effective, real expression of our faith in Jesus (works, obedience, love, fruit, etc.) must be hinged to our relationship with Jesus - without relationship, things become forced, contrived, and quickly get weird.

Tonight we will be taking a look at Jesus’ prayer in the garden both in terms of practice (as in how to pray - HTP) and content (as in how to live - HTL).

Next week we will do the same thing, but use John 17 as our reference point.

I. Prior to His prayer

How To Live (HTL) #1 - “Sit here while I pray” - in Ps. 46:10, we are told to “be still” knowing that “He is God” -

be still = rephah = to let hang, to be weak

this is easier to do when you compare Ps. 46 with the thought that He still takes time to pray for you - you matter that much to Him, and that is often an easy thing to forget.

HTL #2 - “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful - part 1”… - Jesus became depressed, until heaven, you will too. Recognize it as either biological or spiritual, and attack either (especially the latter) with prayer, fellowship, and the promises of God.

It is not a sin to seek medical help for the former. Is it a sin to use prosthetics for missing limbs?

HTL #3 - “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful - part 2”…

- Jesus was real in how He lived and about the things he was going through - here, we see that He had people in His life to talk with and pray with. Be real in your conversation and seek friendships that actually spur you on..

HTL #4 - “Stay here and watch” - we are always to be aware and awake for our sakes and others (in a non-nosey way) remembering that the devil is always roaming. The is command to take watch will have specific locations and seasons - there’s was the garden for a short period of time.

Rom 13:11 - And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

1Cr 15:34 - Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.

Eph 5:14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

II. During His prayer (in Matt. 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22)

How To Pray (HTP) #1 - “Abba” - Jesus uses this title when teaching the 12 how to pray, 3X in His prayer for crucifixion alternatives, and 4X in His prayer for the 12 and the future church. Recognize you are praying to a limitless (all things are possible for You) loving “dad”.

HTP #2 - “Take this cup and away from me” - Jesus was real in how He prayed - He prayed His fears. Be real in your prayer life.

HTP #3 - “Watch and pray” - one key to avoiding temptation is to have a prayer life that is not static, but that is alive and flowing based on what you are “watching” in life.

“Watch and pray” is also used in the context of eschatology:

Mark 13:33 - “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

Luke 21:36 - “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

HTP #4 - “again He went away and prayed” - Jesus was constant in His prayers and prayer life. Pray with persistency.

Luke 18:1-8 - The parable of the persistent widow.

Luke 11:5-8 - The parable of the persistent friend.

Matt. 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

HTP #5 - Matt. 26:39 - “…nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus put the will of the Father over His own will and desire. Pray with flexibility recognizing God is sovereign and He seems to like to use “audibles”.

HTL 1 = be still

HTL 2 = be aware (depression)

HTL 3 = be real in life

HTL 4 = be awake

HTP 1 = pray like a child

HTP 2 = pray real

HTP 3 = pray watchfully

HTP 4 = pray persistently

HTP 5 = pray with flexibility

2010-08-12

Creationfest 2010 - Ephesians 4:17-32

Putting off the Old Man - Ephesians 4:17-32

For these notes, Ephesians 2:1-10 notes, and Jesus and Evolution notes, please go to:

www.thesngroup.net and click on blog/news.

v17 - no longer walk as the Gentiles walk…

why?

because you were:

1:4 - chosen

1:5 - adopted

1:7 - redeemed

1:7 - forgiven

1:11 - have obtained an inheritance

1:13 - sealed

2:1 - made alive

2:4 - loved

2:6 - raised up

3:20 - empowered

4:12 - equipped

So the #1 way to put off the old man = remember the cross

observation - time spent memorizing promises and other verses that remind you that Jesus cares will never be w/o value

The #2 way to put off the old man was in v14 - do not be like children (in terms of doctrine) = maintain orthodoxy (aka - right doctrine)

observation 1 - notice v20-21 - “…but you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus”

observation 2 - personally study the scriptures; ensure you are in a bible teaching church; join a small group; listen to tapes, cds, podcasts; read edifying books

The #3 way to put off the old man is alluded to in v12 (equipping the saints), v16 (by which ev. part does its share) and v17 (do not walk as the Gentiles walk) = maintain orthoproxy (aka - right practice)

observation - it is easy to think that exhortations to “do good” are just optional for certain kinds of Christians - this is completely unbiblical - we are all called and created “to do good works” (Eph. 2:10)

James 1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Jeremiah 22:3 - Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.

Ezekiel 16:49-50 - Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.

Zechariah 7:9-10 - Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.

Luke 10:37- The parable of the Good Samaritan

The #4 way to put off the old man is in v.18 - not being alienated from the life of God = aka - maintain relationship

observation 1 - any effective, real expression of our faith in Jesus (works, obedience, love, fruit, etc.) must be hinged to our relationship with Jesus.

observation 2 - Jesus stressed the importance of relationship in the garden prior to His death -

John 14:7-14 = relationship and works

John 15:1-17 = relationship and fruitfulness

John 15:18-25 - relationship and opposition (John 5:44)

John 15:26-27 - relationship and evangelism

John 16:16-19 = relationship and confusing times

John 16:20-22 = relationship and the ups and downs of life

John 16:23-24 = relationship and prayer

John 16:25-33 = relationship and spiritual failure

So, the main point we can draw from Jesus’ “pre-garden” teaching is that a relationship with Him is foundational to living effectively and to putting on the new man - remembering, orthodoxy, and orthoproxy all stem from relationship.

things to avoid -

v25 - lying - God doesn’t and the devil does - enough said.

Pro. 12:22 - Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Exo. 20:16 - You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

Numbers 23:19 - “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Jo. 8:44 - You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Ephesians 5:15 - Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

v26 - anger - is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8)

Matt. 5:22 - But I say to you that awhoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.

Col. 3:9 - Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge raccording to the image of Him who created him,

v27 - nor give place to the devil - the sins prior and after all give him room to work and should be avoided at all costs.

v28 - stealing - the goal is to be a giver, if one steals he is only a taker.

Ex. 20:15 - You shall not steal

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

v29 - corrupt word = rotten or worthless - changes culturally

Col. 3:8 - But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

v30 - do not grieve the Holy Spirit… - if you are convicted by something “grey”, don’t do it.

Rom. 14:23 - But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

v31 - Let all bitterness (Heb.12:13-14), wrath (with wine), anger, clamor (an outcry), and evil speaking (slander), be put away from you, with all malice (depravity - like “futility” in v.17)

v32 - instead, be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving - basically be…

Romans 13:9 - For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, i“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

conclusion 1 -

Putting on the new man and dropping the old one is purposeful b/c the world is watching -

1 Cor. 15:34 - Awake to righteousness and do not sin for some do not have the knowledge of God.

conclusion 2 -

Putting on the new man and dropping the old one is easy if you are simply in relationship with Jesus!

2010-08-10

By Grace Through Faith - Ephesians 2:1-10

Hey - this are the “rough” notes from the 1st session I did at Creationfest 2010 in the UK

By Grace Through Faith – Ephesians 2:1-10

Context –

Paul has just pointed out in the end of chapter 1 all that the rez of Jesus has brought forth practically.

He now turns his attention to all that the rez has brought forth to us personally.

v1 - b/c we were all dead in trespasses and sins

Trespasses speaks of man as a rebel, sins speaks of man as a failure. “Before God we are both rebels and failures.” (Stott)

Sin also makes us:

1) Blind (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

2) A slave (Romans 6:17)

3) A lover of darkness (John 3:19-20)

4) Sick (Mark 2:17)

5) Lost (Luke 15)

6) An alien, a stranger, a foreigner (Ephesians 2:12; 2:19)

7) A child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3)

8) Under the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13)

v2 - notice “once” here and in v. 3 - this should be the “old you” not the “new you”.

We need Jesus!!

1) b/c we were all stuck in the course of this world

2) v2 - b/c we were all “ruled” by Satan

3) v2 - b/c we were all “sons of disobedience” - aka “sons of Adam” (see Romans 5:12)

4) v3 - b/c we all conducted ourselves based on the lust of our flesh and mind

5) v3 - b/c we were all children of wrath

Wrath?

Can a loving God have wrath?

wrath - a word denoting the active feeling of God against sin, expressing in human categories an important attribute of God: that he is holy and righteous and rejects everything that is not.

Deut. 29:23 - ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and His wrath.’

2 Sam. 6:7 - Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.

Ps. 103:8 - The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Joel 2:13 - So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.

Also in Romans 1:18, 2:5, 2:8, 5:9, 9:22

BUT –

The mission of Jesus was to take the wrath of God upon himself. That is the meaning of salvation in the NT - since the time when Jesus was sent into the world, only those who do not believe and do not obey have to worry about the wrath of God - aka “children of wrath”

Back to Ephesians 2

v4 - But God, who is:

1) rich in mercy (see Luke 1:78)

2) has great love for us (Rom. 5:8)

3) has exceeding grace toward us (v7)

4) has kindness toward us (v7)

v8-9 - BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH -

Paul drive his point home with these 2 amazing verses - the gift of salvation is received by faith based on the love of God and not our works.

v10 - our works verify that we are indeed saved by faith. Also, we are “saved” by Jesus so we are now free to do good works – these good works are a unique aspect of our calling - what are you passionate about in terms of service to the Lord and for people? Do it!

Conclusions

1) know that you are loves by God! (grace, mercy, love, kindness, gift, poeima = poem = “workmanship” in v10)

2) know that you are saved by God! (faith displayed through works, fruit, conviction, and continuance) - justification, sanctification, glorification.

2010-08-09

Jesus and Evolution

Hello from Creationfest 2010 in the UK! These are the notes from a seminar I gave entitled “Jesus and evolution” -

Jesus and Evolution

First of all, in terms of creation, you basically have only one of two choices when it comes to explaining it - it was the product of a creator, or it was the product of unguided processes (abiogenesis and evolution).

When it comes to the bible’s take on creation, it firmly and repeatedly asserts that Jesus was the Creator of the universe and everything in it.

John 1:3 - All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

1 Cor. 8:6 - yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

Eph. 3:9 - and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.

Col. 1:16 - For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Heb. 1:1-2 - God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds

What is creationism?

6 main views of creationism -

1) young earth creation - day = “yom” - 24 hour day = God created in 7 literal days so the earth is young but has an appearance of maturity (flood “aged” the planet) :)

2) historical creation - “in the beginning” = “rasheed” - an indefinite amount of time. The earth is old, then God created in 6 literal days. :)

3) gap theory - A creation theory that suggests there is a very long time gap between Gen. 1:2 and Gen. 1:3. During this gap, the earth became formless and void, and then God took another crack at the whole creation thing. :(

4) literary framework - the Genesis story is poetic only, and therefore gives us no real information about creation. :(

5) progressive creation (day age) - 1 day = 1000 years or more and God ‘pops’ in and out to create new things - but in Ex. 20:11 - it is clear a day is a day. :(

Ex. 20:11 - For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

6) theistic evolution - a creation theory that suggests God started the big bang and then used the process of evolution to eventually “lead up” to human beings (aka Adam) - biblically problematic on many fronts, but mainly since the bible states we were created “in the image of God”. :(

As an aside, although 1 and 2 are the most biblical viewpoints, if age was technically that important, the bible would of clearly told us exactly how old the earth is - but it didn’t.

The most important thing to realize is that God did it - creation points to a Creator, and that Creator is Jesus.

If you don’t believe Jesus or at least a Creator did it, you are left with nothing doing it - literally. This “science” is known as abiogenesis.

What is abiogenesis? a = no; bio = life; genesis = beginning The study of how life might have originated from inanimate (non-life) forms.

What is evolution?

6 main definitions of evolution -

1) Change over time; history of nature; any sequence of events in nature. :)

2) Changes in the frequencies of alleles in the gene pool of a population. :)

3) Limited common descent: the idea that particular groups of organisms have descended from a common ancestor (aka the biblical “kind”). :)

4) The mechanisms responsible for the change required to produce limited descent with modification (aka adaptation); chiefly natural selection acting on random variations or mutations. :)

5) Universal common descent: the idea that all organisms have descended from a single common ancestor. :(

6) Blind watchmaker thesis: the idea that all organisms have descended from common ancestors through unguided, unintelligent, purposeless, material processes such as natural selection acting on random variations or mutations; the idea that the Darwinian mechanism of natural selection

acting on random variation, and other similarly naturalistic mechanisms,completely suffice to explain the origin of novel biological forms and the appearance of design in complex organisms. :(

Definitions 1 - 4 do not conflict with biblical theology

Definitions 5 and 6 do conflict with biblical theology. They also are causing much dissention with a growing number of scientists and professors - See www.discovery.org

for a list of over 800 science professionals who collectively state:

“We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life. Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged.”

Let’s consider some of the issues and implications associated with definitions 5 and 6:

1. Common Sense

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, and let us reason together…”

Again, although the origin of life is technically not evolution, if your goal is to explore the history of life on the planet, you have to study its origin eventually (abiogenesis). Once you arrive, will nothing really be able to produce something? Do we ever assume this with anything we see presently?

Can, “…undifferentiated matter, at some point, become ‘alive’, then conscious, the conceptually proficient, then an ‘I’” ?

(Anthony Flew).

2. Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Psalm 139:14 - “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

A. Amino acid specificity

Since all living things are composed of cells, and all cells are composed primarily of proteins, and all proteins are composed of amino acids (AAs) - when you consider how life developed or began, you have to take how AAs might have formed at some point.

A man named Stanley Miller tried this in 1953 - He assembled a closed system into which he pumped a mixture of gases (methane, ammonia and hydrogen). He subjected this mixture to high voltage electrodes and then cooled and trapped any liquids that were produced. What did he produce?

He produced a “soup” that contained around 9 amino acids, 2% of the simplest (glycine and alanine) and traces of 7 others. It was a great experiment, but…

1. This was done in an environment void of oxygen and nitrogen.

2. The AAs were right handed.

3. Miller had to rescue the AAs and cool them or else they would denature.

4. The yield was small.

5. He was the “creator”/designer!

So, it was a good experiment, but did not prove how AAs could form naturally - this is a complicated task with many hurdles!

For example, say you likened amino acids (there are 20 AA’s total) to the alphabet (26 letters total) - and you wanted to take those alphabetical letters and randomly drop them onto the floor until they spelled, “I love Jesus, He rocks”. To figure out the chances of this happening, you would take:

1/26 (letters in the alphabet) to the 17th power (letters in the sentence) = 1 chance in 1 million, 113 trillion octillion!

Since the smallest functional proteins are made up of at least 100 AA’s (compared to the 17 letters in our hypothetical sentence), we do the following:

1/20 (20 known amino acids) to the 100th power (simplest functional protein) - and that result would need to actually be taken to the 400th power b/c the simplest cells are composed of around 400 proteins = 1 chance in 20 to the 40000th power!

And, just so you know, it is estimated that all the grains of sand on the earth’s seashores are only 10 to the 25 power.

On top of this mathematical dilemma, remember, AA’s denature easily in the wrong environment - not a good characteristic to have if you are trying to form simply by chance in the earth’s supposedly volatile, primal oceans.

B. Genomes and Phenomes

Your body’s 100 trillion protein based cells each have a nucleus containing chromosomes which “hold” your genes in DNA. In this DNA double helix lay a spiral of nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine) that make up your 3.4 billion base paired genome (your genes) - it’s basically your genetic blueprint!

Genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins.

They are like “words” in an instruction manual for building a human.

Chromosomes are like the pages in the instruction manual.

Each “page” contains thousands of “words” (genes) - different types of genes are used to make different types of: cells -> proteins -> tissues -> organs -> systems -> organisms

So your genes are in DNA which are in chromosomes, which are in nuclei, which are in every cell in your body.

Basically, the mother has 23 pages of information in her egg, and the father has 23 pages of information in his sperm - combined, this forms a new human with 46 total pages of information!

As the baby (or anything) grows, this information gets translated from DNA into amino acids which form specific proteins, which form specific cells, which form specific tissues, which form specific organs, which form specific systems, which form specific people!

This same basic format occurs in all living things - DNA gets transcribed and translated into proteins which form cells which are the building blocks of life.

$$$ MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION $$$

When it comes to DNA, how could something evolve to hold information with no initial information to tell it to hold something?

Francis Crick, co-discoverer of DNA, proposed (in a book called Life Itself) that some form of primordial life was shipped to the earth billions of years ago in spaceships—by supposedly ‘more evolved’ (therefore advanced) alien beings -

The very brilliant but very athiestic Richard Dawkins seconded this notion in an interview on the documentary “Expelled” -

So apparently creation points to E.T., Star Trek, and Alien vs Predator, not a Creator.

And, last time I checked, science needs to be testable - how does one test for aliens and signs of alien creation?

3. On a theological/philosophical note…

Since we are created in the image of God (Imago Dei), we have 5 key traits in common with Him that evolution cannot explain:

1. Spiritual - if, as some have said, religious ideas were a product of evolution, wouldn’t religion be counterproductive to evolution? This seminar should have been “selected against” :)! Also, do we know of any animals who worship? How can evolution explain this?

2. Moral - How can evolution explain morality? We do not see morality in the animal kingdom, especially the good (social justice) and bad (genocide) extremes of it. We see “kindness” within pods or packs, but a lion isn’t going to help a cheetah who is starving!

“Two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me.” - Immanuel Kant (German Philosopher)

3. Intellectual - Why do we question where we are from, why we are here, or where we are headed? Why do we write poetry, sing songs for no real purpose, create art, and try to understand the universe? No other creatures do this and again, evolution cannot explain this.

4. Volitional - Free will has been a human characteristic since the Garden of Eden. We are not driven by instinct, sex, or hunger, but can make decisions that are either harmful or beneficial to ourselves. Are there animal addicts or animal hunger strikes? Although we often choose poorly, we have the capacity to make wise choices (dieting, celibacy, etc). How could evolution account for this?

5. Relational - Since God Himself exists in a “community” of sorts (Trinity) - we are also social beings who are created to be in a relationship with God and with people. We share the gospel with others in this way - no other creatures proselytize other creatures into being what they are b/c they feel it’s beneficial. Humans are unique!

What are the implications of this?

Why does this even matter?

Based on material evolution, you are a completely purposeless accident based on random mutation and natural selection - you are no better than any other living creature (the only real law is survival), and the only guarantee you get is that one day you will die and become fertilizer. It stops there.

Based on biblical creation, you are not only the amazing product of an omnipotent and omniscient Designer (answers, “where am I from”?), but you also have the answers to the other 2 big questions - Why am I here? You are here (creation) because God loves you (adoration) and in through this love, became a man (incarnation), to redeem you from sin (redemption), clear your guilt (propitiation), give you His glory and holiness (imputation), thereby making peace between you and God (reconciliation) so that you can now have a relationship with Him, and be used by him to love and reach others. You have a purpose!

And…

His resurrection not only verified that all of this was accomplished, but also answers the 3rd question - where am I headed?

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

So, with biblical creation, you not only have an explanation of origin and development - but you also know that you are loved, that you have a purpose, and that you have a hope.

With macro-evolution, you have nothing more than a theory in crisis largely driven by the loud voice of atheism with - no hope, no purpose, and no present tense and future tense answers.

Which do you choose?

2010-08-05

SN - notes from 7/31/10

Get the podcast under :thesngroup

or watch live at:

http://calvarychapelcostamesa.com/video/on-demand

The Crucifixion of Jesus pt.2

- the walk to the garden

Mark 14:31-32

Jesus’ conversation with the disciples while en route to the garden (between verses 32 and 32) are likely found in John 14,15, and 16.

This is a very important discourse because it’s one of His last official teachings prior to His crucifixion.

John 14 (just before they head out)

John 14:1-6

v1 - “Let not your heart be troubled…”

observation - this sets the tone for 14, and aspects of the next 2 chapters - He is going to be giving them reasons why their hearts should not be troubled by anything.

reason 1 (v1) - we have a validation (believe in Me)

reason 2 (v2) - we have a destination (heaven)

reason 3 (v3) - we have a culmination (Jesus)

reason 4 (v3) - we have a relationship (with Jesus)

reason 5 (v6) - we know the Way (destination) + the Truth (validation) + the Life (culmination) = all found in a relationship with Jesus!

on relationship

observation 1 - we were created as social beings (similar to the Trinity)

observation 2 - any effective, real expression of our faith in Jesus (works, obedience, love, fruit, etc.) must be hinged to our relationship with Jesus.

John 14:7-14 = relationship and works

John 14:15-31 = relationship and obedience

John 15:1-17 = relationship and fruitfulness

John 15:18-25 - relationship and opposition (John 5:44)

John 15:26-27 - relationship and evangelism

John 16:1-4 = relationship vs religion (v3)

John 16:5-15 = relationship and the Holy Spirit

John 16:16-19 = relationship and confusing times

John 16:20-22 = relationship and the ups and downs of life

John 16:23-24 = relationship and prayer

John 16:25-33 = relationship and spiritual failure

LOSE THE RELATIONSHIP PART AND YOU HAVE:

John 14:7-31 = NO relationship and works/obedience gives you LEGALISM

John 15:1-17 = NO relationship and fruitfulness gives you SPIRITUAL PRIDE

John 15:18-25 - NO relationship and opposition (John 5:44) leaves you DOWNCAST

John 15:26-27 - NO relationship and evangelism can lead to SPIRITUAL PRIDE and CONFLICT

John 16:1-4 = NO relationship and religion (v3) leaves you RELIGIOUS

John 16:5-15 = NO relationship and the Holy Spirit leads to “CHARISMANIA”

John 16:16-19 = NO relationship and confusing times leaves you CONFUSED

John 16:20-22 = NO relationship and the ups and downs of life leaves you IMBALANCED

John 16:23-24 = NO relationship and prayer leaves you PHARISITICAL

John 16:25-33 = NO relationship and spiritual failure leaves you CONDEMNED

So, the main point we can draw from Jesus’ “pre-garden” teaching is that a relationship with Him is foundational to living effectively. Just to recap, a meaningful relationship with Jesus enables us to:

1. produce works

2. produce obedience

3. produce ‘fruit’

4. endure opposition

5. produce evangelism

6. endure confusing times

7. endure ups

8. endure downs

9. produce prayerfulness

10. endure spiritual failure

Jesus exists in relationship; created us for relationship; incarnated, died, and rose to restore relationship; discipled and evangelized in relationship; taught on relationship; and is returning for a new level of relationship -

2010-07-20

SN - notes from 7/17/10

SN 7/17/10 study

The Crucifixion of Jesus pt.1 – post last supper events

Mark 14:27-31

This will be the 1st of a 6 part series bringing us to the end of Mark.

Before we get to Mark, there are some interesting events and dialogue that take place in Luke 22 and John 13 just after the “last supper”.

The events -

1. Jesus washes the disciples feet in John 13:5 - service

2. Satan asks to sift Peter as wheat in Luke 22:31 - know your enemy

3. Jesus intercedes for Peter in response to Satan’s inquiry (Luke) - defeat your enemy

The events -

4. Jesus gives out a new commandment - for His people to love one another (John 13:34-35) - so now there are 3 “love” commandments.

The dialogue -

1. An argument on who the greatest of the 12 was (see also Matthew 18:1, Mark 9:33-34, Luke 9:46 - child example; Matthew 20:20-26 - Zebedee’s wife asks for a favor)

The dialogue -

2. Jesus implies he knows Peter will return to Him after failing miserably (Luke 22:32).

3. Jesus tells Peter to strengthen his “brothers” when he does return (Luke 22:32)

The dialogue -

4. Jesus tells the 11 to be prepared after He’s gone (Luke 22:35)

back to Mark

v27 - all of you will be made to stumble…

observation 1 - if it’s written in the bible, it will happen. That’s why God’s promises are worth memorizing.

observation 2 - the “strike the Shepherd” verse comes from Zechariah 13:7

“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.

observation 1 - 1 Peter 5:1 refers to Jesus as the Chief Shepherd

observation 2 - “Companion” in KJ = my Fellow = relation, neighbour, associate, fellow in Hebrew

observation 3 - So this is of course Jesus - it gets interesting when coupled with 2 Cor. 5:19

2 Cor 5:19 - To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

So since God is a triune Being, He essentially struck Himself.

observation 4 - on, “and the sheep will be scattered” - this practically took place then when the 12 “took off” in various ways, but it also takes place now in how we view Jesus. There is a scattering, where some accept Him and others reject Him.

observation 5 - on, “then I will turn My hand against the little ones” - this likely refers to Israel, since the last 2 verses deal with the tribulation. This could not be what happened in 70AD since it did not lead to national repentance and acceptance of Jesus.

back to Mark

v28 - Jesus promises that He would be resurrected and that He would see them in Galilee

observation 1 - His goal was not the cross, it was to restoring things so that a relationship with us would again be possible on both sides. See Hebrews 12:1-2.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

observation 2 - Heaven is not the goal, a relationship with Jesus is!!! It’s all about relationship - Jesus and then people.

v29 - 31 - the 11 talk the talk

observation - as we know, they all did not walk the walk and consequently left Jesus hanging. Radical oaths and promises are useless, and need to be replaced with a humble, consistent daily walk with Jesus.

applications -

1. remember Jesus created you for and died for you to restore - > relationship.

2. be aware of your enemy and fight him effectively.

3. remember that Jesus did the reconciling, we just carry the word of reconciliation

4. love God, love people, love the brethren…in the presence of the world.

5. be a servant.

6. strengthen others.

2010-07-12

SN - notes from 7/10/10

SN 7/10/10 - study

Jesus and the Passover

Mark 14:12-26

REVIEW - The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exod. 12; 23:15; 34:18, 25; Lev. 23:5-8; Num. 9:1-14; 28:16-25; Deut. 16:1-8; Ezek. 45:21-24), was a 7 day feast celebrating Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt.

OUR STUDY - we will be looking at different aspects of the passover (in the OT and NT) and the “last supper”.

I. The Passover in the OT

Exodus 12

v2 - The passover celebration was to kick off Israel’s official first month of the year - it was to be a preeminent fixture in their current and future culture.

observation - Jesus’ substitutionary death for us should be foundational in a Christian’s world view

v3-4 - The lamb was for all families great or small in size

observation - Jesus died for all people - western, eastern, poor, rich alike.

v5 - without blemish

Observation - Jesus was also with out blemish - perfectly holy (Mark 1:24)

v6a - the lamb stayed with the family for several days

observation - Jesus’ earthly ministry was just for a season - He “sojourned” (John 1) among us

v6b - The whole assembly kills it

observation - human sin ultimately lead to Jesus’ redeeming sacrificial death on the cross (1 Peter 3:18)

v7 - blood on the side posts

observation 1 - it was an obvious choice, but a choice non the less.

observation 2 - it was far more than just a “passing over” - compare Exodus 12:13 with Exodus 12:23

Ex. 12:13 - Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you [are]. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy [you] when I strike the land of Egypt.

Ex. 12:23 - For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike [you].

One could literally say that Jehovah (the Son) is protecting those in the home from the just judgment of Jehovah (the Father) - perfect picture of the cross!

v8 - they ate the flesh of the lamb that night as well (we’ll look at this soon)

observation - after their “salvation” from the destroying angel, they “partook” of the lamb’s body - 2 part scenario -> salvation by the blood of the lamb, and then the “indwelling” of the lamb by eating it.

v15 - leaven forbidden

observation - this is a picture of holy living, the leaven (a type of sin) is not to be eaten or even to be in the house.

v11 - they were now ready to be dispatched out of slavery into the desert en route to the promised land

II. The passover in the NT

v12-16 - the passover preperation

observation 1 - interesting how this donor’s name is never revealed even though he provided the setting for the Jesus’ last meal on earth.

observation 2 - amazing how into the details God is - He cares!

v17-20 - the passover celebration (sort of)

v18 and 20 - the betrayer announced x 2

observation - many emotions are revealed here:

- in John 13:21 - Jesus is “troubled in Spirit” over betrayal (b/c He loved Judas)

- in Luke 22:15 - Jesus wanted to eat with them “with fervent desire…” (b/c He loved them)

- in Matt. 26:22 - “And they began to be sorrowful” (b/c they were all accused, and one was guilty)

v20 - “… if he had never been born”.

observation - since we are born with volition (the power to choose), and since he used his freewill incorrectly, it would of been better for him not to have been born at all

v22-23 - the passover personified -

The Lord’s Supper

v22a - as they were eating

observation 1 - the meal:

1. Hard boiled egg

2. Roasted shankbone of

3. Bitter herbs

4. Greens - parsley, celery

5. Salt water

6. Haroset

7. Matzah

8. Wine

observation 2 - Although the meal is highly symbolic, Jesus only brings attention to 2 aspects of it:

1. the bread - symbolic of his body

2. the cup - symbolic of his blood

**both comprise the Lamb**

He took the focus off of suffering Israel and applied it to the suffering He would endure to free us from sin

v22b - blessed and broke

observation - “blessed” = eulogeo - to celebrate with praises

“break” = klao - to break in pieces and distribute

He celebrating being broken for us

v22c - take and eat

observations - both are choices - He is urging, but cannot force you to this.

v23 - took the cup and gave thanks

observation - “gave thanks” = eucharisto - to feel thankful

He was thankful to shed his blood for you

v24 - the new covenant

observation - compare Exodus 24:8 with Jeremiah 31:33

Ex 24:8 - And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Jer. 31:31 - Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake,

although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

v25 - the last passover

v26 - He sung a hymn

observation - A Passover meal always ended with singing three Psalms known as the Hallel, Psalms 116-118

random sampling =

- I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. (Ps. 116:13-15)

- Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! (Psalm 117:1)

- You pushed me violently, that I might fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:13-14)

conclusion -

1. The passover is a picture of Jesus in more ways than one, and a picture of how we are to live our lives.

2. The Lord’s Supper is a picture of how much Jesus loves me - he celebrated, gave thanks, and sung a hymn all in light of dying for our sins - He loves you that much and though you were worth dying for.

2010-07-04

SN - notes from 7/3/10

Watch it live at http://calvarychapelcostamesa.com/video/on-demand

Get the podcast on itunes under thesngroup

SN 7/3/10 - Smelly Christians

Mark 14:1-11

the plot (v1-v2)

v1 - The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exod. 12; 23:15; 34:18, 25; Lev. 23:5-8; Num. 9:1-14; 28:16-25; Deut. 16:1-8; Ezek. 45:21-24), was a 7 day feast celebrating Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt.

observation - in a time where one was to be “leaven” free, the chief priests and scribes were seeking to murder an innocent Man - all b/c they were envious! (Mark 15:10)

v2 - “uproar” b/c the passover would be an ideal time for the Messiah to show up, and many thought Jesus might be Him. They did it anyway though.

the perfume (v3-v9)

v3a - Bethany is about 2 miles outside Jerusalem

v3b - Simon the Leper is not Simon the Pharisee from Luke 7 - different time, house, woman, anointing, and purpose

general observations -

1. alabaster = calcium carbonate

2. spikenard = a plant whose rhizomes (underground stems) can be crushed and distilled into a thick, intensely aromatic amber-colored essential oil.

3. costly = according to Matt. 20:2, a denarius was a day’s wage - 300 denarii = about a year’s salary for this flask of perfume.

4. Anointed His head, and feet (John 12)

specific observations

1) according to Luke, she used her hair to rub in the oil and absorb the excess - this would mean she smelled like Jesus, and all in the room would of smelled a mixture of their combined scent.

2) 2 Cor. 2:14-15 - Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who

who are perishing.

So be smelly.

“A sweet savour of Christ! It does not consist so much in what we do, but in our manner of doing it; not so much in our words or deeds, as in an indefinable sweetness, tenderness, courtesy, unselfishness, and desire to please others to their edification. It is the breath and fragrance of a life hidden with Christ in God, and deriving its aroma from fellowship with Him. Wrap the habits of your soul in the sweet lavender of your Lord’s character.” (FB Meyer)

How can I be more “smelly”?

a. By living your life based on the “triumph” we have in Jesus.

b. By being at the feet of Jesus (listening and worshipping) - which we will look at soon.

c. By enduring seasons of “crushing” :/

1 Peter 1:6-7 - leads to a “purer” smell

James 1:2-4 - leads to a more “perfect” smell

Acts 14:20-22 - And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

This might make more sense when “tribulations” are connected to a greater ability in terms of helping others make it to the “kingdom of God” too.

3) Based on Luke 10:38 and John 12:2-8, this was her 2nd time at His feet. The first time, she sat at His feet to hear His word, but this time, she sat at His feet to serve Him - both are integral in our ministry TO Him.

4) Expect opposition when you hear and serve = Martha tried to get her to “help” her serve others, and Judas and some of the 12 “criticized her sharply” for serving Jesus

5) Recognize the need for both (hearing His word and ministering to Him) and be aware of the warfare that will try to keep you from doing both - you must hear and minster to Jesus, before you can effectively hear and serve others.

5) (con’t) - this is why Jesus specified that the poor would always be there to serve (as opposed to Him), and that she had done a “good work for Him”

v8 - “She has done what she could”.

observation - what can you do effectively and uniquely for Jesus?

v9 - Mary’s memorial

observation - significant because she’s a woman, and because she’s not a preacher/teacher, or warrior. God chose to use her story and her unique ministry to Him b/c she was humble, generous, and at His feet.

v10-11 - Judas’ memorial

observation - Although he was always with Jesus, had giftings, and was used by God in more “spectacular” ways than Mary - he was prideful, greedy and just around Jesus.

applications

1. Learn from Mary and stay at the feet of Jesus - be in His word, be worshipful and endure opposition with regard to these things.

2. Learn from Judas and beware of only being close to

Jesus in proximity and not relationship.

3. Be smelly.

2010-06-28

SN - notes from 6/27/10

SN 6/26/10 -

The Temple and the Times - part 2

Mark 13:14-36

review - last week we looked at 2 questions the disciples asked Jesus:

1. When will these things be? (last week’s study)

2. What will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?

(tonight)

The answer to the 1st question was - 70 AD - the date the temple was destroyed by Titus.

We (pre-tribulational premillennial dispensational futurists) believe the answer to the 2nd question is still to come in the near future - tonight we look at why we believe this, and what is likely to go down in the end.

I. What and why we believe:

pre-tribulational - a belief that all living Christians will be raptured prior to thribulation. The term “rapture” comes from the Latin translation of the Greek word translated “caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

pre-millennial - a theology (based on a literal translation of the bible) that believes that Jesus will literally come back to earth to set up His kingdom for 1000 years.

dispensationalism - a system of biblical interpretation (formalized in the nineteenth century by John Nelson Darby) which focuses on the division of history into (usually) seven distinct periods of time known as “dispensations”.

1. Edenic

2. Adamic

3. Noahic

4. Abrahamic

5.Mosiac

6. Davidic

7. Messianic

futurist - one who believes that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) will be fulfilled in the future (as opposed to a preterist)

Why do we subscribe to this?

1. When one makes some of the bible figurative, it all becomes convoluted.

2. We never see the righteous and the wicked judged together in scripture (Sodom and Gommorah, the ark).

3. We have good scriptural validation to the rapture in: Luke 21:36, 1 Thess. 4:17, and 1 Cor. 15:52

4. Most of the early church up to 300 AD, were premillennialists - Papias, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Methodius, Commodianus, and Lactantius.

5. Of these men, Papias’s belief in Premillennialism is especially significant since he was a disciple of Polycarp who in turn was a disciple of the Apostle John who penned the statements about a 1000-year reign of Christ in his Book of Revelation.

II. What we believe is going to go down in the future:

v14 - refer to Daniel 9:27 and 11:31

a. version 1.0 - Antiochus Epiphanes (216BC - 164BC) fulfilled this in between the OT and NT times.

According to Barclay, “He desecrated the Temple by offering swine’s flesh on the great altar and by setting up public brothels in the sacred courts. Before the very Holy Place itself he set up a great statue of the Olympian Zeus and ordered the Jews to

worship it.”

b. version 2.0 - it happens again:

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - That day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

That day, being the “coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”… from 2:1

So in a similar manner to Antiochus, the anti-Christ defiles the temple again in the future.

An early Christian writer named Irenaeus, wrote this in the late second century: “But when this Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem; and then the

Lord will come from heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, sending this man and those who follow him into the lake of fire; but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom.”

v15-20 - why so dire?

Daniel 9:27 - Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate. Even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.”

Daniel 12:11 - And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be 1,290 days (until the end/2nd coming).

observation 1 - “week” can be translated “7” - as in 7 years, this falls in line with Daniel 12:11.

observation 2 - there will be 3.5 years from the time the temple is defiled to the time of the 2nd coming of Jesus.

observation 3 - this rules out the 2nd coming as being a “thief in the night” = rapture.

observation 4 - this reveals why Jesus gives all the warnings - for 3.5 years, after (the middle of the “week”), “consummation” will be “poured” on the “desolate” - aka seal, trumpet, and vial judgments from Revelation!

observation 5 - these judgments wipe out 1/4 (Rev. 6:7) and then 1/3 of mankind (Rev. 9:18) - that equates to around 3.3 billion according to today’s population.

v21-23 - widespread false religion leading up to the tribulation and during the 1st 3.5 years.

observation - v23 = “take heed” x 1

v24 - see Rev. 8:12; and Isaiah 13:9-11, Ezekiel 32:7-9, Joel 2:30-31, Amos 8:9-10, Zephaniah 1:14-15.

v25 - see Rev. 8:7-11

v26-27 - all people will see - see Rev. 19:1-16

observation - “elect” = those saved during the tribulation

v28-30 - be ready, because this will surely happen.

observation - “generation” = race

v31 - the eternality of the word of God!

v32-37 - take heed and watch!

observation -

v33 = “take heed” x 2

v34 = “watch” x 1

v35 = “watch” x 2

v37 = “watch x 3

Whenever Jesus repeats Himself, pay close attention!

applications

1. Take heed and watch!

2. v34 - we have authority - so use it wisely for the Lord

3. v34 - we have work - so do it “unto the Lord” (Col. 3:20) - in quality and with an eternal focus

4. v36 - do not fall asleep! (1 Cor. 15:34)

2010-06-24

Wednesday Night Study Notes - 6/23/10

WN 6/23/10

Curing Idolatry

1 John 5:21

1 Cor. 10:14

1 John 5:21 - “Little children, keep yourself from idols. Amen”

1 Cor. 10:14 - “Therefore my beloved, flee from idolatry”.

broad definitions

definition 1 -

Idol (biblical) - any person or thing regarded with enough admiration, adoration, or devotion that it becomes a substitute to Jesus.

definition 2 -

Worship (general) - reverent honor and homage paid to God, gods, a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred

definition 3 -

Idolatry (general and biblical) - the religious worship of idols

In a nutshell, it’s a temporal thing that gets and keeps your eyes off Jesus - can be a person, image, money, art, earth, pleasure, etc.

types

1. fetishism - Latin = factitious + Italian = facere - to make

The worship of made up things - statues, stone idols, figurines, etc.

Gen. 31:19 (1st instance) - Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols (teraphim) that were her father’s.

Romans 1:23-24 - Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Adrammelech. 2Ki 17:31.

Anammelech. 2Ki 17:31. Ashima. 2Ki 17:30.

Ashtoreth. Jdj 2:13; 1Ki 11:33.

Baal. Jdj 2:11-13; 6:25.

Baal-berith. Jdj 8:33; 9:4,46.

Baal-peor. Nu 25:1-3.

Baalzebub. 2Ki 1:2,16.

Baal-zephon. Ex 14:2.

Bel. Jer 50:2; 51:44.

Chemosh. Nu 21:29; 1Ki 11:33.

Chiun. Am 5:26.

Dagon. Jdj 16:23; 1Sa 5:1-3.

Diana. Ac 19:24,27.

Huzzab. Na 2:7.

Jupiter. Ac 14:12.

you get the idea.

2. Nature Worship - The worship of everything that God created (the sun, moon, stars, and animals as the supposed powers of nature).

2 Kings 23:5 - Then he removed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun,

to the moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.

Deut. 4:19 - And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the

the whole heaven as a heritage.

3. Worldly Worship - The worship of pleasure (sex, drugs, drunkenness), money, and power.

Col. 3:5 - Therefore put to death your members which are on earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

4. Hero Worship - The worship of deceased ancestors, or of heroes - aka, people.

Psa. 106:28 - They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor,

And ate sacrifices made to the dead.

Acts 14:15-16 - But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you

that you should turn from these useless things to the living God…

Acts 10:15 - And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter

lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”

so what’s the big deal with a little idolatry?

1. Idols make you forget Jesus eventually.

Deut. 8:19 - Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.

Jer. 18:15 - “Because My people have forgotten Me,

They have burned incense to worthless idols.

And they have caused themselves to stumble in their ways…

2. Idols eventually take over and change you into things you were not meant to be.

murderous

Deut. 12:31 - You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

Ez. 23:39 - For after they had slain their children for their idols, on the same day they came into My sanctuary to profane it; and indeed thus they have done in the midst of My house.

1 Kings 18:28 - So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them.

perverse

Ex. 32:6 - Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Ex. 32:25 - Now when Moses saw that the people were eunrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies)…

obsessive

Acts 14:18 - And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

deceptive

Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

destructive

1 Cor. 6:9-10 - Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

So, idolatry can lead to murder, perversion, mutilation, obsession (stalkers/fanclubs), addiction, and ultimately - destruction. This is why we are to “flee” from it and “keep ourselves from it” at all costs -

but how??

by refocusing on Jesus.

1 Thess. 1:9 - For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead,

even Jesus who delivers us qfrom the wrath to come.

Refocus on Jesus because:

1. He alone is the Creator - and is therefore ultimate reality.

Isa. 6:3 - “… the whole earth is full of His glory”!

2. He alone is Savior -

and is therefore ultimate love.

Isa. 45:20 - Assemble yourselves and come;

Draw near together,

You who have escaped from the nations.

They have no knowledge,

Who carry the wood of their carved image,

And pray to a god that cannot

save.

Acts 4:12 - “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 5:8 - “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

3. He alone is King -

and is therefore ultimate consolation.

1Ti 1:17 - “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Tim. 6:11-16

conclusion =

Get your eyes of anything with an expiration date and get them on (or back on) Jesus!!!

2010-06-20

SN - notes from 6/19/10

SN 6/19/10 - study

Get the podcast under thesngroup on itunes!

The Temple and the Times - part 1

Mark 13:1-13

v1. The temple

1. This temple was originally built by Solomon and then rebuilt by Zerubbabel and Ezra (Ezra 6:15).

2. It was greatly expanded and improved by Herod - nearly 500 yards long X 400 yards wide; built from 19 b.c to 63 a.d. (taking more than eighty years); with individual bricks weighing around 400 tons.

3. It was one of the wonders of the ancient world.

4. It was the center for Jewish life for hundreds of years.

5. People swore by it (Matt. 23:16) and it was considered blasphemy to speak against it (Acts 6:13)

6. The 12 were obviously impressed by it. Jesus was not.

Why?

a. b/c the sacrificial system took place inside and was a “shadow”/”symbolic” (Hebrews 9) of what He would do on the cross

b. b/c the temple had become an idol

Matt. 12:6 - But I say unto you, that in this place is [one] greater than the temple.

c. b/c He knew, regardless of how beautiful, it was temporal and would be destroyed in 70 AD.

d. Don’t worship things with an expiration date - people, things, etc.

v2 - Jesus’ prophecy - within 40 years, Titus was dispatched by Nero to deal with wide spread rebellion from the Zealots.

1. Josephus recorded that 1.1 million Jews were killed and close to 100K were enslaved - many were burned to death as they took refuge in the temple…

a. “Now, as soon as the army had no more people to kill or plunder … Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the entire city and temple … this was the end which Jerusalem came to.” (Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 7.1.1)

b. Once on fire, all of the gold from the temple melted and went between the stones - to get the gold, the soldiers pulled them apart (somehow) and in so doing, fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy.

2. The literal fulfillment of this prophecy in 70 AD sets the tone for the rest of the prophecies in the chapter - expect them to happen.

v3-4 - 1 mountain top view and 2 questions:

1. When will these things be? (tonight’s study)

2. What will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?

(next week’s study)

v5 - Jesus’ “3 part” answer:

1. v5 = applies to both questions

“Take heed that no one deceive you.”

2. v6-13 = answers the 1st question (the destruction of Jerusalem)

3. v14-37 = answers the 2nd question (the end of the world - tribulation) - next week

v6 - False Jesus’ with false teachings will come

1. Many of which are documented in the epistles - Col. 2:8, 2 Tim. 2:17-18 (Hymenaeus and Philetus), 2 Tim. 3:13, 2 Peter 2, 1 John 2:18, 2 John 1:7, Jude 4 - 9;

v7 - wars and rumors of wars (and v8 - nation against nation)

1. Possibly the first Jewish-Roman War (66–70 CE), sometimes called The Great Revolt

v8a - earthquakes -

1. Pliny the Elder described a massive earthquake that destroyed a large section of Asia Minor (Ephesus, Philedelphia, Sardis, etc.) in the year A.D. 17

2. Eusebius is said to have chronicled an earthquake destroying Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis (Chron. Olymp. 210.4) in the 10th year of Nero [AD 64].

3. Tacitus records a quake in the 7th year of Nero (Emperor of Rome from AD 54-68) putting the earthquake around AD 61—Annals 14.27.

4. Jesus does not skirt the age old athiestic question of how a loving God can allow natural disasters - He says that they will happen, so be ready spiritually speaking. This same mentality is also alluded to in Luke 13:4-5

a. Luke 13:4-5 - “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

b. The idea is that since sin leads to death (Rom. 3:23), be ready when it’s time to die - by earthquake, tower, old age, etc!

c. So, this aspect of prophesy was fulfilled prior to the destruction of the temple.

v8b - famines

1. A famine was predicted by Agabus in Acts 11:28 and Josephus (Josephus, in his Antiquities of the Jews, Book 20, Chapter 2, Paragraph 1, Line 1, Paragraph 3, Line 37, and Paragraph 5, Lines 51–53) makes mention of a famine which occurred A.D. 45.

2. Tacitus writing in AD 109 and Eusebius (AD 260–340) also confirm this famine taking place during the reign of Claudius Caesar.

3. Plus, Titus surrounded Jerusalem and allowed people in, but not out, to escalate the loss of food and water to the city - this was basically a famine as well.

v9 - delivered to councils

1. Initially - Peter and co. (Acts 5), Stephen (Acts 7), Paul (Acts 23)

2. contextually - numerous times during the persecutions which took place in the reigns of Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Maximinus the Thracian, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian and Galerius

3. In his Annals, Tacitus states that “to get rid of the report (of setting Rome on fire), Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace” (The Annals)

This is important b/c Paul points out in:

a. Col. 1:5-6 - “…which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has in all the world…

b. Col. 1:23 - “…of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven…”

c. Rom. 1:8 - First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

d. 1 Thess. 1:8 - For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

These verses prove v10 - that the gospel was preached to all the nations.

v11 - The Holy Spirit will give you the words to speak

1. Again, this was verified by Stephen (Acts 7) and Peter (Acts 4:8) - to name a few

2. This does not mean to be ignorant of the scriptures so you can “freestyle” it by the Spirit.

a. 2 Tim. 2:15 - Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

b. 1 Pet. 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

c. Ezra 7:10 - For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

v12 - these undoubtedly took place b/c they do to this day - possibly happened to Paul as well.

v13a - hated for His name’s sake

1. Not hated b/c you are a jerk, or a legalist, or too liberal

2. Ironically Jesus was a friend of sinners, but hated by the most religious people. We love God, love people, whether they love back or not.

3. On turning the other cheek.

v13b - enduring to the end

1. recall from last week that salvation merits a 3 part description:

a. Justification - I repent and accept

b. Sanctification - I continue no matter what

c. Glorification - I reign with Jesus

a. John 8:31 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indee

b. Acts 13:43 - Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

c. Acts 14:22 - Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

d. Acts 26:22 - Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

e. Rom. 11:22 - Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut o

f. Col 1:23 - If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

g. 1 Tim. 4:16 - Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

h. 2 Tim. 3:14 - But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];

applications -

1. be focused solely on Jesus -stop idolatry in your life - this especially includes the kind that occurs within the church (the temple was the context earlier)

2. be “ready” tonight - life is unpredictable.

3. be hated for the right reason

4. be resilient - continue regardless of the season

2010-06-16

SN - notes from 6/12/10

SN 6/12/10 - study

“4 points”

Mark 12:34-41

The context - After 3 sets of questions from the religious leaders, Jesus asks a question of his own to the scribes and pharisees

I. Not far from the Kingdom of God (v34)

observation - not far is too far.

Salvation = Justification -> Sanctification -> Glorification

II. Missing the Point (v35-37)

A. Is Jesus in the Psalms?

observation - Yes! although He is everywhere in the OT, in context, you can find Jesus in:

Psalms 2:7

The Messiah will be God’s Son

Hebrews 1:5,6

Psalms 16:8-10

He will rise from the dead.

Luke 24:5-7

Psalms 22:1-21

He will experience agony on the cross

Matthew 26,27

Psalm 22:18

Evil Men cast lots for his clothing

Matthew 27:35, John 19:23,24

Psalms 22:15

He thirsts while on the cross

John 19:28

Psalms 22:22

He will declare God’s name.

Hebrews 2:12

Psalms 34:20

His bones would not be broken

John 19:36,37

Psalms 40:6-8

He came to do God’s will.

Hebrews 10:5-7

Psalms 41:9

His close friend would betray him.

Luke 22:48

Psalms 45:6,7

His throne will last forever

Hebrews 1:8,9

Psalms 68:18

He ascended into heaven.

Ephesians 4:8-10

Psalms 69:9

He is zealous for God

John 2:17

Psalms 69:21

He was offered vinegar for his thirst on the cross

Matthew 27:48

Psalms 89:3, 4, 35, 36

He will be a descendant of David.

Luke 1:31-33

Psalms 96:13

He will return to judge the world.

1 Thessalonians 1:10

Psalms 110:1

He is David’s son and David’s Lord.

Matthew 22:44

Psalms 110:4

He is the eternal priest-king.

Hebrews 6:20

Psalms 118:22

He is rejected by many but accepted by God.

1 Peter 2:7, 8

B. So, the major folly the scribes committed was that although they knew the scriptures, they didn’t really know the Author of the scriptures b/c they couldn’t see Jesus in the scriptures

observation - one should never become to enthralled with various nuances of scripture if they end up marginalizing Jesus - the goal of good theology is not to sound smart, but to ultimately declare the good news of Jesus!

C. Why do we need to study the bible?

1. b/c we need it to know Jesus (Ps. 40:7, Luke 24:25, Heb. 10:7)

2. b/c we need to grow (1 Peter 2:2)

3. b/c we need to mature (Heb. 5:11-14)

4. b/c we need to be effective (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

1. we need the bible to know Jesus -

Luke 24:25-27 - Then said He unto them,

O fools, and slow of heart

to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

ought not Christ

to have suffered these things,

and to enter into his glory?

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets,

He expounded unto them in all the scriptures

the things concerning Himself”

Heb. 10:7 - “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”

2. we need the bible to grow -

1 Peter 2:2 - Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation - if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

3. we need the bible to mature-

Hebrews 5:11-14 - About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the

basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by

by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

4. we need the bible to be effective -

2 Tim. 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for

every good work.

D. v.37 - “the common people heard him gladly”

observation - hearing without doing are useless (James 1:22) - these same people would shortly be saying “crucify Him!”

III. Avoiding Hypocrisy (v38-40)

A. Beware of the scribes …

observation - sad b/c the spiritual leaders were supposed to be a blessing to the people not a “warning”

B. go around in long robes …

observation - beware of external religiousity

C. They “loved” greetings at the marketplace, the best seats in synagogues, and the best places at feasts

observation 1 - sad because they were supposed to love God and love people (eternal things), not these temporal things

observation 2 - John 5:44

observation 3 - beware of being idolatrous (the people to the scribes) and loving idolaters (the scribes to the people)

observation 4 - the scribes were seeking to exalt themselves

D. Who devour widow’s houses..

observation 1 - the implication is that the scribes tricked widows into giving them their estates

observation 2 - taking care of widows and orphans was an early church trait that separated them from the world - it was pure/true religion - it was real and not the least bit showy or legalistic

observation 3 - the scribes were seeking to enrich themselves

E. They made long prayers so they could be heard

observation 1 - sad because they were supposed to pray for the audience, not pray to gain an audience

F. These will receive greater condemnation

observation 1 - this unique sentence seems to be centered around hypocrisy - it is also mentioned in Matt. 23:14 and Luke 20:47

observation 2 - it is possible that it also has to do with knowing much and doing little

observation 3 - self exaltation and greed have no positive eternal consequences - beware of both

IV. Giving Liberally (v38-44)

A. Jesus sat opposite the treasury to see how the people put money into the treasury -

observation 1 - it’s interesting how often Jesus spoke about and warned about money.

the rich young ruler -

Luke 18:18

the parable of the talents -

Matt. 25:14

the parable of the 10 minas -

Luke 19:11

taxes to caesar -

Mark 12:17

cannot serve God and Mammon -

Matt. 6

observation 2 - He speaks about $ a lot b/c it’s so easy to be greedy - it’s a very ninja-like sin, you don’t realize it’s there or think there’s a problem

observation 3 - notice in this passage, Jesus is concerned with “how” we give as opposed to “what” we give

observation 4 - so how am I supposed to give?

1. sacrificially - Jesus paid little attention to the gifts which lacked sacrifice

2. liberally - Rom. 12:8 - this concerns a “gift” of giving

3. cheerfully - 2 Cor. 9:7 - don’t give reluctantly or compulsively - give prayerfully

applications:

1. be saved - work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)

2. be in your bible

3. be real

4. be a sacrificial giver

2010-05-30

SN - notes from 5/29/10

The Greatest Commandment

part 2
Mark 12:28-34

Recap -

Jealous of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes take turns trying to catch Jesus in His words - they all backfire and teach them and us some key lessons

To the Pharisees - Taxes to Caesar or not?
Jesus points out that we operate on 2 different planes (spiritual and physical). A follower of God will therefore have “kingdom duties” (for God) and “civic duties” (for Caesar) - see Col. 3:1 and Rom. 13:1
This enlightens us to the “plan of God”

To the Sadducees - is there really a resurrection?
Jesus points out that, despite their outlandish hypothetical situation, God is very much alive and heaven will be radically different than anything on earth.

This enlightens us to the “person of God” - very much alive!

To the scribe - what is really needed to be a true follower of God?
Jesus points out just 2 (ridiculously hard to accomplish) things - Love God with your all, and love people with your all.
This enlightens us to the “purpose of man”

Tonight, we look at the second aspect of the “purpose of man” - “to love your neighbor as yourself”.

Keep 3 questions in mind as we go through this:
1. What does this mean?
2. How do we do this wrong?
3. How can we do this right?

See Luke 10:25-37 for a similar scenario

observation 1 - The man was naked (aka - had nothing to offer) and a nobody
Beware of only feeling “called” to “lift the hands of Moses”

observation 2 - religious people did nothing for him b/c he was “unclean”
Beware of having a religious orientation and not a relational one

observation 3 - the Samaritan had other things to do
Beware of being either to busy for ministry or to busy in what you consider “ministry”

observation 4 - the samaritan went to “where he was”
Realize that you might have to exert some effort to be effective for Jesus - don’t expect Him to just do it for you.

observation 5 - the samaritan was moved with “compassion” - He was like Jesus
Mat 9:36 - But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Mat 14:14 - And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved
with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Mat 18:27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
Mar 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out [His] hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Mar 6:34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with
compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

observation 6 - the samaritan “got dirty” - treated and bandaged his wounds
Beware of being so afraid of the world that you are never ever in it and therefore never effecting it - see John 17, Matt. 11, 1 Cor. 5:9-10, 1 Cor. 9:19-22

observation 7 - the samaritan put him on his own animal
Ministry is often a “personal” expression - it can be diverse! What moves and stirs you?
see Ephesians 4:11 - Abraham’s tamarisk tree, Paul’s tent making, Lydia’s selling of purple in Acts 16, etc.

observation 8 - the samaritan spent time with the man (at his own cost)
Ministry and discipleship making both require varying amounts of time - see Gal. 1:18 and 2:1

observation 9 - the samaritan still had a life and responsibility outside of “ministry” -
Christian -> spouse -> parent -> minister

observation 10 - the samaritan was going to come again to see the man and repay the inn keeper - the inn keeper would have seen everything.
This is kind of the main point. We love people because it crosses every barrier and language - Jesus love displayed on the cross needs no translation. We share that love, people see that love, want that love, and want to be able to offer that love - see 1 John 3:18
That’s why it’s called a “labor of love” in 1 Thes. 1:3 and Hebrews 6:10.

How we treat others (social compassion) is also indicative of whether or not we truly know Jesus - parable of the sheep and the goats (Matt. 25), true religion definition (James 1:27), etc.
Keep in mind this is NOT an optional Christian thing - it proves you know Christ! Social compassion does NOT save people, it verifies Christian people.

3. How can I do this?

1. Be close to Jesus - see 1 John 4:7, 1Th. 4:9
2. Be biblical - realize it is biblical to be socially concerned and active - see the whole study
3. Be pure - see 1 Peter 1:22
4. Be sincere in your faith - hypocrisy will not produce love. See 1 Tim. 1:5 -
5. Be active - not reactive to serving all people.

2010-05-20

This saturday night

Hey all - I’m in the middle of teaching a summer school class called Fundamentals of Biology at VU, but wanted to take a sec to let you all know that Mike Chaddick will be teaching this saturday. I’ll be at the father/son retreat with Cade in the mtns. See you all next week when we will be looking at the second part of Jesus’ conversation with the scribe in Mark 12:30-34.

2010-05-10

SN - notes from 5/8/10

As always, podcasts are available under thesngroup and live videos can be watched at calvarychapelcostamesa.com under media!

Our ministry of the month was camp joy - check them out on the video.

The Greatest Commandment

Mark 12:28-34

This is the 3rd question Jesus has had thrown His way - the 1st came from the Pharisees, the 2nd from the Sadducees.

v28 - the scribe now asks, “which is the greatest commandment”?

observation 1 - what’s a scribe? The scribes were initially levites who were distinct based on their intimate acquaintance with the contents of the law. In their purist form, they had the duty of multiplying copies of the law and of teaching it to others (Ezra 7:6, 10–12; Neh. 8:1);

During the New Testament times, the scribes belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, who supplemented the ancient written law by their traditions (Matt. 23), thereby obscuring it and rendering it of none effect.

observation 2 - this question seeks to make Jesus pick a law that is superior to the others, thus making the others slightly inferior.

observation 3 - “first” = protos

1) first in time or place

a) in any succession of things or persons

2) first in rank

a) influence, honour

b) chief

c) principal

3) first, at the first

v29 - Jesus’ answer

observation 1 - “Hear” - God Himself wants you to lend your ear to Him, he wants to interact with you and speak to you. ”Hear” implies relationship, it’s an invitation.

observation 2 - “Israel” - a small country that should have been absorbed into its captors time and time again. A country bound to a great and awesome covenant from God. ”Hear” lets you know He wants to speak, “Israel” let’s you know He cares and keeps His promises

observation 3 - although in Greek “the Lord” = kureos (from kuros = supremacy) - the possessor and disposer of a thing; common greeting of a servant to a master, the Hebrew word in Deut. 6:5 was Jehovah - “The Existing One”

observation 4 - “our”

This great and awesome promise keeping, eternally existing God is your personal God.

observation 5 - “God” = Elohim - a plural, masculine noun meaning “rulers”, “judges”, or “divine ones”

observation 6 - “is One God” - He is God in 3 persons

a quick aside on the trinitarian nature of God:

1. The word “trinity” is not in the bible but we do see plurality in Genesis 1:26.

2. We see there are other texts in which the unity of the Father and the Son is stressed (Matt. 11:27; John 10:30 (I and My Father are One); 14:9-11; 20:28; Col. 2:9; 1 John 5:20)

3. We see the same “oneness” with Jesus and The Holy Spirit in Luke 3:22, Acts 2:33, and Gal. 4:6).

4. We see all 3 aspects of the Trinity mentioned in 2 Cor. 13:14 - ”The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the

communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”; Eph. 4:4-6; and 1 Peter 1:2

5. And it is generally acknowledged that the church father Tertullian (145-220 AD) either coined the term or was the first to use it with reference to God.

It’s as if, in addition to eternality, power and wisdom, the very nature of God conveys unity, submission, meekness, community, and action. This nature is what the church looks to emulate in terms of its functionality - is it possible?

v30 - And you shall “love God”…

Our efficacy for the kingdom hinges on this fact.

Why should I love God?

1. Aside from the fact He made you (Col. 1:16) and died for you (Rom. 5:8)…

2. See Deut. 11:1

3. See Joshua 22:5

How do I know if I love God?

b/c it should produce:

1. Joy. Ps 5:11.

2. Love to saints. 1Jo 5:1.

3. Love to people. 1Jo 4:7.

4. Hatred of sin. Ps 97:10.

5. Obedience to God. De 30:20; 1Jo 5:3, John 14:15

Basically, true love is an action that produces true change in you - how you love others, how you serve others, how you obey God, all hinge on loving Him.

Jesus could have said anything, but He knew love was what He had wanted from the beginning. Loving God was and is the oldest, most important command of all.

How can I love God more?

1. Ask God (see 2 Thess. 3:5).

2. Remember He loves you (1 John 4:19)

3. Remember that He refines our love (Deut 13:3).

4. Recall all that He has done (Joshua 22 and Deut 11

and Psalm 116:1)

5. Persevere through the dry times! (Jude 1:21)

6. Remind someone (Ps. 31:23)