Adult Education REsources

Browse through a selection of Adult Sunday school and education materials below. These materials come from our Sunday Morning classes so you won't miss out if you miss a week. 


Select a video then scroll down and click on the matching outline to read along as you listen.

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Discipleship Essentials

What does it mean to be a disciple? What is Discipleship? Why are relationships so important? What is our goal as followers of Jesus? How does Cornerstone fit into all of this? Let’s take a deep dive together on how we can live like Jesus! 

  • The Purpose of this series is to help us understand what discipleship is, how we can be disciples of Jesus, Why and how we are called to be disciples, and where God is leading the church.


    As you listen along, get a sheet of paper and a pen and write down your answer to this question: What is discipleship?


    Your answer is most likely rooted in the Bible, doctrinally sound, encouraging, missional, and centered on Jesus. 

    Great!


    But think about your answer in the context of all of the other answers given. What do you notice about your answer and everyone else's answers?


    How are they similar? 

    How are they different.


    Why are they similar or different?


    How would you describe the answers the group gave?


    Consider this...

    On an individual level, all of these answers were probably correct! 

    What are some of the advantages of having such a wide spread of answers?



    Now let's zoom out a little bit to the church as a whole. 

    What are some disadvantages of having so many different "definitions" of discipleship?


    What are some side effects of not having a unified understanding of discipleship?


    Biblical Discipleship

    What is a great first step towards unifying the church in its understanding of discipleship?


    Turn to Matthew 4:19 and read the verse.


    Notice how the verse is divided up.


    "Follow me"

    What does it mean to "follow" Jesus?

    It may seem simple, but try to answer it in a way that someone who has never heard of Jesus before could understand.


    How does following Jesus engage our minds (the "head")?


    "and I will make you..."

    What does it mean to be made or formed by Jesus?

    Again, keep it simple and try to answer this question as concisely as possible.


    How does being formed by Jesus engage our hearts?


    "fishers of people."

    What does it mean to be on mission with Jesus?

    Keep your answer simple.


    What is Jesus' mission? What was his mission during his ministry on earth?

    What is our mission?


    How does being on mission engage our hands?



    This is how we at Cornerstone define discipleship: A disciple follows Jesus, is being formed by Jesus, and is on mission with Jesus.


    How can a unified understanding of discipleship help us as individuals grow closer to Jesus?

    How can a unified understanding of discipleship help us as a community of believers grow closer to Jesus?


    Why is it so important to engage the Head AND the Heart AND the Hands?


  • Recall last week's discussion:

    What is Cornerstone's understanding of Discipleship?

    Its to Follow Jesus, be Formed by Jesus, and to be on Mission with Jesus.


    Why is it important to have a clear and unified understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus?



    How do we become disciples?

    What are some characteristics of a disciple?

    Think about the spiritual disciplines, prayer, Bible reading, service, the fruits of the spirit, love, etc.


    Are these things what make us a disciple of Jesus? Why or why not?


    Are these things rather fruits of who we are as disciples? Why or why not?



    Think of a time when you felt discipled. What did that look like? Give some tangible examples.


    Likely, you learned from someone who was modeling with their lives what it meant to be a disciple.

    Would you have been the same kind of disciple had the exact information, disiplines, practices, been transmitted to you via a pod cast, or a book, or an online video? Why or why not?


    What is missing from a book/podcast/video/paper that an interaction between you and a person could have?

    The answer is most likely: Relationships!



    Jesus' Model

    What did Jesus do specifically during his ministry? Did he stand up at the temple, give a speech for 8 hours, then go home? No! So what did he do?


    John 13:1-17 -> modeled service to one another

    Matthew 26:20-30 -> Modeled sharing a meal with those closest to him

    Luke 24:13-35 -> he taught them correct teachings and how to understand God better

    John 21:15-19 -> He encouraged his followers to continue in relationship with one another


    If these are the things Jesus did, what should we be doing?


    Jesus did teach the mind. Correct theology, doctrines, teachings, etc. But why do you think he taught his followers how to live and act differently?


    It's because Relationships is HOW we become disciples of Jesus. 


    HOWEVER, Relationships are NOT the goal. it is simply how Jesus poured into his followers and how he modeled right living in God.



    Consider this...

    Why are relationships so important?

    What do we miss out without it?


    Here is what we've learned so far:


    Road/path = Discipleship

    Map = Definition of Discipleship

    Vehicle = Relationship


    Destination = Next week!

  • Coming next week!

Not what you think

Join us at as we explore some of the not-so-flattering flaws of iconic Bible characters, confusing omens of prophecy, and a change of perspective on the Pharisees. In this series, we'll dig through the stories of famous characters like Samson, Solomon, Jonah, and Joseph plus tricky themes like prophecy, revelation, and Discipleship. We'll take a closer look at these topics and see if our first impressions match up with what the Bible teaches. 

  • Main Question for today...

    Is Samson who we think he is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the character of Samson today, consider how your perspectives of Samson changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of his life.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name Samson before, but I don't know anything about him. Tell me who Samson was and tell me his story." What would you say?


    Take some time as a group to talk about what you would tell a person if you had one minute to give the story of Samson. Write these things down for the group to see.



    Consider this...

    Read Numbers 6:1-12, 21

    As you read this passage, write down everything that a Nazarite must NOT do during the duration of his/her vow. 

    This list should include:


    Refraining from drinking wine/strong drink including wine vinegar or other vinegar

    Must not drink any grape juice or eat grapes, skins, or seeds.

    No razor is to come to their head to cut their hair

    Shall not go near a corpse even if it is their own father or mother

    If someone dies suddenly near them, they must shave their heads and offer sacrifices



    Small Group Time

    Break up the class into 3 groups

    (For smaller sized groups: read through all three chapters and write down things they notice as you read together).

    Have each group read a chapter of Samson’s story (Judges 14, 15, and 16) (should take about 10-15 minutes).

    As they read, tell each group to pay extra attention to the list that you have given about the Nazarite vow. Ask groups to find any verses where Samson breaks this vow.


    Additionally, tell them to note any verses where Samson breaks any Law of Torah that they are aware of.

    If they are unsure, tell them to make a note of the verse and the class can search for it later if time permits.

    If they are not able to find such verses give them hints using the “Text” verses above in order to help prompt them to a few examples.


    Ask each group the following questions after they have read their passages:

    • How does Samson break his Nazarite vow?
    • Does Samson break any other kinds of Laws that are present in the OT that are forbidden for the Hebrews to do?
    • If so, which laws does he break? How?
    • Does Samson break the same law more than once? Which ones and how?

    Regroup
    Have each group come back together and present the white board to them again and have each group share what they had found in their reading.
    As they share, write down which verses (the ones stated below) that show Samson breaking his vow:

    • Judges 14:1-2—Israelites were strongly advised to not marry outside of the Israelite people as the Canaanites and other peoples would lead Israel away from God (See Gen. 24:3; Exod. 34:16; Judg. 3:6).
    • Judges 14:5-6—Samson killed a Lion with his bare hands and came into contact with the carcass of a dead animal—making himself unclean (Broke Num. 6:6; Lev. 11: 24-25, 28)
    • Judges 14:9 – If he wasn’t unclean from killing the lion, he was definitely unclean after he scooped up honey from the carcass with his bare hands. Additionally, since he was unclean, he also made his parents unclean by giving them the honey to eat (Broke Lev. 11:24-25, 28).
    • Judges 14:19-20—Although the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, Samson killed a group of 30 men out of anger and revenge for those who cheated his riddle. (See Num. 6:9; Exod. 20:13; Deut. 32:35)
    • Judges 15:4-5—Foxes/Jackals are animals that walk on paws and all-fours—an unclean animal (Broke Lev. 11: 27)
    • Judges 15:7-8—Samson attacks the Philistines out of Revenge (See Deut. 32:35)
    • Judges 15:15—Samson touched another corpse (a “fresh jawbone of a donkey”) + killed 1000 men (Broke Num. 6:6; Lev 11:24-25, 28).
    • Judges 16:1—Samson hires a prostitute. (God forbids Israelites from encouraging prostitution—implied it was not a great practice the people of God should be indulging in—See Deut. 23:17; Lev. 19:29, Lev. 21:9)
    • Judges 16:4—Samson marries a non-Israelite again (See Gen. 24:3; Exod. 34:16; Judg. 3:6)
    • Judges 16:17-20—Samson allowed for his head to be shaved (Broke Num. 6:5)

    Consider this...
    Ask the following questions to promote discussion within the group
    Have you ever read the whole story before in light of what is included in the Nazarite vow?
    What did you as a group previously understand about who Samson was?
    How do these comparisons with his vow and Torah impact your understanding of who Samson really was?

    How does this new perspective impact your view on how God chooses people to do His will?

    Even though we might view Samson differently now, does the fact that God still chose to use Samson change anything about God's plan for His people? Why or why not?
    How should we move forward, now that we know one of the "greatest" judges was actually not that great at all?

    How does this lesson apply to Christians today?


    Take away
    (optional) Have each group break up again
    Have the group(s) discuss practical ways they can equip themselves to better understand scripture as a whole.
    Have them remind each other that the Bible has a lot to teach us if we pay attention to the little details of a Bible Story.
    Have each group pray for each other. Have them pray that God will use us even though we are sinners and live in a fallen world. Encourage one another to do God’s will despite our short comings.


  • Main Question for today...

    Is Solomon who we think he is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the character of Solomon today, consider how your perspectives of Solomon changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of his life.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name Solomon before, but I don't know anything about him. Tell me who Solomon was and tell me his story." What would you say?


    Take some time as a group to talk about what you would tell a person if you had one minute to give the story of Solomon. Write these things down for the group to see.


    Solomon's exploits can include:

    Request of Wisdom: 1 Kings 3:5-14

    Building the Temple of God: 1 Kins 6:1-38

    Queen of Sheba Visit: 1 Kings 10:1-13

    Solomons Palace: 1 Kings 7:1-12

    Origin of Proverbs and Song of Songs/Solomon

    Trade and Prosperity 1 kings 10:14-29

    Judgement of the two women: 1 Kings 3:16-28

    Building up of Jerusalem and Israel: 1 Kings 9:15-25


    Explain to the class that Solomon did in fact do great things, but we should take a closer look at the Bible to see if Solomon really was a great a King as we learned growing up.

    Consider this...
    As you go through the following talking points, remind the class to think what they previously understood about Solomon and how that compares with what they just read.

    Solomon married foreign Women

    Read Deut. 7:3-4

    Ask: What does this law prohibit and why?


    Read 1 Kings 3:1 + 11:1-2

    Ask: What does this mean? Why is this significant for Israel’s witness to the other nations?


    Solomon was involved in inappropriate worship practices

    High Places

    Read Deut. 12:11-14

    Ask: What does this prohibit and why?


    Read 1 Kings 3:2-4

    Ask: What does this mean and why is this significant for Israel’s witness to the other nations?



    Idolatry and False gods

    Read Exodus 20:3-5

    Ask: What does this prohibit and why?


    Read 1 Kings 11:4-8

    Ask: What does this mean and why is this significant for Israel’s witness to the other nations?



    Solomon used forced labor and enslaved people

    Read Deut. 24:14-15

    Ask: What is this saying and why?


    Read 1 Kings 9:15-22

    Ask: Who can and cannot be subject to slavery within Israel? Why?

    Explain: “See he only made Non-Israelites slaves right? Nope see next point"


    Read 1 Kings 5:13

    Ask: Who does Solomon force to do labor and become slaves?—Israelites

    Ask: What does this mean and why is this significant for Israel’s witness to the other nations?



    Talk it through

    Ask the following questions to promote discussion that encourages the group to take a closer look at the character of Solomon.


    What does all of this mean for who Solomon was and how we've traditionally viewed him?


    Imagine a situation where Solomon wasn't as good as we traditionally understand him. How could this have turned out much differently given the laws that he broke or if he was any other person?


    Why is it important that we recognize Solomon did all of these things? What does it teach us?

    What does all of this mean for Christians today?


    Does God care about wealth, power, and what we think displays strength? Why or why not?


    What does God care about? How does this relate to Solomon then and Christians today?



    Take away

    How do you view Solomon now?


    Why is it important to have a fuller/ more mature understanding of this biblical character rather than just a traditional "Sunday School" perspective?


    What is something tangible we can do moving forward after learning all of this?


    What will you as an individual do now that you know this about Solomon?


  • Main Question for today...

    Is Jonah who we think he is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the character and Book of Jonah today, consider how your perspectives of Jonah changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of his exploits.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name Jonah before, but I don't know anything about him. Tell me who Jonah was and tell me his story." What would you say?


    Typical responses may include:

    Jonah fled away from Nineveh– 1:3

    Jonah was cast into the sea–1:15

    Jonah was swallowed up by a big fish– 1:17

    Jonah went to Nineveh after getting spit up–2:10-3:4

    Nineveh repented– 3:5-10

    Jonah and the plant– 4:6-8


    Explain to the class that Jonah did in fact do these things, but we should take a closer look at the Bible to see if this is all that the Book of Jonah has to teach us.


    Consider this...

    As you go through the following talking points, remind the class to think what they previously understood about Jonah and how that compares with what they just read.


    The Book of Jonah has almost nothing to do with the Fish!

    Read Jonah 1:17 and 2:10

    Ask: Compared to the rest of the book, what do you notice?

    It’s only 2 verses that even mention the fish!

    Ch 2 is about Jonah’s prayer inside the fish, but the Fish itself is not the focus of the story.

    Ask: How does this compare with what we are traditionally taught about the Book of Jonah?


    Jonah is an Anti-Prophet

    Explain: Everything about Jonah-- both the person and the book-- is the exact opposite of what you would expect from a typical biblical prophet.


    Read Isa. 6:5; Jer. 1:6-7; Exod. 4:10; Amos 7:14

    Ask: What kind of attitude or posture did these prophets take?


    Read Jonah 1:3

    Ask: What did Jonah do in 1:3? How does this compare with the following actions of the other prophets we read?


    While other prophets took a posture of humility, Jonah wasn't reluctant to take on the title of a follower of God

     Read Jonah 2:8-9

    Ask: How does Jonah display a total lack of self-awareness with this phrase?”

    Ask: How is he inflating himself here? What do you notice about the actions of Jonah and the sailors?

    Answer: The sailors actually made sacrifices to YHWH and Jonah did not.—1:16


    Read: Jonah 1:9

    Ask: How do his actions contradict his words?

    Watch what he does, not what he says


    Read: Jonah 4:2

    Ask: How do you think Jonah views himself when compared to the people of Nineveh? Is it a position of humility or something else?

     

    Jonah Fleeing the scene

    Ask: Based on what we’ve seen so far, and your knowledge of the actions of all of the other prophets of the Bible, name a single prophet that runs away from God’s calling towards being a prophet

    Answer: you can’t! because all other prophets follow God’s calling.

     

    Jonah Throws a temper tantrum

    Read: Jonah 4:1-2

    Ask: How does this response strike you? What are your thoughts on Jonah’s attitude and actions?


    Read: Jonah 4:8-11

    Ask: How does this response strike you? What are your thoughts on Jonah’s attitude and actions?

    Ask: How would you say Jonah’s actions compare to the actions of the other prophets?


    Jonah as Satire/exaggeration

    Explain: In order for satire to work, the readers must be aware of the thing being satirized.


    Think of Saturday Night Live (SNL)– in order to understand the jokes, you have to understand the real world events.


    The Book of Jonah kind of functions like SNL– the Book of Jonah assumes the reader has read and understands the other prophetic books of the Bible and calls attention to the hypocrisy of Jonah in order to teach the reader how now to act as God’s chosen people.



    Next week, we're going to talk more about Jonah as Satire, How the Book and the Character of Jonah function as a corrective for the ancient people of Israel and Christians today who think that God's love is reserved only for us, and why the Book of Jonah chooses to teach us these lessons this way.


  • Main Question for today

    How does the book and the character of Jonah teach us about what NOT to do as Christians?


    To Summarize part 1. 

    Jonah functions as an "anti-prophet." Essentially, everything Jonah does is the opposite of what the rest of the biblical prophets do. For example:


    While every other prophet deems themself as unworthy, Jonah believes he's "the guy" and is worthy to be God's prophet.


    While the other prophets take a posture of humility before the Lord, Jonah sees himself as above the people of Nineveh.


    While all of the other prophets obey God's call, Jonah immediately flees and tries to run away. 



    Jonah as Satire

    The book of Jonah satirizes the Psalms

    Read Psalms 32:6-7; 42:7; 69:1-2; 124:4-5


    How is destruction by water described in these passages? Are they literal or metaphorical?


    How does destruction/death by water used in the book of Jonah?

    In Jonah's case, the water is literal.


    How do you think a satire (like Saturday Night Life [SNL]) would perform a skit of Psalms? Do you think it would be similar to how Jonah satirizes Psalms?



    The book of Jonah satirizes the King and the Kings response

    Read Jonah 3:6-9

    How do almost every other king in the Bible react when they are told bad news from a prophet?

    How does this compare with what we see in the Book of Jonah?


    Notice how the book of Jonah makes fun of the King:

    3:5--the WHOLE city believed in God

             3:5-- the city proclaims a fast

                      3:5-- the city puts on sackcloth

                               3:6-- the news of destruction reaches the King last

                      3:6-- the King puts on sackcloth (He's the last one to wear sackcloth

             3:7-- the King proclaims a fast (even though everyone is already fasting)

    3:8-9--the King orders the people to believe in God (which they were already doing!)


    How do you think SNL would satirize these events?



    The book of Jonah uses extreme exaggeration to make its point

    The King declares a total fast with no food OR water!

    Neither the people Nor the animals can have food or water

    Even the animals put on sackcloth.

    Jonah's attitude and language of wanting to die is extreme.


    Imagine How SNL would satirize these events



    The book of Jonah uses language of suicide to reveal Jonah's heart

    Read 1 Kings 19:1-4

    Is Elijah in a good place in his life or a bad place?

    What kinds of situations is Elijah facing?

    How does this compare with Jonah's circumstances?


    Read Jonah 4:3, 8

    Why does Jonah want to die vs why Elijah wants to die?


    How do you think SNL would satirize these events?


    Why do you think the Book of Jonah goes to such lengths to use satire and exaggeration? 

    The answer is to 1) Grab our attention and 2) make us see how ridiculous we are being when we think the way Jonah thought.


    Jonah as a corrective to God's people

    The book and character of Jonah acts as a satire of the other prophets. This is so that God's chosen people (biblical Israel and Christians') can learn a lesson from a man who believes that God only loves "us."


    Think of Ruth

    What people group did Ruth belong too?

    Why is Ruth important to the Bible story?

    Is it fair to say that God loved Ruth despite her ethnicity?


    Read Amos 9:7

    Is Israel unique when it comes to being lead out of a land via an Exodus event?

    Who in this passage has God led out via an exodus? 



    Consider this...

    It's important to note that Jonah would rather die than see someone repent and turn to God. 

    Jonah is so bent on keeping God's grace away from others that he does everything he can to stop it from happening:

    He flees, 

    he trues to die via drowning so Nineveh doesn't hear the message of redemption,

    he says only the bare minimum when in Nineveh,

    he leaves to go watch the "fire show,"

    and he complains to God when God is gracious.


    God Loves all people and Jonah is a cipher (a disguised way of writing) for biblical Israel and Christians today. Jonah is written specifically for the biblical Israelites and Christians who believe that God ONLY loves us.


    Think about this...

    Why do we sometimes not like it when God shows love to other people who are not Christians?

    Is it strange that God would show love to another nation over Israel and even those who call themselves Christians? Why or why not?


    What are the most impactful/surprising things you learned about the book of Jonah and why?

    How does this compare with what we previously knew about Jonah?


    Why is it important we don't model Jonah in our lives?

    What are some real, tangible results of thinking like Jonah thought?


  • Main Question for today...

    Is Joseph who we think he is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the character of Joseph in the Old Testament today, consider how your perspectives of Joseph changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of his exploits.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name Joseph before, but I don't know anything about him. Tell me who Joseph was and tell me his story." What would you say?


    Some of his exploits include...

    He was favored by his father and given a decorative coat -- Gen. 37:3

    He had dreams from the Lord -- Gen. 37:5-11

    He was sold into slavery -- Gen. 37:12-28

    He was falsely accused and imprisoned -- Gen. 39:7-23

    He interpreted dreams for Pharaoh -- Gen. 40:1-23

    He became second in command -- Gen. 41:1-45

    He saved his family and the nations from a famine -- Gen. 45:1-15 + 16-28


    Joseph's story is a powerful narrative of resilience, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God in using difficult circumstances for a greater purpose. But Joseph is not all that we think.


    Joseph Practiced Divination

    Read Deut. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 15:23; 2 Kings 17:17; and Jer. 14:14

    What do these passages tell us about divination and how God feels about it?


    Read Gen. 44:1-5

    What does this passage say about the silver cup that belonged to Joseph?

    Why would Joseph own such an object in the first place? 

    Why does the story place so much emphasis on this cup?

    What does this mean for Joseph as a follower of Yahweh?


    Listen along to the discussion for more talking points on the impact a divination cup has on the story and the character of Joseph.


    Joseph married the daughter of an Egyptian Priest of a false god named On

    Read Gen. 24:3 and Exod. 34:16

    What do these passages say about the chosen people of God marrying outside of the people of Israel?


    Read Gen. 41:45

    Asenath means "She belongs to Neith." Neith was an Egyptian goddess. 


    What does this say about Joseph and his willingness to associate himself with non-Israelite people (his wife) and pagan gods (Neith)?

    Even though Torah was note written yet, does that make these actions ok? Are Josephs choices excusable? Why or why not?


    Did God only find divination and allegiances to false gods detestable after the Torah was written? Why or why not?


    Joseph agreed to enslave the Egyptians

    Read Gen. 47:19-23

    What did this transaction look like between Joseph and the Egyptian people?

    Who initiated this transaction and why?

    Is it ok that Joseph agreed to this?

    Does the circumstances justify this transaction?


    Read Gen 47:24-25

    What do you notice about this transaction?

    Who initiated/included this piece of the transaction?

    What does this say about Joseph's character in 1) accepting to enslave a people group in exchange for food and 2) adding in an additional stipulation that was not originally agreed upon?


    Does hard times, like a famine, make it ok to promote slavery?

    Context IS important, but does that make Joseph's actions justifiable? Why or why not?


    Does the ends justify the means? Why or why not?



    Consider this...

    What do you think is important for us to understand seeing the not-so-squeaky-clean parts of Joseph's story?

    What does this story say about flirting with sin?


    If these events took place before the writing of the Torah, was Joseph bound by the principles behind Torah? Why or why not?


    Where is God in this story?

    What does this story teach us today?

    Where do we see ourselves in this story?


    What tangible actions can we take this week based on what we've just learned?

  • Main Question for today...

    Are the Pharisees who we think they are?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the Pharisees in the New Testament today, consider how your perspectives of the Pharisees changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of their story.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name 'the Pharisees' before, but I don't know anything about them. Tell me who the Pharisees were and tell me their story." What would you say?


    Some of their story may include...

    Jesus calls them hypocrites, self-righteous, and legalistic - Matthew 23:1-36; Luke 11:37-54

    They are said to only care about outward appearances - Matthew 23:1-36

    They tried to trap Jesus on multiple occasions

    Jesus calls them white washed tombs, brood of vipers, and stiff necked.

    They missed the heart of Jesus' teachings and God's word

    Some would say they directly stood in opposition to Jesus' mission


    The Pharisees stand as a powerful example of what not to do when it comes to legalism and prioritizing tradition over God's word. But the Pharisees are not all that we think.



    Compared to the other Judeo-religious sects, Jesus spent the most time with the Pharisees

    What are the four major sects of Israelite beliefs during the time of Jesus?


    Essenes: Religious separatists that believed the religious institutions of Yahwism is corrupt, Practiced water cleansings, and a strict adherence to rules, regulations, and law codes--Far more than the other sects

    Zealots: Political upheavals that, through the use of physical violence, sought to over throw the Roman empire through the commissioning of the Messiah to install Israel as the leading world power

    Sadducees: A upper-class group that compromised their general allegiance to YHWH by buddying up to the Roman empire. Believed only the Pentateuch was authoritative.

    Pharisees: the People’s teachers that focused on accurate interpretation of the Law in an effort to protect it and Israel from false teachings and law breaking. Overstepped when tradition and legalism took hold.


    Of these groups, who is mentioned the most within the New Testament, especially in the Gospel accounts with Christ?

    Why do you think that is?


    Read Matt. 9:10-13, 12:1-2, 15:1-12; Mark 7:1-8; Luke 11:37-41, 14:1


    What do these interactions look like between Jesus and the Pharisees?

    Where are the other religious sects in all of this?


    It's important to note that time spent does not equal correct  theology, interpretation, motives, etc. However, it begs the question why did Jesus spend so much time with the Pharisees?


    Sure, there are always hecklers, but the Pharisees always seem close by. Why do you think that is given what we just talked about?



    Pharisees were highly regarded by the people

    Read Matthew 23:1-7


    Jesus’ critique and corrections of the Pharisees aside, how are the Pharisees viewed by the people of Israel as religious leaders? Why do you think that is?


    Note also that even Jesus instructs his follows to listen to and obey the words of the Pharisees. However he warns them not to imitate the Pharisees actions.


    The Pharisees, throughout the New Testament, constantly strive towards a meticulous observance of the Law and traditions. Why is this significant and what does it say about their faithfulness to God?


    Pharisees were viewed as guardians of Jewish tradition and Jewish identity in the face of Roman persecution and corruption.


    Pharisees were the Sunday School teachers in synagogues and the temple. Remember, biblical Israel had always struggled with proper YHWH worship–which is why they went into exile. The Pharisees taught the people of Israel over the course of 200-300 years how to get back on track and stay true to YHWH.

    They just went to far in the other direction and became legalistic.


    Read John 9:13-34

    Notice the amount of Scripture, law codes, and understanding of Torah fills this passage


    Next week we will pick up for the second half of this lesson and address a few more silver linings the Pharisees had going for them.


  • Main Question for today...

    Are the Pharisees who we think they are?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the Pharisees in the New Testament today, consider how your perspectives of the Pharisees changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of their story.


    As we continue from last week, consider these points...


    Jesus and the Pharisees had a lot in common, more than any other sect of Judaism

    Belief in a resurrection

     Read Acts 23: 6-9; Matthew 22:23-33

    What do the Pharisees believe? What did the Sadducees believe?


    Observance of the Law (Torah

    Read Matthew 5:17-20

    Jesus uses this passage to teach and to correct the Pharisees, but what does this tell us about what the Pharisees believed?

            

    Synagogue attendance

    Read Matt. 23: 2, 6; Matt 4:23; Mark 1:39

    What does this tell us about how both Pharisees and Jesus understood the value of synagogues?

            

    Use of Scripture

    Read Acts 23:8

    The belief in Angels and a resurrection, are primarily based upon the later, exilic books of Daniel and Ezekiel. This indicates that the Pharisees believed the whole OT was Scriptural while the Sadducees only believed the first five books were authoritative. 



    Good Eggs

    Read John 3:1-21; Mark 15: 42-43; John 19: 38-40

    What do these passages tell us about Joseph? Nicodemus?


    Joseph was definitely not a Sadducee based on the fact that he was Jesus’ disciple, and Sadducees were definitely NOT followers of Jesus for the reasons above. So he was either a pharisee or a generic council member at the bare minimum.



    Pharisees strove for proper interpretation of the Law and were willing to hear Jesus out and engage with him


    Pharisees are often seen in conversation or debate with Jesus. They wanted to make sure they understood Jesus, that he was clearing the smell test as well as making sure that they themselves passed the smell test.


    Their conversations didn’t always end well, but at least their initial intentions were proper YHWH worship.


    It seems one of the biggest hang-ups for the Pharisees is that they disagreed with Jesus’ methods and how he engaged with the people:

    They differed on Sabbath observance.

    They differed on who they were supposed to associate with. Sinners and tax collectors were exactly that, and God tells Israel to not associate with such people through Torah because they will lead you astray from God. So they were simply following Gods commands.


    Where they went wrong was not allowing for grace and forgiveness



    Wrapping it up

    Let's be clear, the Pharisees got a LOT wrong, however, of the major religious leaders of Jesus' time, the Pharisees were the only ones who were making an active effort to understand Jesus' mission and God's Kingdom.


    How has this conversation shifted your perspectives about the Pharisees?

    What lessons can be learned from the Pharisees' example and their attempts to understand and engage with Jesus?

    How do the Pharisees directly relate to you specifically as a Christian today?

    How can we learn from their example?

    What will you do differently based on what we've learned?

  • Listen along to the recording above for our discussion on the book of Ecclesiastes.


    As you listen, pay special attention to the overall theme of the book.


    Consider this...


    What does the book primarily focus on? 

    What is the author trying to point us too?


    Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, the authors reflections are meant to bring us four things:


    Pleasure

    "the Bible isn't true because it works, it works because it's true." - Oz Guiness


    Pain

    How do we reconcile the issue of pain and suffering in this world given the wisdom of Ecclesiastes?


    Perspective

    Proverbs 9:10-- "The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."


    Preparation

    Philippians 1:21-- "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."



    How do these themes impact our understanding of the final few verses of Ecclesiastes?

    What should we take away from this book?

  • Remember to download today's worksheet by clicking on "Resources" beneath the video above.


    Main Question for today...

    Is Prophecy who we think it is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at prophecy in the Bible today, consider how your perspectives of prophecy changes as we learn from the biblical function of this genre.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of prophecy before, but I don't know anything about it. Tell me what prophecy is and tell me its function in the Bible." What would you say?


    Our understanding of prophecy may include...

    Future telling of events yet to come

    Revealing hidden/unknown knowledge

    Prophecy is reserved for only a select few

    Judgement and punishment

    Pointing to Jesus as the Messiah


    Prophecy is a powerful genre and tool used throughout the Bible. It speaks to future judgement and messianic expectations.  But prophecy is not all that we think.



    Consider this...

    Future telling and Jesus pointing are both extremely important functions of prophecy. However, it is not the only function. One could even argue that it isn't even the main functions of prophecy when we examine the entirety of Scripture. 

    Future telling and Jesus pointing is the direct result of a domestication of the prophetic voice in order to tame it, make it sound less harsh, and to domesticate it for those in positions of influence. 



    The Constantinian Shift

    The battle of Milvian Bridge took place in 312 CE/AD

    As Constantine was preparing for battle, he saw a symbol in the sky and and voice saying "Conquer by this." He won the battle and he concluded that Christianity was lucky for winning wars. 


    Christianity is no longer illegal!


    Within a few decades, Christianity became extremely beneficial for those who wanted promotions, getting laws passed, get invited to parties, get government contracts, and priests got tax breaks. 


    By 380 CE/AD, Christianity became the official religion of the Holy Roman Empire. However, these events were not as great for the Christian faith as we may think. 

    People began joining the church, not for Jesus, but to get the perks and benefits listed above. So now the church is filled with people who may or may not be Christian. 



    Prophecy has three major functions

    Speaks to power

    2 Sam 12-- Nathan confronting David's sin

    1 Kings 18-- Elijah challenging Ahab and the prophets of Baal


    Advocates for the poor and needy

    Isaiah 1:17

    Amos 5:11-12


    Speaking truth

    Jeremiah 1:17-- Jeremiah was the "weeping prophet" but he still spoke truth

    1 Kings 22-- Micaiah as the bearer of unfavorable news to Ahab



    Do those in power like to be questioned or lose their power? Why or why not?


    Imagine you are a prophet/minister/disciple of Jesus who has been called to speak against a King's unjust actions. How well do you think it would go for you?


    Now imagine you're a prophet under the same Empire, Rome, that put Jesus to death. How would you preach to Julias Caesar/Constantine/ etc. who is sitting in the front row of your local church?

    Can you actually speak truth, speak to the powerful, and advocate for the poor if you are directly preaching to the one who is ruling against God’s rule, someone who seeks more power, and someone who is actively taking advantage of the poor? Why or why not?


    So preachers, ministers, and prophets had to shift towards a “safter teaching” of the prophets so they wouldn’t get in trouble, or to keep their government contracts, or to keep their tax breaks, and still get invited to parties.



    Anti-Jewish Polemic

    What was the biggest issue in the synagogues between traditional Israelites and Christ following Israelites? What happened between these groups?


    How did the early Christians defend Jesus as the Messiah? What texts did they point too?


    What were the natural results of using the prophets this way?


    After the first generation of Christians, what people group later made up a bulk of Christians?


    What do you think the interactions and relationships between the Israelites and the Gentile Christians looked like after the first few decades (Post 70 CE after the destruction of the temple)?



    Wrap it up

    Why were the prophets domesticated? How did this impact our understanding of the prophets?


    What are the results of only using prophecy as a "Jesus-pointing" tool for Centuries?


    What does all of this mean for us today?


  • Remember to download today's worksheet by clicking on "Resources" beneath the video above.


    Main Question for today...

    Is Prophecy who we think it is?



    Consider this...

    Let’s talk about what the Bible says about the role of prophets and how they function within the Bible stories and as books themselves.

    Let’s first talk about who prophets are and what they do

    Many prophets often come from the “outside.” In that, they:

    Don’t have any skin in the game,

    They can give unbiased messages of truth

    They are often rejected because they are not part of the “in” crowd or because they don’t cater to the will of the King.


    Examples include:

    Amos 7:14-15   He was a shepherd

    Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19   He was a farmer plowing his field

    Daniel 1:3-4   He was an exiled Israelite.

    Ahijah in 1 Kings 11:26-31  His background is unknown

    Jehu in 1 Kings 16:1-7  His background is unknown

    The unnamed prophet from Judah against Jeroboam in 1 Kings 13:1-10



    What do prophets do?

    Last week we mentioned that they 1) Speak to power; 2) Advocate for the poor and needy; 3) Speak truth. Here are some other functions that expand on these things.


    Remind us of our past (both good and bad)

    Speak against empty worship

    Advocate for the working class

    Seek Justice and what is right

    Take tremendous personal risk

     

    As we cover these passages, pay special attention to why the prophets are saying the things they are saying. The statements they are saying are for correction or judgement which are then followed by predictive punishments for as a result of that judgement.

    Yes, many of these statements are “predictive” prophecy, but the function is not to tell the future, but rather to bring correction for bad decisions and unfaithfulness, teaching of what to do, and to punish those whose hearts are hard and resistant to God’s prophetic message.

    It’s not future telling for the sake of future telling. The predictive events are a direct result of the kings’ poor decisions.

     

    Consider this question as you read through the following passages:

    What is the role of this prophetic message?


    1 Sam. 15:17-23: Saul’s Empty Worship

    2 Sam 12:1-10: Nathan rebukes David

    1 Kings 11:29-33: Ahijah talks with Jeroboam about the Kingdom dividing

    1 Kings 13:1-5: the Unnamed prophet chastises Jeroboam

    (Read rest of this chapter to learn how this prophet himself was later punished for disobeying God)



    Next week, we'll cover more examples of prophets with the history of Israel as we continue exploring the prophetic function of the messages they gave.

  • Remember to download today's worksheet by clicking on "Resources" beneath the video above.


    Main Question for today...

    Is Prophecy who we think it is?


    Review

    Remember that prophets:


    Speak truth

    Advocate for the poor and the needy

    Speak to power


    Consider this question as you read through the following passages:

    What is the role of this prophetic message?


    1 Kings 14:7-11: Ahijah condemns Jeroboam

    1 Kings 16:1-7: Jehu proclaims against Baasha that his line will end.

    1 Kings 18: The Prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel.

    1 Kings 22:8-18: Micaiah gives bad news to the King


    How do the words of the prophet’s function in these passages?

    Are the functions of this message to just tell the future or is there a different function?


    Hosea 4:4-10: Corrective against Levites getting rich off the people

    Hosea 5:1-2 + 6:4-5: Same corrective against the Levites

    Amos 4:1-2: Cows of Bashan– message against greed and taking advantage of the poor

    Amos 5:18-24: Judgement of the Day of the Lord because of empty Worship

    Amos 8:1-6: Rebuke against those who are cheating the poor.


    What do these passages reveal about the role of prophets?



    Consider this...

    We've all heard of these passages...

    Isaiah 7:14: the virgin birth of Jesus

    Isaiah 9:6-7: For a child has been born to us, the world will be on his shoulders.

    Isaiah 53:1-5: The events of Golgotha.

    Hosea 11:1– Out of Egypt I called my son


    What do these passages do?


    Compared to the other 15 passages we've read, which ones are you more familiar with? the first 15 or the last 4?

    Why do you think that is? Why are we only taught the messianic prophecies?


    What do we miss if we only focus on the prophecies that point to Jesus? 

    Messianic Prophecies are good! But thinking back to our previous lessons, why do you think we tend to only focus on the predictive or Jesus pointing passages while ignoring all of the other kinds of prophetic messages?



    Take away

    How do you see the function of prophecy even when they "predict" a close future event?


    Based on everything we've talked about and the several roles of prophecy, which set of prophetic utterances and passages most fit the descriptions we listed earlier? Why or why not?


    What can we do to not ignore these functions and messages of the prophets?


    How has this changed your understanding of the prophets?


  • Remember to download today's worksheet by clicking on "Resources" beneath the video above.


    Main Question for today...

    Is the Messiah what we think it is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the Messiah in the Bible today, consider how your perspectives of the Messiah changes as we learn from the Bible story.


    Opening thought

    Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the Messiah before, but I don't know anything about it. Tell me what the Messiah is and tell me its function in the Bible." What would you say?


    Our understanding of prophecy may include...

    Jesus

    Fuller of prophecy of the Old Testament

    Will bring about the final judgement and the end times

    Will rule over God's Kingdom

    God's Chosen One



    The Messiah is a widely known figure of freedom, salvation, and reconciliation. The Messiah is a powerful theme found all throughout the Bible. But the Messiah is not all that we think.



    Consider this...

    What are we traditionally taught about prophecy in Sunday school and church? List a few things you have learned about prophecy.

     

     

    What does “Messiah” mean?

    משיח – Noun form = “anointed one (with oil)

    משח – Verb form = “to anoint” for sanctification or a special position

    Χριστος – Greek form = “Christ” = Hebrew “Messiah”

    Jesus Christ

     

    Who were the “anointed?”

    Kings of Israel

    Read the following passages

    Saul - 1 Sam. 9:15-16; 24:4-6

    David - 2 Sam. 2:4-7; 1 Sam 16:2-7; 13

    Absalom - 2 Sam. 19:9-10

    Solomon - 1 Kings 1:32-35

    Joash - 2 Kings 11:12

    Jehu and Hazael King of Aram - 1 Kings 19:15-16


    What does it mean for the Israelite kings to be anointed?

     

     

    Without pointing to Jesus, why is it important that the Messiah language is paired with a king?

     

     

    Foreign Kings

    Hazael King of Aram 1 Kings 19:15-16

    Cyrus King of Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7


    What strikes you about an Aram King and a Persian King being called a “Messiah”/ “Anointed” of YHWH?



    Priests

    Priests in general - Lev. 4:3-5; Exodus 29:4-9; Lev. 8:10-13

    High Priests - Daniel 9:25-27


    How does the Messiah/anointed function with priests?



    Take away

    Do we see the End-times, savior-figure messiah in any of these anointings? Why or why not?


    What are somethings you notice about the role/function of these people who are anointed for a specific task?


    What did this mean for the people of Israel?


    How do you think this will relate to THE Messiah, Jesus?



    Next week, we will continue the conversation of the Messiah and see how the "End-Times, savior-figure" messiah fits into this conversation.


  • Remember to download today's worksheet by clicking on "Resources" beneath the video above.


    Main Question for today...

    Is the Messiah what we think it is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the Messiah in the Bible today, consider how your perspectives of the Messiah changes as we learn from the Bible story.



    Messiah as Prophet

    Read the following passages

    Isaiah - Isaiah 61:1

    Elisha - 1 Kings 19:16 alongside Jehu


    70 Elders who prophesied??? - Num. 11:16-17; 24-29

    Note: “Anointing” is explicitly missing so its unclear if this is an act of anointing or not.


    How does the “Messiah”/ “Anointed” function with the prophets?


    Do we see the eschatological, savior-figure in these anointings? Why or why not?



    End-Times Savior Figure Messiah

    The Messiah figure had a complex development throughout Israel’s history and the history of the Bible formation.

    Yes, traces of the end time messiah figure is based upon pieces we’ve just read, but it was not a widely developed theology until the Exilic Period after most of the Bible was already written.

     

    Exile and Post Exile (6th BCE)

    During and Post 586 BCE with Babylonian Exile

    Why would an exile prompt a need for a Savior Figure?


    What would the function be of a God sent savior-figure during an exile?


    Future Hope: 2nd Isaiah (ch 40-55) Emphasized a future hope of a restoration from the exile and was written during this time.


    Return + Land  Read Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 37:24-28

    Both these texts were written during the exile and post exile period. Focuses on a Return to the promised land and a new covenant with God.


    Persian Period (538-332 BCE)

    After Persia overthrew Babylon, Israel returned to the promised land.

    Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Ezra, Nehemiah all talk about Post Exile concerns including:

    Temple Reconstruction

    A New Figurehead that will bring deliverance and justice

    Read: Hag. 2:6-9; Zech. 9:9-10; 12:10; Mal. 3:1-3


    Intertestamental Period (4th-1st BCE)

    This is the latest period! After much of the Bible was written.

    This is the period that Daniel was written where a major Messianic Savior-Figure is present that will usher in the Kingdom of God.


    Read: Dan. 7:13-14; Isaiah 53:1-5, 10-11; 42:1-9 (Prime examples!) 


    How has what we’ve learned today shaped your understanding of the fuller-biblical picture of the Messiah?


  • Remember to download today's worksheet by clicking on "Resources" beneath the video above.


    Main Question for today...

    Is the Messiah what we think it is?


    The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.


    As we look at the Messiah in the Bible today, consider how your perspectives of the Messiah changes as we learn from the Bible story.



    Consider this...

    What was Jesus' main mission?  What was the main thing that he always talked about? Was it only a message to save us from our sin, or was there something else in addition to that?



    Messiah as Prophet

    Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:22-23; Hebrews 1:1-3

    How does Jesus fit into the idea of the kind of prophet that we talked about over the past few weeks?

     

     

    If prophets bring message of truth, correction, and judgement, how does Jesus reveal God’s messages of truth, correction, and judgement?

     

     

    Messiah as Priest

    What are the roles of priests in the OT?

     

     

    Ps 110:4; Heb. 4:14-16, 7: 26-28, 9:11-14

    How does Jesus fulfill the priestly duties we mentioned above?

     

     

    Why is Jesus’ sacrifice so significant to a right relationship with God?



    Messiah as King

    What did a good Israelite king look like?

     

    How did prophets correct bad kings?

     

    How did bad priests behave?

     

    Why is all of this significant to our relationship with God?

     

                                     

    2 Sam. 7:12-13; Matthew 1:1,16, 21:5; Zech. 9:9; Rev. 19:16, 5:5-10

    How do these passages speak to Jesus’ Kingly role?

     

     

    Jer. 31:31-34 + Luke 22:20

    How do these passages speak to Jesus’ role in the New covenant?

     

     

    Acts 3:18-21 + Rev. 22:3-5

    How do these passages speak to Jesus’ role as a fulfiller of the messianic role?

     

     

    How does Jesus fulfill and surpass the messianic descriptions we read from the OT with the roles of priest, prophet, and king?



    How did Jesus fulfill and surpass the messianic descriptions we read from the Old Testament with the roles of Priest, Prophet, and King?


    How does this understanding far outshine the "Jesus only came to die for my sins, so I can go to heaven" mentality?


    Yes, forgiveness and the free gift of salvation is extremely important! But what does this line of thinking above miss if that is all we focus on?


    How has this conversation shifted your perspectives of the Messiah?


  • Listen along to the recording above!

  • Listen along to the recording above!

  • Listen along to the recording above!

QUestions

Join us in this series that answers your questions! From "Do all dogs go to heaven," to "How does the Bible describe life after death," to "What does the Bible say about faith and culture?" Follow along with us as we seek to answer these questions and more.

  • Main Question for today...

    Do animals go to heaven?


    On a piece of paper, Draw out a double sided arrow going from left to right. Put the words "yes" and "no" on either end. Something like this...


    Yes                          Maybe                             No

    <----------------------------------------------------->


    Before we begin, how would you answer the question, "do animals go to heaven?" 

    Take sometime to write down your thoughts, Bible verses you might think of, and reasons why you believe what you believe.


    Click on the "Resources" button above to download the handout for today.

    As you listen along think about the following questions...


    What is this verse saying about the relationship between God and animals?

    How does this verse speak to the question of if animals go to heaven or not?

    How does this verse compare to other Bible passages?



    Consider these passages...


    Psalm 104:10-30

    Psalm 36:6

    Romans 8:19-22

    Revelation 5:13-14

    Isaiah 11:6-9

    Isaiah 65:25

    Ecclesiastes 3:18-21

    Ecclesiastes 12:7

    Job 12:7-10

    Luke 12:6

    Genesis 1:25-31


    As we talk about these verses, place them on the scale you drew out earlier. 

    Where would you place these verses on a scale of "Yes this verse says animals go to heaven," to "No, this verse says nothing about the fate of animals," to "Well... maybe this passage suggests animals go to heaven."



    What are some trends you notice about these passages?

    Are there any theological or other biblical principals that shed light on this topic?

    How does the concept of redemption and restoration between Christ and humanity fit in with all of this?

    What differences do you see between God's relationship with humans and God's relationship with animals?

    Does the Bible answer this question definitively?


    Consider this...

    What conclusions have you come to after this discussion?

    Was there anything unexpected that you learned?

    What can this conversation teach us about our role in God's plan for salvation?

  • Main Question for today...

    What does the Old Testament say about what happens when we pass away?


    Before we get started, click on the "Resources" button above to download the handout used for today's lesson.



    Consider this...

    Describe what you know about death and afterlife based upon the Old Testament alone.


    As you listen alone, turn to the passages found on today's handout and write down what this passage says about Sheol, death, and the afterlife.


    Descriptions of Sheol

    Gen. 25:7-8  

    Gen. 37:35   

    2 Kings 22:20

    2 Chron. 34:27-28

    Job 7:9-10

    Job 14:13

    Psalm 6:4-5

    Psalm 16:10

    Psalm 49:14-15

    Psalm 89: 47-48

    Psalm 139:8

    Eccl. 2:14-16

    Eccl. 3:18-22

    Eccl. 9:1-6

    Eccl. 12:6-7


    Consider this...

    What does the term “Sheol” or the “place of the dead” mean in these verses?

    How is Sheol portrayed in these passages? Is it a physical place or a metaphorical concept?

    What are some of the characteristics of Sheol? How is it described?

    Are there any consequences or rewards associated with Sheol in these passages?

    What do these passages reveal about the Israelite’s understanding of the afterlife?



    Glimpses of More

    1 Kings 17:17-24

    Ezek. 37

    1 Sam. 2:6

    Psalms 49:13-15

    Isa. 26:19

    Gen. 5:24

    2 Kings 2:1, 11

    1 Sam. 28:8-17


    What are some things you notice that are different between this list and the previous list?



    Promises of More

    Daniel is one of the last OT books to be written and comes at the tail end of Israel’s theology before the ITL and the time of Christ. So there has been some development over the centuries from when Genesis-kings happened and when Daniel happened.


    Daniel 2:31-45

    Daniel 12:1-2, 13


    What do you notice that is different in these passages?



    Consider this...

    How has this shaped your understanding of Israel's concept of death and afterlife?

    How has this impacted your own understanding of death and afterlife?



  • Main Question for today...

    How does the New Testament describe the Afterlife?


    As we start today's lesson, Click on the "Resources" button underneath the audio recording above to download the worksheet used in today's class.



    Starting out...

    Based upon your understanding of both the Old and New Testaments, what happens immediately after we die?


    Pause the recording and think about this question on your own. How do you understand death and afterlife? How do you understand the Bible's teaching on what happens when we pass from this world?

    When you're ready, go ahead and press play and listen along. 



    Consider this...

    As we read through the passages below, consider these questions as we read:

    What does this passage say about what happens to those who follows Jesus?

    What does this passage say about when this will take place?

    Does this passage say anything about the future hope of a resurrection?


    Listen along or read on your own:

    Matthew 5:12; 6:20; 7:21

    Luke 16:19-26 (See also John 11:1-14)

    Luke 23:43

    John 14:2

    2 Cor. 12:2

    Philippians 3:20

    Colossians 1:5


    If the passages above were all that we had in the New Testament about death and afterlife, it would be no question that when we die we immediately go to heaven. However, these are not the only passages we have in the New Testament telling us about what happens when we die and the afterlife.


    Three categories of passages that...

    Emphasize a future resurrection from the grave

    John 5:24-29

    Matt. 9:24

    Matt. 27:52-53

    Acts 7:54-60


    Indicate that people have not gone to heaven

    John 3:13

    John 7:33; 8:21-23

    Acts 2:29-35


    Speak of God's Future restoration of the earth with humanity and creation included at the end of time, not right now

    Matt. 19:28

    Rom. 8:18-25

    1 Thess. 1:10

    1 Thess. 4:13-15

    1 Thess. 5:10

    John 14:3 (Read verse 2, then read verse 3 and note the conditional statement within)



    Notice also that within the apostles teachings, they never mention phrases like "When we die, we will go to heaven" immediately after we pass away. Instead the emphasis is on the future resurrection from death to life. Those who call Jesus Lord, get to be resurrected into life, while those who are not saved, are resurrected into eternal death and punishment and separation from God. 



    Steps for this week

    Read through 1 Corinthians 15. This chapter gives us the most exhaustive look at what death and afterlife looks for those who call Jesus Lord.  



  • Main Question for today...

    What does the Bible say about Hell?



    Consider this...

    Why do you think most churches shy away from talking about Hell?



    Why would God create a place like Hell and then send people to it?

    Read the following passages as you listen along:

    Matthew 25:41

    1 John 4:8-9

    Exodus 33:19

    Nehemiah 9:33

    2 Thessalonians 1:6-8

    Psalms 5:5-6

    Matthew 25:25-26


    How does the Bible describe God's characteristics?

    How does this inform us of God's grace and love as well as His commitment to Justice?


    A Loving God would not be loving if he did not punish evil. Mercy would have no meaning if it was not applied with justice.


    Why doesn't God make sure everyone goes to heaven?

    A loving God honors our free will and our desire to choose Him, while dealing justly with those who have rejected Him.


    Why would a loving God punish finite sin with infinite torment?

    The duration of a crime does not affect the punishment for it. That decision is up to the authority over it (God) who is a perfect judge.


    Why would a loving God send "good people" to Hell?

    Are there any good people? 

    Read and listen along:

    Romans 3:10-18

    Romans 6:23



    God

    /          \

    Mercy          Justice

    \      /

    Human Sin

    /          \

    Accept/Believe Jesus/Gospel          Reject Jesus/ Gospel             

    \     /

    Judgement

    /         \

    Heaven          Hell    



    Take away

    How has this conversation impacted your understanding of Hell?

    How can we be a witness for Jesus by showing love and faithfulness towards non-believers?

  • Main Question for today...
    In what order do things happen when we die?

    Click on "Resources" above to download today's handout to follow along.


    Consider this...
    Given all that we've talked about over the past several weeks, what do you think is the order of events when we die?

    Take the time to pause the audio and write down a few of your thoughts as well as some Scriptures that support your understanding of death and afterlife. 
    When you are ready, go ahead and press play to listen along.


    Four Frameworks of the Afterlife

    1) Bodily descent-spiritual ascent model
    Where the body remains in the grave and the soul/spirit ascends to be with God in heaven forever.

    Luke 23:43 (Maybe?); John 14:2 (note v. 3); Luke 16:19-26 (See point 6); 2 Cor. 12:2; Philippians 3:20


    2) Bodily Descent-spiritual ascension-Spiritual descent- reunion-resurrection model
    Where the body remains in the grave and the soul/spirit goes to heaven to be with Jesus and later returns with Jesus at which time the body is raised, transformed, and reunited with the soul/spirit to inhabit the new earth.

    1 Thess. 4:13-18 (note the “sleep” language)

     

    3) Descent-resurrection model
    Where the body and soul/spirit remain united in the grave asleep until Jesus returns, at which time they are resurrected to inhabit the new earth.

    John 5:24-29; Matthew 9:24; 27:52-53; Acts 7:54-60; Daniel 2:31-45; 12:1-2, 13.

     

    4) Descent to separate places-reunion-resurrection model
    Where the body remains in the grave and the soul us stored in Hades/Sheol/Paradise, which is itself part of the grave [location unknown] and the two are raised together and transformed at Jesus' second coming to inhabit the new earth.

    See Scriptures used for our 2nd lesson on “What does the OT say about Sheol and the Afterlife” on the issue of Sheol and Abrahams Bosom. 



    Consider this...

    Although these are four models of the afterlife, there seem to be some issues that arise each. Most of which include models 1 and 2. As you listen along, consider the evidence for why models 1 and 2 maybe biblically suspect.

    Point 1: What does John 3:13 say about who goes to heaven?

     

     

    Point 2: What issues does Acts 23:6 and Daniel 12:2,13 have with Model 1 when it comes to a bodily resurrection?

    Point 3: If Model’s 1-2 are correct, why doesn’t 1 Cor. 15 mention an intermediate state?

     

     

    Point 4: If Model’s 1-2 are correct, why doesn’t 1 Cor. 15 mention anything about a spiritual ascension/ descension, reunion, and a following resurrection?

     

     

    Point 5: Paul’s claim in 1 Cor. 15:13-14 about our faith being in vain if we are not raised may not necessarily be true if we claim our souls ascend to be with Jesus immediately after we die and are later reunited with our new bodies. However, this goes against 2 Tim. 2:17-18 and 1 Cor. 15:50-56  about a physical resurrection and equating the “resurrection” with the ascension of the soul to heaven.

     

     

    Point 6: There are problems that arise when we try to combine the events of the Lazarus parable, John 11:1-14, and what Jesus said to the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43 when it comes to Paradise, Heaven, or the afterlife.

    Read John 14:2+3 and 2 Cor. 5:8

     

     

    Point 7: If good people are in heaven now with Jesus, then where are bad people now? What does this have to say about the future judgment of all people when Jesus returns?

    Read Revelation 20:12-15; John 5:28-29; 2 Cor. 5:10; and 2 Tim. 4:8

    How do these passages push back against an immediate judgement?

     

     

     

    Point 8: If people immediately go to heaven when we die, why don’t we have any accounts of fantastical stories of what heaven is like from those who were brought back to life?

    Consider: 1 Kings 17:21-22; Acts 20:7-12; Matthew 27:51-52. 



    Take away
    Revisit some the previous lessons about the OT and NT perspectives. 
    How do these lessons shed light on what happens when we pass away?
    How can we use these passages in the Old and New Testaments to strengthen our understanding of the Afterlife?

    How has this discussion changed your perspectives on death and afterlife?

  • Main Question:

    “Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE better place–the Kingdom of God?”


    Intro Questions:

    “What is the main purpose or function of the church?”

    “How do we accomplish this purpose or function?”


    Click on the "Resources" button above to download today's handout.

    As you listen, feel free to pause the recording and try to answer these questions as they come up. What do you think is the main purpose of the church? How would you accomplish this purpose?

    Now, critically think back to all the Bible lessons and stories you have heard and ask yourself, “Has God given the church the explicit task of fixing the world in order to bring about His Kingdom?”

     


    Challenge

    As you respond to these questions, try and find biblical passages and verses that support your answers. You may or may not find any. That’s OK. The point of these questions is to get us thinking about what specifically the Bible says about what God has called the church to do.

     


    Three traditional views of the Church

    Heaven-Centered | Human-Centered | World Centered

     

    Heaven-Centered: This view believes that the church is meant to point to the better place that we cannot yet access. Essentially, Christians are meant to GO to a better place.

    Key points

    •  God’s Kingdom is not here and not yet because our future is in heaven.
    • The church’s primary role is the make sure that the people of the church are found to be acceptable in the final day of the Lord–Judgement day.
    •  Essentially, the church is a “recruiting and holding place” for believers.

     

    Human-Centered: This view believes that humanity makes the world a better place.

    Key points

    •          Jesus cast a vision for what the fullness of the Kingdom of God would be like. It is up to us to carry out that vision.
    •          Jesus began making the world a better place and it is up to the church to finish Jesus’ work.
    •          As time goes on, life will gradually improve as humanity itself improves.

     

    World-Centered: This view believes that we must work toward making this world the better place to come.

    Key points

    •          This view is most critical of the Heaven-centered view.
    •          This view is more ecologically sensitive in that it seeks to care for the planet.
    •          The church is remaking this world into a better place–Humanity is the agent by which the world will be made completely good.
    •          Finds its support from prophetic texts such as
    •                 o   Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:1-16; 30:18-26
    •                 o   Micah 4:1-4
    •                 o   Ezekiel chapters 40-48
      Salvation in Heaven Salvation on Earth Restoration began with Jesus Future Interruption
    God replaces fallen order

    Christians begin fixing fallen order
     Heaven Centered          X            X          X 
     Human Centered           X             X
     World Centered           X          X          X           X



    A fourth View of the Church

    Although these three views have their strengths and weaknesses, none of these options are our best choice. Sure, some may be better than others, however, we don’t want to settle on what is better. We want to find the best option.

    There is a fourth option that highlights what Christ has already begun to do in the church.

    Here are two fundamental truths about the work of Jesus and the role of the church:


    First, Jesus has already made a better place in this world

    Second, The role of God’s people is to embrace, display, and proclaim this better place.

     

    The problem for us today is that we often combine these truths with other truths that result in a confused task or purpose of the church. For example, we may combine two truths by saying, “Because Jesus began making a better place in this world, we must join him in seeing it through to completion, until the whole world is better.” Or, “We should certainly embrace and convey the better place that Christ makes possible. And we should also do everything in our power to shape the wider society accordingly.

    These additional truths presuppose that Jesus sowed the seeds of world betterment and then it is our job to water it and help it grow. However, this is a misguided assumption. Dr. John Nugent describes these two roles another way:


    First, since Jesus has already made a better place in this world, it is not our responsibility to do so.

    Second, since our job is to embrace, display, and proclaim this better place, it is not our job to engineer or otherwise orchestrate its fulfilment.

     

    Simply put, God’s people are not responsible for making this world a better place. We are called to be the better place that Christ has already made and that the wider world will be until Christ returns.

     

    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.

  • Main question

    Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE better place– God’s Kingdom?

     

    Focus for this week

    Exploring God’s plans and God’s blueprints for this better place as seen all throughout the Old Testament. Specifically, how does the Bible describe the role of God’s chosen people when it comes to our relationship with the world?

     

    Creation

    What was God’s initial plan for creation?

    What was God’s plan for creation after sin entered into the world? How did God start fixing this problem and what steps did he take?

    God created the desire, necessity, and possibility for a better place.


    So, whose job was it to fix the world?

    God took it upon Himself to bring about this better place.

     

    The Powers of the world

    Genesis 6:5-8– The Evils of Humanity


    What was God’s solution to the evils of humanity?

    God chose to limit humanity’s lifespan to 120 years.

    Imagine a world where evil rulers could live for a millennium. Would you want to live in such a world?

    God also limited the evils of humanity by making blood sacred.


    So, if humans could no longer live for a long time, perhaps a city could? Thus the city of Babel was built.

    So, how did God respond? God scattered their languages and split people off in order to prevent evil world leaders living in massive cities to take control indefinitely.

    God installed the powers of this world to:

    Keep sin in check

    Meet the basic needs of people

    Make the world a better place


    Were the people of God instructed to do anything at this point in the Bible story?


    Israel is prepared as a better place

    Main functions of Israel: Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 19:3-6

    1) Move away and remain separate from the other nations

    2) Bless the other nations

    The question remains, "How does Israel do this?"

    Look to Deuteronomy 4:5-6 and see how it answers this question.



    Note also how the prophets never condemn Israel for not:

    Going out into the world and converting the other nations,

    Cleaning up the streets of Edom, Moab, Amon, Egypt, etc.,

    Decrying the social injustices of the other nations around them. 


    Instead, the Prophets rebuked Israel when they:

    Neglected the widows and the orphans of Israel,

    Failed to take care of the poor and needy of Israel,

    Took advantage of fellow Israelites.

    Read Deuteronomy 15 for God's specific instructions on how Israelites were meant to treat other Israelites.


    Final thoughts

    The people of God have been called, not to fix and make this world a better place. Jesus has already brought the better place to earth. It’s already here. The function of the chosen people of God is to BE the better place by embracing, displaying, and proclaiming Christ’s Gospel message to and for the nations around us.

     


    Next week we will take a look at the New Testament and see how the text describes the specific function and role of the Community of believers, who we are meant to care for the most, and why our specific task is so important.



    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.


  • Main question

    Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE BEST place– God’s Kingdom?

    Focus for this week

    Exploring God’s plans and God’s blueprints for this better place as seen all throughout the New Testament. Specifically, how does the Bible describe the role of God’s chosen people when it comes to our relationship with one another?

    As you listen along, click on "resources" above to download today's handout.



    Embrace

    How do we embrace God’s Mission and God’s Kingdom?

    As Ambassadors, Christians are called to represent God’s Kingdom in our actions and in our lives. We are called to live in a way that the world will see a new, better way of living through our treatment of one another.

    We must live in a way that these truths are evident:


     We have already entered into a new era in world history (Matt. 4:17, 2 Tim. 4:1, Luke 17:20-21, Gal. 4:4-5, Heb. 4:3, 10-11, Luke 12:54-56)

     We have already entered into a new world reality (1 John 2:17, 1 Cor. 7:29-31 2 Cor. 5:17, 1 John 2:8, James 1:18)

     We have already entered into a new life (Rom. 6:11, John 5:24, John 3:15-16, John 10:10, John 4:10, 1 Pet. 1:23)

    We have already entered into a new social reality and a set of Relationships (2 Cor. 5:16-18, Eph. 2:1-17, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 2:11-15, 1 John 1:7, Eph. 1:13-15)

    We have already entered into a new way of living (John 15:3, 1 John 1:7, Col. 3:9-11, Gal. 3:27, Titus 3:5, 2 John 1:2, 2 Cor. 4:16)


    Does this sound too good to be true? Why?



    Display

    Who are we called to love? Are we called to love everyone in the world? Or are we called to love one another according to how the Bible’s descriptions?

    Did the early church feel responsible for the overall direction of society as a whole? Or did the early church feel a responsibility towards one another and to fellow believers all across the world?

    Read these passages and think about who is being talked about and who we should prioritize with our love:

    o   John 13:34-35          John 15:12-13          John 15:17-19

    o   Rom. 12:9-10             Rom. 14:15                 Gal. 5:13-15

    o   Eph. 1:15                    Eph. 4:1-3                   Eph. 4:15-16

    o   Col. 1:4                        Col. 3:14-15                1 Thess. 4:9-12

    o   2 Thess. 1:3               Phlm. 1:4-5                 Heb. 6:10       

    o   1 Pet. 1:22                  1 Pet. 2:17                  1 Pet. 4:8

    o   1 John 3:23               1 John 4:7-12            1 John 4:17-21


    Our main priority should be toward The "brothers and Sisters," "one another," those "among us," "all the saints," and the people of the church.




    Consider this...

    What is the difference between saying "We are called to prioritize a group of people" vs "We are called to ignore a group of people" ?



    Does this model of loving "one another/each other/ the brothers and sisters in Christ," mean we should ignore the world? No! In fact it is on behalf of the world that we live this way. Prioritization should not be confused with isolation from or rejection of the world in which we reside. 


    Steps for next week

    Next week, we will talk about some potential counter examples. We will examine different Bible passages and see if we are called to Love Everyone Everywhere or if we are called to do something else.


    Before next week, try to find examples in the Bible where it tells us to Love EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. 

    Think of passages like "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 37-40), or "Love your enemy" (Matthew 5: 43-44).


    Find as many as you can and we will talk about them next time.


    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.


  • Main question

    Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE BEST place– God’s Kingdom?

    Focus for this week

    Taking a look at passages and examples in the Bible that may argue that we should love everyone everywhere. 



    Last week, we talked about how a great deal of "love" references in the New Testament are in reference to members of God's Kingdom -- Christians. But surely God want's us to "love" everyone everywhere...right? In this study, we will take a look at several examples found in the New Testament and determine 1) who that passage is referring too and 2) How we are to interact with the person or group that is being referenced.


    BEFORE YOU START

    If you have not yet listened to last week's study, take the time to do so now. Today's lesson builds heavily off of last week's principles.




    Counter points

    1) What about “loving your neighbor as yourself? Surely, "neighbor" means "Everyone everywhere...right?" (Romans 13:8-10; Mark 12:30-31; Matt 22:37-39; Gal 5:14; James 2:8) 


    - Where do you think Jesus and the Gospel authors got the phrase, "Love your neighbor as yourself?"

    Take a look at Lev. 19:2, 17-18.


    - To whom was Levi. 19:2, 17-18 written to and for?

    - Was Israel instructed to practice these principles towards Edom, Moab, Ammon, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and others? Or were they instructed to practice these principles towards fellow Israelites?



    2) What about “Well ‘neighbor’ can still imply our neighboring countries or people across the street right?” (Lev 19: 17)

    For us today, perhaps. But for Israel, such an interpretation would have been impossible. We must first consider the passages original context. 



    3) What about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37? Surely Neighbor means everyone right?

    - To what people group did the Samaritans belong too?

    - Who is the subject and who is the object of Jesus' Parable? (Who did the actions[subject] and who received the actions[object]?)

    Notice, the expert in the law is asking "Who is MY neighbor?" Jesus answers with a question "Who acted kindly to the man who was beaten?" The expert in the law replies "The Samaritan man." To which Jesus essentially says "There is your answer... your neighbor, oh expert in the law, is the Samaritan man.



    4) What about “love your enemy as yourself” in Matthew 5:43-48? Enemy always means people outside of the Kingdom right?



    5) What about Romans 12:20-21, about feeding your enemies? 

    Notice how "love" is not used in this passage. 

    - Consider what words are used. 


    Take a look at Exodus 23:4-5 and notice who one's "enemy" is within the context of the law code of Exodus.



    6) Well how are we supposed to interact with non-believers?

    Look at the specific words used of non-believers vs believers in the following passages

    Romans 12:17

    Romans 12:21; Gal. 6:10; 1 Thess. 5:15

    Col. 4:5-6

    1 Thess. 4:11

    1 Thess. 4:12

    Titus 3:2

    1 Peter 2:13, 17


    Notice how "love" language is strikingly absent from these passages with reference to non-believers.


    7) What about “the least of these?” Surely the "least of these" is a reference to poor people everywhere right?

    Read Matthew 25:40

    Notice the phrase "Who are members of my family" referring to people within the Kingdom.



    8) What about the “widows and the orphans.” Surely this is a reference to all widows and orphans all across the world right?

    Read James 1:26-27

    Consider who the subjects are in James 1:9-10, 2:1-9, and 2:14-17. 



    9) What about the “poor and oppressed?” What about Mary’s Magnificat or the song of Zechariah in Luke 1?



    Consider this...


    It feels wrong that the New Testament strictly talks about love and service being exclusively reserved for fellow believers. It's embarrassing! You may be thinking "That's not what I want my Bible to say!" If God cares so much about the world, why doesn't He want us to fix all of the worlds problems? Why not love and help everyone everywhere?


    It's surprising to see how the theme of our relationship to non-believers is such a minor theme within the New Testament. It's even completely missing from many of them. 


    The New Testament seems primarily focused on teaching believers how believers ought to relate to other fellow believers. It is through our love to one another that we show the world what life under God's good rule can look like. It is through our intentional love towards the Body of Christ that we live God's mission for His people.


    Take away...

    As you consider this perspective remember this: 

    We are NOT called to ignore the world, but we are called to prioritize the people who belong to Christ

    We must remember not to isolate ourselves from those who do not know Jesus.


    How is the Holy Spirit pulling you to consider this new perspective?

    How does this perspective make you feel both personally and in your own faith walk?


    What is God asking you to do after hearing this lesson?

    What are some tangible, practical things you can do to start living these principles out?


    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.


  • Main Question for today...

    How are we called to engage with Culture as Christians?


    Note the differences between "How do we actually engage with culture?" versus "How does God call us to live with and engage with the culture around us?"

     

      Salvation in Heaven Salvation on Earth Restoration began with Jesus Future InterruptionGod replaces fallen orderChristians begin fixing fallen order
     Heaven Centered           X             X           X 
     Human Centered            X              X
     World Centered            X           X           X            X
     Kingdom

    Centered

                X           X           X           X 

     


    Consider this...

    Revisit week one of this study for a refresher on the chart above if you would like.

    Note the differences between God replacing the fallen order and humans trying to fix the world in order to bring about the fullness of God's Kingdom.


    Fellowship

    How would you describe fellowship? What are its characteristics?


    Fellowship can be summarized as:

    “Sharing life in common with one another” 


    Accept one another (Rom. 15:7)

    Agree with one another (1 Cor. 1:10; 3:13)

    Be kind to one another (Eph. 5:21)

    Be subject to one another (1 Thess. 5:15)

    Bear with one another (Col. 3:13)

    Carry one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2)

    Encourage one another (Heb. 3:13; 1 Thess. 4:18)

    Forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32)

    Love one another (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; 1 John 4:7; 2 John 1:5)

    Live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16)

    Offer hospitality to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)

    Serve one another (Gal. 5:13)

    Show equal concern for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)

    Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19)

    Teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:16)

    Wait for one another before breaking bread (1 Cor. 11:33)

     

    Are these things only for church leadership to practice? Or is everyone in the church called to do these things?

    If so, how?


    What key word is essential to prevent "Leeching, freeloading, and other people taking advantage of one another?"

    Discuss this among your group.


    The answer is Reciprocity. If everyone is acting in love toward one another and reciprocating the things in this list, then it's not disingenuous is it?



    Friendship

    How would you define friendship? Discuss amongst your group.


    How does Jesus describe Friendship? (Read John 15:12-17)

    Who does Jesus call his friends? Does Jesus call the wider community or everyone in the world his friends?


    Those who are part of the Kingdom of God are our friends.

    So, should we shun our non-Christian friends? Or are we called to prioritize the people belonging to “one another” first? If so, how? 

    Discuss within your group.


    Jesus never ignored people outside of God’s Kingdom, but he did prioritize those within God’s Kingdom.

     


    Mission

    Based on the Kingdom-centered model, how do we as a church and individual engage with the world?

    How should the church respond to the world, its troubles, and God’s mission for the Kingdom?

    Discuss these two questions within your group.


    The Church’s response is to fill the earth with churches and Christ communities that embrace, display, and proclaim his Kingdom.


    How does missionary work fit into this Kingdom-centered model? Discuss.


    A Missionaries life together with the people they serve is kingdom living.

    God’s design is that “churches committed to God’s kingdom strengthen other churches committed to God’s Kingdom and continue planting still more churches committed to God’s Kingdom.”



    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.

  • Main Question for today...

    What are some things we should avoid with this new perspective?

    What are some practical applications of this new perspective?



    Pitfalls to avoid

    Isolationism – Circle the wagons, focus only on ourselves, and exclude outsiders.

    Church’s response: Churches that cease to exist for the world, cease to exist as an integral part of God’s plan for his kingdom. Our mission is for the world.

    However, we should not mistake prioritization for isolationism

     

    Utopianism – Creating the ideal society of prosperity and tranquility

    Church’s response: We acknowledge that we are still affected by sin and its consequences. But it is not utopianism to cast a vision of the Best place–God’s Kingdom, while still acknowledging that God will fulfill his mission.



    Q + A

    During this portion of the lesson, We took some time to answer questions, express our concerns and thoughts, while also addressing what this new perspective means for our lives.


    During this session, we began answering some of the questions provided above in today's handout. Click on "Resources" and download the Document to follow along. 


    Join us next week when we finish the remaining questions the class has about Endangered Gospel.


    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.


  • Today we continued our conversation from last week and wrapped up the series by answering your questions


    Main Question for today...

    What are some practical applications of this new perspective?



    Q + A

    During this portion of the lesson, We took some time to answer questions, express our concerns and thoughts, while also addressing what this new perspective means for our lives.



    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.

  • This week, we got to hear your questions about ANYTHING in the Bible. 


    Follow along and listen to hear our conversation on questions like:

    Is there a way to have a relationship with God without Jesus?

    What do we do when someone doesn't want us to forgive them?

    Why are there more than 12 Apostles in the Gospel accounts?

    Where are the 12 Tribes of Israel today?

    and More!


  • Main Question for today...

    Why are people put to death so often in the Old Testament?


    NOTE TO THE TEACHER: This conversation is not meant to answer the debate on the death penalty today. This lesson is strictly within the context of Torah observance and the ancient Israelite world. 


    Intro questions

    Why do you think the Bible sentences people to death when they break Torah?

    Why not offer up some other form of punishment?

    What kinds of punishments could be an alternative to death during the ancient times?



    Consider this...

    Assign the following passages to people in your group to read out loud:

    Deut. 4:1-9

    Deut. 6:20-25

    Deut. 28:1-6

    Deut. 30:11-16


    Based upon these passages, is God asking the people of Israel to do some impossible task? Or is God providing a way of living that is better off than all of the other nations around them? Why?

    Discuss your answers with the group.


    According to these passages, why does God command Israel to listen to and obey the commands He has given them? Discuss


    What are some of the negative side effects of Israel acted in the same way as all of the other nations around them?

    How would that impact their witness as being a "light to the nations?"



    Read Deut. 17:2-7 and Deut. 13:12-18

    What kinds of safeguards do you notice that prevents corruption? Discuss these thoughts with your group.

    Why is it important that safeguards exist within the context of disobedience to the law and punishments?



    So why kill? Why put people to death?

    Think about it this way... What were the alternatives to putting people to death in the ancient world?

    Answers may include:

    - Fines and Fees

    - Prison

    - Torture/shame/public marking

    - Community Service/slavery

    - Rehabilitation

    - Exile


    As a group, think of all of the ways these punishments can be manipulated by those with wealth, power, and status.

    Think about ways these may be disproportionately harmful to those who are poor or on the fringes or lower end of society?

    How does putting people to death level the playing field when it comes to avoiding punishment for corruption within the context of Israel's witness to the nations?


    Take Away

    How does this change your perspective on why people were put to death in the Bible for breaking Torah

    Given the safeguards given in the texts above, is this still to unreasonable to receive the punishment that is clearly set out in the law?

    How will you go forward with this new understanding?


  • Main Question for Today...

    Does God know everything?



    This may seem like a silly or unimpressive question, but it is important to ask for a few specific reasons.


    If you answer yes, Then this could lead one to believe that our faith and our salvation is predetermined. If God knows the past, present, and future, then God knows who is and who is not saved. If God knows who is/will be saved, then God may have pre-determined who is saved. This can lead heavily towards Calvinism and Predestination.


    If you answer no, then how can we be sure that God's will for history will end the way He wants? If God does not know all of the past, present, and future, then how can we be certain that His will will be completed at the end of days?


    As a group, discuss some of the implications of both a "yes" and a "no" answer. Allow for people to offer up opinions and thoughts before we dig into the biblical text. 


    As you read through the following passages, ask the class to come to an agreement on where on a spectrum from "yes" "maybe" to "no" these passages may fall.



    Pause

    The purpose of this lesson plan is not to try and get a "yes" or "no" answer out of the group. This lesson is in response to what we commonly believe to be true/logical/sound reasoning versus what the Bible has to say about God and His truth. The point for this lesson is not to shake people's faith or beliefs in God, but it is meant to ask a hard question that we may encounter in our everyday lives and how we should respond. 


    So long as the members of your group can pick a position, defend and explain it, and realize that God is a complex creator and His Word gives us truth, then the goal of this lesson has been met. 



    Consider this...

    Consider the following passages


    The following passages would say "Yes! God knows everything."

    1 John 3:20

    John 21:17

    Luke 12:7

    Psalm 147:5

    Job 37:16

    Job 21:22


    Ask the group where they would place these passages on the spectrum.



    These passages would call God's knowledge into question for a few reasons:

    1) God searches. If God knows everything, then why does He search for an answer? Why would God be "astonished, surprised, or grieved" if He knew with 100% certainty that a certain event would happen? If God knew everything, nothing would surprise him and he would know all of the answers, right?

    Genesis 11:5

    Psalm 14:2

    Jeremiah 8:21

    Deuteronomy 1:33

    Jeremiah 17:10

    1 Chronicles 28:9


    2) God Tests in order to know something. If God knows everything, then why does he test people or groups in order to learn of a certain response or level of faithfulness. Shouldn't He know this already?

    Genesis 22:11-12

    Deuteronomy 8:2

    Genesis 18:20-21


    3) God regrets/gets angry. Why would God be upset, or angry, or regret something if he knew with 100% certainty that something was going to happen?

    Genesis 6:7

    Jeremiah 15:6

    2 Samuel 6:7


    4) God asks questions. On its face, why would God ask a question if he already knew? Doesn't he already know the answer?

    Genesis 3:9-11

    Job 1:7; 2:2

    Exodus 14:5-25


    Note this...

    Sometimes God does ask questions as a rhetorical device. For example:

    Exodus 4:2-9: God knows that Moses is holding a staff in his hand, but God says it this way to show Moses what God is about to do.

    Ezekiel 37:1-14: God knows that a valley of dry bones cannot come alive, but God asks the questions in order to display His power and what He is about to do.



    Focus

    Focus on the fact that even though the Bible presents God's knowledge as something that may or may not be in question, the Bible is absolutely clear when it comes to God's power. God is all-powerful and is in complete control of History. God's will will come about as He sees fit and we can trust that his plans for us and for creation will definitely be fulfilled.


    Ask yourself this...

    What do we make of all of this biblical evidence?

    How does all of this influence your trust in God?

    How do we know that God is all powerful? 

    How will this discussion influence our thinking in the future?


  • Main Question for today...

    Does God Change (His Mind)



    Click on the "Resources" tab above to download today's worksheet.


    As you begin group for today, remember the purpose of these questions. Finding exact answers to our specific questions is great, however, being able to defend what we belief and prepare a ready response is even better.

    Remind your group that what matters most is that we wrestle with these difficult questions so that we can prepare ourselves to respond to challenges of our faith.



    Ask: Does God change?

    Discuss with the group


    Ask: Does God change His mind?

    Notice the difference between the two questions and the implications for both. Ask the group how and why they believe what they believe and discuss the reasons and evidence.



    Consider this...

    Explain to your group that the character of God does not change. God's will, His promises, and His covenants remain consistent and unchanging.


    Note the differences between "does God change" vs "does God change his mind."



    Read the following passages and discuss:

    Malachi 3:6

    James 1:17

    Hebrews 13:8

    Isaiah 40:8

    Psalm 119:89

    1 Samuel 15:29

    2 Samuel 7:16

    Numbers 23:19


    What do each of these passages say about God's capacity for change?

    Do these passages refer to God's character or do they refer to God's responses to humanity's actions?



    Now consider the following passages and categories:


    God Relenting Destruction

    Jonah 3:10-- Is this passage conditional or unconditional? If it is conditional, what does that say about humanities ability to persuade God to relent destruction?

    Genesis 6:6-- If God was going to kill all humanity, what changed his mind to preserve a remnant in Noah and his family?

    2 Kings 22:16-20

    Jeremiah 18:9-10


    What do these passages say about God's capacity to change His initial decisions to relent a destruction of a people or place?


    Humans persuading God to change His mind

    Genesis 18:22-33-- Is this passage conditional or unconditional? If it is conditional, what does that say about humanities ability to persuade God to relent destruction?

    Exodus 32:9-14

    Luke 24:28-29

    Matthew 15:24-28


    What do these passages say about God's capacity to change based upon a person persuading Him to change His mind?


    God alters His original plans

    Genesis 2-3-- Did God intend for humanity to live in the garden forever? If so, did the plan change? How?

    1 Samuel 8:6-18 -- What was God's original plan for the Kingship? Who was meant to be Israel's King?

    Exodus 13:1 + 22:29-- Who were originally meant to be priests? 

    Read Exodus 28:1-3 and Exodus 32:26-29 for the answer. 



    Ask: What role did a persons' faith play in each of these examples? 

    Ask: Why do you think God changed His mind in these examples?



    Consider this...


    Ask the following:

    What do we make of all of this evidence?

    How can we make sense of this?

    Are these explanations we've just answered with based upon our own wishful thinking or are they based upon biblical principles?

    Are these explanations based upon philosophical principals rather than on biblical principles?



    Take away

    What can we learn from this exercise

    List some specific things we will do this week that will help us put our trust in God and His plans?

    How has this exercise shaped you as a follower of God?


  • This week, we got to hear your questions about ANYTHING in the Bible.


    Follow along and listen to hear our conversation on questions like:

    Who or what are the Nephilim of Genesis 6?

    How do we make sense of the Big Bang?

    How do we make sense of the presence of Native Americans in North America given the scientific evidence and the biblical accounts?

    Is it possible to lose our faith?

    and More!

Tools of the trade

This series focuses on the different tools we can use to learn more about God's Word. From Bible reading tips-and-tricks, to how to find answers to our hardest questions, to how to get the most out of our study Bibles, this series will equip us with the tools we need to take on Scriptures toughest challenges.

  • Today, we had a free discussion on your most burning questions about Jesus, God, the Bible, and our faith.


    Listen along to see if we were able to answer any of your questions.

  • Main Question for today...

    Why should I read the Bible Front-to-Back?


    As you listen along, remember to click on the link below the audio recording to download the handout used for today's lesson. Pause the recording as you listen to answer questions or fill in answers.



    Consider this...

    What do you think reading "front-to-back" is?


    Why is it important to understand Scripture in its Context?


    What happens when we take Scripture out of context?



    Wrong ways to read the Bible:

    Reading the NT as if the OT doesn't exist – we end up ignoring the Jewish background of the text.

    Reading the OT as if the NT doesn't exist – we end up ignoring the direction God went in Christ.

    Reading the OT as if the OT doesn't exist - ignores the original context by inserting Christ and/or our theology everywhere.

    Reading the NT as if the NT doesn't exist - ignore the original context by inserting our theology everywhere


    The following passages are examples of reading the OT as if the OT doesn’t exist.



    Genesis 1:26


    Who is the "us" / "Our" in this passage?


    Who or what else could this passage be referring too?


    What are some negative side effects if we insert out later understanding of the Bible into this particular passage?



    Hosea 11:1


    Where have we heard this passage before?

    Read Matthew 2:15

    How is Hosea 11:1 typically used? with regards to Matthew 2:15?


    Read Hosea 11:1-11

    After reading Hosea 11:1 in context, who is this passage talking about?

    What problems pop up if we only think this passage is talking about Jesus?



    Isaiah 7:14

    Who is this passage talking about and why do you say that?


    Read Isaiah 7:14-25

    After reading Isaiah 7:14 within its context, who or what is this passage talking about?


    Why is it a problem to insert Christ into this story?



    Consider this...

    When is a good time to read backwards?


    Does this mean we can NEVER read backwards? Why or why not?


    Why is this important given all we've learned regarding context over the past few weeks?


    What will you personally do differently now that you understand the significance of reading Front-to-Back?


  • Main Question for today...

    How can I make the most of my Study Bible?



    Consider this...

    Why are study Bible's useful?

    Consider some instances when you would want to use a study Bible compared to a non-study Bible.

    What are your favorite reasons for using a study Bible?



    Cross References

    What is cross referencing?

    Why is cross referencing important in the Bible and other texts?

    When should we cross reference?


    In a study Bible cross references are the book and chapter numbers found in the middle margins or within the footnotes located at the bottom of each page. Within the foot notes they might look something like: "Cf. 1 Sam 2:7; Ps 113:7-8." Or "See..."


    Parallel Passages

    Read Matthew 6:9-13 and check out the references located in the center margin or in the footnotes. What locations are being referenced?

    See Mark 11:25 and Luke 11:2-4

    What is this reference telling us to do?

    Why do you think the references sent us to Mark 11:25 and Luke 11:2-4?


    Quotes

    Read Luke 10:27 and look to the reference in the footnotes or in the margins

    What is this reference telling us to do?

    Go to Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18

    Why is Luke 10:27 doing with these two OT passages?


    Application

    Read Matthew 4:1-11

    What is going on here in this passage?

    Some study Bibles direct us toward Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15. Go there now and read these verses.

    Why would the references for Matthew 4:1-11 point us to these passages in Hebrews?



    Notes and Commentary

    What kinds of things do the footnotes do for us? How or why are they useful?


    Explanations written by Human Experts

    Are footnotes Scripture?

    Are footnotes useful non-the-less?

    Footnotes are out best attempt to explain the text given what we know about Scripture.

    The best footnotes are the ones that give multiple interpretations and approaches.


    General Comments

    Go back to Matthew 4:1-11

    What do you notice about how the sections of 4:1-11 are organized within the footnotes?

    4:1-11....4.1.....4.2.....4.3....

    What is the purpose of organizing it by 4:1-11 and then each individual verse after that?


    Verse Comments

    Each verse comment zooms in on the specific key words, phrases, or thoughts, used within the verse and helps us understand it better.



    Book Introductions

    Turn to the beginning of the Bible, the OT, or the NT, or any specific book.

    What did you find at the beginning of these sections?

    Why do you think this material is helpful?


    Book introductions help provide purpose, author, date, genre, outlines of the text, info in style, and even connections to other types of texts within the Bible.

    The best way to use these introductions is to use them to gain a general understanding of the book you are about to read.


    A great practice is to read through the introduction first to get a general understanding of the text you are about to read.

    Then read the book so you know what it says.

    Them revisit the introduction to help clear up anything that didn't make sense or to help connect some dots while answering some of your questions you may have had as you read.



    Consider this...

    How has this helped you understand your Bible?

    What will you do differently now that you know this?

  • Main Question for today...

    What makes a source credible?


    This question goes beyond only biblical sources as these principles we will learn today can apply to any and all sources we read.


    Today is about finding reliable sources for answers we have about serious, genuine, difficult, theological, doctrinal, or controversial questions about the Bible and our faith. This lesson will pair with the next lesson on How to identify a good or poor source.




    Consider this...

    What makes a source credible and why?



    Author's Training

    Why is it important that we understand the training that an author went through before we even start reading their text?

    What are some things that we should understand about the author regarding their training or experience?


    Consider a persons field of expertise, Do they have experience in that field of study? What did their schooling look like? Is their text specifically within the field that they have expertise? 


    A caution against elitism

    Schooling, a degree, the "pedigree" one has does not mean that no one else can contribute to theological or spiritual questions or discussions. Remember that Jesus chose fishermen, merchants, tax collectors, and even persecutors of the faith to build His Kingdom. So this is not to say that you must be super educated in order to speak with biblical authority.


    However, do consider where we get our information from. We put the most trust in people who have the knowledge, the experience, and the credible reputation, and the proper motives.


    Click on "Resources" above to download the handout used for this lesson. Follow along as you listen.



    Author's Reputation

    Why is it important that we understand the reputation of an author before we even start reading their text?

    What are some things that we should understand about the author regarding their reputation?


    Consider an author's previous publications: is it within their field of expertise?

    Does the author use credible resources themselves? Check the authors bibliography to make sure.

    Does the author self-cite a lot of their own works? 


    As you listen, check your handout and read along.



    Author's Motives

    Why is it important that we understand the motives of an author before we even start reading their text?

    What are some things that we should understand about the author regarding their motives?


    Consider if an author villainizes or stupefies opposing views they disagree with.

    Does the author fully inform the reader of opposing views or do they ignore and dismiss?

    Does the author make false equivalencies to scare you or distract you from the issue?


    Take a look at the images on the back of your handout



    Consider this...

    What will you do differently after learning some of these principles?


    How will you be more intentional about finding resources that are credible?


    How can you use this in your own personal study of God's word?

  • Main Question for today...

    What makes a source credible?


    Click on the "Resources" button above to download the handout used for today's lesson.


    As you listen, read along with this handout.



    Good online resources you can use today:

    The Bible project      bibleproject.com

    Bible Hub     biblehub.com

    Bible Gateway     biblegateway.com


    The remainder of the lesson notes are found in the handout provided in the "Resources" button above.

  • Main Question for today...

    How can I be a good skeptic?


    Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and Acts 17:11

    Why are these passages important for as regarding the topic of skepticism?

    What do these verses say about what we should do when we learn a new interpretation of the Scriptures?



    As you listen along, click on "Resources" above to download the handout used for today and fill in the sheet with some of your responses.


    As the class works through these passages, consider these questions:

    What are the different interpretations?

    What historical or cultural context is relevant to this text?

    Are there any challenging theological concepts that come with this passage?


    What are some things you've noticed that we should be skeptical of with interpretations of these passages?


    1 Corinthians 14:34-35


    Romans 9:21-26


    Hebrews 6:4-6



    How does skepticism play a role in our understanding of different interpretations of these passages?


    Why is it important that we practice skepticism with interpretations such as these?


    What are some of the dangers of NOT being skeptical when it comes to interpretations of these passages?



    What will you do differently after going through this lesson?

    How has this Tools of the Trade series helped you grow in your faith?


Foundations

Join us as we learn how to better study the Bible by exploring topics like the canon, archaeology, the reliability of Scripture, and research tools. This series is geared towards Christians who want to build essential FOUNDATIONS in their faith and study, as well as those who want to sharpen their skills and knowledge in order to teach others.

  • Main Question for today

    Why do we have different Bible Translations?


    As you listen, follow along using the material provided below, or click "Resources" beneath the audio recording above and download the worksheet the class used during the lesson.



    Judges 13:1

                                                    NIV                             ESV                            KJV                             NASB

     

    “Again”                            

                                             

    “Israelites” vs                 
    “Sons/people/
    Children of Israel”

     

    “Sight” vs
    “Eyes”

     

    “Delivered” vs
    “Gave” vs
    “Handed”

     

     

    On your own, sometime this week, repeat this exercise with verse 2 using different Bible translations.


    Judges 13:2

                                                    NIV                             ESV                            KJV                             NASB

     

    “____ A Certain man”
                vs
    “____ A man”

     

     

    Clan, Tribe, Family

     

     

    “Childless” vs
    “Barren” vs
    “Infertile”



    Judges 13:1 In Hebrew                              (Don't worry! There won't be a test!)                                              <-- Hebrew Reads right to left!


    וַיֹּסִ֙פוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת הָרַ֖ע בְּעֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיִּתְּנֵ֧ם יְהוָ֛ה בְּיַד־ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה׃

     

    Literal Translation— “and they added, sons Israel, they to do evil in the eyes LORD. And he gave, LORD, in the hand of the Philistines, 40 years.”

     

    Smooth Interpretation—“And again, the Sons of Israel, they did evil in the eyes of the LORD. And The LORD gave them into the hands of the Philistines, for 40 years.”

     


    It is not necessarily the words that bring understanding. Instead, it is the meaning and interpretation of the words that brings understanding. 


    All Translation is Interpretation

     

    For example, here are common phrases, whose words we must interpret in order to understand its meaning.  A Literal translation will not work or make sense in these instances.

     

    Numbers 14:18 “God is slow to anger, abundant in love.”

                Our English Bibles interprets “Long of Nose” as “Slow to anger.”

    But the meaning and interpretation of “long of nose” brings understanding to a translation.

     


    Euphemisms – “He fell asleep” = he is dead (ex. Acts 7:60—the stoning of Stephen)

                            “He is big boned” = he is fat

                            “The lights are on, but no one is home” = that person is dumb

    Metaphor— “He is the Lion of Judah” (see Revelation 5:5)

                            “She’s the apple of my eye”

    Personification—“The rocks will cry out” (ex. Luke 19:40)

                            “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood” (ex. Joel 2:31)

     Hyperbole--  “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Sam. 18:7)

                            “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”



    Key Point

    All translation is interpretation


    Can we trust our translations?

    Yes! 


    But how do we know if our interpretation is a correct interpretation?

    We test Scripture against Scripture

    We debate and have conversations

    We study diligently and do our best to understand God's word truthfully and faithfully.



    Take away

    Is it ok if someone else has a different understanding or interpretation of Scripture? Why or why not?


    Why does having different understandings of Scripture so important?


    Why does this matter for us today?


    How can we use what we've learned today the next time someone asks us a question about the Bible and our faith?


    What will you do differently know that you know this?



  • Main Question for today:

    What was life like in the ancient world?


    It's clay time...


    Welcome Scribe!

    Go find some modeling clay, a popsicle stick, and some scissors. 

    Click on the attachment under the audio recording above and print the "Akkadian Alphabet" worksheet.

    Take your scissors and cut off the round portion of at one end of your stick.


    Flatten out your clay to create a smooth, flat service.

    Take the corner of your popsicle stick and try to replicate the triangular shapes of the Akkadian Alphabet from the work sheet. 

    Try using the letters to write a word, or a phrase. You can even try

    "Sphinx of black quarts, judge my vow"


    Notice anything different or difficult as you do this? Does it feel strange or awkward as you mold the clay? Why do you think that is?

    Are you use to writing like this?


    As you listen, follow along with the discussion as you work your clay tablet.


    Why do you think people in the ancient world used clay to write on?


    What do you think the Bible was written on? What mediums were used and how does this differ from today?


    Where did we find these ancient clay writings? Who did most of the writing in the ancient world?



    Structure of Society


    Consider this...

    If you were a scribe and your job is to write stuff down for the king, where on the social ladder to you think you sit?


    Who belonged to the top 1-2% of society?

    Who belonged to the middle 6-7% of society?

    Who belonged to the bottom 93% of society?


    Have you ever heard of "subsistence Living?"

    Listen along as Joshua explains what life was like living in the bottom 93% of the population in the ancient world.


    Tribute

    Taxes

    Tithes


    To whom was Tribute given?

    Who received the people's taxes?

    Where did people direct their tithes?


    ~ 60% of a person's total income (money, harvest, loot, etc.) were always first devote to Tribute, Taxes, and Tithes. 


    Why do you think the Bible talks so much about a "bountiful harvest?"



    Function of Religion


    There are three main reasons why people devoted themselves to any particular religion. Religion provided people with: 


    Control     Community     Comfort


    How do you think religion provided people with Control?

    Take the time to think it through as you listen along.


    Why is living within a Community important and how does religion provide Community?

    Pause to consider your answer.


    How does religion provide Comfort for people?

    Why is this?


    Join us next week as we take a look at the Reliability of the Old Testament Scriptures. 

  • Main Question for Today

    How do we know if the Old Testament is reliable?


    Consider this...


    What facts do we need to know about the words of the Bible? 


    How would you describe the Bible to a stranger? 

    What aspects of Scripture would you include in your description?



    Scripture

    Take the time to read the following passages:


    2 Timothy 3:16-17

    What do you think "God-breathed" means?


    Deuteronomy 4:40


    Psalms 19:7-9

    How is the Law and the commands described here?


    Matthew 5:19


    Matthew 24:35


    Deuteronomy 6:6-9

    What are we told to do with the Words of God we have received?



    Rules for the Masoretic Scribes

    The Masoretes were a group of scribes whose sole job was copying the text of the Bible. 

    Around ~AD 400 the Masoretes created a system of tracking and maintaining the accuracy of the biblical text. 

    They held themselves to extremely strict rules which maintained consistency when these scribes copied the Bible.


    These rules included the following foundations:

    1. The scroll must be written on the skin of a clean animal

    2. Each skin must contain a specific number of columns equal throughout the entire book

    3. Each column must extend no less than 48 lines and no more than 60

    4. The column breadth must consist of exactly 30 letters.

    5. The Space of a thread must appear between every consonant

    6. The breadth of 9 consonants had to fit between each section of text.

    7. A space of 3 lines had to appear between each book

    8. Every word had to be copied letter-for-letter

    9. The scribe had to count the number of times each letter occurred in each book and compare it to the original.

    10. If a manuscript was found to have just one error, it was discarded.



    Listen along as Scott discusses the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, their impact on Christian Scholarship, and the evidence they provide for the reliability of the Old Testament. 



    Consider this...

    Consider the acronym M.A.P. for three major areas of evidence that helps to support the reliability of the Old Testament text.

    M= Manuscript Evidence

    A= Archaeological Evidence

    P= Prophecy of Scripture.


    These three categories include both external and internal evidence that help to bolster the dependability and accuracy of the texts we have received as Scripture. Over the next several weeks, we will address some of these in more detail. 



    Take Away


    Why does learning about the reliability of Scripture important for your faith and for the faith of others?


    How can this lesson help you share your faith?


    Moving forward, what will you do differently when you read through your Old Testament?



  • Main Question for today

    How do we know that the New Testament Scriptures are reliable?


    Consider this...

    Take the time to think about why we believe the New Testament Scriptures to be true? 



    Three standards of evidence

    1. What is the number of Greek manuscripts of the New Testament that are available to us today?

    2. What is the dating of and the time interval in between the original document and the earliest copies?

    3. What is the textual accuracy of the manuscripts themselves?



    Ancient Text                               Date Written                      Earliest Copy                       Gap                          Number of Copies


    Homer's Iliad                             800 BC                               400 BC                              400 years                           643


    Plato's Writings                           400 BC                               AD 900                             1300 years                           7


    Caesar's Gallic War                     100-44 BC                         AD 900                             1000 Years                          10


    New Testament Texts                  AD 49-100                         AD 130                              <100 years                       5686



    Read 1 Peter 1:24-25


    During this time, the class watches a video by Jay Warner Wallace found at ColdCaseChristianity.com

    Check out the website for yourself to see some resources on the reliability of the Christian Scriptures.


    Wallace's Key points:

    1. Where the texts of the New Testament Written early?

    2. Can the New Testament Texts be corroborated with other evidence outside of the Bible?

    3. Have the New Testament Texts changed over time from the earliest manuscripts?


    Read Luke 1:1-3



    Consider this...

    "Our faith did not originate from a book, but from an event. The Resurrection. Now that event and others were recorded, so others would know about it."

    "The New Testament writers did not create the resurrection, the resurrection created the New Testament writers."


    ~ Frank Turek ~

    crossexamined.org


  • Main Question for today:

    Does Archaeology support the Bible?



    Archaeology: The study of human history through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.


    Consider this...

    How do you check to see if something is true? What steps to you take to determine if something is true or not?


    How do you think archaeology is used to study the Bible?


    Does archaeology support everything in the Bible? Why or why not?

    If not, does that mean that we cannot trust the Bible? Why or why not?


    If you could fund your own expedition and had unlimited funds, what kinds of events, places, people of the Old Testament would you most want to find and learn about with archaeology? Why?



    Read these passages and consider how they provide evidence for the historical events of the Bible:


    1 Kings 14:25-26


    2 Kings 20:20


    2 Kings 24:10-14


    Luke 3:1


    Romans 16:23


    John 5:1-9


    John 11:49-53



    Consider this...

    Archaeology is only as good as its interpretation.

    Interpretations can differ depending on who you talk to, who examines the same evidence, and our own bias. What's important is that we examine the evidence closely and honestly and use the tools we have to the best of our ability.

  • Main Question for today:

    How did we get the Old Testament in the form that we have today


    How do you think the Old Testament came to be what we have today? Take a few moments to think about the actual process of how the Old Testament was written, passed down, and collected into its final form.



    Check out The Bible Project at Bibleproject.com to find a large collection of resources that talk about things like today's topic and others.



    Consider this...


    Who wrote the Old Testament(OT)?

    Who orchestrated the writing of the OT, its passage through time, and its final form? 


    So if the OT was written by human hands, at the divine initiative of God, how did we get our final version today? What did that process look like?


    If the Bibles was written by human hands, at the direction of God, does this compromise its divine nature? Why or why not?



    The Masoretic Text (MT)


    Click on "Resources" above to view the handout provided during class.

    Green Arrow: Foot notes.

    Red Arrow: "Hey reader! There's a footnote here, pay attention to this."

    Blue Arrow: Commentary by the scribes.


    This document, the Leningrad Codex, was a document dating to around 1008 AD/CE  and is the most complete manuscript of the OT that we have that was written by the Masoretes. 


    Masoretes: Jewish scholars writing from around 700-1000 AD/ CE that accurately transmitted the OT text that they had received. 



    Septuagint (LXX)


    Dating: around 200-100 BC/ BCE

    Written in Greek for Israelite communities that spoke Greek after Alexander the Great took over most of the known world. 


    Check out Genesis 4:8 and take a look at the foot note.

    Notice anything interesting about this verse and its footnote?


    Sam: Samaritan Hebrew Text of the OT

    Gk: The Septuagint (LXX) written in Greek

    VG: the Latin Vulgate version of the Hebrew OT

    MT: Hebrew Masoretic version of the OT



    Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS)


    Dating: around 300-100 BC/ BCE  

    The DSS are contemporary documents with the LXX and help shed light on the earliest Hebrew Manuscripts of the OT.


    The DSS are important because they provide additional Hebrew manuscripts from the same time period of the LXX that we can use to compare to one another and see what the most original Hebrew versions of the OT looked like. 



    Consider this...


    How has this changed your understanding of how we got the OT we have today? 


    How do we make sense of this? 


    This is complicated stuff, but should we shy away from the hard stuff? 

    How should we approach topics like this? 


    What will you do differently know that you know this?


  • Main Question for today:

    How did we get the New Testament in the form that we have today?


    Check out The Bible Project at Bibleproject.com to find a large collection of resources that talk about things like today's topic and others.



    Consider this...


    Who wrote the New Testament(NT)?

    Who orchestrated the writing of the NT, its passage through time, and its final form?


    So if the NT was written by human hands, at the divine initiative of God, how did we get our final version today? What did that process look like?


    If the Bibles was written by human hands, at the direction of God, does this compromise its divine nature? Why or why not?



    Three things...

    What criteria do you think were used to determine if a certain writing, book, letter, document should be added to this collection of writings that would eventually become our New Testaments that we have today?


    1) Apostolic Authority-- this is a question of Authorship. The author had to be a first hand witness.

    2) Conformity to the "Rule of Faith"-- Is this document agree with what Jesus taught and what the earliest followers of Jesus believed?

    3) Acceptance and usage by the earliest church-- Did the earliest followers/churches accept and use this document?



    2nd Century


    Irenaeus

    He lived and died around 180 AD/CE and references the...

    4 Gospels, 13 letters of Paul, Acts, 1 Peter, 1-2 John, and Revelation, AND the Shepherd of Hermas as being Scripture.


    Justin Martyr

    Died around 165 AD/CE and he mentions the...

    "Memoirs of the Apostles," and quotes from the 4 Gospels, Hebrews, the letters of Paul, 1 Peter, and Acts.


    What do you notice about these lists of "Scripture" according to these two Christian defenders?


    During the earliest years of Christianity, the Scriptures of the New Testament were Fluid.

    Was fluidity a problem for the early church? Why or why not?

    Is fluidity of scripture a problem for us today? Why or why not?


    Check out the Canon lists provided above in the "Resources" button and follow along as you listen.



    3rd-4th Centuries


    Origen

    Died in 254 AD/CE

    He categorized Scripture into three categories:

    1) Undisputed: 4 Gospels, 13 Pauline Letters, 1 Peter, 1 John, Acts, Revelation

    2) Disputed: 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Hebrews, James, Jude

    3) Spurious ("False"): Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of the Egyptians, and other writings not found in the Protestant canon


    Eusebius

    Lived around the early 4th century

    He categorized Scripture into four categories:

    1) Accepted: 4 Gospels, Acts, 13 Pauline Letters, Hebrews, 1 John, 1 Peter

    2) Disputed which includes "Known and Accepted" and "Spurious but not Foul or Impious"

    3) Known and Accepted: James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Revelation

    4) Spurious but not Foul or Impious: Acts of Paul, Shepherd of Hermas, Apoc. of Peter, Letter to Barnabas, the Didache, and Revelation



    4th Century


    Athanasius

    He was the first person to record the 27 books of the New Testament and ONLY the 27 books of the New Testament in a sort of canon list. 

    Athanasius argued that Revelation was still debated and Hebrews was included for the purposes of inclusivity between the Eastern and Western churches.


    Look back to the Handout and listen as you follow along. 



    Consider this...

    By the 4th Century, most of what we, as protestants, consider canon, was established.


    It's clear that the Bible in its earliest form was very fluid. But that is ok. God used the process of human creativity and authorship, to create a collection of writings that he inspired. He wanted us to know the story of him and Jesus Christ, and the Early church, and he chose to tell us using a method that was real, tangible, and included humanity into its creation


    So, it’s ok that there was fluidity in the formation of the Canon. That just means that God was gracious enough to include us humans into the creation of his Holy Word. That’s AMAZING! The fact that he chose to create a collection of texts that reveals Him to us, and allowed us to be a part of that is astounding.


    This goes to show you that God is not some far off deity, or one who is “to holy to associate with His creation.” We got to play a part in the grand scheme of God’s design, even though it was complex. Because what we have today IS God’s word in the form that he wants us to have it.



    What stands out to you in all of this?


    Does the fluidity of the formation of the Protestant Canon bother you? Why or why not?


    How does this help us move away from the "golden tablet from the sky," mentality of how Scripture came to us in its final form?


    How will you look at Scripture differently now?



  • Main Question for today:

    What does the map and the timeline of the Bible world look like?


    Opening Activity

    For those of you joining us online or those seeking to teach this lesson yourself, take a look at the map and timeline provided above under the "Resources" option beneath the audio recording. If you are a teacher, cover up the answers to the timeline and map and create a word bank for your class. Ask the class to fill in the answers to the corresponding time periods and zones on the map using the word banks. 


    Follow along as you listen to the conversation.



    Questions to consider...

    As you look at the map of the ancient world, what stands out to you the most? 

    Consider the size, the location, the allocation of natural resources. 

    Notice the colors of the map. What can these colors signify? Why is this significant?



    Questions to consider...

    As you look at the timeline of the Bible story, what stands out to you the most?

    Consider the length of time between each event, the dates, the categories of the various divisions.

    Consider the history behind these events. As you read the books of the Bible, how can this timeline be used to help put the Bible story into context?



    Why does all of this matter?


    How have these study tools helped you better understand the Bible story, its events, and the purposes behind God's plan for salvation?


    How have these tools changed your understanding of the ancient world and the world of the Bible? 

  • Main Question for today...

    How do we understand Scripture in its context?



    As you listen, click the "Resources" tab above next to the audio recording and click the attachment titled "Context Questions." As you listen along, answer these questions along with the class.


    Turn to Judges 3:12-30 and read through it once or twice.



    Think of these four categories as we walk through the lesson:

    Original Situation--meaning the original context of the passage

    Original Application-- meaning how the original audience applied the passage to their lives

    Current Situation-- How do we differ from the original audience?

    Current Application-- How do we apply this lesson to our lives today?


    Contextual Description ("Original Situation")

    The first few things you need to ask a particular Bible Passage is about the actual text itself, the physical words on the page. We also need to understand the basics of the story, its events, and characters. To give you an idea about what we mean, go through some of the questions provided in the handout to better understand the context of the text.



    Original Application

    After we understand the physical text, its characters, theme, etc., now we need to look at how the original audience would have understood, interpreted, and received this passage. Let's take a look at some of the questions in the handout to get inside the minds of the original readers of this story.



    Current Situation

    Next, we need to talk about how the original context of the original audience differs from us today. We need to consider not only the original audience, but also the original context of the story itself. 



    Contemporary Application ("Current Application")

    Finally, we need to ask about how the lessons the original audience learned can be applied to our lives today? How do we, as a modern audience, learn, grow, and apply the lessons to our own context?



    Consider this...


    How ahs this lesson helped you understand the context of Scripture?


    What applications can we glean from the story of Judges 3:12-30?


    How will you read Scripture differently moving forward?



  • Main Question for today:

    How is Scripture taken out of Context?


    Consider this...

    Why is it important that we understand a passage of Scripture in Context?

    What happens when we take verses out of context?

    Why is this significant?


    What are some things you can think of that you can do to properly understand Scripture in its context?


    A good principle is to read 1 paragraph before and 1 paragraph after the passage we study.



    Ephesians 5:22-24

    Where and how have we heard this passage being used before?

    Who most often uses this passage out of context and why?

    What are some of the negative results of this passage being taken out of context?


    Read Ephesians 5:15-33


    Given the context, how do the surrounding verses change our understanding of vv. 22-24? Think about how we understood this passage BEFORE and how we understand it AFTER we read it in context.


    What do you notice about the Husbands' responsibility given what we find in vv. 22-24, 15-20, and 25-33?

    What does this mean for those who use vv. 22-24 out of context?



    Matthew 18:20

    Where and how have we heard this verse being used before?

    Is this interpretation good, bad, neutral, harmful, etc.?

    What meaningful lessons can we learn from this one verse?


    Read Matthew 18:15-22


    Given the context, how do the surrounding verses change our understanding of v. 20? Think about how we understood this passage BEFORE and how we understand it AFTER we read it in context.


    Now what does this passage mean?

    Knowing how the previous interpretations were not actually what this passage is talking about, what do we do with those previous interpretations?



    Philippians 4:13

    Where and how have we heard this verse being used before?

    Is this interpretation good, bad, neutral, harmful, etc.?

    What meaningful lessons can we learn from this one verse?


    Read Philippians 4:11-13


    Given the context, how do the surrounding verses change our understanding of v. 13? Think about how we understood this passage BEFORE and how we understand it AFTER we read it in context.


    Now what does this passage mean?

    What effect does reading this verse incorrectly do to the meaning of the text?



    Consider this...


    Moving forward, what will you do differently when you read individual verses from Scripture?

    Why is it important that we understand Scriptures in their proper context?



Spiritual Warfare

How does the Bible talk about the spiritual forces all around us? What can we do to protect ourselves against evil. This series focuses on the spiritual forces all around us. We explore who or what these forces are, how they interact with us, and what we can do to remain strong in the faith of Jesus Christ. 

Classes taught by Scott Curtis and Joshua Bush

  • Intro Question

    Based on your Old Testament knowledge only, who or what is Satan?

    What Scripture references can you point too to support your position on Satan?


    Take the time to Pause the audio recording for a minute or two and write down a few of your ideas. Write down who or what you think Satan is. Think of some Old Testament passages that you may use to support your reasoning and write them down.


    Main Question for today

    How does the Old Testament use the word "satan?"


    Background information

    The word "satan" comes from the Hebrew word שטן  and it means " an adversary," "opponent," or "one who stands in opposition to." So in the generic sense, it means exactly that-- someone or something that stands against someone as an adversary. 


    Now just שטן  on its own means “adversary,” but in Hebrew there is something called the “definite article,” and it is the English equivalent of the word “the.” The article looks like this ה and it shifts a word from an indefinite state to a definite state. For example, instead of “a ball,” “a church,” “president,” it becomes “the ball,” “the church,” “ the president.”  השטן


    So when this definite article is attached to a word, it makes it definite. And more specifically, in Hebrew, it can turn the word satan into a proper noun like a name or a title. So the presence of a definite article turns it into a title like “THE Satan”, while its absence usually means the generic word for “adversary” and is treated like a noun.  


    In total, the word "satan" appears about 27 times in the Old Testament-- sometimes with and sometimes without the definite article.


    Three Categories of Satan


    Human Adversaries

    Let's take a look at a few examples in the Old Testament where "satan" refers to Human adversaries

    1 Kings 5:4, 11:14, 23, 25

    1 Samuel 29:4


    Note that these passages do not contain the definite article when the Hebrew word "satan" appears. When no article is present, the English translates "satan" as "adversary," when used as a noun in these passages. in 1 Sam 29:4 the word "satan" is being used as a verb and is translated as "he will turn against." Here the Philistine commanders are calling David a "satan"-- one who will "turn against" the Philistines. 


    Think about how the word "satan" is being used in these passages. Write some of your thoughts down and think about how this information impacts your understanding of "satan" as we move forward.


    Celestial Opponents

    Let's take a look at a few examples in the Old Testament where "satan" refers to Celestial Opponents

    Zechariah 3:1-2

    Numbers 22:22, 32

    1 Chronicles 21:1

    (Just for fun-- 2 Samuel 24:1)


    The Zechariah passage does have the definite article with the word "satan." Satan is functioning as the "opponent" to God in this passage. Yet the broader context of the passage does not seem to indicate that Satan is or isn't evil. In fact it seems that Satan is serving as a prosecuting attorney (we will touch on this more in the Book of Job section below).


    Satan is not out to destroy Joshua, but rather argues that Joshua is not fit or qualified enough to be Yahweh's priest. Yet Yahweh argues that he is. So the Satan is serving as an opponent in the way someone would be an opponent in a debate or a court case. 


    Numbers 22:22, 32 is the story of Balaam's Donkey. There is no article attached to the word "satan."

    (Fun fact: This is the first time from the start of Genesis until now that the word "satan" appears in the Old Testament.)

    Who is the "opponent" or "satan" in this passage?-- An "Angel of the Lord." 

    Here the Angel came to "stand against" Balaam. 


    1 Chronicles 21:1 is when David is incited to take a census of Israel. There is no article attached to the word "satan."

    This is an interesting passage and is an exception to the rule we have talked about so far. Here, there is no article with Satan, yet it can still be translated into English as "The Satan"-- Capital "S" Satan as a proper noun or a title. 

    This passage is the only time in the Old Testament where Satan could be used explicitly as a personal name (rather than a title). 


    Just for fun-- take a look at 2 Samuel 24:1 and compare it to 1 Chronicles 21;1

    Who incites David to take a census? In 1 Chron. it's Satan, yet in 2 Sam. it's the Lord. One possibility is that God is functioning as a "satan" (opponent, adversary) to David who then succumbs to sin. This could work since there is no article attached to "satan" here, but this issue has some textual complexities with the note above about "satan" being used as a personal name in this passage. 

    So this point is very interesting and unclear. We wanted to point this out to you so you can get a taste for the complexities of Scripture and have a more diverse understanding of who or what this Satan figure is. 


    The Book of Job

    Let's take a look at the Book of Job for another perspective on  "satan."

    Job 1:6-12

    Job 2:1-7


    In these passages, Satan does have the definite article. These passages definitely describe a specific entity known as "Satan." Here the Satan could also be considered a Celestial Opponent to Job. 


    Consider this:

    If someone hit your car, or broke into your house, or stole something from you, would you want a really good prosecuting attorney or a bad prosecuting attorney? Why?

    You would want a good one of course!


    In the judicial system and in a court of law, what is the function of a prosecuting attorney? 

    A prosecuting attorney is someone that makes accusations against the defendant and who tries to get a guilty plea from them. So simply because they accuse people of wrong doing, that doesn't make prosecuting attorneys good or bad, it just means they are doing their job. Prosecuting attorney's simply fulfill their functions within a court case in order to ensure that justice is being carried out as well as making sure that those who may have committed crimes receive a proper punishment. 


    Having considered this, you could argue, that the Satan in Zechariah and Job is simply fulfilling his role as a prosecuting attorney. Yes, Satan caused the death of Job’s family, destroyed his riches, and ruined Job’s health, but who explicitly commanded and allowed/instructed Satan to do this to Job?

    God did. Yes the death of Job’s family is bad, but it was God who specifically instructed Satan to carry out these actions . Satan’s actions were approved by God himself. So Satan was simply carrying out his role and function obeying God's commands.


    Reflect

    How has this impacted your understanding of Satan? What has changed?

    Did you learn anything new? If so, why is this significant?

    Is any of this a salvation issue? Or is there room for different interpretations that does not impact our understanding of Jesus, the Gospel, or salvation?


    Homework

    Notice how we did not cover Genesis 3 in the Garden of Eden. Your homework for this week is this: if you believe that Satan is the serpent in Genesis 3, write down as many reasons why you believe this and provide scripture references to support your position. 


  • Intro Question

    If you believe that Satan was the serpent in Genesis 3, what arguments can you point to to support this idea?

    What Scripture references can you use to support your position?


    Main Question for today

    How does the Bible describe the serpent of Genesis 3 and how does the Bible describe the creature known as Leviathan, Litan, and Lotan? 


    Challenge

    If you haven't already, take the time to search the Scriptures for evidence supporting the idea that Satan was the serpent of Genesis 3.

    Feel free to pull from both the Old and New Testaments, Philosophy, Moral reasoning, etc. 

    Remember to back yourself with passages found in the Bible.


    Listen in to hear what the class came up with.


    As you listen, consider a new perspective on who or what the Bible may refer to when it describes entities such as the "Red Dragon" or that "Ancient Serpent" of Revelation 12 and 20. What about the one who was "in Eden" or the "guardian cherub" described in Ezekiel 28? What do we do with John 8:44 referencing the "father of lies?" and other examples the class came up with.


    As you listen, we want you to consider this new perspective by first learning about an entity known as Leviathan. Specifically, how the Old Testament describes Leviathan, how an ancient text known as the Baal Cycle describes Leviathan, and the descriptions laid out in Revelation 12 and 20 share similar descriptors to refer to this agent of watery chaos. 


    Leviathan in the Old Testament and the Baal Cycle

    Leviathan in Hebrew is לתן (equivalent to the English's consonants L T N--> Leviathan, Lotan, Litan) and it is used in Isaiah 27:1; Job 26:12-13, 41:13-21, 27-29; and Psalm 74:13-14


    Read Isaiah 27:1

    Listen to the phrasing and specific words used as Joshua reads two passages. Both Isaiah and the Baal Cycle share the same phrases such as the "Fleeing serpent," the "Twisting serpent." 

    Isaiah includes the phrase "The dragon that is in the sea."

    The Baal cycle also includes the phrase "The seven-headed monster." Remember these two phrases when we get to Revelation 12 and 20. 


    Read Job 26: 12-13

    Listen to the phrasing again and to the specific words used as we compare Job and the Baal Cycle.

    Note that Job uses the phrase "Fleeing serpent" just like Isaiah 27:1

    The Baal Cycle passage uses "The Dragon," "Twisting Serpent," and the "the seven-headed monster." 

    Remember these phrases as we take a look at Revelation 12 and 20


    Leviathan in Revelation and Apocalyptic Descriptors

    Read Revelation 20:2-3 and 12:3,9


    Here in Revelation, there is this dragon, this large chaotic entity that is described as an "ancient serpent" who is the devil, or Satan. Based on its physical descriptions (Large creature that comes from the sea, Chaotic force and strength, Seven-headed monster, 10 horns, 7 crowns), does this sound the serpent of Genesis 3?

    Interesting how the Baal Cycle calls the Leviathan a seven-headed monster, and Revelation describes it the very same way.


    Read Job 41:13-29

    Based on its physical descriptions (having an outer coat of armor; its back lined with rows of shields, snorts that send out flashes of light, eyes like the rays of dawn, flames that pour from its mouth, sparks of fire that shoot out, smoke from its nostrils, immune to damage from swords , spears, darts, javelins, arrows, slingstones, clubs, and lances, stronger than iron and bronze) does this sound like the serpent of Genesis 3?


    Read Psalm 74:13-14

    Here God crushes the heads (Plural--> Remember the Baal cycle passages?) of the Leviathan. Note this passage describes Leviathan has having several heads-- Re-read Revelation 20:2-3 and 12:3,9 and count if the dragon has just one head or several. 

    Does the Psalm 74 description of Leviathan sound like the serpent of Genesis 3? 


    Description of the Serpent of Genesis 3

    Read Genesis 3:1

    How does the text describe this serpent?

    1) It is more crafting than any of the wild animals

    2) It is a wild animal

    3) It is a creature created by God

    4) It can speak (we don't know how or why as the text never tells us--see Numbers 22 for Balaam's talking donkey

    If we look at verse 14 it says that

    1) The serpent will be cursed above all livestock and all wild animals (indicating that it, again, is itself a wild animal

    2) will crawl on its belly and eat dust


    Notice how the word "satan" never appears in this passage. 


    A New Perspective

    What if I told you that instead of the Revelation passages referring to the "Ancient Serpent" is not referring to the serpent of Genesis 3?

    What if, in fact, there was a more "Ancient Serpent" in the Bible found even early in Genesis?


    Turn to Genesis 1:21 and read it through.

    Re-read the first sentence again-- "So God created the great creatures of the sea..."

    Want to take a guess at what Hebrew word appears? Want to guess which entity is mentioned as the "great creatures of the sea?"


    The answer is Leviathan. The Hebrew has לתן here in this passage in a plural form. There is an even more ancient serpent in the Bible than the serpent of Genesis 3. Remember Isaiah 27:1 and Job 26:12-13 all call Leviathan a serpent, a serpent that twists and flees and comes from the sea. 


    You see, the Leviathan is mentioned in Genesis 1, well before the events of Genesis 3. With all of the other evidence from the Baal cycle, Isaiah, Job, and other passages, we see that this sea creature causes chaos all throughout creation. The passages in Revelation use the same descriptors (seven-headed, chaotic entity that is beyond the scope of human capacity to defeat, a serpent) as the Old Testament references found in Isaiah, Job, Psalms, and others.  


    This Leviathan, this other "ancient serpent" has caused tremendous trouble for Israel as seen through the time of the Judges and Kings. When Israel fell into Baal worship, they were constantly exposed to this entity, Leviathan, who caused Israel to fall into sin. Yes, the serpent in Genesis 3 caused Eve and Adam to sin, but Leviathan caused the whole nation of Israel to fall into sin for generations.


    Take Away

    Does this perspective change anything about our salvation?

    Is this an "essential" issue in the church or are we free to talk about and debate and challenge new and different views?

    How has this shaped your understanding of the descriptors of Revelation, descriptors in Isaiah, Job, and Psalms, and the descriptions of the serpent in Genesis 3?


    Next Week

    Next week we will revisit the other passages that we did not touch on this week. This week we only focused on the Leviathan passages, but next time we will talk about passages such as Ezekiel 28:1-19, Isaiah 14:12-15, John 8:44, re-visit Revelation 12 and 20, as well as touch on some of the moral/philosophical issues of sin and who brought it into the world.


    References

    For more information on the theme of watery chaos, God's actions to bring order to creation, and God's plan to eliminate all agents of chaos at the consummation of creation, check out a sermon by Joshua Bush on June 15th of 2022. Click "Media" above and select "Listen to sermons" to get started.

  • Intro Question
    What do we do with the other Bible passages that do not reference Leviathan, yet are often used to describe the Serpent of Genesis 3?

    Main Question for Today
    How should we interpret passages such as Ezekiel 28:1-19; Isaiah 14:4-22; Revelation 12:1-9, 20:2-3, and John 8:44 in light of our new understanding of Leviathan and our conversations on the Serpent of Genesis 3?

    Let's take a look at some of the passages we didn't get to last week...


    Ezekiel 28:1-19
    As you listen, read along and examine for yourself 1) Who the central characters are and 2) How the characters are described.
    Are the characters human or is there room for something else?
    Is there anything in the text to indicate that the King of Tyre is anything other than a human king? if so, what?
    Yes, Eden language is used to describe the King of Tyre. Is the passage is still referring to the King of Tyre or is there something in the passage that tells us that we are suddenly talking about someone or something completely different?


    Isaiah 14:4-22
    As you listen, read along and examine for yourself 1) Who the central characters are and 2) How the characters are described. 
    Are the main characters human or is there something in the text indicating that we are talking about someone other than the King of Babylon? If so, what?
    How does this passage describe the King of Babylon? What terms, words, or phrases are used to describe this character?
    Are these the kinds of descriptors we would use to describe a celestial entity such as an angel, demon, or Satan? Or are these the kinds of words and phrases we would use to describe human kings?

    Lucifer is the Latin phrase for "Morning Star" or "son of the Morning." The Hebrew says "Heylel, son of the Morning" and is likely referring to an ancient Canaanite and Ancient Near eastern god known as Attar. (Note: it is possible that the Bible references Attar by calling him Ishtar, but this is unclear).
    Attar was the Ancient Canaanite god of Venus, the star known as the "morning star" in ancient times. At the time of his writing, Isaiah would have known about the story of Attar, how Attar tried to scale the walls of the holy city of heaven, but was struck down by the chief sun god. Attar fell to earth and was defeated. 
    So it's exceptionally biting here, that Isaiah is using the same kind of words and language that the King of Babylon was most likely using of himself. Isaiah used this same kind of boastful language to insult the King of Babylon. Essentially, Isaiah is saying, "Hey! King of Babylon, You call yourself the 'morning star,' but did you forget that the morning star fell from heaven when he tried to become a chief god himself? The Lord Yahweh says, 'don't think yourself a god, otherwise you will fall just like Attar fell.'"

    This was a chilling critique to the King of Babylon. God used Isaiah to criticize the King in order to make a point that the King was a mere mortal and not a god himself. 


    Revelation 12:1-9 and 20:2-3
    Re-read these passages from last week. Instead of focusing on the Leviathan concept, think more generally. 
    Could all of these descriptors be talking about a snake in Genesis 3? Or is there something more going on here?
    When do these events take place? Before creation? At the second coming of Christ? 
    There are timeline issues if we force this passage upon Genesis 3. 
    If this took place before creation, all sorts of problems arise like:
    Why don't we have any other biblical accounts of these events?;
    Who is the woman? Is she Eve? Is she symbolic or a metaphor? If so, what are they symbolic of and what scriptures must we turn to in order to support this?; 
    How can there be a wilderness before creation? and why only for 1260 days will she flee to that location?;
    How can there be day and night or a sun and a moon if creation had not yet taken place?

    John 8:44
    This passage is a strong counter example to the hypothesis that the serpent in Genesis 3 is just a serpent. 
    John 8:44 provides an example of some entity that was the "father of lies," from the beginning.

    However, note how else John uses the word for beginning. Look at John 6:64, 8:25, 15:27, 16:4; 1 John 2:7, and 2 John 1:5. 
    All of these passages reference the "beginning," yet are all of these passages referring to the beginning of creation?

    This is not to say that John 8:44 is not a reference to the beginning of creation, but it is important to note the broader understanding of the word "beginning" and not simply assume every usage of this word is referring to the creation event.


    A Logic Proof
    Here is a common line of reasoning that many people use to support the idea that Satan is the Serpent of Genesis 3

    Sin = bad
    Satan is associated with sin and bad things
    Therefore, Satan = bad
    ---------------------------------
    Since the serpent of Genesis 3 brought sin into the world, the serpent is the 1st and the worst bad guy
    Who is the worst bad guy we know of?--> Satan
    Therefore, Satan must be the Serpent of Genesis 3.

    This makes a lot of sense logically, however, is it biblical? Sure this makes a lot of sense when we think about it, but is that how the Bible describes the serpent and Satan? 
    Does this Logic proof override or supersede all of the biblical evidence we have looked at over the past several weeks? 


    Who is Satan based on the Old Testament?
    Satan in the Old Testament is described in several ways. 
    In Job and Zechariah, Satan seems to be functioning as a sort of prosecuting attorney. Satan is fulfilling the specific role that God has given to him. Satan only does what God allows him to do and never goes beyond what God instructs. 

    Satan seems to have a negative function regarding this prosecuting attorney role. He kills Job's family, destroys Job's health, and accuses Joshua of not begin qualified enough for the priesthood. Yet, Satan still remains within the bounds of God's commands.

    The Old Testament doesn't seem interested in talking about where Satan comes from or what specifically Satan is.

    Satan seems to be a celestial entity, yet that remains unclear based upon the Old Testament text. Satan is in the presence of God as seen in Job. Satan can stand before God and converse with the creator without being destroyed or punished. Other than that, we must look elsewhere like the New Testament to learn more about who/what Satan is. 

    It is likely, based upon this conversation and the evidence we have examined, that Satan is not the serpent of Genesis 3. 

    By the time we get to the New Testament, Satan is DEFINITELY a bad guy. Where this shift happened, is unclear. It is likely that somewhere along the way, Satan over stepped his bounds and acted beyond what God had commanded him. 


    Consider this...
    What are your thoughts on this new perspective?
    Does the past three weeks change your understanding of who or what Satan is?
    Does this change anything about our salvation?
    How does learning something like this expand your understanding of the Bible, its complexities, and howe we should seek to examine God's word more closely in the future?
  • Fill out the following chart as you listen along



                                           Character/ Attributes                           Desire                                                 Acts



    God                              




    Satan                              


                                           People                                                  Culture                                                Church




    Satan's Influence




    HALT: You are most vulnerable when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired



    Scriptures

    1 John 1:5-7; John 8:43-45; Deuteronomy 18:9-11; Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Deuteronomy 6:24; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 1:20, 7:7; Matthew 7:1; 2 Timothy 4:2. 



  • Intro Question

    How does Satan influence our culture?


    Listen along or copy and paste the link below into a separate window to follow along


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwDbiajBEbk


    Viewer discretion is advised



    Intro Topic

    Music and Satan's Influence


    Consider this: What is your take on the influence of music on people? How does Satan use music to influence people?



    Main Topic for Today

    Can Satan influence people through possession

    Take a look at Matthew 12:22-29 and 1 John 4:4 and listen as we read along


    What are the differences between demon possession and a demon's influence?



    Check out Matthew 12:43-45

    What happens when the evil spirit leaves the man?


    Let's consider Judas, the disciple that betrayed Jesus. How does Judas become so influenced by Satan that he ended up betraying the Son of God? 


    What do you think about people's rejection of Jesus when we don't get what we want?

    Is there any connection to this idea and Judas' actions to betray Jesus?


    How do people become influenced and sometimes even possessed in the first place? Is it something that just happens one day or is there something more happening within that person?


    There are two major mistakes that people make when it comes to Satan

    1) People sometimes do not believe in Satan at all.

    2) People sometimes attribute every evil thing to Satan and his influence.


    What does the Bible say about Satan's influence?

    1) Satan is real

    2) Satan affects us in a real, tangible sense

    3) Satan has an agenda


    People often don't just become possessed one day. People involve themselves in things that are contrary to God's commands resulting in a creeping influence from Satan. 

  • Main Discussion

    This week we explore a hard look at our culture and see different ways Satan Influences our culture and the church more specifically.


    What do you think the reason for the Law is? 

    Why do we have our own laws here in the United States?

    Why did God give us His law in the Bible?


    What do you think of what you hear "Just do it" ? 

    What does a phrase like this mean for our culture and how is it perceived by people given our sinful nature?


    How are we to judge? Are we to judge?



    Fill out the following chart as you listen along



                                           Character/ Attributes                           Desire                                                 Acts



    God                                Light, all Knowing                                Saving Relationship                             Gospel

                                           Truth, Love



    Satan                              Darkness, Liar                                      Destroy Relationship with God          Self-serving

                                           Murderer                                             Follow Him vs Follow Jesus                "just do it" 

                                                                                                        Wants to trap us                                 Deception


                                           People                                                  Culture                                                Church




    Satan's Influence



    Is Christianity a blind faith? Why or why not?


    Top three responses from those when asked "Why do you believe what you believe?" I believe because...

    1. I was brought up in this faith.

    2. God changed me to be a better person.

    3. I had a personal experience with God and my life changed forever.



    Scriptures

    Deuteronomy 6:24; Romans 7:7; Matthew 16:18, 7:1; 21 Timothy 4:2; Romans 1:20

  • Main point for today

    How can we protect ourselves from Satan's Influence and from evil?



    The Full Armor of God

    Ephesians 6:12-17


    The Belt of Truth

    In order to protect ourselves from the influence of evil, we need to know, understand, and practice the truth found in the Bible.

    Given our conversations about Satan, Why is it important to know the truth?


    The Breastplate of Righteousness

    The Greek word for "Righteousness" is dikaiosune (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay) (δικαιοσυνη) and it means "a state that is in accord with standards for acceptable or anticipated behavior" --> "uprightness, righteousness, justice"

    Romans 1:17

    Romans 3:21-22


    What is self-righteousness? How does this breastplate protect us against our own self-righteousness?

    Does God require anything from us in order for us to receive salvation? Is there anything that we can do that will allow us to earn our way into God's Kingdom?


    Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace


    As Christians, what does this phrase mean? What does our Peace with God look like?

    What does Peace with God give us as we make our way through our lives?

    Romans 16:20

    Proverbs 16:7


    Shield of Faith


    How does Job's faithfulness help him throughout the book of Job?

    Job 13:15


    Why is acting on the knowledge that we have about Christ important? What does putting our faith in to action look like?


    Take the Helmet of Salvation


    What securities do we have knowing that we have placed our salvation in Jesus?

    Job 19:25-27


    Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God


    How can we use God's word to protect ourselves and those in the church?

    How can we harm people by using the Bible incorrectly? 

    Why is it important to speak truth, yet with love and gentleness? 

    Can we win people to Christ through arguing with them? Is it more important to win an argument or is it more important to show God's grace and love? Why?

  • Main Question for today

    What is a demon/ what are a demon's characteristics?


    Based upon your understanding of the Old Testament alone, what is a demon?


    Origins of Demons

    There are four potential theories that could explain where demons came from


    Theory #1

    Demons are disembodied spirits from a pre-Adam race of human-like beings


    Possible shortcomings with this view

    1) This view aligns with theistic evolution

    2) There is no biblical evidence to support this view as the Bible story does not indicate that such a race of human-like beings ever existed.


    Theory #2

    Demons are beings that coexisted with angelic beings known as Nephilim found in Genesis 6:1-4 and were human-angel hybrids


    Possible shortcomings with this view:

    1) This view only works if one interprets the "sons of God" as angelic beings.

    It's much more likely that these "sons of God" were simply human kings  as this was a common phrase used in the ancient world for kings.

    2) If the "sons of God" were angels, the Bible never describes angels as having relations with human women to produce offspring.

    This was an idea that came from the intertestamental texts such as 1 Enoch. 


    Theory #3

    Demons are Spirits of humans who escaped Sheol as seen in the Witch of Endor story in 1 Samuel 28:7-25


    Possible shortcomings with this view:

    1) There is only one passage in the whole Bible that supports this view.

    2) Would God allow such a instance to take place regarding a persons' soul?


    Theory #4

    Demons are fallen angels who were cast down with Satan from heaven

    Ezekiel 28:13-19; Isaiah 14:12-15; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-9


    Possible shortcomings with this view:

    1) Our previous discussions on the Ezekiel and Isaiah passages could just as easily be referring to the human kings of Tyre and Babylon as laid out in the text. This perspective forces a spiritual/apocryphal meaning onto a plain and clear text about human kings

    2) 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 are most likely quoting a passage from 1 Enoch, a text from the apocrypha. 

    3) Revelation 12:7-9 could be talking about a future event rather than an event that took place before creation. Additionally, if the angels described here are "bound" and awaiting judgement, how could they be on the earth now?


    Words for "demon"

    1) There doesn't seem to be a single word or concept that cleanly describes demons in the Old Testament

    2) The few Hebrew words we do have are rare and occur only a handful of times.

    3) The words we do use to translate as "demon" often refer to both evil entities as well as neutral "anonymous gods" in the Old Testament. 


    "Hairy ones"

    This Hebrew word occurs about 50 times in the Old Testament

    Two Hebrew words are used:

    Seirim--> ("Hair ones" or "Satyrs") שעירים 

    Isaiah 13:21 and Isaiah 34:14


    Sedim--> ("demon") שדים

    Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalm 106:37


    These terms are often associated with the male goats that were presented as a sacrifice for sin offerings on the Day of Atonement.

    Seirim and Sedim are also often associated with Azazel ("scape goat") found throughout Leviticus 16. The scape goat was a sacrifice that the sin of Israel was placed upon one of these goats, while the other was driven away from the Israelite camp to live in the desert places.


    "Lilith"

    Seen in other Ancient Near Eastern texts as a female demon associated with the Seirim and other unclean creatures. Also described as a succubus and a "child stealing" demon in other ancient cultures. 

    Translated as "night creature" in Isaiah 34:14


    "Azazel"

    Seen all throughout Leviticus 16 and is translated as "scape goat."

    Leviticus 16 can refer either to the goat itself or to a place in the wilderness as the Hebrew could be understood as the goat itself, or to a specific place in the wilderness, or as the name of a specific demon that lives in the wilderness to which the scape goat is dedicated to. 



    Demons responsible for or present within natural phenomena

    Plague/ pestilence--Hosea 13:145; Hab. 3:5; Psalm 91:6

    Destruction-- Deut. 32:24; Isaiah 28:2; Hosea 13:14

    Flame/firebolt-- (Deut. 32:24 translates "flame/firebolt" as "pestilence"); Hab. 3:5

    Terror in the night-- Psalm 91:5


    These identifications are based upon our understanding of other ancient near eastern texts and how they associated these phrases to demons and evil spirits. It seems that such phrases do not simply refer to the natural phenomena themselves, but to the demon or god responsible for, or present within, them. 



    Evil or Lying Spirits

    Check out 1 Sam. 16:14-16, 23 and 1 Kings 22:19-23

    These were lying or evil spirits sent by God. 

    What do we do with these. If God sent these spirits, why is God commanding evil spirits in the first place? Why did God command these evil spirits to afflict and cause harm? What do we do with these negative functions of these entities?


    Relationship to Satan

    Notice what major figure we left out of our discussion on demons so far?

    Satan


    Why is that?


    The answer is because Satan is never mentioned alongside demonic entities within the Old Testament. Satan is strikingly absent within the Old Testament when it comes to language that describes demons. 

    As seen in our previous lesson on Satanology above, within the Old Testament, Satan seems to be functioning as a independent being who acts upon God's commands to carry out negative (note: not necessarily evil) functions as a prosecuting attorney. 


    Take Away

    What are our take away's from this?

    Are demons a major aspect of the Old Testament, or does it seem to be focused on other stuff?

    If the Old Testament isn't focused on demons, what does that mean for us?

    Should we be super fixated on demons or other entities such as these? Why or why not?


    Sources

    Kuemmerlin-McLean, Joanne K., "Demons." In The Anchor Bible Dictionary: Volume 2, edited by David Noel Freedman, 138-140. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992.

  • Main Question for today

    What is a demon/ what are a demon's characteristics?


    Based upon your understanding of the New Testament alone, what is a demon?



    Terminology

    δαιμονιον ("dai-mon-ee-on") appears roughly 60 times in the New Testament and it means "Hostile/ evil Spirit" or "Demon"

    This word is one of the most common words used for demons and is found primarily in the Gospel accounts


    πνευμα ακαθαρτον ("peh-new-ma   ak-ath-ar-ton") appears multiple times throughout the New Testament and means "impure/ unclean spirit"

    Found especially in Mark and Luke



    Demonic Activity

    Take a minute to pause the video and answer this question: 

    Within the New Testament, what are some activities that are attributed to demons?


    When you are ready, un-pause the video and listen along to what the class had to say.


    Read the following passages for a better understanding of what the New Testament says about demonic activity

    Insane Behavior: Matthew 8:28 and Mark 5:1-5

    Inability to speak: Matthew 9:32

    Inability to hear: Mark 9:25

    Blindness: Matthew 12:22

    Symptoms of Epilepsy: Luke 9:39

    Self-destructive tendencies: Matthew 17:15


    Take a moment to think about these questions: 

    Do the gospel writers ever clearly explain the relationship between demon possession and sickness? Why or why not?

    Within the New Testament, are all sicknesses caused by demons? 

    Do all demons cause sickness?


    Read the following passages to gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between demons and sickness

    Acts 16:16ff

    Mark 5:21-43

    Mark 7:31-37

    Matthew 8:1-4

    Luke 6:6-11


    Does there seem to be a distinction between those suffering form diseases and those who are demon possessed? If you are unsure, check out these passages and see how the Gospel writers differentiate between the different categories of people brought before Jesus

    Matthew 4:24

    Mark 1:32

    Luke 7:21



    Jesus' Exorcisms and the Kingdom of God

    Read the following passages and listen along to the conversation from the class. As you read and listen pay special attention to what these have to say about "kingdoms."


    Matthew 12:25-29

    Mark 3:23-27

    Luke 11:17-22


    What do these passages say about Kingdoms?


    Read these passages also. What do these say about Jesus' commissioning of the disciples and the coming Kingdom of God?


    Mark 3:13-15

    Mark 6:7-13

    Matthew 10:8

    Luke 9:1-2



    What does this mean for us today?


    What is most significant here? is it the demons we should be focusing on or should we direct our attention to something else instead?

    Why is the connection between demons and God's Kingdom/ the Gospel message, significant?

    How does the ministry of Jesus serve as a way to give people freedom from the influence of evil forces?

    What does this mean for us today? How do we focus our attention to the Kingdom of God in light of everything we've learned today?


  • Main Question for today

    What is an angel/ what are an angel's characteristics?


    Based upon your understanding of the Old Testament alone, what is an angel?



    Words for Angels

    There are several words used within the Old Testament to reference angels...


    מלך  

    מלך  pronounced "ma-la-k" means "messenger" or "envoy." This can refer to both human and celestial entities. 

    The Greek version of the Old Testament--known as the Septuagint [LXX]--  often translates מלך as αγγελος "ang-gel-os".  αγγελος is where we get our English word "angel."


    "Sons of God"

    Examples include:

    Job 1:6; 2:1, 38:7 which our English often translates as "angels."

    Genesis 6:2,4 may  be a reference to angels. However, this topic of the Nephilim are often widely debated.

    Psalm 29:1 and 89:6 translates "Sons of God" as "heavenly beings."


    "Holy Ones"

    Examples include: 

    Psalm 89:5,7 which is likely a reference to celestial entities as they serve as an "assembly" and a "council" to God.


    "Hosts" or "Army"  +  "Ministers" or "servants"

    Examples include:

    Psalm 89:8 which our English often translates as "Lord Almighty" [Lit. Lord of Hosts].

    Psalm 103: 21 where both "Hosts" and "ministers/ servants" are used.



    Pre-Exilic Time Period


    There are three major categories in the pre-exilic texts that are used to describe angels and their functions:

    1) Divine council–Gen. 28:12; Psalm 89:6-9; and 1 Kings 22:19-22

    2) Heavenly Army– Deut. 33:2; Joshua 5:14; and 2 Kings 6:16-18


    3) Agents and messengers that:

    Announce births (of Ishmael in Gen 16:11-12 and Isaac 18:9-15)

    Give reassurances (to Jacob in Gen 31:11-13)

    Commission a person to a task (Moses in Exod. 3:2; Gideon in judges 6:11-24)

    Communicates God’s word to prophets (Elijah in 2 Kings 1:3; Isaiah in Isaiah 6)

    Intervene at crucial moments to change or guide a persons actions (Abraham in Gen 22:1-12; Balaam in Numb 22:31-35)

    Agents of protection (Isaac in Gen 24:7; Israel in the desert in Exod. 14:19-20)

    Agents for punishment (Sodom and Gomorrah in Gen 19; Against Israel/David for the census in 2 Sam 24)



    Take the time to read the following passages and ask yourself this question: 

    What is the relationship between the angel of the Lord and YHWH Himself?


    Genesis 22:11-12

    Genesis 31:11-13

    Exodus 3:2-6


    For more examples of the angel of the Lord, check out these passages...

    Genesis 16:7-13

    Genesis 21:15-21

    Judges 6:11-24



    Exilic Time Period


    There are two books with a lot of angel activity: Ezekiel and Zechariah. Let's take a look to see what these books have to say.


    Ezekiel

    There are two major categories for celestial entities that exist within Ezekiel: Cherubim and Seraphim

    Cherubim

    Found in Chapters 1 and 10 of Ezekiel


    As you read along, listen and think about the descriptions of these Cherubim


    "Winged creatures with human and animal traits"

    Ezekiel 1:5-13

    Ezekiel 10:12-16


    "Watchdog Guardians"

    Genesis 3:24


    "Winged mounts that the Lord rides"

    Psalm 18:10

    2 Samuel 22:11


    "Throne bearers that God sits upon or above"

    2 Kings 19:15

    2 Samuel 6:2

    1 Samuel 4:4


    Seraphim

    Found in Isaiah 6:2-7


    Seraphim do not seem to be described as Fiery-winged serpentine-snake-like entities that are associated with the worship of YHWH.

    Additionally, the same Hebrew word is used in Isaiah 14:29; 30:6; Numbers 21:6-9; 2 Kings 18:4 to describe venomous snakes that bite as well as the bronze snake that was used to cure the people of Israel as they wondered the desert.


    NOTE: None of the words used for "angel" (מלך , Sons of God, Holy ones, Hosts, army, ministers, servants, angels) are ever used to describe Cherubim and Seraphim. 

    This isn't to deny the celestial importance of what these entities are. However, there seems to be a difference between a group of celestial entities known as "angels" and other entities known as Cherubim and Seraphim.


    Zechariah

    Zechariah seems to describe angels as those with Horses, riders, and chariots that roam the earth and return back in order to report to the angel of YHWH about a new restructuring of the earthly and cosmic orders

    Zech. 1:7-17 and 6:1-8


    Additionally, the Angel of YHWH is further described as

    -a sort of Guide or interpreter (Zech. 1-6)

    -an intercessor for Israel (Zech. 1:12-17)

    -a presider and judge in a council (Zech. 3)

    -a commander of angelic patrols (Zech. 1:11; 6:7)



    Post-Exilic Time Period

    Many angelic references are found in the Book of Daniel.


    Angels in Daniel are described as those who

    -Protect the pious–3:25,28 (Shad, Mesh, Abed)

    -Execute punishment– 4:13-26– cutting down the tree of Babylon

    -Keeps records– 7:10


    We are finally given names of Angels for the very first time

    -Gabriel– 9:21

    -Michael– 10:13, 21; 12:1


    Images of Fire, Metal, and precious stone.

    Dan 10:5-6



    Take Away


    How has this study changed your understanding of Angels?

    Does this complicate things? If it does, is that necessarily a bad thing?

    Is it better to have a biblical understanding of angels or should be force angels to fit into neat, clean categories that' we've created?


    What does this mean for us today? How will this information help us for next week's discussion on angels in the New Testament?

  • Main Question for today

    What is an angel/ what are an angel's characteristics?


    Based upon your understanding of the New Testament alone, what is an angel?

    Take the time to write down a few of your thoughts as you listen along to the discussion.


    Consider this...

    When and where in the New Testament do angels play a major role in the story?


    Thank about...

    The Birth narratives of Jesus and John

    Jesus' Resurrection

    The establishment of the Church

    and the Consummation of Creation as seen in Revelation.


    Ask yourself: What does this mean and what is its impact on the overall story of the New Testament?



    Two common Questions

    1) Who or what are the "powers" and "principalities" 

    2) What are guardian angels and what biblical evidence is there to support their existence?


    What is a "power" or a "principality" based on your understanding of the Bible?

    What passages can you point to to support your ideas?


    Common Greek words uses for "powers" and "principalities"


    αρχη (x56 in the New Testament) means "Beginning" [x42] or "ruler"

    -- When thinking about αρχη  John 1:1 is a good example of how this word is used.

    δυναμις means "power, might"

    εξουσια means "authority, right, power, control" and refers to one's authority to rule or have jurisdiction over.


    Powers and Principalities


    Read Romans 8:38

    Often this passage translates the phrase as "...neither angels nor demons (αρχη), neither the present nor future, nor any powers (δυναμις)..."


    αρχη elsewhere in the New Testament is used to: Refer to the leaders of the synagogue (Luke 12:11); refer to the leaders of Israel (Col. 2:15); and talks about human governments (Titus 3:1).


    What category is Romans 8:38 talking about when it says "powers?"  Angelic, Demonic, or Human entities? If it's talking about demonic structures, why not use the Greek word for "demon?"



    Read 1 Corinthians 15:24

    This passage is talking about God destroying ALL "...dominion (αρχη), authority (εξουσια), and power (δυναμις)..." So is this passage talking about Angelic, demonic, or human structures?



    Read Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:2; 3:10; 6:12

    Based on context, which categories are being referenced here? Angelic, Demonic, or human? Is there a combination?

    Christ is seated "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion." could be a human category as Christ is above both human and celestial powers and forces.


    2:2-- "of the air" and "Spirit of disobedience" is most likely referring to Angelic, demonic, or human structures?

    3:10-- "...of the heavenly realms" could be referencing angelic or demonic forces?

    6:12-- "...cosmic powers of darkness" and "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms..." is most likely referring to which category?



    Read Colossians 1:16, 2:10, 15

    1:16--"Powers"--> another Greek word is used here that indicates "Lordship" over something

    "Rulers" αρχη is used.

    "Authorities" εξουσια  is used



    What is this passage talking about when it says "thrones?" Often times we associate "powers" and "principalities" with "thrones." Lets see how the Bible uses the word "thrones." (θρονος

    θρονος is used x63 times in the New Testament, 61 of these usages are referring to the throne of God, the throne of the lamb, the thrones of Israel's elders and leaders, and to other heavenly throne references. So it's safe to say that an overwhelming majority of these usages are referring to "good" thrones.


    2:10-- which category is used here? Christ is the leader of all rulers and authorities so is this passage referring to all those who obediently follow his commands? 

    2:15-- which category is this verse talking about? Human? Jesus disarmed the rulers that put him on a cross and made them into a public spectacle by raising from the dead. 


    Consider this...

    Are "powers" and "principalities" only ever evil forces? Can they be good or heavenly or Human forces? What does this mean and how does this change our understanding of "powers" and "principalities."



    Guardian Angels

    What are your thoughts on Guardian Angels? 

    What are they and what passages can you point to to support your ideas?


    The Bible does seem to mention a group of angels that serve a protective function. Lets examine what the Bible specifically says about these angels.


    Matt:18:10 references guardians of Children

    Revelation 2-3 talks about angels that may serve as guardians of churches

    Acts 12:6-11, 15 talks about an angel that protected Peter and released him from prison

    Acts 5:19-20 mentions angels in relationship to the apostles

    Matt 4:6/Luke 4:10-11 angels are referenced with regards to Jesus' temptations.

    Matt 4:11/ Mark 1:13 mentions angels that minister to Jesus

    Matt 26:53 mentions angels that would defend Jesus while he was on the cross.


    Based on these passages, what are your thoughts on guardian angels?


    Most of the time we only point to Matthew 18:10 as the basis of angelic protectors of each and every person. What are the problems with this interpretation based on this verse?



    Take away


    What does this mean for us today?

    How has this study impacted your understanding of angels and demons?

    How can we used what we've learned in a real-life situation?

    What is your greatest take away from these studies?


  • Main Question for Today

    Why is there evil, pain, and suffering?



    To begin, Read Romans 8:18

    What does this passage tell us about pain and suffering?


    What is the motivation behind the question of pain and suffering?

    Why should we think about these things and ask this question in the first place?



    Moral Evil

    How people treat other people


    How do we respond to the evils of humanity?

    Is love even possible? Can love be given freely? If so, can love be withheld from someone?

    Is there a risk to love?

    How does free will play in all of this?



    Natural Evil

    What the physical world does to humankind


    Does natural evil occur without humanities contribution?

    Does an eternal perspective help us deal with suffering?



    Justice

    Is there true Justice in this world?


    The Bible tells us that God is a just and righteous God. Justice will be done.

    We can always trust God for our ultimate Justice and Hope.


    What security do people who do not put their faith in Christ have for Justice?



    Benefits?

    Are there any benefits to pain and suffering?

    Think about exercise, or a dental cleaning, or childbirth. Despite the pain that we endure, what benefits to we receive from this pains and hardships?


    Can God relate to our suffering? How?


    Consider this...

    "Jesus came to make dead people live, not bad people good."


    "Where there is freedom, the possibility of love; where there is love, the possibility of pain; where there is pain, the possibility of a savior; where a savior, the possibility of redemption; where redemption, the possibility of restoration."


    "Meaninglessness doesn't come from being weary of pain. Meaninglessness comes from being weary of pleasure. The loneliest people in the world are the ones that have exhausted pleasure."

    - GK Chesterton



    Take away

    What do we do with this? How does pain and evil and suffering impact our relationship with God and with others?

    Knowing what we've learned, how have your perspectives on evil, pain, and suffering changed?


    What will you do differently now that you know this?

  • Main Question for Today

    Why is there Evil, Suffering, and Pain in our world?

    How do we respond to evil?



    Moral and Natural Evil

    Recall from last week the differences between Moral and Natural evils.

    Moral evils are those that humanity does to one another or are a direct result of human actions.

    Natural evil are those that humanity does not directly cause such as natural disasters and sickness.


    With these two evils in mind, can Justice be done? 

    What do we base our understanding of Justice?


    Scott draws some connections between good and evil


    Evil--> Good --> Standard/law --> Law Giver (God)


    By this, Scott means that:

    If evil exists, then there must be a scale of what is good and what is bad. Since Evil is bad, then good must stand as the antithesis of evil.

    If there is good, then there must be a standard or a plum line used to determine the difference between good and evil.

    If there is a standard or a law of good and evil, there must be someone/thing that has established the distinction between good and Evil.

    As Christians, we call this Law Giver, God. God is the one who determines what is good and evil and sets the bounds of both.



    Consider this...

    Can evil and suffering benefit us in any way?

    Think about the dentist... is dentistry evil? Of course not! Dentistry serves to correct the sickness and decay of our teeth.

    Even though getting a cavity filled hurts and causes us pain, dentistry is not inherently evil.


    What about exercise? Even though exercising hurts our muscles and lungs, that pain does not make exercise evil. In fact, exercising is a good thing, even though it causes us pain and some level of suffering. 


    How does God influence our understanding of the role/function of pain?

    Why does God choose to do somethings but not others? Does this have anything to do with our own choices and free will? Why or why not?



    Read James 1:2-3

    Can God understand and relate to humanities pain? How so?


    Why would God become a human and endure suffering? Why is this important for our relationship with Him?



    Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

    What does this passage say about how we should respond to evil, suffering, and pain? 



    As you go throughout this week, ask God to show you how important our freedom of choice impacts our relationship with Him. 

    Take the time to consider how important our free will is and how this impacts the pain and suffering we inflict upon others.


    How does this change your understanding of evil, suffering, and pain? 

Church as community

The early church was an assembly of believers empowered by Jesus Christ. Throughout the Book of Acts and Paul's letters we see the first century church modeling community and the life changing influence of God's Kingdom. Join us as we explore what it meant for the earliest Christians to be a member of the church and the practical application for us today as we continue living within this community.

Classes taught by Larry Vinson and Tim Martin

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Endangered Gospel

Is it the Church's job to fix the world? Has God given the church the specific task of fixing the world around us in order to bring about the fulness of God's Kingdom? This lesson series will zoom in and focus on this question as we explore the ground breaking text written by Dr. John Nugent titled Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church.

Classes taught by Joshua Bush

  • Endangered Gospel: The Case for a Better Place

     

    Intro Questions:

    “What is the main purpose or function of the church?”

    “How do we accomplish this purpose or function?”

     

    Main Question:

    “Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE better place–the Kingdom of God?”

     

     

    As you listen, feel free to pause the recording and try to answer these questions as they come up. What do you think is the main purpose of the church? How would you accomplish this purpose?

    Now, critically think back to all the Bible lessons and stories you have heard and ask yourself, “Has God given the church the explicit task of fixing the world in order to bring about His Kingdom?”

     

    Challenge

    As you respond to these questions, try and find biblical passages and verses that support your answers. You may or may not find any. That’s OK. The point of these questions is to get us thinking about what specifically the Bible says about what God has called the church to do.

     

    Three traditional views of the Church

    Heaven-Centered | Human-Centered | World Centered

     

    Heaven-Centered: This view believes that the church is meant to point to the better place that we cannot yet access. Essentially, Christians are meant to GO to a better place.

    Key points

    •  God’s Kingdom is not here and not yet because our future is in heaven.
    • The church’s primary role is the make sure that the people of the church are found to be acceptable in the final day of the Lord–Judgement day.
    •  Essentially, the church is a “recruiting and holding place” for believers.

     

    Human-Centered: This view believes that humanity makes the world a better place.

    Key points

    •          Jesus cast a vision for what the fullness of the Kingdom of God would be like. It is up to us to carry out that vision.
    •          Jesus began making the world a better place and it is up to the church to finish Jesus’ work.
    •          As time goes on, life will gradually improve as humanity itself improves.

     

    World-Centered: This view believes that we must work toward making this world the better place to come.

    Key points

    •          This view is most critical of the Heaven-centered view.
    •          This view is more ecologically sensitive in that it seeks to care for the planet.
    •          The church is remaking this world into a better place–Humanity is the agent by which the world will be made completely good.
    •          Finds is support from prophetic texts such as
    •                 o   Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:1-16; 30:18-26
    •                 o   Micah 4:1-4
    •                 o   Ezekiel chapters 40-48

     

     

    Salvation in Heaven

     

    Salvation on Earth

     

    Restoration began with Jesus

     

    Future Interruption


    God replaces fallen order


    Christians begin fixing fallen order

     

    Heaven Centered

     

             X

     

     

     

             X

     

             X

     

     

    Human Centered

     

     

             X

     

     

     

     

             X

     

    World Centered

     

     

             X

     

             X

     

             X

     

     

             X


    A fourth View of the Church

    Although these three views have their strengths and weaknesses, none of these options are our best choice. Sure, some may be better than others, however, we don’t want to settle on what is better. We want to find the best option.

    There is a fourth option that highlights what Christ has already begun to do in the church.

    Here are two fundamental truths about the work of Jesus and the role of the church:


    First, Jesus has already made a better place in this world

    Second, The role of God’s people is to embrace, display, and proclaim this better place.

     

    The problem for us today is that we often combine these truths with other truths that result in a confused task or purpose of the church. For example, we may combine two truths by saying, “Because Jesus began making a better place in this world, we must join him in seeing it through to completion, until the whole world is better.” Or, “We should certainly embrace and convey the better place that Christ makes possible. And we should also do everything in our power to shape the wider society accordingly.

    These additional truths presuppose that Jesus sowed the seeds of world betterment and then it is our job to water it and help it grow. However, this is a misguided assumption. Dr. John Nugent describes these two roles another way:


    First, since Jesus has already made a better place in this world, it is not our responsibility to do so.

    Second, since our job is to embrace, display, and proclaim this better place, it is not our job to engineer or otherwise orchestrate its fulfilment.

     

    Simply put, God’s people are not responsible for making this world a better place. We are called to be the better place that Christ has already made and that the wider world will be until Christ returns.

     

    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.

    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.

  • Main question

    Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE better place– God’s Kingdom?

     

    Focus for this week

    Exploring God’s plans and God’s blueprints for this better place as seen all throughout the Old Testament. Specifically, how does the Bible describe the role of God’s chosen people when it comes to our relationship with the world?

     

    Creation

    What was God’s initial plan for creation?

    What was God’s plan for creation after sin entered into the world? How did God start fixing this problem and what steps did he take?

    The desire, necessity, and possibility for a better place.

    So, whose job was it to fix the world?

    God took it upon Himself to bring about this better place.

     

    The Powers of the world

    Genesis 6:5-8– The Evils of Humanity

    What was God’s solution to the evils of humanity?

    God chose to limit humanity’s lifespan to 120 years.

    Imagine a world where evil rulers could live for a millennium. Would you want to live in such a world?

    God also limited the evils of humanity by making blood sacred.

    So, if humans could no longer live for a long time, perhaps a city could? Thus the city of Babel was built.

    So, how did God respond? God scattered their languages and split people off in order to prevent evil world leaders living in massive cities to take control indefinitely.

    God installed the powers of this world to:

    Keep sin in check

    Meet the basic needs of people

    Make the world a better place


    Were the people of God instructed to do anything at this point in the Bible story?


    Israel is prepared for a better place

    Main functions of Israel: Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 19:3-6

    1) Move away and remain separate from the other nations

    2) Bless the other nations

    The question remains, "How does Israel do this?"

    Look to Deuteronomy 4:5-6 and see how it answers this question.


    Note how the prophets never condemn Israel for not:

    Going out into the world and converting the other nations,

    Cleaning up the streets of Edom, Moab, Amon, Egypt, etc.,

    Decrying the social injustices of the other nations around them. 


    Instead, the Prophets rebuked Israel when they:

    Neglected the widows and the orphans of Israel,

    Failed to take care of the poor and needy of Israel,

    Took advantage of fellow Israelites.

    Read Deuteronomy 15 for God's specific instructions on how Israelites were meant to treat other Israelites.


    Final thoughts

    The people of God have been called, not to fix and make this world a better place. Jesus has already brought the better place to earth. It’s already here. The function of the chosen people of God is to BE the better place by embracing, displaying, and proclaiming Christ’s Gospel message to and for the nations around us.

     

    Next week we will take a look at the New Testament and see how the text describes the specific function and role of the Community of believers, who we are meant to care for the most, and why our specific task is so important.



    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    References

    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.


    Boris, Elizabeth T., and C. Eugene Steuerle. "After Katrina: Public Expectation and Charities' Response." The Urban Institute 14, (2006): 1-29.

  • Main question

    Has God called the church to fix the world in order to make the world THE BEST place– God’s Kingdom?

    Focus for this week

    Exploring God’s plans and God’s blueprints for this better place as seen all throughout the New Testament. Specifically, how does the Bible describe the role of God’s chosen people when it comes to our relationship with one another?


    Embrace

    How do we embrace God’s Mission and God’s Kingdom?

    As Ambassadors, Christians are called to represent God’s Kingdom in our actions and in our lives. We are called to live in a way that the world will see a new, better way of living through our treatment of one another.

    We must live in a way that these truths are evident:


     We have already entered into a new era in world history (Matt 4:17, 2 Tim 4:1, Luke 17:20-21, Gal 4:4-5, Heb 4:3, 10-11, Luke 12:54-56)

     We have already entered into a new world reality (1 John 2:17, 1 Cor 7:29-31 2 Cor 5:17, 1 John 2:8, James 1:18)

     We have already entered into a new life (Rom 6:11, John 5:24, John 3:15-16, John 10:10, John 4:10, 1 Pet 1:23)

    We have already entered into a new social reality and a set of Relationships (2 Cor 5:16-18, Eph 2:1-17, Gal 3:28, Eph 2:11-15, 1 John 1:7, Eph 1:13-15)

    We have already entered into a new way of living (John 15:3, 1 John 1:7, Col 3:9-11, Gal 3:27, Titus 3:5, 2 John 1:2, 2 Cor 4:16)



    Display

    Who are we called to love? Are we called to love everyone in the world? Or are we called to love one another according to how the Bible’s descriptions?

    Did the early church feel responsible for the overall direction of society as a whole? Or did the early church feel a responsibility towards one another and to fellow believers all across the world?

    Read these passages and think about who is being talked about and who we should prioritize with our love:

    o   John 13:34-35          John 15:12-13          John 15:17-19

    o   Rom 12:9-10             Rom 14:15                 Gal 5:13-15

    o   Eph 1:15                    Eph 4:1-3                   Eph 4:15-16

    o   Col 1:4                        Col 3:14-15                1 Thess 4:9-12

    o   2 Thess 1:3               Phlm 1:4-5                 Heb 6:10       

    o   1 Pet 1:22                  1 Pet 2:17                  1 Pet 4:8

    o   1 John 3:23               1 John 4:7-12            1 John 4:17-21


    Our main priority should be toward The "brothers and Sisters," "one another," those "among us," "all the saints," and the people of the church.


    Does this mean we should ignore the world? No! In fact it is on behalf of the world that we live this way. Prioritization should not be confused with isolation from or rejection of the world in which we reside. 


    Counter points

    1) What about “loving your neighbor as yourself? (Romans 13:8-10; Mark 12:30-31; Matt 22:37-39; Gal 5:14; James 2:8) (Lev 19:2, 17-18)

    2) What about “Well ‘neighbor’ can still imply our neighboring countries or people across the street right?” (Lev 19: 17)

    3) What about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37?

    4) What about “love your enemy as yourself” in Matthew 5:43-48?

    5) What about Romans 12:20-21, about feeding your enemies? (Exodus 23:4-5)

    6) What about “the least of these?”

    7) What about the “widows and the orphans” (James 1:26-27) and the “poor and oppressed?” What about Mary’s Magnificat or the song of Zechariah in Luke 1?



    Ashamed of the Gospel? 

    Is this something we want our Bibles to say? Or does it say this so that all people may be drawn to God and so that the world may know that Jesus is Lord? (John 17:22-23)

    If it sounds wrong, or if it feels foolish to us, that's because God's wisdom sounds foolish to humanity and we have failed to grasp the genius of His perfect plan.  We think its foolishness because we continue to think like the world and measure success according to the worlds standards and not God's. We must pay close attention to God's Word and to God's guidance through his Spirit. 

     


    Proclaim

    The New Testament seems to prioritize and focus upon how believers relate to fellow believers.

    The New Testaments focus was not on how the Holy Spirt influenced disciples to bring non-believers into contact with a better place. Instead, it focuses on being the Better and the Best place to show people what God’s kingdom is like.

    However, non-believers are so important to God’s plan, that he created a group of people, unified under a single kingdom, to draw people in and show them a better way of life. The wider world is God’s top priority, and it is through the church that God will fulfill that mission of gathering all nations to Him. 


    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.

  • Endangered Gospel: A Better Place in Action

     

     

     

    Salvation in Heaven

     

    Salvation on Earth

     

    Restoration began with Jesus

     

    Future Interruption

    God replaces fallen order

    Christians begin fixing fallen order

     

    Heaven Centered

     

              X

     

     

     

              X

     

              X

     

     

    Human Centered

     

     

              X

     

     

     

     

              X

     

    World Centered

     

     

              X

     

              X

     

              X

     

     

              X

     

    Kingdom

    Centered

     

     

              X

     

              X

     

              X

     

              X

     

     


    Fellowship

    “Sharing life in common with one another” 


    Accept one another (Rom. 15:7)

    Agree with one another (1 Cor. 1:10; 3:13)

    Be kind to one another (Eph. 5:21)

    Be subject to one another (1 Thess. 5:15)

    Bear with one another (Col. 3:13)

    Carry one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2)

    Encourage one another (Heb. 3:13; 1 Thess. 4:18)

    Forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32)

    Love one another (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; 1 John 4:7; 2 John 1:5)

    Live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16)

    Offer hospitality to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)

    Serve one another (Gal. 5:13)

    Show equal concern for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)

    Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19)

    Teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:16)

    Wait for one another before breaking bread (1 Cor. 11:33)

     


    Friendship

    How does Jesus describe Friendship? (Read John 15:12-17)

    Who does Jesus call his friends? Does Jesus call the wider community or everyone in the world his friends?

    Those who are part of the Kingdom of God are those who are our friends.

    So, should we shun our non-Christian friends? Or are we called to prioritize the people belonging to “one another” first?

    Jesus never ignored people outside of God’s Kingdom, but he did prioritize those within God’s Kingdom.

     


    Mission

    How should the church respond to the world, its troubles, and God’s mission for the Kingdom?

    The Church’s response is to fill the earth with churches and Christ communities that embrace, display, and proclaim his Kingdom.

    What about non-profits and para-church organizations?

    A Missionaries life together with the people they serve is kingdom living.

    God’s design is that “churches committed to God’s kingdom strengthen other churches committed to God’s Kingdom and continue planting still more churches committed to God’s Kingdom.”


     

    Pitfalls to avoid

    Isolationism – Circle the wagons, focus only on ourselves, and exclude outsiders.

    Church’s response: Churches that cease to exist for the world, cease to exist as an integral part of God’s plan for his kingdom. Our mission is for the world.

    However, we should not mistake prioritization for isolationism

     

    Utopianism – Creating the ideal society of prosperity and tranquility

    Church’s response: We acknowledge that we are still affected by sin and its consequences. But it is not utopianism to cast a vision of the Best place–God’s Kingdom, while still acknowledging that God will fulfill his mission.




    Copyright © 2016 John Nugent. All rights reserved. All credit for this material belongs to Dr. John Nugent at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan.


    Nugent, John C. Endangered Gospel: How Fixing the World is Killing the Church. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2016.