Winfield Eastside Baptist Church

2 Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.

7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. (Hebrews 11:23, NIV)

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. (Hebrews 11:24–26, NIV)

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"Jesus and Divorce" (Luke 16:18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 2, 2021

18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Luke 16:18, NIV)

32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:32, NIV)

7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. (Matthew 19:7–8, NIV)

Main Idea: Live as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and keep the commitments that you make to God and others.

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"The Law and the Kingdom" (Luke 16:16-17) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 25, 2021

Luke 16:16–17 NIV 16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

Matthew 11:12–13 NIV 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

Jesus initiated a new era in God’s program.

Luke 16:16 NIV 16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.

The new era that Jesus begins involves the proclamation and advance of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 16:16 NIV 16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.

The coming of Jesus Christ initiates a new role for the Law.

Luke 16:17 NIV 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

Matthew 5:17–18 NIV 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Matthew 24:35 NIV 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Main Idea: Jesus initiated a new era in God’s program, and it is his words that hold divine authority.

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"The Problem of Injustice" (Ecclesiastes 3:16–22) A Bible Study of Ecclesiastes Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday, April 21, 2021 A Problem Observed (Ecclesiastes 3:16)

Ecclesiastes 3:16 NIV16 And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.

What is the problem?

The presence of injustice in the world.
Living righteously is supposed to lead to blessing, and living wickedly is supposed to lead to judgment.

Two Potential Solutions (Ecclesiastes 3:17–21)

Potential Solution # 1: Justice Delayed (Ecclesiastes 3:17)

Ecclesiastes 3:17 NIV17 I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”

If Justice is Delayed…

The wicked will eventually be held accountable by God and will be punished.
- It could be delayed until later in this life.
- It could be delayed until a judgment after death.

Potential Solution # 2: Justice Denied (Ecclesiastes 3:18–21)

Ecclesiastes 3:18–21 NIV18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”

If There Is No Justice…

The wicked will get away with it and never be held accountable.
If this is the case, then what advantage is there in being a human being over an animal?
Because death is our common fate.

Ecclesiastes 3:20–21 NIV20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”

Provisional Advice (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?

Death is coming, whether you are righteous or wicked, whether you are a person or an animal.
Enjoy the life God has given you and make the most of the time and opportunities you have.
Live in light of future judgment.

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"The Shrewd Steward" (Luke 16:1-15) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 18, 2021

Luke 16:1-15, NIV

16 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’

3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’

5 “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

6 “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.

“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’

7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’

“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.

“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’

8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

Main Idea: A disciple of Jesus will be wise in planning for his eternal future by being a generous and faithful steward of his resources.

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"The Mystery of Time and Providence" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15) A Bible Study of Ecclesiastes Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Seeing the Bigger Picture

*Life in this world (“under the sun”) may be characterized as “Hebel” – mysterious, enigmatic, frustrating, and at times elusive. (1:2)
*Where (or how) can we find ultimate “gain” or “significance” in this world? (1:3)
*Opening Poem: Life is enigmatic and frustrating (1:4–11).
*“Gain” cannot ultimately be found in the pursuit of wisdom (1:12–18).
*“Gain” cannot ultimately be found in the pursuit of pleasure or projects (2:1–12).
*Wisdom is so much better than foolishness, but again, pursuing wisdom for its own sake will not bring “gain” (2:12–23).
*Preliminary Advice: Enjoy God’s good gifts in this world but realize that if they are pursued as “gain” they will disappoint (2:24–26).

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

*An obstacle to the pursuit of “gain” in this world:
- -We are bound by the limits of time.
- -Many events in this world are outside of our control and are ultimately under God’s providence.

3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

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"Welcoming Home the Prodigal" (Luke 15:11-32) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 11, 2021

Luke 15:11–32 NIV 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

*The son is ruined by his sin.

Luke 15:11–13 NIV 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

Isaiah 53:6 NIV 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Luke 15:14–16 NIV 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

*The son repents and returns home.

Luke 15:17–19 NIV 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’

The Father rejoices when a lost sinner repents and comes home.

Luke 15:20–24 NIV 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

Luke 15:25–32 NIV 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

*The brother responded with self-righteous jealousy.

Luke 15:29 NIV 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.

Mark 10:45 NIV 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

*The father invites the self-righteous to come home.
*As far as we know, the self-righteous brother never came inside.

The Father rejoices when a self-righteous sinner repents and comes in off the porch.

Main Idea: God rejoices when a repentant sinner comes to him, and so should we (Whether of the ruined kind or the self-righteous kind).

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"Wisdom, Work, and What Is Worthwhile" (Ecclesiastes 2:12-26) A Bible Study of Ecclesiastes Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Guiding Question

*In a world that is marked by enigmas, frustration, and futility, where can a person find “profit”?
*Where can human beings find meaning in this finite life “under the sun”?

Finding “Profit” or “Gain”

*Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
- -In the pursuit of wisdom?
*Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
- -In the pursuit of pleasure?
*Ecclesiastes 2:12-26
- -In the Comparison of Wisdom and Folly?
- -In the Reward for Our Labor?

Wisdom is Better than folly, but… (Ecclesiastes 2:12-16)

Ecclesiastes 2:12–16 NIV 12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done? 13 I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. 14 The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.

15 Then I said to myself,

“The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?” I said to myself, “This too is meaningless.” 16 For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die!

There is Reward for our Labor, But… (Ecclesiastes 2:17-23)

Ecclesiastes 2:17–23 NIV 17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.

Putting Things in Perspective (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Ecclesiastes 2:24–26 NIV 24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Concluding Thoughts

*We should pursue wisdom, because it is so much better than foolishness. But we must realize that death comes to the wise and the fool, and wisdom in and of itself is not ultimately what we are seeking for.
*We can find satisfaction and reward in our work and efforts. But we must realize that those benefits are fleeting, and someone else will one day take over the fruit of our labors.
*It is worthwhile to pursue wisdom and live a wise life.
*It is worthwhile to give our time and efforts to quality work.
*But these will not bring us eternal “profit.” These also cannot hold off death, which overtakes us all.

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"Resurrection Hope" (Ephesians 1:15-23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Easter Sunday AM, April 4, 2021

Ephesians 1:15-23, NIV

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

A Glorious Hope (vv. 18-19a)

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 2. A Hope Guaranteed by the Power of God (vv. 19b-20)

That power is the same as the mighty strength20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 3. A Hope Assured by the Authority of Christ (vv. 20b-23)

and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. 4. A Hope that Fulfills God's Glorious Plan for the Ages (v. 22b-23)

and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Main Idea: As Christians, we have a glorious resurrection hope, that is guaranteed by the power of God and the authority of Jesus Christ. The glorious hope that awaits us is the fulfillment of God's eternal plan for the ages.

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"The Next Triumphal Entry" (Revelation 19:11-16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021

Revelation 19:11-16, NIV

11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords.

A Righteous King

11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.12 His eyes are like blazing fire, 2. A Majestic King

...and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 3. A Gracious King

14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 4. A Victorious King

15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords.

Main Idea: The next time Jesus triumphantly enters it will be on the clouds of heaven as the righteous, majestic, gracious, and victorious King.

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"The Pursuit of Pleasure" (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11) A Study of the Book of Ecclesiastes Pastor Cameron Jungels Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, NIV

2 I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?” 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.

4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. 11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

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"Seeking the Lost" (Luke 15:1-10) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 21, 2021

Luke 15:1–7 (NIV)

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Isaiah 53:6–7 (NIV)

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

Luke 15:8–10 (NIV)

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Main Idea: If you are going to lead unbelievers home to God, you must go out and find them where they are.

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"Counting the Cost" (Luke 14:25-35) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 14, 2021 Luke 14:25–35 NIV

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Luke 13:33 NIV

33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

Luke 14:25–26 NIV

Genesis 29:30–31 NIV

30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years. 31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.

Luke 12:53 NIV

53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Luke 9:23–24 NIV

Luke 14:27–35 NIV

27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Main Idea: To believe in Jesus Christ as Savior is to make the ultimate commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord.

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"The Pursuit of Wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18) A Bible Study of Ecclesiastes Pastor Cameron Jungels Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Where Are We?

Title (1:1)
Theme Word: “Hebel” (1:2)
Programmatic Question: “Where is ‘yitron’ or ‘profit’?” (1:3)
Poem about the Enigma of Life (1:4-11)

Life keeps moving. Round and round it goes. Where can we find ultimate meaning and significance if there is nothing really new and we are so quickly forgotten? This ultimate meaning and significance cannot be found ‘under the sun.’ It must be found in eternity with our Creator (1:4-11).

Where Are We Going?

First Discourse: Observations on Various Areas of Life in Order to Demonstrate Finite Man’s Lack of Ultimate Gain (1:12-6:9)
- Personal Observations on Various Life Situations (1:12-3:22)
  - Observations on Human Achievement and Wisdom (1:12-2:26)
    - The Pursuit of Wisdom (1:12-18)

Ecclesiastes 1:12–18 (NIV)

12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

15 What is crooked cannot be straightened;

what is lacking cannot be counted.

16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;

the more knowledge, the more grief.

Ecclesiastes 1:12 NIV12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

Teacher

Qoheleth - קֹהֶ֫לֶת
Solomon?

Ecclesiastes 1:13 NIV13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!

Mind

Lit. “heart”

To Study and to Explore

Pursuit

Wisdom

Goal of the Pursuit

Under the Heavens

Another way of saying “under the sun” - finite humanity

Heavy Burden

“evil task” or “unhappy business”

Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIV14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Seen

Observational nature of wisdom literature

Under the Sun

Limited, finite perspective

Meaningless

Hebel - הֶ֫בֶל
“enigmatic” and “frustrating”

Chasing after the Wind

Elusive, uncontrollable by finite man

Ecclesiastes 1:15 NIV15 What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.

What is Crooked Cannot Be Straightened

Finite power or control

What is Lacking Cannot Be Counted

Finite knowledge or understanding

Ecclesiastes 1:16 NIV16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.”

Ecclesiastes 1:13 NIV13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!

Wisdom and Knowledge

The goal of the current pursuit to find ‘yitron’ or ‘profit’

More Than/Much

Superlative pursuit

Ecclesiastes 1:17 NIV17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

Understanding of Wisdom

Beyond gaining wisdom to seeking to understand it and how it works

Madness and Folly

The other side of wisdom - to look at “both sides of the coin”
Exhaustive Pursuit

This Too - Chasing after the Wind

The superlative and exhaustive pursuit of wisdom is an unsatisfactory answer to the question of 1:3.

Ecclesiastes 1:3 NIV3 What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?

Gain

“Profit” or “Advantage” - יִתְרוֹן

Ecclesiastes 1:18 NIV18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

Sorrow/Grief

Frequent attendant circumstances of the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge
The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is not simple.
It is complex.

What Is the Main Point?

It is not that the pursuit of wisdom is completely pointless or useless. Wisdom has many advantages and can result in many positive outcomes. But… If your pursuit of wisdom is in order to find life’s ultimate “profit” or “advantage” or “value,” then your pursuit is misguided and will ultimately leave you disappointed.

“Human accomplishments are as insubstantial and fleeting as a puff of air; trying to find ultimate meaning in them is as futile as trying to catch the wind.” - Edward Curtis

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"Who Will Come to the Banquet?" (Luke 14:15-24) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 7, 2021

Luke 14:15–24 (NIV)

15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’

22 “ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

Acts 13:44–47 (NIV)

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 28:28 (NIV)

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Luke 13:30 (NIV)

30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

Main Idea: Christ rejects those who try to make themselves righteous. Rather, he graciously makes righteous the spiritually blind, poor, and crippled.

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"Running in Circles" (Ecclesiastes 1:4-11) A Bible Study of Ecclesiastes Pastor Cameron Jungels Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV 2“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Life is enigmatic and puzzling. This enigmatic nature of life (without a heavenly perspective) can lead to frustration, discouragement, and desperation (verse 2).

Ecclesiastes 1:3 NIV 3What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?

Life is full of work and labor. But what are we really achieving with all of our labor? Is there any enduring profit or advantage as a result of all this work (verse 3)?
Verses 4-11 are a poem that addresses the programmatic question of verse 3 and sets the stage for the discussion that follows.
Are we really getting anywhere? Things come and go. Everything is cyclical. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same (v. 4-7). Is there any “profit” in pursuing our desires or in achieving new things (vv. 8-10)? What does our labor get us if we are soon forgotten (v. 11)?

The Cyclical Pattern of Nature and Life (vv. 4-8).

The cyclical vs. the enduring (v. 4).

Ecclesiastes 1:4 NIV 4Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

- The Hebrew term “dor” could refer to a generation of people, which replaces the one that came before it. However, the root idea of “dor” is a “circle” or “circular motion.”
- “Verse 4 contrasts a circular movement within nature with the steadfast and immovable earth.” - Graham Ogden
The cyclical pattern of the days (the rising and setting of the sun) (v. 5).

Ecclesiastes 1:5 NIV 5The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.

- The emphasis is on the constancy of movement. It is a never-ceasing activity which constantly repeats itself.
The cyclical pattern of the wind (v. 6).

Ecclesiastes 1:6 NIV 6The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.

- The sun moves east to west, and the wind is said to move north to south and back again. So, verses 5-6 cover all directions on earth.
The cyclical pattern of water (v. 7).

Ecclesiastes 1:7 NIV 7All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.

“The never-ending motion within nature ... does not move toward completion; it knows only constant and cyclic motion.” - Graham Ogden.

The cyclical pattern of human activity (v. 8).

Ecclesiastes 1:8 NIV 8All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 KJV 8All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

- Human labor goes on and on.
- The mouth never runs out of things to say.
- The eye never runs out of things to see.
- The ear never runs out of things to hear.
- Like the sea is never filled up though water keeps flowing into it, so the words that people can speak are limitless, the things that people can see are limitless, and the things that people can hear are limitless.

“The ceaseless activity which has already been exemplified in the natural world of sun, wind, and stream in vv. 5-7, is true also of the human world.” - Graham Ogden

Something New, Something Old (vv. 9-10).

The repetitive nature of human achievement (v. 9).

Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV 9What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

The deceptive appearance of the “new” (v. 10).

Ecclesiastes 1:10 NIV 10Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

“The world remains, yet within it there is a flow, a cycle of regular and unceasing activity. Such cyclic motion may give the impression that certain occurrences are actually new and novel. Qoheleth suggests that what appears new is but the recurrence of some aspect of the past; it is new only to the one who newly experiences it.” - Graham Ogden

“‘Newness is not a category for describing this-worldly matters… Qoheleth has asked whether yitrôn [“profit” or “advantage”] is attainable ‘under the sun.’ He now suggests (v. 10) that ‘under the sun’ is not the appropriate place to look for yitrôn. For that which is completely new we must step outside this world and think in other-worldly terms.” - Graham Ogden

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (v. 11).

Ecclesiastes 1:11 NIV 11No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.

“One cannot expect to live on in the collective memory, and thus have an ‘after life’. Such hope is illusory.” - Graham Ogden

What is the purpose of this poem?

It justifies and sets the stage for the study of life and human existence “under the sun.”
Life is a permanent feature of the world, though it is marked by ebb and flow and repetitive cylces.
In this world that is permanent but has repetitive cycles of actions and events, humanity struggles for comprehension of life.
That which is seen as ‘new’ is actually the ‘recurrent past’.
Neither ‘newness’ nor yitrôn [‘profit’] can ultimately be found “under the sun.” We need a meaning for our existence that comes from ‘beyond the sun.’

“The poem alerts us to two key issues that Qohelet will struggle with as he explores the benefit of labor and thus the meaning of life: the repetitiveness of history and the fact that people are not remembered...if on the basis of observation one concludes that history is endlessly repetitive, then it is indeed hard to see the value of labor and of life. One might find meaning in the fact that one’s hard work and achievements will be remembered, but as the poem notes, no matter what one’s achievements, people are quickly forgotten, so that meaning cannot be grounded in remembrance. Theologically, the poem therefore raises the issue of how we view history and of where we locate our identity or meaning in life. Scripture and the Christian tradition rightly recognize, with this poem, that a cyclical view of history is hope-less, and also alert us to the fact that we cannot root our identity in others and their remembrance of us.” - Craig Bartholomew

Life keeps moving. Round and round it goes. Where can we find ultimate meaning and significance if there is nothing really new and we are so quickly forgotten? This ultimate meaning and signficance cannot be found ‘under the sun.’ it must be found in eternity with our Creator.

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"Is This Your Seat?" (Luke 14:1-14) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 28, 2021

Luke 14:1-14, NIV

14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.

5 Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.

7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Proverbs 25:6-7, NIV

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

Luke 13:30, NIV

30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

Main Idea: Humble yourself before God, because God invites the poor and needy to his table.

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"No Entitlements" (Luke 13:22-35) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 21, 2021 Luke 13:22–35 NIV 22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’

“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’

26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Genesis 15:6 NIV Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Luke 13:22–24 NIV Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

There is only one door. John 10:9 NIV

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

Jesus controls the door. Luke 13:25–27 NIV

Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

There is judgment outside the door. Luke 13:28 NIV

“There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.

You are not entitled to a seat at the table. Not everyone will make it through the door. Luke 13:29 NIV

People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Luke 13:30 NIV Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

There is blessing and salvation inside the door. Time is running short before the door will be closed. Luke 13:31 NIV

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

Luke 13:32–33 NIV He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

Luke 13:34–35 NIV “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

The greatest tragedy is to be so close to blessing, and yet face the judgment of God. Main Idea: No one is entitled to the Kingdom of God. It is only by grace that anyone enters the Kingdom of God, and everyone who enters must enter through Jesus Christ, the one and only way to God.

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"Serving the King and Others" (Luke 13:10-21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church February 14, 2021, Sunday AM

Luke 13:10–21 NIV10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

18 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Luke 4:18–21 NIV 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 4:43 NIV43But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Main Idea: As servants of the King of Kings, we are called upon to show compassion and to love our neighbor.

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"Puzzles and Profits" (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church February 10, 2021, Wednesday PM

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NASB “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 CSB “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 CEB “Perfectly pointless,” says the Teacher, “perfectly pointless. Everything is pointless.”

What is the meaning of “Hebel”?

(hebel) הֶבֶל
- Theme word of Ecclesiastes
- Does it mean “vanity” or “meaningless” or “futility”?
- Unique and purposeful meaning in Ecclesiastes

“Hebel” in Ecclesiastes

Consider scenarios that are described as “hebel” in Ecclesiastes.
Note that “hebel” is accompanied by other key expressions in Ecclesiastes.
“Hebel” is often balanced by calls to enjoy God’s good gifts.

How is “Hebel” used in Ecclesiastes?

The scenarios examined by Qoheleth and described as “hebel” do not fit the meaning of “meaningless” or “futile” or “vanity.”
The accompanying phrases “chasing the wind” (“shepherding the wind”), “a sore affliction,” and “an unhappy business” do not support the meaning of “meaningless,” “futility,” or “vanity.”
The repeated calls to enjoy God’s good gifts provide key structural clues and rule out the meanings of “meaningless,” “futility,” and “vanity.”

So, what does “Hebel” mean in Ecclesiastes?

“Hebel in Qoheleth has a distinctive function and meaning: it conveys the notion that life is enigmatic, and mysterious; that there are many unanswered and unanswerable questions. The person of faith recognizes this fact but moves forward positively to claim and enjoy the life and the work which God apportions.” - Graham Ogden

Ecclesiastes 1:3 NIV What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?

Key Question

If “hebel” is the key theme word in Ecclesiastes, verse 3 and the idea of “profit or gain” is the programmatic question.

What is the meaning of “Yitron”?

(yitron) יִתְרוֹן
- Comes from a root word that normally conveys the idea of a “profit” or “gain.”
- Used in contexts relating to commercial enterprise.
- The term “yitron” is coined by Qoheleth.
- It clearly does not have a material or financial meaning in Ecclesiastes.
- It cannot be found “under the sun.”

“If it is not equated with some worldly, measurable benefit, then it probably belongs to a somewhat different order… Qoheleth is at least pointing in the direction of a yitrôn which transcends the present earthly experience.” - Graham Ogden

“Yitron” in Ecclesiastes

The term “yitron” (gain, profit, or advantage) has “a metaphorical sense to speak of that which is non-material. It might refer, in part, to an inner contentment which abides throughout an enigmatic life, but it seems also to incorporate the possibility of some experience beyond death.” - Graham Ogden

Puzzles and Profits

So, the true “profit” that the wise may receive and that will one day make sense of all of life’s “puzzles” is not to be found in this life “under the sun.” It is to be found in “eternity” (3:11).

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"On Borrowed Time" (Luke 13:1-9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 7, 2021

Luke 13:1-9, NIV

13 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Main Idea: We are all sinners living on borrowed time; and unless we repent, we will all perish.

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"Introducing Ecclesiastes" (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3) Wednesday Bible Study February 3, 2021

Ecclesiastes has long been regarded as the most enigmatic book in the Bible. Its refrain that “all is vanity under the sun” sounds more like twentieth-century existentialism than biblical faith. On the other hand, several times the book counsels its readers to grasp the joys of life as gifts from God. How these seemingly opposite themes are viewed leads to dramatically different understandings of the text. By composing the book’s message in autobiographical terms, the author takes the readers along as he seeks to discover lasting significance in life. - Daniel J. Estes

Ecclesiastes 1:1 NIV The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:

"Teacher" - קֹהֶלֶת (qohelet)

Derived from a verb meaning "to assemble" or "to gather."
"Teacher or Leader of the Assembly"
"One who gathers material for education of the public."

"Ecclesiastes" - derives from the Greek term ἐκκλησία (ekklesia), "assembly."

"Ecclesiastes" is the title of the book in the Greek Bible and the Latin Bible.
The book is referred to as "Qoheleth" in the Hebrew Bible.

"Son of David, King in Jerusalem"

Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
- Solomon?
- A later author around the time of the exile or after the exile?

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NASB95 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 Tanakh Utter futility!—said Koheleth— Utter futility! All is futile!

Ecclesiastes 1:2 (Bartholomew) “Utterly enigmatic,” says Qohelet, “utterly enigmatic, everything is enigmatic.”

“Meaningless”? ( הֶבֶל "hevel")

"breath"
"wind"
"vanity"
"empty"
"idol"

Ecclesiastes 1:3 NIV What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?

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"Time's Up! Whose Side Are You On?" (Luke 12:49-59) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 31, 2021 Luke 12:49–59 NIV 49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

54 He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Unbelievers Deserve Judgment from Jesus, but First He Is on a Mission to Deliver His Disciples.

Luke 12:49 NIV

49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

Luke 3:16–17 NIV 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Luke 12:50 NIV 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!

Mark 10:37–40 NIV 37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

Jesus and His Word Divide Disciples from Unbelievers.

Luke 12:51–53 NIV

51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Matthew 10:37–40 NIV 37“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 40“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

Disciples Discern Accurately Who Jesus Is by the Spirit.

Luke 12:54–56 NIV

1 Corinthians 12:3 NIV 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16:15–17 NIV 15“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

Disciples Do Not Delay in Being Reconciled to God.

Luke 12:57–59 NIV

Main Idea: The time is short; judgment is coming. Judgment is coming for unbelievers, but salvation for Jesus' disciples. Disciples of Jesus are marked by spiritual discernment and believing in Jesus, and by not delaying in being reconciled to God.

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"Out of the Depths" (Psalm 130) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, January 27, 2021

Psalm 130 A song of ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

May your time in the depths lead you to God not away from him (vv. 1–2).
May your time in the depths lead you to repentance, forgiveness, and cleansing (vv. 3–4).
May your time in the depths lead you to wait with great anticipation for God and his deliverance (vv. 5–6).
May your time in the depths lead you to put your hope and trust in God alone (vv. 7–8).

Main Idea: In the darkest and most difficult times of life, we must patiently trust in God, who hears, forgives, rescues, and redeems.

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"Are You Ready?" (Luke 12:35-48) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 24, 2021

Luke 12:35-48, NIV

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

41 Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”

42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Main Idea: Jesus’ disciples will be ready for his return by being watchful through faith and faithfulness.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

“The High Priest Prays for You” (Chapter 38)

“Jesus Christ continues in his priestly ways. Your high priest prays to the Father for you, and he is joined by the Spirit, who also intercedes for you right now (Rom. 8:26–27).” - Edward Welch

Hebrews 7:24–25 NIVbut because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

“Jesus prayed for his disciples; then he prays for you. He prays that you would be united with both God and each other in love.” - Edward Welch

John 17:20–21 NIV“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

“God’s love gathers you into himself. God is one, you are called to live in him and participate in his love, and then you are sent out to express this in daily life through your unity with others.” - Edward Welch

“You believe in Jesus, which means you have life. Now remain in him by imitating and obeying his love, which takes a lower place and serves. In this way, love is reproduced and expands even more.” - Edward Welch

John 17:22–23 NIVI have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“Glory is holiness on full display. It is big, stunning. You cannot look away from it… One with the Father, Son, and Spirit, and, as a result, one with each other—this is glory.” - Edward Welch

“Your purpose is to be near to God, to live with him in his house and to experience his divine hospitality.” - Edward Welch

John 17:24 NIV“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

If we actually ask people to pray for us, and we stay alert to what God does:

A meeting with a contentious person went better than we had hoped.
We listened rather than reacted.
We were able to get what we needed [though not always what we wanted].

“Yet there are times when no friend knows or prays, and hardships are kept private. We can know, then, that the Spirit and the Son know our spirit and speak on our behalf to the Father.” - Edward Welch

“Epilogue”

“The Christian church has not always known what to do with the priesthood of all believers.” - Edward Welch

Slow growth and development of:
- Church structure
- Authority in a centralized group
- Division between clergy and laity
- And eventually the concept of a priesthood of the clergy separate from the laity.
The priesthood of all believers was a scriptural doctrine recovered by Martin Luther and other Reformers.

“He wrote that those in church office should come from the church community and serve by community consent and election. Furthermore, those who serve are not unique mediators between God and believers. Rather, they equip the congregation for every-member ministry (Eph. 4:1–12).” - Edward Welch

“The resulting landscape generated everything from Catholics to Quakers, with every denomination and local church reckoning with how to describe the work of church officers and individual members.” - Edward Welch

“But we can be confident of this: the Spirit has been given to all followers of Jesus, and God is pleased to use ordinary, unassuming men and women to advance his kingdom into our hearts and the world. Scripture is unfamiliar with a passive laity that leaves the work of ministry to ordained professionals. As saints, together we enjoy God’s fellowship, we want to know him even better and love him more, and we want those who are further away to come near.” - Edward Welch

“The distance between heaven and earth has always been shorter than we expected. There were always ladders from which the Lord descended, mountains that we ascended, and temples where the throne room was separated by only a curtain. There was always the personal God who spoke to his people and listened to them. He came close and, with certain stipulations, invited us to come close to him.” - Edward Welch

“Then Jesus came to earth, and God was here to stay. Jesus was both of heaven and earth, which meant that the plan had always been to unite heaven and earth in him. In Jesus Christ, God executed his plan “to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Eph. 1:10).” - Edward Welch

“Now we wait for the fullness of the Most Holy Place to appear—heaven itself, a perfect square, immense (Rev. 21:15–17). God’s earthly house was a miniature version of heaven. The heavenly house will come down and infuse earth in a way that the earth itself will shine, full of God’s light and overflowing with his life.” - Edward Welch

“What we now know in part, we shall know fully, even as we have been fully known (1 Cor. 13:12). We will see him face-to-face. The Spirit will bring us fully into the Father and the Son, and we will hear, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Rev. 21:3).” - Edward Welch

1 Peter 2:9 NIVBut you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

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"What Are You So Worried About?" (Luke 12:22–34) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 17, 2021

Luke 12:22–34 (NIV)

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I. Do not focus your attention on the physical treasures of this life (vv. 22–30).

A. Do not covet wealth (v. 22a).

Luke 12:22 NIVThen Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.

B. Do not worry about the basic necessities of life (v. 22b–30).

Because there is a higher goal. (v. 23).

Luke 12:23 NIVFor life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

Because God will take care of your basic necessities.

a) God takes care of the rest of his creation (vv. 24, 27, 28).

Luke 12:24 NIVConsider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Luke 12:27–28 NIV“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!

b) His disciples are the special object of his love (vv. 24, 27, 28).

c) God knows what you need, and he is good. (v. 30).

Luke 12:30 NIVFor the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Because worrying doesn’t do any good anyway (vv. 25–26).

Luke 12:25–26 NIVWho of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

II. Focus all your attention on the kingdom of Christ and the spiritual treasures of the next life (vv. 31–34).

A. Because the kingdom of Jesus Christ is the higher goal (v. 31 cf. v. 23).

Luke 12:31 NIVBut seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12:23 NIVFor life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

B. Because God will supply the needs of his children that are seeking the kingdom (v. 31).

Luke 12:31 NIVBut seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

C. Because the kingdom of Jesus Christ is better than all other physical treasures (v. 32).

Luke 12:32 NIV“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

D. Because the kingdom of Jesus Christ is the only treasure that endures (v. 33 cf. v. 20).

Luke 12:30 NIVFor the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Luke 12:20 NIV“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

E. Because what you are seeking for reveals what is in your heart (v. 33a, 34, 30a, cf. v. 22a).

Luke 12:33–34 NIVSell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:30 NIVFor the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Main Idea: Disciples of Jesus find their complete satisfaction and security in Jesus Christ and his kingdom.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

“Be Sent Out” (Chapter 36)

“The plan had always been that priests would meet in the staging area of God’s house in order to be sent out into the world. His house is a place of rest, yet it is also very busy. It is life with a purpose. Following are elements of that mission.” - Edward Welch

Do Battle

Priests were an integral part of Israel’s warfare.
We are in spiritual warfare every day. Our enemy can be found in the world or what is earthly:

1 John 2:16 NIVFor everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

A primary battlefield is in our own hearts:
- Anger
- Selfish ambition
- Jealousy
- Pride
The battle strategy is clear and detailed: We turn from Satan and turn to the Lord.

James 4:7–10 NIVSubmit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Another favorite battlefield of the devil is the community of believers.

“Priests discern the body of Christ, which means that we know that the body of Christ is set apart for unity through humility and love, and we work for peace and reconciliation when we see interpersonal fractures.” - Edward Welch

The spiritual battle is also in the world.

“We hope to fit in by being good neighbors who contribute to the good of the community, and we hope to stand out in the way we love. When we encounter the inevitable relationship hassles, this is our opportunity to shine.” - Edward Welch

Pray and Bless

How do we do spiritual battle in our own hearts, preserve the unity of the body of Christ, and love even our enemies?
The life of God’s saints is one of prayer.

“This is an extension of the normal back and forth that characterizes growing relationships: God speaks to us, especially through his word, and we speak from our hearts to him.” - Edward Welch

Prayer is one of our greatest opportunities to bring Christ to the world.

“During trouble, most people welcome prayer. They might think prayer is silly during easier times, but real humanity emerges especially in difficulties, when they are grateful that we pray for them and have them on our hearts.” - Edward Welch

The partner of prayer is blessing.
God blesses us and uses us to bless others.
To speak blessing to others, we must know God’s blessings:
- Grace and peace to you (2 Pet. 1:2).
- May the Lord deal kindly (Ruth 1:8).
- May the Lord give you peace (2 Thess. 3:16).
- May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thess. 3:5).
- Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (Ps. 32:1).
Our words of blessing to others mature and deepen as we understand more deeply the goodness of God to us.
We move from physical blessings to spiritual and heavenly blessings, which are eternal and more significant.

Psalm 65:4 NIVBlessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

“After going out into the world, sent by the Lord yet also with his presence, we invite others to come near to him and return to his house where together we bless him.” - Edward Welch

Psalm 134:1–2 NIVPraise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

“Walking Uphill” (Chapter 37)

On a Journey

Priests are on a journey, and God is near.

Psalm 23:1–3 NKJVThe Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

“Jesus the shepherd is with us, always close. With sins forgiven, there is nothing that can separate us from his love... We have everything we need, and the waters are quiet rather than turbulent. We are refreshed by him and in him.” - Edward Welch

The Holy Spirit is the presence of God with us.

“The Spirit assures us of the presence of Jesus, and he gives us power to follow him during trouble—and there will be trouble. Those reminders strengthen us.” - Edward Welch

Psalm 23:4 NKJVYea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Jesus is with us in the wilderness, in the troubles of life.
Jesus walks with us with his rod and staff - one protects us from attacks, and the other keeps us from wandering or picks us up when we fall.

Psalm 23:5–6 NKJVYou prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

“The image of the shepherd and sheep gives way to the image of the Lord as host, and he has prepared a lavish banquet. His hospitality begins with the anointing of the head with oil, which was customary with honored guests, but this anointing doubles as anointing to the royal priesthood.” - Edward Welch

“Our destination is always God’s house, which he has actually prepared for us, so it is our house. It has always been that way. For now, you can pray for endurance and eyes to see these spiritual realities. One day, we will stay put.” - Edward Welch

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"Your Money or Your Life" (Luke 12:13-21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 10, 2021

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:13–21, NIV)

Main Idea: An unquenchable desire for more money and possessions is completely inconsistent with the life of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (1 Corinthians 5:11, NIV)

9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–10, NIV)

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:3–5, NIV)

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (2 Timothy 3:1–5, NIV)

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28–32, NIV)

24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? (Luke 9:24–25, NIV)

Main Idea: An unquenchable desire for more money and possessions is completely inconsistent with the life of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

“Living Stones, Flowing Fountains” (Chapter 34)

Living Stones

Stones as memorials (Gen. 28:22)
Stones of the temple
Christ the Living Stone
Believers as living stones in Christ

1 Peter 2:4–5 NIVAs you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

“This spiritual house is the Most Holy Place where God’s holiness was most concentrated and his glory most vivid.” – Edward Welch

Ephesians 2:19–22 NIV

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The New Temple

Christ the Cornerstone
Apostles and teachers the foundation
Believers the stones built on the Cornerstone and foundation

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIVDo you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Temple Imagery

“Glorify” (Glory)
“A living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1)
“Living water” (Jn. 4:14)
“Light of the world” (Matt. 5:14)
“Showbread” kept close to God (Ex. 25-30)
Prayers are “incense and aroma rising up to the Lord” (Rev. 8:3)

Living Stones to Flowing Fountains

Stones that yield water?

Exodus 17:5–6 NIVThe Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Water-giving stone in the Temple

Ezekiel 47:1 NIVThe man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar.

Water at the Feast of Tabernacles

John 7:37–39 NIVOn the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

“Jesus is the stone that gives living water. As we believe in him, we are reborn of 'water and the Spirit' (John 3:5) and are remade into living temple stones that are so filled with the presence of God that we cannot contain his work in us. It seeps out and brings life to family, friends, neighbors, and the world.” - Edward Welch

"Enter In" (Chapter 35)

Ongoing Sacrifices?

Christ’s sacrifice was the end of the OT animal sacrifices, because his was sufficient and final for our atonement.
But we still offer sacrifices to God in the NT, sacrifices that flow out of the grace we have received.
- Love has become the sacrifice that we bring to the Lord.
- Our good works and generosity are a well-pleasing sacrifice to the Lord (Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:15).
- Obedience to God’s Word has always been preferable to ritual sacrifices (1 Sam. 15:22-23).
- We offer our whole selves as sacrifices to the Lord.

Romans 12:1 NIVTherefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

God’s Pattern of Grace

God acts first.
He gives new mercies in Christ.
God makes promises and keeps them.
God’s faithfulness is not determined by ours.
He always acts first and loves the most.
Then we respond to his mercy as living sacrifices.

“This devotion to the Lord is worked out in the details of everyday life. It includes how we work together as the body of Christ, each exerting the gifts God has given without jealousy or envy, all of which can be summarized as love that is genuine, generous, humble, and persistent even when mistreated.” - Edward Welch

We Wash at the Basin

The priests washed their hands and feet at the bronze basin before entering the Tabernacle into the Lord’s presence.
We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and we continually wash at the basin by confessing our sins.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NIVAnd that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

“Paul wants us to refuse to tolerate personal ungodliness; he also wants us not to tolerate past condemnation and old regrets. So in the most resolute of ways, he heaps on us what has been accomplished in Jesus through the Spirit.” - Edward Welch

“So when you come to the basin, you are not repeatedly coming to Jesus for admittance to his house. “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean” (John 13:10). You come because priests still sin. Though you have been set apart by God for himself, relationships can still be affected by unconfessed sin. So you confess daily, and confession enhances open and close fellowship.” - Edward Welch

We light incense, and the smoke comes before the Lord.

In the tabernacle, the altar of incense continually offered up a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord. It represented the prayers of the priests and the people.

“In God’s house there is lots of talking. That’s what families do. When you are needy, live among needy people, and live with your generous Father, you talk all the more. We pray, he responds with words from Scripture. Silence and home simply do not go together.” - Edward Welch

Psalm 141:2 NIVMay my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

“Picture bowls. Golden bowls. Our prayers are placed in these bowls, and they are offered to the Lord, along with the prayers of other saints (Rev. 5:8; 8:3).” - Edward Welch

“This glimpse of spiritual realities gives new zeal to priestly prayers. God, indeed, hears the prayers of one, solitary child who has been abandoned. He also is pleased when the bowls are full. This is why we ask other people to pray. With our more desperate prayers, we ask as many people to pray as possible, and not one prayer is inconsequential to the resulting heavenly aroma.” - Edward Welch

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"Who Are You Afraid Of?" (Luke 12:1-12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 3, 2021

Luke 12:1-12, NIV

12 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Proverbs 29:25, NIV

25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Matthew 12:30, NIV

30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Main Idea: A disciple of Jesus Christ fears God, not other people.

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"Carpe Diem" (Ephesians 5:15-20) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 27, 2020 Ephesians 5:15–20 NIV 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We can make the most of our time by seeking to live according to God's wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15 NIV 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

We can make the most of our time by strenuously opposing evil.

Ephesians 5:16 NIV 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

We can make the most of our time by seeking to live our lives according to the will of God.

Ephesians 5:17 NIV 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

We can make the most of our time by seeking to have our lives controlled by the Holy Spirit rather than by the things of this world.

Ephesians 5:18 NIV 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

We can make the most of our time by prioritizing the worship of God with the family of God.

Ephesians 5:19–20 NIV 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Main Idea: The most valuable use of our time in this life is to seek God's wisdom and God's will, which will lead us to righteousness, being filled with the Spirit, and God-centered worship.

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"The Grace of Christmas" (John 1:14-18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 20, 2020

John 1:1-18, NIV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

God was gracious to us when he humbled himself and came to earth as a man to live among us.

John 1:14 NIV14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God was gracious to us when he revealed his glory to us through the Incarnation of the Son.

John 1:14 NIV14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 NIV18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

God was gracious to us when he gave us the truth of the gospel of Christ and the gift of salvation through him.

John 1:14 NIV14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:16–17 NIV16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Main Idea: The greatest expression of the Grace of God is the Incarnation of the Son of God for our Salvation.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priest by Edward Welch

“Saints” (Chapter 32)

Priests in the NT

The NT only calls believers “priests” in a few instances:
- “A holy priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:5)
- “A royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9)
- “Priests to our God” (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6)

Romans 15:16 NIV16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

The label “priest” had fallen in disrepute in the early NT era. It was associated with pride and power more than with holiness and service.
The NT more often refers to Christians by another priestly name: “Saints.”

Saints

“Saint” means “holy one.”
Our priestly identity resides in the word “holy.”

Exodus 28:36 NIV36“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord.

Priests were always set apart as holy to the Lord.
Christians are “saints,” “holy ones.” The term is used over 60 times in the NT and is always used for all of God’s people, not just a special class of Christians.

Holy Mission

The mission of the Holy God to bring people close to himself and to enter his holiness.

“You belong to God, and everything that belongs to him carries the imprint of his holiness.” - Edward Welch

The mission of God that we grow into that holiness and become holy.

“Scripture sometimes emphasizes that God is the one who makes us holy. Other times it assumes that because he has set us apart, we become increasingly more like him.” - Edward Welch

Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV6For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

Psalm 15:1–2 NIV1Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

“Saints” and So Much More

Members of God’s household (Eph. 2:19)
Chosen (1 Pet. 2:4)
Precious (1 Pet. 2:4)
His own possession (1 Pet. 2:9)
Rich (Dan. 7:18)
Servant of God (Titus 1:1; Rev. 1:6)
Friend of God (John 15:15)

“Shining Faces” (Chapter 33)

Moses and the Glory of God

Exodus 34:29 NIV29When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.

Moses relayed the Word of the Lord while his face shined.
Moses veiled his face as the brightness of his face faded.
Moses was a priest robed in light, reflecting the glory of the Lord. He was transformed by his nearness to God.
Moses reflecting the glory of God illustrates how we are changed by his nearness:
- Moses reflected light because God is light.
- Lamps in the Holy Place (in the Tabernacle) symbolized God’s presence and always faced the bread, which symbolized the people.
- The Lord has made his light to shine upon us (Ps. 118:27).
- Jesus himself is the light that shines in darkness (Matt. 4:16).
- Jesus revealed his true glory as he shined in brilliant light on the Mount of Transfiguration.
- Jesus will be our sun when we are with him face-to-face (Rev. 22:5).
- We pray, “Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord” (Ps. 4:6), and he does.

Our Shining Faces

The apostle Paul revealed to us that we too have shining faces due to our faith in Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Paul’s “point is that the reflected glory of Christ in his people is better than Moses. Jesus brought us into a new era in which the Spirit opens our eyes to the glory of Jesus. The Spirit also assures us that the glory reflected in us will never fade.” - Edward Welch

2 Corinthians 3:12–13 NIV12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.

2 Corinthians 3:16 NIV16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

“The Spirit brings you into the presence of God, and you shine as you reflect the light of Jesus. As with holiness, you have it, and you can grow in it. When you believe, you receive the Spirit, who shines the light of Christ in you. You can also grow 'from one degree of glory to another' as you continue to draw near to him.” - Edward Welch

Opportunities to Shine

Sharing Jesus with others with joy, after spending time in his light
Expressing gratitude instead of grumbling in difficulties

Philippians 2:14–15 NIV14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

“It turns out that there are shiny priests around us most every day who follow the course of faith and love in ways that make them appear spectacular and beautiful as they reflect the character of the Lord.” - Edward Welch

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"Children of Christmas" (John 1:9-13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 13, 2020

John 1:1–13 NIV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

We are not by nature children of God, and we are blind to the light.

John 1:9–11 NIV 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

We cannot by our own natural ability see the light to become children of God.

John 1:10–11 NIV 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

John 1:13 NIV 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

It is only by the supernatural grace of God that we see the light and become children of God.

John 1:12–13 NIV 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

1 John 3:1 NIV 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Main Idea: God graciously opens our blind eyes to see the light of Christ and believe, becoming children of God.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

Part 3: Almost Truly Human

“Priests in Plain Clothes” (Chapter 30)

“Today’s priests wear ordinary clothes, work in ordinary jobs, and are hard to single out. They are subject to the same losses and hardships as the rest of the world.” - Edward Welch

Priests Are Needy.

Psalm 40:17 NIV17But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.

NT believers were (and are) needy people.
- Sick, sinful, outcasts of society, persecuted, and poor.
Our neediness and weakness draw us near to God.

Priests Believe.

We are consecrated to God by faith in Jesus.
Our eyes are opened to believe in a Messiah that was rejected by most of his people.
- He came in weakness, not strength.
- He came in humility, not wealth or nobility.
- He came to serve, not to be served.

“Jesus might not be what we expected, but he is what we hoped for... His humility and gentleness attract children, misfits, the unwashed, and those with immoral pasts. ...abundant life follows in his path—sins are forgiven, sicknesses are healed. Death is pushed back.” - Edward Welch

Our eyes are opened to believe in a humble, poor, rejected Messiah when we see our own need and unworthiness and trust that only he can rescue us.

The Democratization of the Priesthood

The priesthood was entrusted to Israel, and only a select family within Israel.
Now, in Christ, the priesthood has been “democratized and redistributed to us all.”
Our daily lives as God’s priests might seem rather ordinary, but we are in union with Christ the Risen Lord and are indwelt by the eternal Holy Spirit. God has drawn near to us.

“Priests Descend & Ascend” (Chapter 31)

Jesus in Heaven, The Spirit in Us

How can we draw near to Jesus when he is in heaven, and we are on earth?
The answer is the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Jesus gave to be with us and in us.

“Because of Jesus we have the Spirit, and because of the Spirit we have Jesus. To have one is to have the other.” - Edward Welch

Romans 5:5 NIV5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

“The Spirit brings us into God in such a way that we participate in his plans. Everything we have is in Christ and through the Spirit who dwells in us.” - Edward Welch

Not a Stopgap Measure

Having the indwelling Spirit instead of the physical presence of Christ is not a stopgap measure or a downgrade.
Jesus’ whole ministry was accomplished in harmony with his anointing with the Holy Spirit.

“Jesus himself experienced unity with the Father by the Spirit. His miracles were by the Spirit. His resurrection was by the Spirit.” - Edward Welch

The Spirit’s presence will continue with us into heaven and eternity.
The Spirit is the one who brings us into the Father and the Son.
By the Spirit, Jesus binds himself to us, including in his death.

Galatians 2:20 NIV20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

“In this death you have been freed from all claims that were rightly against you. The demands of justice in the heavenly court have been fully met, and sin, death, and Satan have lost their power.” - Edward Welch

New Life in the Spirit

Freedom from guilt and condemnation
Freedom from the power of sin and death
Victory over death through resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:55 NIV55“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

Romans 6:5 NIV5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Romans 6:4 NIV4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

A new life of fellowship with Jesus by the Spirit
The Spirit has made us his dwelling while Jesus prepares a dwelling for us (John 14:2).

Descending with Jesus in the Spirit

Following Jesus’ lead, we descend in humility and service to others through the strength of the Spirit.

“This descent is hard, but when we know that it follows Jesus’s lead and is done with him, and that his Spirit is with us to give more life and power, then we can find comfort and even fuller life in it.” - Edward Welch

Weakness is the way to draw near to God.
- Our weakness magnifies God’s strength.
- Our weakness reveals our dependence.
- Our weakness draws us near to God.
- Like Christ, our weakness will one day give way to exaltation.

2 Corinthians 13:4 NIV4For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

“Strength in weakness. Dependence on God in weakness. This...was life close to Jesus Christ.” - Edward Welch

Philippians 3:8 NIV8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:10–11 NIV10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

“The life of God’s priests on earth is full of reminders that we are expatriates who live at the bottom of the ladder but are citizens of heaven. So life is full of daily hardships and death’s leftovers, yet it is also marked by life and love—love from God, love for God, and love toward God’s people. And where there is love, expect joy.” - Edward Welch

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"The Light of Christmas" (John 1:4-9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 6, 2020

John 1:1–9 NIV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Jesus, the Eternal Word, is Life.

The Eternal Word possesses independent life.

John 5:26 NIV 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

The Eternal Word provides all creation with life.

John 1:3 NIV 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Colossians 1:16 NIV 16For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Hebrews 1:2 NIV 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

The Eternal Word provides his people eternal life.

John 1:12 NIV 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

John 5:24–26 NIV 24“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

Jesus, the Eternal Word, is Light.

John 1:4–5 NIV 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Eternal Word brought light into the darkness at Creation.

Genesis 1:3 NIV 3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

The Eternal Word brought light into the darkness at his Incarnation.

John 1:5 NIV 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Eternal Word brought the light that overpowered the darkness of sin and death.

John 1:5 NIV 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5 NKJV 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 12:35 NIV 35Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.

John 12:36 NIV 36Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

John 12:46 NIV 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

John 1:6–9 NIV 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

John 8:12 NIV 12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Main Idea: Jesus Christ is the eternal, Divine Word who created all things and came into the world to give life and light to all who believe.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

“Descending Further” (Ch. 27)

Jesus Descends

Philippians 2:6–7 NIV 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Immanence
Compassion and Gentleness

“He passed by the smug and arrogant, and he stopped and spoke to the ones no one else saw.” - Edward Welch

Humble and Ordinary

Isaiah 53:2–3 NIV 2He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

“His glory was apparent to those whose daily life was full of shame. It was veiled from those who felt no need for rescue.” - Edward Welch

Luke 7:22 NIV 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

“With all these, Jesus not only came near, but he touched them. He touched lepers, the blind, the sick, and even the dead. He touched children who, though not necessarily unclean, were considered to be of little worth.” - Edward Welch

Identifying with the Lowly

A humble, sinful woman full of gratitude (Luke 7:36-50)
An outcast, sick woman full of faith (Luke 8:43-48)

“Jesus used the moment to reveal the deeper meaning of what happened. She had laid hands on God’s Lamb and transferred her uncleanness to him, and the Lamb had given his power and life to her while he went off into the wilderness bearing the weight of sin, shame, sickness, and everything connected to death.” - Edward Welch

Descending Further

Making Himself a Servant

John 13:4–5 NIV 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:8 NIV 8“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“In turns out that a requirement for being close to him is that you let him serve you… Jesus was both host and servant. As host, he supplied for us the meal of his very body and blood. As servant, he washed the feet of weary travelers. He also washed the day’s debris of sin from those who believed.” - Edward Welch

Giving Himself to the Cross

Philippians 2:8 NIV 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

“The story of God is a story of descent. We might have missed that during the tabernacle and temple periods, but looking back, we see that the tabernacle was, indeed, God descending. He pursued his people for forty years in a harsh wilderness, never leaving their side. The movement from heaven to earth was always natural to him.” - Edward Welch

“The Lamb Slain” (Ch. 28)

Relating to a Holy God

God used priestly representatives who experienced cleansing and closeness on behalf of all the people.
God worked through representatives or substitutes who experienced God’s wrath against rebellion and contempt.
Blood was shorthand for life, and the lifeblood of animals was poured out so that God’s people might live.
The blood of animals was not the final word. An animal could not ultimately stand in for a human being.
The Day of Atonement was always in view, pointing to the goal of humanity of being close to God.
The Prophet Isaiah saw that a coming Messiah would be the suffering servant representative of God’s people.

Isaiah 53:10 NIV 10Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

A New Adam

“All creation had been waiting for a new Adam—a new priest—to introduce a new creation.” - Edward Welch

Imperfect Forerunners:
- Noah
- Abraham
- Moses
- David

“Jesus was the true human being, our suitable representative, and the true God who alone could give us life and bring us with him into heaven. For this to happen, he joined himself to us, took everything of ours that was associated with death, gave everything of his that was associated with life, and brought our death to its rightful end.” - Edward Welch

John 19:5 NIV 5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”

“All we can do is agree—believe—that Jesus is, indeed, the man and God, and his death becomes our peace.” - Edward Welch

“Jesus Ascends, the Spirit Descends” (Ch. 29)

Descending in order to Ascend

Descending to Humility
- Descending to Humanity
  - Descending to Servanthood
    - Descending to Death on a Roman Cross
      - Descending to the Grave
      - Ascending from the Grave
    - Ascending to the Heavens
  - Ascending as Lord over all Powers and Authorities
- Ascending to the Right Hand of Deity
Ascending to Glory

John 3:13 NIV 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.

Mark 9:31 NIV 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

“The resurrection declared to the world that Jesus—and Jesus alone—is the eternal Son of God, and Jesus alone has all rights to the heavenly realms and can bring people to God.” - Edward Welch

Romans 1:4 NIV 4and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

First of Many to Ascend

“When he ascended, he was by no means alone. God always intended to have his people near, and in Christ they would be brought to him.” - Edward Welch

John 14:1–3 NIV 1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

John 20:17 NIV 17Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Acts 1:3 NIV 3After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

“After forty days he ascended to prepare a home for his people, not to return until his final coming. He ascended to the throne that was over all the demonic usurpers. Satan and his accomplices always had death as evidence of their power… This was the beginning of creation being brought back to its proper head so that nothing could separate us from God, and, instead of heaven and earth having a mere point of contact, heaven would fill the entire earth in Jesus.” - Edward Welch

Ephesians 1:20–22 NIV 20he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

Jesus Ascends so that the Spirit May Descend

“The final act of his ascension and coronation was the Spirit, received from the Father, poured out on us.” - Edward Welch

Acts 2:2–3 NIV 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

“Kings typically receive gifts when they ascend to the throne; Jesus gave himself as the gift, and the Spirit binds us to Jesus.” - Edward Welch

“This Pentecost revealed that the heavenly ladder remained a busy one. After Jesus ascended, the Spirit descended. In his descent he gives power to his people, groans on our behalf before the throne, and brings us into Jesus so that we abide in him. The Spirit has raised us with Jesus.” - Edward Welch

Romans 8:11 NIV 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

“As a result, it is now official. We are no longer citizens of earth, nor do we have dual citizenship. Instead, we are strangers and aliens on earth, and we are full citizens of heaven as we wait with Christ for the day when he will bring heaven to earth (Phil. 3:20). - Edward Welch

Philippians 3:20 NIV 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

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"The Man of Christmas" (John 1:1-3) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 29, 2020

John 1:1-3, NIV

Christmas is about a person—the man Jesus Christ.

The Man of Christmas Is Eternal.
The Man of Christmas Is Wisdom.
The Man of Christmas Is Deity.
The Man of Christmas Is Creator.

Main Idea: Christmas is about a person—the man Jesus Christ, who is the Eternal, Wise Creator-God.

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"Thankfulness in Adversity" Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 22, 2020

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. (Daniel 6:10-11, NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4, NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:28-29, NIV)

Main Idea: Christians can give thanks to God in every circumstance, including times of adversity, because God is using every moment of our lives to conform us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

“Jesus the High Priest” (Chapter 25)

The Priesthood of Jesus Christ

Not from the line of Levi and Aaron
Patterned after the Priesthood of Melchizedek

Psalm 110:4 NIV 4The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Our High Priest is from the earth.

Like Melchizedek, Jesus shares in our humanity.
Experienced weakness and need
Experienced temptation to sin
But remained sinless
Empathetic and gracious intercessor

Hebrews 4:14–16 NIV 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Our High Priest is from heaven.

No record of Melchizedek’s lineage, birth, death, or place of origin
By analogy, this pictures Jesus the one from heaven with no beginning or end.

Hebrews 7:3 NIV 3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

Our High Priest is our King from heaven.

Jesus has divine, heavenly authority.
Jesus returned the priesthood to the true meaning and intent of the Law of God.

Matthew 7:28–29 NIV 28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Our High Priest is eternal.

The eternal Son of God came from heaven and has now returned to heaven.
He finished the work his Father sent him to do and now is seated at the right hand of God.
His sacrifice is the final sacrifice, and his priesthood is eternal.
No need for any more sacrifices or any more priests

Our Heavenly Lineage

Our heavenly lineage now surpasses the importance of our physical lineage.
We have been born of God.

John 3:5–6 NIV 5Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

“Believe” (Chapter 26)

“With the temple and its sacrifices fulfilled in Jesus, the way to be cleansed and close to God is to follow him. In short, it’s to believe.” - Edward Welch

Signs Pointing Us to Faith in Jesus

Signs “are moments when heaven is opened, when the transforming power of God’s love bursts in to the present world.” - Tom Wright

Turning water into wine - Jesus’ disciples believed.
Healing a nobleman’s son - he believed.
Healing a lame man on Sabbath - some believed; other rejected.
Feeding 5,000 with one boy’s lunch - many believed.
Healing a man born blind - he believed and worshiped him.

Final Sign: Raising of Lazarus

The purpose of Lazarus’s death was to reveal Jesus’ glory, leading to faith in him.

John 11:25–26 NIV 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:26–27 NIV 26and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 11:45 NIV 45Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Summary of John’s Gospel

John 20:30–31 NIV 30Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

“These are just a few of the signs that Jesus is the one who descended from heaven. They all point to the glory of the Lamb slain for us. Look at the signs. Listen to his words. Then believe.” - Edward Welch

“John puts the question before us: “Do you believe that he is the one sent by the Father?” A simple response of believing becomes a sign both to ourselves and to the world that we belong to the family of God through Jesus. If you believe him, you belong to him.” - Edward Welch

“So true worship is founded on believing what God has said and done. That has always been the foundation of life with God.” - Edward Welch

“As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, you don’t have to be close to Jerusalem. Rather, you come to Christ, the living water, the living tabernacle. You come to him, the truth, the embodiment of the invisible spirit God who cannot be contained by a temple.” - Edward Welch

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"It's the Heart that Counts" (Luke 11:37-54) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 15, 2020

Luke 11:37-54, NIV

37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.

39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”

45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”

46 Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

47 “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. 48 So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49 Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’ 50 Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.

52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

53 When Jesus went outside, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54 waiting to catch him in something he might say.

Main Idea: A true relationship with God cannot exist without the development of the internal life of the heart.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Interrupted by a Wedding” (Chapter 23)

John 2:1 NIV 1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,

The Third Day

Third Day of What?
- Third day since Jesus’ baptism (John 1)?
- Third day of the week?
- Third day of the wedding ceremony?
Something deeper?
- A better wedding after Jesus’ death and resurrection
- John’s counting of days anchored in Passover
  - Day 1: Jesus is crucified on Friday, the day of preparation for Passover.
  - Day 2: Jesus “rests” in the tomb on Saturday, the Sabbath.
  - Day 3: Jesus is resurrected on Sunday, the first day of the week.

Water to Wine

Cleansing water for purification at Passovers and weddings
Jesus turned this water into wine, symbolizing his blood of the new covenant (1 Cor. 11:25).
Cleansing water is now replaced by the blood of Jesus, which alone can cleanse from sin.
Foreshadowing Another “Third Day”
- This “third day” at the beginning of John prepares us for another parallel “third day” at the end of John.
- The “Third Day” of Jesus’ resurrection is now the “First Day” - a new beginning/creation
  - Day 6: Adam and Eve are created; Jesus is revealed as “the man” (Jn. 19:5), the second Adam, at his crucifixion.
  - Day 7: God rests; Jesus “rests” on the Sabbath.
  - Day 1: Re-creation begins. The light dawns. Jesus inaugurates the new creation with his resurrection, and the most intimate of walks await us.

“This, writes John, is a new day. The Passover has finally caught up to its true meaning in the sacrifice of God’s Lamb. The temple, and its promise of God’s presence, has given way to the picture of marriage. We are royal priests, and we are bride priests. Priestly nearness to God cannot quite capture the intimacy that has been God’s goal with us, so Scripture is merging another identity.” - Edward Welch

Isaiah 62:5 NIV 5As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

Communion

Holiness is not the ultimate goal; communion with God is.
Holiness is the means God uses to draw us near to him.

John 17:20–24 NIV 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

“Fellowship, bound up with worship, praise, and downright enjoyment, is what we are after. And it all rests on his nearness and invitation to draw closer.” - Edward Welch

“Jesus the Temple” (Chapter 24)

John 2:13–15 NIV 13When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

Light to the Nations

The temple itself and its courts were walled and reserved for Israelites.
Gentiles were permitted in a large courtyard beyond these walls.
In this area, open to all worshipers, worship had been replaced by commerce.
The temple was intended to be a light to the nations, but worship of Gentiles was being disrupted.
Jesus was angry when the nations were kept from seeking the Lord.

Build a Temple in 3 Days?

John 2:19–21 NIV 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21But the temple he had spoken of was his body.

The temple building would indeed be destroyed.
Jesus’ body would not be destroyed but would be raised from the dead to be the living temple.

Matthew 21:42 NIV 42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

“Jesus is the temple, John writes. God’s signposts have always pointed to Jesus. The temple is a copy; Jesus is the original. Worship is now centered on him. His body and his blood became our way to pass through the veil that quarantined the Most Holy Place. If you want to see something more magnificent than the glimmering temple that once stood over all Jerusalem, look at Jesus.” - Edward Welch

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"Receiving God's Light" (Luke 11:24-36) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 8, 2020

Luke 11:24–36 NIV 24 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Rejecting the light of Jesus leaves a person worse off than before (24–26).

Luke 11:24–26 NIV 24 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

Receiving the light of Jesus means hearing and obeying his Word (27–28).

Luke 11:27–28 NIV 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Rejecting the light of Jesus means rejecting the one greater than all the kings and prophets and bringing greater condemnation (29–32).

Luke 11:29–32 NIV 29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

Receiving the light of Jesus means receiving it with our whole selves and then shining that light to the world (33–36).

Luke 11:33 NIV 33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.

John 1:4–5 NIV 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Luke 11:34–36 NIV 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Main Idea: Jesus the Messiah is greater than any king or prophet who has ever come. We must receive the light He brings and shine it to the world.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

Part 2: Jesus Our Tabernacle

“The Holy One Descends” (Chapter 21)

“When Jesus came to us in human flesh, the priestly story converged on him. More accurately, the priestly story and every detail of the tabernacle converged on him. Our entire priestly identity would soon be absorbed into his.” - Edward Welch

John 1:1 NIV1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jesus, the Creator God
Light and Life
Entered our World
Came to restore creation to its intended state
He descended a ladder (Gen. 28:12-13).

John 1:47 NIV47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

“No deceit” refers to Nathaniel’s character and reminds us of Jacob, the deceiver (Gen. 27:35-36).

John 1:51 NIV51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

“The ladder itself was the same. Angels were freely going between two realms. What was different was that God, once seen at the top of the ladder, was now on earth. The Lord—the Son of Man, the Ancient of Days, Jesus the Christ—had descended in all humility and love. This was always his intent. In the weakness of a baby he gave up power. He came to us, and the distance between heaven and earth has been forever recalibrated.” - Edward Welch

John 1:14 NIV14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

“Jesus Our Passover Lamb” (Chapter 22)

The fate of the Israelite priesthood and temple: AD 70.
How would worship continue after the dissolution of the priesthood and destruction of the temple?
How would God be present with his people when his house was no longer standing?
Why prepare themselves for worship by ceremonial cleansing when there was no house of God to approach?

The Ministry of John the Baptist

Prepared the way for Jesus
Announced his coming and the coming of the Kingdom of God
Preached a message of confession of sin and repentance in preparation for the King
Response of repentance was symbolized by baptism

“It was a suitable expression of the deeper cleansing of the soul that was to come, and one didn’t have to go to the temple or its pools. It pointed the way to what had been the hope all along:” - Edward Welch

Ezekiel 36:25 NIV25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.

John also baptized Jesus.
Not for forgiveness of sins, but for consecration as God’s priest.

Exodus 29:4 NIV4 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.

Father, Son, and Spirit at Jesus’ baptism

“This is the most obvious appearance of the triune God in Scripture. From all eternity, God was close within himself. The Father, Son, and Spirit shared the most intense nearness and friendship. For reasons we will never fully understand, God always planned to bring believing humanity into this divine nearness, and he would do it through the Lamb.” - Edward Welch

John 1:29 NIV29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:36 NIV36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

Jesus Our Passover Lamb

The Creator God, our Light and Life, is also our Passover Lamb.
Passover - rescue and redemption through sacrifice of a lamb.

“In Jesus, the Passover and its feast find their fullest expression. He is the reason for Israel’s rescue. Houses were protected in honor of his blood that would later be shed. Jesus is the Passover lamb, and God himself is the one who supplied the lamb. Jesus is God’s Lamb.” - Edward Welch

Abraham & Isaac: “Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” “God himself will provide the lamb.” (Gen. 22:7-8)
All the sacrifices ever made in Israel’s history point to Jesus. Jesus is the Lamb of God.

John 19:14 NIV14It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.

Exodus 12:46 NIV46 “It must be eaten inside the house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.

John 19:33 NIV33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

“The world is being renewed, and the temple is where renewal began. Renewal did not begin with revival among the priests or with Jesus installed as high priest. It began with the perfect sacrifice, supplied by God himself, freely offered by the Son. If Jesus were simply an improved priest, he would have restored right worship and right teaching to the temple, and the day-to-day practices would have continued. But because Jesus is the Lamb, there is no more need for temple sacrifices, and when the heavenly court is in session, Satan can no longer raise legitimate accusations against believers.” - Edward Welch

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"By the Finger of God" (Luke 11:14-23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 1, 2020

Luke 11:14-23, NIV

14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.

17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.

23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Main Idea: Jesus is truly God’s Messiah, and his authority is God’s authority. So, to ignore Jesus or reject his authority is to reject God’s salvation.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Be Holy as I Am Holy” (Chapter 18)

Everything about God is Holy.

Isaiah 6:3 NIV3And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

God’s holiness is expanding and drawing us in to be holy as he is holy.

Leviticus 19:2 NIV2“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

The way of holiness is obedience.
Obedience, however, is a means to an end.
Obedience serves the purpose of our communion with him.
Think of “progressive sanctification” as “progressive nearness.”
Sin separates, but holiness draws us close.

“Sin separates, even after we are made holy. When we turn from sin, we turn back to the light and life, and we experience fellowship with a clear conscience.” - Edward Welch

1 Peter 2:9 NIV9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2 Peter 1:4 NIV4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

“Somehow, through his Spirit, we actually become ‘partakers of the divine nature,’ which is very close. Progressive nearness makes this growth and change increasingly beautiful, satisfying, and attractive.” - Edward Welch

“In God’s Courtroom” (Chapter 19)

We are consecrated by God and made holy.
Then we grow in holiness.
But our sins and imperfections remain with us. We are always dirty.
How do we serve as priests before a holy God if we are imperfect and dirty?

Israel’s Priests

They too were imperfect, but they served in God’s house.
They were ceremonially cleansed and declared officially clean.

“No priest ever rested in his own perfections. He rested in God’s mercy and the confidence that the one who invites less-than-clean people to live with him is the one who figures out how that will happen.” - Edward Welch

Zechariah’s Vision

Zechariah 3:1–4 NIV1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

“But the judge reveals that he is not only a judge. He is also the advocate who comes to our defense. Even more, he is our advocate-defender-sacrifice-beautifier who will take upon himself the burden of qualifying his people to be with him.” - Edward Welch

“All eyes are on Jesus. He does all this himself. We witness his work... For his namesake, not because of our inherent worth or capacity, he forgives and cleanses us.” - Edward Welch

Zechariah 3:5 NIV5Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

Exodus 28:36 NIV36“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord.

“In this vision the character of the Lord is on fuller display. He is not torn between loving people and consuming them in his anger. Instead, he has determined that we be with him, and he is always inclined to wash and forgive those who turn to him. Following Zechariah’s lead, we are emboldened to come near.” - Edward Welch

“Yet we are witnessing something even deeper. This beautifying means that we begin to look more and more like God himself as we are being refashioned into his image. Communion is best when we share a likeness. We are becoming truly human, remade in the image of our Father and Creator.” - Edward Welch

“A Tumultuous Interlude” (Chapter 20)

“The fortunes of the priests and the temple were bound together. As one went, so went the other.” - Edward Welch

Problems began as soon as the Temple was completed by Solomon:
- Solomon spent more time and expense on his own house than he did on the Lord’s.
- Solomon had a foreigner oversee the work, and this foreigner was paid with Israelite cities.
- Solomon forced Hebrews into labor, which sounds peculiarly like the old Egyptian overlords.
- Solomon took liberties with furniture dimensions and materials, which bent the tabernacle toward the pagan temples of that day.

“If you look closely, the story tends toward entropy. God’s presence is less intense, less concentrated. The glory and presence of the Lord rested on the new temple (1 Kings 8:10–11; 2 Chron. 7:1–3), but idol worship, tacitly approved by Solomon, was followed by civil war and a divided kingdom.” - Edward Welch

Propensity for idolatry
Tolerance of corruption and injustice
Eventual destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

“When the Babylonians entered the Most Holy Place, there was no cloud of the presence, and the presence of God would not inhabit the Jerusalem temple again.” - Edward Welch

Permission to rebuild by Cyrus
Initial success then opposition
Apathy and selfishness left the 2nd temple unfinished for 10 years.
Haggai and Zechariah moved the people to finish the temple.
Jerusalem and its temple were under foreign rule for many generations to come.
Fought over by empires to the north and south.
Blasphemed and contaminated by Antiochus Epiphanes (168 BC).
Judah Maccabee recaptured Jerusalem for the Hebrews and reconsecrated the temple (164 BC), remembered at Hanukkah.
Greek and Roman influence turned the high priesthood into a political position and polluted its purpose.
Herod the Great arose out of this tumultuous history.
- Master builder
- Beautified and expanded the temple
- Priests and Levites rotated through the temple duties, and the nations gathered there.
- Yet, within there was spiritual decay, and its Most Holy Place was empty.
- Also ordered the death of infant sons to protect his throne from Jesus, the coming Messiah.
Setup for the New Testament period:
- Synagogues appeared.
- Priests were spiritually unreliable.
- Priests were more interested in maintaining Jewish identity than discerning sin and being a light to the world.

“In all this, there was reason for hope. The Lord still made appearances in his sanctuary (Luke 1:11)—he was never dependent on the presence of the ark… If we notice anything in this history, we see that the Lord is accustomed to entering into very messy situations in which he is uninvited but still faithful to his promises.” - Edward Welch

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"Teach Us to Pray" (Luke 11:1-13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 25, 2020

Luke 11:1-13 11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Main Idea: Prayer is an essential part of the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

When we pray we are speaking to our father God.
When we pray, we begin by honoring the greatness of God.
When we pray, we need to be in harmony with the priorities and plans of God.
When we pray, we express our dependence on God.

Matthew 6:33 NIV 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

When we pray we ought to confess our sins before God.
When we pray we need to ask for spiritual protection.
When we pray, we are invited to come boldly to the throne of God.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

When we pray we must trust the goodness of God.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Priests at Work” (Chapter 17)

Priests came before Kings and Prophets.
Manifold Duties of the Priests

Priests at Work

Sanctified
Sacrifices
Holy Days
Blessings

Sanctified

Set Apart for the Ministry of the Priesthood
Provision from the Offerings of the People

“What the people gave to the Lord, the Lord shared with the priests and the Levites.” - Edward Welch

No Inheritance other than the Lord

Numbers 18:20 NIV 20The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.

“When you get the Lord, you get everything else thrown in.” - Edward Welch

Luke 12:32 ESV 32“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Set apart by Ordination or Consecration
- Cleansing
- Investiture
- Anointing
- Sacrifices
  - Sin Offering
  - Burnt Offering
  - Ordination Offering
  - Food Offering
- Meal at the entrance of the tabernacle

“The ordination service was for the male offspring of Aaron, but we know where the story is going. All God’s people were soon to be included in this ordination process. The details of the service look different for us because all these sacrifices have been condensed into the work of Jesus. But the rhythm of life for the Aaronic priesthood continues to be the rhythm of our lives.” - Edward Welch

The priests were:
- Cleansed from sin
- Devoted to the Lord
- Thankful for the Lord’s provision
- Blessed by his fellowship and care

Sacrifices

Division of duties
Priests who oversaw the sacrificial system
- Daily burnt offering - continual pleasing aroma to the Lord for the entire night. Even while the people slept, the Lord was actively making a way for his presence to remain in the camp.
- Daily morning and afternoon services
- People came to the priests to offer various sacrifices.
“To make an animal sacrifice, the worshiper laid hands on the animal and killed it near the entrance of the tabernacle. Everything was up close, participatory, and personal.” - Edward Welch + 8 different kinds of sacrifices - Burnt offering - including burnt, sin, and guilty offerings. These involved the blood of animals and were for forgiveness of sin and purification and for expressions of devotion to God. - Peace offering - including cereal, drink, grain, vow, freewill, and wave offerings. These involved an expression of personal devotion and perhaps reconciliation and fellowship with the Lord.

“All of this created a pleasing aroma to the Lord, and it was God’s plan for meeting with his people (Ex. 29:42–43). Did the sacrifices earn God’s favor? No, they were in recognition of what God had done and would do, and they were effective because of his mercy. And the daily rhythm was gradually inculcated into the hearts of the priests and the people.” - Edward Welch

The people were:
- Cleansed from sin
- Devoted to the Lord
- Thankful for the Lord’s provision
- Blessed by his fellowship and care

Holy Days

Common days and Holy days
Holy days in cycles of seven
- Sabbath every seventh day of the week
- Day of Atonement in the seventh month
- Year for releasing debts is the seventh or sabbatical year.
- The Year of Jubilee is after the forty-ninth year, or seven times seven.
Feasts and Festivals
- First festival - Passover and Week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Firstfruits
- Second festival - Seven weeks and a day later was the Feast of Weeks, later also known as Pentecost.
- Third festival - Seventh month was sanctified at the beginning with the Feast of Trumpets in preparation for the Day of Atonement 10 days later. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month was the Feast of Booths/Tabernacles, lasting a week.
- All of these were marked by special sacrifices, rest, and particular remembrances.
Sabbath
- Creation Week - the Sabbath is designated as Holy.
“On the Sabbath God rested, and he invites us to rest with him. This is not so much that everyone takes a nap on the Sabbath. The point is that we don’t have to work, so we have time to meet with the Lord—and he meets with us. The point is shalom or peace, not sleep.” - Edward Welch + A Sabbath for Slaves

“With the Sabbath, God essentially proclaimed that his people were not slaves but a royal priesthood.” - Edward Welch + Sabbath - an expression of trust in and dependence upon the Lord - Manna - trust God to provide for the 7th day.
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“This meant that they were to trust in the Lord’s care for them more than in the work of their hands. Trust is essential to a relationship.” - Edward Welch
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- Sabbath at harvest time - trust God to provide even with a day’s worth of harvesting lost.
“The Sabbath was a good test for the soul. Trust does not come naturally; self-interest does. The Sabbath was an opportunity to say that all things come from the Lord.” - Edward Welch + Sabbath - distinguished God’s people from their neighbors. + Jesus reclaims the Sabbath from legalistic burdens.

Matthew 11:28 NIV 28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

“In the Gospels, “on the Sabbath” is a marker that something important is about to happen. Jesus had come close, life was breaking in, heaven was piercing earth, and death was being pushed aside. Withered hands were being healed. Disciples were being fed. The Sabbath was a time for blessing, not burdens.” - Edward Welch + The first day of the week - in remembrance of the Lord’s resurrection - became set apart for worship and rest.

“The Sabbath reminds us that rest and peace can only be found in the Lord of the Sabbath.” - Edward Welch

The Day of Atonement
- Sabbath dominated the weekly calendar
- The Day of Atonement dominated the yearly calendar.
- It was the only day when the curtain to the Most Holy Place was lifted for one representative of the people.
- Holiest of Holy Days - marked by fasting rather than feasting
  - Bull and Ram - offered as a sin offering and burnt offering for the High Priest and his family
  - Two Goats - for the people as a whole - one for a sin offering and one for a “scapegoat.”

Leviticus 16:30 NIV 30because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.

“So many spiritual realities were crammed into this day. Sin was purged by a substitute acceptable to the Lord, blood was sprinkled to bring life to people who had been polluted, and the wandering goat took sins “as far as the east is from the west” as a way to illustrate how far God removes his people from their sins (Ps. 103:12). God was making a way to get closer. To use Genesis language, a new Adam could go past the cherubim that guarded the presence of God. The Day of Atonement assured the people that intimacy with the Lord was still the plan, but it would happen gradually.” - Edward Welch

“As we bring these holy days into the present, what is most obvious is that our sins are our deepest and most profound problem. Our struggles with money, broken relationships, and poor health will be over when we see Jesus, but our sins have eternal implications unless they are sprinkled with the cleansing blood of the Lamb.” - Edward Welch

“All modern-day priests, therefore, should be able to identify personal sins. We could put this more strongly: to be fully human is to know our sins, to know that the sacrifice of Jesus has taken our sins away from the presence of God, and to do battle against ongoing temptations.” - Edward Welch

Blessing

“The priestly story is that of God reclaiming us, bringing us close, and blessing us. The Lord is not under compulsion to show us this kindness. He blesses us because it is his nature. He is inclined to bless, he has made a way to deal with sin so he can bless, and we certainly need his blessing.” - Edward Welch

Bless - to show favor
Blessed - to experience the happiness and joy of such favor

“When God speaks words over his creation, his creative power is put to work. Life appears. This happens with the earth, the sky, the seas, and with us. Blessing is God’s procreative power being brought to our lives. It is necessary for us if we are to live as he intends.” - Edward Welch

John 10:10 ESV 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

As those who have been blessed, God invites us to speak his blessing on others.

Numbers 6:22–27 NIV 22The Lord said to Moses, 23“Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24“‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” + “The Lord bless you and keep you.” - He is close enough to shade you from the sun, always awake, and protecting your very life (Ps. 121). + “The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” - The lampstand is in view as well as the light that is characteristic of his presence. The blessing is that you would know his rescue when you are overwhelmed.

Psalm 80:3 NIV
3Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
+ “The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” - The Lord tells you that he sees and hears you. The face of the Father is toward his children. By his gentle care he will make things right and give deep and lasting peace.
+ We have been called to bless others in the name of Jesus. This is a premiere feature of our priestly calling.

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"Stop and Listen!" (Luke 10:38-42) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 18, 2020

Luke 10:38–42 (NIV)

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Main Idea: It is impossible to faithfully serve Jesus Christ without devoting time to listening to the Word of Christ.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Job Descriptions” (Chapter 16)

Heart of the Priestly Job Description

Fellowship with the Lord
Enjoying his hospitality and protection
Living in his house

“May we never think that dour obedience is the essence of life in Christ. Lavish meals, satisfaction, peace, and pleasure are the lot of God’s priests. It could be no other way when we are invited to live at the junction of heaven and earth.” - Edward Welch

Duties of the Early Priests

Care for the weak, orphaned, widows, and poor
Prayer and encouragement in preparation for battle

“These early descriptions of the priestly mission were always pointing toward something more and someone more. The mission converges on Jesus, the true high priest, and from him our job description explodes with new meaning.” - Edward Welch

We still care for the weak, but we realize that we too are poor and needy.
We continue to prepare for battle, but now our battle is against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Three Aspects of the Priests’ Job Description

Fill the earth with wise, discerning royal priests.
Care for the peace and purity of the believing community.
Reflect the Lord.

Fill the Earth with Wise, Discerning Royal Priests

The original creation mandate

Genesis 1:28 NIV28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

The updated new creation mandate

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

“The job of subduing the earth continues unabated from the original commission. We are stewards of earth. But the souls of humanity have become our primary stewardship.” - Edward Welch

1 Samuel 12:23 NIV23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

“Priests call children, neighbors, and the world to draw near to Jesus.” - Edward Welch

Care for the Peace and Purity of the Believing Community

“The job of priests is to protect and keep God’s house.” - Edward Welch

Adam and Eve’s failure to protect the Garden of Eden
The Israelite Priests failure to protect the community of Israel
Jesus Christ the Great High Priest
The church, a royal priesthood under Christ
- Imperfect but Sanctified
- Seek unity not division
- Seek justice not favoritism
- Seek righteousness not wickedness
- Seek love not selfishness

1 Corinthians 3:16–17 NIV16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Reflect the Lord

Moses reflected the greatness and holiness of the Lord after having been in his presence.

Exodus 34:29–30 NIV29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.

“Moses represented the people and was invited to draw near. When he drew near, he took on a characteristic of the one he beheld… As God is light, so Moses reflected that light.” - Edward Welch

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"Who Is My Neighbor?" (Luke 10:25-37) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 11, 2020

Luke 10:25–37 NIV

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

John 13:34–35 NIV

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:20 NIV

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

1 John 4:7–8 NIV

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 3:17–18 NIV

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Luke 6:27 NIV

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Luke 6:32–36 NIV

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Main Idea: A disciple of Jesus Christ will perform acts of love and kindness for other people, no matter who they are.

Luke 10:25–28 NIV

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Daniel 12:2–3 NIV

2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Luke 10:27–28 NIV

27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Luke 10:29–37 NIV

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Main Idea: A disciple of Jesus Christ will perform acts of love and kindness for other people, no matter who they are.

1 John 3:17–18 NIV

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch “In God’s House” (Chapter 14) Exodus 25:8–9 NIV

8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.

“God’s Home(s)”

• Eden: life and communion

• Mt. Sinai: sacrifices, meals, communion, & promises

• Tabernacle

• Most detail provided in Scripture of any of God’s dwelling places

• Based on a heavenly pattern

• God’s people lived in tents, and he would dwell in a tent in the midst of them.

God’s “home consisted of a tent, surrounded by a courtyard, which was surrounded by the people of Israel, and beyond them was the world that needed the God of Israel.” - Edward Welch

Pictures of God’s Character

• The tabernacle’s design and composition revealed much about God’s character:

• Royalty

• Fine white linen, purples, blues, and reds, gold, silver, and bronze

• Righteousness

• Bronze Altar - people need to be forgiven and cleansed before going into God’s house.

• Purity

• Laver - the necessity for washing/cleansing

• Light and Life

• Golden lampstand shaped to remind of the tree of life in Eden

• Provider

• Table of the bread of presence - God’s care for Israel.

• Divine hospitality

• Grace and Beauty

• Altar of Incense - the sweet smelling aroma rising to the heavens represented the prayers of God’s people brought into the presence of God.

• Holiness and Glory

• Most Holy Place and Ark of the Covenant - God’s throne in God’s throne room

• Only allowed access once a year by the High Priest

• God’s glorious presence came to dwell among his people.

“The tabernacle was a visual representation of God’s world along with specific instruction on how his people were to come near. Each detail was intended to prepare humanity to recognize Jesus when he came and gathered all these details into himself.” - Edward Welch

“Priests Clothed” (Chapter 15) For Glory and for Beauty

Exodus 28:1–2 NIV

1 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.

• God clothes us to make us beautiful and glorious to stand in his presence.

“God has designed our clothes, and they will make us quite presentable.” - Edward Welch

Characteristics of the Priestly Clothing

• Special - Consecrated

• Costly

• Ornate

• Holy - made of same linen and yarns of the tabernacle itself, gold plate on turban: “holy to the Lord”

“...image bearers—human beings—were the ones intended to represent God most accurately. The tabernacle, indeed, reflected his glory, but walking, living tabernacles were always the plan. The priestly coverings pointed to the Spirit-filled tabernacles that were to come, when we would all be made holy in Jesus Christ.” - Edward Welch

• Representative - names of the 12 tribes engraved on stones on the shoulder pieces and on the jewels of the breastplate.

“The high priest carried the people everywhere, even into the Most Holy Place.” - Edward Welch

• Wisdom - Urim and Thummim represented wise judgment in consultation with the Lord’s will.

“The image of God in humanity was being restored. The discernment and wisdom lost at Eden were available because God was with his people.” - Edward Welch

• Royal - Turban with royal, crown-like overtones

“When you take a step back, it becomes clear: the priestly garment mimicked the tabernacle... The priest was a living version of the tabernacle. The priest and tabernacle both imaged God.” - Edward Welch

Psalm 84:10 NIV

10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

“The priests were blessed to be attendants at God’s residence, but their presence there pointed to a much greater reality: his presence with his people would be so intimate that he would actually reside within them.” - Edward Welch

“We look ahead and see that we are, both singularly and corporately, living tabernacles, and a tabernacle is where God resides with his people.” - Edward Welch

1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

“The Father over us, Jesus with us, and the Spirit in us—all this intimacy is now in view in the priestly story.” - Edward Welch

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"Jesus' Missionaries" (Luke 10:1-24) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 4, 2020

Luke 10:1-24, NIV

10 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.

16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

We Have Been Given a Privileged Mission (vv. 1-20).
We Have Been Given a Blessed Salvation by God’s Grace (vv. 20-24).

Matthew 16:15-17, NIV

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

John 14:6 NIV 6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Main Idea: We have been given a blessed salvation and a privileged mission by God’s grace.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Holy” (Chapter 12)

Set Apart

“Holy” found everywhere in conjunction with priests of God.
Holy days, places, objects, and people
Set apart by the Lord and for the Lord

God’s Classification System

Leviticus 10:10 NIV 10 so that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean,

Holy
Common
- Clean
- Unclean

An Orderly Universe

Separated light from darkness
Separated water from water to form the sky
Separated water from land

A Holy Nation

Separated types of seed in fields
Separated kinds of fabric from garments
Separated clean and unclean foods

“These unusual expressions of distinctions and order were a bridge to the deeper order in which God’s people were to belong to him and separate themselves from sin. Sin is an alien kind that should not mix with those created in God’s image.” - Edward Welch

“Death, too, sin’s constant companion, is alien to the God of life, so we are not surprised that priestly laws contained taboos against anything that had ties to death.” - Edward Welch

The Clean and Unclean

Clean - welcomed and could draw near
- Free to worship at the temple gates and enter the courtyard
- Included in the community
Unclean - unwelcome and remain far away
- The unclean were farther from God and closer in proximity to death.
- Excluded from the community

“The unclean person’s only hope was that God would do something to redeem him or her from uncleanness, and he did. The entire sacrificial system was intended to point the way from death toward the life giver himself. The unclean were purified or cleansed.” - Edward Welch

The Holy

Near to God
Set apart from the rest of creation
Honorable because the Lord brings them near to himself

From Unclean to Holy

Since the Fall, God is reclaiming the unclean and making them clean and holy.
Consecration, Sanctification
Sacrifice was the way to cleanse and make holy.

“The purpose of humanity is to be brought near to God as a holy people.” - Edward Welch

Left to ourselves, we are unclean.
Sin and death (sin’s colleague) are our problem.
God has made a way for forgiveness of sins through sacrifice.
His mission is to draw us close to himself and give life.
He takes the unclean and makes them clean.
He takes the clean and makes them holy.

“A Meal with God” (Chapter 13)

“You know that God has accepted you when he invites you to a meal.” - Edward Welch

Exodus 24:9–11 NIV 9 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up 10 and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. 11 But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

One Way, His Way

It is by grace that we draw near to God.
It is by God’s word and command that we draw near his way.

Divine Hospitality

The feet of God - a partial view of God’s presence
A covenantal meal, prepared by God

“‘Come, live under my protection, enjoy a meal with me; it is my honor to treat you; let’s talk.’ That’s the gist of the Lord’s Table. It gets to the heart of priestly privileges and pleasures, and it is a recurring event where heaven and earth meet.” - Edward Welch

First of Many Meals

Priests shared a meal from the sacrifices presented to the Lord.
People who brought a peace offering shared in a meal with the Lord from that offering.
Those who remained faithful to the Lord received an invitation to a soul-satisfying and free banquet (Isa. 55:1–6).
Jesus himself gathered the most unlikely and unworthy to eat with him.

Mt. Sinai, the Tabernacle, and the Lord’s Presence

Mt. Sinai was like a vertical tabernacle.
The people were at the base in the outer courtyard - they saw the cloud of God’s glory.
The elders were invited farther up into the inner courtyard - they saw the Lord’s “feet.”
Moses was invited up to the summit to the Most Holy Place - He would later see God’s “back.”

What about Us?

We have the coming of Jesus who revealed the Father to us.
But there is even more to come.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

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"True Discipleship" (Luke 9:51-62) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 27, 2020

Luke 9:51-62, NIV

51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[a]?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 4:18–19 NIV 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 6:27–28 NIV 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

A disciple of Jesus Christ is one that follows the example of Jesus by showing mercy.
A disciple of Jesus Christ is fully committed to him no matter the cost.

Main Idea: A true disciple is one who shows mercy and one who is totally committed to Jesus Christ no matter the cost.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Moses” (Chapter 10)

From Jacob to Levi

Jacob’s son Levi would be the father of the priestly line in Israel.
Transition from Father/Patriarch priests to Levite priests

A Levite Had a Son

Exodus 2:1–2 NIV 1 Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.

“This couple would have a priestly son, and he would stand in the gap between heaven and earth. He would receive words from the Lord to give to the people, and he would hear the pleas of the people to give to the Lord. In Moses, humanity’s true identity would become more vivid than in anyone before Jesus.” - Ed Welch

Meeting God in a bush.

Exodus 3:1–5 NIV 1Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

A moveable Most Holy Place - wherever God is, there is holy ground.
A fire that does not consume - awe and nearness.
Removed sandals - cleansing in the presence of the holy
A conversation - a back and forth dialogue between the Lord and Moses.

“This is an image-bearing priest on grand display. We alone are like God in such a way that he speaks to us, we listen, we speak to him, and he listens—back and forth. This is what can happen when God comes close, and it was a distinctive feature of Moses’s life.” - Edward Welch

Meeting God on a mountain.
Heaven and earth meet at Sinai.
A vision of heaven

Exodus 24:10 NIV 10and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky.

With God on the summit - the Most Holy Place

Exodus 24:16 NIV 16and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud.

Moses - a new Adam walking and talking with God on the seventh day.
A shining face - drawing near to the Lord is transformational.

Exodus 34:30 NIV 30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.

Meeting God in a small tent.
The Lord descends and came to Moses at the tent of meeting.
Face to face

Exodus 33:11 NIV 11The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Moses’ Priestly Role

Established altars and made sacrifices and burnt offerings
Guarded and kept the temple mountain to protect the people
Made a stand for God’s holiness (Ex. 32:21)
Led people into war (Ex. 17:8)
Taught and applied the words of the Lord to the people (Lev. 10:11; Deut. 33:10)
Preeminently, it was his nearness to God that identified him as a priest unto the Lord.

“Levites worked in the tabernacle courts, but they couldn’t get as near to the Most Holy Place as the priests who descended from Aaron. Moses and Aaron came from Levi, but Moses did not come from Aaron. Since Moses clearly came close to the Lord—closer than any Aaronic priest—he is a small reminder that non-credentialed people like us might also be able to come near to God, and he might come near to us.” - Edward Welch

“A Nation of Priests” (Chapter 11)

Exodus 19:5–6 NIV 5Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Priests among a Nation of Priests

Priestly line was demarcated and specific
- Levi
- Aaron

“Priests represented the people, and the high priest actually wore symbols of the people on his vestments, but the people in general were not priests... But we have reason to think that the line of priests was going to expand.” - Edward Welch

Priests outside the Line of Aaron

Moses
Samuel

1 Samuel 16:2 NIV 2But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’

King David’s sons

2 Samuel 8:18 NIV 18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.

Family-father priests (Passover, Ex. 12:1-11)

“It wasn’t the temple or Levi that defined the priesthood. The key was holiness, and holiness—an essential condition for priests in which they were chosen by God, set apart for him and cleansed—was going to be available to everyone (Lev. 19:2; 20:7–8).” - Edward Welch

“The people as priests came first. The Levitical priesthood did not replace the people as priests. It simply offered a more concentrated version of priestly life that would eventually be redistributed to all the people.” - Edward Welch

“This means that you are a treasured possession. Out of all creation, God determined that those whose allegiance is to him are of great worth, and when you have a treasured possession, you keep it close and never let it go.” - Edward Welch

“You are among a kingdom of priests. Men, women, and children wear the priestly garments. As per the original calling, you go out and serve as priests to the nations that are presently far off.” - Edward Welch

“You are brought into a holy nation. You are not holy because you are pure in yourself or closer to perfection than your neighbor. Only God makes us holy. Humility and thanks, therefore, are the natural response of all priests.” - Edward Welch

Leviticus 26:11–12 NIV 11I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. 12I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.

Isaiah 61:6 NIV 6And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.

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"Dependence and Humility" (Luke 9:37-50) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 20, 2020

Luke 9:37-50, NIV 37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”

41 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”

42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”

50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Everything that we have and can do comes from God’s gracious hand.
There is no room for spiritual pride.

Philippians 2:5-11, NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:3-4, NIV

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Main Idea: Because everything that we have and are able to do comes from God’s gracious hand, there is no room for spiritual pride.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

Part 2: Israel

“Sanctuaries & Ladders” (Chapter 8)

When God Comes Close

Altars - where heaven came to earth
God’s voice and heavenly visions - when God speaks, he is present.
Blessings and promises

When he blesses us, we will, in turn, pass that blessing to others, and a prized priestly job is to pronounce blessings. - Edward Welch

Holy
- people, places, special days, and objects that God has brought close to himself
Priests
Job - one of our priestly ancestors

Job 1:5 NIV5When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.

Abraham

Genesis 12:8 NIV8From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

Melchizedek

As God’s priest Melchizedek shared in the status of God himself, which means that he was Jesus. - Edward Welch

Was Melchizedek Jesus?

Melchizedek described with names, locations, etc. suggest he was a normal man.
Melchizedek, king of Salem parallel with king of Sodom in Gen. 14, who met Abram simultaneously (Wenham, Hamilton).
Hebrews 5-7 understands him to be a “type” of Christ, but not Christ himself. Melchizedek’s priesthood becomes a paradigm for the priesthood of Christ.
Both Jewish interpretation and early church interpretation understood Melchizedek to be a historical figure.

It has been suggested that he is the pre-incarnate Messiah. However, the author of the epistle to the Hebrews teaches against such an identification (see Heb. 7:3–4). - John Currid

Jacob

Genesis 28:12–13 NIV12He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.

Genesis 28:16–17 NIV16When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

Genesis 28:18–19 NIV18Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.

It was only a stone or two, but that’s how temples get started. This temple was the house of God, and from it was a ladder that traversed into heaven itself. - Edward Welch

When the veil of heaven is pulled back for a moment, as it was with the ladder, we see that much is happening. And God is resolute—he was making a way for his royal priests to be with him. He is never far. - Edward Welch

“Jacob” (Chapter 9)

...Priests are the ones brought close to God, and Jacob was very close. - Edward Welch

Genesis 32:24–30 NIV24So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” 29Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

Meeting God a Second Time

Jacob was alone, and it was dark.
- Facing danger
- Would he and his family survive his meeting with Esau?
God met him.
- God responds to our fears.
- God assures his people of his presence.
God emptied himself of strength.
- The “man” who wrestled with Jacob was most likely a Christophany - a preincarnate appearance of Christ.
- This event gives us a glimpse of the incarnation in which Christ humbled himself and took on the weakness of humanity.
God revealed his strength gently.
- God and his strength were revealed with he “touched” Jacob’s hip.

...Those who know God accurately know that he is inclined to be near, and to be near is to bless. - Edward Welch

God blessed him.
- A new name
  - No longer “deceiver”
  - Now “prevailer with God”

Priests typically were models of decorum when they came near to the Lord. There were, however, especially desperate times during which they learned that they could not make life work through their own cunning. At those times desperation emboldened them. Like the impudent midnight caller who kept asking a neighbor for bread until he finally got out of bed and gave him bread (Luke 11:5–8), we have the option of holding on to the Lord even tighter as we remember his power and love. There is more than one way to be near and receive the blessing he promises. - Edward Welch

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"The Glorified Messiah" (Luke 9:28-36) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 13, 2020

Luke 9:28-36, NIV

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

2 Peter 1:16-18

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Main Idea: The Suffering Messiah will one day come again as the Glorified Messiah.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Discernment Lost” (Chapter 6)

Genesis 3:22 NIV 22And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”

Humanity Downgraded

Humanity suffered a loss of status after the Fall.
The created order was inverted: serpent -> woman -> man.

Like God, Knowing Good & Evil?

How did Adam & Eve become “like God”?
How did Adam & Eve “know good & evil”?
- An experiential knowledge vs. a theoretical knowledge?
- Did “know good & evil” before the Fall but then lost it?
- Self-gained knowledge sought by human autonomy rather than by submission to divine revelation.

Knowledge by Revelation or by Autonomy?

Seeking our own knowledge and wisdom makes us “like God” in one sense in terms of our own autonomy and self-determination, but it makes us less “like God” in every other sense.
Disregarding God’s revelation actually makes us less “like God” and makes us “less human.”

In order to be full-functioning priests we need a steely, moral discernment. To lose it is to become less noble and honorable. It is to become less human. - Edward Welch

Yet the Lord has determined that nothing will interfere with his priestly call on our lives, so he will do it. He will set us on a course of wisdom and discernment that will culminate in the Spirit of wisdom being poured out on all of us. That wisdom and discernment will be essential for our closeness to God, which is our destiny. - Edward Welch

Deuteronomy 4:5–6 NIV 5See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”

1 Kings 3:9–10 NIV 9So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

Isaiah 5:20 NIV 20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Jeremiah 4:22 NIV 22“My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.”

Jeremiah 31:33 NIV 33“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Hebrews 5:14 NIV 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to dis

Obedience to Christ is not a burden to bear. Instead it points the way to being truly human—an unfettered conscience, an unhindered nearness to him, and the pleasure of his hospitality and protection. - Edward Welch

“Life outside the Most Holy Place” (Chapter 7)

The March of Death

Physical Death
Spiritual Death
- Breach in relationship with God
- Breach in relationship with one another
  - Blind to personal wrongdoing
  - Magnifying the wrongs of others

Genesis 3:11–13 NIV 11And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Point and Accuse

Excusing ourselves and passing blame is our default setting.

Proverbs 14:12 NIV 12There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Pointing and accusing is our means of covering up our own sins.

The accusations start flying when we want to cover up certain behaviors. So when you blame, consider what you are trying to hide. - Edward Welch

Nakedness and Shame

Rebellion brought guilt, which brought shame, which revealed our nakedness.
God clothed Adam and Eve.
- Covering of Atonement
- Reminder of Atonement

Among our many spiritual disabilities is that we so quickly forget reality. As a way to jostle a dull memory, the Lord clothed humanity with animal skins. For the ancient Hebrew the message was clear: if you follow an animal, you will look like an animal; if you forsake the path of life, you will wear death… Being draped with a dead animal was no reason for boasting. It was a statement of spiritual need. - Edward Welch

Inside Out

Humanity’s search for independence and autonomy only brought separation.
Adam’s original role was to work and protect the garden (Gen. 2:15).
Now the Garden would be protected from Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:24).

Genesis 3:24 NIV 24After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

In Our Place

A substitute could stand in our place.
The blood of an animal for the blood of humanity

This became a key insight for God’s priests: God will, in fact, accept substitutes in our place. - Edward Welch

An imperfect system: an animal cannot truly stand in the place of a human being
Grounded in the mercy of God

Farther from God’s Presence

Self-justification, others’ condemnation
Jealousy, envy, hatred, and murder

Blame is a form of judgment: “I am right; you are wrong.” It is a kind of curse: “May you be damned [rather than me].” We want the best for ourselves and punishment to fall on another. Murder was inevitable. - Edward Welch

Cain ventured farther and farther from Eden, farther from the presence of God.

Humanity was farther from God’s inner room. Yet nothing had changed. God created us to be a priesthood and to live at the meeting place of heaven and earth, and he would do it. - Edward Welch

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"The Cost of Discipleship" (Luke 9:18-27) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 6, 2020

Luke 9:18-27 (NIV)

18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus is the Anointed One of God.
Jesus is the Anointed One of God who came to die as a sacrifice for sin.
Because Jesus is the anointed one of God who came to die as a sacrifice for sin, he deserves the highest loyalty and sacrifice from his disciples.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“Discern Right from Wrong” (Chapter 4)

Two Trees, Two Paths

Genesis 2:17 NIV17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

To be fully human, which means to be close to the Lord, we must know that there are two paths.
- The path that is with God and to God is life and honor. It says yes with his yes and no with his no.
- The path that leads away from God can feel like pleasure for a moment, but it goes headlong into death. It says yes to his no and no to his yes.

“Moral Discernment… is a premiere feature of our humanity… Obedience, knowing right from wrong are… essential for a fruitful and good life to those who are replicas of the heavenly God on earth.” - Ed Welch

Moral Discernment, True Humanity

Image of God, Imitating God
Essential to All Relationships
- Human Relationships
- Divine-Human Relationship
To be human—God’s priest—is to discern what is best and what is deadly.
To be human is to act on that discernment and obey. This demands confidence in what God says and the humility to place his words above our own understanding and our own desires. It demands faithful love.
To be human is to teach and encourage others in their discernment.

“An Intruder” (Chapter 5)

Keeping Watch

The world has been filled with danger from the beginning.

“Everyday life was not intended for our relaxation and entertainment.” - Ed Welch

A part of Adam’s role to keep and care for the garden was to protect it from danger.
In the Garden, Satan (as the serpent) encountered a spiritually drowsy and unprepared humanity.

Genesis 3:1 NIV1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

Satan’s Schemes

God is not good. (Creating doubt)

Genesis 3:2–3 NIV2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ”

Sin is not bad. (Creating desire)

Genesis 3:4–5 NIV4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:6 NIV6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

“The serpent’s goal is for humanity to be remade in his image and imitate him. His twofold strategy remains his most prominent and effective weapon. Every failed spiritual test can be traced to our tacit agreement with him and these two lies. 'Go ahead,' he says, 'you will like it; rest in your own understanding. Look at the evidence. God is not that good, sin is not that bad. To put it bluntly, God is not good; sin is good.'” - Ed Welch

You are lost. (Creating despair)

“When we follow him into disobedience, Satan will add one final strategy: 'You are now irredeemably bad, and God could never forgive or love you.' … Shame replaces communion and fellowship, and everything is injected with hopelessness. We are fooled into thinking that we can never regain what’s been lost.” - Ed Welch

“Before priests could protect the holiness of the garden temple, they first had to learn to protect their own hearts.” - Ed Welch

Application of Chapters 4-5

Drawing near to God as his holy priests requires moral discernment, trusting in and obeying God’s commands.
Drawing near to God as his holy priests requires guarding our hearts against Satan’s schemes.

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“A Wilderness Banquet” (Luke 9:10-17) Pastor Cameron Jungels

Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 30, 2020

Luke 9:10–17 NIV 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”

13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

A Great Need (verse 12)

2. The Disciples’ Inability to Provide (verse 13)

2 Kings 4:42–44 NIV42 A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said. 43 “How can I set this before a hundred men?” his servant asked. But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’ ” 44 Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord.

3. Jesus’ Ability to Provide (verses 14-16)

An Even Greater Provision (verse 17)

Main Idea: Jesus, the Son of God, is completely sufficient for every need, and his power is most displayed through our weakness.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

“In God’s Image” (Chapter 2)

Genesis 1:26 NIV 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

We are created in God’s own image.

To bear his image is to be like him and have the capacity to grow in a relationship with him.
All creation is made to reflect God’s glory, but we are like him in every way a finite creature can be like him.

Not Just Pharaoh

In the Egyptian religion, Pharaoh was an “image” of the gods. Everyone else was a servant or slave to Pharaoh as the representative of the gods.
In biblical theology, all human beings were created to be “images” of God, each designed to relate to their Creator God.

Genesis 5:3 NIV 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.

Images of the Father

As a child reflects the likeness of the parent, so we reflect the likeness of our Creator God. We are his offspring.
We experience a likeness or kinship to God that uniquely qualifies us for a relationship with him.

“We can represent him to the world, we can participate in his purposes, and we can imitate him. Of all creation, we share the closest kinship with God, so we alone can know him and be known by him in the most intimate of ways.”

We alone have the capacity to live in God and he in us.

Psalm 8:5 NIV 5 You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.

We are priests, the very offspring of God, who share in his likeness.

Our Priestly Mission

With Eden as the epicenter, we were sent out to tame the untamed world. We were called to claim it for the Lord, work it, and keep it. There was much to do.
Our mission was to imitate him and represent him on earth.

“Be Fruitful”

In reproducing image bearers of God, we were called to expand the boundaries of Eden to the ends of the earth - to fill the earth with the glory of the Lord.
The New Testament image is disciple-making: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...” (Matt. 28:19).

“Not Yet Dressed” (Chapter 3)

“Naked and Not Ashamed”

God always intended to dress us.
The announcement that Adam and Eve were “naked and not ashamed” points to the need for clothing that would come with maturity.

Royal Robes

When kings ascend to their thrones, they were majestic garments.
When priests were installed they were invested with royal robes.
With new status comes new clothes.
Humanity’s task was to grow in wisdom, and with wisdom would come investiture and robes of righteousness.

Beauty and Glory

Beauty is a part of the priestly package. If we are close to God, it can be no other way.
As humanity matured into its mission, their role would be manifested in adorned beauty.

Isaiah 61:10 NIV 10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

The path toward this beautification was straightforward:

Genesis 2:17 NIV 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

This was the path toward beauty, honor, and communion with God. Do this and truly live.

“The path man chose veered from this path, but the beautification project continued nonetheless because it did not rely on man’s obedience and best efforts but solely on God’s pursuit.”

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"On Mission" (Luke 9:1-9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 23, 2020

Luke 9:1–9 NIV 1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

Jesus commissions his disciples for the mission (verses 1–2).

Luke 9:1–2 NIV 1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

His commission involved special authority.
His commission involved a specific message and mission.
Jesus instructs his disciples about the mission (verses 3–5).

Luke 9:3–5 NIV 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Luke 22:35–36 NIV 35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

The disciples obeyed Jesus’ commission (verse 6).

Luke 9:6 NIV 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Main Idea: Our mission is to be ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, faithfully presenting him and his message to the world.

Luke 9:7–9 NIV 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

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Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward T. Welch

Introduction: Longing for Closeness

The human condition is bent toward connection and closeness.
- Human to Human Relationships
- Human to Divine Relationship

All this carries the stamp of our spiritual lineage: we are priests. God’s intent for humanity has been that we would live in his house and receive his divine hospitality. That is the mission of the priests—priests are near God.

In his royal residence, which he declares is also our own, we are known, unashamed, at peace with each other, dressed in garments he himself tailored, ushered into a feast, and joined to him in communion that leaves us searching for words to describe.

Scripture must shape our understanding of priesthood and God’s design for it.

Part 1: Our Past

Eden

Chapter 1: In the Garden of God

Tabernacle and Temple: God’s House on Earth
“The Tabernacle” before the Tabernacle
Times when God came near

Genesis 1:1–2 NIV 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Spirit Hovering over the Waters (Gen. 1:2)

Apparently, heaven was never meant to contain the triune God. The movement between heaven and earth was always intended to be fluid. What follows is the story of that movement between heaven and earth—God coming from his abode into our own, and we being brought into his. Here you will find priests. It is an intensely personal story of mutual engagement.

Genesis 2:8–10 NIV 8 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.

Genesis 2:15 NIV 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Eden
- This was the Garden of God, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the “holy mountain of God.” This was God’s house.
- Eden was the first tabernacle, and humanity’s home was in the presence of God, in his Most Holy Place.
- Wherever God is, there is the tent of his dwelling.
Garden - a protected, sacred area within Eden
The holy place (Eden) was near him; the Most Holy Place (the garden) was nearer.
The rivers of Eden signify God as the source of life.
Humanity had a mission in the garden-”to work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). Similar language is used of the priests in the tabernacle (Num. 1:53; 3:36).
The tree of life was the symbol of the life we have in God’s presence. The tree of life is represented by the flowering lampstand in Israel’s tabernacle, merging the images of light and life (Ex. 25:31-34).

From the beginning, our everyday existence was intended to be lived out in the temple precincts. Our heritage is the royal priesthood. And since God’s purposes for us have never changed, you are a royal priest. You have a rich job description, and his Spirit is with you. God’s fellowship and hospitality have begun in earnest.

God desires that we be close.

Leviticus 26:12 NIV

12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.

Communion. Closeness. Heaven comes to earth, and our home is at the intersection of the two. This has been God’s plan for humanity, and he has done it.

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"Defeating Disease and Death" (Luke 8:40-56) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 16, 2020

Luke 8:40-56, NIV

40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Jesus’ compassion is not restricted to a particular group or class of society.
Jesus’ power is not limited by an incurable disease.
Jesus’ power is not limited by death itself.

Main Idea: Because Jesus is the Son of the Most High God, he can heal the incurable...

Isaiah 59:1 NIV 1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

…and he can save the unsavable.

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"After the Storm Passes By" (Proverbs 10:25) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, August 12, 2020

Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 10:30 The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

Proverbs 12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

Psalm 37:10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

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"Lord of All" (Luke 8:26-39) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 9, 2020

Luke 8:26–39 (NIV)

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

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“Calm in the Midst of the Storm” (Luke 8:22-25) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 2, 2020

Luke 8:22–25 NIV 22One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

In his wisdom, the Lord may allow crises to enter our lives.
The Lord may allow crises to enter our lives to remind us of our weakness and His strength.
The Lord may allow crises to enter our lives to strengthen our faith in Him.
The Lord may allow crises to enter our lives to give us a fuller picture of who He is.

Main Idea: In His sovereign wisdom, the Lord allows crises to test our faith so that we might know Him more fully and come to trust in His strength and not in ours.

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"A Time to Stand Firm" (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17) [Part 2]

Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 22, 2020

2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NIV)

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Thanksgiving (vv. 13-14)
Exhortation (v. 15)
Prayer (vv. 16-17)
Thanksgiving: Loved, Chosen, and Called

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 (NIV)

Exhortation: Stand Firm and Hold Tightly

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV 15So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Prayer: Encouragement and Strength

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 NIV 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Main Idea: Because of God's loving election and call, we may stand firm and hold tightly to the gospel, confident in the encouragement and strength God provides that will guide us home to glory.

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"Authentic Faith" (Luke 8:1-21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 26, 2020

Luke 8:1–21 (NIV)

8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

“ ‘though seeing, they may not see;

though hearing, they may not understand.’

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

A Christian may come from a variety of different backgrounds and classes in society.
A Christian receives the Word of God and produces the fruit of obedience.
A Christian listens attentively to the Word of God.
A Christian obeys the commands of Christ.

Main Idea: Authentic faith may be found in all kinds of people, and authentic faith produces fruit, listens to the Word of Christ, and obeys the Word of Christ.

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"A Time to Stand Firm" (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 22, 2020

2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NIV)

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Thanksgiving (vv. 13-14)
Exhortation (v. 15)
Prayer (vv. 16-17)
Thanksgiving: Loved, Chosen, and Called

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 (NIV)

To be continued...

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"Because He First Loved Us" (Luke 7:36-50) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 19, 2020

Luke 7:36–50 (NIV)

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Jesus’ ministry was offered to all kinds of people.
Jesus’ grace reached the most unworthy of sinners.
Jesus’ grace is often misunderstood and rejected by the self-righteous.
Sacrificial love is the proper response to the forgiveness granted to us by Jesus’ grace.

Main Idea: Because God loved us first, we love Him in response.

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“The Best Is Yet to Come” (Ruth 4) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 15, 2020

The path that God has planned for our good is not always a smooth, straight path.

Ruth 3:12–13 NIV 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

Ruth 4:1 NIV 1 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

Ruth 4:4 NIV 4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said.

We have a responsibility to face life’s challenges with wisdom and righteousness.

Ruth 4:1–10 (NIV)

4 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

2 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. 3 Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek. 4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.”

“I will redeem it,” he said.

5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.”

6 At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

7 (Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.)

8 So the guardian-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal.

9 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. 10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”

When the good that God has planned for us comes to pass, we should respond with joy and praise.

Ruth 4:11–17 (NIV)

11 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

We must remember that the good that God is doing in our lives may not be fully realized during our lifetimes.

Ruth 4:18–22 (NIV)

18 This, then, is the family line of Perez:

Perez was the father of Hezron,

19 Hezron the father of Ram,

Ram the father of Amminadab,

20 Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,

21 Salmon the father of Boaz,

Boaz the father of Obed,

22 Obed the father of Jesse,

and Jesse the father of David.

Main Idea: The life of the godly is not a straight path to glory, but by his grace they do get there.

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"Faith that Is Tested" (Luke 7:18-35) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 12, 2020

Luke 7:18–35 (NIV)

18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ”

21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:

“ ‘We played the pipe for you,

and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

and you did not cry.’

33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Main Idea: True faith will believe in Jesus even when things do not happen the way that we expect or the way that we would like them.

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"Wisdom and Righteousness under the Providence of God" (Ruth 4:1-12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 8, 2020

Ruth chapter 1

(Home to Moab and back again)
Loss
Loneliness
Love and Loyalty

Ruth chapter 2

(Home to the harvest field and back again)
Providence
Provision

Ruth chapter 3

(Home to the threshing floor and back again)
Righteous Plans
Righteous Actions
Righteous Character

Ruth chapter 4

(Home to the town gates and back again)
The path that God has planned for our good is not always a smooth, straight path.

Ruth 3:12–13 NIV 12Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

Ruth 4:1 NIV 1Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

Ruth 4:4 NIV 4I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said.

The path that God has planned for our good is not always a smooth, straight path.
But, we have a responsibility to face life’s challenges with wisdom and righteousness.

Preparation

Ruth 4:1–2 NIV 1Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. 2Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so.

Negotiation

Ruth 4:3–6 NIV 3Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek. 4I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said. 5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.” 6At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

Transaction

Ruth 4:7–10 NIV 7(Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.) 8So the guardian-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal. 9Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. 10I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”

Declaration

Ruth 4:11–12 NIV 11Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Consummation

Ruth 4:13 NIV 13So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

Main Idea: The path that God has planned for our good is not always a smooth, straight path. But, we have a responsibility to face life’s challenges with wisdom and righteousness.

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"Compassion and Power" (Luke 7:11-17) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 5, 2020

Luke 7:11-17 (NIV)

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Jesus the Son of Man Demonstrated Compassion for People.
Jesus the Son of God Demonstrated Power to Raise the Dead to Life.

Main Idea: Jesus is more than just a great prophet. He is the eternal Son of God, who has power within himself to raise the dead to life.

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"A Divinely Appointed Opportunity" (Ruth 3:1-18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 1, 2020 1. God’s Providence and Our Plans (Ruth 3:1-5)

Ruth 3:1–5 NIV 1One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. 2Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

5“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered.

Those who recognize the providential hand of God respond with righteous plans.

God’s Providence and Our Actions (Ruth 3:6-9)

Ruth 3:6–9 NIV 6So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.

7When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet!

9“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

Those who recognize the providential hand of God respond with action and whole-hearted obedience.

God’s Providence and Our Character (Ruth 3:10-18)

Ruth 3:10–18 NIV 10“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

14So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.”

15He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.

16When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her 17and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ ”

18Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

Those who recognize the providential hand of God respond by displaying noble character.

Putting It All Together: The providence of God provides us with opportunities to respond with faith-driven plans and righteous character and actions.

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"Amazing Faith" (Luke 7:1-10) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 28, 2020

Luke 7:1–10 NIV 1When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Who deserves the grace and kindness of God?

A man who is religious?
A man who is generous?

Who doesn’t deserve the grace and kindness of God?

A Gentile?
A Centurion?
God’s Grace Ignores Merit and Finds the Most Unlikely Sinners.
Unlikely Sinners Who are Beneficiaries of God’s Grace May Display Amazing Faith.
Amazing Faith Simply Trusts and Humbly Submits to the Lordship of Christ.

Faith begins when you see yourself as unworthy before God and you see Jesus as the Lord and Savior who is all-worthy.

God’s Amazing Grace Produces Amazing Faith.

Main Idea: Amazing Grace Produces Amazing Faith in Unlikely Sinners.

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"Bountiful Grace" (Ruth 2:14-23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, June 24, 2020

Ruth 2:1–23 (NIV)

2 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”

Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”

“The Lord bless you!” they answered.

5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”

When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. 16 Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”

17 So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. 18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

19 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!”

Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.

20 “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers. ”

21 Then Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’ ”

22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.”

23 So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

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"Don't Forget Your Father" (Deuteronomy 31:30-32:47) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 21, 2020

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 (NIV)

30 And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel:

32 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;

hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.

2 Let my teaching fall like rain

and my words descend like dew,

like showers on new grass,

like abundant rain on tender plants.

3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord.

Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,

and all his ways are just.

A faithful God who does no wrong,

upright and just is he.

5 They are corrupt and not his children;

to their shame they are a warped and crooked generation.

6 Is this the way you repay the Lord,

you foolish and unwise people?

Is he not your Father, your Creator,

who made you and formed you?

7 Remember the days of old;

consider the generations long past.

Ask your father and he will tell you,

your elders, and they will explain to you.

8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,

when he divided all mankind,

he set up boundaries for the peoples

according to the number of the sons of Israel.

9 For the Lord’s portion is his people,

Jacob his allotted inheritance.

10 In a desert land he found him,

in a barren and howling waste.

He shielded him and cared for him;

he guarded him as the apple of his eye,

11 like an eagle that stirs up its nest

and hovers over its young,

that spreads its wings to catch them

and carries them aloft.

12 The Lord alone led him;

no foreign god was with him.

13 He made him ride on the heights of the land

and fed him with the fruit of the fields.

He nourished him with honey from the rock,

and with oil from the flinty crag,

14 with curds and milk from herd and flock

and with fattened lambs and goats,

with choice rams of Bashan

and the finest kernels of wheat.

You drank the foaming blood of the grape.

15 Jeshurun grew fat and kicked;

filled with food, they became heavy and sleek.

They abandoned the God who made them

and rejected the Rock their Savior.

16 They made him jealous with their foreign gods

and angered him with their detestable idols.

17 They sacrificed to false gods, which are not God—

gods they had not known,

gods that recently appeared,

gods your ancestors did not fear.

18 You deserted the Rock, who fathered you;

you forgot the God who gave you birth.

19 The Lord saw this and rejected them

because he was angered by his sons and daughters.

20 “I will hide my face from them,” he said,

“and see what their end will be;

for they are a perverse generation,

children who are unfaithful.

21 They made me jealous by what is no god

and angered me with their worthless idols.

I will make them envious by those who are not a people;

I will make them angry by a nation that has no understanding.

22 For a fire will be kindled by my wrath,

one that burns down to the realm of the dead below.

It will devour the earth and its harvests

and set afire the foundations of the mountains.

23 “I will heap calamities on them

and spend my arrows against them.

24 I will send wasting famine against them,

consuming pestilence and deadly plague;

I will send against them the fangs of wild beasts,

the venom of vipers that glide in the dust.

25 In the street the sword will make them childless;

in their homes terror will reign.

The young men and young women will perish,

the infants and those with gray hair.

26 I said I would scatter them

and erase their name from human memory,

27 but I dreaded the taunt of the enemy,

lest the adversary misunderstand

and say, ‘Our hand has triumphed;

the Lord has not done all this.’ ”

28 They are a nation without sense,

there is no discernment in them.

29 If only they were wise and would understand this

and discern what their end will be!

30 How could one man chase a thousand,

or two put ten thousand to flight,

unless their Rock had sold them,

unless the Lord had given them up?

31 For their rock is not like our Rock,

as even our enemies concede.

32 Their vine comes from the vine of Sodom

and from the fields of Gomorrah.

Their grapes are filled with poison,

and their clusters with bitterness.

33 Their wine is the venom of serpents,

the deadly poison of cobras.

34 “Have I not kept this in reserve

and sealed it in my vaults?

35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay.

In due time their foot will slip;

their day of disaster is near

and their doom rushes upon them.”

36 The Lord will vindicate his people

and relent concerning his servants

when he sees their strength is gone

and no one is left, slave or free.

37 He will say: “Now where are their gods,

the rock they took refuge in,

38 the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices

and drank the wine of their drink offerings?

Let them rise up to help you!

Let them give you shelter!

39 “See now that I myself am he!

There is no god besides me.

I put to death and I bring to life,

I have wounded and I will heal,

and no one can deliver out of my hand.

40 I lift my hand to heaven and solemnly swear:

As surely as I live forever,

41 when I sharpen my flashing sword

and my hand grasps it in judgment,

I will take vengeance on my adversaries

and repay those who hate me.

42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood,

while my sword devours flesh:

the blood of the slain and the captives,

the heads of the enemy leaders.”

43 Rejoice, you nations, with his people,,

for he will avenge the blood of his servants;

he will take vengeance on his enemies

and make atonement for his land and people.

44 Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Fatherhood and the Family Are in Crisis.

Deuteronomy 32:6 NIV 6 Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?

God Is Our Father because He Made Us; Therefore He Is Worthy of Praise.

Deuteronomy 32:1–3 NIV 1 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. 3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

God Our Father Is Worthy of Exclusive Praise.

Don’t Forget Your Father and Wander Away to Other gods.

Deuteronomy 32:17–18 NIV 17 They sacrificed to false gods, which are not God— gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your ancestors did not fear. 18 You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.

If You Wander Away from Your Father to Other gods, Your Father Will Discipline You.

Today, We Have a Crisis of Fatherhood because We Have Forgotten Our Heavenly Father.

If You Have Forgotten Your Heavenly Father, Repent and Remember Him.

Deuteronomy 32:36–39 NIV 36 The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free. 37 He will say: “Now where are their gods, the rock they took refuge in, 38 the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up to help you! Let them give you shelter! 39 “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Deuteronomy 32:45–46 NIV 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.

Main Idea: Because our God made us and fathered us, He is worthy of our praise and exclusive loyalty. If we would desire His blessings, we must not forget our Father.

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"Not by Chance" (Ruth 2:1-13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, June 17, 2020

Ruth 2:1–13 (NIV)

2 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”

“The Lord bless you!” they answered.

5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”

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"What the Lord Requires of You" (Micah 6:8) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 14, 2020

Micah 6:8 NIV 8He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

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

1. A Child of God Pursues Justice, Because our God Is Just. 2. A Child of God Loves Mercy, Because our God is Merciful. 3. A Child of God Lives in Humility Before God, Because God Gives Grace to the Humble and Exalts Them.

Main Idea: A child of God seeks to live his or her life according to the godly traits of justice, mercy, and humility, because our Just and Holy God has shown us mercy and exalted us.

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"Welcome Home" (Ruth 1:19-22) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, June 10, 2020

Ruth 1:15–22 (NIV)

15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

19 So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

22 So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

God providentially cares for his people and welcomes the foreigner.

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"Compassion, Unity, and Humility" (Romans 12:15-16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 7, 2020

Romans 12:15–16 NIV 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

The Gospel Produces Compassion for the Family of God (v. 15).
The Gospel Creates Unity among the Family of God (v. 16).
The Gospel Generates Humility before the Family of God (v. 16).

Main Idea: The Gospel produces compassion, unity, and humility in God’s children, because we are born again to exemplify the gracious qualities of our Heavenly Father.

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"Love and Loyalty" (Ruth 1:15-18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, June 3, 2020 * Loss (Ruth 1:1-5) * Loneliness (Ruth 1:6-14) * Love and Loyalty (Ruth 1:15-18)

Ruth 1:14–18 (NIV)

14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

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"Persecution in a Crisis" (Romans 12:14, 17-21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 31, 2020

Romans 12:14 (NIV)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17–21 (NIV)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Passive Response to Persecution and Mistreatment
Do not curse.
Do not repay evil for evil.
Do not take revenge.
Do not be overcome by evil.
The Active Response to Persecution and Mistreatment
Bless those who persecute you.
Do what is right in everyone’s eyes.
Live at peace with everyone.
Leave room for God’s wrath.
Do real acts of kindness for your enemies.
Overcome evil with good.

Main Idea: Even in the most trying of circumstances, Christians are called by our Savior to gracefully receive the mistreatment of our persecutors and actively demonstrate sacrificial love to them.

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"Losing and Leaving" (Ruth 1:6-14) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, May 27, 2020 Ruth 1:6–14 (NIV)

6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.

8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”

Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”

14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

The “House of Bread” Has Bread Again (Ruth 1:6-7).

Ruth 1:6–7 (NIV)

The Long Road Home after Loss (Ruth 1:8-10)

Ruth 1:8–10 (NIV)

Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

Drinking the Bitter Cup of Loneliness (Ruth 1:11-14)

Ruth 1:11–14 (NIV)

14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

Main Idea: Even in our greatest seasons of loss and loneliness, God continues to provide for and providentially guide his people.

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"Charity and Hospitality" (Romans 12:13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 24, 2020 Romans 12:13 NIV 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1. Christians are bound by love to a local fellowship of believers and are called to meet one another’s needs.

2. Christians are bound by love to the global church of God and are called to support traveling brothers and sisters in Christ.

Main Idea: Because we have been loved by God, Christians are called to love one another, both at home and around the world.

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"Where Is God in Times of Distress?" (Ruth 1:1-5) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, May 20, 2020

Ruth 1:1–5 (NIV)

1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

Disorder
Deprivation
Disruption
Death

Where is God in Times of Distress?

Main Idea: Disorder, Deprivation, Disruption, and Death are our common lot in this fallen world, but none of these distressing circumstances falls outside the guiding providence of God.

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"In the Presence of the King" (Psalm 24) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Psalm 24 (NIV)

Of David. A psalm.

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it on the seas

and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?

4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not trust in an idol

or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord

and vindication from God their Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face, God of Jacob.,

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory?

The Lord Almighty—

he is the King of glory.

1. The King: The Creator of the Universe (1-2)

2. Coming to Meet the King (3-6)

3. The Entrance of the King (7-10)

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"A Mother in Crisis" (2 Kings 4:1-7) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 10, 2020

2 Kings 4:1–7 NIV 1The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” 2Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” 3Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” 5She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

A Mother’s Distressing Circumstances
A Mother’s Desperate Cry
A Mother’s Dependent Confidence
A Mother’s Divine Caregiver

Exodus 22:22–23 NIV 22“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 23If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.

Deuteronomy 10:18 NIV 18He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.

Main Idea: We can trust in God and respond with simple dependent obedience in times of need, because our almighty Father is our generous and gracious Caregiver.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer

“The Adequacy of God” (Chapter 22, Part 2)

Romans: Book of Riches

What those who are wise seek for in the Bible and you can find in Romans:

Doctrine - Truth about God
A Book of Life
The Book of the Church
God’s Personal Letter

What does Romans 8 contain?

The adequacy of the grace of God (1-30)
The adequacy of the God of grace (31-39)

The Doctrines Applied

“What then shall we say in response to these things?” (v. 31)

What defines true Christians in every age?

Commitment to all-round righteousness
Exposure to all-round pressures

“What then shall we say in response to these things?” Paul provides us with four thoughts...

If God Is For Us

“If God is for us, who is against us?”

No opposition can finally crush us.
- The adequacy of God as our sovereign protector
- The decisiveness of his covenant commitment to us

What was Paul’s purpose in asking this question: “If God is for us, who is against us?”

He is countering fear - the timid Christian’s fear of the forces which he feels are massed against him.
Paul knows that sooner or later this becomes a problem for every Christian.

“Think! says Paul in effect. God is for you; you see what that means; now reckon up who is against you, and ask yourself how the two sides compare.” - J. I. Packer

“You will find in thus knowing God as your sovereign protector, irrevocably committed to you in the covenant of grace, both freedom from fear and new strength for the fight.” - J. I. Packer

No Good Thing Withheld

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

No good thing will finally be withheld from us.
- The adequacy of God as our sovereign benefactor
- The decisiveness of his redeeming work for us
  - The costliness of our redemption - “He did not spare his own Son.”
  - The effectiveness of our redemption - “God gave him up for us all.”
  - The consequences of our redemption - “God will give us all things.”

Who Will Accuse Us?

“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?”

No accusation can ever disinherit us.
- The adequacy of God as our sovereign champion
- The decisiveness of his justifying verdict upon us
Paul wrote the two previous verses to counter the Christian’s fear of opposition and deprivation among men.
Paul writes this verse to counter fear of rejection by God.

“There are two sorts of sick consciences, those that are not aware enough of sin and those that are not aware enough of pardon...” - J. I. Packer

“Paul speaks directly to the fear (to which no Christian is a total stranger) that present justification may be no more than provisional—that it may one day be lost by reason of the imperfections of one’s Christian life.” - J. I. Packer

Paul does not deny the fact that Christians fail and fall.
Paul does not question the sadness or pain over sins committed as a Christian.
Paul does emphatically deny that any lapses now can danger our justified status.

“The reason, he says in effect, is simple: Nobody is in a position to get God’s verdict reviewed!” - J. I. Packer

“Who will be the accuser of God’s chosen ones?”

Paul reminds us of God’s grace in election: “God’s elect.”
Paul reminds us of God’s sovereignty in judgment: “It is God who justifies.”

“...nobody can ever challenge the verdict, not even “the accuser of the brethren” himself. Nobody can alter God’s decision over his head—there is only one Judge!—and nobody can produce new evidence of your depravity that will make God change his mind. For God justified you with (so to speak) his eyes open. He knew the worst about you at the time when he accepted you for Jesus’ sake; and the verdict which he passed then was, and is, final.” - J. I. Packer

Judgment is a royal prerogative - the sole decision of the King of kings and Lord of lords. “The sovereign Lord who justified you will take active steps to see that the status he has given you is maintained and enjoyed to the full. So loss of justification is inconceivable...” - J. I. Packer

Paul reminds us of Christ’s effectiveness in mediation: “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
- He died—to save us from condemnation, by bearing the penalty of our sins as our substitute.
- He rose and was exalted—“as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel” (Acts 5:31).
- He intercedes with authority for us—that is, he intervenes in our interest to ensure that we receive all that he died to procure for us.

“The loss of justification is inconceivable.”

Who Shall Separate Us?

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

No separation from Christ’s love can ever befall us.
- The adequacy of God as our sovereign keeper
- The decisiveness of divine love in settling our destiny

“...whereas human love, for all its power in other ways, cannot ensure that what is desired for the beloved will actually happen, divine love is a function of omnipotence, and has at its heart an almighty purpose to bless which cannot be thwarted.” - J. I. Packer

“For it is the privilege of all Christians to know for certain that God loves us immutably, and that nothing can at any time part us from that love or come between us and the final enjoyment of its fruits.” - J. I. Packer

Romans 8:38–39 NIV38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul displays God’s “all-sufficiency” in 2 ways:

God is adequate as our keeper.

1 Peter 1:5 NIV5who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

“...the power of God keeps them believing as well as keeping them safe through believing. Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are not strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you.” - J. I. Packer

God is adequate as our end.
- God is not a means to an end; He is the end and goal of our life’s quest.
- “Christ is the path, and Christ is the prize.”

“The purpose of our relationship with God in Christ is the perfecting of the relationship itself. How could it be otherwise, when it is a love relationship? So God is adequate in this further sense, that in knowing him fully we shall find ourselves fully satisfied, needing and desiring nothing more.” - J. I. Packer

“Once more, Paul is countering fear—fear, this time, of the unknown, whether in terms of unprecedented suffering or of a horrific future or of cosmic forces which one cannot measure or master. The focus of fear is the effect these things might have on one’s fellowship with God, by overwhelming both reason and faith and so destroying sanity and salvation together.” - J. I. Packer

“But, says Paul, we must fight this fear, for the bogey is unreal. Nothing, literally nothing, can separate us from the love of God: 'In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us' (v. 37).” - J. I. Packer

Learning to Know God in Christ

Who is this God who is “there” for us to know?

The God of the Bible
The God of Romans
The God revealed in Jesus
The Three-in-One of historic Christian teaching.

How do we “know” this God?

We begin by knowing about him.
- We come to know his revealed character and ways.
- We come to know his attributes of goodness and severity.
- Through this, we learn more about ourselves as fallen creatures bound for hell unless grace intervenes.
Knowing God involves a personal relationship with him.
- Giving ourselves to God on the basis of his promise to give himself to us.
- Asking for his mercy and resting on his undertaking to forgive sinners for Jesus’ sake.
- Becoming a disciple of Jesus
- Knowing God involves faith—assent, consent, commitment—and faith expresses itself in prayer and obedience.
Knowing God climaxes in full trust in the adequacy of God that dispels fear, knowing with assurance that we will be more than conquerors in Christ.

1 John 4:16–19 NIV16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us.

“...this is as high in the knowledge of God as we can go this side of glory.” - J. I. Packer

“...we have been brought to the point where we can grasp the truth in descriptions of the Christian life in terms of 'victory' and 'Jesus satisfies.' ...these phrases are precious, for they point to the link between knowledge of God on the one hand and human fulfillment on the other. When we speak of the adequacy of God, it is this link that we highlight, and this link is of the essence of Christianity. Those who know God in Christ have found the secret of true freedom and true humanity.” - J. I. Packer

“...we have been brought to the point where we both can and must get our life’s priorities straight… so many in our day seem to have been distracted from what was, is, and always will be the true priority for every human being—that is, learning to know God in Christ.”

Psalm 27:8 NIV8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

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"Serving One Another, Serving the Lord" (Romans 12:10-11) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 3, 2020

Romans 12:10-11, NIV 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Serving One Another (Romans 12:10)
- Serving one another needs to be motivated by love.
- Serving one another needs to be done with the love of a covenant family.
- Serving one another needs to be humble and sacrificial.
Serving the Lord (Romans 12:11)
- Serving the Lord needs to be motivated by love.
- Serving the Lord needs to be with full effort and zeal.
- Serving the Lord needs to be with enthusiasm and whole-hearted commitment.

Acts 18:24–26, NIV 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue...

Romans 6:17–18, NIV 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Main Idea: Christians that have been transformed by the love and grace of God serve the Lord with love and zeal and serve one another with love and humility.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer

“The Adequacy of God” (Chapter 22, Part 1)

In this chapter, J. I. Packer addresses the unbelief, doubts, and insecurities that hold us back from progress in the Christian life and from fully fulfilling our mission as disciples of Jesus Christ. What holds us back is a failure to trust, to completely rely on the adequacy of God for everything that we need from now to eternity.

In order to show us these truths, he leads us to Romans, because Romans encapsulates much of the Bible’s teachings about God, salvation, and the Christian life.

“All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans.” - J. I. Packer

Romans: Book of Riches

What those who are wise seek for in the Bible and you can find in Romans:

Doctrine - Truth about God
A Book of Life
The Book of the Church
God’s Personal Letter

What does Romans 8 contain?

The adequacy of the grace of God to deal with a whole series of predicaments (1-30):
- the guilt and power of sin (1-9)
- the fact of death (6-13)
- the terror of confronting personal holiness (15)
- weakness and despair in face of suffering (17-25)
- paralysis in prayer (26-27)
- the feeling that life is meaningless (28-30)
The adequacy of the God of grace - the emphasis moves from the gift to the giver, the Christian’s proper response to the grace of God in vv. 1-30 (31-39).

The Doctrines Applied

“What then shall we say in response to these things?” (v. 31)

What defines true Christians in every age:

Commitment to all-round righteousness - yielded to God as “slaves of righteousness” seeking to do the will of God fully.
Exposure to all-round pressures - with material hardship and human hostility as the common lot of all Christians.

What does Paul want to happen to Christians?

He wants them to “possess their possessions” - to know what is theirs in Christ and to live in light of it.
He wants them to know the peace, hope, and joy in God’s love which are the Christian’s birthright.

“Think of what you know of God through the gospel, says Paul, and apply it. Think against your feelings; argue yourself out of the gloom they have spread; unmask the unbelief they have nourished; take yourself in hand, talk to yourself, make yourself look up from your problems to the God of the gospel; let evangelical thinking correct emotional thinking.” - J. I. Packer

“What then shall we say in response to these things?” Paul provides us with four thoughts...

If God Is For Us

“If God is for us, who is against us?”

No opposition can finally crush us.
- The adequacy of God as our sovereign protector
“This is the God who showed his sovereignty by bringing Abraham out of Ur, Israel out of captivity in Egypt and later in Babylon, and Jesus out of the grave; and who shows the same sovereignty still every time he raises a sinner to spiritual life out of spiritual death.” - J. I. Packer
- The decisiveness of his covenant commitment to us

“This covenant relationship is the basis of all biblical religion: when worshipers say “my God,” and God says “my people,” covenant language is being talked. - J. I. Packer

What was Paul’s purpose in asking this question: “If God is for us, who is against us?”

He is countering fear - the timid Christian’s fear of the forces which he feels are massed against him.
Paul knows that sooner or later this becomes a problem for every Christian.

“Think! says Paul in effect. God is for you; you see what that means; now reckon up who is against you, and ask yourself how the two sides compare.” - J. I. Packer

“You will find in thus knowing God as your sovereign protector, irrevocably committed to you in the covenant of grace, both freedom from fear and new strength for the fight.” - J. I. Packer

No Good Thing Withheld

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

No good thing will finally be withheld from us.
- The adequacy of God as our sovereign benefactor
- The decisiveness of his redeeming work for us
  - The costliness of our redemption - “He did not spare his own Son."
  “In saving us, God went to the limit. What more could he have given for us? What more had he to give?” - J. I. Packer
  
  “So if God has already commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (5:8), it is believable, to say the least, that he will go on to give us “all things” besides.” - J. I. Packer - The effectiveness of our redemption - “God gave him up for us all.”
  
  “This fact is itself the guarantee that “all things” will be given us, because they all come to us as the direct fruit of Christ’s death.” - J. I. Packer
  
  “The unity of God’s saving purpose makes such further giving necessary, and therefore certain.” - J. I. Packer
  
  “The New Testament view is that the death of Christ has actually saved “us all”—all, that is to say, whom God foreknew, and has called and justified, and will in due course glorify. For our faith, which from the human point of view is the means of salvation, is from God’s point of view part of salvation, and is as directly and completely God’s gift to us as is the pardon and peace of which faith lays hold.” - J. I. Packer
  
  “Psychologically, faith is our own act, but the theological truth about it is that it is God’s work in us: our faith, and our new relationship with God as believers, and all the divine gifts that are enjoyed within this relationship, were all alike secured for us by Jesus’ death on the cross. For the cross was not an isolated event; it was, rather, the focal point in God’s eternal plan to save his elect, and it ensured and guaranteed first the calling (the bringing to faith, through the gospel in the mind and the Holy Spirit in the heart), and then the justification, and finally the glorification, of all for whom, specifically and personally, Christ died.” - J. I. Packer
  
  “The saving purpose of God, from eternal election to final glory, is one, and it is vital for both our understanding and our assurance that we should not lose sight of the links that bind together its various stages and parts.” - J. I. Packer - The consequences of our redemption - “God will give us all things.”

“We are unlike the Christians of New Testament times. Our approach to life is conventional and static; theirs was not. The thought of “safety first” was not a drag on their enterprise as it is on ours. By being exuberant, unconventional and uninhibited in living by the gospel they turned their world upside down, but you could not accuse us twentieth-century Christians of doing anything like that. Why are we so different? Why, compared with them, do we appear as no more than halfway Christians? Whence comes the nervous, dithery, take-no-risks mood that mars so much of our discipleship? Why are we not free enough from fear and anxiety to allow ourselves to go full stretch in following Christ? One reason, it seems, is that in our heart of hearts we are afraid of the consequences of going the whole way into the Christian life.” - J. I. Packer

“It is these half-conscious fears, this dread of insecurity, rather than any deliberate refusal to face the cost of following Christ, which make us hold back. We feel that the risks of out-and-out discipleship are too great for us to take. In other words, we are not persuaded of the adequacy of God to provide for all the needs of those who launch out wholeheartedly on the deep sea of unconventional living in obedience to the call of Christ. Therefore, we feel obliged to break the first commandment just a little, by withdrawing a certain amount of our time and energy from serving God in order to serve mammon. This, at bottom, seems to be what is wrong with us. We are afraid to go all the way in accepting the authority of God, because of our secret uncertainty as to his adequacy to look after us if we do.” - J. I. Packer

"Paul’s “all things” is not a plethora of material possessions, and the passion for possessions has to be cast out of us in order to let the “all things” in. For this phrase has to do with knowing and enjoying God, and not with anything else. The meaning of “he will give us all things” can be put thus: one day we shall see that nothing—literally nothing—which could have increased our eternal happiness has been denied us, and that nothing—literally nothing—that could have reduced that happiness has been left with us. What higher assurance do we want than that?” - J. I. Packer

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"Christians during a Crisis" (Romans 12:9-21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 26, 2020

Romans 12:9–21 (NIV)

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Sincere in Love

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9, NIV)

Love that is genuine
Love that is properly motivated
Love that is put into action
Serious about Holiness

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9, NIV)

Hating Evil
Loving Good

Main Idea: During difficult times, Christians must devote themselves to sincere love and serious holiness.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer

“These Inward Trials” (Chapter 21)

A well-meaning, but inaccurate application of the gospel, can cause disastrous results in the lives of new converts and immature Christians.
A gospel that promises too much—freedom from sin and temptation, resolution of relationship conflicts, overcoming fear and depression, etc.—is, at best, an imbalanced presentation of the Christian life, and, at worst, a gross distortion of the gospel that leads to false conversions and apostacy.

Misapplied Doctrines

The gospel does bring power over temptation and sin.
The gospel does produce the fruit of joy and peace through the Holy Spirit.
The gospel does bring us the abiding relationship with God our Father.
The gospel can help us restore broken marriages, families, and relationships.
But, to promise all of these things without the accompanying reality that the Christian life is also a struggle against temptation, the world, the flesh, and the devil and a daily taking up of our cross to follow Jesus on the road of suffering is to misrepresent biblical teaching.
A convert to Christianity who is drawn in with these false hopes is quickly disillusioned when the actual Christian life is harder to trod than anticipated. This person often falls away, revealing a false conversion.

Matthew 13:3–6 NIV3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

Matthew 13:20–21 NIV20The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

God often is very gentle with very young Christians. Their Christian life may begin with great emotional joy, striking providences, answers to prayer, and fruitfulness in their witness.
But as they grow stronger, and are able to bear more, he exercises them in a tougher school, including testing, opposition, discouragements, and weakness.
Through these more difficult experiences, he builds our character, strengthens our faith, and prepares us to help others.
He glorifies himself in our lives causing us to depend upon him, making his strength perfect in our weakness.

“There is nothing unnatural, therefore, in an increase of temptations, conflicts and pressures as the Christian goes on with God—indeed, something would be wrong if it did not happen.” - J. I. Packer

Wrong Remedy

Those who “oversell” the gospel, painting only a rosy picture of the Christian life, also apply the wrong remedy when things do not happen as expected, only making the problem worse.
Struggles, temptations, loss of joy, discouragement, etc. are diagnosed as failures caused by a lack of “consecration” and “faith.”
So, the struggling new Christian, is counseled to find, confess, and forsake his defection; to reconsecrate himself to Christ and maintain his consecration daily.
Having done this, he is promised once again, a return to the mountain-top, victorious Christian life.
In all error, there is always a mixture of truth. And the truth is that deliberate sin will cause a believer’s joy, rest of heart, and peace to ebb.
But struggle, fighting against sin, wrestling with the flesh, and encountering times of discouragement, are a normal part of the Christian life, and not in themselves a mark of waywardness or rebellion.
The presence of troubles, struggle, increased temptation, etc. is not necessarily an indication of failure on the believer’s part to maintain consecration to Christ. It more than likely is God’s exercising his child to become more mature and complete in Christ.
So, added to the imbalance of promising an over-inflated and rosy picture of the Christian life is the false remedy of bondage to self-introspection and guilt over “lack of consecration” when the Christian life is an uphill climb.

“It sentences devoted Christians to a treadmill life of hunting each day for nonexistent failures in consecration, in the belief that if only they could find some such failures to confess and forsake they could recover an experience of spiritual infancy which God means them now to leave behind. Thus it not only produces spiritual regression and unreality; it sets them at cross-purposes with their God, who has taken from them the carefree glow of spiritual babyhood, with its huge chuckles and contented passivity, precisely in order that he may lead them into an experience that is more adult and mature.”

Losing Sight of Grace

What is wrong with this teaching?

Fails to grasp NT teaching on sanctification and Christian warfare.
Does not understand the meaning of growth in grace.
Does not understand the operation of indwelling sin.
Confuses the Christian life on earth with the Christian life as it will be in heaven.
Misconceives the psychology of Christian obedience (Spirit-prompted activity, not Spirit-prompted passivity).
It loses sight of the method and purpose of grace.

What is grace?

God’s love in action toward people who merited the opposite of love.
There is both a will of grace and a work of grace. The will of grace is God’s eternal plan to save. The work of grace is God’s “good work in you” (Phil 1:6).
Grace includes, then, not only God’s purpose, but also his work of actually making us into children of God.

What is the purpose of grace?

Primarily, to restore our relationship with God.
God forgives our sins in order that we may live in fellowship with him.
God renews our nature in order to lead us into the exercise of love, trust, delight, hope, and obedience toward God.
The work of grace aims at an even deeper knowledge of God and an ever closer fellowship with him.
Grace is God drawing us sinners closer and closer to himself.

How does God fulfill this purpose of grace?

Not by shielding us from assault by the world, the flesh, and the evil.
Not by protecting us from burdensome and frustrating circumstances.
Not by shielding us from troubles created by our own temperament and psychology.

He exposes “us to all these things, so as to overwhelm us with a sense of our own inadequacy, and to drive us to cling to him more closely. This is the ultimate reason, from our standpoint, why God fills our lives with troubles and perplexities of one sort and another: it is to ensure that we shall learn to hold him fast.” - J. I. Packer

“God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough and perplexing, so that we may learn thankfully to lean on him. Therefore he takes steps to drive us out of self-confidence to trust in himself...” - J. I. Packer

The God Who Restores

It is God’s pattern and purpose to use our sins and mistakes to mature us in Christ. “He employs the educative discipline of failures and mistakes very frequently.”
The Bible is filled with examples of his people sinning and God chastening them for it.

“But the point to stress is that the human mistake, and the immediate divine displeasure, were in no case the end of the story.” - J. I. Packer

“God can bring good out of the extremes of our own folly; God can restore the years that the locust has eaten.” - J. I. Packer

“Unreality in religion is an accursed thing… Unreality toward God is the wasting disease of much modern Christianity. We need God to make us realists about both ourselves and him.” - J. I. Packer

John Newton:

I asked the Lord, that I might grow

In faith, and love, and every grace;

Might more of His salvation know,

And seek more earnestly His face.

I hoped that in some favoured hour

At once He’d answer my request,

And by His love’s constraining power

Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel

The hidden evils of my heart;

And let the angry powers of hell

Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed

Intent to aggravate my woe;

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

“Lord, why is this?” I trembling cried,

“Wilt thou pursue Thy worm to death?”

“’Tis in this way,” the Lord replied,

“I answer prayer for grace and faith.

“These inward trials I employ

From self and pride to set thee free;

And break thy schemes of earthly joy,

That thou may’st seek thy all in me.”

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"The LORD Our Refuge" (Psalm 16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 19, 2020

Psalm 16 (NIV)

A miktam of David.

1 Keep me safe, my God,

for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

apart from you I have no good thing.”

3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,

“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.

I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods

or take up their names on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;

you make my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Overview

A song of trust and confession of faith
A miktam of David

The LORD is worthy of our exclusive loyalty, because he alone is God (Psalm 16:1-4).

Only the LORD can be our refuge (Psalm 16:1).

Psalm 16:1 NIV 1Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

Only the LORD is to be worshiped (Psalm 16:2-4).
Confession of Faith (Psalm 16:2).

Psalm 16:2 NIV 2I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

Community of Faith (Psalm 16:3).

Psalm 16:3 NIV 3I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

Corruption of the Faith (Psalm 16:4).

Psalm 16:4 NIV 4Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

The LORD is worthy of our praise, because he has abundantly blessed us (Psalm 16:5-8).

The Blessing of God Himself (Psalm 16:5).

Psalm 16:5 NIV 5LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

The Blessing of Provision (Psalm 16:6).

Psalm 16:6 NIV 6The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

The Blessing of Wisdom (Psalm 16:7).

Psalm 16:7 NIV 7I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

The Blessing of Peace (Psalm 16:8).

Psalm 16:8 NIV 8I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

The LORD is worthy of our abiding trust, because he will never abandon us (Psalm 16:9-11).

Complete trust in the LORD brings joy (Psalm 16:9, 11).

Psalm 16:9 NIV 9Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

Psalm 16:11 NIV 11You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Complete trust in the LORD brings security (Psalm 16:9).

Psalm 16:9 NIV 9Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

Complete trust in the LORD brings hope (Psalm 16:10-11).

Psalm 16:10–11 NIV 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Main Idea: The LORD alone is worthy of our worship, praise, and trust, because he alone is our security, provision, and hope.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer

“Thou Our Guide” (Chapter 20)

Divine guidance has either been ignored or doubted because of the influence of modern notions about God, or it has been misunderstood by Christians leading to unnecessary anxiety.

God Has a Plan

Belief in divine guidance rests on two foundational facts:

The reality of God’s plan for us
The ability of God to communicate with us

Does God have a plan for individuals?

He does.
God has an eternal purpose for all things and all people (Eph 1:10-11).
God has a gracious eternal purpose for his redeemed people (Rom 8:28-30).

Can God communicate his plan to us?

He can.
Our God is a communicative God, exemplified countless times in the Scriptures.
Scripture contains explicit promises of divine guidance, whereby we may know God’s plan for our action.
God promises to give wisdom to those who sincerely ask in faith (James 1:5).
We are children of God. What father does not counsel or guide his children?
Scripture is God’s Word to us, for our teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16-17).
We have the Holy Spirit as our indwelling Instructor.
God seeks glory through our lives, so it stands to reason that God would guide us to obey his will so as to receive glory through us.

“It is impossible to doubt that guidance is a reality intended for, and promised to, every child of God. Christians who miss it thereby show only that they did not seek it as they should. It is right, therefore, to be concerned about one’s own receptiveness to guidance, and to study how to seek it.” - J. I. Packer

How We Receive Guidance

The question is not whether or not God guides us as his children; the proper question is how God guides. “Earnest Christians seeking guidance often go wrong.”

Why do Christians often go astray in their pursuit of God’s guidance?

A distorted conception of the nature and method of divine guidance.
They overlook the guidance that is ready at hand and open themselves up to all sorts of delusions.

“Their basic mistake is to think of guidance as essentially inward prompting by the Holy Spirit, apart from the written Word.” - J. I. Packer

How do thoughtful Christians make this mistake?

They hear “guidance” and immediately think of a particular class of “guidance problems,” which may be termed “vocational choices” — choices between competing options, all of which in themselves appear lawful and good.
- Should I marry or remain single?
- Whom should I marry?
- Where should I go to college?
- What vocation should I choose?
- Where should I live?
- What church should I join?
These are obviously important questions that deserve our attention, but the mistake is jump to the conclusion that all guidance problems are of this one type of “vocational choices.”

Two features about divine guidance in the case of “vocational choices” are distinctive:

These problems cannot be resolved by a direct application of biblical teaching.
So, because Scripture cannot directly decide the issue, people fall back to inward promptings and inclinations that give their minds a settled peace and therefore decide the issue on this basis, assuming that these inward promptings and inclinations are God-given and revelatory.

“The consequences of this mistake among earnest Christians have been both comic and tragic. The idea of a life in which the inward voice of the Spirit decides and directs everything sounds most attractive, for it seems to exalt the Spirit’s ministry and to promise the closest intimacy with God; but in practice this quest for superspirituality leads only to frantic bewilderment or lunacy.” - J. I. Packer

Those who adopt this mystical pursuit of guidance through inward impressions and promptings fail to grasp that the fundamental mode whereby our rational Creator guides his rational creatures is by rational understanding and application of his written Word.

“The true way to honor the Holy Spirit as our guide is to honor the holy Scriptures through which he guides us.” - J. I. Packer

“The fundamental guidance which God gives to shape our lives—the instilling, that is, of the basic convictions, attitudes, ideals and value judgments, in terms of which we are to live—is not a matter of inward promptings apart from the Word but of the pressure on our consciences of the portrayal of God’s character and will in the Word, which the Spirit enlightens us to understand and apply to ourselves.” - J. I. Packer

“The basic form of divine guidance, therefore, is the presentation to us of positive ideals as guidelines for all our living.” - J. I. Packer

“‘Turn from evil and do good’ (Psalm 34:14; 37:27)—this is the highway along which the Bible is concerned to lead us, and all its admonitions are concerned to keep us on it.” - J. I. Packer

“The reference to being ‘led by the Spirit’ in Romans 8:14 relates not to inward ‘voices’ or any such experience, but to mortifying known sin and not living after the flesh!” - J. I. Packer

Any inward thoughts and promptings that we have must be judged and evaluated on the basis of the revealed, written Word of God. “The Spirit leads within the limits which the Word sets, not beyond them.”

Six Common Pitfalls

Even with the right ideas about guidance in general, it is still easy to go wrong. Even regenerate human nature is open to inward deception of the heart.
Unwillingness to think.
Unwillingness to think ahead.
Unwillingness to take advice.
Unwillingness to suspect oneself.
Unwillingness to discount personal magnetism.
Unwillingness to wait.

No Simple Answers

Choosing the correct path does not guarantee a smooth road. Encountering obstacles and pitfalls along the way is not a sure indication that one has taken the wrong path.
Encountering troubles and trials is always an opportunity to assess our lives and the path we have chosen, but it does not immediately follow that the existence of troubles is a sure sign of sin or error.
Trouble is not necessarily a sign of being off track at all; for as the Bible declares in general that “many are the afflictions of the righteous” (Ps 34:19).
Things that we may consider a bad decision and a waste of life or opportunity may be exactly where God wanted us all along.
We cannot properly assess the wisdom of the path we have chosen by the lack or presence of hardships we face.
Hindsight is not necessarily 20/20, because we can’t know all the possibilities of alternative courses of action. Only God can.

“And if you are thinking that you know the will of God for your life and you are anxious to do that, you are probably in for a very rude awakening because nobody knows the will of God for his entire life.” - Elisabeth Elliot in Knowing God by J. I. Packer

When We Miss the Road

What if we do miss the road? What if we did clearly make a wrong choice and take the wrong path?
Is the damage irrevocable? Have we completely messed up God’s will for our lives? Thank God, no.

“Our God is a God who not merely restores, but takes up our mistakes and follies into his plan for us and brings good out of them.” - J. I. Packer

“Guidance, like all God’s acts of blessing under the covenant of grace, is a sovereign act. Not merely does God will to guide us in the sense of showing us his way, that we may tread it; he wills also to guide us in the more fundamental sense of ensuring that, whatever happens, whatever mistakes we may make, we shall come safely home. Slippings and strayings there will be, no doubt, but the everlasting arms are beneath us; we shall be caught, rescued, restored. This is God’s promise; this is how good he is.” - J. I. Packer

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“Resurrection and Reunion” Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Easter Sunday AM, April 12, 2020

We are designed to be in fellowship and close relationship with one another and with God.
All human beings are designed to be in close relationship with other human beings.

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Gen. 2:18 NIV)

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Prov. 17:17 NLT)

Human beings are designed to be in close relationship with their Creator God.
Sin has alienated us from one another and from God.
The penalty for sin, death, completely separates us from one another and from God.
Resurrection results in reunion.

The Bible actually speaks of two kinds of resurrection:

Resurrection from spiritual death reconciles us to God and begins to restore our broken relationships with one another.

24 "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. (Jn. 5:24–26 NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Pet. 1:3 NIV)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13 NIV)

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- (Col. 1:21-22 NIV)

Resurrection from physical death reunites us with the whole family of God and with the full presence of God—Father, Son, and Spirit.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Cor. 15:20 NIV)

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18 NIV)

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Rom. 8:29-30 NIV)

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thess. 4:13-17 NIV)

Main Idea: The resurrection of Jesus Christ restores our fellowship with one another and with God and one day will reunite us with one another and with our God.

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"Jesus the Cornerstone" (Matthew 21:33-46) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, April 8, 2020

Matthew 21:33–46 (NIV)

33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.

35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

38 “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“ ‘The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

the Lord has done this,

and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

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"A King on a Donkey" (Zechariah 9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020

Matthew 21:1–11 (NIV)

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The LORD will triumph in victory over the enemies of his people (Zechariah 9:1-8).

Zechariah 9:1–8 (NIV)

9 A prophecy:

The word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrak

and will come to rest on Damascus—

for the eyes of all people and all the tribes of Israel

are on the Lord—

2 and on Hamath too, which borders on it,

and on Tyre and Sidon, though they are very skillful.

3 Tyre has built herself a stronghold;

she has heaped up silver like dust,

and gold like the dirt of the streets.

4 But the Lord will take away her possessions

and destroy her power on the sea,

and she will be consumed by fire.

5 Ashkelon will see it and fear;

Gaza will writhe in agony,

and Ekron too, for her hope will wither.

Gaza will lose her king

and Ashkelon will be deserted.

6 A mongrel people will occupy Ashdod,

and I will put an end to the pride of the Philistines.

7 I will take the blood from their mouths,

the forbidden food from between their teeth.

Those who are left will belong to our God

and become a clan in Judah,

and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

8 But I will encamp at my temple

to guard it against marauding forces.

Never again will an oppressor overrun my people,

for now I am keeping watch.

a. The LORD will defeat his foes (vv. 1-6).

b. The LORD will deliver a remnant (v. 7).

Zechariah 9:7 NIV 7 I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

c. The LORD will defend his people (v. 8).

Zechariah 9:8 NIV 8 But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

The LORD will install his Messianic King in Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9-10).

Zechariah 9:9–10 NIV 9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

The LORD will renew and restore his covenant people (Zechariah 9:11-17).

Zechariah 9:11–17 (NIV)

11 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,

I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.

12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope;

even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.

13 I will bend Judah as I bend my bow

and fill it with Ephraim.

I will rouse your sons, Zion,

against your sons, Greece,

and make you like a warrior’s sword.

14 Then the Lord will appear over them;

his arrow will flash like lightning.

The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet;

he will march in the storms of the south,

15 and the Lord Almighty will shield them.

They will destroy

and overcome with slingstones.

They will drink and roar as with wine;

they will be full like a bowl

used for sprinkling the corners of the altar.

16 The Lord their God will save his people on that day

as a shepherd saves his flock.

They will sparkle in his land

like jewels in a crown.

17 How attractive and beautiful they will be!

Grain will make the young men thrive,

and new wine the young women.

Matthew 21:1–9 (NIV)

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Main Idea: The Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem marks the dawn of the age of the Messianic King, which will ultimately culminate in the Lord's complete victory and the restoration of his people.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “Sons of God” (Chapter 19, part 2)

What is a Christian?

A Christian is one who has God as Father.

A New Relationship

Adoption: The Highest Privilege

Adoption: The Basis for Our Life

Christian Conduct

Adoption is the basis of Christian conduct.

Christian Prayer

Adoption is the basis of Christian prayer.

The Life of Faith

What Our Adoption Shows Us

Propitiation only occurs four times in the NT, but it is fundamentally important, as being the nucleus and focal point of the whole NT teaching on the saving work of Christ.
The word adoption only occurs three times in the NT with reference to our present relationship to God in Christ (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5). Yet the concept of adoption is the nucleus and focal point of the whole NT teaching on the Christian life.
The focus of the NT message: adoption through propitiation.

God’s Love: Our adoption shows us the greatness of God’s love.

Two biblical ways to measure God’s love:

The cross of Christ
The gift of sonship

In the ancient world, a well-to-do childless man would adopt a young adult who had shown himself to be worthy of carrying on the family name. God does not adopt us in this way. Just the opposite, he adopts us out of his free love, not because our character and record show us to be worthy to bear his name.

“Adoption, by its very nature, is an art of free kindness to the person adopted. If you become a father by adopting a son or daughter, you do so because you choose to, not because you are bound to. Similarly, God adopts because he chooses to. He had no duty to do so.” - J. I. Packer

God’s adoptive grace does not stop with the initial act of adoption. The establishing of the child’s status as a member of the family is only the beginning. The Father continues to show love to us by which he wins our love. “The prospect before the adopted children of God is an eternity of love.”

“It is like a fairy story—the reigning monarch adopts waifs and strays to make princes of them. But, praise God, it is not a fairy story: it is hard and solid fact, founded on the bedrock of free and sovereign grace.” - J. I. Packer

Hope: Our adoption shows us the glory of the Christian hope.

New Testament Christianity is a religion of hope, a faith that looks forward.
Our Christian adoption teaches us to think of our hope not as a possibility or as a likelihood, but as a guaranteed certainty, because it is a promised inheritance.
God’s adoption of us makes us his heirs, and so guarantees to us, as our right (we might say), the inheritance that he has in store for us.
The doctrine of adoption tells us that the sum and substance of our promised inheritance is a share in the glory of Christ.
We shall be made like our elder brother at every point, and sin and mortality, the double corruption of God’s good work in the moral and spiritual spheres respectively, will be things of the past.
This likeness will extend to our physical being as well as our mind and character.

Romans 8:23 NIV 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

When we think of Jesus exalted in glory, in the fullness of the joy for which he endured the cross, we should always remind ourselves that everything he has will someday be shared with us, for it is our inheritance no less than his; we are among the“many sons” whom God is bringing to glory (Heb 2:10), and God’s promise to us and his work in us are not going to fail.
The doctrine of adoption tells us that the experience of heaven will be of a family gathering.
...as the great host of the redeemed meet together in face-to-face fellowship with their Father-God and Jesus their brother. This is the deepest and clearest idea of heaven that the Bible gives us.
What will make heaven to be heaven is the presence of Jesus, and of a reconciled divine Father who loves us for Jesus’ sake no less than he loves Jesus himself. To see, and know, and love, and be loved by, the Father and the Son, in company with the rest of God’s vast family, is the whole essence of the Christian hope.

The Spirit: Our adoption gives us the key to understanding the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Too many have a confused understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Rather than being content with the biblical description of his ministry, they seek that which is experiential, radical, mystical—something they can feel.
This quest for an inward explosion rather than an inward communion shows deep misunderstanding of the Spirit’s ministry.
The vital truth to be grasped here is that the Spirit is given to Christians as “the Spirit of adoption,” and in all his ministry to Christians he acts as the Spirit of adoption.
His task and purpose throughout is to make Christians realize with increasing clarity the meaning of their filial relationship with God in Christ, and to lead them into an ever deeper response to God in this relationship.

By considering the Spirit’s ministry through him being the “Spirit of adoption,” his work has three aspects:

He makes us and keeps us conscious that we are God’s children by free grace through Jesus Christ.
He moves us to look to God as to a father, showing toward him the respectful boldness and unlimited trust that is natural to children secure in an adored father’s love.
He impels us to act up to our position as royal children by manifesting the family likeness (conforming to Christ), furthering the family welfare (loving the brethren) and maintaining the family honor (seeking God’s glory). This is his work of sanctification.

“So it is not as we strain after feelings and experiences but as we seek God himself, looking to him as our Father, prizing his fellowship, and finding in ourselves an increasing concern to know and please him, that the reality of the Spirit’s ministry becomes visible in our lives.” - J. I. Packer

Holiness: Our adoption shows us the meaning and motives of “gospel holiness.”

“Gospel Holiness” vs. “Legal Holiness”

“Gospel Holiness” - authentic Christian living, springing from love and gratitude to God.
“Legal Holiness” - consisting merely of forms, routines and outward appearances, maintained from self-regarding motives.

“Gospel Holiness”

Consistently living out our filial relationship with God into which the gospel brings us. It is the expressing of one’s adoption into the family of God. A child of God living as a child of God, true to his Father, to his Savior, and to himself.
The adoptive relationship, which displays God’s grace so vividly, itself provides the motive for this authentically holy living.
We live like a daughter or son of God, because we are a son or daughter of God.

1 John 3:1–3 NIV 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

“The children know that holiness is their Father’s will for them, and that it is both a means, condition, and constituent of their happiness, here and hereafter; and because they love their Father they actively seek the fulfilling of his beneficent purpose.” - J. I. Packer

The Father’s discipline is a loving part of the process of moving us toward holiness, which is our ultimate destiny.

Hebrews 12:6–7 NIV 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

Hebrews 12:11 NIV 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Adoption into the family of God for the purpose of gospel holiness helps us better understand Romans 8:28.

Romans 8:28 NIV 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Adoption into the family of God for the purpose of gospel holiness also helps us better understand the place of obedience in the Christian life.

“Justification frees one forever from the need to keep the law, or try to, as the means of earning life, it is equally true that adoption lays on one the abiding obligation to keep the law, as the means of pleasing one’s newfound Father. Law-keeping is the family likeness of God’s children...” - J. I. Packer

Assurance: Our adoption gives the clue we need to see our way through the problem of assurance.

What is assurance?
Whom does God assure?—all believers, some or none?
When he assures, what does he assure of?
And by what means is assurance given?

If God in love has made Christians his children, and if he is perfect as a Father, two things would seem to follow:

The family relationship must be an abiding one, lasting forever. Perfect parents do not cast off their children. Christians may act the prodigal, but God will not cease to act the prodigal’s father.

Romans 8:29–30 NIV 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

God will go out of his way to make his children feel his love for them and know their privilege and security as members of his family. Adopted children need assurance that they belong, and a perfect parent will not withhold it.

Romans 8:16–17 NIV 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The witness of our spirit becomes a reality as “the Holy Spirit enables us to ascertain our sonship, from being conscious of, and discovering in ourselves, the true marks of a renewed state.” - Robert Haldane (quoted in J. I. Packer, Knowing God)

This is inferential assurance, being a conclusion drawn from the fact that one knows the gospel, trusts Christ, brings forth works meet for repentance, and manifests the instincts of a regenerate man.

“The Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit in a distinct and immediate testimony, and also with our spirit in a concurrent testimony.” - Robert Haldane (quoted in J. I. Packer, Knowing God)

This is immediate assurance, the direct work of the Spirit in the regenerate heart, coming in to supplement the God-prompted witness of our own spirit.

“So the truth about assurance comes out like this: Our heavenly Father intends his children to know his love for them, and their own security in his family. He would not be the perfect Father if he did not want this, and if he did not act to bring it about. His action takes the form of making the dual witness that we have described part of the regular experience of his children. Thus he leads them to rejoice in his love.” - J. I. Packer

We may strengthen the inferential aspect of our assurance by making use of the doctrinal and ethical criteria of 1 John.
The source of our assurance, however, is not our inferences as such, but the work of the Spirit, convincing us that we are God’s children and that the saving love and promises of God apply directly to us.

The Great Secret

The doctrine of adoption has not received the attention it deserves in our thinking on the Christian life.

“Do I, as a Christian, understand myself? Do I know my own real identity? My own real destiny? I am a child of God. God is my Father; heaven is my home; every day is one day nearer. My Savior is my brother; every Christian is my brother too.” - J. I. Packer

Do I understand my adoption? Do I value it? Do I daily remind myself of my privilege as a child of God?
Have I sought full assurance of my adoption? Do I daily dwell on the love of God to me?
Do I treat God as my Father in heaven, loving, honoring and obeying him, seeking and welcoming his fellowship, and trying in everything to please him, as a human parent would want his child to do?
Do I think of Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Lord, as my brother too, bearing to me not only a divine authority but also a divine-human sympathy? Do I think daily how close he is to me, how completely he understands me, and how much, as my kinsman-redeemer, he cares for me?
Have I learned to hate the things that displease my Father? Am I sensitive to the evil things to which he is sensitive? Do I make a point of avoiding them, lest I grieve him?
Do I look forward daily to that great family occasion when the children of God will finally gather in heaven before the throne of God, their Father, and of the Lamb, their brother and their Lord? Have I felt the thrill of this hope?
Do I love my Christian brothers and sisters with whom I live day by day, in a way that I shall not be ashamed of when in heaven I think back over it?
Am I proud of my Father, and of his family, to which by his grace I belong?
Does the family likeness appear in me? If not, why not?

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"Citizens of Heaven" (Philippians 3:20–21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 29, 2020

Philippians 3:20–21 NIV 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

A Christian’s true citizenship is in heaven.

Two unhealthy ways we focus our attention on the world:

Desire - coveting the world’s pleasures
Distress - fearing the world’s troubles

Colossians 3:1 NIV 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

A Christian’s sure hope is a returning Savior.

Philippians 2:11 NIV 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A Christian’s steadfast confidence is in a sovereign Lord.
A Christian’s certain future is a resurrected, glorified existence.

Main Idea: A Christian need not fear uncertain or troubling circumstances, because we have a sovereign Lord and Savior, who is coming again to glorify us and bring us to our true home.

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"The LORD our Help" (Psalm 121) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday, March 22, 2020

Psalm 121 (NIV)

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

The LORD is our source of help; therefore, we should look to him (vv. 1-2).
The LORD is our vigilant help who never fails to watch over us (vv. 3-4).
The Lord is our protector who ensures the safety of his people (vv. 5-6).
The Lord is faithful and eternal, and he will never stop caring for us (vv. 7-8).

Main Idea: In times of trouble and uncertainty, we may trust the LORD, who is our vigilant, faithful, protecting helper.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “Sons of God” (Chapter 19)

What is a Christian?

A Christian is one who has God as Father.
Everyone is a creature of God by creation, but not everyone is a child of God by redemption.

“Sonship to God is not, therefore, a universal status into which everyone enters by natural birth, but a supernatural gift which one receives through receiving Jesus.” - J. I. Packer

Sonship is a gift of grace. It is not a natural sonship, but an adoptive sonship.

Ephesians 1:5 NIV 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

The revelation to the believer that God is his Father is in a sense the climax of the Bible.

In the OT, God revealed his covenant name as Yahweh, (the LORD). Holiness was the emphasis. The “fear of the LORD” was our proper response.
In the NT, God is still holy, but a new relationship has been emphasized. “Father” has become his covenant name and the name by which his people call him.

A New Relationship

Christians are his children, his own sons and daughters, his heirs.

“To those who are Christ’s, the holy God is a loving Father; they belong to his family; they may approach him without fear and always be sure of his fatherly concern and care. This is the heart of the New Testament message.” - J. I. Packer

Our comprehension of God as our Father need not be limited or distorted by our own experiences with our earthly fathers.
We all have an innate perception of what an ideal father would be, and the NT gives us clear testimony to the perfect fatherhood of God in relation to Jesus Christ.
God’s relationship as Father to us is meant to be a reflection and reproduction of God the Father’s own fellowship with Jesus, God the Son.

God’s fatherly relation to Jesus in John’s Gospel:

Fatherhood implied authority.

John 6:38 NIV 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

Fatherhood implied affection.

John 5:20 NIV 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

Fatherhood implied fellowship.

John 8:29 NIV 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

Fatherhood implied honor.

John 17:1 NIV 1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

John 5:22–23 NIV 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

Each of these dimensions of fatherhood apply to us as believers as well:

We are to obey our heavenly Father.
We have fellowship with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.
Our Father loves us as his adopted children.
We are honored by our heavenly Father through our union with Christ.

John 12:26 NIV 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Adoption: The Highest Privilege

A Formal Definition: “All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; have His name put upon them, receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father; are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by Him, as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation.” WCF 12

Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers, higher even than justification.

Justification—God’s forgiveness of the past together with his acceptance for the future—is the primary and fundamental blessing of the gospel.
- It is primary, because it meets our primary spiritual need: forgiveness of sins, rescue from God’s wrath, and reconciliation.
- It is fundamental, because everything else in our salvation assumes it and rests on it.
But it can be argued that adoption is the highest blessing.
- Justification deals with our relationship with God as our Judge - legal.
- Adoption deals with our relationship with God as our Father - familial.
- Justification, in and of itself, does not imply any intimate or deep relationship with God the judge.
- Adoption is a family idea, conceived in terms of love, and viewing God as father. Closeness, affection and generosity are at the heart of the relationship.

According to the Scriptures, pardon, acceptance, and adoption, are distinct privileges, the one rising above the other in the order in which they have been stated . . . while the first two properly belong to (the sinner’s) justification, as being both founded on the same relation—that of a Ruler and Subject—the third is radically distinct from them, as being founded on a nearer, more tender, and more endearing relation—that between a Father and his Son. . . . There is a manifest difference between the position of a servant and a friend—and also between that of a servant and a son. . . . A closer and dearer intimacy than that of a master and servant is said to subsist between Christ and His people: “Henceforth I call you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends” (John 15:15); and a still closer and dearer relation is said to exist in consequence of adoption; for “Thou art no more a servant, but a son, and an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7). The privilege of adoption presupposes pardon and acceptance, but is higher than either; for, “To as many as received Him, to them gave he power”—not inward strength, but authority, right, or privilege—“to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). This is a higher privilege than of Justification, as being founded on a closer and more endearing relation—“Behold! what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God.” - James Buchanan, The Doctrine of Justification

Galatians 4:4–7 NIV 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Adoption is an abiding blessing. In God’s family there is absolute stability and security; the parent is entirely wise and good, and the child’s position is permanently assured.

Adoption: The Basis for Our Life

The entire Christian life has to be understood in terms of adoption. “Sonship” must be the controlling thought.
Just as Jesus always thought of himself as Son of God in a unique sense, so he always thought of his followers as children of his heavenly Father, members of the same divine family as himself.

John 20:17–18 NIV 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Just as the knowledge of his unique Sonship controlled Jesus’ living of his own life on earth, so he insists that the knowledge of our adoptive sonship must control our lives too.
The Sermon on the Mount: The Christian’s “Royal Family Code”

Christian Conduct

Adoption is the basis of Christian conduct.

“...the sermon teaches Christian conduct not by giving a full scheme of rules and a detailed casuistry, to be followed with mechanical precision, but by indicating in a broad and general way the spirit, direction and objectives, the guiding principles and ideals, by which the Christian must steer his course…precisely the kind of moral instruction that parents are constantly trying to give their children.” - J. I. Packer

Three Principles of Christian Family Conduct:

Imitate the Father.

Matthew 5:44–45 NIV 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 5:48 NIV 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Glorify the Father.

Matthew 5:16 NIV 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Please the Father.

Matthew 6:1 NIV 1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:4 NIV 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Christian Prayer

Adoption is the basis of Christian prayer.

Matthew 6:9 NIV 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

“Jesus could say to his Father, “You always hear me” (Jn 11:42), and he wants his disciples to know that, as God’s adopted children, the same is true of them. The Father is always accessible to his children and is never too preoccupied to listen to what they have to say. This is the basis of Christian prayer.” - J. I. Packer

Prayer must not be thought of in impersonal or mechanical terms, as a technique for putting pressure on someone who otherwise might disregard you.

Matthew 6:7–8 NIV 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Prayer may be free and bold.

Matthew 7:7–11 NIV 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

God lovingly hears our prayers, but often he gives us what we should have asked for, rather than what we actually asked for, because he is a wise, loving Father.

The Life of Faith

Adoption is the basis of the life of faith—the life of trusting God for our needs as we put his kingdom and righteousness first.
Faith is not foolhardiness or presumption — there is a difference.
Faith is tested when disciples live for Christ in a hostile world.
Following Jesus may mean that we forfeit some measure of worldly security or prosperity, but Jesus reminds us of what our status as adopted children of God promises.

Matthew 6:25–26 NIV 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:31–33 NIV 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “If God Be for Us...” (Part 3) “The Heart of the Gospel” (Chapter 18, part 2)

Review of Chapter 18, part 1

The Death of Christ

“The basic description of the saving death of Christ in the Bible is as a propitiation, that is, as that which quenched God’s wrath against us by obliterating our sins from his sight.” - J. I. Packer

“...the sins of all that will ever be pardoned were judged and punished in the person of God the Son, and it is on this basis that pardon is now offered to us offenders. Redeeming love and retributive justice joined hands, so to speak, at Calvary, for there God showed himself to be ‘just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.’” - J. I. Packer

The Gospel is not fundamentally about a solution to our human problems.
The Gospel is fundamentally about a reconciliation of sinners to their Creator.
Other human problems only have a true remedy through this reconciliation with God in Christ.

Descriptions of the Death of Christ in the Bible:

Reconciliation
Redemption
Sacrifice
Self-giving
Sin-bearing
Blood-shedding
All connected with the idea of propitiation

“All these thoughts have to do with the putting away of sin and the restoring of unclouded fellowship between man and God, as a glance at the texts mentioned will show; and all of them have as their background the threat of divine judgment which Jesus’ death averted.” - J. I. Packer

Propitiation - the heart of the Gospel and the vantage point from which to see the heart of many other biblical teachings as well.

The Driving Force in Jesus’ Life

Four Impressions of the Life of Jesus from Mark’s Gospel:

A man of action
A man who knew himself to be a divine person (Son of God) fulfilling a messianic role (Son of Man)
A man whose messianic mission centered on his being put to death
A man for whom this experience of death was the most fearful ordeal

How can we account for Jesus’ belief in the necessity of his death and also his dread of it?

Only the biblical doctrine of propitiation through atonement can make sense of these.

“The driving force in Jesus’ life was his resolve to be “obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8), and the unique dreadfulness of his death lies in the fact that he tasted on Calvary the wrath of God which was our due, so making propitiation for our sins.” - J. I. Packer

Isaiah 53:4–5 NIV 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

What of Those Who Reject God?

The Scriptures do not teach universalism - that all will eventually be saved.
Those who in this life reject God will forever be rejected by God.
To think of what the lost bring on themselves through their rejection, consider the cross.
Bearing the retributive justice of God
Withdrawal and deprivation of all good
Loneliness, pain, and a horror of great spiritual darkness

“Calvary shows that under the final judgment of God nothing that one has valued, or could value, nothing that one can call good, remains to one. It is a terrible thought, but the reality, we may be sure, is more terrible yet. ‘It would be better for him if he had not been born.’” - J. I. Packer

What Is Peace?

Not fundamentally a feeling of inner tranquility
The basic ingredient of God’s peace is pardon and acceptance into covenant—adoption into God’s family.

“The peace of God is first and foremost peace with God; it is the state of affairs in which God, instead of being against us, is for us.” - J. I. Packer

“The peace of God, then, primarily and fundamentally, is a new relationship of forgiveness and acceptance—and the source from which it flows is propitiation.” - J. I. Packer

Colossians 1:20 NIV 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The Dimensions of God’s Love

Ephesians 3:18–19 NIV 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

How can we know an unknowable love?

Some comprehension of it may be gained by considering God’s plan of grace
The atoning sacrifice of Christ which propitiates the wrath of God and reconciles us to him is the centerpiece of this plan.

Christ’s Love:

Free - not elicited by any good in us
Eternal - those given to him from before the creation of the world
Unreserved - gave himself to the depths of humiliation and the wrath of God on Calvary
Sovereign - it achieved its object—the final glory of the redeemed

“Dwell on these things, Paul urges, if you would catch a sight, however dim, of the greatness and the glory of divine love.” - J. I. Packer

The Glory of God

John 13:31 NIV 31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.

The glory of God in his wisdom, power, righteousness, truth, and love was supremely disclosed at Calvary, in the making of propitiation for our sins.
It is Christ’s redemption, his shedding of blood, for our salvation that makes him worthy of all glory and honor.

Revelation 5:9–10 NIV 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:12 NIV 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “If God Be for Us...” (Part 3) “The Heart of the Gospel” (Chapter 18, Part 1)

Pagan Propitiation

Many gods, none with absolute dominion
Believed to have power over various realms and could make life difficult
Uncertain, capricious, and easily offended
Gods manipulating circumstances to work against you
Mollified or appeased by means of gifts or sacrifice
The bigger the sacrifice the better, including human sacrifice

“Thus pagan religion appears as a callous commercialism, a matter of managing and manipulating your gods by cunning bribery. And within paganism propitiation, the appeasing of celestial bad tempers, takes its place as a regular part of life, one of the many irksome necessities that one cannot get on without.” - J. I. Packer

Biblical Theism

Not many gods, but one Creator God with all dominion
The source of all goodness and truth, detesting evil
No bad temper, no capriciousness, no vanity, not easily provoked
Propitiation?

Propitiation in the Bible

Propitiation in the OT:

Underlies the rituals of sin offering, guilt offering, and the Day of Atonement
God’s anger threatening to destroy the people for their rebellion assuaged by sacrifice

Numbers 16:46–48 NIV 46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.” 47 So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. 48 He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.

Propitiation in the NT:

The rationale of God’s justification of sinners

Romans 3:21–26 ESV 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The rationale of Incarnation of God the Son

Hebrews 2:17 ESV 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

The heavenly intercessory ministry of our Lord

1 John 2:1–2 ESV 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

The definition and expression of the love of God

1 John 4:8–10 ESV 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

“Has the word propitiation any place in your Christianity? In the faith of the New Testament it is central. The love of God, the taking of human form by the Son, the meaning of the cross, Christ’s heavenly intercession, the way of salvation—all are to be explained in terms of it...” - J. I. Packer

“And a gospel without propitiation at its heart is another gospel than that which Paul preached. The implications of this must not be evaded.” - J. I. Packer

Not Merely Expiation

Several modern Bible versions do not use the word “propitiation.”

“expiation” (RSV, NAB)
“remedy for defilement” (NEB)
“atoning sacrifice” (NIV, CSB, NET, NRSV)
“sacrifice that atones” (NLT)
“God’s way of dealing with” (CEB)

“What is the difference? The difference is that expiation means only half of what propitiation means. Expiation is an action that has sin as its object; it denotes the covering, putting away or rubbing out of sin so that it no longer constitutes a barrier to friendly fellowship between man and God. Propitiation, however, in the Bible, denotes all that expiation means, and the pacifying of the wrath of God thereby.” - J. I. Packer

“As our mediator he has obtained the full benefits of our whole salvation, beginning with an objective atonement for our sin. Refusals to acknowledge propitiation as the heart of his death and resurrection result from a misunderstanding of God’s love. It is God’s love that is the basis for his providing Christ as the means of propitiation. By Christ’s sacrifice a new relation of reconciliation and peace has been accomplished between God and humanity.” - Herman Bavinck (RD 3:419).

“The wrath of God against us, both present and to come, has been quenched. How was this effected? Through the death of Christ. “When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (5:10). The “blood”—that is, the sacrificial death—of Jesus Christ abolished God’s anger against us and ensured that his treatment of us forever after would be propitious and favorable… by his sacrificial death for our sins Christ pacified the wrath of God.” - J. I. Packer

God’s Anger

Not capricious, arbitrary, bad-tempered, and conceited anger as in the pagan gods.
Not sinful, resentful, malicious, infantile anger we find in humans.
God’s anger is a function of his holiness and righteousness.

God’s wrath is “the holy revulsion of God’s being against that which is the contradiction of his holiness”; it issues in “a positive outgoing of the divine displeasure.” - John Murray

“God is not just—that is, he does not act in the way that is right, he does not do what is proper to a judge—unless he inflicts upon all sin and wrongdoing the penalty it deserves.” - J. I. Packer

Propitiation Described

Propitiation is the work of God himself.
Paganism - man propitiates his gods; it becomes a form of commercialism and bribery.
Christianity - God propitiates his wrath by his own action.

“The doctrine of the propitiation is precisely this: that God loved the objects of His wrath so much that He gave His own Son to the end that He by His blood should make provision for the removal of His wrath.” - J. I. Packer

Propitiation was made by the death of Jesus Christ.

“When Paul tells us that God set forth Jesus to be a propitiation 'by his blood,' his point is that what quenched God’s wrath and so redeemed us from death was not Jesus’ life or teaching, not his moral perfection nor his fidelity to the Father, as such, but the shedding of his blood in death.” - J. I. Packer

“Paul always points to the death of Jesus as the atoning event and explains the atonement in terms of representative substitution—the innocent taking the place of the guilty, in the name and for the sake of the guilty, under the axe of God’s judicial retribution.” - J. I. Packer

Galatians 3:13 ESV 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Propitiation manifests God’s righteousness.
The truth of propitiation does not call into question the morality of God’s dealing with sin; it establishes it.

“to declare his righteousness” - “Paul’s point is that the public spectacle of propitiation, at the cross, was a public manifestation, not merely of justifying mercy on God’s part, but of righteousness and justice as the basis of justifying mercy.” - J. I. Packer

“...far from being unconcerned about moral issues and the just requirement of retribution for wrongdoing, is so concerned about these things that he does not—indeed, Paul would, we think, boldly say, cannot—pardon sinners, and justify the ungodly, except on the basis of justice shown forth in retribution.” - J. I. Packer

“Our sins have been punished; the wheel of retribution has turned; judgment has been inflicted for our ungodliness—but on Jesus, the lamb of God, standing in our place. In this way God is just—and the justifier of those who put faith in Jesus...” - J. I. Packer

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “The Jealous God” (Chapter 17)

How Can God Be Jealous?

Nothing is in the creature as it is in the Creator.
We must let the Bible speak for itself regarding God’s character.

Exodus 20:4–5 NIV 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Exodus 34:14 NIV 14 Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

“Clearly, this unexpected word stood for a quality in God which, far from being inconsistent with the exposition of his name that had gone before, was in some sense an epitome of it. And since this quality was in a true sense his “name,” it was clearly important that his people should understand it.” - J. I. Packer

The Nature of God’s Jealousy

How can jealousy be a virtue in God when it is a vice in humans?

Biblical statements about God’s jealousy are anthropomorphisms.

“The reason why God uses these terms to speak to us about himself is that language drawn from our own personal life is the most accurate medium we have for communicating thoughts about him. He is personal, and so are we, in a way that nothing else in the physical creation is.” - J. I. Packer

The Caution of Anthropomorphisms:

Man is not the measure of his Maker, so none of the limitations of human creaturehood are implied of God.
Those elements in human qualities which show the corrupting effect of sin have no counterpart in God.

“God’s jealousy is not a compound of frustration, envy and spite, as human jealousy so often is, but appears instead as a (literally) praiseworthy zeal to preserve something supremely precious.” - J. I. Packer

There are two sorts of jealousy among humans, and only one of them is a vice.

Vicious Jealousy:

“I want what you’ve got, and I hate you because I haven’t got it.”

Zealous Jealousy:

Zeal to protect a love relationship or to avenge it when broken.

Married persons “who felt no jealousy at the intrusion of a lover or an adulterer into their home would surely be lacking in moral perception; for the exclusiveness of marriage is the essence of marriage” - R. V. G. Tasker

God’s jealousy is of this latter kind - an aspect of his covenant love for his own people.
Idolatry was viewed as an act of spiritual adultery against God, thus provoking his righteous jealousy for his covenant bride.

1 Kings 14:22 NIV 22 Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord. By the sins they committed they stirred up his jealous anger more than those who were before them had done.

Psalm 78:58 NIV 58 They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols.

“From these passages we see plainly what God meant by telling Moses that his name was 'Jealous.' He meant that he demands from those whom he has loved and redeemed utter and absolute loyalty, and he will vindicate his claim by stern action against them if they betray his love by unfaithfulness.” - J. I. Packer

“God’s jealousy over his people, as we have seen, presupposes his covenant love; and this love is no transitory affection, accidental and aimless, but is the expression of a sovereign purpose. The goal of the covenant love of God is that he should have a people on earth as long as history lasts, and after that should have all his faithful ones of every age with him in glory. Covenant love is the heart of God’s plan for his world.” - J. I. Packer

God’s Ultimate Objective:

To vindicate his rule and righteousness by showing his sovereignty in judgment upon sin
To ransom and redeem his chosen people
To be loved and praised by them for his glorious acts of love and self-vindication

The Christian Response

The jealousy of God requires us to be zealous for God.

Titus 2:14 NKJV 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

1 Kings 19:10 NIV 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

The jealousy of God threatens churches which are not zealous for God.

Revelation 3:15–16 NIV 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:19 NIV 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “Goodness and Severity” (Chapter 16)

Romans 11:22 NKJV 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Santa Claus and Giant Despair

Modern Confusion about God

Private religious feelings instead of God’s Word
Mistaken notion that all religions are equal - so ideas about God are confused by pagan influence
Failing to recognize our own sinfulness, which distorts our view of God and our attitude towards him
The tendency to divide God’s attributes from one another - to disassociate God’s goodness from his severity

“To reject all ideas of divine wrath and judgment, and to assume that God’s character, misrepresented (forsooth!) in many parts of the Bible, is really one of indulgent benevolence without any severity, is the rule rather than the exception among ordinary folk today.” - J. I. Packer

“Santa Claus Theology”

No judgment or severity in God
A generic benevolence to all regardless of obedience to God
- Problem: no need for the atonement of Christ
  - Liberal solution: the cross of Christ isn’t about substitutionary atonement
- Problem: "the problem of evil”
  - Liberal solution: God is not omnipotent and omniscient, so can’t do anything about evil

“Thus he is left with a kind God who means well but cannot always insulate his children from trouble and grief. When trouble comes, therefore, there is nothing to do but grin and bear it. In this way, by an ironic paradox, faith in a God who is all goodness and no severity tends to confirm men in a fatalistic and pessimistic attitude to life.” - J. I. Packer

True solution: Associating God’s goodness and severity from the truth of Scripture

God’s Goodness

Goodness

The moral qualities of God such as his perfection, generosity, mercy, grace, and love.

Exodus 33:19 NIV 19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Exodus 34:6–7 NIV 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

“God’s truthfulness and trustworthiness, his unfailing justice and wisdom, his tenderness, forbearance and entire adequacy to all who penitently seek his help, his noble kindness in offering believers the exalted destiny of fellowship with him in holiness and love—these things together make up God’s goodness in the overall sense of the sum total of his revealed excellences.” - J. I. Packer

God’s Goodness as Generosity

“A disposition to give to others in a way which has no mercenary motive and is not limited by what the recipients deserve but consistently goes beyond it.”
The focal point of God’s moral perfection
Grace - every act of divine generosity, of whatever kind
- Common - “creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life”

Psalm 145:9 NIV 9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Psalm 145:15–16 NIV 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Acts 14:17 NIV 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

◦ Special - manifested in the economy of salvation

Psalm 106:1–2 NIV 1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise?

Psalm 86:5 NIV 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Psalm 107:1–3 NIV 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

God’s Severity

The Severity of God

God’s “cutting off” of the disobedient (Rom 11:22)
God’s decisive withdrawal of his goodness from those who have spurned it
He is “abounding in love” but he “does not leave the guilty unpunished” (Ex 34:6-7).

“The principle which Paul is applying here is that behind every display of divine goodness stands a threat of severity in judgment if that goodness is scorned. If we do not let it draw us to God in gratitude and responsive love, we have only ourselves to blame when God turns against us.” - J. I. Packer

God is patient in his severity - “slow to anger” and “longsuffering.”

1 Peter 3:20 NIV 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

2 Peter 3:9 NIV 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Our Response

Appreciate the goodness of God.
Count your blessings
Don’t take God’s gifts for granted
Appreciate the patience of God.
Learn to marvel at his patience with you
Seek grace to imitate it in your dealings with others
Appreciate the discipline of God.
Thorns which may awaken you from the sleep of spiritual death and lead you to repentance
As a believer, the discipline of a loving father guiding you to holiness and to “continue in his goodness”

Hebrews 12:5 NIV 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “The Wrath of God” (Chapter 15)

Wrath - “deep, intense anger and indignation.” Anger - “stirring of resentful displeasure and strong antagonism, by a sense of injury or insult” Indignation - “righteous anger aroused by injustice and baseness.”

Like the justice of God, the wrath of God, is either completely denied in modern Christianity or significantly downplayed.
Has God’s wrath against sin ever been a popular subject? Yet, both the OT & NT speak often of it.

“A study of the concordance will show that there are more references in Scripture to the anger, fury, and wrath of God, than there are to His love and tenderness” - A. W. Pink

Nahum 1:2–3 NIV 2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:6–8 NIV 6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. 7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, 8 but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

2 Thessalonians 1:7–10 NIV 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

“Clearly, the theme of God’s wrath is one about which the biblical writers feel no inhibitions whatever. Why, then, should we? Why, when the Bible is vocal about it, should we feel obliged to be silent?” - J. I. Packer

What God’s Wrath Is Like

Is wrath unworthy of God?

God’s wrath is not like our wrath.
God’s wrath is not capricious, self-indulgent, or irritable.
God’s wrath is his holy response to objective moral evil.

Is God’s wrath cruel?

God’s wrath is judicial - the wrath of the Judge administering justice.

Romans 2:5–6 NIV 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”

God’s wrath is proportional - to what each deserves.

Luke 12:47–48 NIV 47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

God’s wrath is something which people choose for themselves.

John 3:18–19 NIV 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

“Nobody stands under the wrath of God except those who have chosen to do so. The essence of God’s action in wrath is to give men what they choose, in all its implications: nothing more, and equally nothing less.” - J. I. Packer

Romans on Wrath

The meaning of God’s wrath.
God’s resolute action in punishing sin
The active manifesting of his hatred of irreligion and moral evil
An expression of his holy justice
The revelation of God’s wrath.

Romans 1:18 NIV 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

a constant disclosure, going on all the time
a universal disclosure, reaching those whom the gospel has not yet reached.

How is this disclosure of God’s wrath made?

It imprints itself directly on every person’s conscience.
Through the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit with the Gospel.
There are tokens of the active wrath of God all around us in a broken, cursed world.

“If you want proof that the wrath of God, revealed as a fact in your conscience, is already working as a force in the world, Paul would say you need only look at life around you and see what God has ‘given them over to.’” - J. I. Packer

The deliverance from God’s wrath.
The law cannot save us.
Religious rituals cannot save us.
Only justification through the blood of Jesus can save us.

Romans 5:9 NIV 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

“Between us sinners and the thunderclouds of divine wrath stands the cross of the Lord Jesus. If we are Christ’s, through faith, then we are justified through his cross, and the wrath will never touch us, neither here nor hereafter.” - J. I. Packer

A Solemn Reality

This doctrine of the wrath of God must be handled with utmost care and sincere concern for the lost.
But we cannot ignore it. To ignore it is to lose the gospel.

“...if we would know God, it is vital that we face the truth concerning his wrath, ...Otherwise we shall not understand the gospel of salvation from wrath, nor the propitiatory achievement of the cross, nor the wonder of the redeeming love of God.” - J. I. Packer

We should meditate frequently on the wrath of God:

To remind us of sin’s hideousness and God’s abhorrence for it
To nurture within our souls a true fear of God.

Hebrews 12:28–29 NIV 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”

To lead us to fervent praise to Jesus Christ for having delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 NIV 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “God the Judge” (Chapter 14)

Unpopularity of the Justice of God
The Importance of God as Judge in the Bible
The Reality of divine judgment throughout Bible history
The Pervasive teaching on divine judgment in the Law, Prophets and Writings
Not Old Testament vs. New Testament
The emphasis on God’s action as Judge is actually intensified in the NT

Characteristics of the Judge

The judge is a person with authority.
God is judge of the world, because he made it.
As Creator, he has the right to make laws for us and reward and judge us.
He is both the Lawgiver and the Judge.
The judge is a person identified with what is good and right.
God, the righteous Judge, loves justice and truth.
He hates iniquity and deceit.
All judges should be modeled after the righteous justice of God.
The judge is a person of wisdom, to discern truth.
As all-knowing and all-wise, he is the perfect judge.
Nothing can escape him; he knows us, and judges us, as we really are.
God knows. His judgment is according to truth (both factual and moral).
The judge is a person of power to execute sentence.
God is his own executioner.
As he legislates and sentences, so he punishes.
All judicial functions coalesce in him.

Retribution

“The heart of the justice which expresses God’s nature is retribution, the rendering to persons what they have deserved; for this is the essence of the judge’s task. To reward good with good, and evil with evil, is natural to God.” - J. I. Packer

The retributive principle: all will receive according to their works.
Retribution is the natural expression of God’s divine character.
We know in our hearts that this is right. This is how it ought to be.

“Retribution is the inescapable moral law of creation; God will see that each person sooner or later receives what he deserves—if not here, then hereafter.” - J. I. Packer

The character of God is the guarantee that all wrongs will be righted someday.
God is the Judge, so justice will be done.

Why the Objections to God’s Justice?

Would we wish to live in a society where no wrongs were ever punished?
Would a God who did not care about the difference between right and wrong be a good and admirable Being?

“Moral indifference would be an imperfection in God, not a perfection. But not to judge the world would be to show moral indifference. The final proof that God is a perfect moral Being, not indifferent to questions of right and wrong, is the fact that he has committed himself to judge the world.” - J. I. Packer

The reality of divine justice and our view of life
Divine justice and the meaning of life
Divine justice and the victory of God

“Judgment means that evil will be disposed of authoritatively, decisively, finally. Judgment means that in the end God’s will will be perfectly done.” - J. I. Packer

Jesus the Father’s Agent

Jesus is the main NT authority on final judgment.
Matthew 25: “The Son of Man will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.”
John 5: “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”

“God’s own appointment has made Jesus Christ inescapable. He stands at the end of life’s road for everyone without exception… 'prepare to meet the risen Jesus' is God’s message to the world today (Acts 17:31).” - J. I. Packer

Acts 17:31 NIV 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Index of the Heart

Final judgment according to works

2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

What does this mean for the Christian?
Are we saved on the merits of our own works after all?

“The relevance of our doings is not that they ever merit an award from the court—they fall too far short of perfection to do that—but that they provide an index of what is in the heart—what, in other words, is the real nature of each agent.” - J. I. Packer

Works will serve as a confirmation of the new birth - a work of grace.
Works may serve to distinguish levels of reward.

“The gift of justification does not at all shield believers from being assessed as Christians, and from forfeiting good which others will enjoy if it turns out that as Christians they have been slack, mischievous and destructive.” - J. I. Packer

1 Corinthians 3:12–15 NIV 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Final judgment according to knowledge
People will be judged based on the level of light or knowledge that was accessible to them. “Where a man has been given much, much will be expected of him” (Luke 12:48).

No Need to Flee

The natural reaction to the holy justice of God is to flee (see Adam and Eve).
But we don’t have to flee.
Call on the coming Judge to be your present Savior.

“As Judge, he is the law, but as Savior he is the gospel. Run from him now, and you will meet him as Judge then—and without hope. Seek him now, and you will find him.” - J. I. Packer

Romans 8:1 NIV 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “The Grace of God” (Chapter 13)

“Grace, far from being a personal force, …is a personal activity—God operating in love toward people.” - J. I. Packer

No Grasp of Grace

“The root of the trouble seems to be misbelief about the basic relationship between a person and God—misbelief rooted not just in the mind but in the heart, at the deeper level of things that we never question because we always take them for granted.” - J. I. Packer

The moral ill-desert of man.

“The thought of themselves as creatures fallen from God’s image, rebels against God’s rule, guilty and unclean in God’s sight, fit only for God’s condemnation, never enters their heads.” - J. I. Packer

The retributive justice of God.

“God is not true to himself unless he punishes sin. And unless one knows and feels the truth of this fact, that wrongdoers have no natural hope of anything from God but retributive judgment, one can never share the biblical faith in divine grace.” - J. I. Packer

The spiritual impotence of man.

“To mend our own relationship with God, regaining God’s favor after having once lost it, is beyond the power of any one of us. And one must see and bow to this before one can share the biblical faith in God’s grace.” - J. I. Packer

The sovereign freedom of God.

“Grace is free, in the sense of being self-originated and of proceeding from One who was free not to be gracious. Only when it is seen that what decides each individual’s destiny is whether or not God resolves to save him from his sins, and that this is a decision which God need not make in any single case, can one begin to grasp the biblical view of grace.” - J. I. Packer

Not Earned or Deserved

“The grace of God is love freely shown toward guilty sinners, contrary to their merit and indeed in defiance of their demerit. It is God showing goodness to persons who deserve only severity and had no reason to expect anything but severity.” - J. I. Packer

“Grace and salvation belong together as cause and effect. 'It is by grace you have been saved' (Eph 2:5, 8).” - J. I. Packer

Grace as the source of the pardon of sin.

“The gospel centers upon justification—that is, upon the remission of sins and the acceptance of our persons that goes with it. Justification is the truly dramatic transition from the status of a condemned criminal awaiting a terrible sentence to that of an heir awaiting a fabulous inheritance.” - J. I. Packer

“Justification is by faith; it takes place the moment a person puts vital trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Justification is free to us, but it was costly to God, for its price was the atoning death of God’s Son.” - J. I. Packer

Romans 3:24–25 NIV 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

Ephesians 1:7 NIV 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Grace as the motive of the plan of salvation.

“The New Testament sets God’s gift of pardon in the context of a plan of salvation which began with election before the world was and will be completed only when the church is perfect in glory.” - J. I. Packer

“We believers may rejoice to know that our conversion was no accident, but an act of God which had its place in an eternal plan to bless us with the free gift of salvation from sin (2:8-10); God promises and purposes to carry his plan through to completion, and since it is executed by sovereign power (1:19-20), nothing can thwart it.” - J. I. Packer

Grace as the guarantee of the preservation of the saints.

“If the plan of salvation is certain of accomplishment, then the Christian’s future is assured. I am, and will be, 'kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation' (1 Pet 1:5 KJV)… as grace led me to faith in the first place, so grace will keep me believing to the end.” - J. I. Packer

A Proper Response

“...in the New Testament doctrine is grace, and ethics is gratitude...For love awakens love in return; and love, once awakened, desires to give pleasure. And the revealed will of God is that those who have received grace should henceforth give themselves to 'good works' (Eph 2:10; Titus 2:11-12); and gratitude will move anyone who has truly received grace to do as God requires...” - J. I. Packer

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “The Love of God” (Chapter 12)

1 John 4:8 NIV Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:16 NIV And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

• A doctrine often misunderstood • One of the most precious doctrines in Scripture

Romans 5:5 NIV And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

A Flood of Love

• Poured Out - “God’s love has flooded our inmost heart” (NEB). • Perfect tense - a settled state consequent upon a completed action. • A regular ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit to all believers.

“With a perversity as pathetic as it is impoverishing, we have become preoccupied today with the extraordinary, sporadic, nonuniversal ministries of the Spirit to the neglect of the ordinary, general ones.” - J. I. Packer

“a right-minded concern for revival will express itself not in a hankering after tongues, but rather in a longing that the Spirit may shed God’s love abroad in our hearts with greater power.” - J. I. Packer

Love, Spirit, Light

“God is love” is not the complete truth about God so far as the Bible is concerned.

• This statement presupposes all the rest of the biblical witness to God. • “God is spirit” (John 4:24).

God’s presence is unlimited.
Worship is not localized but is receptive to God’s presence and his truth.
God’s Spirituality - “without body, parts, or passions”

“The love of God is… a spontaneous determination of God’s whole being in an attitude of benevolence and benefaction, an attitude freely chosen and firmly fixed. There are no inconstancies or vicissitudes in the love of the almighty God who is spirit.” - J. I. Packer

• “God is light” (1 John 1:5).

“in him there is no darkness at all”
Light = holiness and purity

“The God who is love is first and foremost light, and sentimental ideas of his love as an indulgent, benevolent softness, divorced from moral standards and concerns, must therefore be ruled out from the start. God’s love is holy love.” - J. I. Packer

“God’s love is stern, for it expresses holiness in the lover and seeks holiness for the beloved. Scripture does not allow us to suppose that because God is love we may look to him to confer happiness on people who will not seek holiness, or to shield his loved ones from trouble when he knows that they need trouble to further their sanctification.” - J. I. Packer

“God is love” is the complete truth about God so far as the Christian is concerned.

• “God is love” means that his love finds expression in everything that he says and does. • The cross of Christ gives us assurance that we are beloved of God (Gal. 2:20). • In every circumstance, God is working out of love for our good (Rom. 8:28).

“Every single thing that happens to us expresses God’s love to us, and comes to us for the furthering of God’s purpose for us… Even when we cannot see the why and the wherefore of God’s dealings, we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can rejoice always, even when, humanly speaking, things are going wrong.” - J. I. Packer

Defining God’s Love

“God’s love is an exercise of his goodness toward individual sinners whereby, having identified himself with their welfare, he has given his Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy him in a covenant relation.” - J. I. Packer

God’s love is an exercise of his goodness.
God’s love is an exercise of his goodness toward sinners.
God’s love is an exercise of his goodness toward individual sinners.
God’s love to sinners involves his identifying himself with their welfare.
God’s love to sinners was expressed by the gift of his Son to be their Savior.

1 John 4:9–10 NIV 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

God’s love to sinners reaches its objective as it brings them to know and enjoy him in a covenant relation.

“You shall have as true an interest in all my attributes for your good, as they are mine for my own glory. . . . My grace, saith God, shall be yours to pardon you, and my power shall be yours to protect you, and my wisdom shall be yours to direct you, and my goodness shall be yours to relieve you, and my mercy shall be yours to supply you, and my glory shall be yours to crown you. This is a comprehensive promise, for God to be our God: it includes all.” - Thomas Brooks

Amazing Love!

1 John 4:11 NIV Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “Thy Word Is Truth” (Chapter 11)

Biblical Assumptions about God:

God is King.
God speaks.

“just as God’s relations with his world have to be understood in terms of his sovereignty, so his sovereignty is to be understood in terms of what the Bible tells us about his word.” - J. I. Packer

Like a King, God speaks...

By Divine Fiat
By Royal Torah

Torah’s 3-fold character:

Law
Promise
Testimony

“The word which God addresses directly to us is an instrument, not only of government, but also of fellowship.” - J. I. Packer

“God speaks to us not only to move us to do what he wants, but to enable us to know him so that we may love him.” - J. I. Packer

The God Who Speaks

Genesis 1: God Speaks to Adam & Eve:

Command (1:28)
Testimony (1:29)
Prohibition (2:17)
Promise (3:15-19)

“Here, within the compass of these three short chapters [of Genesis], we see the word of God in all the relations in which it stands to the world, and to man within it.” - J. I. Packer

“the whole Bible insists that all circumstances and events in the world are determined by the word of God, the Creator’s omnipotent ‘Let there be...’” - J. I. Packer

Isaiah 55:10–11 NIV 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

“The whole Bible maintains this insistence that God’s word is his executive instrument in all human affairs. Of him, as of no one else, it is true that what he says goes.” - J. I. Packer

In Relationship to us, the Word comes...

Sometimes as Law
Sometimes as Promise
Sometimes as Testimony

“the claim of the word of God upon us is absolute: the word is to be received, trusted and obeyed, because it is the word of God the King.” - J. I. Packer

Absolute Truth

“We are to believe and obey it, not only because he tells us to, but also, and primarily, because it is a true word. Its author is ‘the God of truth.’” - J. I. Packer

God’s commands are true.
because they have stability and permanence as setting forth what God wants to see in human lives in every age
because they tell us the unchanging truth about our own nature

“As rational persons, we were made to bear God’s moral image—that is, our souls were made to ‘run’ on the practice of worship, law-keeping, truthfulness, honesty, discipline, self-control, and service to God and our fellows. If we abandon these practices, not only do we incur guilt before God; we also progressively destroy our own souls… One not only becomes desperately miserable; one is steadily being dehumanized.” - J. I. Packer

God’s promises are true, for God keeps them.

“How does God’s faithfulness show itself? By his unfailing fulfillment of his promises. He is a covenant-keeping God; he never fails those who trust his word.” - J. I. Packer

“A fixed, constant attention to the promises, and a firm belief of them, would prevent solicitude and anxiety about the concerns of this life. Christians deprive themselves of their most solid comforts by their unbelief and forgetfulness of God’s promises.” - Samuel Clark

Believe and Obey

“What is a Christian? True Christians are people who acknowledge and live under the word of God… Their eyes are upon the God of the Bible as their Father and the Christ of the Bible as their Savior.” - J. I. Packer

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “God’s Wisdom and Ours” (Chapter 10)

The Attributes of God

Incommunicable Attributes
Communicable Attributes

When God made man, he communicated to him certain qualities corresponding to his moral attributes. This is what the Bible means when it tells us that God made man in his own image (Gen 1:26-27).

Moral Qualities of the Divine Image:

Lost at the Fall
Being Renewed through Redemption
Fully Restored at Glorification

Among these communicable attributes, the theologians put wisdom. As God is wise in himself, so he imparts wisdom to his creatures.

Where can we find wisdom?

We must learn to reverence God.
We must learn to receive God’s word.

What Wisdom Is Not

Wisdom is not “a deepened insight into the providential meaning and purpose of events going on around us, an ability to see why God has done what he has done in a particular case, and what he is going to do next.” – J. I. Packer

This incorrect view of wisdom from God may lead to:

Disappointment
Disillusionment
Depression

Realism Needed

Wisdom is like driving. “What matters in driving is the speed and appropriateness of your reactions to things and the soundness of your judgment as to what scope a situation gives you… you simply try to see and do the right thing in the actual situation that presents itself. The effect of divine wisdom is to enable you and me to do just that in the actual situations of everyday life.” – J. I. Packer

What Ecclesiastes Teaches Us

The pursuit of wisdom does not provide an understanding of “the reasons of God’s various doings in the ordinary course of providence.” – J. I. Packer

“...the real basis of wisdom is a frank acknowledgment that this world’s course is enigmatic, that much of what happens is quite inexplicable to us, and that most occurrences ‘under the sun’ bear no outward sign of a rational, moral God ordering them at all.” – J. I. Packer

“God’s ordering of events is inscrutable; much as you want to make it out, you cannot do so. The harder you try to understand the divine purpose in the ordinary providential course of events, the more obsessed and oppressed you grow with the apparent aimlessness of everything, and the more you are tempted to conclude that life really is as pointless as it looks.” – J. I. Packer

“...the truth is that God in his wisdom, to make and keep us humble and to teach us to walk by faith, has hidden from us almost everything that we should like to know about the providential purposes which he is working out in the churches and in our own lives.” – J. I. Packer

What Is Wisdom Then?

“Fear God and keep his commandments”
Trust and obey him
Reverence him
Worship him
Be humble before him
Mean what you say when you pray to him
Do good
Remember God will hold you to account
Eschew things you will be ashamed of
Live in the present and enjoy God’s gifts
Seek grace to work hard at whatever life calls you to do
Enjoy your work as you do it
Leave providence and the measure of the worth of your deeds to God
Take advantage of the opportunities that lie before you

What grounds and sustains this way of wisdom?

The conviction that the inscrutable God of providence is the wise and gracious God of creation and redemption
We can trust him and rejoice in him, even when we cannot discern his path.

The Fruit of Wisdom

Wisdom consists in choosing the best means to the best end.
God’s gift of wisdom to us is part of the process of restoring the relationship between himself and human beings.
This wisdom is not a sharing in all his knowledge, but a disposition to confess that he is wise, and to cleave to him and live for him in the light of his Word through thick and thin.
Thus the effect of his gift of wisdom is to make us more humble, more joyful, more godly, more quick-sighted as to his will, more resolute in the doing of it and less troubled.
The fruit of wisdom is Christlikeness—peace, and humility, and love—and the root of it is faith in Christ as the manifested wisdom of God.

“Thus, the kind of wisdom that God waits to give to those who ask him is a wisdom that will bind us to himself, a wisdom that will find expression in a spirit of faith and a life of faithfulness.” – J. I. Packer

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer "God Only Wise" Chapter 9

What does the Bible mean when it calls God wise?
Wisdom is a moral as well as an intellectual quality, more than mere intelligence or knowledge.

“Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.” – J. I. Packer

Wisdom is the practical side of moral goodness.
Wisdom is found in its fullness only in God.
Wisdom is his essence, as are his other attributes, integral to his character.

Wisdom: Ours and God’s

Human wisdom can be frustrated by circumstances outside our control.
But God’s wisdom cannot be frustrated because it is allied with his omnipotence.

“Power is as much God’s essence as wisdom is. Omniscience governing omnipotence, infinite power ruled by infinite wisdom, is a basic biblical description of the divine character.” – J. I. Packer

“Wisdom without power would be pathetic, a broken reed; power without wisdom would be merely frightening; but in God boundless wisdom and endless power are united, and this makes him utterly worthy of our fullest trust.” – J. I. Packer

God’s almighty wisdom is always active, and never fails.
But we cannot recognize God’s wisdom unless we know the end for which he is working.
God’s wisdom is not, and never was, pledged to keep a fallen world happy, or to make ungodliness comfortable.
What is he after, then? What is his goal?
- To love and honor him
- To praise him for his wonderful works in creation
- To use his creation according to his will
- To enjoy both his creation and him

“And though we have fallen, God has not abandoned his first purpose. Still he plans that a great host of humankind should come to love and honor him. His ultimate objective is to bring them to a state in which they please him entirely and praise him adequately, a state in which he is all in all to them, and he and they rejoice continually in the knowledge of each other’s love—people rejoicing in the saving love of God, set upon them from all eternity, and God rejoicing in the responsive love of people, drawn out of them by grace through the gospel.” – J. I. Packer

This ultimate purpose will only be realized in the next world, in the new heavens and new earth.
Meanwhile, God is drawing individual men and women into a relationship of faith, hope, and love toward himself, delivering them from sin and showing forth in their lives the power of his grace.

God Dealing with His People

No clearer illustrations of the wisdom of God ordering human lives can be found than in some of the scriptural narratives.
- Abraham
  - What Abraham needed most of all was to learn the practice of living in God’s presence, seeing all life in relation to him, and looking to him, and him alone, as Commander, Defender and Rewarder.
- Jacob
  - Jacob’s whole attitude to life was ungodly and needed changing; Jacob must be weaned away from trust in his own cleverness to dependence upon God, and he must be made to abhor the unscrupulous double-dealing which came so naturally to him.
  - Jacob must be made to feel his own utter weakness and foolishness, must be brought to such complete self-distrust that he would no longer try to get on by exploiting others. Jacob’s self-reliance must go, once and for all.
- Joseph
  - Joseph was being tested, refined and matured; he was being taught during his spell as a slave, and in prison, to stay himself upon God, to remain cheerful and charitable in frustrating circumstances, and to wait patiently for the Lord.

“Once again, we are confronted with the wisdom of God ordering the events of a human life for a double purpose: the individual’s own personal sanctification, and the fulfilling of his appointed ministry and service in the life of the people of God.” – J. I. Packer

Our Perplexing Trials

We should not, therefore, be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now.
- What do they mean?
- Simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and he is dealing with us accordingly.

“Perhaps his purpose is simply to draw us closer to himself in conscious communion with him; for it is often the case, as all the saints know, that fellowship with the Father and the Son is most vivid and sweet, and Christian joy is greatest, when the cross is heaviest.” – J. I. Packer

“We may be frankly bewildered at things that happen to us, but God knows exactly what he is doing, and what he is after, in his handling of our affairs. Always, and in everything, he is wise: we shall see that hereafter, even where we never saw it here.” – J. I. Packer

How are we to meet these baffling and trying situations, if we cannot for the moment see God’s purpose in them?
- Receive them as from a wise and loving God.
- Ask ourselves what response to them the gospel requires of us.
- Seek God’s face specifically about them.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

“because of these surprisingly great revelations… in order to keep me from becoming conceited” (2 Cor. 12:7)

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

“Whatever further purpose a Christian’s troubles may or may not have in equipping him for future service, …they will have been sent us to make and keep us humble, and to give us a new opportunity of showing forth the power of Christ in our mortal lives. And do we ever need to know any more about them than that?” – J. I. Packer

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"A Sacrifice of Praise" (Hebrews 13:15-16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 24, 2019

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:15-16)

The Mediator of our Praise (“Through Jesus”)
The Endurance of our Praise (“continually”)
The Willingness of our Praise (“let us offer”)
The Declaration of our Praise (“lips that openly profess his name”)
The Practice of our Praise (“do good and share”)

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “The Majesty of God” (Chapter 8)

Majesty = Greatness
Declaration of Greatness and Invitation to Worship
“In Heaven” - God is far above us in greatness, and therefore is to be adored.
God’s Majesty - diminished in the modern church

“We are modern people, and modern people, though they cherish great thoughts of themselves, have as a rule small thoughts of God.” – J. I. Packer

“Today, vast stress is laid on the thought that God is personal, but this truth is so stated as to leave the impression that God is a person of the same sort as we are—weak, inadequate, ineffective, a little pathetic. But this is not the God of the Bible!” – J. I. Packer

“Like us, he is personal; but unlike us, he is great. In all its constant stress on the reality of God’s personal concern for his people, and on the gentleness, tenderness, sympathy, patience and yearning compassion that he shows toward them, the Bible never lets us lose sight of his majesty and his unlimited dominion over all his creatures.” – J. I. Packer

Personal Yet Majestic

Genesis 1 - God is introduced as both personal and majestic.
Not an impersonal force or principle, but a living, personal Being.
But an infinite Being, full of majesty, power, and sovereignty.
El Shaddai - “God Almighty”

No Limitations

How do we rightly think of God’s greatness?
- Remove from our thoughts of God limits that would make him small.
  - Psalm 139 is a great example of how to think on God’s limitlessness:
    - Limitless Presence
    - Limitless Knowledge
    - Limitless Power
- Compare him with powers and forces which we regard as great.

The Incomparable One

Isaiah 40 is a good example of how to compare God with that which is great to help us think great thoughts of him:
- God greater than his works
- God greater than the nations
- God greater than the world
- God greater than authorities (great ones)
- God greater than the stars

Our Response to Majesty

“To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One” (Is 40:25 RSV). This question rebukes wrong thoughts about God.

“‘Your thoughts of God are too human,’ said Luther to Erasmus. This is where most of us go astray. Our thoughts of God are not great enough; we fail to reckon with the reality of his limitless wisdom and power.” – J. I. Packer

“Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, 'My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God'?” (Isa. 40:27 NIV). This question rebukes wrong thoughts about ourselves.

“He never abandons anyone on whom he has set his love; nor does Christ, the good shepherd, ever lose track of his sheep. It is as false as it is irreverent to accuse God of forgetting, or overlooking, or losing interest in, the state and needs of his own people.” – J. I. Packer

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom” (Isa. 40:28 NIV). This question rebukes our slowness to believe in God’s majesty.

“‘What is the trouble?’ he asks. ‘Have you been imagining that I, the Creator, have grown old and tired? Has nobody ever told you the truth about Me?’ The rebuke is well deserved by many of us. How slow we are to believe in God as God, sovereign, all-seeing and almighty! How little we make of the majesty of our Lord and Savior Christ!” – J. I. Packer

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer Part Two: “Behold Your God!” “God Unchanging” (Chapter 7)

We believe that the Bible is God’s Word
- A lamp to our feet and a light to our path
- Gives us the knowledge of God and his will
So, we read, but we get discouraged because the Bible is an ancient book from another world.

Two Different Worlds

Reading the Bible takes us into the ancient Near Eastern world.
It is intensely interesting, but it seems very far away.
How can God’s words and deeds in Bible times help us in the modern, digital age?
It is hard for us at times to see how the two worlds link up. What is the application for us?
The solution is not to resign ourselves to thinking that the Bible will always remain distant for us.

“…the crucial point is surely this. The sense of remoteness is an illusion which springs from seeking the link between our situation and that of the various Bible characters in the wrong place. It is true that in terms of space, time and culture, they and the historical epoch to which they belonged are a very long way away from us. But the link between them and us is not found at that level. The link is God himself. For the God with whom they had to do is the same God with whom we have to do.” – J. I. Packer

We worship exactly the same God.
God does not change at all.
God is immutable.

Not Two Different Gods

God’s life does not change.
God’s character does not change.
God’s truth does not change.
God’s ways do not change.
God’s purposes do not change.
God’s Son does not change.

We Are to Be Like Them

“Where is the sense of distance and difference, then, between believers in Bible times and ourselves? It is excluded. On what grounds? On the grounds that God does not change.” – J. I. Packer

Fellowship with God...
Trust in his Word...
Living by faith...
Standing on the promises of God...

Are essentially the same realities for us today as they were for Old and New Testament believers.

“…amid all the changes and uncertainties of life in a nuclear age, God and his Christ remain the same—almighty to save. But the thought brings a searching challenge too. If our God is the same as the God of New Testament believers, how can we justify ourselves in resting content with an experience of communion with him, and a level of Christian conduct, that falls so far below theirs?” – J. I. Packer

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer

“He Shall Testify” (Chapter 6)

“Christianity rests on the doctrine of the trinitas, the threeness, the tripersonality, of God.” – J. I. Packer

Another Comforter

• A Person - the Third Person of the Trinity • A “Comforter” • “Another”

› “He will care for you.” › “The Spirit of Truth”

“In the Old Testament, God’s word and God’s Spirit are parallel figures. God’s word is his almighty speech; God’s Spirit is his almighty breath. Both phrases convey the thought of his power in action.” – J. I. Packer

Genesis 1:2–3 NIV “The Spirit [breath] of God was hovering over the waters. And God said…and there was…”

Psalm 33:6 NIV “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath [Spirit] of his mouth.”

“The Father will send the Spirit, says our Lord, “in my name”—that is, as Christ’s deputy, doing Christ’s will and acting as his representative and with his authority (Jn 14:26).” – J. I. Packer

“Just as Jesus had come in his Father’s name (5:43), acting as the Father’s agent, speaking the Father’s words (12:49–50), doing the Father’s works (10:25; 17:4, 12) and bearing witness throughout to the One whose emissary he was, so the Spirit would come in Jesus’ name, to act in the world as the agent and witness of Jesus.” – J. I. Packer

Triune Relationships

The Son is subject to the Father, for the Son is sent by the Father in his (the Father’s) name.
The Spirit is subject to the Father, for the Spirit is sent by the Father in the Son’s name.
The Spirit is subject to the Son as well as to the Father, for the Spirit is sent by the Son as well as by the Father.

Divine Yet Ignored

“…the person and work of the Holy Spirit are largely ignored. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is the Cinderella of Christian doctrines. Comparatively few seem to be interested in it.” – J. I. Packer

“It is an extraordinary thing that those who profess to care so much about Christ should know and care so little about the Holy Spirit… But many Christians have really no idea what difference it would make if there were no Holy Spirit in the world.” – J. I. Packer

“How can we justify neglecting the ministry of Christ’s appointed agent in this way? Is it not a hollow fraud to say that we honor Christ when we ignore, and by ignoring dishonor, the One whom Christ has sent to us as his deputy, to take his place and care for us on his behalf? – J. I. Packer

Importance of the Spirit’s Work

Without the Holy Spirit there would be no gospel and no New Testament.

John 15:26–27 NIV 26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

John 14:26 NIV But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:12–14 NIV 12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.

“The promise was that, taught by the Spirit, these original disciples should be enabled to speak as so many mouths of Christ so that, [they might] be able to say of their teaching, oral or written, ‘Thus saith the Lord Jesus Christ.’” – J. I. Packer

“The Spirit testified to the apostles by revealing to them all truth and inspiring them to communicate it with all truthfulness. Hence the gospel, and hence the New Testament. But the world would have had neither without the Holy Spirit.” – J. I. Packer

Without the Holy Spirit there would be no faith and no new birth—in short, no Christians.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

John 3:3 NIV Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“Christ went on to explain that the inevitable consequence of unregeneracy is unbelief — ‘You people do not accept our testimony’ (Jn 3:11). The gospel produces no conviction in them; unbelief holds them fast.” – J. I. Packer

“Should we conclude that preaching the gospel is a waste of time and write off evangelism as a hopeless enterprise, foredoomed to fail? No, because the Spirit abides with the church to testify of Christ.” – J. I. Packer

“To the apostles, he testified by revealing and inspiring, as we saw. To the rest of us, down the ages, he testifies by illuminating: opening blinded eyes, restoring spiritual vision, enabling sinners to see the gospel is indeed God’s truth, and Scripture is indeed God’s Word, and Christ is indeed God’s Son.” – J. I. Packer

“It is not for us to imagine that we can prove the truth of Christianity by our own arguments; nobody can prove the truth of Christianity except the Holy Spirit, by his own almighty work of renewing the blinded heart.” – J. I. Packer

1 Corinthians 2:1 NIV And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

1 Corinthians 2:4–5 NIV 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

“And because the Spirit does bear witness in this way, people come to faith when the gospel is preached. But without the Spirit there would not be a Christian in the world.” – J. I. Packer

Our Proper Response

“In our faith: Do we acknowledge the authority of the Bible, the prophetic Old Testament and the apostolic New Testament which he inspired? Do we read and hear it with the reverence and receptiveness that are due to the Word of God?” – J. I. Packer

“In our life: Do we apply the authority of the Bible and live by the Bible, whatever anyone may say against it, recognizing that God’s Word cannot but be true, and that what God has said he certainly means, and he will stand behind it?” – J. I. Packer

“In our witness: Do we remember that the Holy Spirit alone, by his witness, can authenticate our witness, and look to him to do so, and trust him to do so, and show the reality of our trust, as Paul did, by eschewing the gimmicks of human cleverness?” – J. I. Packer

“He shall testify...” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “God Incarnate” (Chapter 5)

Hard to Believe? ⦁ Atonement ⦁ Resurrection ⦁ Virgin Birth ⦁ Gospel Miracles

The Greatest Mystery “The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man—that the second person of the Godhead became the “second man” (1 Cor 15:47), determining human destiny, the second representative head of the race, and that he took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human.”

Who Is This Child?

The baby born at Bethlehem was God.

⦁ “In the beginning was the Word” - the Word’s Eternity ⦁ “And the Word was with God” - the Word’s Personality ⦁ “And the Word was God” - the Word’s Deity ⦁ “Through him all things were made” - the Word Creating ⦁ “In him was life” - the Word Animating ⦁ “And that life was the light of men” - the Word Revealing ⦁ “The Word became flesh” - the Word Incarnate

The baby born at Bethlehem was God made man.

Athanasian Creed: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man . . . perfect God, and perfect man . . . who although he be God and man: yet he is not two, but one Christ; one, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh: but by taking of the manhood into God.”

Born to Die “the New Testament knows nothing of an incarnation which can be defined apart from its relation to atonement. . . . Not Bethlehem, but Calvary, is the focus of revelation, and any construction of Christianity which ignores or denies this distorts Christianity by putting it out of focus” - James Denney

Made Less than God?

⦁ Philippians 2:7 – “emptied himself”? ⦁ The Kenosis Theory ⦁ A Better Explanation

He Became Poor

⦁ A laying aside of glory ⦁ A voluntary restraint of power ⦁ An acceptance of hardship and servanthood ⦁ A death that involved physical and spiritual agony

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer

"The Only True God" (Chapter 4)

Idolatry

What does the word idolatry suggest to your mind?
The Second Commandment

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” –Exodus 20:4-5

What is the second commandment referring to?

“idolatry consists not only in the worship of false gods, but also in the worship of the true God by images.” –Charles Hodge

The Dangers in Images

Images are not a matter of personal taste or preference or whether or not they are helpful.
The Bible forbids the use of images in the worship of the one true God.
No statues, images, or pictures of God or of Christ are to be used in worship (public or private).

Why such a strong prohibition against the use of images?

Images dishonor God, for they obscure his glory.

"A true image of God is not to be found in all the world; and hence . . . His glory is defiled, and His truth corrupted by the lie, whenever He is set before our eyes in a visible form. . . . Therefore, to devise any image of God is itself impious; because by this corruption His majesty is adulterated, and He is figured to be other than He is.” –John Calvin

“To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?” –Isaiah 40:18

Images mislead us, for they convey false ideas about God.

Molten Images & Mental Images

The second commandment also prohibits false mental images of God.

"Imagining God in our heads can be just as real a breach of the second commandment as imagining him by the work of our hands." –J. I. Packer

How often do we hear:
- "I like to think of God as..."
- "I don't think God is like..."
Often remarks of this kind serve as the prelude to a denial of something that the Bible tells us about God.

"...those who hold themselves free to think of God as they like are breaking the second commandment... We were made in his image, but we must not think of him as existing in ours." –J. I. Packer

Purpose of the Second Commandment

Negatively, it is a warning against ways of worship and religious practice that lead us to dishonor God and to falsify his truth.
Positively, it is a summons to us to recognize that God the Creator is transcendent, mysterious and inscrutable, beyond the range of any imagining or philosophical guesswork of which we are capable...

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. –Isaiah 55:8-9

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" –Romans 11:33-34

"Through this revelation, which is made available to us in holy Scripture, we may form a true notion of God; without it we never can. Thus it appears that the positive force of the second commandment is that it compels us to take our thoughts of God from his own holy Word, and from no other source whatsoever." –J. I. Packer

"The mind that takes up with images is a mind that has not yet learned to love and attend to God’s Word. Those who look to manmade images, material or mental, to lead them to God are not likely to take any part of his revelation as seriously as they should." –J. I. Packer

"God did not show them a visible symbol of himself, but spoke to them; therefore they are not now to seek visible symbols of God, but simply to obey his Word." –J. I. Packer

Looking to the True God

How far are we keeping the second commandment?
Are we sure that the God whom we seek to worship is the God of the Bible, the triune Jehovah? Do we worship the one true God in truth?
How can I tell if I am worshiping the one true God?
- The God of the Bible has spoken in his Son. The light of the knowledge of his glory is given to us in the face of Jesus Christ.
- Do I look habitually to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ as showing me the final truth about the nature and the grace of God? Do I see all the purposes of God as centering upon him?

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” –John 17:3

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer "Knowing and Being Known" (Chapter 3)

To Know God

What were we made for?
What should be our aim in life?
What is the “eternal life” that Jesus gives?
What is the best thing in life, bringing more joy, delight and contentment than anything else?
What, of all the states God ever sees man in, gives God most pleasure?

What “Knowing God” Involves

More complex than “knowing” another person.
- Abstract (like a language)
- Concrete but inanimate
- Living thing
- Person

Knowing God Involves:

Listening to God’s Word and receiving it as the Holy Spirit interprets it, in application to oneself.
Noting God’s nature and character, as his Word and works reveal it.
Accepting his invitations and doing what he commands.
Recognizing and rejoicing in the love that he has shown in thus approaching you and drawing you into his divine fellowship.

Knowing Jesus

Jesus, “known” by the disciples.
Known by us now as Christians:
Spiritually not bodily.
Knows the full NT picture of Jesus.
Jesus “speaks” through the written Word.
Still a relationship of personal discipleship.

A Personal Matter

Knowing God is a matter of personal dealing.
Knowing God is a matter of personal involvement.
Knowing God is a matter of grace.

Being Known

What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it—the fact that he knows me.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer “The People Who Know Their God” (Chapter 2)

“I’ve Known God”

⦁ Can we say without hesitation that we “know God”? ⦁ Because we know God, do we have a “joy unspeakable and full of glory”? ⦁ Because we know God, can we count life’s disappointments as gains and not as losses or “might-have-beens”?

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7–11, NIV)

Knowing vs. Knowing About

One can know a great deal about God without much knowledge of him.
One can know a great deal about godliness without much knowledge of God.

Evidence of Knowing God

Those who know God have great energy for God.

“…the people who know their God will display strength and take action.” (Daniel 11:32, NASB)

⦁ In standing for God against the world ⦁ In effectual, fervent prayer

Those who know God have great thoughts of God.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:20–22, NIV)

Those who know God show great boldness for God.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, NIV)

Those who know God have great contentment in God.

“There is no peace like the peace of those whose minds are possessed with full assurance that they have known God, and God has known them, and that this relationship guarantees God’s favor to them in life, through death and on forever.” –J. I. Packer

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:1, NIV)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1, NIV)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31, NIV)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39, NIV)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21, NIV)

First Steps

⦁ First, we must recognize how much we lack knowledge of God. ⦁ Second, we must seek the Savior.

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Knowing God by J. I. Packer Introduction & Chapter 1: "The Study of God"

Introduction

“Balconeers” & “Travelers”

“Balconeers” are onlookers, and their problems are theoretical only.
“Travelers” face problems which, though they have their theoretical angle, are essentially practical—problems of the “which-way-to-go” and “how-to-make-it” type.
Knowing God is a book for “travelers.”

Ignorance of God

“The conviction behind the book is that ignorance of God—ignorance both of his ways and of the practice of communion with him—lies at the root of much of the church’s weakness today. Two unhappy trends seem to have produced this state of affairs.”

Two Trends:

Christian minds have been conformed to the modern spirit: the spirit, that is, that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves room for only small thoughts of God.
Christian minds have been confused by the modern skepticism.

Chapter 1: "The Study of God"

“The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.” –Charles Spurgeon

“I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.” –Charles Spurgeon

Who Needs Theology?

“Theology is boring, and we can live practically without it.”
Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives.
We are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it.

Heading into the Storm

In a God-denying world, the study of God is like setting out into a storm.
If we postpone our journey till the storm dies down, we may never get started at all.
Ignore the skeptics.

“Anyone who is actually following a recognized road will not be too worried if he hears nontravelers telling each other that no such road exists.”

5 Foundational Truths

God has spoken to man, and the Bible is his Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation.
God is Lord and King over his world; he rules all things for his own glory, displaying his perfections in all that he does, in order that men and angels may worship and adore him.
God is Savior, active in sovereign love through the Lord Jesus Christ to rescue believers from the guilt and power of sin, to adopt them as his children and to bless them accordingly.
God is triune; there are within the Godhead three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and the work of salvation is one in which all three act together, the Father purposing redemption, the Son securing it and the Spirit applying it.
Godliness means responding to God’s revelation in trust and obedience, faith and worship, prayer and praise, submission and service. Life must be seen and lived in the light of God’s Word. This, and nothing else, is true religion.

The Basic Themes

The Godhead of God
The Powers of God
The Perfections of God

What Is God?

“God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.” —Westminster Shorter Catechism

Knowledge Applied

What is my ultimate aim and object in occupying my mind with these things? What do I intend to do with my knowledge about God, once I have it?
If we pursue theological knowledge for its own sake, it is bound to go bad on us. It will make us proud and conceited.

“There can be no spiritual health without doctrinal knowledge; but it is equally true that there can be no spiritual health with it, if it is sought for the wrong purpose and valued by the wrong standard.”

“Our aim in studying the Godhead must be to know God himself better. Our concern must be to enlarge our acquaintance, not simply with the doctrine of God’s attributes, but with the living God whose attributes they are…We must seek, in studying God, to be led to God.”

Meditating on the Truth

How can we turn our knowledge about God into knowledge of God?
We turn each truth that we learn about God into matter for meditation before God, leading to prayer and praise to God.

“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” * Its purpose is to clear one’s mental and spiritual vision of God, and to let his truth make its full and proper impact on one’s mind and heart. * Its effect is ever to humble us, as we contemplate God’s greatness and glory and our own littleness and sinfulness, and to encourage and reassure us…

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"O Lord, Heal Me" (Psalm 6) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 31, 2019

Psalm 6 (NIV)

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.

3 My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?

4 Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?

6 I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping.

9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.

10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

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“The Lord Our Helper” (Psalm 124) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 28, 2019

Psalm 124:1–8 (NIV)

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

Take a moment to contemplate the thought: “What if God had not been for us?” (verses 1–5).

a. Don’t take God and his help for granted (verses 1a, 2a).

b. Without God’s help we would have been defeated (verses 1–3).

c. Without God’s help we would have been overwhelmed (verse 4).

Psalm 69:2 I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

Psalm 69:1 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

Psalm 144:7 Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners

d. Without God’s help we would have been lost, gone forever (verse 5).

Psalm 94:17 Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

Take a moment to rejoice in the thought: “Our God is for us!” (verses 6–8).

a. Because the Lord helped us, he is worthy of praise.

b. Our Lord helped us and accomplished an unimaginable rescue (verse 7).

c. The Lord who helped us is the one who made the universe! (verse 8).

Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

d. The Lord, our Helper and our Creator, is for us!

Main Idea: “We live in a world full of dangers and snares, but we have a God who is our faithful helper and will never abandon us.”

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“Robbing God” (Malachi 3:6–12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 28, 2019

Malachi 3:6–12 (NIV)

6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.

“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’

8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.

“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’

“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

God is unchanging, and it is because of his faithfulness to his promises that we are saved (v. 6).
The problem is not with God’s faithfulness; the problem is with our unfaithfulness (v. 7).

a. Our track record of unfaithfulness (7a) b. God’s openness and faithfulness to restore (7b) c. Our blindness and cynicism toward our own unfaithfulness (7c).

Our unfaithfulness may be manifested in our lack of giving to God and the work of the ministry (8–9).

a. Withholding tithes and offerings from God is robbing from God what rightfully belongs to him (8). b. Withholding tithes and offerings from God may result in discipline (9).

A return to faithfulness to the Lord will result in God’s abundant blessings (10–12).

a. The solution to our unfaithfulness: repentance/turning (7b, 10a) b. God’s openness to our returning (10b) c. God’s abundant blessing on those who give generously to the Lord (10b–12)

Main Idea: The Lord promises to take care of his people if they demonstrate faithfulness to him in their stewardship; but he warns his people that he will withhold his blessing if they are ungrateful.

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“Faithless People and the Faithful God” (Psalm 12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday PM, July 24, 2019

Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 12:1–4)*

1 Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue— 4 those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

Promise of the LORD (Psalm 12:5)

5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”

Reflection on God’s Promises (Psalm 12:6)

6 And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 12:7–8)

7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, 8 who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

*This lesson’s outline is taken from Willem A. VanGemeren, “Psalms” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 5, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991), 135.

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“God’s Justice and Faithfulness” (Malachi 2:17–3:5) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 21, 2019

Malachi 2:17–3:5 (NIV)

17 You have wearied the Lord with your words.

“How have we wearied him?” you ask.

By saying, “All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them” or “Where is the God of justice?”

3 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.

Questioning the administration of God’s justice is presumptuous and wearisome to God (2:17).
Instead of questioning, we should trust in the justice of God and wait patiently for him; because, God will send his messenger, and he will send his Messiah—but in his own time (3:1).

a. The messenger (John the Baptist) will prepare the way for the Messiah (Jesus). b. The Messiah (Jesus) is God and will come to his temple.

When the Messiah comes, he will come in judgment, and everyone will be accountable to him (3:2–5).

a. When the Messiah comes, he will judge them AND you. b. The Messiah will purify his true people in preparation for the kingdom of God. c. The Messiah will punish his false people in preparation for eternal judgment.

Main Idea: God is God, and the administration of his justice is completely within his sovereign will. When God does send his Messiah, he will judge everyone, and everything will be made right and just.

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"A Prayer: Asked and Answered" (Psalm 28) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Psalm 28 (NIV)

Of David.

1 To you, Lord, I call;

you are my Rock,

do not turn a deaf ear to me.

For if you remain silent,

I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy

as I call to you for help,

as I lift up my hands

toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,

with those who do evil,

who speak cordially with their neighbors

but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds

and for their evil work;

repay them for what their hands have done

and bring back on them what they deserve.

5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord

and what his hands have done,

he will tear them down

and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the Lord,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people,

a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;

be their shepherd and carry them forever.

A Desperate Prayer (Psalm 28:1–2)
Trust in the Lord’s Justice (Psalm 28:3–5)
A Desperate Prayer Answered (Psalm 28:6–7)
The Lord’s Blessings Shared (Psalm 28:8–9)

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“The Lord Comes Home” (Exodus 40) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 14, 2019

Exodus 40 (NIV)

40 Then the Lord said to Moses: 2 “Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month. 3 Place the ark of the covenant law in it and shield the ark with the curtain. 4 Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the covenant law and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

6 “Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting; 7 place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it. 8 Set up the courtyard around it and put the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.

9 “Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. 10 Then anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy. 11 Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.

12 “Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 13 Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest. 14 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics. 15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations.” 16 Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him.

17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year. 18 When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts. 19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the Lord commanded him.

20 He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it. 21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the covenant law, as the Lord commanded him.

22 Moses placed the table in the tent of meeting on the north side of the tabernacle outside the curtain 23 and set out the bread on it before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him.

24 He placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle 25 and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him.

26 Moses placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the curtain 27 and burned fragrant incense on it, as the Lord commanded him.

28 Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29 He set the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, and offered on it burnt offerings and grain offerings, as the Lord commanded him.

30 He placed the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing, 31 and Moses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash their hands and feet. 32 They washed whenever they entered the tent of meeting or approached the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses.

33 Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.

God delights in proper worship (vv. 1–15). ...Therefore, we should worship God in the manner that he prescribes.
God delights in our full obedience (vv. 16–33). ...Therefore, we should joyfully and reverently obey him.
God delights in dwelling with his people (vv. 34–35). ...Therefore, we should delight in dwelling with God.
God delights in guiding and protecting his people (vv. 36–38). ...Therefore, we should follow God's guidance in our lives.

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“Covenant Breakers” (Malachi 2:10–16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 14, 2019

Malachi 2:10–16 (NIV)

10 Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?

11 Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves by marrying women who worship a foreign god. 12 As for the man who does this, whoever he may be, may the Lord remove him from the tents of Jacob —even though he brings an offering to the Lord Almighty.

13 Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

16 “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.

So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

God is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God who is faithful to us; therefore, we ought to be faithful to him (v. 10).
When we are unfaithful to God, it inevitably leads us to be unfaithful to one another (vv. 11–14, 16a).

a. The people of Malachi’s day were guilty of violating God’s covenant by intermarrying with pagan idolaters (vv. 11–12). b. The people of Malachi’s day were guilty of violating God’s covenant by breaking their marriage covenants with their spouses through divorce (vv. 13–14, 16a).

God desires that his people honor him by protecting and honoring our marriage covenants with our spouses (vv. 15, 16b).

a. For the sake of the glory of God b. For the sake of godly children and families

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 52: “The Ultimate Conclusion” (Isaiah 66:1–24)*

Judgment and Restoration of Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:1–14a)

a. The Sovereign Lord Delights in the Humble (Isaiah 66:1–2)

1 This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? 2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. (Isaiah 66:1–2, NIV)

b. The Lord Encourages the Faithful (Isaiah 66:3–6)

3 But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations; 4 so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” 5 Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: “Your own people who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy!’ Yet they will be put to shame. 6 Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of the Lord repaying his enemies all they deserve. (Isaiah 66:3–6, NIV)

c. The Lord Brings about Jerusalem’s Rebirth (Isaiah 66:7–14a)

7 “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. 8 Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. 9 Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God. 10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. 11 For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.” 12 For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. 13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” 14 When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass... (Isaiah 66:7–14, NIV)

Final Wrath and Glory of God (Isaiah 66:14b–24)

a. Judgment against All Sin (Isaiah 66:14b–17)

14 ...the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes. 15 See, the Lord is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For with fire and with his sword the Lord will execute judgment on all people, and many will be those slain by the Lord. 17 “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats and other unclean things—they will meet their end together with the one they follow,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 66:14–17, NIV)

b. The Sending of Messengers (Isaiah 66:18–19)

18 “And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory. 19 “I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. (Isaiah 66:18–19, NIV)

c. The Blessing of Nations (Isaiah 66:20–23)

20 And they will bring all your people, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the Lord. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the Lord in ceremonially clean vessels. 21 And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites,” says the Lord. 22 “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the Lord, “so will your name and descendants endure. 23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 66:20–23, NIV)

d. Final Warning to the Wicked (Isaiah 66:24)

24 “And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.” (Isaiah 66:24, NIV)

*The outline for this lesson is from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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"Holy Garments for Holy Priests" (Exodus 39) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 7, 2019

Exodus 39 (NIV)

The Priestly Garments

39 From the blue, purple and scarlet yarn they made woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary. They also made sacred garments for Aaron, as the Lord commanded Moses.

The Ephod

39:2–7pp—Ex 28:6–14

2 They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 3 They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen—the work of skilled hands. 4 They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached to two of its corners, so it could be fastened. 5 Its skillfully woven waistband was like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen, as the Lord commanded Moses.

6 They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. 7 Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses.

The Breastpiece

39:8–21pp—Ex 28:15–28

8 They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 9 It was square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 11 the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 12 the third row was jacinth, agate and amethyst; 13 the fourth row was topaz, onyx and jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

15 For the breastpiece they made braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 16 They made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the rings to two of the corners of the breastpiece. 17 They fastened the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 18 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 19 They made two gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 20 Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 21 They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband so that the breastpiece would not swing out from the ephod—as the Lord commanded Moses.

Other Priestly Garments

39:22–31pp—Ex 28:31–43

22 They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth—the work of a weaver—23 with an opening in the center of the robe like the opening of a collar, and a band around this opening, so that it would not tear. 24 They made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around the hem of the robe. 25 And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates. 26 The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses.

27 For Aaron and his sons, they made tunics of fine linen—the work of a weaver—28 and the turban of fine linen, the linen caps and the undergarments of finely twisted linen. 29 The sash was made of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn—the work of an embroiderer—as the Lord commanded Moses.

30 They made the plate, the sacred emblem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: holy to the Lord. 31 Then they fastened a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Moses Inspects the Tabernacle

39:32–41pp—Ex 35:10–19

32 So all the work on the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses. 33 Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent and all its furnishings, its clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; 34 the covering of ram skins dyed red and the covering of another durable leather and the shielding curtain; 35 the ark of the covenant law with its poles and the atonement cover; 36 the table with all its articles and the bread of the Presence; 37 the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its accessories, and the olive oil for the light; 38 the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; 39 the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; 40 the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; the ropes and tent pegs for the courtyard; all the furnishings for the tabernacle, the tent of meeting; 41 and the woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when serving as priests.

42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Being made of the same materials as the tabernacle, the priestly clothing signifies their close association with the worship of God in the tabernacle.
The materials and care with which the garments are made signify the holy and consecrated status of the priests.
The High Priest’s garments were unique and pointed to his special role as mediator between God and the people.

a. Ascending mediation – representing the people to God, primarily through atoning sacrifices and prayers. b. Descending mediation – representing God to the people, primarily through teaching the Word, rendering wise, biblical decisions, and blessings.

The Ephod and the Breastpiece symbolized Aaron’s representative role for all Israel.
The Breastpiece with the Urim and Thummim symbolized Aaron’s role as conveyer of God’s Word and counsel.
The Ephod Robe, with its pomegranates and golden bells, symbolizes the solemn responsibility of ministering before a holy God.
The golden diadem, with its inscription "Holy to the Lord," symbolizes the high priests unique role as being a holy mediator between a sinful people and a holy God.
The Tunic, turban, linen caps, sash symbolized the priests consecration to God as a holy and distinct group, with special roles.
The undergarments symbolize the need for sinners’ guilt to be covered when approaching a holy and righteous God.
The Lord blesses those who obey His Word and walk in holiness before him.

Main Idea: God is holy. Those who serve in his presence are to be holy. The clearest demonstration of our holiness to the Lord in this age is our obedience to His Word.

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“Faithfulness in Word and Works” (Malachi 2:1–9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 7, 2019

Malachi 2:1–9 (NIV)

2 “And now, you priests, this warning is for you. 2 If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.

3 “Because of you I will rebuke your descendants; I will smear on your faces the dung from your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. 4 And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the Lord Almighty. 5 “My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.

7 “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. 8 But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. 9 “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

The Lord Established a Covenant of Life and Peace with His People (v. 5a).
This Gracious Covenant Demands that His People Honor Him in Their Worship (v. 5b).
Honoring the Lord Demands Faithfulness to His Word (vv. 6a, 7, 8b).
Honoring the Lord Demands Faithfulness in Our Works (vv. 8a, 8c, 9b–c).
Refusing to Honor the Lord Brings the Lord’s Chastening Hand of Judgment (vv. 1–4, 9a).

Main Idea: God has loved us; let us love him in return. God has shown us grace by giving us a covenant of life and peace; let us honor him in return. We honor him through right worship, right words, and right works.

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“Worship that Dishonors God” (Malachi 1:6–14) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 30, 2019

Malachi 1:6–14 (NIV)

6 “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

“It is you priests who show contempt for my name.

“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

7 “By offering defiled food on my altar.

“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’

“By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible. 8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.

9 “Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says the Lord Almighty.

10 “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. 11 My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.

12 “But you profane it by saying, ‘The Lord’s table is defiled,’ and, ‘Its food is contemptible.’ 13 And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the Lord Almighty.

“When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. 14 “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.

When we bring worthless things to the Lord in the name of worship, we dishonor him (vv. 6–8).

a. God is worthy of honor. He deserves our adoration and reverence (v. 6).

i. He is our Father. ii. He is our Lord. iii. He is the ultimate authority over all earthly authorities.

b. Offering worthless gifts to God shows contempt for God (vv. 7–8).

i. Worthless worship dishonors God’s name. ii. Bringing God our leftovers (instead of our best) is worthless worship and dishonors God.

The only proper response for God’s people when guilty of worthless worship is to repent and seek the Lord’s favor (v. 9).

a. God desires our obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). b. God desires our hearts (Psalm 51:17). c. When we fail to give God our best, we may find forgiveness through the all-sufficient life and sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

If we don’t worship God in a worthy manner, He will remove his blessing and find others who will worship him rightly (vv. 10–14).

a. God’s Name will be honored. b. If some refuse to honor God, He will turn to others who will glorify Him.

God turned his attention away from the hard-hearted Jewish people and turned to the Gentiles (Luke 13:28–29; Romans 11:11).

c. The full realization of God’s worldwide honor is still to be fulfilled in His future kingdom. d. There is only one “Great King” – the Lord our God.

Main Idea: God graciously saved us to worship him. As our Father and Lord, he is worthy of the very best that we can offer to him, but he is dishonored when we give him our leftovers.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 51: “Judgment and Salvation” (Isaiah 65:1–25)

Two Paths, Two Destinies (Isaiah 65:1–16)

a. God’s Boundless Kindness: The Lord’s call to those who had not previously sought or known him (Isaiah 65:1)

1 “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ (Isaiah 65:1, NIV)

b. Israel’s Rebellion Problem: The Lord’s requital on those who have rebelled and followed cults (Isaiah 65:2–7)

2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations— 3 a people who continually provoke me to my very face, offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick; 4 who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil; who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of impure meat; 5 who say, ‘Keep away; don’t come near me, for I am too sacred for you!’ Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day. 6 “See, it stands written before me: I will not keep silent but will pay back in full; I will pay it back into their laps— 7 both your sins and the sins of your ancestors,” says the Lord. “Because they burned sacrifices on the mountains and defied me on the hills, I will measure into their laps the full payment for their former deeds.” (Isaiah 65:2–7, NIV)

c. God’s Rescued Remnant: A preserved remnant, his servants, who will inherit his land (Isaiah 65:8–10)

8 This is what the Lord says: “As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and people say, ‘Don’t destroy it, there is still a blessing in it,’ so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all. 9 I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah those who will possess my mountains; my chosen people will inherit them, and there will my servants live. 10 Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me. (Isaiah 65:8–10, NIV)

d. Two Kinds of People (Isaiah 65:11–16)

1) Destined for Destruction: Those who forsake the Lord and follow cults are destined for slaughter because he called and they did not answer but chose what did not please him (Isaiah 65:11-12).

11 “But as for you who forsake the Lord and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, 12 I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will fall in the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” (Isaiah 65:11–12, NIV)

2) Destined for Joy: Joys for the Lord’s servants in the new creation (Isaiah 65:13-16).

13 Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. 14 My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. 15 You will leave your name for my chosen ones to use in their curses; the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. 16 Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes. (Isaiah 65:13–16, NIV)

All Things New (Isaiah 65:17–25)

a. The new creation (Isaiah 65:17–18b)

17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create... (Isaiah 65:17–18b, NIV)

b. The new city (Isaiah 65:18c–20)

18 ...for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. 20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. (Isaiah 65:18c–20, NIV)

c. The new society (Isaiah 65:21–25)

21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. 24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 65:21–25, NIV)

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“The Holy Vessels (Revisited)” (Exodus 37–38) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, June 23, 2019

Exodus 37–38 (NIV)

The Ark

37 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3 He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. 4 Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 5 And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.

6 He made the atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 7 Then he made two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 8 He made one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; at the two ends he made them of one piece with the cover. 9 The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover.

The Table

10 They made the table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. 11 Then they overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. 12 They also made around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. 13 They cast four gold rings for the table and fastened them to the four corners, where the four legs were. 14 The rings were put close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table. 15 The poles for carrying the table were made of acacia wood and were overlaid with gold. 16 And they made from pure gold the articles for the table—its plates and dishes and bowls and its pitchers for the pouring out of drink offerings.

The Lampstand

17 They made the lampstand of pure gold. They hammered out its base and shaft, and made its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. 18 Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 19 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on one branch, three on the next branch and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 20 And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 21 One bud was under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 22 The buds and the branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.

23 They made its seven lamps, as well as its wick trimmers and trays, of pure gold. 24 They made the lampstand and all its accessories from one talent of pure gold.

The Altar of Incense

25 They made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long and a cubit wide and two cubits high—its horns of one piece with it. 26 They overlaid the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it. 27 They made two gold rings below the molding—two on each of the opposite sides—to hold the poles used to carry it. 28 They made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.

29 They also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense—the work of a perfumer.

The Altar of Burnt Offering

38 They built the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood, three cubits high; it was square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. 2 They made a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar were of one piece, and they overlaid the altar with bronze. 3 They made all its utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 They made a grating for the altar, a bronze network, to be under its ledge, halfway up the altar. 5 They cast bronze rings to hold the poles for the four corners of the bronze grating. 6 They made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. 7 They inserted the poles into the rings so they would be on the sides of the altar for carrying it. They made it hollow, out of boards.

The Basin for Washing

8 They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

The Courtyard

9 Next they made the courtyard. The south side was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely twisted linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side was also a hundred cubits long and had twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, with silver hooks and bands on the posts.

12 The west end was fifty cubits wide and had curtains, with ten posts and ten bases, with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 13 The east end, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits wide. 14 Curtains fifteen cubits long were on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, 15 and curtains fifteen cubits long were on the other side of the entrance to the courtyard, with three posts and three bases. 16 All the curtains around the courtyard were of finely twisted linen. 17 The bases for the posts were bronze. The hooks and bands on the posts were silver, and their tops were overlaid with silver; so all the posts of the courtyard had silver bands.

18 The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, 19 with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks and bands were silver, and their tops were overlaid with silver. 20 All the tent pegs of the tabernacle and of the surrounding courtyard were bronze.

The Materials Used

21 These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant law, which were recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 22 (Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything the Lord commanded Moses; 23 with him was Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan—an engraver and designer, and an embroiderer in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen.) 24 The total amount of the gold from the wave offering used for all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

25 The silver obtained from those of the community who were counted in the census was 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel—26 one beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone who had crossed over to those counted, twenty years old or more, a total of 603,550 men. 27 The 100 talents of silver were used to cast the bases for the sanctuary and for the curtain—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent for each base. 28 They used the 1,775 shekels to make the hooks for the posts, to overlay the tops of the posts, and to make their bands.

29 The bronze from the wave offering was 70 talents and 2,400 shekels. 30 They used it to make the bases for the entrance to the tent of meeting, the bronze altar with its bronze grating and all its utensils, 31 the bases for the surrounding courtyard and those for its entrance and all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and those for the surrounding courtyard.

The Ark of the Covenant reminds us that:

a. God will be present in the midst of his people. b. God is the great King of all Creation and is enthroned between the Cherubim, the earthly ark being a model of his heavenly throne over the universe. c. In order for God to be present in the midst of his people, propitiatory, atoning blood is required.

The Table of Presence reminds us that:

a. God is home in his holy dwelling. b. God eats with his people and offers hospitality to his people. c. God sustains and nourishes his people. (Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word of God.) d. God is in covenant with his people.

The Lampstand reminds us that:

a. God is the source of light. b. God is the source of life.

The Altar of Incense reminds us that:

a. God welcomes and receives the prayers of his people.

The Altar of Burnt Offering reminds us that:

a. God deserves the best of our sacrificial gifts. b. God is holy and can only be approached through sacrifice.

The Basin for Washing reminds us that:

a. God desires and works for the purity of his covenant people.

The Courtyard and different sections of the Tabernacle complex remind us that:

a. God is holy and can only be approached in worship in the manner he prescribes. b. God has made provision for all people to worship him and enjoy his presence. c. The boundaries have now been taken down in the cross. Gentiles are not relegated to the court of the Gentiles. Jews are not relegated to the inner courtyard. Priests are not limited to the holy place outside the curtain. We may all now approach God’s presence with humility and praise because Christ has torn the veil through the giving of himself at Calvary.

The amount of materials collected teaches us that:

a. God deserves the very best of our possessions. b. The worship of our holy God is more important than the riches of this world.

This whole passage teaches us that:

a. God is holy. b. A Holy God can only be approached through atoning sacrifice. c. God’s holiness demands holiness from his people. d. God graciously chooses to dwell in the midst of his covenant people. e. God’s Word is determinative in the purpose and design of worship. f. God cares about order, design, and beauty. g. As the highest and greatest good in the universe, God is worthy of the most precious substances on earth to provide a place for his glorious presence.

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“The LORD’s Unfailing Love” (Malachi 1:1–5) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 23, 2019

Malachi 1:1–5 (NIV)

A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.

2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord.

“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’

“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob, 3 but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

4 Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.”

But this is what the Lord Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the Lord. 5 You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the Lord—even beyond the borders of Israel!’

The LORD’s Love for His People Declared
The LORD’s Love for His People Doubted
The LORD’s Love for His People Determined
The LORD’s Love for His People Demonstrated
The LORD’s Love for His People Displayed

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 50: “Judgment and Rescue” (Isaiah 63:1–64:12)*

Judgment of the Nations (Isaiah 63:1–6)

a. The Judge Identified: God the Warrior (Isaiah 63:1–3)

1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.” 2 Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? 3 “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. (Isaiah 63:1–3, NIV)

b. The Reason for Judgment Declared (Isaiah 63:4–6)

4 It was for me the day of vengeance; the year for me to redeem had come. 5 I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm achieved salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. 6 I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.” (Isaiah 63:4–6, NIV)

Prayer for God’s Intervention (Isaiah 63:7–64:12)

a. God’s Tenderness and Compassion (Isaiah 63:7–14)

i. God’s Lovingkindness (Isaiah 63:7–9)

7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. 8 He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior. 9 In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. (Isaiah 63:7–9, NIV)

ii. Israel’s Stubbornness (Isaiah 63:10–14)

10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. 11 Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people— where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, 12 who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, 13 who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; 14 like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name. (Isaiah 63:10–14, NIV)

b. Isaiah’s Plea for Help (Isaiah 63:15–64:12)

i. Plea for National Restoration (Isaiah 63:15–19)

15 Look down from heaven and see, from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and your might? Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us. 16 But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. 17 Why, Lord, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance. 18 For a little while your people possessed your holy place, but now our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary. 19 We are yours from of old; but you have not ruled over them, they have not been called by your name. (Isaiah 63:15–19, NIV)

ii. Plea for Earth-Shaking Judgment (Isaiah 64:1–4)

1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! 2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! 3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:1–4, NIV)

iii. Confession of Dependence on God (Isaiah 64:5–12)

5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? 6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. 7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. 8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people. 10 Your sacred cities have become a wasteland; even Zion is a wasteland, Jerusalem a desolation. 11 Our holy and glorious temple, where our ancestors praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins. 12 After all this, Lord, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure? (Isaiah 64:5–12, NIV)

*The outline for this lesson is from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“The Great Love of God” (1 John 3:1–3) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 16, 2019 (Father’s Day)

1 John 3:1–3 (NIV) 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Our Heavenly Father’s Love for Us Is an Extravagant Love.
Our Heavenly Father’s Love for Us Is an Empathetic Love.
Our Heavenly Father’s Love for Us Is an Enduring Love.
Our Heavenly Father’s Love for Us Is an Encouraging Love.
Our Heavenly Father’s Love for Us Is an Empowering Love.

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“Finding Rest in God” (Psalm 62:1–12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 9, 2019

Psalm 62 (NIV)

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;

my salvation comes from him.

2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault me?

Would all of you throw me down—

this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 Surely they intend to topple me

from my lofty place;

they take delight in lies.

With their mouths they bless,

but in their hearts they curse.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

my hope comes from him.

6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, you people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge.

9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,

the highborn are but a lie.

If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;

together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion

or put vain hope in stolen goods;

though your riches increase,

do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,

two things I have heard:

“Power belongs to you, God,

12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;

and, “You reward everyone

according to what they have done.”

Resting in God Should Be the Normal Orientation of Our Lives as God’s People (vv. 1–2).

a. What Does It Mean to Find Rest in God?

i. Resting is a ceasing, a stopping; but from what?

Work
Anxiety
Fear

ii. Finding rest in God means that we stop looking for rest in all the wrong places:

Our own strength, intelligence, talents
Our own resources, possessions, wealth
The world’s numbing devices
Hedonism – the endless pursuit of joy and satisfaction through the indulgence of personal appetites and desires

iii. Finding rest in God means that we go to him for our soul’s peace, calmness, tranquility, meaning, and fulfillment.

We find rest through complete trust in God.
We find rest through finding our meaning and purpose in relationship to our Creator.
We find rest through the work of Jesus Christ for us.

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30 NIV)

But What Happens When Troubles Come? (vv. 3–4)

a. Because they will come, and at unexpected times. b. They will come in different forms. c. So, what do we do when trouble comes?

Preach to Yourself and Remind Yourself (and Others) to Continue to Trust in God (vv. 5–8).
Because Trusting in Human Strength Will Surely Let You Down (vv. 9–10).
But Trusting in the Powerful, Loving, and Just Lord Will Never Fail You (vv. 11–12).

a. The LORD Is Powerful (v. 11). b. The LORD Is Merciful, Loving, and Loyal (v. 12). c. The LORD Is Righteous and Just (v. 12).

Main Idea: At all times, and especially in times of trouble, find rest for your anxious soul in the Lord, because He and He alone is the only reliable source of peace and safety.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 49: “Zion’s Marriage to God” (Isaiah 62:1–12)*

The Marriage Itself (Isaiah 62:1–5)

a. God’s Determination (Isaiah 62:1)

1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. (Isaiah 62:1, NIV)

b. Zion’s Ornamentation (Isaiah 62:2–3)

2 The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. 3 You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:2–3, NIV)

c. The Wedding Celebration (Isaiah 62:4–5)

4 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. 5 As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:4–5, NIV)

The Watchmen’s Reward (Isaiah 62:6–9)

a. The Watchmen’s Faithfulness (Isaiah 62:6–7)

6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, 7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. (Isaiah 62:6–7, NIV)

b. The Lord’s Oath (Isaiah 62:8–9)

8 The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; 9 but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isaiah 62:8–9, NIV)

God’s Redeemed (Isaiah 62:10–12)

10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations. 11 The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’ ” 12 They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. (Isaiah 62:10–12, NIV)

*The outline for this lesson is from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007)

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"All for God" (Exodus 35–36) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, June 2, 2019

Exodus 35–36 (NIV)

35 Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, “These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do: 2 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death. 3 Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”

4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; 6 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 7 ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; 8 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

10 “All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded: 11 the tabernacle with its tent and its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; 12 the ark with its poles and the atonement cover and the curtain that shields it; 13 the table with its poles and all its articles and the bread of the Presence; 14 the lampstand that is for light with its accessories, lamps and oil for the light; 15 the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the bronze basin with its stand; 17 the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; 18 the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, and their ropes; 19 the woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary—both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests.”

20 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, 21 and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22 All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord. 23 Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or the other durable leather brought them. 24 Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the Lord, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it. 25 Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. 26 And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. 29 All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.

30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

36 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.”

2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. 3 They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. 4 So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing 5 and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”

6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

8 All those who were skilled among the workers made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by expert hands. 9 All the curtains were the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. 10 They joined five of the curtains together and did the same with the other five. 11 Then they made loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and the same was done with the end curtain in the other set. 12 They also made fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. 13 Then they made fifty gold clasps and used them to fasten the two sets of curtains together so that the tabernacle was a unit.

14 They made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether. 15 All eleven curtains were the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 16 They joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another set. 17 Then they made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. 18 They made fifty bronze clasps to fasten the tent together as a unit. 19 Then they made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.

20 They made upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 21 Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide, 22 with two projections set parallel to each other. They made all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 23 They made twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle 24 and made forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection. 25 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, they made twenty frames 26 and forty silver bases—two under each frame. 27 They made six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 28 and two frames were made for the corners of the tabernacle at the far end. 29 At these two corners the frames were double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both were made alike. 30 So there were eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.

31 They also made crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 32 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. 33 They made the center crossbar so that it extended from end to end at the middle of the frames. 34 They overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. They also overlaid the crossbars with gold.

35 They made the curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. 36 They made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold. They made gold hooks for them and cast their four silver bases. 37 For the entrance to the tent they made a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer; 38 and they made five posts with hooks for them. They overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold and made their five bases of bronze.

Honor the Lord with Your Obedience (Exodus 35-40).
Honor the Lord with Your Time (Exodus 35:1–3).
Honor the Lord with Your Possessions (Exodus 35:4–9, 20–29).
Honor the Lord with Your Talents and Skills (Exodus 35:10-19; Exodus 35:30-36:38).
Honor the Lord by Revering and Cherishing His Presence (Exodus 35-40).

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“A Lesson in True Piety” (Proverbs 3:5–6) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 2, 2019

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Our devotion to God demands our entire trust.
Our devotion to God demands our exclusive trust.
Our devotion to God demands our exhaustive trust.
Our devotion to God leads to an effectual trust.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study “Good News for God’s People” (Isaiah 61:1–11)*

God’s Spirit-Led Anointed One (Isaiah 61:1–3)

• The Anointed One’s Source of Strength (Isaiah 61:1a)

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,... (Isaiah 61:1a, NIV)

• The Anointed One’s Task and Ultimate Purpose (Isaiah 61:1b–3)

1 ...because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1b–3, NIV)

• The Anointed One’s Identity

14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:14–21, NIV)

Israel’s Rebuilt Cities (Isaiah 61:4–9)

• Ruins Rebuilt (Isaiah 61:4)

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. (Isaiah 61:4, NIV)

• Foreigners Employed (Isaiah 61:5)

5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. (Isaiah 61:5, NIV)

• People Sanctified (Isaiah 61:6–7)

6 And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. (Isaiah 61:6–7, NIV)

• Covenant Realized (Isaiah 61:8–9)

8 “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” (Isaiah 61:8–9, NIV)

Israel’s Exultation (Isaiah 61:10–11)

10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. (Isaiah 61:10–11, NIV)

*The outline for this lesson is drawn from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“The Christian’s Memorial Day” Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 26, 2019

"This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD-- a lasting ordinance. (Exod. 12:14 NIV)

"This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. (Exod. 12:14 ESV)

For the people of Israel, Passover was their Memorial Day.

a. It was a day to remember their suffering in bondage.

That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. (Exod. 12:8 NIV)

b. It was a day to remember their redemption by sacrifice.

3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. (Exod. 12:3-7 NIV)

12 "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. (Exod. 12:12-13 NIV)

25 When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.'" Then the people bowed down and worshiped. (Exod. 12:25-27 NIV)

c. It was a day to celebrate their freedom as the liberated people of God.

16 On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat; that is all you may do. 17 "Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. (Exod. 12:16-17 NIV)

Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the LORD brought you out of it with a mighty hand. (Exod. 13:3 NIV)

For Christians, Passover is still our Memorial Day, but it has not been granted new significance in Jesus Christ.

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" 18 He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. (Matt. 26:17-19 NIV)

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matt. 26:26-29 NIV)

a. It is a day to remember our suffering in the bondage of sin and death.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Rom. 6:5-7 NIV)

b. It is a day to remember our redemption by the sacrifice of Christ.

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Rom. 3:23-24 NIV)

c. It is a day to celebrate our freedom as the liberated people of God.

20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (Rom. 8:20-21 NIV)

NIV Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1 NIV)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 47: "Zion Glorified" (Isaiah 60:1–22)

The Nations See God’s Glory (Isaiah 60:1–3)

1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isaiah 60:1–3, NIV)

Jerusalem’s Population, Wealth, and Relationship with Other Nations Grow (Isaiah 60:4–16)

a. Jerusalem’s Population (Isaiah 60:4)

4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. (Isaiah 60:4, NIV)

b. Jerusalem’s Wealth (Isaiah 60:5–9)

1) Nations would bring their wealth to Israel from land and sea (Isaiah 60:5–7).

5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord. 7 All Kedar’s flocks will be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will be accepted as offerings on my altar, and I will adorn my glorious temple. (Isaiah 60:5–7, NIV)

2) The Lord had glorified his people (Isaiah 60:8–9).

8 “Who are these that fly along like clouds, like doves to their nests? 9 Surely the islands look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. (Isaiah 60:8–9, NIV)

c. Jerusalem’s Relationship with Other Nations (Isaiah 60:10–16)

10 “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Though in anger I struck you, in favor I will show you compassion. 11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations— their kings led in triumphal procession. 12 For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. 13 “The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the juniper, the fir and the cypress together, to adorn my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place for my feet. 14 The children of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow down at your feet and will call you the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 “Although you have been forsaken and hated, with no one traveling through, I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations. 16 You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts. Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. (Isaiah 60:10–16, NIV)

God’s Special Blessing Rests on His People (Isaiah 60:17–22)

a. Good Administration (Isaiah 60:17–18)

17 Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler. 18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. (Isaiah 60:17–18, NIV)

b. Everlasting Light (Isaiah 60:19–20)

19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. (Isaiah 60:19–20, NIV)

c. Blessed People (Isaiah 60:21–22)

21 Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. 22 The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.” (Isaiah 60:21–22, NIV)

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“Keeping and Being Kept” (Jude 17–25) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 19, 2019

Jude 17–25 (NIV) 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

The Christian’s Calling and Responsibility (vv. 17–23).

a. Remember (17–19)

i. The Apostolic Word

b. Remain (20–21)

i. Build yourselves up in the faith. ii. Pray in the Holy Spirit. iii. Keep yourselves in the love of God. iv. Wait and persevere.

c. Rescue (22–23)

i. The Confused ii. The Convinced iii. The Committed

The Christian’s Hope and Assurance (vv. 24–25).

a. The Lord Preserves His People (24a). b. The Lord Presents His People (24b–25). c. The Lord Is Praised by His People (25).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 46: “Ritual, Rebellion, Repentance, Redemption” (Isaiah 58–59)

Rebuke of Ritualistic, Religious Israel (Isaiah 58:1–14)
True vs. False Discipleship (Isaiah 58:1–2)

1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins. 2 For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. (Isaiah 58:1–2, NIV)

True vs. False Fasting (Isaiah 58:3–12)

3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (Isaiah 58:3–12, NIV)

True vs. False Sabbath Observance (Isaiah 58:13–14)

13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, 14 then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 58:13–14, NIV)

Redemption of Rebellious but Repentant Israel (Isaiah 59:1–21)
Israel’s Sinfulness (Isaiah 59:1–2)

1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1–2, NIV)

Israel’s Specific Sins (Isaiah 59:3–8)

3 For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things. 4 No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil. 5 They hatch the eggs of vipers and spin a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die, and when one is broken, an adder is hatched. 6 Their cobwebs are useless for clothing; they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. 7 Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. 8 The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace. (Isaiah 59:3–8, NIV)

The Consequences of Israel’s Sin (Isaiah 59:9–15a)

9 So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 10 Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead. 11 We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away. 12 For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: 13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey... (Isaiah 59:9–15a, NIV)

The Redemption of the Lord (Isaiah 59:15b–21)

15 ...The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 18 According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. 19 From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along. 20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord. 21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 59:15b–21, NIV)

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“The Wisdom of Honoring Mothers” (Selections from Proverbs) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 12, 2019 (Mother’s Day)

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exod. 20:12 NIV)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-- which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (Eph. 6:1–3 NIV)

Value Your Mother’s Instruction.

a. Listen to your mother.

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. (Prov. 1:8)

My son, keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teaching. (Prov. 6:20)

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Prov. 23:22 NIV)

The sayings of King Lemuel-- an inspired utterance his mother taught him. Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! (Prov. 31:1–2 NIV)

b. Gain wisdom from your mother.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Prov. 1:7–9 NIV)

Benefit from Your Mother’s Instruction.

a. It will help you know God better.

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, (Prov. 2:1 NIV) then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. (Prov. 2:5 NIV)

b. It will guide and protect you.

20 My son, keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. (Prov. 6:20–22 NIV)

c. It will enhance the duration and quality of your life.

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. (Prov. 4:20 NIV) for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body. (Prov. 4:22 NIV)

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (Prov. 3:1–2 NIV)

Respect and Honor Your Mother.

a. Foolishness brings dishonor and grief to your mother.

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. (Prov. 10:1 NIV)

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. (Prov. 15:20 NIV)

A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. (Prov. 17:25 NIV)

b. Disrespect is shameful.

Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace. (Prov. 19:26 NIV)

Whoever robs their father or mother and says, "It's not wrong," is partner to one who destroys. (Prov. 28:24 NIV)

c. Disrespect leads to arrogance and rebellion.

11 "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; 12 those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; 13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; 14 those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind. (Prov. 30:11–14 NIV)

d. Disrespect brings the judgment of God.

If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. (Prov. 20:20 NIV)

The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. (Prov. 30:17 NIV)

Main Idea: One of the clearest indications that someone is living in the fear of the Lord and seeking the wisdom of the Lord is that they honor their mother.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 45: “The True People of God” (Isaiah 56:1–57:21)*

The True People of God Redefined (Isaiah 56:1–8)
A Blessed People Waiting (Isaiah 56:1–2)

1 This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. 2 Blessed is the one who does this— the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.” (Isaiah 56:1–2, NIV)

A Blessed People Included (Isaiah 56:3–7)

3 Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” And let no eunuch complain, “I am only a dry tree.” 4 For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— 5 to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever. 6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant— 7 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:3–7, NIV)

A Blessed People Gathering (Isaiah 56:8)

8 The Sovereign Lord declares— he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.” (Isaiah 56:8, NIV)

The False People of God Exposed (Isaiah 56:9–57:13)
Blind and Greedy (Isaiah 56:9–12)

9 Come, all you beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts of the forest! 10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. 11 They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain. 12 “Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.” (Isaiah 56:9–12, NIV)

Hostile to the Righteous (Isaiah 57:1–2)

1 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57:1–2, NIV)

Idolatrous (Isaiah 57:3–13)

3 “But you—come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! 4 Who are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars? 5 You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags. 6 The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; indeed, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In view of all this, should I relent? 7 You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill; there you went up to offer your sacrifices. 8 Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked with lust on their naked bodies. 9 You went to Molek with olive oil and increased your perfumes. You sent your ambassadors far away; you descended to the very realm of the dead! 10 You wearied yourself by such going about, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint. 11 “Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have not been true to me, and have neither remembered me nor taken this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? 12 I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you. 13 When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.” (Isaiah 57:3–13, NIV)

The True People of God Invited (Isaiah 57:14–21)
Promise of Presence (Isaiah 57:14–16)

14 And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” 15 For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16 I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me— the very people I have created. (Isaiah 57:14–16, NIV)

Promise of Healing (Isaiah 57:17-19a)

17 I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them, and hid my face in anger, yet they kept on in their willful ways. 18 I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, 19 creating praise on their lips...” (Isaiah 57:17–19a, NIV)

Promise of Peace (Isaiah 57:19b–21)

19 ...Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.” 20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. 21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:19b–21, NIV)

*The main points of this outline are drawn from the ESV Study Bible notes.

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“Reflecting the Glory of the Lord” (Exodus 34:29–35) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, May 5, 2019

Exodus 34:29–35 (NIV)

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.

33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

The Glory of the Lord is Revealed in His Goodness.

a. The Declaration of His Goodness

6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation." (Exod. 34:6-7 NIV)

b. The Application of His Goodness

1 The LORD said to Moses, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. (Exod. 34:1-2 NIV)

Then the LORD said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you. (Exod. 34:10 NIV)

27 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." 28 Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant-- the Ten Commandments. (Exod. 34:27-28 NIV)

The Glory of the Lord is Reflected by the One Who Communes with the Lord.

a. Moses’s radiant face reflects the Lord’s glory as manifested in his goodness (Exod 34:6–7).

b. Moses’s radiant face reflects his spending much time with the Lord.

c. Moses’s radiant face is closely associated with receiving and proclaiming the gracious Word of the Lord.

...he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD (Exod. 34:29 NIV)

When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. (Exod. 34:33 NIV)

34 But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD. (Exod. 34:34-35 NIV)

d. As radiant as Moses’s shining face was, it was a glory that represented a temporary covenant that at one point would give way to a better, new covenant.

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“O Taste and See that the Lord Is Good” (Psalm 34) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 5, 2019

Psalm 34 (NIV)

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;

his praise will always be on my lips.

2 I will glory in the Lord;

let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the Lord with me;

let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;

he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, my children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from telling lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,

to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles,

but the Lord delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones,

not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;

the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The Lord will rescue his servants;

no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Rejoice with Me! (vv. 1-3)
The Lord Is My Deliverer (vv. 4–7).
Come, Experience the Lord’s Goodness (vv. 8–10).
Listen to My Instruction (vv. 11–16).
Fear the Lord, and He Will Be Your Deliverer (vv. 17–22).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 44: “An Invitation to Life” (Isaiah 55:1-13)

Come, Eat and Drink! (Isaiah 55:1-2)

• Bread That Is Freely Given (Isaiah 55:1)

1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Isaiah 55:1, NIV)

• Bread That Truly Satisfies (Isaiah 55:2)

2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2, NIV)

Come and Live! (Isaiah 55:3-5)

• Listen to the Lord’s Word (Isaiah 55:3a)

3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live... (Isaiah 55:3, NIV)

• Trust the Lord’s Covenant (Isaiah 55:3b)

3 ... I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. (Isaiah 55:3, NIV)

• Remember David (Isaiah 55:4)

4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. (Isaiah 55:4, NIV)

• Hope in the Lord’s Promises (Isaiah 55:5)

5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.” (Isaiah 55:5, NIV)

Come and Seek! (Isaiah 55:6-7)

• Seek the Lord Now (Isaiah 55:6)

• Forsake Sin (Isaiah 55:7a)

7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts... (Isaiah 55:7, NIV)

• Return to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7b)

7 ... Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:7, NIV)

Come and Consider! (Isaiah 55:8-13)

• Consider the Greatness of God (Isaiah 55:8-9)

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8–9, NIV)

• Consider the Certainty of the Lord’s Word (Isaiah 55:10-11)

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10–11, NIV)

• Consider the Renewal of the Lord’s Creation (Isaiah 55:12-13)

12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” (Isaiah 55:12–13, NIV)

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“Renewal of the Covenant” (Exodus 34:10–28) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, April 28, 2019

Exodus 34:10–28 (NIV)

10 Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. 11 Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 12 Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. 13 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. 14 Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

15 “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. 16 And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.

17 “Do not make any idols.

18 “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt.

19 “The first offspring of every womb belongs to me, including all the firstborn males of your livestock, whether from herd or flock. 20 Redeem the firstborn donkey with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem all your firstborn sons.

“No one is to appear before me empty-handed.

21 “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

22 “Celebrate the Festival of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Festival of Ingathering at the turn of the year. 23 Three times a year all your men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord, the God of Israel. 24 I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the Lord your God.

25 “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Festival remain until morning.

26 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.

“Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

27 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.

God’s Goodness is revealed in his willingness to renew the covenant with a faithless people.

a. The covenant needed to be renewed, because Israel had broken it. b. This is a renewed or remade covenant. It is not an entirely new covenant. c. The renewal of the covenant is a marvelous work of re-creation. d. It is God’s goodness alone that renews the covenant. e. The renewal of the covenant was for God’s glory. f. The renewal of the covenant entailed a renewed commitment to obedience.

God’s Goodness is to be honored by worshiping him exclusively.
God’s Goodness is to be honored by maintaining purity from pagan influences.
God’s Goodness is to be honored by faithfully engaging in worship and remembrance of his deeds in the way he prescribes.
God’s Goodness is to be honored by giving him the very best of all that we have.

Main Idea: God has graciously demonstrated his goodness in entering into a covenant with us. His goodness should be honored by us by giving him exclusive worship, maintaining purity from the world, worshiping him regularly in the way he prescribes, and by giving him the very best that we have.

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“The Right Way and the Wrong Way” (Psalm 1) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 28, 2019

Psalm 1:1–6 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Two Different Directions

a. Clearly Distinct Directions b. Directions of Choice c. A Direction of Grace d. Progressive Directions e. Solitary vs. Crowded Paths

Two Different Dividends

a. Blessedness vs. Futility/Frustration b. Flourishing vs. Withering

Two Different Destinies

a. In this life b. In the life to come

Main Idea: Those blessed by the Lord walk the path of delight in his Word. Their life is a flourishing one that leads to eternal life. The foolish and the mockers walk the path of self-determination, refusing to delight in or follow God’s Word. Their life is characterized by futility and ultimately ends in death and judgment.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 43: "Jerusalem’s Rebirth" (Isaiah 54:1–17)*

The Command to Celebrate the Rebirth (Isaiah 54:1–3)

a. The Barren Become Fertile (Isaiah 54:1)

1 “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:1, NIV)

b. The People Multiply (Isaiah 54:2–3)

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. (Isaiah 54:2–3, NIV)

The Lord’s Plan concerning the Rebirth (Isaiah 54:4–10)

a. The Lord Has Redeemed His People (Isaiah 54:4–6)

4 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. 5 For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. 6 The Lord will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit— a wife who married young, only to be rejected,” says your God. (Isaiah 54:4–6, NIV)

b. The Lord’s Discipline Is Now Complete (Isaiah 54:7–8)

7 “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. 8 In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. (Isaiah 54:7–8, NIV)

c. The Lord Will Keep His People Forever (Isaiah 54:9–10)

9 “To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. 10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:9–10, NIV)

The Establishment of the Rebirth (Isaiah 54:11–17)

a. The City (Isaiah 54:11–12)

11 “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. 12 I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. (Isaiah 54:11–12, NIV)

b. The People (Isaiah 54:13–17)

13 All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. 14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. 15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. 16 “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:13–17, NIV)

The outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“The Sign of Lazarus” (John 11:1–45) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019

John 11:1–45 (NIV)

11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Lazarus did not deserve the suffering he endured.

1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1–3 NIV)

Lazarus endured an intensified suffering in accomplishing the purposes of God.
Lazarus died and was prepared for burial and was put in a cave tomb with a stone in front.
Lazarus was buried for several days in demonstration that he had assuredly succumbed to death.
Lazarus’ death and burial were temporary.
Lazarus came to life again and came out of his burial clothes.
Lazarus’s resurrection glorified God.
Lazarus’s resurrection was a sign that resulted in many people putting their faith in Jesus.
Lazarus’s death and resurrection happened toward the end of Jesus’ public ministry, providing a foretaste of the greater resurrection of Christ to come.
Lazarus’s death was the most climactic sign in demonstration of the identity and authority of Jesus Christ before his own resurrection from the grave.
A miraculous sign is not enough to melt the hardened heart of unbelief. A miracle of regeneration of the heart by the Spirit of God is required to bring about faith.
Unlike Lazarus’s resurrection, Jesus was raised never to die again. Jesus was the firstfruits of a new kind of resurrection from death.

Main Idea: The raising of Lazarus is a sign pointing to the greater resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of Christ is the greatest attestation of the authenticity and authority of the person of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The only proper response is to believe in Him.

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“The Sign of the Temple” (John 2:12–23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 14, 2019

John 2:12–23 (NIV) 12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. 13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

The Authority of Jesus is Displayed.
The Authority of Jesus is Questioned.
The Authenticity of Jesus’ Authority is Predicted.
By means of a Typological Sign, comparing Jesus to the Temple:

i. The Temple was the central focus of the worship and life of the Israelite people.

ii. The Temple was the means by which God’s presence dwelt with his people.

iii. The Temple was the place where sacrificial blood was offered by the High Priest for atonement so that God might dwell with his people.

The Authority of Jesus is Confirmed.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20 NIV)

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."' 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." (Acts 2:32-36 NIV)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 42: “The Suffering Servant” (Isaiah 52:13–53:12) [Part 2]

The Servant’s Identity*

a. Isaiah? b. Israel? c. The Remnant of Israel? d. Jesus the Messiah?

The Servant’s Introduction (52:13–15)

a. The Servant’s Wisdom (52:13) b. The Servant’s Exalted Status (52:13) c. The Servant’s Appearance (52:14) d. The Servant and the Nations (52:15)

The Servant’s Rejection (53:1–3)

a. The Struggle to Believe in the Servant (53:1) b. The Servant’s Ordinary Beginnings (53:2a) c. The Servant Has No Special Appearance (53:2b) d. The Servant Faces Derision and Rejection (53:3)

The Servant’s Suffering (53:4–6)

a. The Servant’s Suffering Is Substitutionary

4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4, NIV)

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:17, NIV)

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5, NIV)

24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24, NIV)

28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28, NIV)

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6, NIV)

25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25, NIV)

b. The Servant’s Suffering Is from God

6 ...the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6, NIV)

The Servant’s Death (53:7–9)

a. The Servant Goes Quietly to Slaughter (53:7)

7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7, NIV)

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” (Matthew 26:62–63, NIV)

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23, NIV)

b. The Servant Dies for God’s People (53:8)

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. (Isaiah 53:8, NIV)

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, NIV)

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14–15, NIV)

c. The Servant Dies Innocent (53:9)

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9, NIV)

22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22, NIV)

4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” (Luke 23:4, NIV)

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. (Matthew 27:57–60, NIV)

The Servant’s Triumph (53:10–12)

a. God Made the Servant a Guilt Offering (53:10)

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin... (Isaiah 53:10, NIV)

23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:23–24, NIV)

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32, NIV)

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

b. The Servant Will See His Descendants (53:10–11)

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. 11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied... (Isaiah 53:10–11, NIV)

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. (Matthew 16:21, NIV)

c. The Servant Will Justify Many (53:11)

11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11, NIV)

25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:25, NIV)

18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:18–19, NIV)

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18, NIV)

d. The Servant Receives God’s Reward (53:12)

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12, NIV)

37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” (Luke 22:37, NIV)

9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:9, NIV)

*The outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“The Gracious and Compassionate God” (Exodus 34:1–9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, April 7, 2019

Exodus 34:1–9 (NIV) 34 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.” 4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” 8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

The Holy One of Israel Displays His Compassion and Grace (vv. 1–4).

a. By not destroying Israel for their adulterous violation of the covenant (32:11–14). b. By his willingness to go with the Israelites on their way to Canaan (33:12–17). c. By his willingness to reveal a diminished view of his infinite glory to his servant Moses (33:17–23). d. By his willingness to renew the covenant with a faithless and stubborn people (34:1–4 [v. 10]). e. By his willingness to forgive the wickedness of the Israelites and be their God and they his people (34:7, 8–9).

The Holy One of Israel Proclaims His Compassion and Grace (vv. 5–7).

a. He proclaims his Name, the LORD (YHWH). b. He proclaims his Essential Character.

i. Compassionate ii. Gracious iii. Slow to anger iv. Abounding in love (Hesed) v. Abounding in faithfulness vi. Maintaining love (Hesed) to thousands (for a thousand generations)

9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deut. 7:9 NIV)

vii. Forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin viii. Just – not leaving the guilty unpunished ix. He punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.

c. This proclamation of the LORD’s Name and Character becomes the core description of the God of Israel throughout the Scriptures (Num 14:18; Neh 9:17; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 108:4; 111:4; 116:5; 145:8).

The Holy One of Israel Is to Be Worshiped for His Compassion and Grace (vv. 8–9).

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“The Sign of Jonah” (Matthew 12:38–42) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 7, 2019

Matthew 12:38–42 (NIV)

38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

39 He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

Like Jonah, Jesus was a prophet of God, proclaiming the message of God.
Like Jonah, Jesus was called as a prophet during a time of great Israelite unbelief.

a. The Israelite leadership in Jonah’s day was characterized by wickedness, idolatry, and unbelief.

23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel became king in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. 24 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit. (2 Kings 14:23-24 NIV)

b. The Israelite leadership in Jesus’ day was caught up in its own self-righteousness and was deluded into thinking it had no need of repentance. But Jesus called them wicked and spiritual adulterers. Spiritual adultery was typically associated with idolatry, the same spiritual adultery that Israel was guilty of in Jonah’s day.

c. The unbelief of the religious leadership in Jesus’ day is demonstrated by their selfish demand for a miraculous sign from Jesus.

Like Jonah, Jesus saw minimal response to his message among the Israelites, but an overwhelmingly positive response to his message among the Gentiles.
Like Jonah, Jesus was zealous for the salvation of the Israelites.

a. But Jonah had a misguided, short-sighted view of the best way to ensure the salvation of the Israelites. He thought the best way to secure the safety and salvation of the Israelites was the destruction of Israel’s Gentile enemies. Jonah was even willing to sacrifice himself, be thrown into the ocean and drown, rather than see the repentance of the Gentiles. So, he was willing to sacrifice himself for the well-being of his own people, but it was misguided, short-sighted, and contrary to the will of God.

b. Jesus, on the other hand, had a proper, far-sighted view of the best way to ensure the salvation of the Israelites. He would lay down his life for his people, but not in any effort to circumvent the will of God, but rather in harmony with the will of God. Jonah’s death desired the destruction of the Gentiles, but Jesus’ death desired the salvation of the Gentiles. In his far-sighted view of the plan of God, Jesus knew that salvation for the Jews did not come by hostility to the Gentiles; rather, salvation for the Jews would ironically come through the conversion of the Gentiles (Romans 11).

Like Jonah, Jesus was miraculously rescued from death after 3 days.

a. J. Jeremias: “both the old and the new sign of Jonah consist in the authorisation of the divine messenger by deliverance from death.”

b. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the greatest authentication of his message and the greatest vindication of his mission and work. It also became the center of the Christian proclamation of the gospel.

Both Jonah and Jesus preached a message of repentance, which is also the proper obedient response to their God-sent proclamation.
In many ways, Jonah was a type of Jesus, and Jesus was like Jonah. But Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and so was so much more than Jonah was or could ever be.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 42: “The Suffering Servant” (Isaiah 52:13–53:12) [Part 1]

The Servant’s Identity*

a. Isaiah?

3 Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, (Isaiah 20:3, NIV)

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” (Acts 8:34, NIV)

b. Israel?

8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, 9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. (Isaiah 41:8–9, NIV)

21 “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you, you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you. (Isaiah 44:21, NIV)

c. The Remnant of Israel?

1 But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”... 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. (Isaiah 43:1–7, 10, NIV)

d. Jesus the Messiah

1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:1–4, NIV)

10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. (Isaiah 50:10, NIV)

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:34–35, NIV)

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:17, NIV)

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:21–25, NIV)

The Servant’s Introduction (52:13–15)

a. The Servant’s Wisdom (52:13)

13 See, my servant will act wisely; ... (Isaiah 52:13, NIV)

b. The Servant’s Exalted Status (52:13)

13 See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. (Isaiah 52:13, NIV)

c. The Servant’s Appearance (52:14)

14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— (Isaiah 52:14, NIV)

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” (Matthew 26:67–68, NIV)

d. The Servant and the Nations (52:15)

15 so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. (Isaiah 52:15, NIV)

20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” (Romans 15:20–21, NIV)

The Servant’s Rejection (53:1–3)

a. The Struggle to Believe in the Servant (53:1)

1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? (Isaiah 53:1, NIV)

37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. (John 12:37–41, NIV)

16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Romans 10:16, NIV)

b. The Servant’s Ordinary Beginnings (53:2a)

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. ... (Isaiah 53:2, NIV)

c. The Servant Has No Special Appearance (53:2b)

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2, NIV)

d. The Servant Faces Derision and Rejection (53:3)

3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3, NIV)

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:10–11, NIV)

*The outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“To God Be the Glory” (Romans 16:21–27) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 31, 2019

Romans 16:21–27 (NIV) 21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Glory be to God, who has made us a part of a worldwide spiritual family (21–23).
Glory be to God, who will complete the work he has started in us (25a).
Glory be to God, who has brought to fulfillment his long-planned and long-promised salvation through Jesus Christ (25b–26a).
Glory be to God, who is calling people from every language, tribe, and nation to himself through the gospel (26b).
Glory be to God forever and ever because of what he has done for us through Christ (27).

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“Show Me Your Glory” (Exodus 33:17–23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, March 24, 2019

Exodus 33:17–23 (NIV) 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” 19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” 21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

The request of Moses reveals an instinctive desire that we as God's children share to know and see our Creator (v. 18).

8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? (John 14:8–9 NIV)

Our Creator God is too infinitely glorious to be seen by finite, mortal human beings (vv. 20, 23b).
But God does graciously reveal what can be received and known by sinful, finite, mortal human beings (vv. 19, 21–23a).

a. He reveals his goodness (v. 19). b. He reveals his Name (v. 19). c. He reveals his sovereign gracious character (v. 19). d. He reveals a limited view of his glory, which is what we are capable of and what is sufficient for us (vv. 21–23a).

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“Watch Out and Stay Away!” (Romans 16:17–20) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 24, 2019

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (Romans 16:17–20, NIV)

Paul’s exhortation to the Christians in Rome is threefold:

Don’t let false teachers destroy the work of the gospel in your church.

a. There are 3 ingredients to accomplish this defense of the gospel:

i. Vigilance ii. Separation iii. Discernment

In your vigilance for the gospel, take hope in the promise that God will ultimately crush Satan.

15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Genesis 3:15, NIV)

Remember that we can ask for and receive the grace of Jesus Christ.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 41: “Encouragement and Good News” (Isaiah 51:1–52:12)*

Encouragement to the Righteous (Isaiah 51:1–16)

a. Look to the Past (Isaiah 51:1–3)

1 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; 2 look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. 3 The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. (Isaiah 51:1–3, NIV)

b. Look to the Future (Isaiah 51:4–6)

4 “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. 5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. (Isaiah 51:4–6, NIV)

c. Look to the Present (Isaiah 51:7–8)

7 “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.” (Isaiah 51:7–8, NIV)

d. Isaiah’s Prayer (Isaiah 51:9–10)

9 Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced that monster through? 10 Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over? (Isaiah 51:9–10, NIV)

e. God’s Response (Isaiah 51:11–16)

11 Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. 12 “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, 13 that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? 14 The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. 15 For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name. 16 I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand— I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’ ” (Isaiah 51:11–16, NIV)

Good News for Jerusalem (Isaiah 51:17–52:12)

a. Jerusalem the Drunkard (Isaiah 51:17–23)

17 Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger. 18 Among all the children she bore there was none to guide her; among all the children she reared there was none to take her by the hand. 19 These double calamities have come upon you— who can comfort you?— ruin and destruction, famine and sword— who can console you? 20 Your children have fainted; they lie at every street corner, like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the Lord, with the rebuke of your God. 21 Therefore hear this, you afflicted one, made drunk, but not with wine. 22 This is what your Sovereign Lord says, your God, who defends his people: “See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again. 23 I will put it into the hands of your tormentors, who said to you, ‘Fall prostrate that we may walk on you.’ And you made your back like the ground, like a street to be walked on.” (Isaiah 51:17–23, NIV)

b. Jerusalem the Free (Isaiah 52:1–6)

1 Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. 2 Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. 3 For this is what the Lord says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” 4 For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. 5 “And now what do I have here?” declares the Lord. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,” declares the Lord. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. 6 Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.” (Isaiah 52:1–6, NIV)

c. Jerusalem the Rejoicing (Isaiah 52:7–12)

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. 11 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house. 12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 52:7–12, NIV)

*Outline is taken from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“God with Us” (Exodus 33:7–17) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, March 17, 2019

Exodus 33:7–17 (NIV)

7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

We can’t live with God (vv. 1–6).
We can’t live without God (vv. 7–17).
The only resolution to this tension is a Mediator who draws God near while also appeasing his Holy wrath against our sin.

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“Greeting the Saints” (Romans 16:3–16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 17, 2019

Romans 16:3–16 (NIV)

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.

Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.

Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the churches of Christ send greetings.

Gospel ministry is done by people for the sake of people.
The Church of Jesus Christ is composed of a diverse group of people.
The Church is characterized as a family and as a fellowship.
Two commendable attributes of the saints in Rome were faithfulness and hard work.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 40: “Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience” (Isaiah 50:1-11)

The Redeeming Lord and His Wayward People (Isaiah 50:1-3)*

a. The Unresponsive Family (Isaiah 50:1-2b)

1 This is what the Lord says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away. 2 When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? ... (Isaiah 50:1–2b, NIV)

b. The Competent Lord (Isaiah 50:2c-3)

2 ...Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. 3 I clothe the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth its covering.” (Isaiah 50:2–3, NIV)

The Sovereign Lord and the Testimony of His Servant (Isaiah 50:4-11)

a. The Responsive Servant (Isaiah 50:4-6)

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. 5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Isaiah 50:4–6, NIV)

b. The Competent Lord (Isaiah 50:7-9)

7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. (Isaiah 50:7–9, NIV)

c. The Servant and the Remnant (Isaiah 50:10-11)

10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. 11 But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50:10–11, NIV)

The outline is adapted from J. A. Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996).

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"Without God's Presence" (Exodus 33:1-6) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, March 10, 2019

Exodus 33:1–6 (NIV)

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”

4 When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. 5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’ ” 6 So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb.

The Lord's holy anger against sin is not easily appeased.
The vileness of our sin is an affront to a holy God, so he must mediate his presence for our own good.
Even though we do not deserve it, sinners still receive the benefits of the Lord's faithful promises.
The only proper response to our sin and guilt in the eyes of God is true and honest repentance.

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"Worthy of Commendation" (Romans 16:1-2) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 10, 2019

Romans 16:1–2 (NIV)

16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon, of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Worthy of Commendation as a Sister in the Family of God.
Worthy of Commendation as a Servant of the Church of God.
Worthy of Commendation as a Supporter of the Mission of God.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 39: “The Lord’s Servant and Israel’s Return” (Isaiah 49:1-26)*

The Lord’s Servant (Isaiah 49:1-7)

a. The Servant’s Call (Isaiah 49:1-3)

1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. 3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.” (Isaiah 49:1–3, NIV)

b. The Servant’s Cry (Isaiah 49:4)

4 But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” (Isaiah 49:4, NIV)

c. The Servant’s Confirmation (Isaiah 49:5-7)

5 And now the Lord says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength— 6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” 7 This is what the Lord says— the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel— to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isaiah 49:5–7, NIV)

The Servant’s Identity

Israel’s Return (Isaiah 49:8-26)

a. God’s Guidance of His Servant (Isaiah 49:8-13)

8 This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, 9 to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. 10 They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. 11 I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. 12 See, they will come from afar— some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan.” 13 Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Isaiah 49:8–13, NIV)

b. Zion’s Doubts (Isaiah 49:14-21)

14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. 17 Your children hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. 18 Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride. 19 “Though you were ruined and made desolate and your land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. 20 The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in.’ 21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but these—where have they come from?’ ” (Isaiah 49:14–21, NIV)

c. God’s Vindication (Isaiah 49:22-26)

22 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips. 23 Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” 24 Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? 25 But this is what the Lord says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. 26 I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Isaiah 49:22–26, NIV)

*Outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Moses Intercedes Again” (Exodus 32:30–35) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, March 3, 2019

Exodus 32:30–35 (NIV)

30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”

31 So Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

33 The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”

35 And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.

Sin is more serious in the eyes of God than we can imagine.
The grace and mercy of God should not be presumed, as if they were owed to us.
God's condemnation is just and is given on the basis of what people have done.
No ordinary human being can atone for our sin, but Moses's intercession for the people pictures our need of a sufficient mediator who can stand between us and God.
Even in judgment, God is longsuffering and merciful. The entire nation deserved to be wiped out, but God judged a portion and showed generous mercy to the rest.

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“Gospel Plans” (Romans 15:22–33) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, March 3, 2019

Romans 15:22–33 (NIV)

22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Plans for the Gospel’s Expansion (vv. 22–24, also 28–29)
Provision for the Gospel’s Forefathers (vv. 25–28)
Prayer for the Gospel’s Success (vv. 30–33)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 38: “Israel’s Stubbornness vs. God’s Grace” (Isaiah 48:1–22)*

Israel’s Stubbornness (48:1–5)

a. Israel’s Election (48:1a)

"Listen to this, you descendants of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel and come from the line of Judah, (Isaiah 48:1a, NIV)

b. Israel’s Sin (48:1b–2)

you who take oaths in the name of the LORD and invoke the God of Israel-- but not in truth or righteousness--2 you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and claim to rely on the God of Israel-- the LORD Almighty is his name: (Isaiah 48:1b-2, NIV)

c. Israel’s Inexcusability (48:3–5)

3 I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. 4 For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze. 5 Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, 'My images brought them about; my wooden image and metal god ordained them.' (Isaiah 48:3-5, NIV)

God’s Even More Relentless Grace (48:6–22)

a. God’s Patience (48:6–11)

6 You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? "From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you. 7 They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot say, 'Yes, I knew of them.' 8 You have neither heard nor understood; from of old your ears have not been open. Well do I know how treacherous you are; you were called a rebel from birth. 9 For my own name's sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to destroy you completely. 10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another. (Isaiah 48:6-11, NIV)

b. God’s Openness (48:12–16)

12“Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last. 13My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together. 14“Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The Lord’s chosen ally will carry out his purpose against Babylon; his arm will be against the Babylonians. 15I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission. 16“Come near me and listen to this: “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, endowed with his Spirit. (Isaiah 48:12–16, NIV)

c. God’s Instruction (48:17–19)

17This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. 19Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.” (Isaiah 48:17–19, NIV)

d. God’s Redemption (48:20–22)

20Leave Babylon, flee from the Babylonians! Announce this with shouts of joy and proclaim it. Send it out to the ends of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob.” 21They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out. 22“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:20–22, NIV)

*Outline adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Moses, the Judge” (Exodus 32:15–29) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, February 24, 2019

Exodus 32:15–29 (NIV) 15 Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. 16 The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. 17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “There is the sound of war in the camp.” 18 Moses replied: “It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear.” 19 When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. 20 And he took the calf the people had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it. 21 He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?” 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” 25 Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. 26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him. 27 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’ ” 28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died. 29 Then Moses said, “You have been set apart to the Lord today, for you were against your own sons and brothers, and he has blessed you this day.”

The Setting (vv. 15–18).

Zeal for the holiness of the Lord demands eradication of any and every thing that is offensive to God (vv. 19–20).
Zeal for the holiness of the Lord demands accountability and personal responsibility for one’s actions, whether as follower or leader (vv. 21–24).
Zeal for the holiness of the Lord demands righteous justice and punishment of those who have sinned against the Lord (vv. 20, 25–28).
Zeal for the holiness of the Lord results in abundant blessing and greater opportunity for service to the Lord (vv. 29).

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“Paul’s Mission to the Gentiles” (Romans 15:14–22) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 24, 2019

Romans 15:14–22 (NIV) 14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”

22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul Had a Priestly Ministry to the Gentiles (vv. 14–16).
Paul Had a Powerful Ministry to the Gentiles (vv. 17–19a).
Paul Had a Pioneering Ministry to the Gentiles (vv. 19b–21).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 37: "The Fall of Babylon" (Isaiah 46-47)*

God vs. Babylon’s Idols (Isaiah 46)

a. Babylon’s Idols Are Humiliated (Isaiah 46:1-2)

Isaiah 46:1–2 NIV 1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. 2 They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity.

b. God’s Assurance to Israel (Isaiah 46:3-4)

Isaiah 46:3–4 NIV 3 “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. 4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

c. The Futility of All Idols Anywhere (Isaiah 46:5-7)

Isaiah 46:5–7 NIV 5 “With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? 6 Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. 7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save them from their troubles.

d. God’s Uniqueness (Isaiah 46:8-13)

Isaiah 46:8–13 NIV 8 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.

Taunt Against Babylon (Isaiah 47)

a. Babylon’s Shame Exposed (Isaiah 47:1-4)

Isaiah 47:1–4 NIV 1 “Go down, sit in the dust, Virgin Daughter Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, queen city of the Babylonians. No more will you be called tender or delicate. 2 Take millstones and grind flour; take off your veil. Lift up your skirts, bare your legs, and wade through the streams. 3 Your nakedness will be exposed and your shame uncovered. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” 4 Our Redeemer—the Lord Almighty is his name— is the Holy One of Israel.

b. Babylon’s Royalty Deposed (Isaiah 47:5-7)

Isaiah 47:5–7 NIV 5 “Sit in silence, go into darkness, queen city of the Babylonians; no more will you be called queen of kingdoms. 6 I was angry with my people and desecrated my inheritance; I gave them into your hand, and you showed them no mercy. Even on the aged you laid a very heavy yoke. 7 You said, ‘I am forever— the eternal queen!’ But you did not consider these things or reflect on what might happen.

c. Babylon’s Bereavement and Judgment Disclosed (Isaiah 47:8-15)

Isaiah 47:8–15 NIV 8 “Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.’ 9 Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells. 10 You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ 11 Disaster will come upon you, and you will not know how to conjure it away. A calamity will fall upon you that you cannot ward off with a ransom; a catastrophe you cannot foresee will suddenly come upon you. 12 “Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. 13 All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. 14 Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by. 15 That is all they are to you— these you have dealt with and labored with since childhood. All of them go on in their error; there is not one that can save you.

*The outline for this lesson is drawn from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Moses, the Intercessor” (Exodus 32:7–14) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, February 17, 2019

Exodus 32:7–14 (NIV)

7 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

9 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’ ” 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

The Lord’s Holy Anger (vv. 7–10).

a. The Lord’s Holy Anger Brings Relational Alienation (v. 7) b. The Lord’s Holy Anger Is in Response to Actual Sins Committed (vv. 7–8) c. The Lord’s Holy Anger Is in Response to the Internal Inclination toward Rebellion (v. 9). d. The Lord’s Holy Anger is Just and Righteous (v. 10).

Moses’s Effectual Intercession (vv. 11–13).

a. Effectual Intercession Is Humble (v. 11). b. Effectual Intercession is Persevering (Deut 9:25).

⦁ I lay prostrate before the LORD those forty days and forty nights because the LORD had said he would destroy you. (Deut. 9:25 NIV)

c. Effectual Intercession Is Reconciliatory (v. 11). d. Effectual Intercession Seeks the Glory of God’s Name (v. 12). e. Effectual Intercession Relies on the Revealed Word of God (v. 13).

The Lord's Amazing Mercy (v. 14).

Main Idea: We worship a Holy, Righteous God who Justly burns with anger against sin; but we have a Great Intercessor who pleads our cause before him and receives on our behalf mercy and forgiveness.

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“United Praise” (Romans 15:7–13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 17, 2019

Romans 15:7–13 (NIV)

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;

I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;

let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Exhortation:

Accept One Another in Unity...

i. Without disputing/arguing ii. Without condescension (from the strong to the weak) iii. Without judgment (from the weak to the strong)

Our Reason:

a. The Grace of Christ b. The Example of Christ c. The Promises of God

i. Verse 9: 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49 ii. Verses 10: Deuteronomy 32:43 iii. Verse 11: Psalm 117:1 iv. Verse 12: Isaiah 11:10

d. The Glory of God

Our Prayer:

a. Filled with Joy b. Filled with Peace c. Abounding in Hope

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 36: "The Restoration of Jerusalem and Beyond" (Isaiah 44:24–45:25)

Jerusalem’s Restoration through Cyrus (Isaiah 44:24–45:8)

• Cyrus, the Lord’s Shepherd : Zion Rebuilt (Isaiah 44:24–28)

24 “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself, 25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, 26 who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘It shall be inhabited,’ of the towns of Judah, ‘They shall be rebuilt,’ and of their ruins, ‘I will restore them,’ 27 who says to the watery deep, ‘Be dry, and I will dry up your streams,’ 28 who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid.” ’ (Isaiah 44:24–28, NIV)

• Cyrus, the Lord’s Anointed : Interlocking Purposes (Isaiah 45:1–8)

1 “This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: 2 I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 3 I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. 4 For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, 6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. 8 “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it. (Isaiah 45:1–8, NIV)

God, the Creator and Sovereign (Isaiah 45:9–13)

• The Potter and the Parent (Isaiah 45:9–11)

9 “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’? 10 Woe to the one who says to a father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to a mother, ‘What have you brought to birth?’ 11 “This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? (Isaiah 45:9–11, NIV)

• The Creator’s Right to Use Whom He Chooses (Isaiah 45:12–13)

12 It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. 13 I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 45:12–13, NIV)

A World Plan, A Central People (Isaiah 45:14–25)

• Gentile Submission, Israel’s Glory (Isaiah 45:14–17)

14 This is what the Lord says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and those tall Sabeans— they will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you, coming over to you in chains. They will bow down before you and plead with you, saying, ‘Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other god.’ ” 15 Truly you are a God who has been hiding himself, the God and Savior of Israel. 16 All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced; they will go off into disgrace together. 17 But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting. (Isaiah 45:14–17, NIV)

• Gentile Salvation, Israel’s Glory (Isaiah 45:18–25)

18 For this is what the Lord says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right. 20 “Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. 21 Declare what is to be, present it— let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. 24 They will say of me, ‘In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength.’ ” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. 25 But all the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the Lord and will make their boast in him. (Isaiah 45:18–25, NIV)

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“Prone to Wander” (Exodus 32:1–6) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, February 10, 2019

Exodus 32:1–6 (NIV) 32 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” 2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

What is the root cause of this idolatrous sin? This idolatrous sin of the Israelites can be traced back to unbelief. In spite of the fact that Israel has just entered into a newly ratified covenant with the Lord, they are still full of unbelief. That unbelief manifests itself in many different ways in the text:

Their unbelief was manifested in a lack of patience.
Their unbelief manifested itself in rebellion against God-appointed authority.

a. Contempt of Moses

b. Confrontation with Aaron

Their unbelief is manifested in the demand for tangible signs of reassurance of God’s presence.
Their unbelief is manifested in a desire to return to the paganism of their past.
Aaron’s unbelief (or at least weakness of faith) manifested itself in weak leadership that succumbed to the cries of the mob.
Their unbelief manifested itself in direct covenant violation of the 2nd commandment.
Their unbelief manifested itself in false forms of worship.

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“Following Christ’s Example of Service” (Romans 15:1–6) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 10, 2019

Romans 15:1–6 (NIV) 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maturity and Freedom Bring Accompanying Responsibility (1–2).

a. To bear/carry the weaknesses/failings of the weak.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2 NIV)

b. To please others, not ourselves.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phil. 2:3-4 NIV)

The Most Mature and Free Man in the Universe (Jesus Christ) Willingly Gave Himself for the Sake of Others (3).
The Scriptures are Our Greatest Encouragement to Live in Service to Others (4).
We are Called to Follow the Example of Christ’s Service to Others, so that God May Be Glorified by His Redeemed People (5–6).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 35: “God's Blessing on Israel” (Isaiah 43:22–44:23)

Israel the Transgressor: Sin Exposed (43:22–24)

22 “Yet you have not called on me, Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel. 23 You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense. 24 You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses. (Isaiah 43:22–24, NIV)

God the Judge (43:25–28)

25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. 26 Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. 27 Your first father sinned; those I sent to teach you rebelled against me. 28 So I disgraced the dignitaries of your temple; I consigned Jacob to destruction and Israel to scorn. (Isaiah 43:25–28, NIV)

God the Ever Gracious (44:1–8)

1 “But now listen, Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. 2 This is what the Lord says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. 5 Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel. 6 “This is what the Lord says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. 7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come— yes, let them foretell what will come. 8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” (Isaiah 44:1–8, NIV)

God's Superiority to Idols (44:9–23)

9 All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. 10 Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? 11 People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame. 12 The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. 13 The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. 14 He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow. 15 It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. 16 Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” 17 From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, “Save me! You are my god!” 18 They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. 19 No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” 20 Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” 21 “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you, you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you. 22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” 23 Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. (Isaiah 44:9–23, NIV)

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“Holy Work and Holy Rest” (Exodus 31:1–18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, February 3, 2019

Exodus 31:1–18 (NIV) 31 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand—10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.” 12 Then the Lord said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. 14 “ ‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people. 15 For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death. 16 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. 17 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’ ” 18 When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

God Calls and Gifts People for His Holy Work (vv. 1–11).

a. These men were uniquely chosen and called by God for this task. b. One does not need to be an anointed priest or ordained clergy to engage in Holy work for the Lord. c. All kinds of work, including artistic work and working with one’s hands, can be regarded as Holy work for the Lord. d. All work done in service to the Lord should be done with excellence and to the best of one’s ability. e. God gifts people with different abilities and talents for His Service.

God Provides for and Invites His People into His Holy Rest (vv. 12–18).

a. Sabbath is an opportunity to remember the Lord’s work. b. Sabbath is an opportunity to obey the Lord. c. Sabbath is an opportunity to rest in the Lord. d. Sabbath is an opportunity to identify as the Lord’s holy, covenant people. e. Sabbath is an opportunity to trust the Lord’s provision.

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“Acting in Love by Faith” (Romans 14:13–23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, February 3, 2019

Romans 14:13–23 (NIV) 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Main Idea: We ought to love one another even when it constrains our own freedom.

The Principle of Conscience

a. We must never sin against our own conscience. b. We must never cause someone else to stumble so that they sin against their conscience.

The Principle of Love
The Principle of the Kingdom

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 34: “Israel’s Release from Bondage ” (Isaiah 42:18-43:21)

Israel, the Blind Servant (Isaiah 42:18-25)

““Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the Lord? You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” It pleased the Lord for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious. But this is a people plundered and looted, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, “Send them back.” Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come? Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned? For they would not follow his ways; they did not obey his law. So he poured out on them his burning anger, the violence of war. It enveloped them in flames, yet they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart.” (Isaiah 42:18–25, NIV)

Disaster Reversed: Israel Redeemed (Isaiah 43:1-7)

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

The Certainty of What the Lord Has Promised (Isaiah 43:8-13)

“Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”” (Isaiah 43:8–13, NIV)

Redemption from Babylon: A New Exodus (Isaiah 43:14-21)

“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride. I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” (Isaiah 43:14–21, NIV)

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“Accepting One Another” (Romans 14:1–12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 27, 2019

Romans 14:1–12 (NIV)

14 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:

“ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

‘every knee will bow before me;

every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Accept one another, because God has accepted us (vv. 1–4).
May everything that we do be for the glory of Christ, because He is our Lord (vv. 5–9).
Don’t judge one another, because Christ is our judge (vv. 10–12).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 33: “Servant Song & Song of Praise” (Isaiah 42:1-17)

The Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 42:1-9)

a. The Servant’s Ministry (Isaiah 42:1-4)

b. The Servant’s Lord (Isaiah 42:5-9)

5 This is what God the Lord says— the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. 8 “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:5–9, NIV)

c. The Servant’s Identity (Matthew 12:14-21)

14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. 15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. 21 In his name the nations will put their hope.” (Matthew 12:14–21, NIV)

A New Song of Praise to the Lord (Isaiah 42:10-12)

10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them. 11 Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. 12 Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands. (Isaiah 42:10–12, NIV)

The Lord Is a Warrior (Isaiah 42:13-17)

13 The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. 14 “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame. (Isaiah 42:13–17, NIV)

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“Worshiping the Lord with Prayer and Purity” (Exodus 30:1–38) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, January 20, 2019

Exodus 30:1–38 (NIV)

30 “Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. 2 It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high—its horns of one piece with it. 3 Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. 4 Make two gold rings for the altar below the molding—two on each of the opposite sides—to hold the poles used to carry it. 5 Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 6 Put the altar in front of the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law—before the atonement cover that is over the tablets of the covenant law—where I will meet with you.

7 “Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. 8 He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come. 9 Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it. 10 Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the Lord.”

11 Then the Lord said to Moses, 12 “When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them. 13 Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord. 14 All who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to the Lord. 15 The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives. 16 Receive the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the tent of meeting. It will be a memorial for the Israelites before the Lord, making atonement for your lives.”

17 Then the Lord said to Moses, 18 “Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 19 Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. 20 Whenever they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the Lord, 21 they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. 25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. 26 Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, 27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. 29 You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.

30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 31 Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. 32 Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’ ”

34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, 35 and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred. 36 Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you. 37 Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; consider it holy to the Lord. 38 Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.”

Worship the Lord through Prayer (Exodus 30:1–10).
Incense as Presence
Incense as Perpetual Worship
Incense as Prayer
Worship the Lord through Submission and Dependence (30:11–16).
Worship the Lord with Purity (30:17–21).
Worship the Lord through Consecration (30:22–38).

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"Serving the Same Lord” (Romans 14:1–12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 20, 2019

Romans 14:1–12 (NIV) 14 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Who are the Weak and the Strong?

a. Weak

i. “Faith is weak” (14:1) ii. “eats only vegetables” (14:2) iii. “considers one day more sacred/holy than another” (14:5) iv. “regards something [food] as unclean” (14:14) v. Implied: [abstain from] drinking wine (14:21) vi. “failings of the weak” (15:1) vii. “must not judge the strong” (14:3) viii. “stop passing judgment one another” (14:13) ix. “make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification” (14:19) x. “accept one another” (15:7) xi. “don’t eat if you are not fully convinced in faith or it is sin” (14:23)

b. Strong

i. “faith allows them to eat anything” (14:2) ii. “considers everyday alike” (14:5) iii. “accept the weak” (14:1) iv. “don’t quarrel over disputable matters” (14:1) v. “don’t treat with contempt the weak in faith” (14:3) vi. “don’t put a stumbling block in front of a brother or sister” (14:13) vii. “act in love” rather than causing a weak brother/sister to be distressed (14:15) viii. “don’t let your good be evil spoken of” (14:16) ix. “make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification” (14:19) x. “don’t destroy the work of God for food” “don’t cause a weaker brother/sister to stumble” (14:20) xi. Refrain from eating meat and drinking wine so as to not cause a brother or sister to fall (14:21) xii. Keep your liberty between yourself and God (14:22). xiii. “bear with the failings of the weak” (15:1) xiv. “please our neighbors for their good and build them up” (15:2) xv. “accept one another as Christ accepted you” (15:7)

What are the disputable matters? What is the disagreement? Who are the two parties?

Explanations of the root issue in Rom. 14:1–15:13 fall into seven major categories:1

(1) The weak were non-Christian Jews. (2) The weak were mainly Gentile Christians who abstained from meat (and perhaps wine), particularly on certain “fast” days, under the influence of certain pagan religions. (3) The weak were Christians, perhaps both Jewish and Gentile, who practiced an ascetic lifestyle for reasons that we cannot determine. (4) The weak were mainly Jewish Christians who observed certain practices derived from the Mosaic law out of a concern to establish righteousness before God. (5) The weak were mainly Jewish Christians who followed a sectarian ascetic program as a means of expressing their piety. This program may have been the product of syncretistic tendencies. (6) The weak were mainly Jewish Christians who, like some of the Corinthians, believed that it was wrong to eat meat that was sold in the marketplace and was probably tainted by idolatry. (7) The weak were mainly Jewish Christians who refrained from certain kinds of food and observed certain days out of continuing loyalty to the Mosaic law.

Five considerations make the seventh alternative the most likely:2

(1) Verses 5–9 reveal that both weak and strong belong to the Lord Christ; the weak cannot be non-Christian Jews. (2) There is abundant evidence that the dispute between the weak and the strong was rooted in differences between Jews and Gentiles. The relationship between these two groups has been a leitmotif of Romans since chap. 1; and the conclusion of this section, in which Paul emphasizes the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in the one new people of God (15:8–13), brings this motif into Paul’s plea for reconciliation between the strong and the weak. Confirmation of a basically Jewish origin for the position of the weak comes from Paul’s use of the term koinos, “common,” “unclean,” to describe (implicitly) the weak Christians’ attitude toward food (14:14). For this term had become a semi-technical way of describing food prohibited under the Mosaic law (see Mark 7:2, 5; Acts 10:14). Moreover, the NT provides abundant evidence that the OT food laws constituted a prime issue in the early Christian communities. This consideration rules out alternatives two and three. It also creates difficulties for alternative five since those sectarian Jews who abstained from meat and wine usually did so not primarily because of concern about violating the Mosaic law but under the influence of ascetic religious principles derived from non-Jewish sources (and often, indeed, antithetical to the OT/Jewish worldview). (3) Paul’s plea for understanding and acceptance of the weak within the community makes clear that they were not propagating a view antithetical to the gospel. This makes it impossible to view them as Jews who believed that observance of the law was necessary for salvation. (4) Paul’s failure to mention “food sacrificed to idols” (eidōlothyta; see 1 Cor. 8:1) and his reference to the observance of special days and abstention from wine make it unlikely that the dispute in Romans can be confined to the issue of food offered to idols (option six). (5) The practices Paul attributed to the weak can be explained as a result of concerns to observe certain requirements of the Mosaic law. Abstention from meat and wine is, of course, not required by the Mosaic law. But scrupulous Jews would sometimes avoid all meat in environments where they could not be sure that the meat had been prepared in a “kosher” manner. Similarly, Jews would sometimes abstain from wine out of concern that it had been tainted by the pagan practice of offering the wine as a libation to the gods. Finally, of course, the Mosaic law stipulates the observance of many special religious days: the weekly Sabbath and the major religious festivals. And many first-century Jews also observed weekly fasting and prayer days. These considerations suggest that the weak were Jewish Christians (and probably also some Gentile God-fearers) who believed that they were still bound by certain ritual requirements of the Mosaic law.

1 Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, ed. Ned B. Stonehouse et al., Second Edition., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 844–849.

2 Also from Douglas Moo.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 32: “God vs. the gods” (Isaiah 41:1-29)

The Strength and Help of the True God (Isaiah 41:1-20)

a. The Sovereign Lord of History (Isaiah 41:1-7)

i. God Summons the Nations (Isaiah 41:1-4)

1 “Be silent before me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment. 2 “Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. 3 He pursues them and moves on unscathed, by a path his feet have not traveled before. 4 Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.” (Isaiah 41:1–4, NIV)

ii. The Nations Flee to their gods (Isaiah 41:5-7)

5 The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; 6 they help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” 7 The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple. (Isaiah 41:5–7, NIV)

b. The Faithful Lord of Salvation (Isaiah 41:8-20)

i. The Lord Chooses His People (Isaiah 41:8-9)

ii. The Lord Encourages His People (Isaiah 41:10-12)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. (Isaiah 41:10–12, NIV)

iii. The Lord Helps His People (Isaiah 41:13-16)

13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 15 “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. 16 You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13–16, NIV)

iv. The Lord Provides for His People (Isaiah 41:17-19)

17 “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. 18 I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. 19 I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, (Isaiah 41:17–19, NIV)

v. The Lord Is Glorified among His People (Isaiah 41:20)

20 so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Isaiah 41:20, NIV)

The Weakness and Futility of False gods (Isaiah 41:21-29)

a. The Lord Summons the gods to Court (Isaiah 41:21)

21 “Present your case,” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King. (Isaiah 41:21, NIV)

b. The Lord Challenges the gods to Predict the Future or Act (Isaiah 41:22-23)

22 “Tell us, you idols, what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, 23 tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. (Isaiah 41:22–23, NIV)

c. The Lord Exposes the “Nothingness” of the gods (Isaiah 41:24)

24 But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable. (Isaiah 41:24, NIV)

d. The Lord Displays His Sovereignty (Isaiah 41:25)

25 “I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes— one from the rising sun who calls on my name. He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay. (Isaiah 41:25, NIV)

e. The Lord Proves His Argument: Only He Can Predict and Act, So Only He Is God (Isaiah 41:26-27)

26 Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’? No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you. 27 I was the first to tell Zion, ‘Look, here they are!’ I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good news. (Isaiah 41:26–27, NIV)

f. The Lord Closes His Case: The gods are False, Empty, and Worthless (Isaiah 41:28-29)

28 I look but there is no one— no one among the gods to give counsel, no one to give answer when I ask them. 29 See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion. (Isaiah 41:28–29, NIV)

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“The Consecration of Israel’s Priests” (Exodus 29:1–46) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, January 13, 2019

There must be a select group of people set apart as sacred from the rest of God’s people to serve as their mediator-priests (1a).

1“This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests:

These mediator-priests must be sanctified (set apart as sacred) by means of a solemn ordination ceremony (1b–41).

a. Animals for offerings must be selected and prepared (1b–3).

Take a young bull and two rams without defect. 2And from the finest wheat flour make round loaves without yeast, thick loaves without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves without yeast and brushed with olive oil. 3Put them in a basket and present them along with the bull and the two rams.

b. The mediator-priests must be ceremonially cleansed (4).

4Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.

c. The mediator-priests must wear sacred garments (5–6).

5Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. 6Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred emblem to the turban.

d. The mediator-priests must be anointed with oil (7).

7Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.

e. The mediator-priests of Israel will come from one and only one family: Aaron’s family line from among the Levites (8–9).

8Bring his sons and dress them in tunics 9and fasten caps on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. “Then you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.

f. A series of offerings is required to atone for the sin of the mediator-priests and consecrate them for service. (10–25).

i. A sin offering is required (10–14).

10“Bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 11Slaughter it in the Lord’s presence at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 12Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 13Then take all the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 14But burn the bull’s flesh and its hide and its intestines outside the camp. It is a sin offering.

ii. A whole burnt offering is required (15–18).

15“Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 16Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar. 17Cut the ram into pieces and wash the internal organs and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces. 18Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.

iii. An ordination offering is required (19–22).

19“Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 20Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then splash blood against the sides of the altar. 21And take some blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated. 22“Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.)

iv. A wave offering is required (23–25).

23From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the Lord, take one round loaf, one thick loaf with olive oil mixed in, and one thin loaf. 24Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and have them wave them before the Lord as a wave offering. 25Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the Lord, a food offering presented to the Lord.

g. A portion of the food offering shall be consecrated and dedicated to the mediator-priests for their provision alone (26–34).

26After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before the Lord as a wave offering, and it will be your share. 27“Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. 28This is always to be the perpetual share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the Lord from their fellowship offerings.

29“Aaron’s sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them. 30The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days.

31“Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place. 32At the entrance to the tent of meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. 33They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred. 34And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.

h. This first solemn ordination ceremony must last seven days, with sacrifices offered on each of the seven days, so that the mediator-priests, their sacred garments, and the altar may be sanctified for use before the Lord (35–37).

35“Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. 37For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.

i. Offerings must be offered to the Lord every day to maintain the covenant and the peoples’ relationship with the LORD (38–41).

38“This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. 39Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight. 40With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. 41Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.

These sacred mediator-priests and the atoning sacrifices are required so that God and his glory may dwell among his chosen and redeemed people (42–46).

a. So that God would meet with his people and speak with them (42–44).

42“For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you; 43there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. 44“So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests.

b. So that the LORD would dwell among his people and be their God (45).

45Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.

c. So that the LORD would be remembered and glorified among his people as their redeemer (46).

46They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

Main Idea: Our God is Holy, and our sin is infinitely offensive. As sinners, we need a mediator-priest to represent us before God, and we need sacrificial atonement so that the Lord may be our God and we may be his people.

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“Our Salvation Is Near” (Romans 13:11–14) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 13, 2019

Romans 13:11–14 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Live Out the Christian Life in Sacrifice, Holiness, and Love (13:11a; 12:1–13:10).

a. Live as a living sacrifice to God (12:1). b. Be continually transforming your mind into conformity to the will of God through the Word and the Spirit (12:2). c. Live in humility before one another in the body of Christ (12:3–8). d. Live in love with one another and with all of society (12:9–21). e. Live as citizens of the heavenly kingdom as you live as citizens on earth (13:1–7). f. Live out your perpetual obligation to love your neighbor as yourself (13:8–10).

Why? Because the End Is Drawing Near, and Our Ultimate Salvation is Imminent (13:11b–12a).
Therefore, because the end is drawing near, lay aside the works of darkness and live as children of light (13:12b–14).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 31: “God’s People Are Coming Home!” (Isaiah 40:1-31)*

1) God Will Lead His People Home (Isaiah 40:1–11)

a) Comfort, Comfort My People (Isaiah 40:1–2)

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. (Isaiah 40:1–2, NIV)

b) God Will Show His Glory (Isaiah 40:3–8)

i) He Will Prepare a Way (Isaiah 40:3–5)

3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3–5, NIV)

ii) He Will Encourage the Discouraged (Isaiah 40:6–8)

6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:6–8, NIV)

c) God’s Coming Will Be Amazing (Isaiah 40:9–11)

9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:9–11, NIV)

2) Description of God’s Wisdom and Power (Isaiah 40:12–31)

a) God Is a Wise Creator (Isaiah 40:12–17)

i) Ten Rhetorical Questions Make the Point (Isaiah 40:12–14)

12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? 14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40:12–14, NIV)

ii) God’s Power Dwarfs the Nations’ Power (Isaiah 40:15–17)

15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. (Isaiah 40:15–17, NIV)

b) God Is beyond Comparison (Isaiah 40:18–20)

18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? 19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. 20 A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. (Isaiah 40:18–20, NIV)

c) God Is the Sovereign (Isaiah 40:21–26)

21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:21–26, NIV)

d) God Is Israel’s Source of Strength (Isaiah 40:27–31)

i) Jacob Has Forgotten God’s Strength (Isaiah 40:27)

27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? (Isaiah 40:27, NIV)

ii) The All-Wise God Never Tires (Isaiah 40:28–29)

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:28–29, NIV)

iii) Israel Must Hope in the Lord (Isaiah 40:30–31)

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30–31, NIV)

*This lesson outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Sacred Clothing for the Priests” (Exodus 28:1–43) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, January 6, 2019

Exodus 28:1-43 (NIV)

28 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.

6 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen.

9 “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.

15 “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

22 “For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.

29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.

31 “Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.

36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord.

39 “Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

42 “Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die.

“This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.

Our God is majestic, glorious, and beautiful, and this glory and beauty is appropriate to be represented in our worship of him.
Our God is infinitely holy, and to worship God is to reverence him with fear and awe.
As sinners, we need to be represented by a mediator between us and our holy God.
The worship of God is to be carried out in a holy manner in a way that is prescribed by his Word.

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“The Law of Love” (Romans 13:8–10) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, January 6, 2019

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom. 13:8-10 NIV)

Love Is a Never-Ending Obligation (8).
Love Is the Law’s Summation (9).
Love Is the Most Supreme Motivation (10).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 30: “Hezekiah’s Illness and Foolishness” (Isaiah 38-39)

Isaiah 38–39 (NIV)

38 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”

2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.

7 “ ‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: 8 I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’ ” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down.

9 A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery:

10 I said, “In the prime of my life

must I go through the gates of death

and be robbed of the rest of my years?”

11 I said, “I will not again see the Lord himself

in the land of the living;

no longer will I look on my fellow man,

or be with those who now dwell in this world.

12 Like a shepherd’s tent my house

has been pulled down and taken from me.

Like a weaver I have rolled up my life,

and he has cut me off from the loom;

day and night you made an end of me.

13 I waited patiently till dawn,

but like a lion he broke all my bones;

day and night you made an end of me.

14 I cried like a swift or thrush,

I moaned like a mourning dove.

My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens.

I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!”

15 But what can I say?

He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this.

I will walk humbly all my years

because of this anguish of my soul.

16 Lord, by such things people live;

and my spirit finds life in them too.

You restored me to health

and let me live.

17 Surely it was for my benefit

that I suffered such anguish.

In your love you kept me

from the pit of destruction;

you have put all my sins

behind your back.

18 For the grave cannot praise you,

death cannot sing your praise;

those who go down to the pit

cannot hope for your faithfulness.

19 The living, the living—they praise you,

as I am doing today;

parents tell their children

about your faithfulness.

20 The Lord will save me,

and we will sing with stringed instruments

all the days of our lives

in the temple of the Lord.

21 Isaiah had said, “Prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover.”

22 Hezekiah had asked, “What will be the sign that I will go up to the temple of the Lord?”

39 At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of his illness and recovery. 2 Hezekiah received the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine olive oil—his entire armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.

3 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, “What did those men say, and where did they come from?”

“From a distant land,” Hezekiah replied. “They came to me from Babylon.”

4 The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?”

“They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”

5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: 6 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. 7 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

8 “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.”

Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery (Isaiah 38:1-22)
- Isaiah Announces Hezekiah’s Impending Death (Isaiah 38:1)
- Hezekiah Prays to the Lord (Isaiah 38:2-3)
- Isaiah’s Reply to Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:4-8)
- Hezekiah’s “Psalm” (Isaiah 38:9-20)
  - Hezekiah’s Describes His Anguish (Isaiah 38:9-15)
  - Hezekiah Reflects on Lessons Learned (Isaiah 38:16-20)
- Hezekiah’s Recovery (Isaiah 38:21-22)
Hezekiah’s Visit with a Babylonian Delegation (Isaiah 39:1-8)
- Merodach-Baladan’s Messengers Visit Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:1-2)
  - Merodach-Baladan’s Initiative (Isaiah 39:1)
  - Hezekiah’s Foolish Response (Isaiah 39:2)
- Isaiah Speaks with Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:3-8)

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“A New Wardrobe for a New Year” (Colossians 3:12–17) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 30, 2018

Colossians 3:12–17 (NIV) 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In this new year, may your lives be adorned with love (12–14).

a. Manifested in:

i. Compassion ii. Kindness iii. Humility iv. Gentleness v. Patience vi. Forbearance vii. Forgiveness

In this new year, may your lives be adorned with peace (15).

a. Inner peace of calmness and tranquility, of settled assurance. b. Relational peace of unity and harmony.

In this new year, may your lives be adorned with wisdom (16).
In this new year, may your lives be adorned with thankfulness (15, 16, 17).

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“The Good Shepherd of Israel” (Ezekiel 34:1–31) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, December 23, 2018 Candlelight Communion Service

Ezekiel 34:1–31 (NIV)

34 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.

7 “ ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.

11 “ ‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

17 “ ‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?

20 “ ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.

25 “ ‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. 31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’ ”

The Failure of Sinful, Human Shepherds (34:1–10).

a. The Indictment of the Shepherds of Israel (1–6) b. The Sentencing of the Shepherds of Israel (7–10)

The Need for a Righteous, Divine Shepherd (34:11–22).

a. Deliverance from External Threats (11–16) b. Deliverance from Internal Threats (17–22)

The Coming Righteous, Divine-Human Shepherd of the Covenant of Peace (34:23–31).

a. The Agent of Peace (23–24) b. The Nature and Significance of the Peace (25–31)

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“The Gift of Christ: Eternal Life with God” (John 3:16; John 5:19–29) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 23, 2018

John 3:16 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 5:19–29 (NIV) 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. 24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. 28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

Jesus, the Son of God, is the Genesis of All Life.

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:1–3, NIV)

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15–17, NIV)

Jesus, the Son of God, is the Giver of New, Spiritual Life.

21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. (John 5:21, NIV)

25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. (John 5:25–27, NIV)

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1–5, NIV)

Jesus, the Son of God, is the Grantor of Eternal Life that Begins in the Present Age.

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24, NIV)

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18, NIV)

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:1, NIV)

14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1 John 3:14, NIV)

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:11–12, NIV)

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

Jesus, the Son of God, is the Guarantor of Eternal Life in the Age to Come.

28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:28–29, NIV)

40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40, NIV)

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27–30, NIV)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 29: "Sennacherib’s Threat and God’s Deliverance" (Isaiah 36:1–37:38)

Introduction to Isaiah 36-39
Sennacherib’s Threat (Isaiah 36:1-22) 1
- The Setting (Isaiah 36:1-3)
1 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. 2 Then the king of Assyria sent his field commander with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. When the commander stopped at the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, 3 Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to him. (Isaiah 36:1–3, NIV) + The Field Commander’s Speech (Isaiah 36:4-22)

4 The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: “ ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours? 5 You say you have counsel and might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? 6 Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. 7 But if you say to me, “We are depending on the Lord our God”—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar”?      8 “ ‘Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! 9 How then can you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s officials, even though you are depending on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 10 Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this land without the Lord? The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.’ ”      11 Then Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” 12 But the commander replied, “Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall—who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?”     13 Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 14 This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you! 15 Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’      16 “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, 17 until I come and take you to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.      18 “Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ Have the gods of any nations ever delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? 20 Who of all the gods of these countries have been able to save their lands from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”     21 But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”     22 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went to Hezekiah, with their clothes torn, and told him what the field commander had said. (Isaiah 36:4–22, NIV) * God’s Deliverance (Isaiah 37:1-38) + Hezekiah’s Initial Response (Isaiah 37:1-7)

1 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. 2 He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 3 They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. 4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”      5 When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’ ” (Isaiah 37:1–7, NIV) + Sennacherib’s Second Message to Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:8-13)

8 When the field commander heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah.     9 Now Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah, the king of Cush, was marching out to fight against him. When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah with this word: 10 “Say to Hezekiah king of Judah: Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, ‘Jerusalem will not be given into the hands of the king of Assyria.’ 11 Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered? 12 Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my predecessors deliver them—the gods of Gozan, Harran, Rezeph and the people of Eden who were in Tel Assar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath or the king of Arpad? Where are the kings of Lair, Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah?” (Isaiah 37:8–13, NIV) + Hezekiah’s Prayer (Isaiah 37:14-20)

14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: 16 “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.     18 “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands. 19 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 20 Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.” (Isaiah 37:14–20, NIV) + God’s Prophecy through Isaiah (Isaiah 37:21-35)

21 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22 this is the word the Lord has spoken against him:      “Virgin Daughter Zion despises and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee. 23 Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! 24 By your messengers you have ridiculed the Lord. And you have said, ‘With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its junipers. I have reached its remotest heights, the finest of its forests. 25 I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk the water there. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.’ 26 “Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stone. 27 Their people, drained of power, are dismayed and put to shame. They are like plants in the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the roof, scorched before it grows up. 28 “But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. 29 Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.      30 “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah: “This year you will eat what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from that. But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 31 Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. 32 For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.      33 “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: “He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. 34 By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,” declares the Lord. 35 “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” (Isaiah 37:21–35, NIV) + God Fulfills His Word (Isaiah 37:36-38)

36 Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! 37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. 38 One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king. (Isaiah 37:36–38, NIV)

1 The outline for this lesson is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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"The King from Bethlehem" (Micah 5:1-15) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, December 16, 2018

Micah 5:1-15 (NIV)

5 Marshal your troops now, city of troops,

for a siege is laid against us.

They will strike Israel’s ruler

on the cheek with a rod.

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.”

3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned

until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,

and the rest of his brothers return

to join the Israelites.

4 He will stand and shepherd his flock

in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely, for then his greatness

will reach to the ends of the earth.

5 And he will be our peace

when the Assyrians invade our land

and march through our fortresses.

We will raise against them seven shepherds,

even eight commanders,

6 who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword,

the land of Nimrod with drawn sword.

He will deliver us from the Assyrians

when they invade our land

and march across our borders.

7 The remnant of Jacob will be

in the midst of many peoples

like dew from the Lord,

like showers on the grass,

which do not wait for anyone

or depend on man.

8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations,

in the midst of many peoples,

like a lion among the beasts of the forest,

like a young lion among flocks of sheep,

which mauls and mangles as it goes,

and no one can rescue.

9 Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies,

and all your foes will be destroyed.

10 “In that day,” declares the Lord,

“I will destroy your horses from among you

and demolish your chariots.

11 I will destroy the cities of your land

and tear down all your strongholds.

12 I will destroy your witchcraft

and you will no longer cast spells.

13 I will destroy your idols

and your sacred stones from among you;

you will no longer bow down

to the work of your hands.

14 I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles

when I demolish your cities.

15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath

on the nations that have not obeyed me.”

Israel’s Current Humiliation (v. 1)

a. Siege and Defeat b. Humiliation and Subjugation of Israel’s King

Bethlehem’s Future Exaltation (v. 2)

a. Humble Origins b. An Exalted Ruler

Emptiness but Expectation (v. 3)

a. Emptiness b. The Birth of a Son c. A Family Reunion

A Righteous Shepherd-King (v. 4)

a. Empowered by God b. Motivated by the Glory of God c. God’s People Flourishing under God’s King

Deliverance for God’s Oppressed People (vv. 5–9)

a. Hope in Times of Defeat (5a) b. Vindication in Victory (5b–6, 9) c. Israel as the Centerpiece of the Nations (7–8)

Purification and Renewal of God’s People (vv. 10–15)

a. Elimination of Idols (10–14)

i. Trust in the Strength of Armies (10) ii. Trust in the Wealth and Security of Cities (11) iii. Trust in Divination and Witchcraft (12) iv. Trust in False gods (13–14)

b. Judgment of Idolatrous Nations (15)

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“The Gift of Christ: The Object of Our Faith” (John 3:16–18, 36) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 16, 2018

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16–18, NIV)

36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. (John 3:36, NIV)

It is not how much faith you have, it is the object of your faith: Jesus.

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:25–27, NIV)

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24, NIV)

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29, NIV)

47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. (John 6:47, NIV)

24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:24, NIV)

Faith in Jesus is an Exclusive Faith.

a. Exclusive of other objects of faith.

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6, NIV)

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NIV)

b. Exclusive of other means of salvation (e.g., works)

28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. (Romans 3:28–30, NIV)

Faith in Jesus is an Abiding Faith.

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. (John 8:31, NIV)

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1–5, NIV)

Faith in Jesus is an Active Faith.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14–17, NIV)

Faith in Jesus is a Graciously Given Faith.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:9–13, NIV)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9, NIV)

"Nothing human, however great or excellent, can bring about the birth of which he speaks. Over against this John sets the way people are born into the heavenly family. The new birth is always sheer miracle. All human initiative is ruled out. People are born “of God”; they can be born into the heavenly family in no other way." (Leon Morris)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study Lesson 28: "Future Judgment & Salvation" (Isaiah 34–35)

The Lord's Anger and Destruction of the Nations (34:1–4)

• Pay Attention, Nations! (34:1)

“Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it!” (Isaiah 34:1, NIV)

• Defeat of Armies (34:2–3)

“The Lord is angry with all nations; his wrath is on all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will stink; the mountains will be soaked with their blood.” (Isaiah 34:2–3, NIV)

• Cosmic Unraveling (34:4)

“All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.” (Isaiah 34:4, NIV)

The Lord's Anger and Judgment of Edom (34:5–17)

• The Sword of the Lord (34:5–7)

“My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; see, it descends in judgment on Edom, the people I have totally destroyed. The sword of the Lord is bathed in blood, it is covered with fat— the blood of lambs and goats, fat from the kidneys of rams. For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. And the wild oxen will fall with them, the bull calves and the great bulls. Their land will be drenched with blood, and the dust will be soaked with fat.” (Isaiah 34:5–7, NIV)

• A Day of Vengeance (34:8)

“For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause.” (Isaiah 34:8, NIV)

• The Desolation of Edom (34:9–15)

9Edom’s streams will be turned into pitch, her dust into burning sulfur; her land will become blazing pitch! 10It will not be quenched night or day; its smoke will rise forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever pass through it again. 11The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will nest there. God will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation. 12Her nobles will have nothing there to be called a kingdom, all her princes will vanish away. 13Thorns will overrun her citadels, nettles and brambles her strongholds. She will become a haunt for jackals, a home for owls. 14Desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and wild goats will bleat to each other; there the night creatures will also lie down and find for themselves places of rest. 15The owl will nest there and lay eggs, she will hatch them, and care for her young under the shadow of her wings; there also the falcons will gather, each with its mate. (Isaiah 34:9-15, NIV)

• The Certainty of the Lord's Sovereignty (34:16–17)

“Look in the scroll of the Lord and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together. He allots their portions; his hand distributes them by measure. They will possess it forever and dwell there from generation to generation.” (Isaiah 34:16–17, NIV)

The Lord's Salvation and Blessing of Zion (35:1–10)

• From Dust to Glory (35:1–2)

“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.” (Isaiah 35:1–2, NIV)

• The Salvation of the Lord (35:3–4)

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”” (Isaiah 35:3–4, NIV)

• The Healing of the Broken (35:5–6a)

“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy...” (Isaiah 35:5–6a, NIV)

• The Renewal of Creation (35:6b–7)

“...Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.” (Isaiah 35:6b–7, NIV)

• The Way of Holiness (35:8–10a)

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return...” (Isaiah 35:8–10a, NIV)

• The Joy of the Redeemed (35:10b)

“...They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10, NIV)

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"The Gift of Christ: Sent for Redemption" (Galatians 4:4-5) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 9, 2018

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4–5, NIV)

The Redemption of Christ Was on Time (v. 4.
The Redemption of Christ Was Incarnational (v. 4).
The Redemption of Christ Set Us Free from Bondage (v. 5).
The Redemption of Christ Adopted Us into God's Family (v. 5).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study

Lesson 27: "A Woe, A Prayer, A Judgment, A Promise" (Isaiah 33:1-24)

Woe to the Destroyer: Assyria (v. 1)

Isaiah 33:1 (NIV)

33 Woe to you, destroyer,

you who have not been destroyed!

Woe to you, betrayer,

you who have not been betrayed!

When you stop destroying,

you will be destroyed;

when you stop betraying,

you will be betrayed.

A Prayer to the Exalted Lord (vv. 2-6)

Isaiah 33:2–6 (NIV)

2 Lord, be gracious to us;

we long for you.

Be our strength every morning,

our salvation in time of distress.

3 At the uproar of your army, the peoples flee;

when you rise up, the nations scatter.

4 Your plunder, O nations, is harvested as by young locusts;

like a swarm of locusts people pounce on it.

5 The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;

he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.

6 He will be the sure foundation for your times,

a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;

the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

Judgment on the Nations (vv. 7-12)

Isaiah 33:7–12 (NIV)

7 Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets;

the envoys of peace weep bitterly.

8 The highways are deserted,

no travelers are on the roads.

The treaty is broken,

its witnesses are despised,

no one is respected.

9 The land dries up and wastes away,

Lebanon is ashamed and withers;

Sharon is like the Arabah,

and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves.

10 “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.

“Now will I be exalted;

now will I be lifted up.

11 You conceive chaff,

you give birth to straw;

your breath is a fire that consumes you.

12 The peoples will be burned to ashes;

like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.”

The Promise of a New City (vv. 13-24)

Isaiah 33:13–24 (NIV)

13 You who are far away, hear what I have done;

you who are near, acknowledge my power!

14 The sinners in Zion are terrified;

trembling grips the godless:

“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”

15 Those who walk righteously

and speak what is right,

who reject gain from extortion

and keep their hands from accepting bribes,

who stop their ears against plots of murder

and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—

16 they are the ones who will dwell on the heights,

whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.

Their bread will be supplied,

and water will not fail them.

17 Your eyes will see the king in his beauty

and view a land that stretches afar.

18 In your thoughts you will ponder the former terror:

“Where is that chief officer?

Where is the one who took the revenue?

Where is the officer in charge of the towers?”

19 You will see those arrogant people no more,

people whose speech is obscure,

whose language is strange and incomprehensible.

20 Look on Zion, the city of our festivals;

your eyes will see Jerusalem,

a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved;

its stakes will never be pulled up,

nor any of its ropes broken.

21 There the Lord will be our Mighty One.

It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams.

No galley with oars will ride them,

no mighty ship will sail them.

22 For the Lord is our judge,

the Lord is our lawgiver,

the Lord is our king;

it is he who will save us.

23 Your rigging hangs loose:

The mast is not held secure,

the sail is not spread.

Then an abundance of spoils will be divided

and even the lame will carry off plunder.

24 No one living in Zion will say, “I am ill”;

and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven.

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“The Altar and the Courtyard” (Exodus 27:1–21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, December 2, 2018

Exodus 27:1–21 (NIV)

27 “Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. 2 Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. 5 Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar. 6 Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

9 “Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.

12 “The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. 13 On the east end, toward the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty cubits wide. 14 Curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, 15 and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three posts and three bases.

16 “For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer—with four posts and four bases. 17 All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands and hooks, and bronze bases. 18 The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. 19 All the other articles used in the service of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including all the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be of bronze.

20 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.

The Bronze Altar speaks of the necessity of atonement to relate to the holy God. (27:1–8)
The presence of the Courtyard around the tabernacle speaks of the barrier that separates sinful people from the holy God. (27:9–19)
An anointed priesthood is required to serve as ministers of the light of God and act as mediators between the holy God and sinful people. (27:20–21)

Main Idea: God has mercifully entered into covenant with sinful people, but this covenant relationship requires sacrificial atonement and priests to serve as mediators between God and man.

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“The Gift of Christ: Motivated by Love” (John 3:16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, December 2, 2018

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

The Gift of Christ was not motivated by:

a. Obligation or Duty

b. Indebtedness

34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" 35 "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" (Rom. 11:34-35 NIV)

c. Our Merits or Worthiness

6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. 7 The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deut. 7:6-9 NIV)

d. Our Good Works

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, (Tit. 3:4-5 NIV)

The Gift of Christ was Motivated by Love.

a. Love is a fundamental attribute of God at the core of his essence.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 Jn. 4:7-8 NIV)

b. God’s love is self-initiated.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 Jn. 4:9-10 NIV)

c. God’s love is unconditional.

"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Rom. 3:10-12 NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8 NIV)

d. God’s love is sacrificial.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 5:13 NIV)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor. 5:21 NIV)

2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph. 5:2 NIV)

e. God’s love is generous.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 Jn. 3:1-2 NIV)

f. God’s Love is never-ending.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39 NIV)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. (Ps. 136:1 NIV)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 26: “The Rule of the Righteous King” (Isaiah 32:1–20)

Characteristics of the Righteous Kingdom (Isaiah 32:1-8) 1

⦁ Upright Leadership (Isaiah 32:1-2)

32 See, a king will reign in righteousness

and rulers will rule with justice.

2 Each one will be like a shelter from the wind

and a refuge from the storm,

like streams of water in the desert

and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.

⦁ Societal Rejuvenation (Isaiah 32:3-8)

3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,

and the ears of those who hear will listen.

4 The fearful heart will know and understand,

and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.

5 No longer will the fool be called noble

nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

6 For fools speak folly,

their hearts are bent on evil:

They practice ungodliness

and spread error concerning the Lord;

the hungry they leave empty

and from the thirsty they withhold water.

7 Scoundrels use wicked methods,

they make up evil schemes

to destroy the poor with lies,

even when the plea of the needy is just.

8 But the noble make noble plans,

and by noble deeds they stand.

Judgment, Mourning, and the Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Isaiah 32:9-20)

⦁ Prelude to the Kingdom: Judgment and Mourning (Isaiah 32:9-14)

9 You women who are so complacent,

rise up and listen to me;

you daughters who feel secure,

hear what I have to say!

10 In little more than a year

you who feel secure will tremble;

the grape harvest will fail,

and the harvest of fruit will not come.

11 Tremble, you complacent women;

shudder, you daughters who feel secure!

Strip off your fine clothes

and wrap yourselves in rags.

12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields,

for the fruitful vines

13 and for the land of my people,

a land overgrown with thorns and briers—

yes, mourn for all houses of merriment

and for this city of revelry.

14 The fortress will be abandoned,

the noisy city deserted;

citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever,

the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks,

⦁ The Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Isaiah 32:15-20)

15 till the Spirit is poured on us from on high,

and the desert becomes a fertile field,

and the fertile field seems like a forest.

16 The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert,

his righteousness live in the fertile field.

17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;

its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,

in secure homes,

in undisturbed places of rest.

19 Though hail flattens the forest

and the city is leveled completely,

20 how blessed you will be,

sowing your seed by every stream,

and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.

1 The outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“God’s House” (Exodus 26:1–37) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, November 25

Exodus 26:1–37 (NIV)

26 “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. 2 All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. 3 Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. 4 Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set. 5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. 6 Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.

7 “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether. 8 All eleven curtains are to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 9 Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. 10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. 11 Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit. 12 As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle. 13 The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it. 14 Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.

15 “Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide, 17 with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle 19 and make forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection. 20 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases—two under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 23 and make two frames for the corners at the far end. 24 At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that. 25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.

26 “Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. 28 The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.

30 “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

31 “Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. 34 Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place. 35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.

36 “For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer. 37 Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.

I. A Physical Description of the Tabernacle

A. The Tent Layers (26:1–14) B. The Tent Framework (26:15–30) C. The Veil, the Placement of Furnishings, and the Doorway (26:31–37)

II. A Theological Explanation of the Tabernacle

A. The LORD is Present, and he is at home in the midst of his people. B. The LORD is Creator, and he designs with order and wisdom. C. The LORD is Holy, and his glorious presence is set apart from sinful people, to be mediated by priest and sacrifice. D. The LORD is King, and he is worthy of honor and allegiance. E. The LORD is God, and he is to be worshiped and adored by his people.

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“Christian Citizens” (Romans 13:1–7) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 25, 2018

Romans 13:1–7 (NIV) 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Main Idea: As redeemed children of God being transformed by the Holy Spirit, we have an obligation to submit ourselves to earthly, governing authorities (v. 1a).

Why?

a. Because all earthly governing authorities are ordained by God (vv. 1b–2).

i. Generally, in that human government is an earthly institution ordained by God to restrain human depravity. ii. Specifically, in that individual human rulers only hold their positions by the sovereign, providence of God.

b. Because governing authorities are an agent of good, not evil, and we have an obligation in Christ to pursue good (vv. 3–4). c. Summary: Submit to authorities (v. 5, see v. 1a).

i. Because they are agents of good who punish evil (see vv. 3–4). ii. Because they are agents of God to whom our consciences are bound (see vv. 1b–2).

When? (Or, under what circumstances?)

a. The default answer is “always in all things.” b. However, Paul is certainly aware of the teachings and examples in Scripture that provide a just and righteous basis for disobeying specific, immoral laws and rulings.

i. The Hebrew midwives who refused to comply with Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew baby boys at birth (Exod. 1:16–17). ii. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in defiance of King Nebuchadnezzar’s command to bow before an idol (Daniel 3). iii. Daniel’s refusal to comply with an immoral law prohibiting him from praying to God (Daniel 6). iv. Peter and John’s refusal to keep silent and no longer preach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18–20). v. Revelation: the commendation of those who refuse to take the mark of the beast and bow in worship to him (Revelation 13).

c. How do we reconcile Paul’s absolute exhortation to submit to all governmental authorities with the examples in Scripture of those who did not obey governmental authorities?

i. Perhaps, the best way is to see a distinction between “submit” and “obey”: We can see ourselves as generally submissive to and subject to governing authorities, while recognizing that there may be individual laws or commands that we cannot obey because of our ultimate allegiance to God.

What?

a. In what things should we obey governing authorities?

i. Taxes – direct payments to government ii. Revenue – indirect governmental assessments, e.g. customs duties. iii. “All things” that do not specifically cause us to disobey our ultimate allegiance to God.

How?

a. In what way should we submit ourselves to governing authorities?

i. With “respect” and “honor” ii. Not begrudgingly iii. Not with mere external conformity

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"Overcoming Evil with Good" (Romans 12:17-21) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 18, 2018

Romans 12:17-21, NIV 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Treating our Persecutors with Kindness Is Consistent with Christian Character.
- Christ's Teaching
- Christ's Example
Treating our Persecutors with Kindness Is Consistent with God's Sacrificial Love toward Sinners.
Treating our Persecutors with Kindness Is Consistent with the Christian Faith.
- Faith in God's Sovereign Justice
- Faith in our Future Hope in the Kingdom of Christ

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 25: The Folly of Trusting in People Instead of God (Isaiah 30:1–31:9)

The Folly of Trusting in Egypt Instead of the Lord (Isaiah 30:1–17; 31:1–3)

a. The Foolish Plans of Stubborn People (30:1–2)

30 “Woe to the obstinate children,”

declares the Lord,

“to those who carry out plans that are not mine,

forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit,

heaping sin upon sin;

2 who go down to Egypt

without consulting me;

who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection,

to Egypt’s shade for refuge.

b. Useless Help (30:3–7)

3 But Pharaoh’s protection will be to your shame,

Egypt’s shade will bring you disgrace.

4 Though they have officials in Zoan

and their envoys have arrived in Hanes,

5 everyone will be put to shame

because of a people useless to them,

who bring neither help nor advantage,

but only shame and disgrace.”

6 A prophecy concerning the animals of the Negev:

Through a land of hardship and distress,

of lions and lionesses,

of adders and darting snakes,

the envoys carry their riches on donkeys’ backs,

their treasures on the humps of camels,

to that unprofitable nation,

7 to Egypt, whose help is utterly useless.

Therefore I call her

Rahab the Do-Nothing.

c. Blind Eyes and Deaf Ears (30:8–11)

8 Go now, write it on a tablet for them,

inscribe it on a scroll,

that for the days to come

it may be an everlasting witness.

9 For these are rebellious people, deceitful children,

children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.

10 They say to the seers,

“See no more visions!”

and to the prophets,

“Give us no more visions of what is right!

Tell us pleasant things,

prophesy illusions.

11 Leave this way,

get off this path,

and stop confronting us

with the Holy One of Israel!”

d. The Consequences of Stubbornness (30:12–17)

12 Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says:

“Because you have rejected this message,

relied on oppression

and depended on deceit,

13 this sin will become for you

like a high wall, cracked and bulging,

that collapses suddenly, in an instant.

14 It will break in pieces like pottery,

shattered so mercilessly

that among its pieces not a fragment will be found

for taking coals from a hearth

or scooping water out of a cistern.”

15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,

but you would have none of it.

16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’

Therefore you will flee!

You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’

Therefore your pursuers will be swift!

17 A thousand will flee

at the threat of one;

at the threat of five

you will all flee away,

till you are left

like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,

like a banner on a hill.”

e. The Foolishness of Trusting in Frailty (31:1–3)

31 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,

who rely on horses,

who trust in the multitude of their chariots

and in the great strength of their horsemen,

but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,

or seek help from the Lord.

2 Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster;

he does not take back his words.

He will rise up against that wicked nation,

against those who help evildoers.

3 But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God;

their horses are flesh and not spirit.

When the Lord stretches out his hand,

those who help will stumble,

those who are helped will fall;

all will perish together.

The Blessings of Trusting in the Lord (Isaiah 30:18–33; 31:4–9)

a. The Lord’s Amazing Grace to the Repentant (30:18–22)

18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!

19 People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 22 Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!”

b. The Lord’s Bountiful Blessings to the Bruised and Broken (30:23–26)

23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

c. The Lord’s Majestic Glory in Salvation through Judgment (30:27–33)

27 See, the Name of the Lord comes from afar,

with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke;

his lips are full of wrath,

and his tongue is a consuming fire.

28 His breath is like a rushing torrent,

rising up to the neck.

He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction;

he places in the jaws of the peoples

a bit that leads them astray.

29 And you will sing

as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;

your hearts will rejoice

as when people playing pipes go up

to the mountain of the Lord,

to the Rock of Israel.

30 The Lord will cause people to hear his majestic voice

and will make them see his arm coming down

with raging anger and consuming fire,

with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail.

31 The voice of the Lord will shatter Assyria;

with his rod he will strike them down.

32 Every stroke the Lord lays on them

with his punishing club

will be to the music of timbrels and harps,

as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm.

33 Topheth has long been prepared;

it has been made ready for the king.

Its fire pit has been made deep and wide,

with an abundance of fire and wood;

the breath of the Lord,

like a stream of burning sulfur,

sets it ablaze.

d. The Lord’s Mighty Deliverance of His Repentant People (31:4–9)

4 This is what the Lord says to me:

“As a lion growls,

a great lion over its prey—

and though a whole band of shepherds

is called together against it,

it is not frightened by their shouts

or disturbed by their clamor—

so the Lord Almighty will come down

to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.

5 Like birds hovering overhead,

the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem;

he will shield it and deliver it,

he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

6 Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against. 7 For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.

8 “Assyria will fall by no human sword;

a sword, not of mortals, will devour them.

They will flee before the sword

and their young men will be put to forced labor.

9 Their stronghold will fall because of terror;

at the sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic,”

declares the Lord,

whose fire is in Zion,

whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

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“Bread and Light” (Exodus 25:23–40) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, November 11, 2018

Exodus 25:23–40 (NIV)

23 “Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. 24 Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. 25 Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. 26 Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are. 27 The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table. 28 Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them. 29 And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings. 30 Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.

31 “Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.

37 “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39 A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. 40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

A Table for Bread in God’s House (vv. 23–30).

a. The Plans for the Table b. The Purpose of the Table

i. Hospitality of the Lord ii. Abiding Presence of the Lord iii. Provision of the Lord iv. Gratitude to the Lord

A Lampstand for Light in God’s House (vv. 31–40).

a. The Plans for the Lampstand b. The Purpose of the Lampstand

i. God’s Abiding Presence ii. God as the Source of Light and Life iii. The Worship of God Is Beautiful and Reverent.

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“Tough Love” (Romans 12:14–16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 11, 2018

Romans 12:14–16, NIV 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Christians are called to bless our persecutors (v. 14).

⦁ Why? Because God blessed us with his mercy when we were his enemies.

Christians are called to share in both the joyous and sorrowful experiences of others (v. 15).

⦁ Why? Because Christ entered into our experience and took our suffering upon himself.

Christians are called to adopt a spirit of humility in the way that we relate to one another (v. 16).

⦁ Why? Because Christ humbled himself and became a servant for us.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 24: “Woe to David's City” (Isaiah 29:1-24)

The Lord Humbles Jerusalem (29:1-16)

a. The Siege of Jerusalem (29:1-8)

29 Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel,

the city where David settled!

Add year to year

and let your cycle of festivals go on.

2 Yet I will besiege Ariel;

she will mourn and lament,

she will be to me like an altar hearth.

3 I will encamp against you on all sides;

I will encircle you with towers

and set up my siege works against you.

4 Brought low, you will speak from the ground;

your speech will mumble out of the dust.

Your voice will come ghostlike from the earth;

out of the dust your speech will whisper.

5 But your many enemies will become like fine dust,

the ruthless hordes like blown chaff.

Suddenly, in an instant,

6 the Lord Almighty will come

with thunder and earthquake and great noise,

with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire.

7 Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel,

that attack her and her fortress and besiege her,

will be as it is with a dream,

with a vision in the night—

8 as when a hungry person dreams of eating,

but awakens hungry still;

as when a thirsty person dreams of drinking,

but awakens faint and thirsty still.

So will it be with the hordes of all the nations

that fight against Mount Zion.

b. Spiritual Blindness (29:9-14)

9 Be stunned and amazed,

blind yourselves and be sightless;

be drunk, but not from wine,

stagger, but not from beer.

10 The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep:

He has sealed your eyes (the prophets);

he has covered your heads (the seers).

11 For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” 12 Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.”

13 The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth

and honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship of me

is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

14 Therefore once more I will astound these people

with wonder upon wonder;

the wisdom of the wise will perish,

the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”

c. Practical Atheism (29:15-16)

15 Woe to those who go to great depths

to hide their plans from the Lord,

who do their work in darkness and think,

“Who sees us? Who will know?”

16 You turn things upside down,

as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!

Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,

“You did not make me”?

Can the pot say to the potter,

“You know nothing”?

A Glorious Transformation (29:17-24)

a. Moral Disorder Righted (29:17-21)

17 In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field

and the fertile field seem like a forest?

18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll,

and out of gloom and darkness

the eyes of the blind will see.

19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord;

the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

20 The ruthless will vanish,

the mockers will disappear,

and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down—

21 those who with a word make someone out to be guilty,

who ensnare the defender in court

and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.

b. Spiritual Greatness Revived (29:22-24)

22 Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob:

“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;

no longer will their faces grow pale.

23 When they see among them their children,

the work of my hands,

they will keep my name holy;

they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,

and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;

those who complain will accept instruction.”

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“Enthroned between the Cherubim” (Exodus 25:10–22) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, November 4, 2018

Exodus 25:10–22 (NIV)

10“Have them make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 11Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. 12Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. 13Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. 15The poles are to remain in the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed. 16Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.

17“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. 22There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.

The ark emphasizes the importance of the presence of God among his people.
The ark shows us the necessity of atonement for the Holy God to commune with sinful people.
The ark teaches us the central position of the Word of God in the guidance and instruction of his people.

Main Idea: The ark within the tabernacle teaches us the importance of God’s presence among his people, the necessity of atonement for us to be in God’s presence, and the abiding centrality of the Word of God for the worship and life of God’s people.

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“Christian Love in Action” (Romans 12:9–13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, November 4, 2018

Romans 12:9–13 (NIV) 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Genuine Love (9a).
Love for Righteousness (9b).
Faithful Love (10a)
Deferential Love (10b).
Energetic, Serving Love (11).
Persevering Love (12).
Generous Love (13).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 23: Woe to Ephraim & Judah (Isaiah 28:1–29)

A Short Review of the Structure of Isaiah1

Importance of chapters 36-39
Chapters 1-35
- Chs. 1-6: Opening Messages and the Call of Isaiah
- Chs. 7-12: The Rule of Assyria and the Messiah
- Chs. 13-23: Oracles against the Nations
- Chs. 24-27: The Apocalypse
- Chs. 28-35: Book of Woes and Restoration
Chapters 36-39: Historical Interlude
Chapters 40-66

The Book of Woes and Restoration: Isaiah 28–352

Woe to Ephraim (Israel) and Judah (28:1–29)
Woe to Jerusalem and Her Restoration (29:1–24)
The Condemnation of Judah’s Alliance with Egypt (30:1–33)
The Deliverance of Judah by God, Not Egypt (31:1–9)
The Rule of the Righteous King (32:1–20)
Woe to Assyria and Blessing to Jerusalem (33:1–24)
God’s Day of Vengeance against the Nations (34:1–17)
The Joy and Salvation of the Redeemed (35:1–10)

Woe to Ephraim (Israel) and Judah (28:1–29)

Woe to Ephraim (Israel) (28:1–8)

Isaiah 28:1–8 (NIV)

1 Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley— to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine! 2 See, the Lord has one who is powerful and strong. Like a hailstorm and a destructive wind, like a driving rain and a flooding downpour, he will throw it forcefully to the ground. 3 That wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, will be trampled underfoot. 4 That fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley, will be like figs ripe before harvest— as soon as people see them and take them in hand, they swallow them. 5 In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. 6 He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. 7 And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions. 8 All the tables are covered with vomit and there is not a spot without filth.

Judgement against Jerusalem’s Leaders (28:9–29)
- Immature People Don’t Listen (28:9–13)
Isaiah 28:9–13 (NIV)

9 “Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? 10 For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.” 11 Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, 12 to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”— but they would not listen. 13 So then, the word of the Lord to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there— so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured. + The Lord Rebuilds His Way (28:14–22)

Isaiah 28:14–22 (NIV)

14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. 15 You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death, with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement. When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” 16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. 17 I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. 18 Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the realm of the dead will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it. 19 As often as it comes it will carry you away; morning after morning, by day and by night, it will sweep through.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. 20 The bed is too short to stretch out on, the blanket too narrow to wrap around you. 21 The Lord will rise up as he did at Mount Perazim, he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gibeon— to do his work, his strange work, and perform his task, his alien task. 22 Now stop your mocking, or your chains will become heavier; the Lord, the Lord Almighty, has told me of the destruction decreed against the whole land. + The Parable of the Farmer (28:23–29)

Isaiah 28:23–29 (NIV)

23 Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say. 24 When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil? 25 When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? 26 His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. 27 Caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; caraway is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a stick. 28 Grain must be ground to make bread; so one does not go on threshing it forever. The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it, but one does not use horses to grind grain. 29 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.

1 Herbert M. Wolf, Interpreting Isaiah: The Suffering and Glory of the Messiah (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1985), 39–50. 2 Adapted from Wolf, Interpreting Isaiah, 147–169, and Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Introduction, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Serving Together in Grace” (Romans 12:3–8) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 28, 2018

Romans 12:3–8 (NIV) 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

In order to serve together as a church, we must have a proper view of ourselves (v. 3).

a. A proper view of ourselves arises out of a transformed mind renewed by the Holy Spirit. b. A proper view of ourselves is built on the truth that we are who we are by the grace of God. c. A proper view of ourselves must reject inflated estimations of our own importance. d. A proper view of ourselves must accept a serious, sober-minded estimation of who we are by the grace of God. e. A proper view of ourselves must be in accordance with the faith that God has distributed to each of us.

In order to serve together as a church, we must have a clear understanding of what the church is and our place in it (vv. 4–5).

a. The Analogy (v. 4) b. The Principle (v. 5)

In order to serve together as a church, we must each serve in accordance with our God-given gifts (vv. 6–8).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 22: "Israel's Coming Salvation" (Isaiah 27:1-13)1

The Destruction of Evil (Isaiah 27:1)

1 In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword— his fierce, great and powerful sword— Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.

Israel’s Position as God’s Vineyard (Isaiah 27:2-6)

2 In that day— “Sing about a fruitful vineyard: 3 I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it. 4 I am not angry. If only there were briers and thorns confronting me! I would march against them in battle; I would set them all on fire. 5 Or else let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me.” 6 In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.

The Purpose behind God’s Judgment (Isaiah 27:7-11)

7 Has the Lord struck her as he struck down those who struck her? Has she been killed as those were killed who killed her? 8 By warfare and exile you contend with her— with his fierce blast he drives her out, as on a day the east wind blows. 9 By this, then, will Jacob’s guilt be atoned for, and this will be the full fruit of the removal of his sin: When he makes all the altar stones to be like limestone crushed to pieces, no Asherah poles or incense altars will be left standing. 10 The fortified city stands desolate, an abandoned settlement, forsaken like the wilderness; there the calves graze, there they lie down; they strip its branches bare. 11 When its twigs are dry, they are broken off and women come and make fires with them. For this is a people without understanding; so their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor.

The Returning Remnant (Isaiah 27:12-13)

12 In that day the Lord will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, Israel, will be gathered up one by one. 13 And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.

Concluding Thoughts from Isaiah 24-27

• God Is in Control • God’s Sovereignty Includes Judgment and Salvation • God Calls Us to Peace • Great Days Are Coming!

1 The following outline is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Freely Given” (Exodus 25:1–9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, October 21, 2018

Exodus 25:1–9 (NIV) 1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.

The Lord is worthy of our gifts (vv. 1–2a).
The Lord is worthy of gifts that are freely and cheerfully given (v. 2b; 35:5)
The Lord is worthy of our most precious and valuable gifts (vv. 3–5; 35:5–7)
The Lord is worthy of useful and purposeful gifts so that he may be worshiped (vv. 6–7; 35:8–9).
The Lord is worthy of a sanctified place for his presence among his people (v. 8).
The Lord is worthy of being worshiped according to his instructions (v. 9).

Main Idea: The God who redeemed us and entered into covenant with us is worthy of the very best gifts that we can give so that he may be worshiped.

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“Transformed Thinking” (Romans 12:2) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 21, 2018

Romans 12:2, NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Do not allow yourselves to be forced into the mold of the world’s way of thinking and living (v. 2a).
Instead, by the grace of God, continually strive to be transformed into new godly ways of thinking and living (v. 2b).

a. This transformation can only come through internal renewal by the Holy Spirit.

b. This transformation results in discovering and doing the will of God.

*The will of God is good, pleasing to God, and perfect.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 21: “Judah’s Song of Deliverance” (Isaiah 26:1–21)

Judah’s Praise (26:1-6)1

Secure in Peace (26:1-4)

1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. 2 Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Down to the Dust (26:5–6)

5 He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust. 6 Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor.

Judah’s Prayer (26:7-21)

The Divinely Smoothed Pathway (26:7-9)

7 The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth. 8 Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. 9 My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Impenetrable Blindness (26:10-11)

10 But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord. 11 Lord, your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it. Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame; let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.

The Divinely Ordained Peace (26:12-15)

12 Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. 13 Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. 14 They are now dead, they live no more; their spirits do not rise. You punished them and brought them to ruin; you wiped out all memory of them. 15 You have enlarged the nation, Lord; you have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for yourself; you have extended all the borders of the land.

Out of the Dust (26:16-19)

16 Lord, they came to you in their distress; when you disciplined them, they could barely whisper a prayer. 17 As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, Lord. 18 We were with child, we writhed in labor, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth, and the people of the world have not come to life. 19 But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise— let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy— your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

Secure from Wrath (26:20-21)

20 Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. 21 See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

1 The outline for this lesson is adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007) and J. A. Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 212.

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“Confirmation of the Covenant” (Exodus 24:1–18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, October 14, 2018

Exodus 24 (NIV)

24 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2 but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.”

3 When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” 4 Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said.

He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splashed against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.”

8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

9 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up 10 and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. 11 But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”

13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. 14 He said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.”

15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

The Covenant with the Lord is Ceremonially Confirmed (vv. 1–11)

a. The participants in the ceremony (vv. 1–2) b. The presentation and acceptance of the covenant’s terms (v. 3) c. Official recording of the covenant’s terms (v. 4a). d. Ceremonial ratification of the covenant (vv. 4b–8)

i. Sacrifice: burnt offerings and peace offerings on altar made of natural stones (set up, not built and carved). ii. Ceremonial application of the blood to the altar. iii. Official reading and acceptance of the covenant (covenant vows). iv. Ceremonial application of the blood to the people.

e. Ceremonial covenant meal of fellowship (vv. 9–11).

The Worship of the Lord Is Determined by His Word (vv. 12–18).

a. The Lord’s Invitation to Moses and Moses’s Ascent (12–14). b. The Lord’s Majestic Presence on the Mountain with Moses (vv. 15–18).

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"Christian Praxis" (Romans 12:1) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 14, 2018

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your true and proper worship. (Rom. 12:1 NIV)

A Gospel Foundation
A Loving Exhortation
A Living Sacrifice
A True Worship

Main Idea: God deserves and demands all of us.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 20: “God’s Victory over His Enemies” (Isaiah 25:1–12)1

Praise to God (25:1–5)

a. God Has Demonstrated His Faithfulness (25:1–3)

Isaiah 25:1–3 NIV 1 Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. 2 You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin, the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore strong peoples will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you.

b. God Has Protected His People (25:4–5)

Isaiah 25:4–5 NIV 4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall 5 and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.

Description of God’s Restoration and Blessings (25:6–12)

a. God Will Establish Fellowship with His People (25:6–7)

Isaiah 25:6–7 NIV 6 On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;

b. God Will Comfort His People (25:8–9)

Isaiah 25:8–9 NIV 8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. 9 In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

c. God Will Remove His People’s Enemies (25:10–12)

Isaiah 25:10–12 NIV 10 The hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain; but Moab will be trampled in their land as straw is trampled down in the manure. 11 They will stretch out their hands in it, as swimmers stretch out their hands to swim. God will bring down their pride despite the cleverness of their hands. 12 He will bring down your high fortified walls and lay them low; he will bring them down to the ground, to the very dust.

1The outline for this lesson is taken from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Israel’s Guardian Angel” (Exodus 23:20–33) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, October 7, 2018

Exodus 23:20–33 (NIV)

20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. 24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. 25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.

27 “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

31 “I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give into your hands the people who live in the land, and you will drive them out before you. 32 Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. 33 Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.”

The Lord promises to guard and guide his people to their ultimate destination (20–23).

a. The Lord sent an angel to guard and guide his people (20). b. The Lord expected his people to listen to and obey his angel, because the angel carried God’s name and was God’s representative among the people (21). c. As they obeyed the Lord’s angel, the Lord promised to protect them, defeat their enemies, and bring them to their appointed home (22–23).

The Lord expects exclusive worship and obedience from his people (24–33).

a. Exclusive Worship (24): God rightly expects exclusive loyalty from his people. b. There are Covenant Blessings for Loyalty (25–31).

i. Basic Necessities: Food and Water (25) ii. Physical Health: No plagues/diseases (25) iii. Fertility (26) iv. Long Life (26) v. Victory in the face of Enemies (27–28) vi. Progressive Possession of the Land (29–30) vii. Expansive Territory (31)

c. A Renewed Call for Vigilance against False Worship (32–33).

i. No covenants with pagan peoples in the land (32). ii. No agreements or allegiance given to pagan gods (32). iii. No association or cohabitation with pagan peoples (33).

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“The Infinite Wisdom of God” (Romans 11:33–36) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, October 7, 2018

Romans 11:33–36 (NIV)

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

3 Exclamations: God’s Salvation Plan for History Is Infinitely Wise (v. 33).

a. O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

b. O, how unsearchable are his judgments!

c. O, how his paths are beyond tracing out!

3 Questions: God’s Infinitely Wise Plan Is Not Fully Capable of Being Understood by Finite People unless He Chooses to Reveal It (vv. 34–35).

a. Who has known the mind of the Lord?

b. Who has been God’s counselor?

c. Who has ever given to God [in advance] that God would be indebted to them and need to repay them?

1 Declaration: Everything That Is and That Happens Has Its Source, Support, and End in God (v. 36a).

a. All things are…

i. From him - source ii. Through him - support iii. For him – end/goal/purpose

1 Doxology: Our Infinitely Wise God Is Worthy of Eternal Glory (v. 36b).

a. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Main Idea: The revelation of God’s salvation-historical plan for Jews and Gentiles should cause us to marvel at his infinite wisdom and fall down in worship before the all-knowing, all-sovereign God.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 19: “The Little Apocalypse”: The Earth’s Destruction (Isaiah 24:1–23)

The Earth’s Destruction (24:1–23)*

General Aspects of the Destruction (24:1–6)

a. The Lord Is in Charge (24:1)

24 See, the Lord is going to lay waste the earth

and devastate it;

he will ruin its face

and scatter its inhabitants—

b. The Lord Doesn’t Play Favorites (24:2)

2 it will be the same

for priest as for people,

for the master as for his servant,

for the mistress as for her servant,

for seller as for buyer,

for borrower as for lender,

for debtor as for creditor.

c. The Lord Judges Thoroughly (24:3–6)

3 The earth will be completely laid waste

and totally plundered.

The Lord has spoken this word.

4 The earth dries up and withers,

the world languishes and withers,

the heavens languish with the earth.

5 The earth is defiled by its people;

they have disobeyed the laws,

violated the statutes

and broken the everlasting covenant.

6 Therefore a curse consumes the earth;

its people must bear their guilt.

Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up,

and very few are left.

Specific Aspects of the Destruction (24:7–23)

a. Gloom and Despair (24:7–13)

7 The new wine dries up and the vine withers;

all the merrymakers groan.

8 The joyful timbrels are stilled,

the noise of the revelers has stopped,

the joyful harp is silent.

9 No longer do they drink wine with a song;

the beer is bitter to its drinkers.

10 The ruined city lies desolate;

the entrance to every house is barred.

11 In the streets they cry out for wine;

all joy turns to gloom,

all joyful sounds are banished from the earth.

12 The city is left in ruins,

its gate is battered to pieces.

13 So will it be on the earth

and among the nations,

as when an olive tree is beaten,

or as when gleanings are left after the grape harvest.

b. Glory to God (24:14–16a)

14 They raise their voices, they shout for joy;

from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty.

15 Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord;

exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel,

in the islands of the sea.

16 From the ends of the earth we hear singing:

“Glory to the Righteous One.”...

c. Universal Upheaval (24:16b–23)

...But I said, “I waste away, I waste away!

Woe to me!

The treacherous betray!

With treachery the treacherous betray!”

17 Terror and pit and snare await you,

people of the earth.

18 Whoever flees at the sound of terror

will fall into a pit;

whoever climbs out of the pit

will be caught in a snare.

The floodgates of the heavens are opened,

the foundations of the earth shake.

19 The earth is broken up,

the earth is split asunder,

the earth is violently shaken.

20 The earth reels like a drunkard,

it sways like a hut in the wind;

so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion

that it falls—never to rise again.

21 In that day the Lord will punish

the powers in the heavens above

and the kings on the earth below.

22 They will be herded together

like prisoners bound in a dungeon;

they will be shut up in prison

and be punished after many days.

23 The moon will be dismayed,

the sun ashamed;

for the Lord Almighty will reign

on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,

and before its elders—with great glory.

The outline for this study was drawn from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Theological and Historical Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“All Israel Will Be Saved” (Romans 11:25–32) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 30, 2018

Romans 11:25–32 (NIV) 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Israel’s current hardening is partial and temporary (v. 25).

a. It is partial because there is a remnant that is being saved in the present time. b. It is temporary because God is currently demonstrating his mercy to the Gentiles. But this temporary hardening will give way to a great salvation among the Jewish people.

Israel’s future salvation is promised and guaranteed by God’s mysterious grace (v. 26a).

a. Future—“will be”—after the full number of Gentiles (elect) have come in. b. Full—“all”—all Israel will be saved.

i. As in the present time, not all Gentiles are believing in Jesus, but there is a fullness of Gentiles that is being drawn to Christ in salvation. ii. So also, in the future, this promise is not necessarily a guarantee that every single ethnic descendant of Abraham (or of Jacob) will be saved. iii. This is a promise that a great number, a vast majority, of Israelites will at some point in the future receive a softening and drawing that will result in their salvation.

c. Faith—the Gospel demands that this future salvation of Israel cannot happen apart from faith in Christ.

This future salvation of Israel is confirmed by OT Scripture.

a. As it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. (Rom. 11:26 NIV)

i. Isa 59:20 "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins," declares the LORD. ii. Isa 45:17 But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting.

b. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins." (Rom. 11:27 NIV)

i. Isa 59:21 "As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the LORD. ii. Isa 27:9 By this, then, will Jacob's guilt be atoned for, and this will be the full fruit of the removal of his sin: When he makes all the altar stones to be like limestone crushed to pieces, no Asherah poles or incense altars will be left standing. iii. Jer. 31:31–34 31"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, " declares the LORD. 33 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

This future salvation of Israel is rooted in God’s unswerving faithfulness to his promise and his election (vv. 28–29).
The future salvation of Israel manifests God’s impartiality to all people, as the capstone of the drama of salvation history (vv. 30–32).
The revelation of this profound theological mystery has a specific purpose: to promote humility among the Gentile believers and remind them that they stand only by grace.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 18: "Jerusalem and Tyre" (Isaiah 22:1-23:18)

A Message against Jerusalem (22:1-25)1

Jerusalem’s Siege (22:1–14)

22 A prophecy against the Valley of Vision:

What troubles you now,

that you have all gone up on the roofs,

2 you town so full of commotion,

you city of tumult and revelry?

Your slain were not killed by the sword,

nor did they die in battle.

3 All your leaders have fled together;

they have been captured without using the bow.

All you who were caught were taken prisoner together,

having fled while the enemy was still far away.

4 Therefore I said, “Turn away from me;

let me weep bitterly.

Do not try to console me

over the destruction of my people.”

5 The Lord, the Lord Almighty, has a day

of tumult and trampling and terror

in the Valley of Vision,

a day of battering down walls

and of crying out to the mountains.

6 Elam takes up the quiver,

with her charioteers and horses;

Kir uncovers the shield.

7 Your choicest valleys are full of chariots,

and horsemen are posted at the city gates.

8 The Lord stripped away the defenses of Judah,

and you looked in that day

to the weapons in the Palace of the Forest.

9 You saw that the walls of the City of David

were broken through in many places;

you stored up water

in the Lower Pool.

10 You counted the buildings in Jerusalem

and tore down houses to strengthen the wall.

11 You built a reservoir between the two walls

for the water of the Old Pool,

but you did not look to the One who made it,

or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.

12 The Lord, the Lord Almighty,

called you on that day

to weep and to wail,

to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth.

13 But see, there is joy and revelry,

slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep,

eating of meat and drinking of wine!

“Let us eat and drink,” you say,

“for tomorrow we die!”

14 The Lord Almighty has revealed this in my hearing: “Till your dying day this sin will not be atoned for,” says the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

Shebna and Eliakim (22:15–25)

Shebna: Leadership for His Own Gain (22:15-19)

15 This is what the Lord, the Lord Almighty, says:

“Go, say to this steward,

to Shebna the palace administrator:

16 What are you doing here and who gave you permission

to cut out a grave for yourself here,

hewing your grave on the height

and chiseling your resting place in the rock?

17 “Beware, the Lord is about to take firm hold of you

and hurl you away, you mighty man.

18 He will roll you up tightly like a ball

and throw you into a large country.

There you will die

and there the chariots you were so proud of

will become a disgrace to your master’s house.

19 I will depose you from your office,

and you will be ousted from your position.

Eliakim: Leadership to Serve Others (22:20-25)

20 “In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. 21 I will clothe him with your robe and fasten your sash around him and hand your authority over to him. He will be a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the people of Judah. 22 I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 23 I will drive him like a peg into a firm place; he will become a seat of honor for the house of his father. 24 All the glory of his family will hang on him: its offspring and offshoots—all its lesser vessels, from the bowls to all the jars.

25 “In that day,” declares the Lord Almighty, “the peg driven into the firm place will give way; it will be sheared off and will fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut down.” The Lord has spoken.

A Message against Tyre (23:1-18)

Call to Lament (23:1-7)

23 A prophecy against Tyre:

Wail, you ships of Tarshish!

For Tyre is destroyed

and left without house or harbor.

From the land of Cyprus

word has come to them.

2 Be silent, you people of the island

and you merchants of Sidon,

whom the seafarers have enriched.

3 On the great waters

came the grain of the Shihor;

the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre,

and she became the marketplace of the nations.

4 Be ashamed, Sidon, and you fortress of the sea,

for the sea has spoken:

“I have neither been in labor nor given birth;

I have neither reared sons nor brought up daughters.”

5 When word comes to Egypt,

they will be in anguish at the report from Tyre.

6 Cross over to Tarshish;

wail, you people of the island.

7 Is this your city of revelry,

the old, old city,

whose feet have taken her

to settle in far-off lands?

Tyre's Judgment and Future (23:8-18)

8 Who planned this against Tyre,

the bestower of crowns,

whose merchants are princes,

whose traders are renowned in the earth?

9 The Lord Almighty planned it,

to bring down her pride in all her splendor

and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

10 Till your land as they do along the Nile,

Daughter Tarshish,

for you no longer have a harbor.

11 The Lord has stretched out his hand over the sea

and made its kingdoms tremble.

He has given an order concerning Phoenicia

that her fortresses be destroyed.

12 He said, “No more of your reveling,

Virgin Daughter Sidon, now crushed!

“Up, cross over to Cyprus;

even there you will find no rest.”

13 Look at the land of the Babylonians,

this people that is now of no account!

The Assyrians have made it

a place for desert creatures;

they raised up their siege towers,

they stripped its fortresses bare

and turned it into a ruin.

14 Wail, you ships of Tarshish;

your fortress is destroyed!

15 At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the span of a king’s life. But at the end of these seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute:

16 “Take up a harp, walk through the city,

you forgotten prostitute;

play the harp well, sing many a song,

so that you will be remembered.”

17 At the end of seventy years, the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her lucrative prostitution and will ply her trade with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. 18 Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes.

Tyre's Ultimate Fate

1 The outline for this lesson was taken from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“Holy Days and Holy Festivals” (Exodus 23:10–19) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, September 23, 2018

Exodus 23:10–19 (NIV)

10 “For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.

12 “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.

13 “Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.

14 “Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.

15 “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt.

“No one is to appear before me empty-handed.

16 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.

“Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.

17 “Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord.

18 “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast.

“The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning.

19 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.

“Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.

God gives his people the gift of rest, and all are free to enjoy it (10–12).

a. The land was to rest every 7th year (cf. Lev. 25:1–7; 18–22; Deut 15:1–10).

i. As an act of devotion – relinquishing the land to the real owner of the land, the LORD ii. As an act of faith – trusting God to provide and relying on the bountiful harvest from the previous year iii. For the sake of the Poor iv. For the sake of Creation

⦁ The ground ⦁ The wild animals

b. Every 7th day of the week was a day of rest.

i. For your sake ii. For the sake of the animals of burden iii. For the sake of the slave – heaviest manual labor burdens iv. For the sake of the foreigner – migrant workers

God gives his people the gift of festivals, and all may enjoy them in true worship and praise to God (13–19).

a. The worship of God is to be whole-hearted and exclusive (13).

i. Whole-hearted obedience. ii. Exclusive – not even a mention of other gods.

b. The worship of God is scheduled by His Word (14, 17).

i. The Festival of Unleavened Bread was a memorial to celebrate God’s deliverance of his people from bondage in Egypt (15).

⦁ Application: Worship should be a remembrance and celebration of God’s redeeming grace.

ii. The Festival of Harvest was a time to honor God with the best (firstfruits) of what he has blessed his people with (16a).

⦁ Application: Worship is a time of giving God the best of what we have in order to honor him for his grace.

iii. The Festival of Ingathering was a time at the end of the year to honor God in celebration for his bountiful provision (16b).

⦁ Application: Worship is a time of thanksgiving in remembering what our God has done for us.

c. The worship of God is regulated by His Word (18–19).

i. Ancient Prescriptions ii. Modern Implications

Main Idea: God has established regular times of rest so that his people may be refreshed, and God has regulated worship so that he may be fully honored by his redeemed people.

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“Root, Shoot, and Branches” (Romans 11:16–24) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 23,2018

Romans 11:16–24 (NIV)

16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

Be humbled that you, a Gentile, have been graciously united to Christ (16–18).
Be steadfast in the faith by which you remain united to Christ by the power of God (19–22).
Be joyful over the prospect of the Jews turning and believing and being united to Christ (23–24).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 17: “Babylon, Edom, and Arabia” (Isaiah 21:1-17)

The Prophecy against Babylon (Isaiah 21:1-10)

Isaiah 21:1–10 (NIV)

21 A prophecy against the Desert by the Sea:

Like whirlwinds sweeping through the southland,

an invader comes from the desert,

from a land of terror.

2 A dire vision has been shown to me:

The traitor betrays, the looter takes loot.

Elam, attack! Media, lay siege!

I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused.

3 At this my body is racked with pain,

pangs seize me, like those of a woman in labor;

I am staggered by what I hear,

I am bewildered by what I see.

4 My heart falters,

fear makes me tremble;

the twilight I longed for

has become a horror to me.

5 They set the tables,

they spread the rugs,

they eat, they drink!

Get up, you officers,

oil the shields!

6 This is what the Lord says to me:

“Go, post a lookout

and have him report what he sees.

7 When he sees chariots

with teams of horses,

riders on donkeys

or riders on camels,

let him be alert,

fully alert.”

8 And the lookout shouted,

“Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower;

every night I stay at my post.

9 Look, here comes a man in a chariot

with a team of horses.

And he gives back the answer:

‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen!

All the images of its gods

lie shattered on the ground!’ ”

10 My people who are crushed on the threshing floor,

I tell you what I have heard

from the Lord Almighty,

from the God of Israel.

The Prophecy against Edom (Isaiah 21:11-12)

Isaiah 21:11–12 (NIV)

11 A prophecy against Dumah:

Someone calls to me from Seir,

“Watchman, what is left of the night?

Watchman, what is left of the night?”

12 The watchman replies,

“Morning is coming, but also the night.

If you would ask, then ask;

and come back yet again.”

The Prophecy against Arabia (Isaiah 21:13-17)

Isaiah 21:13–17 (NIV)

13 A prophecy against Arabia:

You caravans of Dedanites,

who camp in the thickets of Arabia,

14 bring water for the thirsty;

you who live in Tema,

bring food for the fugitives.

15 They flee from the sword,

from the drawn sword,

from the bent bow

and from the heat of battle.

16 This is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end. 17 The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.

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“Justice and Mercy” (Exodus 23:1–9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, September 16, 2018

Exodus 23:1–9 (NIV)

23 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.

4 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

6 “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.

God’s people must be known as truth-tellers (seekers of justice) (1–3, 7–8).

a. Don’t speak falsehood unintentionally (by not having all the facts) (1a).

b. Don’t intentionally bear false witness (1b).

c. Don’t bend the truth or justice for the sake of the crowd (2).

d. Do not bend truth or justice, even if it is for a good cause (to help the poor) (3).

e. Do not distort justice by receiving false testimony and then dispensing punishment on an innocent person on the basis of that false testimony (7).

f. Do not distort truth or justice for the sake of personal gain (8).

God’s people must be known as kindness givers (dispensers of mercy) (even to those we don’t like or who mistreat us). (4–6, 9)

a. We must be kind and helpful even to those we don’t like or those who mistreat us) (4–5).

b. We must have our eyes open to the needs of those who are often marginalized in society (6, 9).

⦁ The poor (6)

⦁ The foreigner/immigrant (9)

Main Idea: God’s redeemed and sanctified people must be seekers of justice and dispensers of mercy.

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“Salvation for the Nations” (Romans 11:11–16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 16, 2018

Romans 11:11–16 NIV 11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring! 13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Israel has been hardened and has fallen, but their fall is not ultimate (v. 11a).
In God’s all-wise, gracious plan, Israel’s failure has brought salvation to the Gentiles (vv. 11b–12).
In God’s all-wise, gracious plan, the salvation of the Gentiles will stir up jealousy among Israel (vv. 11c–14).
So, the ultimate goal of God’s all-wise, gracious plan is to bring Israel back into the fold of his salvation in the end (vv. 14–16).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 16: “Egypt and Cush” (Isaiah 19:1–20:6)

A Message concerning Egypt (19:1–25)

a. Judgment against Egypt and Its Leaders (19:1–15)

i. A Rebuke of Egypt’s Idols (19:1–4)

Isaiah 19:1–4 (NIV)

1 A prophecy against Egypt: See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear. 2 “I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian— brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom. 3 The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists. 4 I will hand the Egyptians over to the power of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them,” declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

ii. A Rebuke to Egypt’s Ecology and Industry (19:5–10)

Isaiah 19:5–10 (NIV)

5 The waters of the river will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and dry. 6 The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up. The reeds and rushes will wither, 7 also the plants along the Nile, at the mouth of the river. Every sown field along the Nile will become parched, will blow away and be no more. 8 The fishermen will groan and lament, all who cast hooks into the Nile; those who throw nets on the water will pine away. 9 Those who work with combed flax will despair, the weavers of fine linen will lose hope. 10 The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the wage earners will be sick at heart.

iii. A Rebuke to Egypt’s Leaders (19:11–15)

Isaiah 19:11–15 (NIV)

11 The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings”? 12 Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make known what the Lord Almighty has planned against Egypt. 13 The officials of Zoan have become fools, the leaders of Memphis are deceived; the cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray. 14 The Lord has poured into them a spirit of dizziness; they make Egypt stagger in all that she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit. 15 There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm branch or reed.

b. Egypt’s Submission and Restoration (19:16–25)

Isaiah 19:16–25 (NIV)

16 In that day the Egyptians will become weaklings. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the Lord Almighty raises against them. 17 And the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians; everyone to whom Judah is mentioned will be terrified, because of what the Lord Almighty is planning against them.

18 In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord Almighty. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.

19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. 20 It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 21 So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. 22 The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. 25 The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”

Isaiah’s Sign against Egypt and Cush (20:1–6)

Isaiah 20:1–6 (NIV)

1In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it—2at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot. 3Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, 4so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared—to Egypt’s shame. 5Those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be dismayed and put to shame. 6In that day the people who live on this coast will say, ‘See what has happened to those we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’ ”

**The outline for this lesson has been adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007).

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“A Holy Society” (Exodus 22:16–31) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, September 9, 2018

Exodus 22:16–31 (NIV)

16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. 17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.

18 “Do not allow a sorceress to live.

19 “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death.

20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the Lord must be destroyed.

21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

22 “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. 26 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, 27 because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

28 “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

29 “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.

“You must give me the firstborn of your sons. 30 Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.

31 “You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.

Main Idea: God’s people should seek to live as members of a holy society, with proper love and respect for one another and full devotion to the Lord.

A member of God’s holy society should seek the long-term wellbeing of others, and so there can be no pleasure without responsibility (16–17).
A member of God’s holy society must respect God’s sovereignty and authority and not seek to manipulate people and the outcome of events through illegitimate means (18).
A member of God’s holy society must respect the created order and not seek self-pleasure through perverted means that result in the dehumanization of God’s image bearers (19).
A member of God’s holy society must worship God and God alone and not engage in false worship (20).
A member of God’s holy society must show appropriate care and compassion for the most vulnerable in society (21–27).

a. By treating foreigners with respect (21) b. By upholding true justice for widows and orphans (22–24) c. By showing compassion to the poor in the lending of money (25–27)

A member of God’s holy society must honor God and his appointed human representatives (28).
A member of God’s holy society must honor God by offering to him the firstfruits of all that God has graciously given (29–30).
A member of God’s holy society must respect the created order and the dignity of human beings by not eating like a wild scavenger (31).

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“The Remnant Chosen by Grace” (Romans 11:1–10) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, September 9, 2018

Romans 11:1–10 (NIV)

11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, 8 as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,

eyes that could not see

and ears that could not hear,

to this very day.”

9 And David says:

“May their table become a snare and a trap,

a stumbling block and a retribution for them.

10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,

and their backs be bent forever.”

The Question: Has God Rejected His People Israel? (1a)

a. Why would Paul Ask this Question?

Israel pursued a righteousness (justification) of works through the law and did not pursue it by faith.
Israel rejected the gospel and did not believe in Jesus, their Savior and Messiah.
Israel has persisted in stubborn unbelief, even though the gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached to them.

b. So, because of their persistent unbelief and stubborn pursuit of justification through the works of the law, has God finally and ultimately rejected his people, the nation of Israel? Is he through with them?

The Response: God has absolutely NOT rejected Israel as his people. He is not through with them (1b-4).

a. What is the proof that God has not rejected his people?

i. Paul, a Jew, is a living example that God has not rejected his people. God’s gracious salvation found Paul (1b). ii. It is unthinkable that God would reject the people that he himself foreknew (2a).

1 Sam 12:22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.

iii. In Elijah’s Day, it appeared that the whole nation was steeped in apostacy and that God was through with them. But God, in addition to faithful Elijah, had reserved 7,000 other men who had not bowed the knee to Baal and fallen into apostacy (2b–4).

It is God’s typical pattern to bestow his gracious salvation on a remnant chosen by grace. (5-6)

a. The examples of Paul and the 7,000 in Elijah’s day demonstrate a pattern by which God chooses by grace a remnant out of Israel on whom he bestows salvation. b. Other examples from Scripture could be pointed out.

i. Noah and his family. ii. The ones Paul has already referenced in Rom 9:

Isaac not Ishmael
Jacob not Esau

iii. The exiles who returned from captivity.

c. So, the present situation is no different from the way God had worked in the past.

i. God’s choice of Israel as a nation was never intended to be a guarantee that every ethnic Israelite would be eternally saved. ii. Rather, God has always operated on the basis of gracious, unconditional election by which he saves a remnant. iii. The unbelief of many Jews and their rejection of Jesus as their Messiah is not surprising from a biblical-historical point of view. It fully fits with the pattern of Israelite unbelief throughout their history. iv. So too does the gracious salvation of God of an elect remnant. This pattern is visible throughout Israel’s history as well. v. Although there appear to be almost no unbelieving Jews, God has preserved a relatively small but definite, number.

d. Grace in order to be grace has to exclude every other human consideration.

e. So, God’s election of a remnant of Israelites by grace is sufficient demonstration that God has not completely abandoned Israel and his eternal purposes for her.

The rest of Israel has been judicially hardened by God so as not to see and believe the gospel.

a. Why judgment?

i. They pursued righteousness/justification by works of the law not by faith. ii. They rejected Jesus as their Messiah. They stumbled over the stumbling stone instead of being built on the cornerstone.

b. Israel has been judicially hardened in the past because of their rebellion:

i. Verse 8: From Isaiah 29:4, 10 and echoes of Isaiah 6:9.

Brought low, you will speak from the ground; your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the earth; out of the dust your speech will whisper. (Isa. 29:4 NIV)

The LORD has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers). (Isa. 29:10 NIV)

He said, "Go and tell this people: "'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' (Isa. 6:9 NIV)

ii. Verses 9–10: From Psalm 69.

Psa 69:22 May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and a trap. Psa 69:23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.

c. Why was Israel judicially hardened?

i. They deserved it because of their rebellion and stubborn unbelief. ii. Their hardening opened up the door of grace to the Gentiles (11:11ff.)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 15: “Messages against Syria, Israel, and Cush” (Isaiah 17:1-18:7)

A Message against Syria (17:1-3)

17 A prophecy against Damascus:

“See, Damascus will no longer be a city

but will become a heap of ruins.

2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted

and left to flocks, which will lie down,

with no one to make them afraid.

3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,

and royal power from Damascus;

the remnant of Aram will be

like the glory of the Israelites,”

declares the Lord Almighty.

A Message against Israel (17:4-11)
A Time of Weakness for Israel (17:4-6)

4 “In that day the glory of Jacob will fade;

the fat of his body will waste away.

5 It will be as when reapers harvest the standing grain,

gathering the grain in their arms—

as when someone gleans heads of grain

in the Valley of Rephaim.

6 Yet some gleanings will remain,

as when an olive tree is beaten,

leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches,

four or five on the fruitful boughs,”

declares the Lord, the God of Israel.

Revival to Come to Israel (17:7-8)

7 In that day people will look to their Maker

and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

8 They will not look to the altars,

the work of their hands,

and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles

and the incense altars their fingers have made.

The Desolation to Come (17:9-11)

9 In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.

10 You have forgotten God your Savior;

you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.

Therefore, though you set out the finest plants

and plant imported vines,

11 though on the day you set them out, you make them grow,

and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud,

yet the harvest will be as nothing

in the day of disease and incurable pain.

A Message to the Nations (17:12-14)

12 Woe to the many nations that rage—

they rage like the raging sea!

Woe to the peoples who roar—

they roar like the roaring of great waters!

13 Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters,

when he rebukes them they flee far away,

driven before the wind like chaff on the hills,

like tumbleweed before a gale.

14 In the evening, sudden terror!

Before the morning, they are gone!

This is the portion of those who loot us,

the lot of those who plunder us.

A Message against Cush (18:1-7)

18 Woe to the land of whirring wings

along the rivers of Cush,

2 which sends envoys by sea

in papyrus boats over the water.

Go, swift messengers,

to a people tall and smooth-skinned,

to a people feared far and wide,

an aggressive nation of strange speech,

whose land is divided by rivers.

3 All you people of the world,

you who live on the earth,

when a banner is raised on the mountains,

you will see it,

and when a trumpet sounds,

you will hear it.

4 This is what the Lord says to me:

“I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,

like shimmering heat in the sunshine,

like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

5 For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone

and the flower becomes a ripening grape,

he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives,

and cut down and take away the spreading branches.

6 They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey

and to the wild animals;

the birds will feed on them all summer,

the wild animals all winter.

7 At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty

from a people tall and smooth-skinned,

from a people feared far and wide,

an aggressive nation of strange speech,

whose land is divided by rivers—

the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.

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“God’s Word to the World” (Romans 10:14–21)

Pastor Cameron Jungels

Eastside Baptist Church

Sunday AM, September 2, 2018

Romans 10:14–21 (NIV)

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.”

19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,

“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;

I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”

20 And Isaiah boldly says,

“I was found by those who did not seek me;

I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”

21 But concerning Israel he says,

“All day long I have held out my hands

to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

The Proclamation and Reception of the Gospel (14–15, 17).
The Hearing and Rejection of the Gospel (vv. 16, 18–21).

Main Idea: Believers have a responsibility to proclaim the Gospel, and hearers have a responsibility to accept the Gospel.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 14: “Judgment on Assyria, Philistia, and Moab” (Isaiah 14:24-16:14)

Outline1 • Judgment on Assyria (14:24-27) • Judgment on Philistia (14:28-32) • Judgment on Moab (15:1-16:14)

Judgment on Assyria (14:24-27)

Isaiah 14:24–27 (NIV)

24 The Lord Almighty has sworn,

“Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,

and as I have purposed, so it will happen.

25 I will crush the Assyrian in my land;

on my mountains I will trample him down.

His yoke will be taken from my people,

and his burden removed from their shoulders.”

26 This is the plan determined for the whole world;

this is the hand stretched out over all nations.

27 For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?

His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

Judgment on Philistia (14:28-32)

Isaiah 14:28–32 (NIV)

28 This prophecy came in the year King Ahaz died:

29 Do not rejoice, all you Philistines,

that the rod that struck you is broken;

from the root of that snake will spring up a viper,

its fruit will be a darting, venomous serpent.

30 The poorest of the poor will find pasture,

and the needy will lie down in safety.

But your root I will destroy by famine;

it will slay your survivors.

31 Wail, you gate! Howl, you city!

Melt away, all you Philistines!

A cloud of smoke comes from the north,

and there is not a straggler in its ranks.

32 What answer shall be given

to the envoys of that nation?

“The Lord has established Zion,

and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.”

Judgment on Moab (15:1-16:14)

Lament over Moab’s Condition (15:1-9)

Isaiah 15:1–9 (NIV)

A prophecy against Moab:

Ar in Moab is ruined,

destroyed in a night!

Kir in Moab is ruined,

destroyed in a night!

2 Dibon goes up to its temple,

to its high places to weep;

Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba.

Every head is shaved

and every beard cut off.

3 In the streets they wear sackcloth;

on the roofs and in the public squares

they all wail,

prostrate with weeping.

4 Heshbon and Elealeh cry out,

their voices are heard all the way to Jahaz.

Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out,

and their hearts are faint.

5 My heart cries out over Moab;

her fugitives flee as far as Zoar,

as far as Eglath Shelishiyah.

They go up the hill to Luhith,

weeping as they go;

on the road to Horonaim

they lament their destruction.

6 The waters of Nimrim are dried up

and the grass is withered;

the vegetation is gone

and nothing green is left.

7 So the wealth they have acquired and stored up

they carry away over the Ravine of the Poplars.

8 Their outcry echoes along the border of Moab;

their wailing reaches as far as Eglaim,

their lamentation as far as Beer Elim.

9 The waters of Dimon are full of blood,

but I will bring still more upon Dimon—

a lion upon the fugitives of Moab

and upon those who remain in the land.

Moab’s Coming Judgment (16:1-14)
- Moab’s Desperate Plea for Help (16:1-5)

Isaiah 16:1–5 (NIV)

Send lambs as tribute

to the ruler of the land,

from Sela, across the desert,

to the mount of Daughter Zion.

2 Like fluttering birds

pushed from the nest,

so are the women of Moab

at the fords of the Arnon.

3 “Make up your mind,” Moab says.

“Render a decision.

Make your shadow like night—

at high noon.

Hide the fugitives,

do not betray the refugees.

4 Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you;

be their shelter from the destroyer.”

The oppressor will come to an end,

and destruction will cease;

the aggressor will vanish from the land.

5 In love a throne will be established;

in faithfulness a man will sit on it—

one from the house of David—

one who in judging seeks justice

and speeds the cause of righteousness.

- A Lament for Moab (16:6-14)

Isaiah 16:6–14 (NIV)

6 We have heard of Moab’s pride—

how great is her arrogance!—

of her conceit, her pride and her insolence;

but her boasts are empty.

7 Therefore the Moabites wail,

they wail together for Moab.

Lament and grieve

for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth.

8 The fields of Heshbon wither,

the vines of Sibmah also.

The rulers of the nations

have trampled down the choicest vines,

which once reached Jazer

and spread toward the desert.

Their shoots spread out

and went as far as the sea.

9 So I weep, as Jazer weeps,

for the vines of Sibmah.

Heshbon and Elealeh,

I drench you with tears!

The shouts of joy over your ripened fruit

and over your harvests have been stilled.

10 Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards;

no one sings or shouts in the vineyards;

no one treads out wine at the presses,

for I have put an end to the shouting.

11 My heart laments for Moab like a harp,

my inmost being for Kir Hareseth.

12 When Moab appears at her high place,

she only wears herself out;

when she goes to her shrine to pray,

it is to no avail.

13 This is the word the Lord has already spoken concerning Moab. 14 But now the Lord says: “Within three years, as a servant bound by contract would count them, Moab’s splendor and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeble.”

1 The outline for this lesson was adapted from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Study, Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007).

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“Respecting Personal Property” (Exodus 22:1–15) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, August 26, 2018

Exodus 22:1–15 (NIV)

22 “Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.

2 “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.

“Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft. 4 If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.

5 “If anyone grazes their livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray and they graze in someone else’s field, the offender must make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard.

6 “If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.

7 “If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double. 8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property. 9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.

10 “If anyone gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any other animal to their neighbor for safekeeping and it dies or is injured or is taken away while no one is looking, 11 the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the Lord that the neighbor did not lay hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required. 12 But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner. 13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.

14 “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution. 15 But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss.

Punishment for the Theft of Personal Property

5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." (2 Sam. 12:5-6 NIV)

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." 9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. (Lk. 19:8-9 NIV)

Liability for the Destruction of Personal Property
Resolving Disputes over Personal Property

Several principles emerge from these laws that may be applied to our walk as Christians:

Theft is wrong and is incompatible with walking the Christian life.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Eph. 4:28 NIV)

The Bible advocates the principle of the ownership of personal property.
Personal property is to be respected as an expression of love of neighbor.
Stolen property was to be fully restored by the thief (plus double or even 4 or 5-fold). Nothing short of full restitution was accepted.
Proper care and diligence should be given when entrusted with the property of another. Carelessness or negligence that results in the loss or damage of another’s property means that the borrower is responsible for full restitution.
Property is never on par with human life. One may kill a thief if one reasonably feels endangered by the thief, but one may not kill a person for the sake of a stolen sheep. The defense of human life is the highest moral law, and it trumps lower laws.
When people live in society together there will be disputes and conflicts. As such, an equitable method for resolving property disputes is essential for society to function.

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. (Matt. 5:40 NIV)

“If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.” (1 Corinthians 6:1–8, NIV)

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“Salvation for Everyone Who Believes” (Romans 10:5–13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 26, 2018

Romans 10:5–13 (NIV) 5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Striving for a right standing before God by obeying the Law of Moses is a never-ending, never-succeeding struggle (5).

Lev 18:5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.

The Gospel that offers a right standing before God by faith is readily available and accessible (6–8).

Deut 30:12–14 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

The proper response to the Gospel message which results in salvation is a full trust in and acknowledgment of the Lordship of the Risen Christ (9–10).
This Gospel message that brings salvation to all who believe in Christ is available to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, social class, or moral worthiness.

Isa 28:16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

Joe 2:32 (3:5 in Heb.) And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

Main Idea: You can never hope to achieve a right standing with God on the basis of your own good works, so stop striving and start trusting in the Risen, Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, regardless of who you are or where you are from.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 13: “God and the Nations: Babylon” (Isaiah 13:1-14:23)

Structure of Isaiah 1-271

Outline2 ⦁ Why the Oracles against Other Nations? ⦁ God’s Judgment of Babylon (13:1-14:23)

Why Oracles against other Nations? ⦁ Challenges to the Messianic Kingdom

⦁ The challenge of earthly kingdoms ⦁ The challenge of other gods

⦁ Challenges to God’s Sovereignty

God’s Judgment of Babylon ⦁ Why Begin with Babylon? ⦁ Babylon’s Destruction (13:1-22) ⦁ The Taunt Song against Babylon’s King (14:1-23)

Why Begin with Babylon? ⦁ Assyria would seem to have been the most natural choice of where to begin. They posed the greatest threat at the moment. ⦁ Isaiah knew Babylon’s eventual role in history and its threat to Judah. Assyria would invade Judah, but Babylon would succeed.

Babylon’s Destruction (13:1-22) ⦁ The Work of Many Nations

⦁ Nations would form a coalition to bring Babylon down. ⦁ Those who had suffered under Babylonian rule would have the joy of participating in ending it.

⦁ The Day of the Lord

⦁ Not a twenty-four-hour day but rather a period of time in which God works his purposes in a particularly distinctive way in the heavens and on earth. ⦁ The Day of the Lord usually has one or more of these three key elements:

⦁ God’s judgment against unbelievers ⦁ The cleansing and purging of God’s people ⦁ The salvation of God’s people

Isaiah 13:1–22 (NIV)

13 A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw:

2 Raise a banner on a bare hilltop,

shout to them;

beckon to them

to enter the gates of the nobles.

3 I have commanded those I prepared for battle;

I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath—

those who rejoice in my triumph.

4 Listen, a noise on the mountains,

like that of a great multitude!

Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms,

like nations massing together!

The Lord Almighty is mustering

an army for war.

5 They come from faraway lands,

from the ends of the heavens—

the Lord and the weapons of his wrath—

to destroy the whole country.

6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is near;

it will come like destruction from the Almighty.

7 Because of this, all hands will go limp,

every heart will melt with fear.

8 Terror will seize them,

pain and anguish will grip them;

they will writhe like a woman in labor.

They will look aghast at each other,

their faces aflame.

9 See, the day of the Lord is coming

—a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger—

to make the land desolate

and destroy the sinners within it.

10 The stars of heaven and their constellations

will not show their light.

The rising sun will be darkened

and the moon will not give its light.

11 I will punish the world for its evil,

the wicked for their sins.

I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty

and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

12 I will make people scarcer than pure gold,

more rare than the gold of Ophir.

13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble;

and the earth will shake from its place

at the wrath of the Lord Almighty,

in the day of his burning anger.

14 Like a hunted gazelle,

like sheep without a shepherd,

they will all return to their own people,

they will flee to their native land.

15 Whoever is captured will be thrust through;

all who are caught will fall by the sword.

16 Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes;

their houses will be looted and their wives violated.

17 See, I will stir up against them the Medes,

who do not care for silver

and have no delight in gold.

18 Their bows will strike down the young men;

they will have no mercy on infants,

nor will they look with compassion on children.

19 Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms,

the pride and glory of the Babylonians,

will be overthrown by God

like Sodom and Gomorrah.

20 She will never be inhabited

or lived in through all generations;

there no nomads will pitch their tents,

there no shepherds will rest their flocks.

21 But desert creatures will lie there,

jackals will fill her houses;

there the owls will dwell,

and there the wild goats will leap about.

22 Hyenas will inhabit her strongholds,

jackals her luxurious palaces.

Her time is at hand,

and her days will not be prolonged.

The Taunt Song against Babylon’s King (14:1-23) ⦁ Good News for Judah (14:1-2)

Isaiah 14:1–2 (NIV)

The Lord will have compassion on Jacob;

once again he will choose Israel

and will settle them in their own land.

Foreigners will join them

and unite with the descendants of Jacob.

2 Nations will take them

and bring them to their own place.

And Israel will take possession of the nations

and make them male and female servants in the Lord’s land.

They will make captives of their captors

and rule over their oppressors.

⦁ The Taunt Song (14:3-23)

Isaiah 14:3–23 (NIV)

3 On the day the Lord gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you, 4 you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon:

How the oppressor has come to an end!

How his fury has ended!

5 The Lord has broken the rod of the wicked,

the scepter of the rulers,

6 which in anger struck down peoples

with unceasing blows,

and in fury subdued nations

with relentless aggression.

7 All the lands are at rest and at peace;

they break into singing.

8 Even the junipers and the cedars of Lebanon

gloat over you and say,

“Now that you have been laid low,

no one comes to cut us down.”

9 The realm of the dead below is all astir

to meet you at your coming;

it rouses the spirits of the departed to greet you—

all those who were leaders in the world;

it makes them rise from their thrones—

all those who were kings over the nations.

10 They will all respond,

they will say to you,

“You also have become weak, as we are;

you have become like us.”

11 All your pomp has been brought down to the grave,

along with the noise of your harps;

maggots are spread out beneath you

and worms cover you.

12 How you have fallen from heaven,

morning star, son of the dawn!

You have been cast down to the earth,

you who once laid low the nations!

13 You said in your heart,

“I will ascend to the heavens;

I will raise my throne

above the stars of God;

I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,

on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.

14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;

I will make myself like the Most High.”

15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,

to the depths of the pit.

16 Those who see you stare at you,

they ponder your fate:

“Is this the man who shook the earth

and made kingdoms tremble,

17 the man who made the world a wilderness,

who overthrew its cities

and would not let his captives go home?”

18 All the kings of the nations lie in state,

each in his own tomb.

19 But you are cast out of your tomb

like a rejected branch;

you are covered with the slain,

with those pierced by the sword,

those who descend to the stones of the pit.

Like a corpse trampled underfoot,

20 you will not join them in burial,

for you have destroyed your land

and killed your people.

Let the offspring of the wicked

never be mentioned again.

21 Prepare a place to slaughter his children

for the sins of their ancestors;

they are not to rise to inherit the land

and cover the earth with their cities.

22 “I will rise up against them,”

declares the Lord Almighty.

“I will wipe out Babylon’s name and survivors,

her offspring and descendants,”

declares the Lord.

23 “I will turn her into a place for owls

and into swampland;

I will sweep her with the broom of destruction,”

declares the Lord Almighty.

⦁ Who is the object of this taunt? Who is the “Morning Star, Son of the Dawn” (vv. 12-14)?

Lessons from these Oracles to the Nations3 ⦁ God is opposed to the proud. ⦁ God judges wickedness. ⦁ God is sovereign over the nations. ⦁ The LORD is the only true God. ⦁ The LORD’s people should trust in him, because only he can deliver them.

1 Taken from John Goldingay, Theology of Isaiah. 2 Outline is from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering Isaiah. 3 Adapted from Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., Isaiah: God Saves Sinners.

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“An Eye for an Eye” (Exodus 21:12–36) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, August 19, 2018

Exodus 21:12–36 (NIV)

12 “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. 13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. 14 But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.

15 “Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.

16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.

17 “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

18 “If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, 19 the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.

20 “Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, 21 but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.

22 “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

26 “An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye. 27 And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth.

28 “If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull is to be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. 29 If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death. 30 However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is demanded. 31 This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter. 32 If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.

33 “If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange.

35 “If anyone’s bull injures someone else’s bull and it dies, the two parties are to sell the live one and divide both the money and the dead animal equally. 36 However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay, animal for animal, and take the dead animal in exchange.

It is Morally Evil to Directly Harm or Injur Another Person, without Just Cause (21:12–27).

a. Certain Violent Acts Deserve the Death Penalty

i. Murder or Intentional Manslaughter (6th command) (12–14)

ii. Violent Acts or Curses against Parents (5th command/6th command) (15, 17)

iii. Kidnapping/Slave Trading (6th command/8th command) (16)

iv. Excessive Beating of a Slave that Results in Death (6th command) (20–21)

v. Manslaughter of an Unborn Child (6th command) (22–25)

b. Other Violent Acts that Result in Personal Injury May Receive Lesser Penalties.

i. Unintentional or Accidental Manslaughter (13)

ii. Fighting or Brawling that Results in Personal Injury (18–19)

iii. Punishment of a Slave that Results in Personal Injury (26–27)

It is Morally Evil to Indirectly Harm or Injur Another Person, Due to Negligence (21:28–36).

a. Willful Negligence that Results in the Death of Another Person is Equivalent to Manslaughter and Is Punishable by Death (28–29).

b. The Life of the One Guilty of Willful Negligent Manslaughter May be Redeemed by a Payment of Money and Damages (30–32).

c. In Cases of Willful Negligence that Result in Injury or Damage to Another Person’s Property, the One Who Suffered Loss Must Be Fully Compensated by the Negligent Party (33–36).

Main Idea: Love for One’s Neighbor Requires Valuing the Life, Personal Health and Welfare, and the Property of our Neighbor.

Principles: a. All human life is precious, from the youngest unborn child and the lowest class slave to the wealthy nobleman and privileged royalty. b. All punishment must be in accordance with the crime. The level of punishment should match the level of the crime. Too low a penalty, and the seriousness of the crime is devalued and victims become downtrodden. Society becomes violent and crime is running rampant, because evil is not punished with sufficient severity. Too harsh a penalty, and the justice system is filled with violent abuse, misused power, and the oppression of the vulnerable. c. We should respect the personal property of our neighbors and provide restitution when our actions (whether negligent or not) cause damage or injury. d. Gross disrespect for the dignity of a parent is so perverse that it warps the soul. Someone who does this will have no respect for any other person’s rights and will be a menace to society. e. God’s people should embrace an ethic of valuing human life and valuing one another’s property that is higher than the ethic of the surrounding culture. f. We must take appropriate care with our animals and property so that they do not endanger the life or wellbeing of another person.

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“Whose Righteousness?” (Romans 10:1–4) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 19, 2018

Romans 10:1–4 (NIV) 1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Our Passion for the Gospel Must Include a Compassion for Lost Souls (1).
Our Pursuit of God Cannot Be Based on Sincerity (Zeal) Alone; It Must Be Accompanied by Truth (2).
Our Position as Justified Before God Cannot Be Attained by Our Own Good Works; It Can Only Be Granted on the Basis of the Righteousness of God (3).
Our Perception of the Law of God Must Include an Understanding of Its Proper Goal: Christ (4).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 12: “A Glorious Future” (Isaiah 11:1–12:6)

Outline

A Future to Long for (11:1–16)
A Future to Sing about (12:1–6)

A Future to Long for (11:1–16)

A Future Messiah (11:1–5)

11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

A Future Peace (11:6–10)

6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

A Future Homecoming (11:11–16)

11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. 12 He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. 13 Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim. 14 They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west; together they will plunder the people to the east. They will subdue Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them. 15 The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea; with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals. 16 There will be a highway for the remnant of his people that is left from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from Egypt.

A Future to Sing about (12:1–6)

A Song of Salvation (12:1–3)

12 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

A Song of Mission (12:4–6)

4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

**All Scripture quotations are from the NIV.

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“Dignity for the Destitute” (Exodus 21:1–11) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, August 12, 2018

Exodus 21:1–11 (NIV) “These are the laws you are to set before them: 2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. 5 “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life. 7 “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. 8 If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, because he has broken faith with her. 9 If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. 10 If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. 11 If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.

The Dignity of Financial Responsibility (Repayment of a Debt).
The Dignity of Freedom
The Dignity of Family
The Dignity of Fealty
The Dignity of Faithful Support (or, Fulfilled Promises).

Main Idea: Even those in the most desperate and destitute of situations are to be afforded dignity. Christian love demands that we treat with respect and dignity all people, even those in the most lowly of ranks and situations.

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“A Stone of Stumbling” (Romans 9:30–33) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 12, 2018

Romans 9:30–33, NIV 30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:

"See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame."

The Gentiles (in great numbers) have received the righteousness of God, even though they did not pursue it, because they received it through faith (30).
The Jews (in great numbers) have not received the righteousness of God, even though they did pursue it, because they pursued it through the works of the Law (31–32a).
The failure of many Jews to receive salvation in Jesus their Messiah is a failure to see their own sacred Scriptures as culminating and being fulfilled in him (32b–33).
Yet, there is still eternal salvation for everyone (Jew and Gentile alike) who puts their trust in Jesus, the chief Cornerstone, as Savior and Lord (33b).

Main Idea: Whether Jew or Gentile, the only way to be declared righteous before God is through faith in Jesus Christ; it cannot be earned through moral achievement.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 11: “Destruction and Deliverance” (Isaiah 10:5–34)

Introduction

Outline ⦁ Destruction for the Enemies of God (Assyria) (10:5–19) ⦁ Deliverance for the Elect of God (the Remnant of Israel) (10:20–34)

Destruction for the Enemies of God (Assyria) (10:5–19)

Isaiah 10:5–19 (NIV)

5 “Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger,

in whose hand is the club of my wrath!

6 I send him against a godless nation,

I dispatch him against a people who anger me,

to seize loot and snatch plunder,

and to trample them down like mud in the streets.

7 But this is not what he intends,

this is not what he has in mind;

his purpose is to destroy,

to put an end to many nations.

8 ‘Are not my commanders all kings?’ he says.

9 ‘Has not Kalno fared like Carchemish?

Is not Hamath like Arpad,

and Samaria like Damascus?

10 As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols,

kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria—

11 shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images

as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?’ ”

12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. 13 For he says:

“ ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this,

and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.

I removed the boundaries of nations,

I plundered their treasures;

like a mighty one I subdued their kings.

14 As one reaches into a nest,

so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations;

as people gather abandoned eggs,

so I gathered all the countries;

not one flapped a wing,

or opened its mouth to chirp.’ ”

15 Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it,

or the saw boast against the one who uses it?

As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up,

or a club brandish the one who is not wood!

16 Therefore, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,

will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors;

under his pomp a fire will be kindled

like a blazing flame.

17 The Light of Israel will become a fire,

their Holy One a flame;

in a single day it will burn and consume

his thorns and his briers.

18 The splendor of his forests and fertile fields

it will completely destroy,

as when a sick person wastes away.

19 And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few

that a child could write them down.

Deliverance for the People of God (the Remnant of Israel) (10:20–34)

Isaiah 10:20–34 (NIV)

20 In that day the remnant of Israel,

the survivors of Jacob,

will no longer rely on him

who struck them down

but will truly rely on the Lord,

the Holy One of Israel.

21 A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob

will return to the Mighty God.

22 Though your people be like the sand by the sea, Israel,

only a remnant will return.

Destruction has been decreed,

overwhelming and righteous.

23 The Lord, the Lord Almighty, will carry out

the destruction decreed upon the whole land.

24 Therefore this is what the Lord, the Lord Almighty, says:

“My people who live in Zion,

do not be afraid of the Assyrians,

who beat you with a rod

and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did.

25 Very soon my anger against you will end

and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.”

26 The Lord Almighty will lash them with a whip,

as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb;

and he will raise his staff over the waters,

as he did in Egypt.

27 In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders,

their yoke from your neck;

the yoke will be broken

because you have grown so fat.

28 They enter Aiath;

they pass through Migron;

they store supplies at Mikmash.

29 They go over the pass, and say,

“We will camp overnight at Geba.”

Ramah trembles;

Gibeah of Saul flees.

30 Cry out, Daughter Gallim!

Listen, Laishah!

Poor Anathoth!

31 Madmenah is in flight;

the people of Gebim take cover.

32 This day they will halt at Nob;

they will shake their fist

at the mount of Daughter Zion,

at the hill of Jerusalem.

33 See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,

will lop off the boughs with great power.

The lofty trees will be felled,

the tall ones will be brought low.

34 He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax;

Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.

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“Fear God and Honor His Name” (Exodus 20:18–26) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, August 5, 2018

Exodus 20:18–26 (NIV) 18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” 21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: 23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold. 24 “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’

Don’t be afraid but fear (18–21).

a. In recognition of the Lord’s awesome power and holiness, the people respond with a natural fear and trepidation (18–19).

b. Instead of a natural fear and trepidation at the sights and sounds of God’s presence, the people were to have a genuine and lasting fear of God that fueled reverence and obedience.

Don't worship gods but worship the LORD as God (22–28).

a. Worship of the true God is governed by his Word.

b. Worship of the true God is exclusive.

c. Worship of the true God requires single-minded devotion and simplicity.

d. Worship of the true God requires atoning sacrifice.

e. Worship of the true God requires the honor and reverence of his name.

Main Idea: In worship, the Holy Lord is to be reverenced and honored in obedience to his Word in such a way that He and He alone is the focus, not any other gods or any other human achievements.

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“God’s Chosen Family” (Romans 9:24–29) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, August 5, 2018

Romans 9:24–29 (NIV)

24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;

and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”

26 and,

“In the very place where it was said to them,

‘You are not my people,’

there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ ”

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,

only the remnant will be saved.

28 For the Lord will carry out

his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty

had left us descendants,

we would have become like Sodom,

we would have been like Gomorrah.”

In his loving sovereignty, God is calling and creating a spiritual family out of all of the families of the earth.
In his loving sovereignty, God is showing mercy to those who don’t deserve mercy and weren’t expected to receive mercy (the Gentiles).
In his loving sovereignty, God is showing mercy to only a remnant of those who were thought to deserve mercy (Israel).

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 10: “The Lord’s Anger against Israel” (Isaiah 9:8–10:4)

Introduction

Israel and Judah should have been paying attention to their relation to God and what he expected of them as his covenant partners.
Instead, they were more concerned about the threat from Assyria (which was God’s judgment on their disobedience).
Isaiah 9:8–10:4 is composed of four parallel sections.
Each section ends with the refrain: “Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.” (9:12, 17, 21; 10:4)
This repeated refrain communicates the fact that God’s anger against sin cannot be easily assuaged. His wrath will fall in multiple stages on Israel, because of their disobedience.

Outline

The Lord’s Anger at Human Pride (9:8–12)
The Lord’s Anger at Wicked Leaders (9:13–17)
The Lord’s Anger at Internal Strife (9:18–21)
The Lord’s Anger at Social Injustice (10:1–4)

The Lord’s Anger at Human Pride (9:8–12)

The Lord’s warning to Israel has been clear (8–9a).

The Lord has sent a message against Jacob; it will fall on Israel. All the people will know it–– Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria–– who say with pride and arrogance of heart, (Isa. 9:8–9 NIV)

The Lord is angry with Israel because of their self-dependent pride (9b–10).

All the people will know it–– Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria–– who say with pride and arrogance of heart, "The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars." (Isa. 9:9–10 NIV)

The Lord’s wrath is coming and will not be quickly extinguished (11–12).

But the LORD has strengthened Rezin's foes against them and has spurred their enemies on. Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west have devoured Israel with open mouth. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. (Isa. 9:11–12 NIV)

The Lord’s Anger at Wicked Leaders (9:13–17)

Stubbornly unrepentant, even after the Lord’s judgments (13).

But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD Almighty. (Isa. 9:13 NIV)

The Lord’s anger directed at the leaders and prophets who have failed to guide the people to repentance (14–16).

So the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day; the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray. (Isa. 9:14–16 NIV)

The Lord’s anger will be all-inclusive and unrelenting (17).

Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men, nor will he pity the fatherless and widows, for everyone is ungodly and wicked, every mouth speaks folly. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. (Isa. 9:17 NIV)

The Lord’s Anger at Internal Strife (9:18–21)

Wickedness has devastating and far-reaching consequences (18).

Surely wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns, it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke. (Isa. 9:18 NIV)

The tribes of Israel were full of internal strife and division. They selfishly looked out for the good of their own tribe above the good of the nation. Now, that internal strife was magnified by the devastation of war (19–21).

By the wrath of the LORD Almighty the land will be scorched and the people will be fuel for the fire; they will not spare one another. On the right they will devour, but still be hungry; on the left they will eat, but not be satisfied. Each will feed on the flesh of their own offspring: Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on Manasseh; together they will turn against Judah. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. (Isa. 9:19–21 NIV)

The Lord’s Anger at Social Injustice (10:1–4)

The Lord’s holy wrath was particularly directed against those who distorted justice and took advantage of the weak (1–2).

Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. (Isa. 10:1–2 NIV)

There will be no hiding from the Lord’s wrath against wickedness (3–4).

What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. (Isa. 10:3–4 NIV)

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“Our Great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14–16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 29, 2018 Lord’s Supper Service

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb. 4:14-16 NIV)

The Reminder about Having a Great High Priest.

a. Our High Priest is Great. b. Our High Priest Has Ascended into Heaven.

i. In Victory over Death ii. In Preeminence over Powers and Authorities iii. In Priestly Mediation for our Sins

c. Our High Priest is Jesus, our Savior. d. Our High Priest is the Son of God. e. Our High Priest is Empathetic to our Weaknesses. f. Our High Priest is Victorious over Sin.

Our Response to Having a Great High Priest.

a. Hold on to Our Faith. b. Draw Near to God.

i. Approach in Worship ii. Approach in Prayer iii. Approach in Confidence iv. Approach with Expectation

Of finding mercy
Of finding grace
Of finding help

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 9: “Darkness to Light” (Isaiah 8:19–9:7)

A Land of Darkness and Gloom (8:19–22)

a. Living in Spiritual Darkness and Confusion (8:19–20)

When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God's instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. (Isa. 8:19-20 NIV)

b. Living under the Chastening Hand of the Lord in Despair (8:21–22)

Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. 22 Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. (Isa. 8:21-22 NIV)

Darkness Turned to Light (9:1–5)

a. Humility Turned to Honor (9:1)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan-- (Isa. 9:1 NIV)

b. Darkness Turned to Light (9:2)

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isa. 9:2 NIV)

c. Sorrow Turned to Joy (9:3)

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. (Isa. 9:3 NIV)

d. Slavery Turned to Freedom (9:4)

For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. (Isa. 9:4 NIV)

e. War Turned to Peace (9:5)

Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. (Isa. 9:5 NIV)

The Light of the Messiah (9:6–7)

a. The Birth of the Messiah (9:6a)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. (Isa. 9:6a NIV)

b. The Names of the Messiah (9:6b)

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6b NIV)

c. The Reign of the Messiah (9:7)

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:7 NIV)

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"Coveting and Idolatry" (Exodus 20:17) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 22, 2018

Exodus 20:17, NIV "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

The Background and Uniqueness of the Command
The Meaning of the Command
The Command on Display throughout Scripture
The Application of the Command

Main Idea: God's people should be marked by contentment and thanksgiving to God, not greed and coveting, which reveal the idolatry of the heart.

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"The Glory of God in Judgment and Mercy" (Romans 9:22-23) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 22, 2018

Romans 9:22-23 22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath-- prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory--

God is glorified in the judgment of sinners, because it reveals the glory of his attributes of righteousness, justice, and holiness.
God is even more glorified in his mercy shown to sinners, because it reveals the glory of his attributes of mercy, love, and grace.

Main Idea: It is God's right as the Sovereign Creator to magnify his own glory in the way that he deems best, both in the judgment of sinners and in his choosing to show mercy to some.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah

“The Coming Assyrian Invasion” (Isaiah 7:17-8:22)1

Outline

The Destruction of the Land (7:17-25)
The Birth of Maher-Shalal-Hash- Baz (8:1-4)
The Judgment of the People (8:5-22)

Destruction of the Land

Isaiah 7:17-25
Punishment for trusting in Assyria for protection rather than the Lord.
Assyria will remove the threat of the Syria-Israel alliance, but Assyria will also subjugate Judah.

The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah-- he will bring the king of Assyria." (Isa. 7:17 NIV)

Flies & Bees: No place to hide (7:18-19)

In that day the LORD will whistle for flies from the Nile delta in Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria. They will all come and settle in the steep ravines and in the crevices in the rocks, on all the thornbushes and at all the water holes. (Isa. 7:18-19 NIV)

Shaved & Shamed: No more dignity (7:20)

In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River-- the king of Assyria-- to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also. (Isa. 7:20 NIV)

1 Cow & 2 Sheep: No one to inhabit the land (7:21-22)

In that day, a person will keep alive a young cow and two goats. And because of the abundance of the milk they give, there will be curds to eat. All who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. (Isa. 7:21-22 NIV)

Briers & Thorns: No harvest to bring in (7:23-25)

In that day, in every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, there will be only briers and thorns. Hunters will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. As for all the hills once cultivated by the hoe, you will no longer go there for fear of the briers and thorns; they will become places where cattle are turned loose and where sheep run. (Isa. 7:23-25 NIV)

The Birth of Maher-Shalal-Hash- Baz (8:1-4)

The LORD said to me, "Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz." (Isa. 8:1 NIV)

Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz
- “Swift is the plunder; speedy is the prey.” – Bryan Beyer
- “Speeding is booty; hastening is plunder.” – John Mackay
- “The spoil of the two kings will quickly be taken.” – Willem VanGemeren

So I called in Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah as reliable witnesses for me. Then I made love to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the LORD said to me, "Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. For before the boy knows how to say 'My father' or 'My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria." (Isa. 8:2-4 NIV)

The Judgment of the People (8:5-22)

Assyrian Invasion (8:5-10)

The LORD spoke to me again: 6 "Because this people has rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoices over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates-- the king of Assyria with all his pomp. It will overflow all its channels, run over all its banks and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck. Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land, Immanuel!" (Isa. 8:5-8 NIV)

Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isa. 8:9-10 NIV)

Waiting for Yahweh (8:11-22)

Assessing the Options (8:11-15)

This is what the LORD says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: "Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured." (Isa. 8:11-15 NIV)

Divinely Given Hope (8:16-18)

Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God's instruction among my disciples. I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him. Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. (Isa. 8:16-18 NIV)

The False Alternative (8:19-22)

When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God's instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. (Isa. 8:19-22 NIV)

1 The outline for this lesson was based on Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah and John L. Mackay, A Study Commentary on Isaiah, Volume 1: Chapters 1-39 (Ep Study Commentary).

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“Truth and Justice” (Exodus 20:16) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 15, 2018

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (Exo 20:16 NIV)

Ancient Background of the Command
Meaning of the Command
The Command in its OT Context
The Command in its NT Context
Applications of the Command

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“The Potter’s Prerogative” (Romans 9:19–24) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 15, 2018

Romans 9:19–24 (NIV) 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? 22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?

Intro: Have we misunderstood Paul?

Situation and Problem: Israel’s Unbelief: is the problem with God’s Word/Promise?

Proposition: No! God’s Word has not failed (v. 6a).

Major Premise: Not all those descended from Israel are Israel (v. 6b).

Support #1 for major premise: Inclusion in the true Israel is not based on Abrahamic paternity, but on God’s call (vv. 7–9).

Evidence: Isaac and Ishmael were both children of Abraham, but Isaac was the chosen seed of Abraham not Ishmael.

Support #2 for major premise: Inclusion in the true Israel is not based on Abrahamic paternity or meritorious deeds, but on God’s call (vv. 10–13).

Evidence: Jacob and Esau were both the children of Isaac, the seed of Abraham, but before they were born and before they had done good or evil, God chose Jacob to continue the seed of Abraham.

Objection: Is God unrighteous? (v. 14a)

Response: Absolutely not! (v. 14b)

Scriptural warrant #1 for response: To Moses: “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion” (v. 15).

Inference #1: God’s bestowal of mercy is not based on human considerations, but only on God’s nature, an essential aspect of which is to show mercy to whom he pleases, apart from human considerations (v. 16).

Scriptural warrant #2 for response: To Pharaoh: “For this very purpose I raised you up in order that I might display my power in you and in order that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (v. 17).

Inference #2: God has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills (v. 18).

Objection: How can we then be held responsible if no one can resist God's sovereign will? (v. 19)

Response:

Remember who you are. You are the creature; God is the Creator.
The creature has no right to object or “talk back to” or question (in a judgmental way) the Creator.
The Creator has the right to make what he wills to make and do what he wills to do.
God is glorified in his right as Creator to do what he wills with his creation.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah Lesson 7: "The Sign of Immanuel" (7:1–17)

The Historical Setting (7:1–9)1

Time of National Crisis for Judah
Threat of Israel and Syria Alliance
Syro-Ephraimite War, 735-734 BC
Key Figures:
- Tiglath-Pileser III (Assyria)
- Rezin (Syria)
- Pekah (Israel)
- Ahaz (Judah)

1When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it. 2Now the house of David was told, “Aram has allied itself with Ephraim”; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind. 3Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. 4Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. 5Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah’s son have plotted your ruin, saying, 6“Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” 7Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘It will not take place, it will not happen, 8for the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is only Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people. 9The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’” (Isaiah 7:1–9, NIV)

The Sign Offered, Refused, and Given (7:10–17)

The Sign Offered and Refused (7:10–13)

10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? (Isaiah 7:10–13, NIV)

The Lord’s Sign: The Birth of Immanuel (7:14–16)

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. (Isaiah 7:14–16, NIV)

The Repurcussions for Judah (7:17)

17 The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.” (Isaiah 7:17, NIV)

Interpretations of Isaiah 7:14

The Meaning of ‘Almah
- View 1: Isaiah’s Words Find Their Fulfillment Only in Jesus
- View 2: The Prophecies of Isaiah 7 and 8 Are Linked
- View 3: The Woman Is Already Pregnant
Conclusion: Isaiah 7:14 and the New Testament

1 This outline is drawn from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah.

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“Honoring One Another’s Property” (Exodus 20:15) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 8, 2018

“You shall not steal.” (Exo 20:15, NIV)

The Ancient Background of the Command
The Meaning of the Command
The Application of the Command in the Old Testament
The Application of the Command in the New Testament
The Modern Application of the Command

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"God's Sovereign Hardening" (Romans 9:17-18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 8, 2018

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. (Rom. 9:14-18 NIV)

Examples of God's Hardening in Scripture
1. God's Hardening of Pharaoh (Exodus 4-14)
2. God's Hardening of Sihon, King of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:30)
3. God's Hardening of Israel in Isaiah's Time (Isaiah 6:8-13)
4. God's Hardening of Israel in Jesus' Time (John 12:37-41)
5. God's Hardening of Israel in Paul's Time (Romans 9-11)
Principles of God's Hardening from Scripture
1. God Hardens Sovereignly
2. When God hardens, it is completely compatible with the stubbornness and hard-heartedness of the individual.
3. God hardens as a means of judgment, leading to greater judgment.
4. When God hardens some, others receive mercy.
5. Everyone whom God hardens deserves it.
6. God hardens to advance his own glory and fame.

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“The Sanctity of Marriage” (Exodus 20:14) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, July 1, 2018

“Do Not Commit Adultery” (Exod. 20:14)

What is the historical and cultural background for this command?
What is adultery?

a. Adultery is fundamentally a breach or violation of covenantal obligations. It is a breach of the marriage covenant, particularly by engaging in sexual relations with someone other than your spouse. b. Other forms of inappropriate sexual actions (homosexuality, fornication, bestiality, pornography, self-gratification) would all be considered sexual sins in the OT, but they are not technically adultery. c. Adultery is treated with special significance in the Scriptures, because it involves the severing of a covenantal marriage agreement between two individuals. It is considered a crime against people, the family, society, and against God. d. In the Hebrew Bible, the prohibition against adultery is fundamentally designed to protect the sanctity of the family, which serves as the foundation for all of society.

How is this command applied in the Old Testament?

a. Adultery was a capital offense in OT Israel. Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22 b. Consensual sex between a betrothed woman and a man that she was not betrothed to was considered adultery and carried the death penalty (Deut 22:23–24). c. Examples of adultery: David/Bathsheba in 2 Sam 11. d. Adultery in wisdom literature: Proverbs carries repeated warnings about engaging in adultery and the lure of the adulterous woman. e. Adultery is used metaphorically to refer to Israel’s unfaithful violation of their covenant with Yahweh. Their worship of false gods is typically referred to as an act of whoredom/adultery. It is a covenant breach where the covenant involved an exclusive, permanent relationship between two parties.

How is the command applied in the New Testament?

a. Little change in terms of ethics from OT to NT. b. Adultery include sins of the heart (Matt 5:27–28; cf. Matthew 15:17–20). c. Illegitimate divorce is considered adultery. Also, marrying someone who was illegitimately divorced is also considered adultery (Matt 5:31–32; Matt 19:1–9). d. Adultery is also used metaphorically to represent idolatry/false worship in the NT. (James 4:4)

Conclusion

a. Adultery is a violation of life’s most important relationship. b. Adultery is the destruction of a marriage, which results in the destruction of a family, which inevitably will erode the foundation of a society. c. Adultery is a demonstration of a lack of faithfulness to one’s commitments and to the well-being of his or her closest human relationship. Unfaithfulness in the closest of relationships destroys faithfulness and integrity in all relationships. d. It is a sin against God himself and a violation of his holy purity. It should never be named among God’s holy people.

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“God’s Sovereign Mercy” (Romans 9:14–18) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, July 1, 2018

Who Is Being Elected and What Are They Being Elected To?

a. Is the election discussed in this passage corporate (peoples/nations) or individuals? b. Is the election discussed in this passage temporal (within time for historical purposes) or eternal (unto salvation)?

If this passage is talking about the election of individuals unto eternal salvation, on what basis does he elect them?

a. Not ancestry (Abraham) b. Not parentage (Isaac/Rebecca) c. Not worthiness of position (older over younger) or normal human considerations d. Not works or character (before Jacob and Esau were born and “not on the basis of works”) e. Not on the basis of foreseen faith (“not of works” vs. “him who calls” not “by faith”) f. It is based on the wise, loving, sovereign, eternal, electing purpose of God (“in order that God’s electing purpose might stand”).

If God elects individuals to eternal salvation unconditionally, purely on the basis of his wise and loving sovereign will, then how can God be righteous and just? Isn’t this unfair?

a. How do we determine the justice of God? b. Isn’t God the author and exemplar of all justice? c. Wouldn’t an appropriate definition of the justice of God have to begin with God himself and what he has said about his justice in his own Word? This is why Paul uses Scripture and the words of God in his answer to the potential objection about God’s justice. d. Why would we think that we could determine what is just and fair?

God is just in his unconditional election of individuals to salvation, because it is consistent with the character and revelation of God himself.

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The Prophecy of Isaiah

“Isaiah’s Vision and Call” – Isaiah 6:1-13

Isaiah 6:1–13 (NIV)

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

9 He said, “Go and tell this people:

“ ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;

be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’

10 Make the heart of this people calloused;

make their ears dull

and close their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts,

and turn and be healed.”

11 Then I said, “For how long, Lord?”

And he answered:

“Until the cities lie ruined

and without inhabitant,

until the houses are left deserted

and the fields ruined and ravaged,

12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away

and the land is utterly forsaken.

13 And though a tenth remains in the land,

it will again be laid waste.

But as the terebinth and oak

leave stumps when they are cut down,

so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”

Outline of Isaiah 6

“I Saw the Lord” – Isaiah’s Vision (verses 1-7)
“I Heard the Lord” – Isaiah’s Call and Commission” (verses 8-13)

“I Saw the Lord”

“I Saw the Lord” – Isaiah’s Vision (verses 1-7)
- Isaiah’s Vision of God (1-4)
  - The Sovereignty of God (1-2)
  - The Holiness of God (3)
  - The Worship of God (4)
- Isaiah’s Response to the Presence of God (5-7)
  - Conviction of Sin (5)
  - Cleansing from Sin (6-7)

“I Heard the Lord”

“I Heard the Lord” – Isaiah’s Call and Commission (verses 8–13)
- The Lord’s Call (8)
- Isaiah’s Obedient Response (8)
- The People’s Callousness Hardened by the Word (9–10)
- The People’s Judgment Confirmed (11-12)
- Mercy in Judgment: A Remnant Will Remain (13)

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“Valuing Human Life” (Exodus 20:13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday PM, June 24, 2018

"You shall not murder. (Exod. 20:13 NIV)

1) The Giver of the Commandment

2) The Reason for the Commandment

3) The Meaning of the Commandment

4) The Exceptions to the Commandment (or Its Wrong Applications)

5) The Extension of the Commandment (or Its Appropriate Applications)

Main Idea: The Sixth commandment is a prohibition against the unlawful taking of a human life, but merely refraining from killing another human being is not our full obedience to this command. This command requires love for our fellow man that abstains not only from physical violence but also anger and malice toward one another.

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“God’s Electing Purpose” (Romans 9:10–13) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 24, 2018

Romans 9:6–13 (NIV) 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” 10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Israel Not Israel
Promise Not Parents
God’s Power Not Human Plans
Grace Not Worthiness

a. Not the worthiness of ancestry b. Not the worthiness of position c. Not the worthiness of good works d. Not the worthiness of future faith

God’s Electing Purpose Not Anything Else!

God’s Purpose:

a. Originates with God b. Eternal and Unchangeable c. Predestined and Settled d. All-encompassing and Universal e. Operates by Grace not Merit f. Works in Concert with Election g. Issues in a Gracious, Effectual Calling

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“God, the Righteous Father” (Psalm 146) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 17, 2018 (Fathers’ Day)

Psalm 146 (NIV)

1Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. 2I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 3Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. 4When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. 6He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. 7He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, 8the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. 9The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.

A Father Worthy of Praise

a. Communal Praise (“Praise the Lord” – Plural Imperative) b. Personal Praise (“Praise the Lord, my soul.” – Singular Imperative) c. Enduring Praise (“All my life”… “As long as I live.”

A Father You Can Depend On

a. The frustrating situation of those who depend on human strength:

i. The illusion of human power and influence (even of princes). ii. The frailty of mortal human beings. iii. The disappointment of unfulfilled plans and promises.

b. The blessed situation of those who depend on God their Father:

i. The certainty of Divine power. ii. The endurance of the eternal. iii. The hope of unfailing plans and promises.

A Father Who Does What Is Right

a. Upholding justice for the oppressed. b. Demonstrating compassion for the afflicted. c. Offering love to the righteous.

A Father to the Fatherless

a. A gracious host to the foreigner. b. A father to the fatherless. c. A husband to the widow. d. A just judge to the wicked.

A Father Who Lives Forever

a. A never-ending life. b. A never-ending kingdom.

Main Idea: The Lord is a Father worthy of praise because he is a father you can depend on, one who always does what is right, serving as a father to the fatherless, forever and ever.

Isaac Watts:

I'll praise my Maker while I've breath; and when my voice is lost in death, praise shall employ my nobler powers. My days of praise shall ne'er be past while life and thought and being last, or immortality endures.

How happy they whose hopes rely on Israel's God, who made the sky and earth and seas with all their train; whose truth forever stands secure, who saves the oppressed and feeds the poor, and none shall find God's promise vain.

The Lord pours eyesight on the blind; the Lord supports the fainting mind and sends the laboring conscience peace. God helps the stranger in distress, the widowed and the parentless, and grants the prisoner sweet release.

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“The Lord’s Vineyard” Isaiah 5:1–30

A Song about a Vineyard (5:1-7)

a. The song’s characters

1) The singer: Isaiah, the Prophet 2) The vineyard owner: the Lord 3) The vineyard: Israel/Judah

b. The Song’s Meaning

1) The Lord created and owns the vineyard (Israel/Judah) (v. 1)

Isaiah 5:1 I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside.

2) The Lord expended great care and effort in planting the vineyard (Israel/Judah) (v. 2)

Isaiah 5:2 He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.

3) The Lord intended to reap a harvest of good fruit (righteousness and justice) from the vineyard (Israel/Judah) (vv. 3–4, 7)

Isaiah 5:3 “Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. Isaiah 5:4 What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Isaiah 5:7 The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

4) Instead, he received only bitter fruit (distress, bloodshed) from his vineyard (Israel/Judah). (4, 7) 5) The Lord will leave his vineyard (Israel/Judah) to be devastated by the elements (enemies) (vv. 5-6)

Isaiah 5:5 Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. Isaiah 5:6 I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it.”

The Vineyard’s Harvest of Bitter Fruit (5:8-24)

a. Oppressive Landowners (8-10)1

Isaiah 5:8 Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land. Isaiah 5:9 The Lord Almighty has declared in my hearing: “Surely the great houses will become desolate, the fine mansions left without occupants. Isaiah 5:10 A ten-acre vineyard will produce only a bath of wine; a homer of seed will yield only an ephah of grain.”

b. Pursuers of Drunken Revelry (11-12)

Isaiah 5:11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. Isaiah 5:12 They have harps and lyres at their banquets, pipes and timbrels and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of his hands.

c. God Testers (18-19)

Isaiah 5:18 Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, Isaiah 5:19 to those who say, “Let God hurry; let him hasten his work so we may see it. The plan of the Holy One of Israel— let it approach, let it come into view, so we may know it.”

d. The Morally Twisted (20)

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

e. The Self-Exalted (21)

Isaiah 5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

f. The Immoral Opportunists (22-23)

Isaiah 5:22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, Isaiah 5:23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.

The Destruction of the Vineyard (13-17, 24-30)

a. Appropriate judgment: loss of land, hunger, thirst (13)

Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people will go into exile for lack of understanding; those of high rank will die of hunger and the common people will be parched with thirst.

b. Total judgment in divine action: death, humbling, ruination (14–17)

Isaiah 5:14 Therefore Death expands its jaws, opening wide its mouth; into it will descend their nobles and masses with all their brawlers and revelers. Isaiah 5:15 So people will be brought low and everyone humbled, the eyes of the arrogant humbled. Isaiah 5:16 But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts. Isaiah 5:17 Then sheep will graze as in their own pasture; lambs will feed among the ruins of the rich.

c. Appropriate judgment: speedy disaster (24a) repays the call for the Lord to hasten (19); acquiescing in sin (18, 20) issues in helpless collapse into judgment (24bcd)

Isaiah 5:24 Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.

d. Total judgment: The Lord summons the invincible foe (Assyria) (25–30)

Isaiah 5:25 Therefore the Lord’s anger burns against his people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down. The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. Isaiah 5:26 He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily! Isaiah 5:27 Not one of them grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps; not a belt is loosened at the waist, not a sandal strap is broken. Isaiah 5:28 Their arrows are sharp, all their bows are strung; their horses’ hooves seem like flint, their chariot wheels like a whirlwind. Isaiah 5:29 Their roar is like that of the lion, they roar like young lions; they growl as they seize their prey and carry it off with no one to rescue. Isaiah 5:30 In that day they will roar over it like the roaring of the sea. And if one looks at the land, there is only darkness and distress; even the sun will be darkened by clouds.

1 The subpoints for verses 8-23 come from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah.

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“No Stone Left Unturned” (1 Samuel 7:1–14) Venlon Bradford (Pastor of Old Union Baptist Church, Bear Creek, AL) Sunday PM, June 10, 2018

Ebenezer – A Stone of Help

1 Samuel 7:1–14 (KJV)

And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the Lord, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord.

2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. 3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only. 5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord. 6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. 7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him. 10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Beth-car. 12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

Main Idea: When it comes to the spiritual welfare of his people, God leaves no stone unturned.

A Cleaning Up (vv. 1–6).
A Looking Up (vv. 7–8).
An Offering Up (vv. 9–11).
A Setting Up (v. 12).
The Outcome of It All (vv. 13–14).

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"The Perfect Work of a Perfect Savior" (Philippians 1:6) Venlon Bradford (Pastor of Old Union Baptist Church, Bear Creek, AL) Sunday AM, June 10, 2018

Commencement: The Work of Grace Commenced

KJV Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Continuation: The Work of Grace Continued

KJV Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Completion: The Work of Grace Completed

KJV Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

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“Honoring Authority” (Exodus 20:12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church June 3, 2018 Sunday PM

Exodus 20:12

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Who is this command addressed to?
What does this command mean?
What is the promise associated with this command?
What does the NT say about this command?
How should we apply this command?

Main Idea: “As Christians, we must honor God by honoring the authorities he has providentially placed in our lives.”

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“Who Is the True Israel?” (Romans 9:6–9) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, June 3, 2018

Romans 9:6–9 (NIV) 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

An unexpected turn of events: Gentiles are being saved, but most Jews are rejecting their Messiah.
The problem of God's faithfulness: has God reneged on his Word?
The solution to the perceived problem of God’s faithfulness is a proper understanding of God's ways of grace: not all who are Israel are Israel.
The historical illustration of God's ways of grace: the promised seed is through Isaac not Ishmael. There are physical descendants who are not spiritual children.

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“Curse Me; Save Them!” (Romans 9:1–5) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 27, 2018

Romans 9:1–5 (NIV) 9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

Paul has a personal concern for the Israelite people.

a. Paul’s personal concern is accompanied by intense emotion. b. Paul’s personal concern is accompanied by a willingness to engage the greatest sacrifice. c. Paul’s personal concern is rooted in his kinship with the Jewish people.

Paul has a historical concern for the Israelite people.

a. The Jewish people have a long history of relationship with the one true God. b. The Jewish people have been the beneficiaries of God’s unconditional grace and blessings.

i. The adoption to sonship ii. The divine glory iii. The covenants iv. The receiving of the Law v. The temple worship vi. The promises vii. The patriarchs viii. The genealogical lineage of the Messiah

Paul has a theological concern for the Israelite people.

a. These blessings were a gift of God’s sovereign grace, has he abandoned his grace toward Israel? b. Can God renege on his electing grace, his covenantal oath, or his promises? c. What are the advantages of having these privileges if they can still ultimately be lost? d. Paul’s theological concern is also Christological: this Messiah, Jesus, who can trace his ancestry through the Jewish people, is also himself God.

Paul has a soteriological concern for the Israelite people.

a. Paul’s overriding concern throughout Romans 9–11 is salvation, specifically, the salvation of the Jewish people, the descendants of Abraham. b. Paul was willing to be cursed for his own people that they might be saved, but… c. There is one who has already been cursed for the salvation of God’s people…

i. Isaac could not be sacrificed for Abraham. ii. Moses could not sacrifice himself for the Jewish people. iii. Paul could not sacrifice himself for the Jewish people. iv. There is only one sacrifice for the Jewish people and for all the peoples of the world: Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Son of God.

Main Idea: Paul’s intense concern for the salvation of the Israelite people is rooted in his love for them and in his desire for the magnification of the glory of God. Those concerns are exactly what should motivate us to have intense concern for the salvation of the lost: our love for them as human beings, as our own people, our own family, our friends, but even more importantly the magnification of the glory of God.

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The Ideal Jerusalem, Lost and Found (Isaiah 2:1–4:6)1

The Heading (2:1)

1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: (Isaiah 2:1, NIV)

The Ideal Jerusalem: The Great ‘Might Have Been’ (2:2–4)

2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. (Isaiah 2:2–4, NIV)

a. The Lord’s Temple (v. 2)2

b. The Lord’s People and His Word (v. 3)

c. The Lord’s Peace (v. 4)

The Actual Jerusalem: The House of Jacob Forsaken (2:5–4:1)3

a. Trusting in Mankind (2:5–22)

i. Full, but Empty (2:5–11)

5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. 6 You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the descendants of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs. 7 Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots. 8 Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. 9 So people will be brought low and everyone humbled— do not forgive them. 10 Go into the rocks, hide in the ground from the fearful presence of the Lord and the splendor of his majesty! 11 The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. (Isaiah 2:5–11, NIV)

ii. High, but Low (2:12–18)

12 The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled), 13 for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan, 14 for all the towering mountains and all the high hills, 15 for every lofty tower and every fortified wall, 16 for every trading ship and every stately vessel. 17 The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, 18 and the idols will totally disappear. (Isaiah 2:12–18, NIV)

iii. Reduced to the Caves (2:19–22)

19 People will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from the fearful presence of the Lord and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. 20 In that day people will throw away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and idols of gold, which they made to worship. 21 They will flee to caverns in the rocks and to the overhanging crags from the fearful presence of the Lord and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. 22 Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? (Isaiah 2:19–22, NIV)

b. The Folly of Human Dependence (3:1–4:1)

i. Boys for Men (3:1–7)

1 See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water, 2 the hero and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, 3 the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter. 4 “I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them.” 5 People will oppress each other— man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the nobody against the honored. 6 A man will seize one of his brothers in his father’s house, and say, “You have a cloak, you be our leader; take charge of this heap of ruins!” 7 But in that day he will cry out, “I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people.” (Isaiah 3:1–7, NIV)

ii. Plunderers for Leaders (3:8–15)

8 Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence. 9 The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. 10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. 11 Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done. 12 Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path. 13 The Lord takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people. 14 The Lord enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: “It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. (Isaiah 3:8–15, NIV)

iii. Shame for Beauty: The Humiliation of the Haughty Daughters of Jerusalem4 (3:16–4:1)

16 The Lord says, “The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. 17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.” 18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings and bracelets and veils, 20 the headdresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 the signet rings and nose rings, 22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses 23 and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. 24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding. 25 Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle. 26 The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. 1 In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!” (Isaiah 3:16–4:1, NIV)

The New Jerusalem: The Greatness that Is ‘Yet to Be’ (4:2–6)

2 In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. 5 Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:2–6, NIV)

a. The Branch (v. 2)5

b. The Lord’s Cleansing and Protection (vv. 3–6)

Notes: 1 The main structure of this outline is derived from J. Alec Motyer’s two commentaries on Isaiah. 2 See Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah for these subpoints. 3 See. John N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT) for point 3 and subpoints. 4NIV Zondervan Study Bible. 5 See Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah for these subpoints.

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“Believing, Loving, Working, Persevering” (2 Thessalonians 1:3–12) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 20, 2018 (Senior Saints Day and Honoring Graduates)

2 Thessalonians 1:3–12 (NIV) 3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Believing (vv. 3–4)

a. Cause for thanksgiving (v. 3) b. Evident to all (v. 3) c. Growing more and more (v. 3) d. Worthy of imitation (v. 4)

Loving (v. 3)

a. Love for one another rooted in faith (v. 3) b. Increasing love for one another (v. 3)

Working (vv. 11–12)

a. Living worthy of God’s calling by his grace (v. 11) b. God may bring to fruition by his power: (v. 11)

i. Your every desire for goodness ii. Your every deed prompted by faith.

c. For the glory of the name of Jesus (v. 12) d. So that you may be glorified in him (v. 12) e. All Christian work is through faith and accomplished by the grace of God (v. 12).

Persevering (vv. 3–10)

a. Growing faith is tested through trial but perseveres (vv. 3–4). b. Growing faith produces love for one another that endures through trials (vv. 3–4). c. Growing faith continues to do good works in the face of persecution and trial (vv. 11–12). d. Growing faith trusts God to make all things right on the last day (vv. 5–10):

i. To reward his children with his eternal kingdom (v. 5). ii. To comfort and give relief to his suffering children (v. 7) iii. To justly dispense justice to wrongdoers (v. 5–6, 8–9) iv. This will all happen on the day of Christ’s return, so we must continue to endure in faith, love, and good deeds—even in the face of intense persecution and trials.

Main Idea: This is Paul’s prayer, and it is mine for us today as well: that we would be the people of Christ characterized by growing faith, increasing love, good desires and deeds, and enduring perseverance in trial. These are the marks of Christ’s people; may they be evident in us.

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Isaiah Chapter 1: The Failure of God’s People

Title (1:1)

1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. (Isaiah 1:1, NIV)

Isaiah’s Opening Words to God’s People (1:2–31)**

1) God’s Witnesses against the People (1:2–3)

2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” (Isaiah 1:2–3, NIV)

2) God’s Description of the People (1:4–9)

a) The People (1:4–6)

4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. 5 Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. 6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness— only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. (Isaiah 1:4–6, NIV)

b) The Land (1:7–9)

7 Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. 8 Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege. 9 Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:7–9, NIV)

3) God’s Indictment of the People (1:10–15)

a) The Situation (1:10–14)

10 Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. (Isaiah 1:10–14, NIV)

b) The Result (1:15)

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! (Isaiah 1:15, NIV)

4) God’s Solution for the People (1:16–20)

a) God’s Commands (1:16–17)

16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:16–17, NIV)

b) God’s Promises (1:18–20)

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:18–20, NIV)

5) God’s Lament over the People (1:21–26)

a) Jerusalem’s Sinful Condition (1:21–23)

21 See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers! 22 Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. 23 Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them. (Isaiah 1:21–23, NIV)

b) Jerusalem’s Coming Purge (1:24–26)

24 Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies. 25 I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. 26 I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” (Isaiah 1:24–26, NIV)

6) God’s Promise to His People (1:27–31)

a) Blessing to the Repentant (1:27)

27 Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. (Isaiah 1:27, NIV)

b) Judgment to Transgressors (1:28–31)

28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the Lord will perish. 29 “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen. 30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. 31 The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.” (Isaiah 1:28–31, NIV)

** The outline for this lesson is from Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey, Encountering the Bible Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007).

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“The Genesis of Motherhood” (Selections from Genesis 1–4) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 13, 2018

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:26–28, NIV)

The grand purpose of motherhood in God’s world.
The great pain of motherhood in a sin-cursed world.

16 To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16, NIV)

The gracious privilege of motherhood in a sin-cursed world.

20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. 21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. (Genesis 3:20–21, NIV)

1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. (Genesis 4:1–2, NIV)

25 Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” 26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord. (Genesis 4:25–26, NIV)

God’s gospel plan for motherhood to rescue a sin-cursed world.

15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15, NIV)

1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1–3, NIV)

4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. (Genesis 17:4–7, NIV)

15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” (Genesis 17:15–16, NIV)

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (Galatians 4:4–5, NIV)

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The Prophecy of Isaiah

Lesson 2: The Book’s Structure and Main Themes

Structure of the Book of Isaiah

Importance of chapters 36-39
- Form a historical interlude between chapters 1-35 and 40-66.
- Chs. 36-37: the defeat of Assyria, which is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies in chs. 1-35.
- Chs. 38-39 predict the Babylonian captivity, which is the dominant theme of chs. 40-66.
Chapters 1-35
- Chs. 1-6: Opening Messages and the Call of Isaiah
- Chs. 7-12: The Rule of Assyria and the Messiah
- Chs. 13-23: Oracles against the Nations
- Chs. 24-27: The Apocalypse
- Chs. 28-35: Book of Woes and Restoration
Chapters 36-39: Historical Interlude
- Chs. 36-37: The Fall of Assyria
- Chs. 38-39: The Rise of Babylon and Prediction of the Babylonian Captivity
Chapters 40-66
- Chs. 40-48: Deliverance from Babylon
- Chs. 49-57: The Ministry of the Servant of the Lord
- Chs. 58-66: Ultimate Blessing for God’s People

Isaiah’s Main Themes

Standard pre-exilic message:
- You’ve broken the covenant (through idolatry, social injustice, religious ritualism) so repent!
- No repentance? Then judgment! Judgment will also come for the nations.
- Yet there is hope beyond the judgment for a glorious future restoration both for Judah/Israel and the nations.

Remnant

Recurring theme word (šeʾār, šeʾērît)
“Remainder,” “rest,” or “residue.”
Theologically it refers to the faithful remainder of people that God has chosen, people who are looking to God to work his will in and through them.
They return to the Lord and experience the fullness of salvation when others don’t.

The Sovereignty of God

God is the sovereign Lord of the universe, and as Sovereign, he is actively at work in the world, guiding all history in accordance with his grand purpose.
“The Lord has spoken” – when the ruler speaks, the matter is settled.
God’s sovereignty does not end at the borders of Israel or Judah. He is the Lord of all nations, whether they know him or not.
Even though Isaiah ministered primarily to Judah, he understood the universal sovereignty of God.
Many people from many nations will recognize God’s sovereignty one day, while others never will, but God nonetheless remains sovereign (10:5–7; 37:24–26).

The Servant

“Servant” (ʿebed) occurs 39 times in Isaiah.
Servants are slaves to their master. Their duty consists totally of doing their master’s will.
In Isaiah, the term “servant” occasionally describes God’s people as a group (41:8; 54:17) but usually denotes individuals who fully follow God’s will and serve his people faithfully (22:20; 42:1; 52:13).
Serving their master faithfully fulfills God’s will for their lives.
The NT makes much use of this “servant” concept, using the Greek equivalent (doulos) 122 times.
The OT “servant of the Lord” becomes “servant of Christ” in the NT.
Paul argued that slavery to God brought people true freedom—freedom to become all God has created them to be.

The Holy One of Israel

“Holy One of Israel” occurs 31 times in the OT, and 25 of those are in Isaiah.
The words of the seraphim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty . . .” (Is 6:3), profoundly affected Isaiah’s thinking and theology.
God stood utterly apart from his creation, including his people.
His holy nature clashed with his people’s sin. Yet he loved them, desired fellowship with them, and called to them through the law of Moses, as well as through Isaiah and other prophets.
The expression “Holy One of Israel” occurs in both judgmental and redemptive contexts.
The Holy One of Israel has experienced rejection from his people, who have resisted his sovereign purposes (Is 1:4; 5:19, 24).
He also will judge nations who oppose him (37:23).
But the Holy One of Israel also stands as Israel’s Savior (43:3) and Redeemer (43:14), who delivers them from exile and establishes his kingdom.

The Messiah

The word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew māšîaḥ, which means “anointed one.”
Kings, priests, and prophets all experienced God’s anointing, which symbolized God setting them apart for special service.
The term māšîaḥ and the corresponding verbal form māšaḥ occur only twice in Isaiah (45:1; 61:1 respectively).
One of the most interesting usages appears in 45:1, where Cyrus, king of Persia, is so designated.
We do not know to what extent Cyrus understood his mandate from the Lord (Ezr 1:1), but the Bible is clear that God set him apart for a special work: to bring his people back to their land.
The Messiah is God’s chosen instrument to bring about his kingdom.
Even though the word does not occur regularly in Isaiah, the concept of messiah lies beneath the surface of many prophetic utterances (9:6–7; 11:1–10; 32:1–4; 42:1–4; 52:13–53:12).
God’s chosen instrument works faithfully to bring about God’s earthly and heavenly kingdoms.
Though many prophets, priests, and kings carried the title māšîaḥ in Old Testament times, the New Testament points to Jesus, God’s Son, as the ultimate Messiah (Gk. Christos).
As we will see, many of Isaiah’s prophetic utterances point to this Jesus.

Resources used for this lesson:

Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah
J. Daniel Hays, The Message of the Prophets
Herbert M. Wolf, Interpreting Isaiah

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“The Sabbath in the New Testament” (Exodus 20:8–11) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 6, 2018

Exodus 20:8–11 (NIV)

8“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

What did the Sabbath command mean for an OT Israelite?

a. The 7th day (and uniquely the 7th day) was holy, because it was the day on which the Lord rested after Creation. b. The 7th day was a day for rest from all ordinary work and labor – from the head of society down to the lowliest animal of burden. c. The 7th day was a day of worship and community praise and sacrifice to the LORD. d. The 7th day rest was an opportunity to trust God and remember that they were ultimately dependent on him not on their own labors. e. The 7th day was a gift from God for the good of his people. f. The 7th day rest was to be shared with everyone in the land, even those not born as Israelites. g. The 7th day Sabbath was a special covenant sign given to the Nation of Israel, to specially remind them of God’s unique covenant with them separate from all the other nations on earth. As the rainbow was given to Noah and as circumcision was given to Abraham, the Sabbath was given to Israel at Sinai as a covenant sign.

What does the Sabbath command mean for a NT Christian?

a. When Jesus came, he rescued the Sabbath from its legalistic distortion and restored its original gracious purpose. b. When Jesus came, he was the fulfillment of the Law of Moses given at Sinai.

17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17–18, NIV)

"The law and the prophets were in force until John; since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is urged to enter it. (Luke 16:16, NET)

Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4, NIV)

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. (Romans 10:4, NLT)

c. What do the apostles/NT writers say about Sabbath?

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. (Acts 20:7, NIV)

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (1 Corinthians 16:2, NIV)

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17, NIV)

1Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. (Romans 14:1–6, NIV)

9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10, NIV)

What are the principles of the Sabbath that can still be applied today?

⦁ God is Lord of Time. The Lord is sovereign over our time. ⦁ Man is to be a working people. Human beings have a responsibility to work and to use time wisely and industriously. ⦁ A time of rest is a gift of God to human beings, and regular rest should be taken (the principle of 1 day in 7 is set forth in Creation). ⦁ All time should be set aside as holy to God. When Romans 14 talks about “a person regards every day alike” – this does not mean that every day is regular or profane, but rather that every day is holy for the worship of God. ⦁ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1, NIV) ⦁ Sabbath teaches us to express our dependence on God and not on our self-sufficiency. This is still true today. We ultimately depend on God for our needs. Jesus, the fulfillment of the Sabbath, reminds us that we cannot depend on our works to get us to God, but rather we must rest/rely on Christ and trust his provision.

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"The Security of the Believer" (Romans 8:38-39) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, May 6, 2018

Romans 8:38–39 (NIV) 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:9-11 ... And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Romans 8:14-17 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:29-30 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

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Isaiah: Lesson 1

Introduction to Isaiah*

Isaiah the Man
Isaiah’s Times
Authorship and Date of the Book
Date of Isaiah’s Ministry
Isaiah’s Message

Isaiah the Man

His Name
- “Yahweh Saves”
His Family
- Son of Amoz
- Royal lineage
His Death
- Martyr’s death

Isaiah’s Times

1The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. (Isaiah 1:1)

Uzziah
- 2 Kings 15:1-7; 2 Chronicles 26:1-23
- 792-740 B.C.
- Also known as Azariah
- Characterized as a good king
- King at age 16 and reigned 52 yrs.
- Pride – died a leper
Jotham
- 2 Kings 15:32–38; 2 Chron. 27:1–9
- 750–732 B.C.
- Good king
- Co-reigned with father for 11 yrs.
- Pressure from Israel/Syria alliance
Ahaz
- 2 Kings 16:1–20; 2 Chron. 28:1–27
- 732–715 B.C.
- Evil and idolatrous king
- Forced to choose between Israel/Syria and trusting God.
- He chose to ally with Assyria and faced the consequences.
Hezekiah
- 2 Kings 18:1–20:21; 2 Chron. 29:1–32:33
- 729–686 B.C.
- Good king; cleansed the temple
- N. Kingdom fell to Assyria in 722
- Lord delivered him from his foolish choice to rebel against Assyria.
Manasseh
- 2 Kings 21:1–18; 2 Chron. 33:1–20
- 696–642 B.C.
- Evil and idolatrous
- Tradition has him putting the prophet Isaiah to death.
- Spiritual damage was irreversible after Manasseh’s reign.

Author and Date

Traditional View
- Isaiah – one author
- 8th century B.C.
Critical View
- Multiple authors
- Others finished the book after Isaiah died.

Dates of Isaiah’s Ministry

Most scholars believe Isaiah 6:1-8 describes his divine call to become a prophet of God.

Isaiah 6:1–8 (NIV)

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Began ministry around 740 B.C., the year of King Uzziah’s death.
Possibly put to death during early part of Manasseh’s reign.
Possible dates of 740-690 B.C. for Isaiah’s ministry.

Isaiah’s Message

Forthtelling
Foretelling
Focus on Judah
Global in Scope

*Two primary sources were used for this lesson: Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, and Richard J. Schultz, “How Many Isaiahs Were There and What Does It Matter?”

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“God’s Unfailing Love” (Romans 8:35–39) Pastor Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church Sunday AM, April 29, 2018

Romans 8:35–39 (NIV) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is no difficulty in this life that can separate us from God’s love.
There is no persecution that we can face for the cause of Christ that can separate us from God’s love.
The greatest enemy that we can face, death itself, cannot separate us from God’s love.
There is no higher, supernatural power that can separate us from God’s love.
There is nothing in our past, present, or in our future that can separate us from God’s love.
In case I left anything out, there is nothing in all of God’s creation (and that’s everything) that can separate us from God’s love.

Main Idea: If you are in Christ, God loves you, and he will always love you. His love is unfailing, and nothing in the universe can separate you from God.

Winfield Eastside Baptist Church: Recent Episodes

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