Revive: Recent Episodes
Living Hope International Ministries
Revive is a high energy weekend for young adults, spent learning about God and praising Him. It's a time to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. It's a time to deepen your understanding as well as break through on issues and behaviors that you want to change. It's a time to get prayer one-on-one and minister to others in need. In short, it's a weekend of revival! This podcast feed features teachings delivered at past Revive weekends. For more information about attending Revive, visit lhim.org and look under events. For the Revive facebook group, see https://www.facebook.com/groups/838616036520688
Ephesians 4:1-3 Here we find five important behaviors that all Christians should cultivate in their lives: humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and seeking unity. Each of these takes intentionality and sustained effort. Unity, in particular, requires serious effort. In fact, Jesus himself prayed for our unity (John 17:20-23).
Ephesians 4:4-6 The basis of our unity is what we hold in common with each other: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God over all. The Moravian motto said it well: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love.”
Ephesians 4:7-10 When he died and was buried, Jesus descended into the grave. When God raised him from the dead and brought him up to heaven, he ascended. His death, resurrection, and ascension together defeated spiritual evil in high places with the result that he led captivity captive. Additionally, his victory brought into reality new structures both in heavenand earth.
Ephesians 4:11-13 The various positions in the local church exist to equip the saints for the work of ministry with the goal of developing maturity in individuals and as a group. Christ is our forerunner and prototype. We want to grow into his full stature over time.
Ephesians 4:14-16 As you develop in your faith, you should not be easily deceived by the many winds of doctrine blowing in our time, especially through social media. Rather, the goal is to grow and mature such that we not only remain connected to the body but also build it up in love.
The post Ephesians Part 7: Grow Up first appeared on Living Hope.
The Apostle Paul prays for Christians to be strengthened that Christ may dwell in their hearts with the result that they may be rooted and grounded in love. He prays that they would be able to comprehend Christ’s love so that they may be filled with all God’s fullness. Thus, as we continue pursuing love, we understand not only what has already been done for us, but we also show to others that love which is paramount in the life of the Christian.
Ephesians 3:14-15 To name is to exert power over, often as the creator. The Father is the supreme source of everyone on earth as well as the spiritual powers in heaven. It’s always helpful to remember to whom you’re praying at the start of your prayer.
Ephesians 3:16-17 Here God’s spirit strengthens so Christ can dwell in our hearts with the result that we become rooted and grounded in love. God’s love shown through Christ is the most powerful redeeming force in the universe, capable of turning enemies into family (John 3:16; Rom 5:6-8). As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Love is the absolute power” (Love Your Enemies Sermon, March 7, 1961, Detroit, MI).
Ephesians 3:18-19 Paul prays that Christians would be able to grasp a truth so deep and profound that it surpasses knowledge—the love of Christ. Loving others when they’ve given you reason to hate them doesn’t make sense, but it follows Christ’s example and can result in total transformation. When we finally experientially know the love of Christ, we can be filledwith all God’s fullness—a staggering thought! As Christ was filled with God, so can we (Col 2:9; John 3:34).
Ephesians 3:20-21 God is capable of doing so much more than we can ask or even imagine. He is worthy of our devotion and dedication. In fact, our lives are to bring Him glory, not only individually, but also as a group. Is your life bringing glory to God?
The post Ephesians Part 6: Strengthened, Rooted, Filled first appeared on Living Hope.
The great mystery was hidden throughout the ages until revealed to the Apostle Paul. If it was known, the evil rulerswould not have crucified Jesus, and God’s plan for humanity’s redemption would have been thwarted. The inclusion of the Gentiles and the full significance of what Christ accomplished on the cross are part of the mystery that is now revealed in the Ephesians Epistle.
Ephesians 3:1-9. What Christ accomplished for humanity was kept secret until Paul received it by revelation.
Luke 9:44-45. God wanted the information concealed.
Luke 18:31-34. Many things are written in the OT foretelling what Jesus would do and accomplish; however, much of it was hidden until Paul.
Mark 8:31-33. Not only did Peter not understand what Jesus said, he also thought he was wrong.
1 Corinthians 2: 6-8. Had they understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Ephesians 3:2. The word “stewardship” and “administration” in verse 9 are the same Greek word oikonomia.
3:4-5. Before, no one understood; now, we can understand.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16.
Ephesians 3:6. Gentiles were now fellow heirs, members, partakers of the promise.
Ephesians 2:12-22.
3:8. The riches are so deep, vast, and profound they can never be fully discovered until Christ returns. They are infinitely rich and abundant.
Colossians 1:27. Christ in you
Ephesians 3:10. Rulers and the authorities – 1:19-21; 6:12
3:11. The mystery explains God’s purpose of the ages.
3:12. Only the high priest once a year had access to God. Now every disciple has direct, bold, and confident access to God.
3:13. Do not be discouraged I am in prison; rather, accept it is actually a glorious thing
The post Ephesians Part 5: The Mystery of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Ephesians 2:11-12. Before Christ, the nations were hopeless because they had no Messiah and no real, solid hope for the future. Because of this, sin reigned and darkness increased in these nations. We too were lost. Those who had no Jewishlineage were cut off from God’s promises.
Ephesians 2:13-14a. Christ has brought us near to God. He is our peace and the source of our hope.
Ephesians 2:14b-16. Christ has made something entirely different out of the two groups. He did this through his death on the cross. His body dying gave life to us gentiles and Jews in God. He destroyed the hostility between the two groups. He didthis by freeing us from the law of Moses and its commandments. He gave us a new identity in him in a new covenant apart from the law.
Ephesians 2:17-18. Jesus preached to Jews and gentiles alike while he was on the earth but integrally after he left through his followers. He gave access to God to all who believe both Jews and gentiles.
Ephesians 2:19-21. Gentiles are fellow partakers of the promises of God. This was something planned long ago and was built upon the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:21-22. In Christ, we are the new temple of God. We are being built into something new, God’s new temple on earth. God dwells in human hearts, especially when we gather together in the name of Jesus Christ.
The post Ephesians Part 4: From Strangers to Citizens first appeared on Living Hope.
Ephesians 2:1-10 is a master text for understanding our need for salvation, God’s gracious offer of salvation, and how to live out our salvation in deed and truth. Living out of a grace narrative rather than a moral performance narrative makes it possible to avoid religious judgmentalism and persevere with joy.
Ephesians 2:1-3. Paul’s description of humanity is startling and offensive but true. A quick glance at the last two weeks in the news easily confirms that we are broken. There’s something wrong with us. By nature, we follow the ruler of the power of the air, living according to the passions of our flesh. We murder, rape, assault, steal, lie, and deceive each other. The Bible’s diagnosis is that we are already dead. Our trespasses and sins have killed us. We who are spiritually dead cannot save ourselves.
Ephesians 2:4-7. Because of his mercy and love, God makes the first move. Astoundingly, he looks at fallen humanity, mired in selfishness, despicable in character, hopelessly dysfunctional—he looks and says, “I want you!” By bringing us back to life in union with Christ and seating us in the heavenly places, he has saved us and given us a bright hope (Titus 3:3-7). If you have not yet believed in the gospel, today is the day. Don’t say no to God’s invitation to salvation!
Ephesians 2:8-10. Salvation is God’s free gift to you. He reaches down in grace, but you must reach up in faith. When you do, he pulls you out of the quicksand of sin and sets you on solid ground. Remembering who you were before Christ and how God saved you makes it possible to live out of a grace narrative rather than a moral performance narrative. God has prepared work for you to do. Are you doing it? If not, go to him in prayer and ask him to reveal what work he has for you to do
The post Ephesians Part 3: From Death to Life first appeared on Living Hope.
God desires that we know Him in a way that enlightens the eyes of our hearts, transforming how we see Him, ourselves, others, history, and our eternal hope. The prayer in Ephesians 1 centers on God’s calling, His glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward those who believe. While God wants us to walk in this deep understanding, many remain unaware or disconnected from it.
Why is there so much emphasis on prayer in this very important and short epistle?
Acts 19 Break from pagan prayer to new covenant Christianity prayer
15-16 God-inspired prayers written in the Church Epistles reveal what God deems important to include in our petitions and intercessory prayers.
17 The prayer is addressed to God our Father. Ephesians 1:2, 3, and 17; 3:14 and 15; Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:1; John 14:13; 16:23
If we see what God wants us to see, our perspective of Him, humanity, history, and the hope will change. God wants us to know Him and His desires for His human family.
18 “Enlightened” is the difference between hearing the truth and having it come alive inside you, where it changes how you see and live. The prayer is not about knowing our calling, inheritance, and power, but His.
Genesis 1:26-28 God’s original plan has not changed. This is what He wants. Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 In Jesus, we see what God wanted and still wants all humans to be.
His inheritance – Inheritance: 1:11, 13, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 8:16-17; Deuteronomy 32:9; Jeremiah 7:23; Ezekiel 36:28; Revelation 21:23
Ephesians 1:19-23 We have the evidence of God’s power because He raised Jesus from the dead and ascended him to His right hand. That mighty power will do the same for us. Ephesians 1:13-14
The post Ephesians Part 2: Eyes Opened first appeared on Living Hope.
Beginning our series on Ephesians, we’ll cover the first half of the first chapter (Eph 1:1-14). What emerges are three mainpoints: (1) you are blessed in Christ, (2) you are redeemed for new creation, and (3) you are sealed for an inheritance. Thus, God has equipped you with every advantage in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-2 Since, the words “in Ephesus” are missing from several of our earliest manuscripts and the letter lacks any specifics about the recipients, Paul likely wrote Ephesians to be read by multiple churches right from the start. It is a comprehensive and masterful summary of Christianity and is well worth your time.
Ephesians 1:3-6 From our creation, God blessed us (Gen 1:28). Then after humanity’s initial rebellion, our world became cursed, and our flesh became fallen. God chose Abraham and then Israel so that through them He could bless the world. In Christ—the quintessential Israelite—we receive the blessings that result in holiness, adoption, and an inheritance (Gen 1:28; 12:2-3; Deu 7:6-14).
Ephesians 1:7-10 In Christ we have redemption through his blood, resulting in forgiveness of our sins. Grace may be freely available, but it is not cheap. It cost something: Christ was the price. To be redeemed is for a captive or slave to be set free. This was all part of God’s plan to unite all things in heaven and earth in Christ.
Ephesians 1:11-14 In Christ we have an inheritance. Guaranteeing God’s promise of this bright future, He’s sealed us with His spirit. In their world, a seal meant possession, like a rancher’s brand. The idea s not that you can live however you want and you will still be saved. Rather, it’s that God has marked you His own, giving you a new identity in Christ that you should live out joyfully.
The post Ephesians Part 1: Every Advantage first appeared on Living Hope.
This was the greatest promotion a man ever received.It was the testimony heard round the world.There was a long History of events that led up to this victory.Yeshua wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth.Movies teach us and help us connect to culture.Jesus isn’t a normal Hero.Most people think Jesus is much more like Superman than Batman.The transfiguration could have been the end.Jesus isn’t the Savior the world wants; he’s the Savior the world needs.Hebrews 12:28Hebrews 4:14-16Acts 2:36Acts 2:21Acts 10:34-46Acts 17:31
The post Christ Series 4: Ascension of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Although often overlooked, Mary Magdalene was a faithful and true disciple of Jesus Christ. She and the other women supported Jesus’ ministry financially. She was at the crucifixion and burial. After God raised him from the dead, Jesus appeared to her first, making her the chief eyewitness of the resurrection.
Luke 8:1-3 Mary Magdalene and other women accompanied Jesus during his ministry, providing for him financially. After Jesus changed Mary’s life, casting out seven demons, she followed him.
Mark 15:40-41 Mary had seen Jesus cure the sick, teach in parables, and preach the gospel of the Kingdom from town to town. When the Roman government crucified him, she was there. She heard him utter his final words from the cross.
Mark 15:46-47 Mary was there when Joseph took him down from the cross and buried him in his tomb. It is because of her that the disciples knew where Jesus was buried.
Luke 23:54-24:1 Mary insisted on anointing his body. Apparently, she didn’t think it had been done properly. She approached the tomb early in the morning on Sunday.
Mark 16:1-7 Mary first discovered the empty tomb and heard the message that Jesus had been raised.
John 20:1-10 She ran and got Peter. He and another disciple confirmed the empty tomb but didn’t fully understand the situation. Mary remained behind when they left.
John 20:11-18 Jesus first appeared to Mary in his resurrected state. In a world when women’s testimonies were dismissed, Jesus picked a woman as his first eyewitness. She went off to proclaim to the apostles, “I have seen the Lord!
The post Christ Series 3: Christ Crucified and Risen first appeared on Living Hope.
Through the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus publicly announced his claim to be the Messiah. The leaders of Jerusalem responded with a campaign to discredit him publicly that failed miserably. Knowing what would come, Jesus stayed the course until that fateful moment in Gethsemane when they took him into custody. Join us to relive themagnificent last days of Jesus leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Mark 11:1-2, 7 When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, he enacted an ancient prophecy (Zech 9:9-10) and simulated the coronation of a king (2 Kgs 9:11-13). Even the palm branches were politically charged (1 Macc 13:51-52).
Mark 11:9-10 Even more striking was the proclamation of the crowd, associating Jesus with the coming Kingdom of David. Coming into Jerusalem this way crossed the line.
Mark 11:15-19 Cleansing the temple got everyone’s attention. Jesus interfered with the sacrificial system and the flow of money. The leaders of Jerusalem responded with a campaign to discredit Jesus publicly through stumper questions. Jesus answered them all and countered by confronting them with seven woes (Mat 23:13-16).
Mark 14:1-9 Allowing a woman to pour out an ointment that cost 300 denarii on his head provoked criticism from onlookers. Jesus defended the woman for her ostentatious display of generosity.
Mark 14:10-11 Judas went to the priests to betray Jesus. They needed an opportunity when Jesus was away from the crowds so a riot didn’t break out. Judas could tell them where Jesus was at night, so they could arrest him secretly.
Mark 14:32-36 At Gethsemane, Jesus knew his time was short. He had to stay the course, even if that meant he would face ridicule, torture, and death on a cross. He prayed and prayed and prayed, asking for a way out. The answer was, “No”. Jesus resigned himself to his Father’s will and pushed through courageously to face his betrayer and those sent to arrest him.
The post Christ Series 2: The Arrest of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
John 11:3 Phileo is a word that expresses deep friendship, affection, and warmth, love between close companions.
5, 11 They were more than disciples; they were friends.
8 Stone you – 10:31-32 Jesus, undaunted, knew that God would guide and protect him.
9 Look fellows, I am doing God’s will. Everything is going to be all right. I am not afraid, nor should you be. You are with me.
14 Sleep – focus your attention on the living and not the dead.
16 Thomas’ reaction could be interpreted as confidence or sarcasm and fear.
17 Four days
- The Widow’s Son at Zarephath – Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24)
- The Shunammite Woman’s Son – Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37)
- A Dead Man Who Touched Elisha’s Bones – (2 Kings 13:20-21)
- Jairus’ Daughter – Raised by Jesus (Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:49-56)
- The Widow’s Son at Nain – Raised by Jesus (Luke 7:11-17)
- Lazarus – Raised by Jesus after four days in the tomb (John 11:1-44)
- Tabitha (Dorcas) – Raised by Peter (Acts 9:36-42)
- Boy falling out window – Raised by Paul (Acts 20:7-12)
Yes, in the time of Jesus, the custom in Jewish culture was to bury the dead on the day of death, just as it is today.
One of the clearest prophetic signs comes from Jonah’s experience:
“Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17 KJV)
Jesus himself referenced this as a prophecy of his own death and resurrection:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so shall the Son ofman be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40 KJV)
The post Christ Series 1: Lazarus: Forerunner of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Jesus said he wanted us to make disciples. Inviting friends and acquaintances to come to church is a great way to get in the game. After all, Christianity is really helpful with major problems people are struggling with today.
Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations. This is the “game”. Are you in it or on the bench?
Five Problems that Christianity Helps With
- Plunging Birthrates (Gen 1:28; Prov 17:6; Mark 10:13-14)2. Addiction (John 8:34-36; Rom 6:5-8; 1 Cor 10:13)3. Choosing an Identity (Luke 9:23; John 10:27-28)4. Loneliness (Isa 41:10; 1 John 1:3; 1 Cor 12:25-26)5. Meaninglessness (John 3:16; Psalm 73:25-26; Eph 2:8-10)
Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program: “A considerable body of research has suggested that religious service attendance powerfully affects health and also affects other aspects of flourishing such as meaning in life, character, and close social relationships. Specifically, research has indicated that those who attend religious services at least weekly are about 30% less likely to die over a 10- to 20- year follow-up, are about 30% less likely to become depressed, and are over five times less likely to commit suicide …. Other evidence suggests that religious service attendance is associated with subsequently greater meaning in life, greater social connection and social support, and a 30% to 50% reduction in divorce. See https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/how-to-flourish.
The post Get in the Game first appeared on Living Hope.
Isaiah 35:5-6 and 42:6-7; Luke 4:16-20 Jesus understood from the Scriptures that he was to heal the blind. However, there was no specific instruction given on how to do it. So how did he know what to do?
Matthew 12:22-23 With the possessed blind and mute man, he cast out the demon.
Matthew 20:29-34 Two blind men cried out to him. Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes.
Mark 8:22-26 Jesus took the blind man from Bethsaida by the hand and led him out spitting on his eyes and laying hands on him. The man was not instantly healed.
Mark 10:46-52 In Jericho, Jesus said, “Go, your faith has made you whole.”
John 9:1-41 He spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and applied the clay to his eyes. Go wash in the pool of Siloam.
Each incident required its own unique application, so how did he know?
Proverbs 1:20-23 Wisdom calls out everywhere.
Proverbs 8:1-12 Wisdom is readily available all the time.
Proverbs 9:1-6 Jesus understood the availability of wisdom
James 1:5-8 God gives it generously and without reproach.
Proverbs 4:1-12 Accurate knowledge is essential, but by itself it is not enough. We need wisdom, just like Jesus needed it.
Proverbs 15:2; 18:2; 26:11; 13:20
We have a deficiency−the lack of wisdom. However, this can be our greatest asset for it forces dependency and communication with God.
Luke 2:40, 52 Jesus grew in wisdom. Solomon and David lost their wisdom
Eph. 1:17; Col. 1:9 Pray for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
The post Seek Wisdom first appeared on Living Hope.
John 8:32The truth is liberating, setting a person free from the bondage of lies and deception. The truth is powerful and vitally important in life. We can’t live without it, but we also must handle it with wisdom and discernment. Even the truth can be wielded in a way that is destructive.
1 Kings 22:13-18. Ahab wanted to know the truth, but when Micaiah told him the truth, it wasn’t received well.
Galatians 4:12-20. Paul’s concern for the Galatians was grounded in speaking the truth about the good news of Christ. But he was also concerned that they then might make him their enemy because they didn’t want to hear it.
Ephesians 4:11-16. The truth is important for our growth, but how we speak it is just as important as the need for us to speak it.
Ephesians 4:29. When we tell the truth, we must do so with a heart toward building up and strengthening others, not tearing them down.
Proverbs 20:30; 27:6. No one wants their pride/ego to be hurt, but sometimes the truth hurts. But real friends are willing to tell you the truth. And most often, they do it because they care about you. Sometimes we need “tough love” to help us become more mature, more disciplined, and more Christ-like in our lives.
The post When the Truth Hurts first appeared on Living Hope.
Self-control is the ability to tell yourself “no” when you’re tempted to do something wrong and “yes” when you don’t feel like doing something right. Jesus provides us with sterling examples of what godly self-control looks like in the real world. Rather than fleeing pain and pursuing pleasure, we should develop our self-control muscle so that we can live like Jesus.
Proverbs 25:28 Self-control is limiting your spirit—your impulses. It is exercising dominance over your desires. It is telling yourself “no” when you’re tempted to do something wrong and “yes” when you don’t feel like doing something right.
Proverbs 16:32 Anger is an area where self-control is extremely important. Uncontrolled anger is one of the most self-destructive forces in the world.
1 Corinthians 7:5, 9 Lust is another area where you must exercise self- control. This applies both to those who are married as well as singles.
John 6:11-15 Jesus resisted the temptation of fame and power when he fed the 5,000. Although his PR agent might have had disagreed, Jesus knew that the mob was fickle and untrustworthy.
Mark 14:55-61; Isaiah 53:7 When facing the false accusations about destroying the temple, Jesus remained silent before the high priest.
Mark 15:29-32; Matthew 26:51-54 On the cross, suffering in agony, Jesus was continually mocked and falsely accused by his opponents. They dared him to come down and prove he was the Messiah. Jesus had to control himself the whole time.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Like with athletes in training, self-control requires persistence and intensity. It’s like a muscle strengthened through use.
The post Fruit of the Spirit in Christ 9: The Self-Control of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Some translations render the eighth fruit of the spirit as “gentleness”, while others as “meekness”. With Jesus, we see both manifested, with meekness as the most outstanding. Meekness is receptivity to God and the things of God. His words in the garden, “Not my will, but Yours be done”, are the bravest words ever spoken, the most loving human act ever performed, the ultimate expression of meekness.
The Greek word prautes encompasses two distinct meanings and can be translated as either “gentleness” or “meekness”.
Mark 14:32-34 He was very distressed, troubled, and deeply grieved to the point of death.
Matthew 26:39 “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Isaiah 50:4-9 God will help him endure the physical abuse, the suffering, and humiliation.
Isaiah 52:13-15
ESV Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonished at you–his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind–
REV Isaiah 52:14 Just as many were appalled at you (his appearance was marred beyond human resemblance, and his form beyond that of human beings).
Isaiah 53:1-12 Jesus knew what the “cup” meant.
Psalm 22:7-8, 16-19; 69:20-21
John 5:19 and 30 Jesus was always meek to the Father’s will.
Philippians 2:5-8 Be humble and meek like Jesus.
James 1:21; 3:13
Ephesians 4:1-3 Meek to others with boundaries
Galatians 6:1-11 Help others with gentleness
2 Timothy 2:22-26
1 Peter 3:15
The post Fruit of the Spirit in Christ 8: The Gentleness of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
How do humans define kindness?
How does humanism define kindness?
What is kindness in Hinduism?
What is kindness in Islam?
How does the Bible define kindness?
Kindness in the scriptures is acting in benevolence with no obligation to do so.
Kindness of God in the OT* Genesis 24:12 * Joshua 2:12 * Nehemiah 9:17 * Isaiah 54:10 * Jonah 4:2
God does not define kindness as just being nice.
Kindness of God in the NT* Luke 6:35 * Romans 2:4 * Romans 3:12 * Romans 11:32
The kindness of Christ culminated on the cross.
The post Fruit of the Spirit in Christ 7: The Kindness of God first appeared on Living Hope.
In the Bible, “good/goodness” is more than just describing someone or something as being helpful, nice, or pleasant. Rather, being “good” (i.e., having “goodness”) deals with having moral excellence, righteousness, and integrity.
“Goodness” is a quality that we are to seek to exhibit in our lives in abundance.Romans 15:142 Thessalonians 1:11
Jesus was said to be heavily invested in doing “good”.Acts 10:38
So then why did Jesus deny being “good”?Mark 10:17-18
God is the only one who is truly good. All goodness points to God and reflects His character.1 Chronicles 16:34Psalms 34:8; 100:5; 107:1; 119:68; 145:7-9
Moses wanted to see God’s glory, and so God said He would have all His goodness pass in front of Him.Exodus 33:19-20
What does it mean for us to be “good”?Micah 6:6-8
The post Fruit of the Spirit in Christ 6: The Goodness of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Even from childhood, Jesus was about his Father’s business (Luke 2:41-52). He always did the Father’s will (John 5:30; 6:38; 8:28-29; 14:31). Humility is the key to his faithfulness. The Christian life isn’t about you. It’s about God and the work God is doing. When we humbly join God in his work, we discover a life of adventure, just as the life of Christ was filled with great adventure. Faithfulness to God isn’t easy. It requires sacrifice, and sometimes suffering. However, when we suffer for our faithfulness to God, there’s joy in the suffering, because we know it’s not in vain, and we have great hope for the future. God invites us to join him in his work because he loves us and wants a relationship with us. Will we be faithful to do the work God calls us to do? The choice is ours.
“Faithful” is defined as “loyal and steadfast in allegiance”, “reliable”, “constant and unwavering.”
The sun, moon, and stars always move as God ordained (Psalm 8:3-4; 19:1-2). Faithfulness to God produces peace, order, and harmony. Disobedience produces chaos, disorder, and strife.
Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus was tempted as we are, yet he never sinned.
Luke 2:41-52 – Even from childhood, Jesus was always about his Father’s business.
Jesus always did the Father’s will, glorifying the Father, not himself (John 5:30; 6:38; 8:28-29; 14:31). Humility is the key to faithfulness.
The Christian life isn’t about you. It’s about God and the work God is doing. God is at work in the world. He invites us to join him in his work.
Luke 4:1-8 – Satan offered Jesus the kingdom without the cross, but Jesus remained faithful to God’s plan.
The life of Christ was full of adventure. There is no greater adventure than joining God in his work.
Luke 22:39-46 – “Not my will but yours be done.” Jesus was faithful even to death on a cross.
Faithfulness to God isn’t easy. It requires sacrifice, and sometimes suffering. But there’s joy in the suffering. See Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 5:8-9, John 16:33, James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:18, and 1 Peter 4:12-16.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross.
God invites us to join him in his work because he loves us and wants a relationship with us. Like a gentle and loving father with a little child – that’s how God is with us.
The post Fruit of the Spirit in Christ 5: The Faithfulness of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Jesus embodied patience through his gentle teaching, forgiveness, and endurance of human weakness. He corrected his disciples with kindness, bore their misunderstandings without frustration, and showed mercy even when betrayed or denied. His patience was demonstrated as he willingly suffered for humanity while waiting for them to fully understand and follow him.
Matthew 14:23-33 When the disciples struggle against strong winds on the sea, Jesus walks on water to them. Instead of immediately calming the storm, he patiently reassures them.
Mark 9:33-37 Jesus patiently corrects his disciples when they argue about who is the greatest. He does not rebuke them harshly. Instead, he waits until they arrive at their destination and asks what it was they were discussing. Knowing their pride, he takes the opportunity to teach them an important lesson, patiently explaining that true greatness comes from humility and service.
Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus asks Peter, James, and John to stay awake and pray with him in the Garden at Gethsemane because he is very troubled. Instead, they fall asleep on him not once, not twice, but three times. He doesn’t react with anger or frustration, but rather patiently corrects them. Jesus’ patience in the face of extreme distress and disappointment is an inspiration for all of us.
Luke 22:56-62 After Jesus was arrested, a servant girl and others recognize Peter as one of his followers, but he denies knowing Jesus three times. Jesus does not rebuke or reject Peter, even after his repeated denial. Instead, he patiently allows Peter to come to his own realization of his actions, later restoring him with love and grace.
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The fruit of the spirit, peace, as seen in the ministry of Jesus is viewed with practical suggestions on how to maintain peace throughout life’s complexities. The Prince of Peace gives us peace via the holy spirit.
Isaiah 9:6 Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Despite facing continuous immense temptations and challenges, including persecution and crucifixion, Jesus maintained inner peace and faith in God’s plan. He also brought peace to humanity, peace with God and each other. He is the perfect example.
Mark 3:1-6 Jesus had a long nose.
ESV Mark 3:21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
31-35
Matthew 11:21-30 To maintain peace, Jesus prayed and focused on those that did believe. He was thankful for what he had rather than continuing to lament what did not have. He rallied in the relationship with God his Father.
Matthew 26:36-46 When faced with torture and death, he prayed, and God sent an angel.
62-64 Jesus kept his eyes on his hope.
John 14:26-31; 16:32-33 We have peace as a fruit of the spirit.
Philippians 4:5-9 1) Remember the Lord is always with you; 2) pray; 3) focus on what you have, not what you do not have; 4) rally in your relationship with Yahweh and Christ; 5) be thankful; and 6) focus on the hope.
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Jesus’ joy was found in being an obedient servant to Almighty God. He expressed joy in sharing, serving, and suffering. Perhaps Jesus’ most significant example of living with joy is how he focused on God’s promises during his darkest hours and used God’s truth and faithfulness as a way to endure through unimaginable suffering.
Luke 10:21-22
Perhaps the most exultant description of Jesus in all of Scripture.
Joy in SharingThis is the best saying of Jesus not recorded in the Gospels. There is something about giving that results in more joy than receiving does.
Acts 20:35
Joy in ServingJesus taught that there was joy in service. His life and ministry are a testimony to this. He served others rather than being served himself.
John 15:11
John 17:13
Mark 10:45
John 4:34
Joy in SufferingNo one was more acquainted with suffering than Jesus. But he faced all the pain with an outlook that was focused on joy.
Mattew 5:10-12
Hebrews 12:1-2
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Galatians 5:19-25 The fruit of the spirit are nine behaviors or virtues that we should pursue. Thankfully, Christ exemplified each of these.
Mark 12:28-31 Jesus clearly taught us to love God and love our neighbors. However, what he said about each was different. He set the bar much higher for the kind of love we should have for God compared to how he expects us to treat our neighbors.
1 John 4:9-10 We love God because He first loved us. Love always needs an initiator. Until you experience God’s love, it’s hard to love Him. But once you do, it’s easy.
1 John 4:11 Because God has loved us, we should love our neighbors. This is a pleasure and joy for us when loving easy people and a real challenge for those who are difficult, mean, or annoying.
Matthew 18:21-22 Jesus told Peter that he had to continue to love someone who had wronged him. Although this isn’t exclusive to spouses and children, for many of us, they are the ones we interact with most.
1 John 4:19-21 When it comes to loving brothers and sisters, this does not necessarily mean whipping up emotions of affection for them. It may simply mean acting for that person’s well-being.
Jesus showed us how to do this over and over. (1) He loved the rich young ruler when he told him what was keeping him from eternal life. (2) He allowed himself to be inconvenienced because of the crowds that wanted his attention. (3) He even healed Malchus’ ear when he was being arrested.
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The Apostle Paul’s love for God’s people shines brightly in his communication with Philemon, offering us an exemplary model of Christian love and leadership to emulate. This letter, penned towards the end of Paul’s life, exemplifies his unwavering love and faithfulness to the very end.
Luke 10:25-37 A powerful story illustrating compassion to completeness
The epistle of Philemon is not merely a parable, but a true account showcasing profound compassion in its fullest form.
Philemon 1:1 Philemon was a church leader in Colossae. Onesimus was his runaway slave who had become a believer under Paul’s guidance. This letter, penned towards the end of Paul’s life, exemplifies his unwavering love and faithfulness to the very end.
2 Apphia is thought to be Philemon’s wife, and Archippus is either Philemon’s son or a fellow leader in the church.
3-4 Paul prayed often – Romans 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians; 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:3
7 Epaphras, likely the founder and influential leader of this church, was in Rome with Paul and must have informed Paul about Philemon whose leadership was vital.
9 Paul demonstrates the importance of voluntary, heartfelt actions.
11 Paul may be engaging in a clever play on words by contrasting “useless” and “useful,” as the name Onesimus actually means “useful”.
16 Paul’s loving intercession for Onesimus as communicated was designed to touch the core of Philemon’s heart, evoking his love, mercy, and spiritual understanding.
19 Paul asks Philemon to accept Onesimus as he would accept Paul and not as he was before his conversion. He offers to take on any debt that Onesimus may have incurred.
21 Paul conveys his confidence in Philemon’s obedience and willingness to go above and beyond what is being asked.
25 Paul’s personal involvement in this situation is a great example of true compassion.
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At the end of 2024, we want to take a moment and review what has happened over the past year. Additionally, we’d like to look forward to 2025 with you and share what God is putting on our hearts.
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PeopleRomans 12:4-5, 15-16 We are a community of believers who weep together and rejoice together, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life.
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EventsMark 6:30-32 Getting away for a time to be with God and His people is an ancient practice that, if anything, is even more needy in our hectic times.
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LeadershipProverbs 11:14; Matthew 20:25-28 Leadership is a team sport, carried out by those who understand what Jesus taught about service.
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Online Reach2 Timothy 3:14-17 The Scripture is useful for teaching. We do this in-person as well as online.
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PublishingColossians 1:9-11; Matthew 28:19-20 Our books fulfill our mission to make disciples of all nations—both in reaching the lost and encouraging the saved to persevere.
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Beyond New YorkRomans 10:13-15 We seek to empower individuals and communities all over the world to preach the gospel and develop disciples.
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Building Improvements and FuturePsalm 127:1 We steward what God has already given us while looking forward to what He has for us next.
The post State of the Church first appeared on Living Hope.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in accordance with the prophecies of the Old Testament. The first to come and give honor to Jesus as the Messiah were shepherds and wise men. We celebrate with them in the coming of the Savior and the joy and hope that he brings to the world.
- Jesus was born!
Luke 2:1-7
Mary and Joseph left Nazareth in Galilee and traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was then born.
Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloth and was placed in a manager. A manger was not an outdoor animal shack as is popularly depicted in Christmas manger scenes but was a small space inside the house for animals.
- The shepherds were the first to know!
Luke 2:8-20
The angel announced to the shepherds the birth of the Savior, who is Messiah and Lord. The sign for them was that a baby would be wrapped in swaddling cloth and lying in a manger.
- Wise men from far away came to honor the birth of the King!
Matthew 2:1-12
The wise men were magi from the east who were trained at reading the planetary and astral movements in the sky. They traveled immense distances to honor the birth of Jesus, the King of the Jews. They apparently were well-versed in the Old Testament prophecies because they knew exactly where Jesus was going to be born–Bethlehem.
The Scripture does not say how many magi there were, but it says that they brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and they paid homage to him as the King.
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When we read the birth narratives of Jesus, we see that God chooses to work through human beings to bring about His plan of salvation. Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph are the stars of the show. When the child comes, he is a human being too. Strikingly absent from Scripture is any indication that the baby had dual natures or was a hybrid “God-man.” Instead, God ordained that a man would be born to save mankind—an exciting truth worth celebrating!
Luke 1:5-10 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous and blameless according to the Law. Zechariah encountered the angel Gabriel who told him that he would have a child and to name him John.
Luke 1:26-33 While Elizabeth was pregnant, Gabriel made a visit to Mary and prophesied that she would give birth to the Messiah.
Luke 1:34-36 Although we would prefer a more specific explanation of precisely how Mary became pregnant by divine intervention, the angel just says God’s power would overshadow her.
Luke 1:37-45 Mary visited Elizabeth who greatly encouraged her right from the start. Elizabeth recognized that Mary was carrying her lord, a term used of many other humans throughout the Bible (Gen 18:12; 33:8; 42:10; Num 11:28; 1 Sam 24:8; 1 Kgs 1:31; 18:7; Ruth 2:13).
Luke 1:46-57 This poetic statement of praise was Mary’s response to Elizabeth. In it she focused on how God had humbled the powerful and exalted the weak. She would bear the Messiah—the most important human who had ever lived.
Matthew 1:18-22 Joseph, Mary’s fiancé, first decided to divorce her, but after a nocturnal angelic visit, he came to believe that “the child conceived in her is from the holy spirit.” This child, just like the boy born in Isaiah’s time, signified that God had not abandoned His people, instead the child’s birth meant “God is with us.”
The post Birth of Christ 2: Saving the World through Humans first appeared on Living Hope.
The Messianic prophecies when compared with the historical events that occurred have impact in several ways. They validate the Messiah; affirm God’s integrity; encourage hope; reveal Yahweh’s eternal plan; and unite the Old and New Testaments.
Genesis 3:15 A brief introduction to the rest of the Bible and history Seed of the woman – Matthew 1:16 Joseph, the husband [father] of Mary
Matthew 1:17 42 generations but not if it ends with Joseph, Mary’s husband
Luke 3:23 Eli is the father of Joseph – Matthew1:16 Jacob is the father of Joseph.
Luke 3:31 Nathan, son David – Matthew 1:6 Solomon, son of David
Matthew 1:19-24; Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 7:1-16 There was a child born in the time of Ahaz who was called “Immanuel”. This is dual prophecy as it also relates to Jesus.
Revelation 3:12 states Jesus will have a new name; perhaps then he will be called “Immanuel”.
Luke 1:26-38 Throne of David
REV Luke 1:34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, seeing I do not know a man sexually?”
KJV Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 11:1-2
Isaiah 9:1-7 Dual prophecy regarding Hezekiah and Jesus
The post Birth of Christ 1: Messianic Prophecy first appeared on Living Hope.
Pastor Sean Finnegan and Sean Kelly share about their trip to the Philippines and New Zealand.
The post Every Neighbor. Every Nation. first appeared on Living Hope.
Revelation 6:8; 9:15 Catastrophic events and judgments will affect the earth and its inhabitants, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
Revelation 6:12-21; 20:11 Catastrophic destruction of the earth’s surface
Revelation 16:16 “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”
Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Philippians 2:11
When Jesus returns, the Millennial Kingdom begins. It marks the start of a thousand-year worldwide reign of peace, justice, and righteousness.
Isaiah 65:17; 66:22 I will create new heavens and a new earth.
Revelation 20:1-3 During this time, the devil will be locked in the “abyss”.
Zechariah 14 Jerusalem will finally be the city of God from where King Jesus will rule the world.
Isaiah 35:1-10 Arabah is a desert, 103 miles long and 15.5 miles wide.
Isaiah 41:18; 43:19
Ezekiel 47:1-12 The Dead Sea has no life.
Ezekiel 36:35 This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden.
Isaiah 2:1-4; Micah 4:3; Ezekiel 39:9-10 Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.
Isaiah 11:1-10 Jesus will be the king.
Isaiah 32:1-6, 18 Then My people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places.
Revelation 1:6; 5:10 Apostles judge the 12 tribes; David will be king again; saints will rule the world with Jesus.
The post Thankfulness: Happy Thoughts first appeared on Living Hope.
Galatians 6:9-10
We are supposed to do what is good toward everyone but do what is extra good towardfellow believers.
Doing good is easy when everyone is being nice, but it can be challenging when there istension or conflict.
Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. To resolve the issue, their mutual decision was tocontinue the work of the ministry independently.
Sometimes, if we have disagreements, we can just choose to do things separately. Nothing inScripture says that we are commanded to always work together alongside each other ineverything. Sometimes, loving another person is knowing what to do in order to get alongand continue serving the Lord. Nevertheless, all our work is to be aligned with God’spurposes and with a heart to honor and please the Lord in all things.
Colossians 4:10
2 Timothy 4:11
1 Peter 5:13
1 Samuel 25:2-35
Abigail navigated the circumstances with Nabal and David with exceptional discernmentand character. She demonstrated how to de-escalate a situation and deal effectively withdifficult people.
Proverbs 15:1; 17:27; 12:18
The post It’s All About Love 5: Love the Family of God first appeared on Living Hope.
Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies is as controversial and ignored today as it was in the first century when he originally gave it. Even so, enemy love is a key distinction that sets Christianity apart from the other world religions and non-religions. Seeing this teaching foreshadowed in the Old Testament and then repeated by Paul and Peter, we can be confident that it is, in fact, how God wants us to live.
Matthew 5:43 Jesus recalled what people commonly said about loving their neighbors but hating their enemies (likely pulling on Leviticus 19:16-18).
Exodus 23:4-5; 1 Samuel 24; 26; Proverbs 24:17-18; 25:21-22; 2 Kings 6:8-23 The Old Testament has a law, a couple of proverbs, and several powerful examples showing love to one’s enemies.
Matthew 5:44 Jesus’ command is as radical today as it was in his day. He told his disciples to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors.
Matthew 5:45 This behavior is rooted in God’s example of giving rain to the righteous and unrighteous.
Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 2 Peter 3:9 God’s heart is for the wicked to turn from their evil. He would rather someone repent than face judgement.
If that’s God’s heart, shouldn’t it be ours as well?
Matthew 5:46-48 According to Jesus, his followers get no credit for expressing love to those who love them. That is an imperfect, partial, common love. He calls us to a perfect, complete, and uncommon love —loving those who aren’t nice to us.
Romans 12:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 2:21-24 Both the apostles Paul and Peter repeated this teaching of Jesus in their own words. As Christ-followers, we are left with no doubt about this teaching. It is the way.
The post It’s All About Love 4: Love Your Enemies first appeared on Living Hope.
We are called to love our neighbors, whether they are enemies or family. Our love, like Jesus’, is motivated by God’s love for us, not by how others treat us. Those who seem least deserving of love need it the most. Being right is not always loving; being loving is always right.
Luke 10:25-37 The most important question ever asked is followed by a foolish question.
Galatians 5:13-16, 22 To walk by the flesh is self-centered, without concern for God or others. As we walk by the spirit, we love others.
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 God wants us to earnestly desire the spiritual enablements in order to serve others, but love is the more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 These three verses emphatically communicate the importance of doing all with love for God and others.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient – Exodus 34:6; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Ephesians 4:1- 3; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; James 5:7-9
Love is kind – Nehemiah 9:17; Romans 2:4; Titus 3:3-5; Ephesians 2:7;
Luke 6:35-36; Ephesians 4:31-32
Not jealous, not bragging, not arrogant, not acting unbecomingly (rude or improperly), not seeking its own, not provoked, not considering a wrong (does not keep a record of wrongs or hold onto past mistakes or grievances) Proverbs 24:17; Acts 13:42-48 Does not rejoice in unrighteousness; rejoices with the truth.
1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12; 17:9 Bears all things – means to cover closely to keep water out. Love covers with silence.
Believes all things; hopes all things; endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Love never fails (Psalm 136).
John 13:34-35; 15:12; 1 John 3:23; Ephesians 5:2 The higher standard of love is “as he loved us”.
Matthew 5:44-48
The post It’s All About Love 3: Love Your Neighbor first appeared on Living Hope.
To love your neighbor as yourself, you must first love yourself. Although sometimes it may be hard, you should love yourself because you’re made in God’s image, you are an awesome human, and you are loved by God. Instead of falling into arrogance or self-loathing, focus on others without neglecting self-care, and you’ll strike the right balance.
Mark 12:29-31 Rabbi Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and then to love your neighbors as yourself. Next week we’ll look at loving your neighbor, but today let’s consider loving yourself.
Why should you love yourself?
- Created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)2. Humans are awesome (Psalm 139:13-14)3. God loves you (1 John 4:7-10; Romans 5:6-8)
There are two ditches on either side of the narrow path of self-love.
- Arrogance: thinking you’re better than others2. Self-Loathing: thinking you’re worthless
The great secret to self-love is focusing on others. In other words, loving others is a major way to love yourself. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Ephesians 5:29 Although self-care may have been obvious to ancient people, it’s easy to work ourselves into the ground in modern times.
The post It’s All About Love 2: Love Yourself first appeared on Living Hope.
The more accurately we know God, the more fully we can love Him. Ignorance, wrong knowledge, and mischaracterization undermine our love relationship with Yahweh. Keeping Jesus’ commandments is paramount to loving God which includes love each other.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Wholehearted devotion, obedience, mindfulness, passion and concern for how others perceive God are involved in loving God.
Matthew 22:37-38 Total devotion is our foremost duty
Heart – Innermost being from whence the issues of life stem
Soul – Life, self, person, desire, passion, emotions
Might or strength – All the energy, effort, and capabilities we possess, using our actions, resources, and physical being to love Yahweh
Foremost is used to emphasize that something holds the top spot in terms of significance or priority.
- Knowledge
- Obedience
- Loving one another
Ignorance, wrong knowledge, and mischaracterization of Yahweh are crippling to our love relationship with God.
Numbers 14:10-20 Moses understood Yahweh’s characteristics and wanted others to think well of Him.
Does our love for God motivate us to stand up for His glorious name?
1 Samuel 17:43-47 David wanted Yahweh exalted above all.
John 14:21-24 Keeping Jesus’ commandments is paramount to loving
1 John 5:1-3;
2 John 1:1-9
1 John 4:20-21 One who loves God loves others.
The post It’s All About Love 1: Love God first appeared on Living Hope.
Revelation 4:1-5 This is a vision of the throne room of God. Like the visions of theprophets in the Old Testament, John struggles to find the words to describe what he sees.
Revelation 4:6-11 The incredible scene of worship and praise that John sees in heavenis breathtaking. What John hears the elders proclaim is that God is “HOLY” and He is“WORTHY.”
Exodus 19:9-19 Thunder and lightning are the visual and audible phenomenon thatoften accompany the presence of God, but so are fire, smoke, and loud noises/voices.
Revelation 5:1-13 John also sees Jesus in the throne room of God, and Jesus is honoredand worshipped as being worthy as well. But what is said about Jesus being worthy ofpraise is not the same as what is said about why God is worthy of praise. Both are worthy ofpraise, but there are different reasons for each.
Psalm 71:9-16 Praising God in the bad times can be the most difficult season for us tooffer worship. But our circumstances of life don’t change who God is and why He is worthyto be praised.
The post Seeing God 4: Praiseworthy first appeared on Living Hope.
Like Isaiah and Daniel, Ezekiel saw God. In Ezekiel’s vision, God was with strange spiritual creatures that were hard for him to describe. The whole experience clearly communicates how transcendent God is.Ezekiel 1:4-28 The prophet Ezekiel has a vision of four-winged living creatures with a fire in their midst, huge gleaming wheels, and God Himself sitting on a throne above them. He struggled mightily to describe the scene, employing the word “like” twenty-three times in this chapter.Ezekiel 10:15-22 A little over a year later, Ezekiel was able to process the initial vision he saw. When he had a second one, he could describe it without using so many analogies. Furthermore, he realized that the living creatures were cherubim.Cherubim were on the lid of the ark of the covenant (Ex 25:17-22), standing fifteen feet tall on either side of the ark (1 Kgs 6:23-28), sewn into the curtain separating the holy of holies (2 Chr 3:14), and on the door and walls in the temple (1 Ki 6:29-35).Ezekiel 1:1-3 After five years in exile, Ezekiel was now thirty years old—the age he would become ordained and enter his service as a priest in the temple. God showed him a powerful vision far beyond what he would have experienced if he were serving in the temple back in Jerusalem. Ezekiel’s vision communicates that God is transcendent. He’s not like everyone else; he’s extraordinary, other, beyond what we know (Ps 113:5-6; Job 36:26; Isa 40:18-28; 55:8-9).The post Seeing God 3: Transcendence first appeared on Living Hope.
Daniel 7:9-10 The Ancient One takes his seat as judge upon the throne. Thousands of attendants wait on him while fire rushes out everywhere. The scene bespeaks God’s awesome sovereign authority over all.Daniel 7:8 The dream portrays the little horn as a mighty leader who opposes God and wreaks havoc against the saints.Daniel 7:9-12 Amazingly, we find no struggle, no prolonged battle, no hint of effort expended in the little horn’s judgment. The Ancient of Days not only executes the horn, but his entire empire in one fell swoop.Daniel 7:13-14 As the sovereign, God chooses who will rule over the nations. He picks a Kingdom symbolized by a human being (the Son of man). There’s no question that the one on the throne is superior to the human presented to him, a fact Jesus repeatedly affirmed (Mark 10:18; 13:32; Mat 20:23; John 5:19, 30; 7:16; 12:49; 14:28).Daniel 7:18, 21-22, 27 “The holy ones” (saints) probably refer to angelic beings, though it’s hard to say. Still v 27 makes it clear that “the people of the holy ones” will receive dominion over the Kingdom under the whole heaven from the Most High. God is sovereign.The post Seeing God 2: Sovereignty first appeared on Living Hope.
Exodus 33:20-23 No man can see God and live.John 1:18 No man has seen God.We can know God through His creation (Romans 1:19-20), through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119), through His Son (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-2), through the holy spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10), through prayer Psalm 145:18), and through personal experience (Psalm 34:8).Psalm 27:7-8 We are made in the image of God, and He wants relationship. If we want Him, He already wants us.Psalm 42:1-2; 73:25-28 God, help us to desire You.Matthew 5: 6 Those who hunger and thirst will be filled.John 17:3 Eternal life, not just as an unending existence, but also as a relationshipIsaiah 6:1-3 The repetition of “holy” three times emphasizes the supreme holiness of God and underscores the completeness and perfection of God’s holiness. This is the complete antithesis of evil, sinfulness, and wickedness.6:5 God’s intense holiness exposed Isaiah’s unholiness.6:7 The only way to be rid of our sin is by God’s grace and mercy.Ephesians 4:24 We received holy spirit.Deuteronomy 10:17 God of gods…awesomeDeuteronomy 4:24 God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.Deuteronomy 4:31 God is compassionate.Deuteronomy 32:4 God is just and righteous.1 John 1:5 God is light.John 4:8 God is love.Numbers 23:19 God is truth.2 Chronicles 30:9 God is gracious.Psalm 7:11 God is a righteous judge; Psalm 47:7 God is king of all the earth; Psalm 77:13 God is holy.Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8 God is holy, holy, holy.The post Holiness first appeared on Living Hope.
Light has always been an interest for humankind. We desire light so that we can see. But one day, we won’t need to search for light as God’s light will fill the whole world.
The post God’s Light Will Fill the World first appeared on Living Hope.
The Bereans were noble-minded because they searched the Scriptures daily to test the message Paul was preaching. Today, separated by so much time, our only sure bet to understand and practice authentic Christianity is to continually evaluate our beliefs and traditions in light of Scripture. Those who adopt this approach to Christian truth-seeking are Restorationists.
Acts 17:10-12 When Paul visited Berea, he was amazed at how they responded to his message about Jesus. Rather than rejecting or accepting it outright, they searched the Scriptures daily to see if it was true.
Psalm 1:1-3; Jeremiah 15:16 Reading the Bible daily is really good for you, especially your lifestyle.
2 Timothy 3:13-15; 1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 2:2 The Scriptures also help us to discern truth from error. Since we are separated from Christ by twenty centuries, thousands of miles, linguistic and cultural differences, it behooves us to maintain a healthy level of skepticism toward Christian teachers today.
Matthew 7:21-23 Lastly, it’s of paramount importance to avoid getting rejected by Jesus on the last day. Nothing could be worse than blithely thinking you are saved and finding out that you lived out your faith so badly that he says, “I never knew you”!
Notable examples of Restorationists include Martin Luther, Thomas
Campbell, and Leo Tolstoy. Each of them illustrates the practice ofevaluating their received beliefs and practices in light of Scripture.The post Restorationists first appeared on Living Hope.
Restorationism is a movement within Christianity that seeks to restore authentic Christianity and live it out today. King Josiah serves as a premium example of someone who discovered his beliefs and practices diverged significantly from scripture. He initiated reforms to restore true worship. Should we be content with our received traditions and comfortable beliefs or courageously unleash the Bible on them?
Deuteronomy 5:6-10 In the Ten Commandments, God told his people not to worship other gods or carved images. He told them that he desires exclusivity in their relationship.
2 Kings 21:3-7 Over time, God’s people turned to idolatry. Manasseh devoted himself to worshipping these other gods and installing facilities for their worship in Yahweh’s temple.
2 Kings 22:3-10 Manasseh’s grandson, Josiah, began to clean out and repair the temple of God. In the process of restoring Yahweh’s house, the high priest found the book of the law, which probably refers to the book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 13:1-18 God explicitly and repeatedly forbade his people from worshipping other gods. In fact, he instituted the death penalty for those who attempted to persuade others to join them in worshipping idols.
2 Kings 22:11-20 After learning how far from the correct belief and practice the people had veered, Josiah tore his clothes and inquired what to do from Huldah, a prophetess of Yahweh. She told him that destruction was coming, but not in his lifetime.
2 Kings 23:4-15 Not content to rest on his laurels, Josiah initiated wide sweeping reforms throughout the land, including destroying the high places and cleaning out foreign worship elements from Yahweh’s house.
2 Kings 23:25 The author of the book of Kings remembered Josiah for his efforts as one of the best kings of all time.
The post Restorationism first appeared on Living Hope.
Vince and Mimi Finnegan celebrate 50 years of marriage by sharing how God blessed their marriage and the biblical principles they apply. Marriage is an example of Christ and the church, so the same principles are applicable. By the grace of God and His blessing have we had these wonderful years together.Ephesians 5:21-33. Marriage is an example for Christ and the church.Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14. 0ne life, companionship, and covenantEphesians 5:22-25; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. We are to understand, accept, and honor differences.Ephesians 4:1-3. Marriage and the church are interdependent relationship.1 Peter 3:7. Heirs together of the grace of life.Ephesians 6:12. We are in a spiritual battle.Ephesians 4:26, 27, 31, 32. Deal with things quickly, and move on.Ephesians 4:29. Edify each other; do not tear down.Ephesians 5:26. Keep God and His Word central.Ephesians 5:1-2. Care for others.Malachi 3:10-11. Tithe.Colossians 3:18-19. Remain thankful.Philippians 3:13. Forget the past and move on.1 Peter 3:7. Help each other to enter the Kingdom or hinder it.The post Marriage and the Church first appeared on Living Hope.
Although not a commonly used word today, “prudence” is an important virtue to cultivate in our lives. The prudent person thinksbefore acting, considers the consequences, anticipates potential needs, and prepares him or herself for what lies ahead. The result is managing one’s affairs well.
Genesis 41:33-46. Pharaoh selected Joseph not only because he interpreted his dream, but also because of his foresight to plan a course of action to maximize benefit and minimize suffering.
Proverbs 6:6-11. As opposed to the lazy person who rolls over in the bed and seeks another comfortable position to prolong sleep, the ant illustrates prudence by preparing food in the summer and gathering in the time of harvest.
Matthew 25:1-13. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus teaches his disciples about the catastrophe that a lack of preparation can bring. The five foolish virgins ended up scrambling at the last minute and were locked out of the feast.
Sometimes, it’s not best to be prudent. Sometimes walking by faith requires spontaneity and improvisation. Even so, living prudently will best prepare you for the times when God calls you to step out of the norm and walk by the spirit.
The post Prudence first appeared on Living Hope.
Patience is a Virtue. Wait on the LORD.Psalm 37:7a. “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him…”
Psalm 40:1. “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.”
Lamentations 3:26. “It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
Romans 12:12. “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.”
James 1:3. “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
Waiting on God is a necessary discipline that helps us grow in wisdom and endurance.
Galatians 5:22 NLT. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”
Patience is a fruit of the spirit. Impatience – the opposite – can be a work of the flesh with severe consequences.
Hebrews 6:15. “Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.”
Other men in Scripture who waited patiently on God: Noah, Joseph, David, and Jesus
1 Samuel 10:8; 13:7-14. God instructed Saul to wait for the prophet Samuel to offer the burnt offering. Saul was impatientand made the offering himself. Because of this, Saul lost his kingdom.
When God is telling you to wait, just wait. The story of Saul demonstrates that when we rush ahead by our own devices, we may forfeit God’s blessing and regret it for years to come.
The only thing harder than waiting on God is wishing you had.
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Diligence refers to a consistent, intentional, and careful effort to accomplish something, and therefore, it is multifaceted. Diligence is characterized by:Persistence—being determined to continue towards a goal despite difficulties, opposition, or setbacks
Attentiveness—being thorough and meticulous in accomplishing a task
Hard work—applying significant effort and time to achieve a goal
Commitment—being dedicated to a task or goal long term and not giving up or diminishing one’s resolve along the way
Diligence is an inherent component in living with God’s wisdom.
Proverbs 12:24; 13:4; 21:5
Jesus was a diligent person in various aspects of his life.
Mark 1:35. Jesus consistently devoted himself to prayer with his Father, God.
John 4:34; 5:30. Jesus was focused on accomplishing God’s will in his life.
Jesus also worked hard to teach people about the Kingdom of God. Even when the going got tough, Jesus never backed down or changed his course, all the way unto death on the cross.
Nehemiah was a leader who exemplified diligence in his oversite of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem after the Israelite captivity in Babylon.
Nehemiah 4:6-23
We are to be diligent in life like our Lord and Savior, especially with regard to our trust in God.
2 Peter 1:5-7
Hebrews 11:6
God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Let’s be faithful followers of Jesus and seek God with diligence each day of our lives.The post Diligence first appeared on Living Hope.
God is merciful in His character. He supremely demonstrated His mercy in what His Son did for humanity on the cross. As a result, we should show mercy to others. Still, we need wisdom to know when to show mercy and when not to.Exo 34:6 God is merciful and gracious in His character. These attributes often occur together throughout the Old Testament. See 2 Chron 30:9; Neh 9:17, 31; Psalms 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; 112:4; 116:5; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jon 4:2.Rom 5:8; Eph 2:3-5 The cross supremely demonstrates God’s mercy through Christ’s example.Luke 6:31-38; Mat 7:1-2 Jesus teaches us that we should show mercy to others rather than judgement. By the strictness with which we judge and condemn others, we will be judged as well.1 Sam 2:12-17, 22-25, 28-35; 3:11-14 Showing mercy isn’t always the right course of action. When Eli found out his sons were committing terrible acts, he confronted them but did not ensure they stopped their deplorable behavior. In this case, Eli’s mercy resulted in catastrophe for his family and Israel.James 2:13 Mercy triumphs over judgment. Victor Hugo illustrated the redemptive power of mercy in his novel, Les Misérables,in the bishop’s mercy shown to Jean Valjean.The post Mercy first appeared on Living Hope.
As demonstrated by how we cringe when we see someone disrespect another, God designed humans to crave and expect a certain amount of basic respect. As Christians we should live in a respectable way and show respect to others, even when they haven’t earned it. God calls us to be respectful.
1 Peter 2:17; Matthew 7:12 We all need respect. We need others to value us.2 Samuel 10:1-5 A disrespectful act can devastate. When the king of Ammon insulted King David’s emissaries, the result was a war with thousands of causalities.1 Samuel 24:1-22 What you do affects whether others will respect you. Saul gave in to jealousy and paranoia, while David showed respect which resulted in him receiving respect.Although hard at times, showing respect is an important part of your Christian walk with God. The Bible calls you to respect the elderly (Lev 19:32), governing authorities (Rom 13:7), your parents (Ex 20:12), your spouse (Eph 5:33), church leaders (1 Thes 5:12), and even critics of Christianity (1 Pet 3:15-16).Acts 5:33-39 If you are well respected, you may have opportunities to influence others for good. Gamaliel is a prime example of someone using his standing to advocate for good.The post Respect first appeared on Living Hope.
Matthew 18:7 Skandalon – the trigger of a trap on which the bait is placed, wand which, when touched by the animal, springs and causes it to close causing entrapment.
Revelation 2:14 The Moabite women sexually seduced the men of Israel.
Matthew 18:8 “Hand” – what you do; “foot” – where you go; and “eye” – what you look at
James 1:14 Self-awareness: Individuals are encouraged to be aware of their own desires and the potential they have to lead to sin.
Responsibility: The passage emphasizes personal responsibility in resisting temptation.
Moral Vigilance: By recognizing the progression from desire to sin and then to death, believers are warned to be vigilant and proactive in preventing sin from taking root and growing.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Our weapons in this warfare have divine power.
Philippians 4:6-9 Control triggers by resisting with prayer and God’s Word.
Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 19:7-11 God’s words are much more effective than positive confession or affirmations. They are powerful and will overcome all temptations.
The post Triggers to Overcome first appeared on Living Hope.
Depression is on the rise, especially in the youth of the USA. What is going on? And what can we do about it? In The Coddling of the American Mind, the authors identify three “common cognitive distortions” and the solution to all three is found in the Scriptures.* Mental Filtering: Focusing exclusively on the negative details and rejecting positive experiences, insisting they don’t count. * Magnification/Minimization: Exaggerating the importance of negative events or minimizing the importance of positive events. * Mind Reading: Assuming that others are thinking negatively about you without any real evidence.
Psalm 77:1-15 We can overcome mental filtering and magnification/minimization by remembering the goodness of God.1 Corinthians 2:11 We can overcome mind reading by recognizing that we don’t know what others are thinking.2 Corinthians 10:5 We can identify, analyze, and deal with all the thoughts we have.1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 We are to test everything and hold onto the good.1 Kings 19:1-8 Even great prophets, like Elijah, experienced depressing thinking patterns. Sometimes, we just need to take care of ourselves.We can all tend our mental gardens. When we view our minds as a garden, we can weed (identify and cast away negative thoughts), remove pests (identify the sources behind the negative thinking patterns), water (put on Scripture), add fertilizer (take care of ourselves more holistically with exercise, etc.), and allow God to transform us as He promises to.Finally, there is a time to be sad and process our emotions. But no matter what, something greater is coming. You are equipped for this challenge. You can tend the garden of your mind. You can provide an environment conducive to the growth and powerful transformation that God desires for your life!The post Depressing Thinking Patterns first appeared on Living Hope.
To maintain sanctified thinking, we must control anxious thinking patterns. Catastrophizing, negative projecting about the future and overgeneralization come against the joy and peace that is ours in Christ.
Numbers 13:23-14:1 – Catastrophizing (predicting that things will turn out badly) and overgeneralization destroy sanctified thinking.
Numbers 14:2-22 Ten times they lost control.
By the Red Sea: Exodus 14:11-12
Desert of Sin: Exodus 16:2-3
At Rephidim: Exodus 17:3
Romans 8:15 We are not the slaves of fear; we are the sons of God.
1 Peter 5:5-9; 2 Timothy 1:7 Give your anxiety to God; claim what is yours in Christ.
John 14:27; 15:10
Matthew 6:34; Hebrews 3:7-12, 15; 4:7 Stop negative predictions; live one day at a time.
Psalm 62:5-8 Have godly self-talk.
Philippians 4:4-9 Stop overgeneralization; pray and focus.
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This teaching is relevant for us today. Although the underlying elemental principles of our day manifest differently, they nonetheless enslave us the same. Cultural currents like hyper-individualism, careerism, aestheticism, consumerism, technological optimism, inclusivism, polarization, and coercion are always pushing and pulling us along. Let us instead imitate our Father as dear children, looking to the teaching and example of His Son, Christ Jesus.
Galatians 4:1-3 Before Christ, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world—powers behind the way the world works.
Galatians 4:3-5 Because of Christ, there’s been a fundamental change in how people relate to both God and the world. God has adopted us into His family.
Galatians 4:6-7 God’s spirit inspires us to cry out, “Abba! Father!” This way of addressing God comes straight from Jesus’s private prayer life. (See Mark 14:36.)
Galatians 4:4-11 God has redeemed us from slavery, set us free, and adopted us, making us heirs of a mighty inheritance. As His children, we address Him as “Abba Father”. In such a state, how could we go back to slavery? How could we return to the old way of relating to God and the world?
The post Adopted first appeared on Living Hope.
Throughout history, God has chosen individuals that no one would expect. But nonetheless, that is who God wanted. Likewise, God decided in advance that he would choose all those who put their faith in Christ. Being chosen by God means that God wants YOU! But to be chosen by God requires that you respond to his invitation in the good news of Christ. God’s chosen ones are those who choose God.
God desires for everyone to be saved.
John 3:16-18; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9
Revelation 22:17
The invitation is for all who “want” to drink the water of life.
Colossians 3:12-13
Being “chosen” means that God wants YOU! You are special to God. God has a plan and a purpose for His chosen ones.
But what does it really mean to be “chosen” by God? And why are some people said to be “chosen” and others are not?
2 Thessalonians 2:13
1 Peter 1:1-2
Being chosen means that you made a choice! God’s “chosen” are those who chose God.
Matthew 22:1-14
Being “chosen” is conditioned upon our response (i.e. choice). So, let’s help others choose God in their lives and become one of God’s CHOSEN ONES!
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Justification by faith is a key concept in Christian salvation. The idea is simple. We believe in the gospel message; God justifies us, making us right with Him. To further understand this, we’ll consider two examples: Abraham and David, both mentioned in Romans 4.
Romans 3:21-26 God’s righteousness is a big topic. To understand it, we need to reflect on how God created our world, how humans have repeatedly rebelled, and how God has devised a solution to these problems.
Romans 4:1-8 To understand justification, the Apostle Paul points to two examples: Abraham and David.
Genesis 15:1-6 Although Abraham failed repeatedly throughout his life, he was a believer. When God promised him a child, he trusted in that promise.
2 Samuel 12:1-9 David’s sins with Bathsheba and Uriah were so severe and deplorable it’s hard to believe that he could ever become justified. Even so, after Nathan confronted him and he repented, he wrote a psalm, celebrating the blessing of forgiven sins. (See Psalm 32.)
1 Corinthians 1:26-29; James 2:5; Matthew 11:25 Justification by faith makes salvation available to everyone. Rather than choosing the wealthiest, most intelligent, or most beautiful people, in His wisdom God decided He wanted believers. What a magnificent truth!
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Leviticus 25 and the book of Ruth lay the foundation of understanding our spiritual redemption that we have in Christ. We will be returned to our spiritual family and inherit the land. We are part of the new Israel therefor included in the promises made to Abraham.
Leviticus 25:1-7 The 7th year sabbath would provide rest for the land, the people, and the animals plus build their faith and confidence in Yahweh.
Leviticus 25:8-9 This was the only day the high priest entered the holy of holies for the forgiveness of sins.
Leviticus 25:10 In the 50th year, year of jubilee (lobel – ram’s horn), they were to return to land and family.
21 Deal honestly and obey God, and He will provide blessing for 3 years (6, 7, 8).
28 Kinsmen – redeemer
Leviticus 26:34-35; 2 Chronicles 36:20-21 Israel never kept the sabbaths.
1 Corinthians 15:5:2; Revelation 11:15 When the last trumpet is sounded, Jesus will return, the dead will rise, the day of jubilee will begin, Israel will finally return to its land and family. The prophets foretold of Israel’s redemption.
Ruth 3:11-13; 4:3-6 Redemption was for Ruth because she was a barren widow and for her husband’s land.
Romans 3:10-24; 6:1-6 We are no longer slaves to sin.
Ephesians 1:7; 2:1-10 We are no longer slaves to the lust of the flesh and mind.
Ephesians 1:13-14 Our future redemption includes returning to God’s original family plan and inheriting the land.
The post Redeemed first appeared on Living Hope.
The outpouring of God’s spirit on Pentecost marked a massive step forward in God’s plans to redeem the world. At Babel, He had divided up humanity, confused the languages, and assigned the nations deputy rulers from His divine council. Through the work of His Messiah, Jesus, and the outpouring of the spirit, God has begun the process of taking the nations back that will ultimately culminate in His Kingdom coming on earth.
Acts 2:1-12 Fifty days after Christ’s crucifixion, his followers waited in Jerusalem for the promised spirit. Jews from many nations around the world were present.
Genesis 10:1-12 The table of nations includes seventy names of individuals who descended from Noah’s three sons.
Genesis 11:1-9 The world had united and cooperated to build a tower to make a name for themselves. God spoke to His divine council and then confused the languages.
Deuteronomy 32:7-9; 4:19-20 Centuries later, Moses referred to the Babel incident and said Yahweh divided up humankind according to the number of the gods.
Psalm 82:1-8 The gods that Yahweh put in charge of the nations acted corruptly and showed partiality to the wicked. They are under God’s judgement.
Acts 2:1-12 Pentecost marked the moment when God began to dwell within His people via the spirit. Furthermore, it initiates His effort to take the nations back.
Revelation 5:9-10 In the end, God will succeed. His kingdom will have saints from every tribe, language, people, and nation. They will reign as His priests upon the earth.
The post Pentecost Reversing Babel first appeared on Living Hope.
Mother’s Day may not be a Christian holiday, but the Scriptures clearly set out how God views a mother and the importance of the goodness of this woman as it relates to the goodness of God. There are numerous stories in the Bible about mothers who were good women such as Hagar, Hannah, Esther, Ruth, and Elizabeth, alongside stories of non-mothers, those spiritual good women such as Miriam, Martha, and Mary Magdalene. In this sharing, the “mother of all the living” – Eve, the Proverbs 31 woman, and Abigail will exemplify God’s perspective of “a good woman”.
Mother’s Day may not be a Christian holiday, but the Scriptures clearly set out how God views a mother and the importance of the goodness of this woman as it relates to the goodness of God.
Psalm 139:13-14
These are beautiful words to think about (as David did) of how God wove us in our mother’s womb, and we can give thanks for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Ephesians 6:1-3
There is a spiritual and physical consequence to honoring our mothers and fathers. It does not say honor your mother only on a designated day, but we are to give honor to our mothers every day.
Proverbs 31:10; 25-26; 30
This proverb of wisdom and instruction: Who can find a good woman? She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. This woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.
Genesis 1:1, 3, 10, 12;18, 21, 26, 31
Genesis 2:21-24
Genesis 3:20
Eve was very good in God’s creation and the mother of all the living.
The word “good” in the verses in Genesis are the Hebrew word tob. In the Greek, “good” is kalos agathos, chrestos and often appears in a nonmoral sense in Scripture, like in a good appearance, good land, good gold, good soil, good wine. But most of the biblical uses of the word “good” have to do with moral qualities.
Psalm 86:5 For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You.
Psalm 34:8 O Taste and see that the LORD is good, how blessed is the man who takes refuge in him;
In Scripture, His goodness appears most clearly in His dealings with people.
Psalm 26:3 Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Romans 2:4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and tolerable and patience, not knowing that the kindness (goodness) of God leads you to repentance?
In the Scripture, goodness always involves particular ways of behaving. Because God is good, He is good to His people; when people are good, they behave decently toward each other, based on God’s goodness to them.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
In Galatians 5:22, goodness is a fruit of the Spirit.
1 Samuel 25:3, 10, 18-19, 22-33, 39
We have the biblical record of Abigail, a good woman of understanding. She trusted and had faith in the goodness of her God, Yahweh. Abigail ended up marrying King David and gave birth to their son, Chileab.
The post A Good Woman first appeared on Living Hope.
God invites us to join him in the work he is doing in the world. He equips us for good works by bestowing God-given talents, resources, and a heart to serve. Paul encouraged Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV). What gifts has God entrusted you with? How can you use them for his glory?
Ephesians 2:10 We aren’t saved by works, but we are saved for works. God invites us to join him in the work he is doing to repair the world.
Matthew 25:13-30 Like the master in the parable, one day Jesus will return to rule the world. When he comes, he will reward or reprimand his servants based on what they did with the resources entrusted to them.
Exodus 35:10, 30-35 and 1 Chronicles 15:22 God gave talent in art, music, or craftmanship to specific individuals so they could do work related to the Tabernacle. Throughout scripture, God entrusted people with God-given talents. God did this for a purpose − so they would be equipped for the work he called them to do.
Psalm 37:4; Philippians 2:13 God helps us to do the work he calls us to do. Not only that, but he helps us to have the desire to do it. He changes our hearts and gives us the desire to do his will.
1 Corinthians 12:4-20, 27-31 and 1 Peter 4:10-11 Christ has ascended into heaven. Metaphorically speaking, we are his hands and feet in the world today. We are the instruments he works through. We are each gifted with unique talents, entrusted with different resources, and blessed with different life experiences. Do not compare yourself to someone else. Each individual has his/her own role in the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 We comfort others with the comfort we received from God. God redeems our life experiences for his glory. What experiences have you gone through that God can use to bring deliverance, healing, and hope to another person going through the same thing?
2 Timothy 1:6-7 Fan into flames the gift of God. Prayerfully consider what God may be calling you to do in this season.
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We want to join God in what He is doing in the world and not expect Him to join us in our plans. To participate in His work we must have an awareness of Him and expectations based upon His Words.
- God is at work in the world.
- Awareness of God’s presence
- Expectation based upon His Words
Acts 1:4-5; Luke 24:49 Expectations based upon God’s Word
Hebrews 10:36; Psalm 27:14; 62:5-6 Waiting is not passive.
Acts 2:1-4, 37 As they were doing God-centered things
Acts 3:1-12 They were looking to see where God was working, aware of His presence, and expecting results based upon His words. John 14:12-14; 15:26-27
Acts 4:1-13, 18-21
Matthew 10:19-20 Expectations based upon God’s Word
Acts 5:16-42; Luke 6:22-23
Dangerously placed expectations:
- What people promise
- Wrong doctrine, Romans 8:18
- Self nonbiblical desires
Expectations that do not become a reality then diminish confidence and faith.
Acts 10:1-20 God is at work in the world. Join Him in what He is doing, not the opposite.
Build the habit of acknowledging the presences of God.
God will enable you to do His work.
Philippians 2:13
Hebrews 13:5-6, 20-21
Romans 8:31
Psalm 118:6
The post Confident Expectations first appeared on Living Hope.
Acts 16:1 Paul embarked on his second missionary journey from Antioch in Syria to Derbe and Lystra, travelling over land.
Acts 16:6-8 As they travelled, God kept dissuading them from going to Asia Minor or Bithynia—places that were obvious choices for missionary work. Instead, they kept travelling. It took them 350 miles to get from Antioch in Pisidia to Troas.
Acts 16:9-12 Sleeping on the west coast of the continent of Asia, Paul’s dream convinced him they should cross the Aegean Sea into Macedonia.
Acts 16:13-15 Lydia was a merchant of purple cloth from Thyatira. After she believed in Christ, she invited Paul, Silas, Timothy, and probably Luke.
Acts 16:16-24 Paul cast the spirit of a python out of a fortune-telling slave girl, resulting in the city government beating him and Silas with rods and throwing them in jail.
Acts 16:40 After Paul and Silas had caused a riot, suffered a public beating, and spent a night in jail, Lydia still received them back into her house.
Lydia and the Philippians sent Paul money twice while he was in Thessalonica (Phil 4:15-16), when he was in Corinth (2 Cor 11:9), and when he was imprisoned in Rome (Phil 4:18). Because of these gifts, Paul could focus on evangelism, teaching, and writing his epistles instead of making tents.
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People are “filled” with holy spirit when they believe in Jesus Christ and confess him as their Lord. But, a believer doesn’t receive only a portion or part of the spirit or even just most of the spirit—they are filled with the spirit to the fullest measure. There is no lack or deficiency. They are filled completely with the gift of the spirit.
Acts 9:17
Paul was “filled with the spirit” when Ananias laid hands on him, and he was delivered of his temporary blindness.
Paul received the gift of the spirit here when Ananias laid hands on him, but there are other ways that the phrase “filled with the spirit” is used that involve a believer experiencing the power of the spirit in various ways.
Acts 2:4
Being filled with the spirit led to speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 4:8, 31
Being filled with the spirit led to speaking boldly and proclaiming the good news.
Acts 13:9, 52
Being “filled with the spirit” led to condemning a “son of the devil” and denouncing his evil and wickedness. And being “filled with joy and the holy spirit” provided supernatural comfort and encouragement in the face of rejection.
Ephesians 5:18
Being filled with the spirit is accompanied by singing, praising, and giving thanks.
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Acts 1:1-11 Jesus stated the mission and purpose of the church.
Matthew 5-7 Jesus elaborated on how we become his witnesses.
Matthew 5:13-16 The beatitudes prepare disciples to be salt and light.
These beatitudes are intended to yield at least three significant outcomes: 1) glory to God, 2) blessedness (holiness and happiness) for the disciple, and 3) godly influence in the world.
We are different – different from both religious and the nonreligious, from the Pharisees (Matthew 6:1-18) and the Gentiles (Matthew 6:24-34).
Matthew 5:13 Salt was used as a preservative and a disinfectant.
Prayers, visibility, and sharing are all part of being salt. We are different (but not separate) from the world.
We are not to peacefully coexist and acquiesce to the world’s insanity. Christ’s disciples follow his example. He was continually out in the community modeling holiness, confronting evil, and speaking the truth.
Salt represented qualities like loyalty, fidelity, commitment, purity, integrity, and protection. Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19; Ezekiel 16:4; 2 Kings 2:20-22; and Judges 9:45
Mark 9:50; Luke 14:33-35 The effect of Christians in and on society depends on our being distinct, not identical.
Matthew 5:14-16 We are the lights of the world.
John 8:12; 9:5 Jesus called himself the light of the world and light of life. We are the lights of the world because he lives in us.
Ephesians 5:8-9; Philippians 2:15-16
The post Salt and Light first appeared on Living Hope.
Looking at various incidents in the life of Christ, we can appreciate how courageously and admirably he lived. Comparing him to heroes of old or those we laud in our own time, we see that Jesus comes out as the most impressive person to ever live. Thankfully, Jesus’ righteous life and heroic death were not the end, for God raised him from the dead!
Mark 3:1-6 When he healed the man with the withered hand, Jesus courageously prioritized the hurting man over the risk to himself and the inevitable consequences.
Matthew 4:1-11 When the devil tempted Jesus, again and again he heroically resisted the challenge to prove his identity as God’s Son.
Mark 14:32-36 Before he was arrested, Jesus had to stay at Gethsemane, knowing the grisly fate that awaited him if he did not flee.
Luke 22:54-62 Peter provides a contrast to Jesus’ heroism. Rather than fessing up, Peter repeatedly denies his association with Jesus.
Mark 14:55-56, 62-64 When standing before the high priest, Jesus had to decide to own his identity as the Messiah or find a way out of his predicament. He boldly chose truth over safety.
Seeing Jesus’ heroic acts, we are helped to appreciate how valuable the salvation was that he purchased for us with his blood. His death was no quick and clean matter, but a bloody, ugly, and protracted affair. However, when God raised him from the dead, everything changed, making it possible for all who trust in him to likewise leave the grave behind.
The post My Hero first appeared on Living Hope.
Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, eliciting widespread joy and praise from the people. However, within a short span of time, those very praises gave way to vehement cries of “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.” What precipitated such a profound and abrupt shift in sentiment?
John 1:29 and 36 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
John looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
Revelation 5:12-13 “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
I heard…”To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
1 Corinthians 5:7 For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
John 12:1, 12 Entrance into Jerusalem was 5 days before his crucifixion.
Within a four-day swing, they went from shouts of joy with “Hosanna!” to shouts of “Crucify him!”. What happened?
13 “Hosanna” is Hebrew which literally means, “I beg you to save”. The Aramaic means “Save now; save, we pray”. “Save us now.” “Hosanna” is not a plead for eternal salvation as many assume; rather, the context indicates it is a cry to be saved from the tyrannical Roman government.
Luke 19:29-40; Mark 11:1-11
Zechariah 9:1-17 What happened? Jesus went to the temple to clean it out and not to the palace to overthrow the government.
Matthew 27:23-32
Zechariah 14:1ff
God, I offer myself to You to build with me and to do with me as You will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Your will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Your power, Your love, and Your way of life. May I do Your will always! Amen
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In Luke 16, Jesus told two parables about generosity. In the first, a dishonest manager ingratiates himself to his boss’ debtors to gain favors after he’s fired. Surprisingly, Jesus says such shrewdness is an example to his disciples. The second parable has a rich man and a poor man whose fortunes switch in the afterlife. The second parable illustrates the shrewdness of the first. By giving generously to those in need, we are investing in our future with God.
Luke 16:1-13 Jesus tells a story about a dishonest manager and then tells his disciples that this “shrewdness” is an example for them.
Luke 12:16-21 The parable of the rich fool illustrates the flaw in amassing wealth amid spiritual poverty.
Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus provides a sterling example of heartfelt generosity.
Luke 16:14-18 The Pharisees were lovers of money. They did not appreciate his instruction to use money to make friends with the poor.
Luke 16:19-23 We know the story is a parable because: (1) it begins the way parables begin, (2) it includes unrealistic exaggerations, and (3) it completes a massive unit of five parables.
Isaiah 14:9-11 The Bible repeatedly says the dead are asleep. Even Jesus himself said the real Lazarus had fallen asleep when he was dead (John 11:11). Isaiah 14 and Luke 16 tell fictional tales about the consciousness of the dead to make other points unrelated to the intermediate state.
Luke 16:24-31 Jesus tells a story that was floating around in their culture, but with a new twist. The living have everything we need to do what is right. Even if someone came back from the dead (which Jesus did later), many will not believe.
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When we align ourselves with God’s guidance to fulfill His purpose, He unfailingly supplies all the needed provisions. Yet, an opposing force consistently seeks to obscure His instructions, employing fear, anxiety, and doubt to hinder our path and lead us astray from God’s will. The perseverance of Zerubbabel, coupled with the faith and boldness demonstrated by Haggai and Zechariah, serves as an inspiring example of how we should navigate these challenges.
Isaiah 44:28-45:7 Isaiah foretold150 years earlier God’s will for Cyrus.
Ezekiel 11:16-20 God promised to work in them and with them.
Ezra 1:1-11 The people who made the 900-mile journey back to Jerusalem were part of Yahweh’s predetermined plan and were inspired by Him to do so.
2 Kings 24:3-4 70-years earlier, these same nations, according to Josephus, were responsibility for the destruction of Jerusalem.
Psalm 79:1ff
2 Kings 25:1-12 The city was attacked three times over 20 years. After each siege, they led captives back to Babylon.
In the death march of Bataan in 1942, 75,000 soldiers traveled 65 miles, and an estimated 17,000 men perished.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Some of these people with them were in Jerusalem 70 years earlier.
Ezra 6:14-15 The prophets spoke boldly what God gave them to say.
Haggai 1:1-2:4 The phrase “Yahweh of hosts” occurs 67 times in Haggai and Zechariah, and “Yahweh” occurs 168 times.
Zechariah 1:1-6, 14-21; 2:1-13; 4:6-9
Psalm 62:5-9
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A life of discipleship can be described as “a long obedience in the same direction.” While in our Christian walk, we might take wrong turns and have to course correct and get back on track moving forward toward the Lord, our desire should be to develop a pattern in our lives every day of taking one step closer to being like Christ.
John 15:1-8Deuteronomy 5:28-33Genesis 12:1-10Proverbs 24:16The post A Long Obedience in the Same Direction first appeared on Living Hope.
Zerubbabel was an important leader among the initial migration of Jews from Babylon. Arriving in Jerusalem they built an altar and began work on the temple. Though the government forced them to stop, Zerubbabel eventually led the effort to reinitiate the building project. Likewise, Clarence Jordan of Georgia serves as an example of persevering in the work God called him to amid great opposition and danger. These two examples show us the value of persevering through tedium and trials so that we can be faithful to God’s calling on our lives.
Ezra 1:3, 5 In 538BC Cyrus the Great, king of the Medes and the Persians, released the captives of Judah to return to their ancestral land. Nearly 50,000 people responded to the call, migrating approximately 900 miles from Babylon to Jerusalem.
Ezra 3:2-3 After arriving, they set up an altar where the temple had been and offered burnt offerings to God.
Ezra 3:7-8, 11 Under Zerubbabel’s leadership, they laid the foundation of the temple and threw a celebration to mark the event.
Ezra 4:4-5 Opposition arose from “the people of the land” who bribed government officials to stop the construction project.
Ezra 5:1-2 Haggai and Zecahriah prophesied that God wanted them to begin the work again. Amid great uncertainty and likely persecution, Zerubbabel reinitiated the building project.
Ezra 6:6-12 After an official investigation by local and national governments, Darius I officially endorsed the work, even contributing funds to it.
Ezra 6:17-18 Because Zerubbabel persevered, God’s people finished the temple and dedicated it with many sacrifices and much celebrating.
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Acts 18:24-28
Priscilla and Aquila took the time to share with Apollos what they have learned about the “way of God.”
They were willing to give of themselves in order to shape the life of another.
Acts 18:1-4
After leaving Rome (Italy), Aquila and Priscilla met Paul in Corinth, Greece. Interestingly, they were of the same trade/occupation, and so they invited Paul to stay with them and work with them. Paul stayed in Corinth for a total of a year and a half.
1 Corinthians 16:19
Aquila and Priscilla were leaders, and they hosted a church in their house. It seems like a small remark, but hosting a Christian gathering in your home was not such an easy feat in the Roman Empire as one might think.
Romans 16:3-5
Paul does not explain what it is that Priscilla and Aquila did, but it was significant enough for Paul to describe in extravagant terms as though it were a massive risk and sacrifice on their part for him.
Luke 10:1-23
Jesus sent the 72 disciples out 2×2. There is strength with another.
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Elisha was a prophet who repeatedly made bold moves in his walk with God. His example serves as a corrective to a milquetoast Christianity that hesitates and hopes without ever stepping out boldly in faith. Is it time for you to make a bold move?
1 Kings 19:19-21 Elijah invited Elisha to train with him to become a great prophet of God. Elisha may have hesitated, but before long he fully committed.
2 Kings 2:1-2, 8-14 When Elijah was to depart, Elisha refused to leave his side, requesting a double portion of the spirit.
Miracles of Elisha in 2 Kings
- splitting the Jordan with Elijah’s mantle (2.13-14)
- healing waters of Jericho with salt (2.19-22)
- prophecy of water coming to save military campaign (3.15-19)
- cursing youth resulting in a bear attack (2.23-24)
- multiplying widow’s oil (4.1-7)
- predicting the Shunammite woman would give birth (4.16-17)
- raising the Shunammite woman’s son (4.32-35)
- purifying the stew (4.40-41)
- multiplying loaves (4.42-44)
- healing Naaman’s leprosy (5.1-27)
- floating an axe-head (6.1-7)
- predicting where the Syrian army was (6.8-12)
- striking the Syrian army with blindness (6.18)
- healing the Syrian army of blindness (6.20)
- predicting restoration of the economy in Samaria (7.1)
- predicting the recovery and subsequent murder of the Syrian king
- predicting the number of Israel’s victories over Syria (13.20)
- raised to life someone who touched his bones (13.21)
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There are many heroes we look up to in the Bible – Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and of course, Jesus – just to name a few. But who are the unsung heroes? This week we kick off a new series which will take a closer look at some important, but obscure figures who made a significant impact on biblical history. We start off with Rahab, a woman whose dubious reputation did not stop her from declaring her faith in Yahweh, in word and deed, when it mattered most.
Joshua 2:1 Two spies are sent by Joshua to Jericho and stayed with Rahab, a prostitute.Joshua 2:2-3 The king of Jericho sends for Rahab.Joshua 2:4-5 Rahab lies to the king’s men.Exodus 1:15-21 The midwives lied to Pharoah to save babies from slaughter.Joshua 2:6-7 Rahab hides the spies on the roof and diverts the king’s men.Joshua 2:8-11 Rahab declares her fear for Yahweh and that Yahweh is the one true God.Joshua 2:12-14 Rahab makes an agreement with the spies.Joshua 2:15-16 Rahab helps the spies escape and gives them instructions.Joshua 2:17-20 The spies pledge to save Rahab and her family from destruction.Joshua 6:12-17 The Israelites march into Jericho.Joshua 6:22-23 Joshua sends for Rahab and her family.Joshua 6:24 Jericho is destroyed.Joshua 6:25 Rahab and her family are spared and make their home in Israel for generations to come.Matthew 1:1-5 The genealogy of Jesus includes Rahab.Hebrews 11:31 Her faith, courage, and trust in God make Rahab a significant biblical figure.James 2:25 Faith alone does not justify a person. James uses the example of Rahab hiding the spies as faith being completed by works.
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What does God want?
Genesis 1:26-28 God’s original and ultimate purpose for humanity
1 Timothy 2:1-4 What does God want?
2 Peter 3:9 Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet?
John 3:16 Why did God give His Son? Why did Jesus give his life?
Colossians 1:27 With the holy spirit, we have Christ within enabling us to be in the image of God with His morals, motives, and desires.
2 Corinthians 5:14,15 Controls, constrains, compels, or motivates as it did for Peter, Andrew, John, James, and Paul.
16 Our understanding of others is no longer based on external, superficial criteria such as social status, race, gender, wealth, or physical appearance.
1 Corinthians 2:13 Spiritual lens – How does God see people?
1 Corinthians 5:17 Our morals, motives, motions now align with Gods’.
1 Corinthians 5:18 Ministry of reconciliation – helping people to come to God or to come back to God through Christ
19 Word of reconciliation – Romans 10:17
20 Ambassadors for Christ
21 Our qualifications
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Right now is the acceptable time.
Ephesians 6:19-20 Pray for open doors.
Psalm 37:3-5 God will give you His desires if you seek them.
Psalm 73:25-28 We must maintain God’s desires.
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Time is something we all have been given the same amount of but don’t all use the same way. God wants us to be mindful of how we use our time so that we make the most of the time that we have been given.
Ephesians 5:15-16“Watch carefully” — This means to pay careful attention or be keenly aware of something.“Unwise/wise” — Wisdom and foolishness are an important matter of interest here. There is a way to live that is wise, and there is a way to live that is foolish. Each day, we can consider how we choose to live.“Making the best use of the time” — The Greek word means “to buy up,” and in the context, it means to make the most of every opportunity. To buy up time means to metaphorically purchase that time for a purpose, and that purpose is to do “the will of the Lord” (v. 17).“The days are evil” — This refers to the fact that “the days” are filled with darkness and are characterized by the activity of this present evil age in which we live.
Romans 13:11-14We must be those who are aware of the “time.” It is time for us to be alive and active with respect to the good news and our trust in the Lord Jesus, not dormant and complacent. Now is the time to put on the “armor of light” and “the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Psalm 90:12 — We want to obtain a heart of wisdom!
Proverbs 6:1-5 — There is a right time to act and not wait.
How do we make the best use of our time?1. Set proper priorities.2. Strive to grow.3. Seize the opportunity.
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As a result of the problems we face, from political tribalism to economic inflation to the decline of civility in our society, it’s easy to lose hope. Yet, for us who follow Christ, we have strong reasons to have hope. Looking to examples like Hezekiah’s deliverance from the Assyrian Empire, Jesus’ heroic suffering and death on the cross, and Martin Luther King’s belief in overcoming, we can see how incredibly empowering hope can be. God calls us to be the people of hope who shine the light of His hope into a dark world.
1 Peter 1:3-5 God has begotten us to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ. This hope includes the righting of wrongs and the renewal of creation (Isaiah 25:6-9).
1 Peter 1:6-9 When we face trials, hope can help us endure as it did for Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:13-19:37).
1 Peter 1:10-12 Looking to Christ’s example, we can see the true power of hope in the face of intense and prolonged suffering (Matthew 27:42-43; Hebrew 12:1-2).
1 Peter 1:13-16 Hope should affect how we live. It is the anchor of our souls (Hebrews 6:19). In addition to getting us through hard times, our strong belief in the coming Kingdom should also motivate us to pursue holiness in our lives.
The post Focus on Hope first appeared on Living Hope.
Luke 8:41- 56 The details of love
Ephesians 5:1-2 Imitators of God – Matthew 5:43-48
Walk in love like Christ – John 13:34
Matthew 16:24-27 Deny self, die to self, and live for Him.
Luke 10:25-37 Involves self-sacrifice of your time, your energy, and your resources.
Estroban
Romans 12:8-9 Honor one another. Love in the little things, the details.
Ephesians 4:29-32 Seek to edify one another.
Romans 16:3-16 Be a love initiator, not just responder.
Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet each other with a holy kiss.
1 Peter 3:8-12 To sum up, all of you be harmonious….
We love others because God loves us, and we love Him. Reciprocal human love is no longer a temptation.
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Your spiritual life is an incredibly significant part of your life. It affects your inner peace, sense of purpose, mission, morality, personal growth, experience of gratitude, and even your health. As we begin a new year, consider incorporating some new spiritual practices into your life, including daily Bible study, reading Christian books, daily prayer, fasting, listening to Christian music, going to church, attending a midweek fellowship, offering sacrifices, and evangelizing.
- Daily Bible study (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:103)
- Reading Christian books (Proverbs 18:15)
- Daily prayer (Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 145:18-19; Luke 5:16)
- Meditation (Psalm 1:1-3; 77:11-12)
- Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18; Psalm 35:13)
- Listening/singing Christian music (Colossians 3:16)
- Going to church (Psalm 22:22; 35:18; 95:6-7)
- Attending a midweek fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Offering sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:11-12; Proverbs 3:9-10)
- Evangelizing (Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 10:14-15)
Why not take advantage of this season to incorporate some new spiritual practices to deepen your walk with God and your effectiveness in the world?
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The birth of Jesus, recorded in Luke 2:1-20, involved Joseph and Mary journeying from Nazareth to Bethlehem, labor and delivery in a humble room for animals, angels announcing the birth to shepherds, and their subsequent visit to see the swaddled baby in a manger. Luke 2:21-40 covers Joseph and Mary’s visit to the temple (probably forty days later) when they made the necessary offerings for their firstborn son and Mary’s purification after which they received encouragement from Simeon and Anna.
Luke 2:1-5 Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because of a census. This enabled Mary to give birth to Jesus (in accordance with the prophecy in Micah 5:2) in the ancestral city of David, Bethlehem.
Luke 2:6-7 Jesus came into the world in a humble setting with a feeding trough as his cradle. Still Mary swaddled him and made sure he was well cared for.
Luke 2:8-14 Shepherding was a humble profession, and shepherds were generally poor. God chose them (of all people) to hear the birth announcement for His son.
Luke 2:15-20 When the shepherds visited Mary and Joseph, they encouraged them to believe that God was truly with them.
Luke 2:21-24 When the family went to the temple, they made the appropriate offerings for a firstborn son (Ex 13:12-15) and for Mary’s purification (Lev 12:2-8).
Luke 2:25-40 Simeon and Anna also greatly encouraged Joseph and Mary, testifying, once again, that God was with them and that the child was destined for greatness.
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A Visit from an Angel and a Song to RememberGabriel and Mary
Luke 1:26-38
Mary was a teenager who was of low to modest means.
Mary’s confusion was not due to unbelief but a matter of not understanding “how” it was going to happen.
Gabriel confirms the promise to Mary with the testimony of her cousin Elizabeth.
Nothing is impossible with God!
Elizabeth and Mary
Luke 1:39-56
Mary leaves quickly to go see Elizabeth. Joseph may or may not have accompanied her.
Elizabeth prophesies to Mary immediately upon hearing her voice. And then, Mary responds with some of the most amazing, inspired words in Scripture—The Magnificat.
Verses 46-56 are traditionally called “The Magnificat” because the Latin Vulgate begins with “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” (“My soul magnifies the Lord”).
There are easily a dozen references or allusions to the Old Testament in The Magnificat.
The post The Messiah Will Come first appeared on Living Hope.
The Bible’s consistent focus is on planet earth. It does talk about heaven as the domain of God and His angels. Also, Jesus is there temporarily until he returns to establish God’s Kingdom. However, earth is where all the action is. It was God’s original creation, and it’s what He ultimately will restore to paradise.
Today, we’ll focus on three problems the coming of God’s Kingdom on earth will solve.
- Effects of War:
Micah 4:1-7 The prophet pictures the last days when God will instruct and judge the nations, bringing about an unprecedented and enduring age of peace.
- Environmental Dysfunction:
Isaiah 35:1-7 Isaiah prophesies of a time when the deserts will blossom.
Romans 8:19-22 Paul tells about the link between humanity and creation. Creation is groaning, awaiting the day when God will free it of its bondage to corruption.
- Human Sinfulness:
Revelation 21:3-8 In the end, God Himself will come to earth and dwell with us like it was in Eden. He will wipe away our tears and make all things new. However, the wicked will suffer judgment in the second death.
This Kingdom is God’s dream. He will bring it in its time. In the meanwhile, we can live in anticipation of this magnificent hope.
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In the end, the wicked and unrepentant will also rise from the dead for judgement. Those not found written in the book of life will be destroyed in the second death.
Romans 2:5-11 The principles of divine justice are revealed throughout the Scriptures. The righteous judgment of God is clear.
Psalm 89:13-14; Romans 11:33-36 Righteous and just are His judgments.
Daniel 12:2 Disgrace and everlasting contempt [abhorrence]
Matthew 25:31-34, 40-41, 46 Eternal punishment
John 5:28-29 The resurrection of judgment
Acts 24:15-16 The resurrection of the wicked
Revelation 20:1-15 Lake of fire (Jude 1:7)
Revelation 21:5-8 “The lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death”
Psalm 37:18-20; 68:1-2; 73:27; 145:17-21
Romans 12:19-21; 1 Peter 2:21-23 Never take your own revenge.
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“Spiritual gifts” (Gk. charismata) = any enablement that God bestows upon believers by His grace
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
The “manifestation” (or demonstration) of the spirit is a product of God’s power and grace in us, and it is given for the “common good” (i.e., for the benefit of all).
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
There are more than nine spiritual gifts. And some are better than others.
Romans 12:3-8
“Gifts that differ” – God empowers believers in different ways. The body of Christ is diverse, just as the gifts of grace that God energizes are also diverse.
1 Peter 4:10-11
We are to be stewards of God’s grace and the gifts that we receive. That means we are to use spiritual gifts in service to each other, to encourage, comfort, and strengthen the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Earnestly desire the “things of the spirit” (i.e., spiritual gifts), and specifically prophecy.
Spiritual gifts build up the church: 1) speaking in tongues with interpretation, and 2) prophesying.
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1 Samuel 1:1-5 Hannah was probably Elkanah’s first wife. In those days, it was common to marry a second wife if the first was barren. Because Elkanah was good to Hannah, such favoritism inspired jealousy in Peninnah, his other wife.
1 Samuel 1:6-11 Peninnah provoked and irritated Hannah, which caused her to weep bitterly and cry out to God. She prayed for a child.
1 Samuel 1:12-18 I love how graceful Hannah was with Eli. He completely misread the situation. Instead of taking offense, she respectfully corrected him.
1 Samuel 1:19-20 Finally, she conceived and bore a son. After he was weaned, she brought him to live at the shrine where Eli served. As part of this, she made a thanksgiving offering (Lev 7:11-15).
1 Samuel 1:26-28; 2:18-21 Hannah gave Samuel up to serve God. After this, God enabled Hannah to have five more children. Because she was deprived of having kids for so long, she was probably extremely grateful when she had them.
Luke 17:11-13 Lepers are people who had a skin disease. As a result, the priests banished them from living in town (Lev 13:2-3; 45-46).
Luke 17:14 Jesus told the lepers to show themselves to the priests. The priest had to coordinate a detailed sequence of events to return the leper to society (Lev 14:2-32)
Luke 17:15-19 Only one turned back to thank God and Jesus. We want to be like that one who gave thanks.
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As Moses was the mediator of the old covenant to ancient Israel, so Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant to the church. Christ-followers are not obligated to live by the law of Moses but are beholden to the mandates of Christ and his apostles.
Matthew 26:26-29 Every time we eat, we should acknowledge the new covenant established with the death of Jesus on the cross. His blood ratified this blood covenant.
Jeremiah 31:31-35; Hebrews 8:8; and 10:16
Hebrews 7:22- 28
Hebrews 8:1-13 A more excellent ministry, better covenant, better promises
Hebrews 9:11-15
Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:1-10
Galatians 5:1-3; James 2:10-11 Keeping the whole law is literally impossible today since Christ has come.
Galatians 3:24-25; 5:18
2 Corinthians 3:6-18
Romans 7:4-10
OLD COVENANT
NEW COVENANT
Letter of the lawSpiritDeathLifeWritten of stoneWritten on the heartGloryFar greater gloryCondemnationRighteousnessEndedPermanentVeiledUnveiledThe post New Covenant People first appeared on Living Hope.
People are not able to save themselves by their good deeds (Eph 2:8; 2 Tim 1:9). Rather, salvation is by faith in the gospel message (Rom 1:16). Genuine faith is always accompanied by obedience (Jas 2:17). Though God is willing to forgive the repentant when they sin (1 John 1:9), continuing in disobedience can lead to falling away from the faith and ultimate exclusion from the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:2; Heb 6:6; 10:26).
Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 1:16-17 Salvation is a gift of God, not the result of works.
John 15:4-6; Romans 11:16-23 Biblical analogies make it plain that endurance is necessary.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Colossians 1:22-23 Conditional statements in Scripture show that falling away is possible.
Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-6 Warnings about sin indicate that it’s possible to become deceived, thinking you can live in sin and still inherit the Kingdom.
Titus 3:3-7 We are initially saved, not because of righteous deeds, but because of God’s immeasurable mercy and grace.
Galatians 6:7-8 Still, God is not mocked. If someone sows to his own flesh, he will not reap eternal life.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 If you endure, you will also reign. If you deny him, he will deny you. Still, he will always remain faithful since that is his nature.
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Origins of Life & DeathGenesis 2:7 – God gives man the breath of life.
Genesis 3:19 – Man disobeys God and as a result will die.
Genesis 1:30; 7:21-22; Ecclesiastes 3:19 – Man and beast have the same breath of life.
Psalm 49:12,14 – Man and beast alike will perish.
Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalm 146:4 – The breath of life departs when we die.
State of the Living and the DeadEzekiel 18:4 – Man is a soul; the soul is not a separate entity.
Job 13:14; Psalm 89:48; Psalm 49:12-15 – The dead are asleep in the grave or Sheol.
1 Kings 2:10 – David is asleep.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 – The dead know nothing.
Psalm 115:17 – The dead do nothing.
John 11:11-14 – Jesus explains the sleep of death to the disciples.
Fate of the Living and the DeadPsalm 39:4-7 – Our days in this life are numbered.
Psalm 90:12 – Counting our days brings wisdom.
Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Revelation 20:13-14 – Resurrection of the just/unjust
Revelation 20:14 – Death is destroyed.
The post The Dead are Asleep first appeared on Living Hope.
We believe the gospel, the good news, as three major components – the cross, the resurrection and the Kingdom.
THE CROSSRomans 5:8-21 By Jesus’ death, we are now justified, saved from God’s wrath, reconciled, and saved for eternity. Jesus, the second Adam, did right what the first Adam did wrong.
2 Corinthians 5:21 By His death, we have become the righteousness of God.
Ephesians 1:7 Through His blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 9:11-14
THE RESURRECTIONActs 2:22-37; 3:12-26; 4:5-12
1 Corinthians 15:1-24 Jesus is the first fruits.
1 Corinthians 15:45-58
Ephesians 1:18-23 The ascended Christ is above all except for Yahweh.
CHRIST’S RETURN TO ESTABLISH GOD’S KINGDOMMatthew 5:3, 10, 19, 20; 6:10, 13, 33; 7:21-24; 9:35
Acts 1:11; 8:12; 28:23-31 He is coming back!
The gospel of salvation includes Christ’s death for our sins, Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and Christ’s return to establish the Kingdom of God.
The post The Gospel first appeared on Living Hope.
2 Samuel 7:12-16 God promised David that He would raise up one of his descendants to build God’s house and to rule on the throne forever. David’s son, Solomon, failed to live up to that expectation; as did Rehoboam, his grandson.
Jeremiah 23:5 Most of David’s descendants who reigned as kings did not serve God well, though a couple did. By the time of Jeremiah, hope was waning. God reaffirmed His commitment to David, promising to raise up a descendant to reign as king in the land.
Luke 1:30-33 By the time of Jesus, it had been a millennium since God’s promise to David and five centuries since Jeremiah’s prophecy. Still, the Jewish people held out hope that one day the Messiah would come. Then God sent His angel Gabriel to Mary and promised that the time of waiting was finally over.
Psalm 2:1-9 This second messianic prophecy tells us that the Son of God was not just the king of Israel. Additionally, he will receive the nations as his inheritance and the ends of the earth as his possession.
Son of God1. Messiah (Luke 4:41; John 20:31) 2. Son of David (Matthew 12:22-23) 3. King of Israel (John 1:49; Matthew 27:42-43)
Matthew 4:8-11 What qualifies Jesus to be the Messiah is that he has already passed the ultimate test. The devil offered him all the kingdoms of the world and he said, “No,” preferring instead to trust God’s way.
Matthew 10:37-39 Is Jesus your King? Have you committed yourself to his Kingdom? Anyone can come to him. Anyone can follow him. Anyone can receive salvation. The only requirement is total and absolute commitment.
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Deuteronomy 6:3-5 “Hear, O Israel! The LORD [Yahweh] is our God[Elohim], the LORD [Yahweh] is one!
Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me;
Deuteronomy 4:35 and 39 There is no other.
Deuteronomy 10:17 God of gods, Lord of lords
Exodus 20:1-3
The word “elohim” occurs 2,606 times, most often (but not exclusively) referring to Yahweh. Judges, Moses, Samuel, David, angels, unholy gods, and demons also are called elohim.
When referring to Yahweh, elohim means the sovereign almighty God overall. When used regarding human judges and spirit beings, it also refers to a sovereignty of a lesser degree, one who manages the affairs of others. Yahweh is an elohim, but no other elohim is Yahweh.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 10:19-22
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this age.
Hebrews 2:5-8 Angels are also called elohim.
Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; Acts 13:33; and Psalm 2:7
Hebrews 1:5-9; Psalm 45:6-7 Jesus will be the god of the new age.
Exodus 18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods.
Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11 Yahweh is the Creator.
Revelation 1:8; 4:8 Yahweh is Almighty God
Psalm 97:9 Yahweh Most High
Psalm 24: 8-10 Yahweh King of Glory
Psalm 2:11-12 Worship Yahweh; give homage to the Son.
Psalms 29:1-2; 95:6-7; 99:5 and 9; 22:27; 66:4 Worship Yahweh.
Deuteronomy 6:3-5
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Forge is a free online study resource that takes about an hour and is designed to empower you to lead a small group. Forge studies avoid technical jargon and insider Christian language in an effort to focus your time on the Scriptures. Forge equips you to get into the biblical text and ask relevant questions in a way that is engaging and interesting from the start.
The goal of Forge is to equip you to invite your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members to learn about the Bible. They require no preparation and are highly interactive. These are ideal for small groups of 3 or 4 people.
On our website, lhim.org, we are developing Forge studies on books of the Bible, doctrines, and Christian living. So far, we have studies on James, Colossians, Obadiah, as well as a handful on doctrinal topics like resurrection. We are continuing to make more, but we have enough to get you started.
Today, we are going to have a live demonstration of a Forge study. We will work through James chapter 1, so that you can see how easy these are to lead.
James 1 Endurance in TestingPrayer: With expectant hearts and minds, we seek your truth, O God. In this study, help us to be attentive as we listen, careful as we speak, and awake to your wisdom. Open our hearts to your Scripture and give us the courage to change in light of what we read. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
With your group, take turns reading the introduction and text and answering the questions in each section.IntroductionHave you ever been a refugee?
The Christian church started as a large group of Jews in Jerusalem. Life in the ancient world was tough: early on, opponents of Christianity persecuted the church, causing many to flee from the city. Tragically, violence like this was not uncommon in the ancient world. The new Christians in this situation were forced to relocate, living in new cities as transplants. Wherever they went, they were strangers, followers of a new, unpopular religion, and they probably faced all the troubles typical of refugee status. Many of them were poor, disadvantaged, and lacked the social connections needed to get ahead in their new communities.
James1 is an epistle (letter) probably written by Jesus’ brother James to new Christians who had been driven from their homes.
The epistle draws on the Old Testament Scriptures more than any other New Testament book. Unlike many of the other New Testament epistles, it’s not a message from someone to a single group, but to individuals spread abroad. It evokes both the impersonal style and the content of Jewish Wisdom Literature (like the book of Proverbs). But despite its Jewish style, James is intensely focused on what it means to follow Jesus.
In this study, we will go through chapter 1 of the book of James.
Section 1James 1:1–821:1 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings!
1:2 My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. 1:5 But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. 1:6 But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. 1:7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, 1:8 since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.
The point: James tells his readers to get to the end-point of struggles and become perfect (complete) in the faith. He reminds Christians to pray to God in faith when they need wisdom.Question: What is the posture James says God has when he gives wisdom? Explain.
Section 2James 1:9–111:9 Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. 1:10 But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. 1:11 For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.
The point: James immediately follows with how rich and poor people should think of themselves, saying that both should glory in God’s perspective of their status.Question: Compared to the secular world, which part of James’ words to the rich is a reality check?
Section 3James 1:12–181:12 Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. 1:15 Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. 1:16 Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. 1:18 By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
The point: While we will be rewarded by God for standing strong against temptation, we should know that temptations never come from God, who is the source of all good things.Question: The passage describes a process that begins with temptation and ends in death. What are the steps between?
Section 4James 1:19–271:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. 1:20 For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 1:21 So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls. 1:22 But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. 1:23 For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. 1:24 For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.
1:25 But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does. 1:26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. 1:27Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their adversity and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
The point: James suggests three ways to live God’s word out instead of just hearing it: by carefully controlling what we say, caring for the poor, and keeping ourselves pure from the evil influences of our world.Question: What does James say results from a person fixing their attention in God’s “perfect law of liberty” and then living it out?
Read through the text again below.3Section 1James 1:1–81:1 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings!
1:2 My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. 1:5 But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. 1:6 But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. 1:7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, 1:8 since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.
Section 2James 1:9–111:9 Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. 1:10 But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. 1:11 For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.
Section 3James 1:12–181:12 Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. 1:15 Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. 1:16 Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. 1:18 By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Section 4James 1:19–271:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. 1:20 For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 1:21 So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls. 1:22 But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. 1:23 For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. 1:24 For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.
1:25 But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does. 1:26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. 1:27Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their adversity and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Discussion and application questions1. In the first verse of the letter, James calls himself a “slave” of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Does anything surprise you about that? Contrast this perspective to modern, secular devotion to a cause. 2. James says that the testing of our faith through trials and difficulties produces endurance and leads to us not lacking anything. Can you think of a difficulty you went through that made you more well-equipped? 3. James contrasts two types of listeners: the forgetful hearer, and the one who focuses on God’s word. What is the difference in outcomes for these two? How do they speak? How do they listen? How do they impact the disadvantaged? 4. Compare verses 19–20 (James’ perspective on anger) to Genesis 4:1–8. What do these verses tell you about the biblical perspective on human anger? 5. In verse 25, James calls God’s directions “the perfect law of liberty” and then follows it with things we should do. Do you think James’ directions sound like “liberty”? Can you think of a sense in which James’ instructions could be freeing?
ConclusionChallenge: When you are tempted to speak quickly or in anger this week, slow down. Pray to God that he would help you to be faithful to his commands and merciful like he is.
Blessing: May you see the good fruit of trials and seek God’s wisdom in faith. May your willingness to live out God’s teaching lead to a life of blessing.
CHECK OUT FORGEThe post Introducing Forge first appeared on Living Hope.
The Hebrew word “shalom” means more than just “calm” or “no war”. It carries with it the idea of completeness, wholeness. Shalom is about all the pieces being together and in the right place. This Old Testament understanding serves as the foundation of the New Testament use of “peace” as well.
Jesus’ life wasn’t marked by tranquility and quiet all the time, and yet he had peace. The peace of Jesus flowed from his relationship with his Father.
Luke 4:28-30 – wild moment in the synagogue
Matthew 8 – a day in the life of Jesus
John 14:27 – Jesus gives us his peace.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
The world we live in makes it hard to have peace and the devil wants to rob us of our peace – we need to fight for peace!
There are two parts of our fight for peace:1 – Practical Fight2 – Spiritual Fight
Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
Philippians 4:6-9 – Peace of God will guard your hearts and minds
Romans 16:20a – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”
The post Fighting For Peace first appeared on Living Hope.
5:1 “Therefore” relates back to 4:19. Suffering is a major theme in 1 Peter, so elders are instructed to shepherd the family.
1:1, 6 Those who first received the letter lived in a difficult situation and were suffering.
1:10-11 With Christ, we see the suffering followed by the glories.
2:19-23 Jesus is an example of suffering rightly.
3:14-17 We are blessed when we suffer for the sake of righteousness.
4:1, 13 Rejoice in the suffering because you will share in the exaltation.
4:16-19 God will do right for you if you suffer the right way as Christ did.
5:1, 8 The comparison to a shepherd is apropos. Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 17:34-37; Acts 20:28-31
We are to exercise oversight as a watchman. Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-9
1 Peter 5:2 Godly motivation is mandatory. “Sordid” means ignoble action and motives arousing moral distaste and contempt.
4 There is reward for doing it right, just as there is reward dealing with suffering the right way.
6 Humble – 1 Peter 3:8; James 4:6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 18:1-4
7 Psalms 16:8; 21:7; 27:14; 37:5; 55:22; 62:2, 8
8 Romans 13:11-13; Ephesians 5:13-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-9
1 Peter 1:3-4
The post Stand Firm first appeared on Living Hope.
1 Peter 4:1-2 As we saw in chapter 3, suffering is likely if you are faithful to Christ. However, when suffering comes, this is an opportunity to face it the way Jesus did. Stephen provides a sterling example of courageously paying the ultimate sacrifice with forgiveness rather than vengeance in his heart (Acts 6:9-7:1, 54-60).
1 Peter 4:3-5 As Christians, we no longer indulge in the harmful behaviors of the nations. Your old friends may criticize your new lifestyle, but that’s ok. God is your judge and theirs.
1 Peter 4:6-8 As important as self-control is for the Christian life, loving one another still reigns supreme. Rather than sticking it to brothers and sisters who offend you, you can let it go, “For love covers a multitude of sins” (Prov 10:12).
1 Peter 4:9 Understandably, hospitality is waning in our society today. It requires time, money, preparation, cleaning, cooking, and vulnerability. Still, it’s a key way you can show love both to the household of faith as well as unbelievers.
1 Peter 4:10-11 The basis of our service to God and His people is God’s generous gifting to us. Do what God has called you to do with zeal.
1 Peter 4:12-19 Once again, we return to suffering. Don’t be ashamed of suffering as a Christian; instead, glorify God in that name. As we suffer, let’s entrust our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good.
The post Authentic Christian Living first appeared on Living Hope.
1 Peter 3:8 Peter lists out a phenomenal collection of virtues for us to live out in community. We should seek unity, sympathy, love, tender hearts, and humble minds. Living this way not only makes for a better life, but it also testifies to visitors that Christianity works.
1 Peter 3:9 Nonretaliation takes great strength. It’s easy to strike back, taking an eye for an eye. As the people who have received blessings because of Christ, we can afford to be generous in blessing others, even when they curse us.
1 Peter 3:10-12 Regardless of what others do, we are to keep our tongue from evil and pursue peace. This calling is nothing new. (See Psalm 34). However, it remains incredibly relevant and challenging.
1 Peter 3:13-17 When living in an antagonistic society, it’s important to be zealous for doing good deeds and prepared for those who question us. Still, when we give others our reasons for belief, we must be careful to communicate with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:18-22 Jesus is our example. He too suffered. We can look to his heroic journey and take courage realizing that God vindicated him and enthroned him above the angels, authorities, and powers.
The post Suffering Well first appeared on Living Hope.
1 Peter 2:11-12 As Christians we are “sojourners and exiles” from this world. Like immigrants, we have our own unique culture and way of doing life. Since the “Gentiles” are watching, we should live honorably and do good deeds so they will glorify God.
Peter covers three categories of submission. All Christians should be subject to the government; slaves, to their masters; and wives, to their husbands.
Submitting to the government1 Peter 2:13-17 The apostle commands Christians to be subject to the government. We know from other Scriptures that in certain situations it’s right to disobey the government (Acts 4:5-6, 18-20), but our default should be obedience and honor, even if the leader is sinful.
Submitting to masters1 Peter 2:18-25 Slavery was a normal part of the ancient world. Peter’s focus is not on the injustice of slavery, but on the practical question of how Christian slaves should live. Amazingly, he compares suffering abuse from a bad master to the suffering of Christ himself.
Submitting to husbands1 Peter 3:1-7 Wives are to be subject to their husbands, even if they are not Christians. Rather than focusing on their looks, they should develop their character. Christian husbands must live with their wives in an understanding way and show them honor.
The post Christian Submission first appeared on Living Hope.
1 Peter 1:23 & Isaiah 40:1-11 – God is indicating to Israel that amidst their bondage, God will be victorious over these nations of captivity. (Psalm 37:1-2)The announcement of the “coming” of the LORD to intervene and deliver the people from bondage brings hope!Romans 8:16-18 – The greatest act ever completed for God’s glory and the world’s salvation was a sacrificial act of suffering by Jesus. We too can join in & glorify God during sacrifice/suffering.1 Peter 2:9-10 – You are chosen, set apart, to proclaim the excellencies of God.Ex. 28:36-37; Numbers 6:22-27; Deut. 26:18-19 –High Priest was set apart, holy belonging to YHWH and “bears His name”; Israelites are then also called to bear (carry) God’s name & represent Him in holiness.We too are called to bear God’s name, to represent Him in holiness. Called to be holy as He is holy! 1 Peter 2:2-3 – The start to this is tasting and seeing God’s goodness. (1 Samuel 18-21)1 Peter 2:4-8 – God’s goodness and mercy is best tasted through the cornerstone of Jesus (2 Samuel 7:1-14, Psalm 118:21-25, Isaiah 28:16). 1 Peter 2:10 – We have become God’s people through mercy alone. (Hosea 2:23)“The Hebrew word for “holy” literally means “separate” or “set apart.” (Not a cultural fit in)1 Peter 1:13 – We are to put off our former lusts & conformity to the world and grow in holiness.1 Peter 2:1 – We are to put aside the “old man” and conformity with the world.1 Peter 2:11-12 – Keep excellent behavior; abstain from fleshly lusts. The time has passed for these things.Mark 12:1-11 – To reject this calling of holy living is to reject the chief cornerstone of Jesus.Titus 3:5 – Only by the washing of regeneration & renewing by the holy spirit are we able to live holy.Galatians 5 – God’s holy spirit should generate fruitful living from us that will testify to the world.
The post Chosen & Set Apart first appeared on Living Hope.
1 Peter 1:1 Aliens from another country or foreigners in the world because of our faith (1 Peter 2:11). Our true citizenship is in heaven awaiting God’s Kingdom.
- Chosen according to God’s foreknowledge – Ephesians 1:4
- The sanctifying work of the spirit – Titus 3:3-6
- To obey Jesus Christ – Romans 10:9-10
- “Be sprinkled with his blood” has three aspects: 1) ratified the new covenant, 2) cleansing, and 3) forgiveness.
- Reserved in heaven.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 15:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; 3:14; John 20:17; Matthew 2:15; 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35; Acts 13:33; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 1:5; 2 Peter 1:17
4 This living hope is not subject to decay, destruction, or deterioration in any way. It is completely free from any form of contamination, impurity, or sin and is eternal and unchanging.
5 Already, not yet salvation. We have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved when Christ returns.
6 We greatly rejoice even though we have various trials.
7 We will receive praise, glory, and honor from Jesus if we remain faithful.
8 We greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible.
13 Prepare your minds; Christ is coming back.
14 We are not like everyone else in the world.
15 We are saints (holy ones), so we live holy.
17 Everyone is subject to judgment, so live accordingly.
22 Sincere, fervent love
25 We are born again by the living and enduring Word of God.
The post Living Hope first appeared on Living Hope.
What are investments?There are different kinds of investments—financial, physical, relationships, business, etc.
An investment is the “commitment of finances, assets, or resources toward a future benefit or advantage that you believe will result in a positive return.”
An investor is someone that believes in the work of the company and is willing to give significant effort or contributions in order to support the launch of the company.
God has invested in us.1 John 4:7-10a
God made the first move. He was the one who invested in us. We didn’t deserve the investment, but God believed that we were worth it; we were worth the cost of his Son.
1 Peter 1:19-21
Our investments in life are not as costly as God’s investment in us.
But God has also invested in us in various other ways as well.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Each person has received a gift from God (e.g., an ability, skill, or competency).
Other people have invested in us.Acts 11:19-24
Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”; Acts 4:36)
Acts 9:26-30
The key about investing in people like Barnabas did is that sometimes people need a little help getting past a hurdle. They need a little support to overcome some obstacle that seems to be blocking their way forward.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Titus 2:1-8
We need to invest in others.Titus 2:7
Part of how we can invest in others is to be a model of Christ-likeness.
“Sermon’s We See” by Edgar Guest
1 John 4:10b
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Judges 2:6-10
God has invested so much in you directly by specials giftings to serve him and through others who have invested in you. You have so much to give to others! Don’t let it go to waste.
The post Investments That Really Matter first appeared on Living Hope.
Luke 4:31–37 Right from the beginning of his ministry, Jesus encountered the spirit of an unclean demon. Strangely, the demonized man asked Jesus, “Have you come to destroy us?”
Luke 4:40–41 Jesus was able to cast out demons hour after hour. Apparently, this was a common affliction in this time and place. They recognized him and cried out, “You are the son of God,” but Jesus made them be quiet.
Luke 8:1–2 Some people fell victim to the infestation of multiple demons at once.
Luke 8:26–33 The Gerasene demoniac lived among the tombs, naked, crying out night and day, and cutting himself with stones. (See Mark 5:5.) This poor man had no peace, no community, and no future. In a moment, Jesus set him free.
Luke 9:37–43 In this case, the demon caused convulsions and foaming at the mouth. Although the disciples couldn’t cast it out, Jesus could.
Luke 11:14–26 Demons are part of Satan’s kingdom. After a spirit leaves his “house,” it can return with several others, making the final state of the person worse than the first.
Acts 16:16–19 This spirit enabled a slave girl to tell fortunes. Paul had no problem taking authority and casting it out.
Acts 19:11–17
11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.
The post Demonology first appeared on Living Hope.
Three titles: the tempter – Matthew 4:1-3; the deceiver – 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; and the accuser – Revelation 12:9 -12
2 Corinthians 11:3; Ezekiel 28:11-19 He is called the serpent, not to describe his appearance, but rather his craftiness. He is the master of disguise and the master of illusion who presents that which is evil as beautifully good.
2 Corinthians 11:13, 14 He cannot make us sin but can present sin as a beautiful allurement as he did with Eve, so that we willfully participate.
Ephesians 2:1-3 Three fronts: 1) the devil and demons; 2) ungodly world; and 3) our sinful flesh
Three realisms: 1) we need help; 2) God can and will help; 3) we must ask for help
Matthew 6:9-13 Daily ask God for help. Psalm 35:1-3; Psalm 18:1-3
Satan’s most effective weapons are subtlety and secrecy.
Matthew 4:1-3 Jesus’ responsibility was to join God in what He was doing in the world and never insist that God join him in what he was doing. John 5:19 and 30; Deuteronomy 8:3
Matthew 4:4 Jesus believed in the power of God’s Word and that it would neutralize the temptation.
Matthew 4-8 Identifying our vulnerabilities to a specific temptation happens when we examine our behavior and ask God for help. Once you have ascertained your weakness, then select the appropriate Scripture to combat the temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 God will help.
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The devil is God’s enemy in the story of the Bible.
It all started in the beginning….
Gen 3:1-7
The devil used the same tactics on Jesus as in the garden with Adam and Eve, but Jesus understood his enemy and faced him with the truth.
Luke 4:1-13
“Devil” means “slanderer”; and “Satan” means “adversary.”
The devil is a master schemer. He rarely launches a total frontal assault. Instead, he works subtly and insidiously to disrupt and deceive.
Denying or distorting the truth is the devil’s main objective. If he can do that, then he can mislead people away from God and destroy God’s work in their lives.
Mark 4:14-20
“Don’t think of Satan as a harmless cartoon character with a red suit and a pitchfork. He is very clever and powerful, and his unchanging purpose is to defeat God’s plans at every turn—including His plans for your life.” ~Billy Graham, The Journey
People are often the means by which the devil attacks believers. He works through temptations and human sinfulness to disrupt God’s work in the lives of His people.
John 8:42-47
2 Cor 11:14-15
The battles rage on, but the war has already been won. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated the devil—God’s archnemesis!
Heb 2:14-15
Matthew 25:31-46
Revelation 12:7-12; 20:10
The post The Devil: God’s Archnemesis first appeared on Living Hope.
Jonah 1:1-2; Proverbs 6:16-19; Exodus 34:6-7Yahweh is a God of love and mercy, but also justice. He calls individuals and nations to repent.
Jonah 1:3Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh, so he fled as far as possible. Is God calling you to speak to someone? What is your “Nineveh”?
Jonah 1:4-17Jonah wasn’t faithful to his mission, but God was faithful and used Jonah to bring the other sailors to faith in the one true God, despite Jonah’s disobedience.
Jonah 2:10, 3:3-4Yahweh is a God of second chances. Jonah disobeyed, but God gave him another chance.
Jonah 3:5-10Despite Jonah’s failures, God used him to bring the people of Nineveh to repentance.
Jeremiah 18:7-8; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jonah 3:10Again, we see that Yahweh is a God of second chances. Even when God proclaims judgement, He may change His mind if we choose to repent and seek His forgiveness.
Jonah 4:1-11; Ezekiel 18:32; 2 Peter 3:9Jonah was bitter and didn’t share God’s compassionate heart for the people of Nineveh. God loves mercy and desires all people to be saved – even the most undeserving. Do you share God’s heart for the lost?
Lesson 1: When God calls you to something, do it.
Lesson 2: Respond to difficult people with compassion. Don’t hope that they “get what they deserve”; hope that they repent and change and grow. Look for the best in people.
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KingdomMicah 4:3–4 From the war in Ukraine to mass shootings, our world is littered with violence. In the Kingdom age, God will eliminate such behavior so people can enjoy peace.
Amos 9:13–14 The poor and vulnerable sometimes go hungry today, but in the age to come, God will bless the world with abundance.
An estimated 39% of people in the USA will get cancer at some point in their lives. Yet, God promises a bright future for humanity when disease, sickness, and premature death will disappear forever.
CrossRomans 1:21–25, 29-32 Even though natural disasters and disease occasionally strike, most of the problems of the world are caused by people. When we go against what God says is right, we become guilty of sin.
Romans 5:6–8; John 3:16 Thankfully because of God’s immense love for us, He set in motion a plan to save us. He gave His only Son, Jesus the King, for us so that we could find freedom and new life.
Resurrection1 Corinthians 15:20–26 Jesus’ death on the cross was not the end of his story. God raised him from the dead, showing everyone what He has in store for His children.
How will you respond to this gospel?The post The Good News first appeared on Living Hope.
Have the Right Frame of Mind1. It’s not about you. 1. It’s about Jesus! 2. You don’t need all the answers. 1. You already have the ONE answer that truly matters. 3. Understand your job. 1. Plant and water; that’s it.
Practical Tips for Effective Witnessing1. Starting conversations 1. 1. Be courageous: initiate contact. 2. Act natural. 3. Find a connection point. 2. Listen carefully, and ask “open-ended” questions. 1. 1. Explore their interests. 1. “Really? That’s interesting. Why do you think that?” 2. Engage an idea. 1. “Hmm…. I think I get what you’re saying, but can you tell me more about _____?” * Admit agreement (where you can). 2. “I can see where you are coming from, but do you think there is any other way to look at it? …What might that be?” 3. “That’s a good point, but can you help me understand _____?” 3. Evangelize with truth. 1. “So, I’ve spent some time thinking about this too. Can I share a thought with you?” 2. “Well, I don’t know if I would agree with all of that, but can I share one thing that I do know?”
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God’s Heart for HUMANITYJohn 3:16, 17 God loves humanity and wants all to be saved.Ezekiel 18:20-23 and 32 God has no pleasure in people dying.1 Timothy 2:3-4 The will of God is clearly stated.2 Peter 3:9 He is waiting until all who are going to be saved are saved.
David’s Heart for HumanityPsalm 73:25-28 David viewed it as his responsibility and joy to spread the knowledge and praise of Yahweh.Psalm 9:1-2; 22:22; 26:7; 40:9-10Psalm 71:15-18 David lived in the secret place of Yahweh’s presence.
Jesus’ Heart for HumanityLuke 4:17-18, 42-44Luke 19:5-10 We are the extension of Jesus’ ministry.
Paul’s Heart for Humanity1 Corinthians 9:16; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 6:19-20
Our Heart for HumanityMatthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 Psalm 51:10
Change my heart, O God; Make it ever true;Change my heart, O God; may I be like youChange my heart, O God; Make it ever true;Change my heart, O God; may I be like youYou are the potter; I am the clay;Mold me and make me; this is what I pray
If love for Yahweh and His love for humanity are in your heart, you will have people in your life to tell about Him.
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PrayerPsalm 106:19-23 Prayer is powerful because it moves the hand of the one who holds the world.
1 Chronicles 29:10-19 This model prayer begins with praise before moving to thanksgiving, and finally to petition.
Guidelines for Public Prayer:* Keep it relatively short. * Be respectful to others. * Keep private matters private. * Pray during your prayer * Remember you have an international family. * Speak loudly and clearly.
Manifestations1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Scripture clearly commands us not to quench the spirit or despise prophecies. We take this seriously by making room for manifestations of the spirit during our service.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 13, 26-33 Tongues are unlearned foreign languages spoken to God. Tongues should always be interpreted in our gatherings. Whether tongues and interpretation or prophecy, everything should be done decently and in order so as to build up the congregation.
Guidelines for Manifestations:* Keep it relatively short. * Tongues must be interpreted. * Tongues and interpretation are spoken to God. * Prophecy is directed to the people. * Let all things be done for building up. * The spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets.
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Hebrews 4:12 Powerful and effective – not merely a collection of ancient texts but has relevance and influence in the present. It penetrates deeply into a person’s being.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 It is transformative with the power to bring about spiritual discernment, conviction, and change in individuals.
Matthew 4:1-11 “It is written.”
Luke 24:27, 32, 44-46 Jesus did not use just personal testimony, rather the Scriptures.
2 Peter 1-4 All things related to life and godliness are within the Scriptures.
1 Peter 1:23-25 How powerful is this word? We are born again when we believe.
Acts 2:37, 41-42, 19:20; 20:18-32 We endeavor to copy what was done in the first century and not what others are doing today.
Psalm 19:7-11 The law, testimony, precepts, commandment, and judgments are all part of Scripture, and in this psalm, the parts represent the whole.
When you read the Scriptures with understanding, you are having an encounter with God.
Jeremiah 23:26-29
The post Teaching first appeared on Living Hope.
In the Bible, the word “church” (ἐκκλησία) does not refer to a building nor to the people of God in general, but to an assembly of God’s people—a congregation. This series is looking at the different aspects of what we do when we come together for worship on Sundays.
Announcements1 Corinthians 12:24-26 The members of Christ’s body should care for each other. When one member suffers, all suffer. When one member is honored, all rejoice.
Galatians 6:2 Having announcements is one way that we can help carry each other’s burdens.
OfferingDeuteronomy 12:4-7, 11-12, 17-19, 26-27; 16:17; 17:1 Offerings were Israel’s way of worshiping God. These provided sustenance for the priests and Levites as well as a sacred feast for the offeror’s family.
Mark 12:41-44 During the time of Christ, the Old Covenant system of giving was still in effect.
New covenant giving1. Supporting local ministers (1 Corinthians 9:4-7, 13-14)2. Taking care of the needy (2 Corinthians 9:3-15)3. Funding the spread of the gospel (Philippians 4:10-20)Two more for us today4. Covering the costs for our weekly meetings5. Paying for events
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Psalm 139:13-14For you created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made.
We are meticulously created, which includes the ability to sing and make music.
Psalm 147:1Praise Yahweh! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting.
Psalm 149:1Praise Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Community of worship
Psalm 121:1I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
We worship the Creator, not the creation.
Job 38:6-7On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
God’s creation sings, and we are part of that creation.
1 Chronicles 15-16David brings the ark to Jerusalem and establishes praise and worship practices.
Matthew 26:30And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn between the last super and the agony in the garden – demonstrates importance of singing in the assembly of the saints.
Ephesians 5:18-19…but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart….
Paul instructs the church to sing.
The post A Singing People first appeared on Living Hope.
The power of love“The strongest defense is a good offense.” LOVE is offensive, not defensive.
1 John 4:18–19There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love him, because He first loved us.
Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Examples of women who had fearless love
Abigail1 Samuel 25:1–39
The Shunammite Woman2 Kings 4:8–372 Kings 8:1–6
RuthRuth 1:16–17
John 5:17
“My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” God is at work in the world around us.
vs 19-21Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and He will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
Philippians 2:13“For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
Romans 12:5–6…9We all function differently in the Body of Christ. Your walk may not look like everyone else’s, but your walk is vitally important. Let love propel you into the service and the future that God has ordained for you.
If God be for you, who can be against you?? Love Makes Us Fearless
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The Question: “Does God accept me as I am?”
The Answer: “Yes, he does!”
Romans 5:8God acted first. There was nothing we did that moved him to respond. All of us, like everyone else, can be recipients of God’s love by his grace alone. If we don’t come to God as we are, we are denying the truth of why God acted through his Son Jesus to save us in the first place.
Matthew 11:28Jesus doesn’t say, “Fix yourself,” and then come follow me. He invites his disciples to follow him as they are so that they can find peace and rest.
1 John 1:7-9We need to be cleansed of our sins: both those done in the past and in the present. God promises to forgive us if we confess our sin. Hiding our sin only brings shame and further separation from God.
We can get washed by the blood of Jesus only if we come to God as we are and confess our sins openly and honestly.
2 Corinthians 5:17Christ changes everything: you are no longer the same. You can come as you are, but you can’t leave as you were. You are “new”; let the old things be left behind.
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What are you living for? What are you pursuing? Many would answer these questions with, “I just want to be happy.” But how can you become happy? Traditional pursuits of happiness via acquisition and detachment have given way to achieving happiness through therapy. Even if we are the most self-aware generation, happiness still seems to elude us, slipping right between our fingers like sand.
1 Corinthians 10:23-30Rather than putting themselves first, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Corinth to put God and others first. This was especially important when it came to eating certain meats that had been offered in pagan sacrifices. (See also 1 Corinthians 8:6-13). In the end, whatever we do, we should do all to the glory of God.
Genesis 29:32-35; 30:14-20Leah offers a stark example of living for oneself, regardless of how that might affect others. Marginalized and badly treated, she set out to win her husband’s affection. In the competition with her sister, she fought relentlessly and ended up with the victory. Even so, winning and finding lasting happiness do not always go together.
Psalm 57:1-11David demonstrates a God-centered approach to handling difficult situations. Hunted and hiding, David still recognized that the one who fulfilled his purpose was God, the one deserving glory, the one to whom he offered praise—even amid hardship.
1 Peter 4:10-11We too can act so that in everything, God may be glorified.
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Our society is fixated on power. We ask, “Who has the power? Who is oppressed? How can we fix it?” But what does the Bible say about power? How does God use power?
1 Kings 21:1-19The scene is a familiar one. Ahab the king wanted a piece of land owned by Naboth. However, Naboth didn’t want to sell. The queen found a solution that required the exercise of lethal power via deception and subterfuge. The incident aptly illustrates the typical power governments exercise to get what they want. Still, God gets the last word.
John 18:33-19:16The Romans claimed to have absolute power over their subjects, especially low-status peasants and revolutionaries. Pontius Pilate, however, appears out maneuvered by his “subjects” who insist on Jesus’ execution. For his part, Jesus does not play power politics. He does not connive or conspire. He knows where the real power lies, and he freely submits to it.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31The world’s wisdom and power are folly and weakness to God. What he accomplished through Christ is true wisdom and true power, but only to those who are called and who believe. What’s more, salvation is not exclusively available to the powerful and influential. In fact, those people are less likely to submit to God’s upside-down salvation program.
The post Resurrection Power first appeared on Living Hope.
Matthew 27:32 Simon of Cyrene carried his cross.Luke 23:27-32 Jesus talked to the women on the road to Golgotha.Matthew 27:33-35 Refused wine offered to deaden the painJohn 19:23-24 Soldiers cast lots for his tunic – Psalm 22.John 19:19-22 Placed sign – King of the JewsLuke 23:33-34 Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.Luke 23:35-37 Ruler’s hideous, scornful words directed at himLuke 23:39-43 Today, shall you be with me in paradise.Matthew 27:45-46 “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” quoted fromPsalm 22.Matthew 27:47-49 Those who stood by misconstrued his words.John 19:25-27 Jesus’ concern for his motherJohn 19:28-30 It is finished.Matthew 27:51, 54-56 Centurion – “Truly, this was the Son of God!”John 19:31-37
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John 2:4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.”
John 5:25-28 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live…Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,
John 12:27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came to this hour.
John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
John 12:1 This was 6 days before his death; Jesus was the Passover lamb that year.
John 12:8 After all that Judas participated in with Jesus, he was stealing and critical.
Mark 14:3-10; Matthew 26:3-16 The disciples were indignant about the woman and Jesus allowing her to anoint him.
To receive criticism from the disciples while knowing his hour had come must have been painful.
John 12:9-13 Quote from Psalm 118:26
John 12:14 Quoted from Zech 9:9
Luke 19:41-44 Jesus felt his emotions without sinning.
John 12:14 -23 Jesus ignored the Greeks because he was readying for the hour of his death. The words and actions of others did not influence what Jesus thought and did. His Father influenced him.
John 12:38 Quoted from Isaiah 53
John 13:1-5 Jesus loved and served till the end. He was not moved off Hiscalling.
The post The Hour Has Come first appeared on Living Hope.
John 11:1-6God revealed to Jesus that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death and that God’s glory would be revealed (v. 4). Jesus remained where he was because he believed this promise.
John 11:7-10The disciples were afraid that Jesus would be killed if he went to Judea. Jesus was not afraid; he knew that the time of his crucifixion had not yet come.
John 11:11-15Jesus understood that death is sleep until the resurrection. Lazarus died. Despite that, Jesus continued to believe God’s promise that death wouldn’t be the end. Jesus held onto this promise with intense faith.
John 11:16-26Martha believed in the future resurrection of the dead, but Jesus challenged her to take her faith a step further. Jesus received all power and authority from the Father. Not only can he raise Lazarus from the dead, but he can also raise you from the dead, if you believe.
John 11:27-37Jesus wept. The Greek words in v. 33 imply not only sadness, but anger. Jesus was unfairlyblamed for Lazarus’ death. Jesus wasn’t controlled by his emotions, but he didn’t suppress them either. He felt them and expressed them to God.
John 11:38-42Jesus always gave God the glory. He publicly thanked God for the miracle about to happen.
John 11:43-44God’s promise in v. 4 came to pass. The sickness did not end in death. God’s glory was revealed. God promises to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Even when we can’t see how he’s working, we must trust that he is. To overcome like Jesus, we must hold onto God’s promises.
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Mark 2:23-28 The Pharisees criticized Jesus for allowing his disciples to pluck heads of grain.
Matthew 12:9-14 They goaded him about healing on the Sabbath when he saw the man with the withered hand.
Mark 7:1-15 They criticized Jesus’ disciples for eating with unwashed hands, ignoring the tradition of the elders.
Luke 5:33-39 They criticized Jesus because his disciples did not fast like the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees.
Over and over when criticized by his opponents, Jesus engaged with them. He did not slink back in fear, nor did he lose his temper. If Jesus is our example, we should seek to conduct ourselves in like manner when we face similar situations.
John 15:18-20 Some will hate, and some will listen. Jesus said that we should expect the same kind of mixed results.
1 John 3:13Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
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We all face the pressure that comes from the expectations that others place upon us in our lives. But perhaps one of the greatest negative pressures comes from the world wanting us to conform to its ideals and expectations.
There is a tug-o-war going on, and we need to overcome it like Jesus did.
Luke 20:19-26
Two realms of jurisdiction are pitted against each other—Caesar and God. How does Jesus understand his relationship to both?
In response to what Jesus says, we must ask, “What do we owe God? What belongs to God? What does God expect from us?”
Isaiah 1:11-20 (cf. Psalms 40:6-8; 50:8; 51:16; Hosea 6:6)
Jeremiah 7:21-26
Romans 12:1-2
James 1:27
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Jesus’ Suffering
Hebrews 2:14 Jesus was a human being with flesh and blood just like we are.
16 Jesus gives help to the descendants of Abraham who are believers.
17 Jesus can relate to the problems we have because he was like us. He is merciful and faithful. The purpose of propitiation is the restoration of a previously broken relationship between God and man occasioned by man’s sin.
18 His suffering includes more than his crucifixion and the three temptations.
Hebrews 4:14 Three reasons for holding on: 1) he is a great high priest; 2) he is in heaven; and 3) Jesus is the Son of God
15 Sympathizes with our weaknesses
5:8 Jesus learned obedience from the things he suffered. He is our teacher!
Luke 4:14-16 Nazareth is where he was brought up.
25 Elijah – 1 Kings 17:8 ff; James 5:17
26 Elisha – 2 Kings 5:1-14
30 Rejection, disrespect, and hatred are very strong temptations that Jesus knows and can help us with when we experience them.
Mark 6:1-6
John 7:1-10 His brothers did not believe in him. What feelings must have arisen to tempt him? He suffered well and understands how we feel.
John 14:23 Jesus lives in us.
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What does it mean to be strong in the spirit? Are you strong in the spirit? To gain an understanding of this concept, we’ll consider three examples: Elisha, Jesus, and Ananias.
2 Kings 6:8-23 Elisha was a prophet of God who had great insight into the spiritual realm. He knew that God provided him with intelligence and His host protected him. His servant, however, had to be shown the spiritual reality surrounding the house. God worked with Elisha to bring a lasting resolution to the conflict with Syria.
Matthew 3:16-4:11 After receiving the spirit, Jesus went out into the desert to be tempted by the devil. His temptations reveal the astounding spiritual power of obeying scripture. Over and over Jesus says, “It is written.” In doing so, he effectively defeats the devil in three rounds of temptations. If you want to be strong in the spirit, you must read your Bible and live it out.
Acts 8:3; 9:1-2 Paul had been “ravaging the church,” rounding up Christ’s followers, and locking them up in prison. He had come to Damascus, the most significant city in the region, to capture any “followers of the Way” and march them to Jerusalem to face punishment.
Acts 9:10-20 Ananias was just a normal Christian. We don’t know anything about this man either before this incident or afterwards. Yet, he was willing to go. He partnered with Christ to bring Paul into the faith. To be strong in the spirit doesn’t mean you’re a full-time prophet or Jesus himself. It just means that you are willing to go and do what the Lord desires. When you’re doing the will of God, spiritual power gets released.
Ephesians 6:10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
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Ephesians 6:10 Our strength is in the Lord Jesus Christ, not ourselves.
11 Every part of the armor is vital; if something is lacking, we become vulnerable.
12 Our struggle is in the spiritual realm. Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:27; 5:14-16
1:18-23 Jesus is far above all.
6:13 This is the second encouragement to put on the whole armor. Stand – 10, 13, and 14
The only way to stand in this evil day is with the Lord, and the way to do that is to apply the following seven steps. Miss one, and you will fall.
14 Loins are to be girded with truth. God’s truth must eliminate our lies about Him, self, others, and the world. 1:4 and 5; 4:21-25
14 Breastplate of righteousness 4:24-32; 5:8-20
15 Gospel of peace 2:14-17; 3:1-3; 1:2; 6:23
16 Shield of faith 3:11-21
17 Helmet of salvation 1:9-14
17 Sword of the spirit which is the Word of God – knowing and speaking theWord of God are vital to combat the temptations of the adversary.
18 Prayer – we desperately need prayer to compete successfully in the spiritual warfare.
How to Stand in the Evil Day:Put on the truth; live righteouslyMaintain peaceHave faith in our LordKeep the hope in mindKnow and speak God’s WordPray with all perseverance
The post The Armor of God first appeared on Living Hope.
Nehemiah 8:1 The people of Israel had been living in exile in Babylon for 70 years. They had just returned to the land of Israel and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra is teaching the people how to live according to God’s commandments.
Nehemiah 8:2-8 The people stood as Ezra read the Scriptures from early morning until midday. Ezra blessed the LORD, and the people answered “Amen, amen” while lifting up their hands. The scene is one of profound reverence for Scripture.
Nehemiah 8:9-10 Hearing the Law of God read and explained resulted in heartfelt repentance. Such godly sorrow proceeds repentance, which, in turn, ultimately leads to salvation and joy (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). At his heart, God is not looking to make us sorrowful or depressed. In his presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
Nehemiah 8:11-12 The end point of an honest encounter with Scripture is joy, both for the individual as well as the community. So often God linked worship with festivals of abundance and sharing with those in need.
Nehemiah 8:13-16 The people came back for a second day! When they learned about the festival of booth (tabernacles), they immediately decided to act.
Nehemiah 8:17-18 Without joy, we shrivel up and can even get physically sick. If you are living according to Scripture, your life should be characterized by joy. We have joy because of our relationship with God, the source of all true joy. This joy is our strength, our fortress, our stronghold.
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Psalm 21: 6-7 Through Yahweh’s lovingkindness, David found strength.
The Hebrew word chesed is translated “lovingkindness” in the NASB and in the ESV “steadfast love”. In Micah 7 in the NASB, chesed was translated “unchanging love”. Lovingkindness, steadfast love, and unchanging love combined provide a good definition of God’s love.
Psalm 36:5-10 Understanding Yahweh’s lovingkindness with faith that His steadfast love is for us gives us the strength to endure every situation in life.
Psalm 18:1-6, 50 David’s faith at times was very strong.
Psalm 13:1-6 David is not leveling accusations at Yahweh; rather, he is telling Him how he feels. No matter how bad things may become, we can trust in Yahweh’s steadfast love and find strength.
Psalm 52:1-9 – 1 Samuel 22 God’s love provides strength in all our adversities.
Psalm 3:1-8; 1 Samuel 22:21-23 It is easy to have faith in God’s love when life is good, but it is most needful when suffering threatens to drown you.
Psalm 6:1-7; 41:3-4 In extreme sickness, David found strength in Yahweh’s steadfast love.
Psalm 25:5-8 The specific prayerful requests are articulated by a humble, fragile, contrite believer to his compassionate, loving, and kind God.
Psalm 51:1-19 We do not get rid of sickness, sin, or suffering by focusing on the elimination thereof, rather when we focus on the lovingkindness of our God.
Psalm 31:7, 8, 14-16, 19-24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage.
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Jeremiah 32:16-25 Jeremiah began his prayer by speaking of God’s awesome power in creation and in bringing Israel out from Egypt. With Jerusalem facing an invading Babylonian army, Jeremiah rightly understands this as another act of God’s power. Even so, he believes that afterwards the people will return, and God will bring them back to the land.
Exodus 7:17-18; 8:10, 22; 9:14, 16; 10:2; 14:4, 18; 15:1-2 God repeatedly made clear that His plagues were to demonstrate to the Egyptians, His own people, and the broader world who He is. Thus, God’s power is inextricably linked to His identity as Yahweh the Almighty.
Psalm 33:6, 9; 8:1, 3-4; 19:1-4; 148:1-6; Isaiah 40:21-22, 25-26; 1 Chronicles 16:28-31 God’s power is supremely on display in His creation of the universe from the moon to our planet to the stars above. Understanding just how powerful God is helps us gain perspective on our problems.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 When we recognize God as our source of strength, we can overcome and even have joy in the midst of turmoil and difficulty. If the Lord is your strength, you can tread on high places.
The post Where Does Your Strength Come From? first appeared on Living Hope.
Mark 12:28-31
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
NET note: The kidneys and heart were viewed as the seat of one’s volition, conscience, and moral character.
REV notes: Rev 2:23, Pro 15:21 [revisedenglishversion.com]
Deuteronomy 10:12
Deuteronomy 11:13, 22
New Bible Dictionary-Love Towards God: love for God with the whole personality is God’s demand; though this is not to be understood as meaning a punctilious observance of an impersonal divine law but rather as summoning to a relationship of personal devotion created and sustained by the work of God in the human heart.
Psalm 27:4
1 Timothy 1:5
1 John 2:15; 3:1, 11, 17-18
“True love places constraints on the lover, for love is essentially self-giving. And this brings us to a startling Christian paradox. True freedom is freedom to be my true self, as God made me and meant me to be. And God made me for loving. But loving is giving, self-giving. Therefore, in order to be myself, I have to deny myself and give myself. In order to be free, I have to serve. In order to live, I have to die to my own self-centeredness. In order to find myself, I have to lose myself in loving. True freedom is, then, the exact opposite of what many people think. It is not freedom from all responsibility to God and others, in order to live for myself. That is bondage to my own self-centeredness. Instead, true freedom is freedom from my silly little self, in order to live responsibly in love for God and others.” – The Contemporary Christian, John Stott
1 John 4:10, 19-21
1 John 5:1-3
The post First Things First first appeared on Living Hope.
1 Kings 19:1-18 Elijah was discouraged because his greatest public success did not appear to change anything. God worked with him by sending an angel and then commissioning him with purpose.
Exodus 5:1-9, 20-23; 6:1-8 After Pharaoh rejected Moses’ demand to “let my people go,” he increased the suffering of the people. In discouragement, Moses complained to God, “Why did you ever send me? You have not delivered your people at all?” God answered by reminding Moses whom he is dealing with and what He promises to do.
Mark 14:32-36 Even Jesus himself had low points throughout his life. Probably his moment of greatest discouragement was in Gethsemane, waiting for Judas to lead the authorities to his location to arrest him. We can learn from Jesus that the best course of action in our discouragement is to turn to God.
Romans 8:35-39 When you go through tough times, remember that God’s love is neither thin nor temporary. Neither death nor life nor anything else in creation can separate us from God’s love in Christ. This is a truth worth meditating upon in our worst times so that you may take courage.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14 In addition to getting encouraged, let’s encourage one another! Don’t underestimate the sheer power of an edifying word spoken to someone who needs to hear it.
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Luke 2:1-7 The birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-5; 42:1-4). Bethlehem was a small village. Nazareth in Galilee was considered an insignificant place (John 1:46; 7:41, 52), but it fulfilled prophecy (Micah 5:2).
Luke 1:26-38 Mary was an ordinary woman with bold faith. Her miraculous pregnancy could have caused shame and destroyed her relationship with Joseph. Despite this, she said to the angel, “Let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Luke 2:8-20 Mary and Joseph had 9 months of anticipation during which they may have suffered ridicule. Unable to secure lodging, they laid the child in a manger. This must have been difficult. The arrival of shepherds who had also seen an angel must have encouraged Mary and Joseph. Shepherds lived on the margins of society. Yet, God chose them to be first to see the Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 God doesn’t choose the most qualified. He chooses people who have the humility to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
God could have chosen anyone to bring His Son into the world. Instead of monarchs, He chose ordinary people. Instead of an imperial capital, He chose a small village. Instead of royal fanfare, He sent shepherds.
We serve a big God for little people. He looks at your heart – not your intelligence, wealth, or social status. God can use anyone who has simple, childlike faith. He exalts the humble (James 4:6).
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Matthew 1:18-19 The birth of Christ begins with a scandal. Mary is found pregnant though she’s betrothed. Joseph decides to divorce her quietly. The law was clear about this situation (Deut 22:13-14, 20-21; 22:23-24).
Matthew 1:20-21 In Hebrew, “Jesus” sounds like the word “salvation.” Jesus will save his people from their sins. Just like the Joseph in the book of Genesis, this Joseph is a dreamer.
Matthew 1:22-23 In Isaiah’s time, the kingdom of Judah faced an alliance between the kings of Israel and Syria. God provided a sign child to indicated He was with His people and would deliver them (Isaiah 7:14-16). Jesus likewise was a sign child.
Matthew 1:24-25 Joseph believes in the dream and acts accordingly. Even though there would be scandal, he chose to obey God.
Matthew 2:1-2 The wise men (magi) came from the east, probably from Arabia. They came to pay homage to the king of the Jews.
Matthew 2:3-8 Herod was a shrewd politician with a good deal of paranoia, especially in his old age. He carefully weaves a net to catch this so-called king.
Matthew 2:9-12 How encouraging it must have been to Joseph and Mary to have these visitors come! Their gifts would fund their escape and sojourn in Egypt.
Matthew 2:13-18 Another dream instructs Joseph to flee. He does not take his time but gets up and goes. In the meanwhile, Herod slaughters innocent children in Bethlehem. It’s telling that God didn’t exempt His son from difficulty throughout his life. Jesus understood human suffering.
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Who you were – Romans 3:10-18
What you did – Ephesians 2:1-3, 11, 12 “Nature” is the basic or inherentfeatures. The nature of a dog is to be friendly with people; the nature of alion is very different. The nature of humans is sinful.
Why you were this way – Romans 5:12-21 You cannot fix yourself.
Who you are now – Romans 3:23-24 “Propitiation” is the act of gainingthe favor of or making things right with someone, especially after havingdone something wrong.
Ephesians 1:7, 14; Col. 1:13-14
Because you are redeemed, you are a new creation, reconciled to God, atpeace with Him. 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 3:18
What you do now – Galatians 6:14-18; 5:13-17 You are what God saysyou are, not how you feel or think.
Why the change – God’s grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, themiracle of the new birth
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God did what He could to communicate with Israel to choose life.
Numbers 14:22-23 …put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened toMy voice….
- (Exodus 14:10-12) God parted the sea.2. (Exodus 15:22-24) God made the water sweet for them.3. (Exodus 16:1-3) Yahweh provided daily manna for them.4. (Exodus 16:11-20) God continued the manna despite theirdisobedience.5. (Exodus 16:25-30) Yahweh continued to supply.6. (Exodus 17:1-4) Water came gushing out of the rock.7. (Exodus 32:1-6) Yahweh showed mercy.8. (Numbers 11:1-3) Again, God showed mercy.9. (Numbers 11:4-34) God had a flock of quail blow into camp.10. (Numbers 14:1-4) They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years
Deuteronomy 29:1-17, 29 They had all these godly experiences to build faith.
Deuteronomy 30:1 This chapter foretells Israel’s future, some of which hasalready happened, and some is yet to come to pass. The two outstanding times they were banished were by the Babylonians in 586 BC and by the Romans in 135 AD.
2-10 This is a simple concept: turn to Yahweh and obey and He will bless you.
14 No work is required. It is right in front of you; just obey.
16-4:1; 6:5 The choice is simple, so do it!
Hosea 1:9 They became Lo-Ammi – “for you are not My people and I am notyour God."
Hosea 3:1-5 To this very day, Israel does not have a king, nor are they able to worship according to the law because there is no temple.
Romans 10:1-13 They still do not get it, but they will.
Romans 11:7-12, 25-32; Isaiah 29:9-13
Zachariah 2:1-13; 6:12-13; 8:1-15
Revelation 14:1ff Their hope fulfilled
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Deuteronomy 12:1-3 Upon entering the promised land, God told Israel to tear down any worship objects they encounter. (See also Deuteronomy 32:16-17, 37-39; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.)
Deuteronomy 12:4-7 Although some sacrifices atoned for guilt, most of the sacrifices and offerings came from a heart of gratitude and generosity.
Deuteronomy 12:11-12 God wanted the whole family to participate in the sacrificial offerings, including children, servants, and even the local Levite.
Deuteronomy 12:15-19 Sacrifices weren’t to appease God’s wrath or curry favor so He would make the rain fall on time. Rather than manipulation, sacrifices were ways to say thank you to a God who faithfully cared for His people.
Deuteronomy 12:26-27 Animal sacrifices (apart from burnt offerings) involved feasting by everyone involved in the act.
Deuteronomy 16:1-3, 9-11, 13-15, 17 Built into the annual calendar were three major festivals when Israelites would sacrifice animals and feast with great rejoicing. The rule for giving was that people should give as they were able “according to the blessing of the LORD” (16:17).
Deuteronomy 17:1 Giving defective or blemished animals is detestable to God.
Deuteronomy 18:1-5 The priests were provided for out of people’s sacrifices and offerings. While we no longer offer sacrifices, we do still give today. Jesus was clear that when we give, we shouldn’t call undue attention to ourselves (Matthew 6:1-4). However, the mindset should be the same. Rather than reluctantly or under compulsion, we give voluntarily from a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).
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Deuteronomy 5:22-29 God first introduced himself to Israel through the ten plagues when He delivered the people from Egypt. Once they arrived at Mount Sinai, God came down in a flurry of fire, thunder, and earthquake. He spoke to them audibly from the midst of the fire atop the mountain. The people responded with a heart eager to listen and obey.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 18, 24-25 God instituted instructions on how Israel should pass on the commandments and Torah-lifestyle to the next generation. These included repeating His commands throughout the day, wearing them on their arms and heads, and writing them on their doorposts. God’s commandments were not to burden the people or control them. They were for their good—that it may go well with them.
Deuteronomy 27:4-8, 11-15 At the end of Deuteronomy, we find the final instructions in the covenant. Israel will build a monument of stone and plaster on which they will write “all the words of this law very plainly” (27:8). They will also climb two mountains and shout the blessings from one and the curses from the other. The community ceremony will impress the importance of obeying God’s commands in the land.
Deuteronomy 4:23; 6:10-15; 8:11 Over and over God expresses the concern that His people will forget how to worship Him and how to obey His just laws. What practices do you have in your life to not forget how to worship God and live righteously?
Deuteronomy 4:31 Thankfully, God does not forget us. He is a merciful God who is eager to forgive when we fail.
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Deuteronomy 10:17-19 God is just, and He wanted Israel to be just as well. Injustices become possible when dealing with vulnerable people. God claims justice for the fatherless, the widow, and the sojourner.
Deuteronomy 15:1-11 Here we encounter the fourth member of the quartet of the vulnerable—the poor. God designed a debt-forgiveness program as part of the rhythm of Israel’s calendar. Every seven years, they were to cancel all debts. Even when it came close to the year of release, God still wanted His people to care for the poor instead of hardening their hearts against them.
Deuteronomy 24:14-15 Oppressive workplace practices may bolster profit or make it easier for managers, but ancient Israelite workers were protected. God didn’t want powerful employers to mistreat their workers.
Deuteronomy 24:16 Justice means the people who commit crimes pays for them, not their parents or children.
Deuteronomy 24:17-22 God motivates justice in Israel by reminding them of the injustice they experienced when the Egyptians enslaved them. Thus, by remembering they were slaves in Egypt, they can have compassion on the vulnerable sojourners, fatherless, widows, and poor. In addition to leaving the edges of their fields unharvested, Israelites also paid a tax to take care of the poor (Deut 14:28-29).
Deuteronomy 27:18-19 Those with disabilities are vulnerable in any society. In ancient Israel, God made the people call a curse down on anyone who took advantage of the vulnerable.
Deuteronomy 15:12-18; 23:15-16; 24:7 Slavery was a mainstay in the ancient Near East. Civilizations made laws to regulate slavery. Israel’s laws stand out as remarkably generous to slaves, even protecting runaway slaves from extradition.
When we consider all that God put in Deuteronomy to protect the vulnerable, we must ask ourselves, “What’s my attitude to disadvantaged people today?” Do you harden your heart or have compassion?
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Essentially, “justice” refers to giving each person what he or she deserves or, in more traditional terms, giving each person what is due to them. While justice and fairness are closely related terms, and we might use them interchangeably at times, they are certainly distinct to a degree in their meanings.
Deut 16:18-20Deut 1:9-17Deut 25:1-3
Justice is not solely all about punishing people who do what is wrong. That is the punitive side of justice. The other side is setting forth and establishing the standard of what is considered “right” behavior.
Deut 19:14-21
Prov 28:5Prov 21:3, 15Prov 24:24
Micah 6:8
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Deuteronomy 21:10-14 A woman of a village captured in war was particularly vulnerable in the ancient Near East. Tragically, rape and enslavement were the norms. However, God restricted Israelite soldiers from acting immediately, instead providing the woman with a month to mourn and adjust to the new reality. Even then, he could not use her as a slave, but had to marry her, inducting her into his household as a person of status and into the wider covenant community of God’s people. (See also Leviticus 19:18, 34.)
Deuteronomy 21:15-17 In a polygamous marriage, a husband sometimes favored one wife above another. This law offers protection for the unloved wife in the case that she bore the firstborn son in the family.
Deuteronomy 22:13-21 This elaborate scenario provides a threat to a cheating wife as well as to a malicious husband. It protects a wife from her husband lying about her virginity and metes out severe and public punishments to such a man.
Deuteronomy 22:22 Both the man and the woman are equally held accountable in an adulterous affair. This equality of punishment reflects an understanding of equality in the act itself.
Deuteronomy 22:23-27 Having an affair with someone who was betrothed was tantamount to adultery. However, if the act wasn’t consensual, then the law favored the woman’s innocence.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10 Levirate marriage was an institution designed to prevent families from losing property as well as provide widows with care, support, and protection. This law promised public humiliation and enduring shame to the man who would not take care of his brother’s widow.
God cares about how women are treated. He doesn’t want to see abuse. Even in the harsh world of the ancient Near East, He provided protections against abuses endemic to their patriarchal system.
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Deuteronomy 4:13, 23, 31; 5:2-3; 7:2, 9, 12 Covenant people
4:5-9 As they “keep and do,” they become a witness to the world.
4:32-40 Yahweh’s chosen ones were to keep His commandments.
7:1-14 Stay separate from the heathen; eliminate all idols.
9:4-7 Do not forget.
10:14-20 Stay humble, be godly, and love
12:28, 32 You shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.
14:1-2 Be holy, live like God’s chosen ones, be different.
18:9-14 Hate spiritualism, and stay blameless.
26:17-19 His consecrated people are made for praise, fame, and honor.
33:28-29 God’s special chosen people
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Acts 17:16, 23 Paul was provoked by the idols, so he spoke about the unknown God.
Understanding Yahweh
- Yahweh reveals Himself to those who want to know Him.
- Yahweh makes Himself known primarily, but not exclusively, through the Scriptures. Torah (Pentateuch) is the best place to start.
- To understand Yahweh requires knowledge plus first-hand experience.
- God manifests Himself by His grace and mercy.
- Understanding Yahweh is restricted because of our human limitations and His boundless exhaustiveness. He is too big, and we are too small.
Romans 11:33-36 Everyone has opinions about God. The majority of people come to their conclusions based upon information received from outside the Scriptures, which is why precise and accurate understanding is missing. God makes Himself known through the Scriptures.
Deuteronomy 1:3 This is in the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month. Moses will die soon; the generation that went into the wilderness are all dead except Joshua and Caleb.
Deuteronomy 1:10, 16, 19,20, 21, 25, 26,30, 31, 32, 41; 5:4-6; 6:4-5 “Yahweh” 550 times, “Yahweh your God” 279, and “Yahweh our God” 22. For 301 times in 34 chapters, God reminds them who He is in relationship to them. Their fathers and grandfathers did not get it!
Exodus 3:13-15; 6:2-3, 6 This is my name to all generations
Deuteronomy 28:58; 32:3-4 “…to fear this honored and awesome name, Yahweh.”
Leviticus 22:2, 32; 11:45 The book of Leviticus magnifies the holiness of God.
Deuteronomy 2:1-6:6 Our purpose in life is to LOVE GOD.
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I. The joy of God is experienced when we know God as _______________________ .
II. The joy of God is experienced when we know God as _______________________ .
III. The joy of God is experienced when we know God a _______________________ .
IV. The Joyful Life
Verses used:Psalm 16Psalm 37:23-26Matthew 6:31-34
Psalm 73:24
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1 Peter 1:13 Our hope is on the revelation of Jesus Christ rather than success, wealth, or even making a difference in the world.
1 Peter 1:14-16 Instead of blindly and uncritically following our cravings, God says we can be holy like He is!
1 Peter 1:17-19 God is the judge, and He has decided He will judge deeds. We cannot allow ourselves to become swept up in whatever morals and mores our society adopts. Rather, Scripture calls us to live as exiles, knowing that one day Christ will come and retake this fallen world. (Matthew 10:22; 1 John 3:13)
1 Peter 1:20-21 Our faith and hope are in God, not in whatever the world puts before us. The gospel message grounds us in the knowledge that God loved, God acted, and one day God will renew everything.
1 Peter 1:22 Love and truth are not enemies. Truth is powerful because it tells us what we should and should not think and do. Although our society has become post-truth, we who believe in God know that He sets the standards for what is and is not true. This frees us to truly love, even when it’s hard. (John 8:31-32; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Peter 3:9)
1 Peter 1:23-25 We are—all of us—like flowers. We’re here today and gone tomorrow. How can we trust what our society tells us when we know they’ll say something totally different in fifty years? Thankfully, God’s word is imperishable, living and abiding forever.
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Hebrews 5:11 Those Christians who are dull, sluggish, lazy of hearing are spiritual infants who need milk rather than solid food.
14 The mature hear and practice and discern good and evil.
Hebrews 6:1-3 Some were still holding onto the law and not faith in God’s grace.
The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment are part of the elementary teachings of Christians; yet, most wrongly understand them due to ignorance or wrong teaching. Elementary – basic, rudimentary, fundamental, essential, underlying
6 Hebrews 10:26-31; 2 Peter 2:21; 1 John 5:16
8 Jesus often used agricultural illustrations to drive home this point – the sower and the seed, tares and the wheat, the vine and the branches, knowing a tree by its fruit.
10 Matthew 25:34-46
12 Sluggish – same Greek word in 5:11 – dull of hearing
14 Genesis 22:1-18 Offering Isaac Hebrews 11:17-19
17 The unchangeable character of the Creator is stressed in Hebrews 1:10-12, and now the focus falls on the unchangeable character of His purpose. The unchangeable purpose of God sets Him apart from the capricious, contemporary, pagan deities and all of humanity. God means what He says.
18 The two relate either to God’s nature and His oath or the promise and the oath. Neither can change!
Strong encouragement denotes an urgent turning away from a state of discouragement and apathy.
19 The anchor is to remain fixed in the seabed, whatever the conditions. The rougher the weather, the more important is the anchor for the stability and safety.
20 Our anchor is connected to Jesus, not the seabed.
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Following Jesus entails two major aspects:
- Reading his words and doing them
- Watching his example and imitating him
John 10:24-28 People had various opinions of Jesus. Some believed and others thought he was oppressed by a demon. What do you think? Are you one of his sheep?
Luke 6:46-49 Jesus clearly defines what it means to follow him. If you call him “Lord,” you must also do what he says. Those who hear his words and do not do them are like someone who built a house without a foundation.
Luke 6:27-31 Jesus taught us to love our enemies and treat them the way we want them to treat us.
Luke 6:32-36 Those who love those who love them are no better than sinners who do the same. However, if we demonstrate love towards our enemies, then we are like God who is merciful.
Luke 6:37-42 Don’t judge others. Instead, generously give. Hypocrites always worry about other people’s flaws without considering their own problems first.
Luke 6:43-45 We want to be genuine. Our external fruit indicates our internal state. If you have real faith, you’ll have real fruit in your life.
John 13:1-11 When he washed his students’ feet, he humbled himself and performed a lowly task in their society. Jesus gave us an example to follow.
The post What Does It Mean to Be a Christian? 2: Follow Jesus first appeared on Living Hope.
Romans 6:23 You can’t earn salvation. It is God’s free gift.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Romans 1:16 The gospel is the message we believe for salvation.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 8:12 The devil works to prevent people from understanding and believing the gospel.
The gospel includes three truths:
- Christ died
- Christ rose
- Christ is coming again
This is the good news message we tell people.
Christ Died
1 Corinthians 15:3; Romans 5:8 Christ died for our sins.
Romans 6:1-2; Matthew 7:22-23 Although Christ died for our sins, that does not mean we should continue in sin.
Christ Rose
1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Romans 10:9 God raised Jesus from the dead, proving to all that he is Lord (Messiah).
Christ Is Coming Again
1 Corinthians 15:22-25 Christ is coming again to establish the Kingdom of God on earth—a time when He will make everything wrong with the world right.
Matthew 5:5; 6:10 Although many believe heaven is our “home” and ultimate destination, Jesus is clear that our hope is to inherit the earth and enjoy a new age when God’s will is done.
The post What Does It Mean to Be a Christian? 1: Believe the Gospel first appeared on Living Hope.
Acts 3:1-10, 16, 19
Acts 4:7-10, 12, 16-18Do not speak.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of manJohn 3:16 For God…John 3:17 For God…John 14:6 Jesus said unto him,
Billy Graham story
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 We are ambassadors for Christ.
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Itinerary:Thursday (July 28)6:55pm Depart Boston
Friday (July 29)7:55am Arrive Paris10:45am Depart Paris5:20pm Arrive Brazzaville
Saturday (July 30)Brazzaville Kingdom Fest
Sunday (July 31)Country closed (no travel)Private meeting withArmel & Kennedy
Mon-Tues (Aug 1-3)Daily double 2+ hour meetings at church
Wednesday (Aug 3)Cross river to KinshasaFirst meeting at Kinshasa church
Thursday-Friday (Aug 4-5)Daily double 2+ hour meetings at church
Sat-Sun (Aug 6-7)Big meetings at Kinshasa church for children (Sat) and everyone (Sun)
Monday (Aug 8)Purchased Bibles9:05pm Depart Kinshasa
Tuesday (Aug 9)6:05am Arrive Paris10:25am Depart Paris12:25pm Arrive Boston4:30pm Arrive back home
Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
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SPIRITUAL MARKER
1 Samuel 7:3 Forsake your idols; turn back to Yahweh.
1 Samuel 7:10 They obeyed, so Yahweh routed the Philistines.
1 Samuel 7:12 Samuel set up an ebenezer, a spiritual marker, to commemorate this event.
“Ebenezer” is a Hebrew word that literally means “a stone of help”. Stones, altars, and recorded historical events can all be ebenezers that memorialize a time of divine assistance.
Abram set up an altar in Bethel, Genesis 12, to commemorate God’s promises to him. Isaac did the same in Genesis 26, as did Jacob in Genesis 28, and Moses in Exodus 17 and 24. Each altar honored Yahweh and served as a spiritual marker that He was “a stone of help”.
Joshua 4:6 When Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God had Joshua take 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan and place them on the side of the river as an ebenezer for the Israelites.
2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 34:15, 17, and 19 God’s willingness to help is well documented with each record as a reminder for us that Yahweh is our stone of help.
Contemplation of our own spiritual markers can boost our faith today. Yahweh longs to help us in our time of need and will do so as we seek His help.
1 Samuel 17:26 and 36 Yahweh strongly supported David because his heart was completely God’s.
James 5:17-18 Elijah prayed that it would not rain for 3 1/2 years, and God responded.
Yahweh helped Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, who refused to bow and escaped the burning fiery furnace. God strongly supported Daniel when he was in the lions’ den. Yahweh will strongly support you when your heart is completely His.
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God Wants YOU and Is Fighting For YOU
- Exo 20:1-6
Idols primarily refer to physical idols/statues that represent false gods. But there are also many other very dangerous idols in life that are not made by human hands.
The Battle—Spiritual Warfare
- Eph 6:12-17
God has enabled us for the battle, but we must be prepared. We are not left helpless.
- 2 Cor 10:4-7
The weapons of our warfare are not physical, but spiritual, and very powerful for demolishing strongholds.
How to Win—Perseverance and God’s Power
- Heb 12:1-4
We have to want to win; I mean REALLY want to win. The battle is not for the timid or ambivalent.
- 1 Cor 10:12-13
We must remember the battle CAN be won. God has promised that we are not in a losing battle. He will provide the means for resisting temptation and ultimately winning our battles.
The post Win the Battle first appeared on Living Hope.
2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:3; Ephesians 2:2, 3; 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:9 The great deception we all are confronted with is we believe we can do it on our own. “I don’t need help” is the mantra of many.
Proverbs 15:8 God wants to help. He delights in our prayers.
1 Samuel 21:8-15 David knew he needed help.
Psalm 34:1-7, 15-19 The first step in receiving help from God is realizing you need help, and the second step is asking with faith.
1 John 5:14-15 Pray according to God’s Word.
Luke 11:5-9; 18:1-8 Be persistent and consistent.
Evil is cunning, baffling, and powerful; however, God is much, much more powerful.
Psalm 18:1-3 Meditate on Yahweh.
The post We Need Help first appeared on Living Hope.
Deuteronomy 4:29; Proverbs 8:17 Seek Yahweh, and you will find Him.
2 Chronicles 15:2, 4, 15
Proverbs 15:8 The prayer of the upright is God’s delight.
Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, seek, knock.
Matthew 6:5-15 Jesus provided instruction on how to pray and gave a guideline for daily prayer. The aspects of prayer include – praise for Yahweh (Psalm 106:1), acknowledgement of the coming Kingdom (Acts 24:15-16), request for daily needs (Matthew 6:32-33), receiving and giving forgiveness (1 John 1:7-10; Matthew 6:14-15), help with temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9), and deliverance from evil.
Psalm 34:1-ff Yahweh hears and responds to our prayers.
Exodus 30:1, 7-9, 34-38 Altar of incense
Revelation 5:8 The praises are represented by the harps, and the prayers are represented by the incense.
8:3-4 Incense represents the prayers of the saints, a sweet aroma always before our God and Father.
Psalm 141:1-10 God hears our prayers.
The post God Hears Our Prayers first appeared on Living Hope.
Jonah 1:1-17 Instead of obeying God’s command to go and preach to Nineveh, Jonah flees in the opposite direction.
Jonah 2:1, 10 Although Jonah tried to end his life, God saved him and gave him another chance to do the right thing.
Jonah 3:1-10 This time, Jonah preaches to the people of Nineveh: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” The city’s response is heartfelt and all encompassing. Although he didn’t have a heart for the people, Jonah’s message hit home, inspiring wholesale repentance and fasting.
Jonah 4:1-4 Jonah was upset that God changed His mind from bringing judgement upon the city. His fit and request for death betray a heart that is hard and cold toward his enemies. However, God’s heart is compassionate toward His enemies (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4).
Jonah 4:5-11 Working with him in a tactile way, God showed Jonah that his priorities were seriously skewed, caring for a stupid temporary plant while dismissing the lives of thousands of people and animals.
Will you be like Jonah or like God?
The post Jonah: God’s Heart for the Wicked first appeared on Living Hope.
Revelation 4:1-3 John gets invited backstage to see God’s throne room in heaven. What he sees, he compares to precious stones that dazzle in the light. (See also Psalm 104:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 1:5.)
Ezekiel 1:4, 13, 22, 26-28 The prophet Ezekiel likewise saw a vision of God in which he used analogies to burning fire, flashing lightning, and gleaming stones to describe what he saw.
Revelation 4:4-5 Twenty-four elders surround God’s throne. Although we cannot be certain who these beings are, it’s likely that they are angelic beings (not deceased people) who are the counterpart of the church on earth.
Revelation 5:11 In addition to the twenty-four elders, God’s throne is surrounded by four living creatures and thousands upon thousands of angels.
Revelation 4:6-8 The four living creatures are top tier heavenly beings, positioned closest to God’s throne. They are ever vigilant and probably represent the totality of God’s creation (lions, oxen, humans, and eagles). Once again, Ezekiel provides an interesting parallel in his description of the cherubim who carry God’s mobile throne (Ezekiel 1:4-14).
Revelation 4:8 The living creatures tirelessly proclaim God’s holiness, day and night. We find a similar throne room scene in Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple (Isaiah 6:1-7).
Revelation 4:9-11 The mightiest creatures in all of creation drop to the ground before God. He is worthy because He created all things. Would you like to see His throne some day? If you are faithful, you will see it in the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:2-4; 22:1-5).
The post God According to Revelation first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Jerry Wierwille”]
God of GRACE — 1 Pet 5:10
The grace of God has been most fully revealed in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are recipients of God’s grace through trusting in Christ. Everything we have received is given by God’s grace. God doesn’t owe us anything. Therefore, whatever He has given to us is completely unmerited. We have done nothing to deserve it.
God of PERSEVERANCE — Rom 15:5
Our own strength is limited. If we had to rely on what we could accomplish or put up with, we would not be able to endure through trials and adversity. But God gives us the ability to persevere even if the troubles of life are many.
God of HOPE — Rom 15:13
Hope is what keeps us looking forward rather than backward. God has a plan that He is bringing to pass according to His plan and purposes. And because God is faithful and trustworthy, we can believe in His promises and have hope in their certain fulfillment at the proper time.
God of PEACE — Rom 15:33; 16:20; 1 Cor 14:33; Phil 4:9; 1 Thes 5:23; Heb 13:20
God is the source of our peace—both within ourselves and with one another. Through Christ, we are brought into a relationship with God that heals our restless souls and brings a quietness and harmony to our lives. The God of peace is bigger than any of our worries or anxieties.
The post God According to the Epistles first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]
Acts 1:1-11 Acts reveals a new spiritual order. God gave the ascended Jesus “all authority in heaven and earth.”
Matthew 28:18-20 Before the ascension, Yahweh worked with the four living creatures, the seven spirits, 24 elders, and the countless angels.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Jesus is the head of the church.
Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus is not above Yahweh, rather alongside carrying out his Father’s will. In Acts, we see God at work with His Son through Jesus’ disciples.
Luke 24:49 God’s power is given to each follower doing His work in the world.
Acts 2:1-4 The holy spirit provides God’s power within each believer.
Acts 2:1-4, 15-18, 22-24, 33-36 Jesus is anointed prophet, priest, and king. We see God reigning in His Son through his disciples with holy spirit.
Acts 2:36-39 God is at work within His people. “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phi 2:13).
Acts 3:1-16
Acts 5:12-16, 28-32 God is working in His people just as He did in the Gospels through His Son.
John 14:23, 26
The post God According to Acts first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]
The main focus of the Gospels is the life of Jesus of Nazareth. However, they also reveal much about Jesus’ God. In fact, since Jesus always did his Father’s will, we can even say that Jesus’ words and deeds reflect God’s heart as well.
- God is a loving Father (Matthew 5:14-16; 6:5-15).
Calling God “Father” or “Heavenly Father” is so common in Christianity that it’s easy for us to miss how radical and attention-grabbing this habit was when Jesus introduced it. Although God had been known as Father in a smattering of texts in the OT, Jesus regularly used the term for God in a much more personal and intimate way.
- God is a miraculous healer (Matthew 9:1-8; John 14:7-11).
Jesus healed people constantly. After they brought him a paralyzed man, he left walking. The blind left seeing; the lepers, cleansed; and the dead, raised. What’s more, Jesus’ miracles were not only authorized and empowered by God but were also God’s express will. Thus, looking at Jesus healing people reveals to us that the God at work within him is our healer.
- God works with the lowly (John 1:45-46).
Joseph and Mary were not high status or wealthy. Nazareth was an unremarkable Podunk town out in the countryside of Galilee. And yet, it was to Joseph and Mary that God entrusted His only begotten Son! God delights to work with the lowly, the humble, the peasants. Throughout Christ’s sayings and deeds, we see God’s heart for the last to be first, for the outsiders to become insiders, and for the losers to be made leaders.
The post God According to the Gospels first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Jerry Wierwille”]
The Writings (Ketuvim) – Third division of the Old Testament books in the Hebrew Bible: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles.
—-Yahweh is WISE—-
Wisdom is knowing the right way to act. In human terms, it is the path of right living—living according to the authority and rule of Yahweh. Human flourishing results from living with wisdom. For Yahweh, wisdom means possessing perfect knowledge and full understanding of everything. No decision or action can be superior to or preferred to what Yahweh has done and will do.
Proverbs 2:6; 3:19; Job 9:1-4; 12:13; Daniel 2:20-22; Psalm 104:24-26
—-Yahweh is full of COMPASSION—-
Having compassion means showing affection and care, being favorably disposed to someone. It includes being able to understand the suffering and struggles of others and to show concern toward them. Yahweh knows what life is like for us and desires to help us in our weakness.
Psalm 86:15; 103:13-14; 116:15; 25:6; 40:11; 51:1ff
—-Yahweh is the KING—-
Yahweh is the rightful ruler of the universe. He is the one governing and overseeing the affairs of His creation, and He is the one that all people owe their allegiance to and should submit to His will.
Psalm 145:1-2; 24:7-10; 5:2; 10:16
The post God According to the Writings first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]
The best source for information about someone is that person. Although you could read a thousand websites, articles, books, not to mention droves of podcasts and videos, how could you know for sure that the information about God is actually correct? Thankfully, God has provided for us an authoritative source in which He reveals Himself—the Scriptures.
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God Is Supreme (Isaiah 44:6-20)The prophet Isaiah repeatedly and passionately proclaimed Yahweh’s supremacy and exclusiveness as the only true God. In a scathing critique, he decries idolatry as the mere result of human craftsmanship. Out of all the sins railed against by the prophets, idolatry is the most mentioned, probably because it is so abominable and offensive to God.
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God Is Just (Zechariah 7:8-14)God cares about the vulnerable in society, especially widows, orphans, sojourners, and the poor. This is why God repeatedly legislated charity for people in these categories (Ex 22:21-22; Lev 19:15-18; Deut 10:18-19). In fact, God identifies Judah’s failure to treat the vulnerable fairly as the reason for bringing the Babylonians against them, resulting in a seventy year exile from their homeland.
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God of Hope (Zephaniah 3:8-10, 14-17)The prophets also say much about God’s intentions for the future. Many of the prophecies speak of the day of the LORD and describe a gloomy judgment upon the wicked. Oftentimes, such wrath-of-God prophecies are followed by magnificent portrayals of abundance, justice, and eternal peace. Zephaniah’s prophecy tells us about God dwelling in the midst of His people and singing over them in joy.
The post God According to the Prophets first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]
To God be the glory – Romans 16:27; Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21; Philippians 4:20; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 13:21; 1 Peter 4:11; 5:11
God is not who we want Him to be; rather, He is who He says He is regardless of our understanding, acceptance, or approval.
Genesis 1:1 The word “God” occurs 32 times in Genesis chapter one and thus draws attention to the most important reality of our lives – GOD IS!
Exodus 3:13-14 “I am” derived from the Hebrew verb “hayah” meaning “to be” and is wisely translated “I am,” for the word denotes past, present, and future. When God said to Moses “I am who I am,” in essence He was saying I am the existing one, the eternal one, and the present one.
Our God’s name is Yahweh ─ Exodus 6:6-8; 8:28; 10:8,16,17; 20:2, 5, 7,10,12
Yahweh is The Creator ─ Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; 31:17; Revelation 4:11
Yahweh is the Most High God ─ Genesis 14:18-20; Deuteronomy 10:17, 18
Yahweh knows the future ─ Genesis 15:13-14
Yahweh is Just ─ Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Genesis 18:25
Yahweh is everywhere present ─ Deuteronomy 20:1-4; 31:6-8
Yahweh is Holy ─ Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; 21:8
Yahweh is a covenant keeper ─ Genesis 17:1-8
Seek God, and you will find Him. Deuteronomy 4:29; Exodus 33:18-19;
Yahweh is compassionate, gracious, abounding in lovingkindness and truth, and forgiving ─ Exodus 34:6-7
Yahweh is faithful ─ Deuteronomy 7:9
He is also our provider, healer, director, protector.
The post God According to the Torah first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Susy DiCecco”]
Ephesians 4:1
NIV: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
CEV: As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.
God called you to be His own! What should our response be? To live a life worthy of that calling.
Ephesians 4:1 (Amplified): So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation.
Paul: Acts 28:31 “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”
Peter & John: Acts 4:20 “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Esther chapter 4:1-17
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
John 13:12-15 Love and serve like Jesus!
The post Get Up! Get Moving! God Has Called YOU! first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Jerry Wierwille”]
Philippians 3:10 — Paul desired to experience the “power of his [Jesus’] resurrection.” While certainly he looked forward to being raised to an immortal life at Christ’s return, there is a dimension of “resurrection power” that Paul anticipated and desired to experience currently in his mortal life.
Some Benefits of Christ’s Resurrection
- New Birth — 1 Pet 1:3
- No Longer “In Sin” — 1 Cor 15:17
- Intercession of Christ — Rom 8:34
- Christ Fills All Things — Eph 4:7-16
Christ Fills All Things
Ephesians 4:7-16—Christ ascended into heaven and gave gifts to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Some people have these gifts; some have others.
Rom 12:3-8; 1 Pet 4:10-11 There are many grace-gifts, and we each have received a gift by God’s grace. We must recognize that our function in the body is dependent upon the gift we have received.
The purpose of Christ’s gifts is for the building up of the body of Christ until we attain the full stature of Christ at his return. Because of the gifts Christ has given, we are not deceived and tricked or pushed around by false ideas and teachings. Rather, we are to speak the truth in love with every part of Christ’s body doing their work (i.e. their function) that they were empowered to do so that the body grows and builds itself up in love.
Let’s live a resurrection life until we see the Lord return and receive our complete redemption!
The post Resurrection Life first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]
Death is our biggest problem. Many of us actively avoid behaviors that will shorten our lives while cultivating habits that are good for us. Others put their hope in scientific breakthroughs to lengthen their lives. Most religions hold out an afterlife to those who do more good deeds than bad ones. But, what does Jesus say?
Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23; Luke 8:12; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15 Jesus taught about salvation in his parable about the seed and the sower. The good soil, he explained, represents those who hear the message, understand it, accept it, hold it fast, and bear fruit. Thus, the way out of death is not only doing what is right, but also believing the gospel message. The gospel is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose from the dead (proving him to be the Messiah), and will return to establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Believing the good news (gospel) results in being born again to a living hope. We can have confidence in this hope because God raised Jesus from the dead. Resurrection changes everything.
John 19:40-20:18 Jesus died, but Jesus rose again. His moldered remains are not resting in a cool grave somewhere outside of Jerusalem. He is alive. Because he lives, we know that death itself need not be final. Because he lives, we believe we too can live again when he comes to resurrect his followers. Because he lives, we look at our world differently today and seek ways to bring resurrection life into our places of work, homes, and communities.
The post Our Living Hope – Resurrection & the Gospel first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]
Hebrews 4:14-15 We will look at some of the many events that led up to the death and resurrection of our Lord and acknowledge how he felt.
John 11:33-35 Jesus wept as he was conscious of the suffering hearts of those near him.
John 12:1-11 Such love and kindness certainly ministered to him as he knew his time was near. Judas’ judgment would have the opposite effect.
John 12:20-33 My soul has become troubled due to the coming doom.
Luke 19:30-40 Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem
Luke 19:41-48 Sorrow for the future of God’s beloved city
Luke 22:40-45 Agony (anticipation of chemotherapy or surgery or death)
Hebrews 5:7 Loud crying and tears
Luke 22:48 Betray the Son of man with a kiss
Luke 22:54-62 Their eyes met.
Matthew 22:22-25 “His blood shall be on us and on our children!”
Mark 15:34 Why has thou forsaken me?
Hebrews 12:2 Despising the shame
Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16 He feels you.
The post Jesus Sympathizes With You! first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]
Genesis 2:21–25 As Bible-believing Christians, we ground our understanding of sexuality in creation. Before the Fall, God gave Adam and Eve marriage as a beautiful gift. This is the standard or pattern for all of us who seek marriage. The three components are to leave parents, cling to your spouse (2 Sam 23:10; Ps 137:6), and become one flesh (1 Cor 6:16).
Malachi 2:14-15; Matthew 19:4-6 Marriage is a covenant relationship and not a consumer relationship, which has profound effects on how we view physical intimacy. Like a nuclear reaction, sex is powerful, but also damaging if taken outside its proper boundaries.
When we step outside the confines of loving sex within biblical marriage, we end up in a myriad of situations including cohabitation, testing positive for sexually transmitted diseases, prostitution, pornography, adultery, sexual harassment, sexual assault, unwanted pregnancies, abortions, single parenting, and homosexual activity. Some of these also can occur within marriage, but most of them are eliminated by sticking to God’s design for sex within the marriage covenant.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 Within marriage, spouses should not deprive each other, nor should they engage in abuse or coercive sex, but instead recognize the mutuality God intended for healthy intimacy.
1 Corinthians 7:6-9, 32-34, 39-40 Sex isn’t everything. Singleness is awesome too as Jesus andPaul exemplify.
The post Sexual Sin first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Jerry Wierwille”]
Galatians 5:13-18
For you, brothers and sisters, were called to freedom; only do not use the freedom for an opportunity to indulge the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, in the command, Love your neighbor as yourself. 15But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
16Now I say, walk by the spirit and you will absolutely not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, with the result that you are not doing what you want. 18But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law.
“Freedom” means freedom from the powers of the old age—the power of sin, the cosmic forces of evil, and the law. “Christian freedom in the Spirit means voluntarily offering oneself in service to one’s fellow Christians, in opposition to living in line with the self-centered and self-serving orientation of the flesh.” (DeSilva, NICNT)
“Flesh” refers to the power that is in us from our life connected to Adam and his fall. It presses us to satisfy our desires and inclinations in ways that are totally devoid of God. “It is the sum total of the impulses, urges, and desires that lead human beings away from virtue toward self-promotion and self-gratification, often at the expense of the interests and well-being of others, of the harmony of community, or of the accomplishing of the purposes of God in our lives, communities, and world.” (Desilva, NICNT)
Romans 8:1-8
John 15:4-5
Galatians 5:24-26
Be encouraged if you feel the battle raging inside you. The sign of the spirit at work in your life is not that you are free from bad desires but that you experience the war that is going on inside you.
The post The War Within first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]
Romans 11:33-36 Today, we understand in part.
Genesis 18:25; Psalm 58:11; Psalm 89:13-14; Psalm 97:1-2; Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Deuteronomy 10:17-18; 2 Chronicles 19:17 God is righteous and has the just plan to redeem humanity.
Genesis 3:14 and 4:4 From the beginning, God’s righteous plan was that innocent blood must be sacrificed for the sins of the guilty to be remitted.
Hebrew 11:17-19 Abraham, the father of faith, offered sacrifices including his son.
Exodus 12:27-31 The innocent blood of the lamb protected Israel from the angel of death and freed them from their bondage.
Leviticus reveals the sacrifices necessary for the temporary release of sins.
Hebrews 9:1ff Examples, shadows, types, and patterns are words that reveal the righteous plan of God with Jesus on the cross.
OLD COVENANTNEW COVENANTSinful high priestSinless, the High PriestMan’s tabernaclePerfect tabernacleAnimal bloodJesus’ bloodHoly of holiesThe Holy Place, heavenPartial and temporary redemptionEternal redemptionRomans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3 We were dead in trespasses and sins, hopeless and helpless.
Romans 3:21-26 We are redeemed, reconciled, justified, made righteous with the blood of Jesus by the Godof justice.
Romans 5:1, 6-21 Adam’s influence on humanity was also a type for Jesus’ influence on those who believe.
Romans 8:28-39 This is now our reality because Jesus died for our sins.
The post Jesus Died for Our Sins first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]
Genesis 2:8-9 God’s original habitat for humanity was a luscious garden full of delightful food. There were two special trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:15-17 God made clear to the man that eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would result in death.
Genesis 3:1-24 The serpent’s cunning temptations turned God’s words against Him, making Him seem like He was holding Eve back from being like a god who knew good and evil. In the end, the question was one of trust. Did Eve and Adam trust God or the snake? Our first parents chose rebellion and independence over obedience and submission. This one action resulted in devastating consequences. God cursed the serpent, the woman, the ground, and the man. The whole world (and humanity in particular) is now fallen.
Romans 5:12-21 This brief section provides masterful insight into how original sin affected subsequent humanity. Death is the consequence of sin that we all suffer due to our original parent’s rebellion. Beyond this, the one man’s disobedience resulted in many being made sinners.
Ephesians 2:1-3 So fallen is humanity that Scripture calls us dead. We are by nature the children of wrath who follow the world’s course and the prince of the power of the air. We are all in desperate need of saving.
Romans 8:19-22 Beyond humanity, our whole world was subjected to futility and is in bondage to corruption. When at last God resurrects His children, He will likewise heal the world, bringing about a reversal to death and corruption once and for all.
The post Original Sin first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Brian Kelly”]
Psalm 27:14; Psalm 37:7-9 “the Lord” = “YHWH”
1 Thessalonians 1:9b-10a
Revelation 21:1–4 …”Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,…”
Historical Background of Isaiah
Prophet to Judah 740-685 BC
David becomes king 1011 BC
Kingdoms divide 931 BC
Israel defeated and dispersed 722 BC
Judah carried away starting 605 BC
Judah returns starting 538 BC
Isaiah 40:1-31
8 Contrasts frailty of humanity with the enduring nature of the Word of God
13 “Spirit” implies the mind, thoughts, and influence of God.
14 1 Corinthians 1:25 God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
20 Our greatest idol today is self.
23 Compared to God and the Lord Jesus Christ who is called the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the nations and rulers are nothing.
28 2 Peter 3:8 …with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.
God can give us the strength and vitality to endure, remain faithful, and remain loyal.
Let us turn from idols, serve the living and true God, and wait.
The post Waiting for the Lord first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]
Matthew 6:33 Jesus told us to seek first God’s Kingdom and righteousness. What does this mean? What is God’s Kingdom?
Amos 9:13-15 Amos envisioned a day full of such abundance that the plowman would overtake the reaper and the mountains drip sweet wine.
Isaiah 2:2-4 Isaiah prophesied of a mountain to which many people would come to learn God’s ways. At that time, God will judge between the nations, bringing eternal peace on earth.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 Jeremiah predicted coming days when Yahweh will raise up for David a righteous branch to reign as king, deal wisely, and execute justice in the land.
Ezekiel 37:12-14 God spoke to Ezekiel about a time when He will open the graves and raise His people from the dead, so that they will once again live in their own land.
Daniel 2:31-35, 44-45 Daniel interpreted the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. The stone that destroyed the statue and became a mountain represented the Kingdom that the God of heaven will establish forever on earth.
Putting this together, the Kingdom is when God will establish His rule over the earth through the son of David in order to bring about lasting justice, peace, and prosperity forever for His resurrected people. This Kingdom and the righteousness that belongs to it are what we are to seek today. Thus, we are not just citizens, but ambassadors who, like Jesus, experience and exemplify a foretaste of what God plans to do with the whole world.
How then should we relate to the world? Jesus calls us to be separate from the world (John 17:13-17), but also to follow his example of testifying to the world (John 17:18-23). He was accessible and involved in people’s lives but did not allow himself to get entangled in worldly disputes (Luke 12:13-14; 13:1-5; 20:20-26).
The post Kingdom Ambassadors first appeared on Living Hope.
By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]
Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:10-18 Sin is a problem for everyone.
Acts 2:38; 3:19-26 The only antidote for the sin problem is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22-26 Jesus paid the price for our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins.
1 Kings 8:46-51; Ezekiel 18:27- 32 God has always made a way for His people to escape from sin.
David, Manasseh, Nebuchadnezzar, Judas, and Paul are all examples of our gracious, merciful, forgiving God.
Luke 15: 7, 10, 20-25 Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. God loves it when we repent and come home to Him.
Ephesians 4:17-24 We still have the old you alongside the new you, so we struggle with sin.
2 Corinthians 7:8-11 Godly sorrow (mourning) leads to repentance, whereas condemnation does not.
1 John 1: 8-10 God is not shocked that you sin and made a pathway for forgiveness and cleansing.
Matthew 6: 9-13 Judas remained sin conscience and therefore gave up.
1 John 3:21-23 If our heart condemns us, we will not have confidence before God.
Romans 8:1-9 Dwelling on your sin, guilt, condemnation does not resolve your sin; rather, it causes you to stay in sin. Light dispels darkness.
If you are dogged by habitual sin, seek help from God and a brother or sister.
The post Repentance first appeared on Living Hope.