Pg.1
Nicodemus by night
John 3:1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ( he is a very well educated and capable person)
John 3:2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him."
He made this address by night. Why would he do this at night?
[1.] As an act of prudence and discretion. Christ was engaged all day in public work, and he would not interrupt him then, nor expect his attendance then, but observed Christ's hour, and waited on him when he was at leisure. And for his own well being. Also, meeting after the light of day means Jesus and he could speak more freely without interruption or distraction.
[2.] As an act of zeal and forwardness. Nicodemus was a man of business, and could not spare time all day to make Christ a visit, and therefore he would rather take time from the diversions of the evening, so that he could have the uninterrupted quieter time of the moment with Christ, while both are through with the day’s business.
[3]He did not come to talk with Christ about politics and state-affairs but about the concerns of his own soul and its salvation. He calls Christ Rabbi, There are hopes of those who have a respect for Christ, and think and speak honorably of him. He tells Christ how far he had attained: We know that thou art a teacher
Q.1)Could there be another reason, perhaps why Nicodemus would seek Jesus at night?
Q.2)Nicodemus refers to we, assuming it to be the Pharisees who else might that be?
Q.3)What is it that Nicodemus reveals, that they, the Pharisees, know about Jesus?
Q.4)What signs are there that Nicodemus, and his group of Pharisees, refers to?
Q.5)Are there other signs that Jesus performed that attracted attention to himself?
Nicodemus has questions
John 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
John 3:4 "How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!"
1Pe 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1Pe 1:21 -23 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Q.1) Vs 3:3, Jesus’ first mention of a new birth, why did Jesus say this to Nicodemus since
Nicodemus had yet to ask a question ?
Q.2) Vs 3:4, Is this a logical question?
Q.3)What are our first impressions of this statement?
Q.4)What is meant by “seeing the Kingdom of God” to which Jesus refers?
Jesus has answers Pg.2
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Knowledge will not avail us that privilege unless we be born again - Otherwise we can not see, experience, feel, participate in nor enjoy, either the inward or the glorious kingdom of God. No external profession, no ceremonial ordinances, no privileges of birth, nor any self-righteous acts could entitle us to the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom: There must be an entire change of heart as well as of life, for that purpose, and it could only be wrought in man by the almighty power of God
John 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
The Spirit of God kindles the spirit of man, that by instinct, we begin to act on what we call duty, honor, love, self-sacrifice, and righteousness. The sin nature, which is flesh, takes rise from our first birth; and the new nature, which is spirit, must take rise from a second birth. Nicodemus spoke of being born again of the earthly birth, but man cannot but fail to sin, having been born into sin. He must seek for another birth, a spiritual birth born of the Holy Spirit. We must be born of the Spirit, or we cannot become spiritual.
Q.1)In vs. 5, unless (which implies cannot) but for a change. Is that what Jesus is saying?
Q.2)If we are born again physically, then nothing has changed, why not?
Q.3)Why can we not clean up our own lives to cleanse them from sin?
Q.4)When will we receive this born again condition?
Jesus explains it simply
John 3:9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
John 3:10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?
John 3:11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.
Christ's discourse of gospel truths, recommends us to search them out. Jesus Christ is every way able to reveal the will of God to us; for he came down from heaven, and yet is in heaven. We have here a notice of Christ's three distinct natures in one person, he is God the Son, God the father, and God the Holy Spirit. God is the “HE THAT IS,” and heaven is the dwelling-place of his holiness. The knowledge of this must be from above, and can be received by faith alone. That is the “WE” to whom Christ refersThe spiritually reborn, can attest to their experiences and know that they are true and can more readily attest to the truth of the matter. Yet there are still those who would disagree, having no experience in spiritual matters, they are sold on what they can see, hear, and feel,
Q.1)Nicodemus had difficulty with the concept of being born again, why was that? Q.2)If Jesus is not speaking about a physical rebirth, then of what birth is he speaking ?
Q.3)How can a spiritual rebirth best be explained in simpler terms ?
Q.4)Matthew 18:3- Jesus said; Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Does this verse help?
He must be lifted up Pg3
John 3:12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
John 3:13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man.
John 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
And The Lord said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live." So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live." (Numbers 21:4-9 RSV)What Happened To The Bronze Serpent? Centuries later, the bronze serpent was destroyed because the Israelites had turned it into an idol, in violation of The Second Commandment:
John 3:15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Each of the above verses carries with it a sermon which Jesus spoke during his sermon on the mount. We will cover that in our study
Jesus continues speaking of his own ministry, criticizing the Pharisees, and describing those things which the people fail to see or understand. He went throughout the area and was becoming very well known. Christ not only prayed and read, but "preached"; and the subject matter of his ministry was, "the Gospel of the kingdom", (see the parables): that is, the good news of the kingdom of the Messiah, wherefore he exhorted them to repent of, and relinquish their former principles. To receive the doctrines, and submit to the ordinances of the Gospel dispensation. He also preached to them the things concerning the kingdom of heaven. As that except a man be born again, he cannot see it; and unless he has a better righteousness than his own, he cannot enter into it: He was also raising the dead, driving out demons, healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people.
Q.1) He spoke in parables, What does Jesus mean in vs.12?
Q.2) What is the meaning of Jesus words in vs13?
Q.3) What is the reference about the serpent in the wilderness?
Q.4) Do we believe that there is another way to gain entrance to Heaven ?
Q.5) What is the implication made by Jesus in verse 14?
10 Characteristics of a Born Again Christian
1) When we pray we do so to “God our father” As Jesus taught.
2) 2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.;
3) Titus 3:5; He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit
4) 1 Peter 1:3;Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
5) 1 John 2:29; If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.;
6) 1 John 3:9; No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God
6) 1 John 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.;
7) 1 John 5:1-4; 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 by this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.
8) 1 John 5:18; We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him..
9) John 1:12; But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
10) John 1:13; Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
The phrase "born again" literally means "born from above." Nicodemus had a real need. He needed a change of his heart—a spiritual transformation. New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17;Titus 3:5;1 Peter 1:3;1 John 2:29;3:9;4:7;5:1-4,18).John 1:12,13 indicates that being "born again" also carries the idea of "becoming children of God" through trust in the name of Jesus Christ.
The question logically comes, "Why does a person need to be born again?" The apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (NKJV). To the Romans he wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sinners are spiritually “dead”; when they receive spiritual life through faith in Christ, the Bible likens it to a rebirth. Only those who are born again have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with God.
How does that come to be? Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." When one is saved, he/she has been born again, spiritually renewed, and is now a child of God by right of new birth. Trusting in Jesus Christ, the One who paid the penalty of sin when He died on the cross, is the means to be "born again." "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Opening Prayer
Father God , we pray your blessing on this study tonight. We pray that no word be spoken contrary to your will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit. Leave each one of us with a proper understanding of a born again Christian. We pray We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Jesus name, AMEN
This is the 8th study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. This study gives us some insights as to what is a “Born Again Christian.
Hopefully it will reveal some of the inherent characteristics of a Born Again Christian.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. There is so much about becoming a Christian and being a Christian that we do not know. We pray that through our study of Your word and through our interactions with our Christian Brothers and Sisters that we can become more Like Your Son Jesus in our Christian walk. We know that our wayward condition needs your constant attention so that we may Grow in our Christian faith. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Meditation
Psa 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Eph 2:4 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins But God . . . made us alive together in Christ” Rom 5:18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
Throughout the Scriptures humanity is shown to be in its natural condition spiritually dead. Since the spiritual death of the first man, Adam, every human ever born has been still-born spiritually.
Being born again is nothing less that a complete restoration of spiritual life. All of humanity was separated from God in Eden. Through the cross that separation was bridged. In Adam we have the imputation of sin and death. Through Christ we have the imputation of righteousness and life. We are either found death in Adam or alive in Christ.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
The 22nd Psalm
April 18,
2014
Gambling at
Calvary
“They part my garments among them, and cast lots
upon my vesture.” (Psalm
22:18)The 22nd Psalm is justly famous as a remarkable prophetic
preview of the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus on the
cross, written by David approximately 1,000 years before it
was fulfilled. It describes in accurate detail the
sufferings of the Lord and the actions of the sneering
spectators as they watched Him die.One of the most heartless acts of the Roman soldiers
carrying out the crucifixion was the indignity of stripping
Him of the garments He was wearing and then dividing them
among themselves, even gambling to determine who would get
His seamless vesture. The significance of this cruel scene
is indicated by the fact that it is one of the very few
specific events in the life of Christ recorded in all four
Gospels.We must not forget that the Lord Jesus Christ once had been
arrayed, as it were, in beautiful garments that “smell
of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory
palaces” (Psalm 45:8).
But He who was “equal with God” chose to be
“made in the likeness of men” that He might
eventually suffer “even the death of the cross”
(Philippians
2:6-8) in order to save our unworthy souls. “For
ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he
was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through
his poverty might be rich” (2
Corinthians 8:9).He who had created the heavens, when He came to Earth, had
to say that “the Son of man hath not where to lay his
head” (Matthew
8:20). And His few remaining possessions were scavenged
by His executioners as He died. Yet through His great
sacrifice, He has provided “everlasting
habitations” for us (Luke 16:9) and
“all spiritual blessings in heavenly places” (Ephesians
1:3). Indeed, we do know the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ! HMM
Thursday, April 17, 2014
What does it mean to be born again? Ask Nicodemus.... next week
The Mystery of Rebirth. Pg.1
God Speaks
Deu 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
Deu 18:16 For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die."
Deu 18:17 The LORD said to me: "What they say is good.
Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.
Deu 18:19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.
At Mount Sinai God had spoken to the people in thunder and lightning, out of the midst of the fire and thick darkness. Every word made their ears tingle and their hearts tremble, so that the whole congregation was ready to die with fear. In this fright, they begged that God would not speak to them in this manner any more, but that he would speak to them by men like themselves, by Moses now, and afterwards by other prophets like unto him. “Well,” says God, “it shall be so; they shall be spoken to by men, whose terrors shall not make them afraid;” and, to crown the favor beyond what they were able to ask or think, in the fullness of time the Word itself was made flesh, and they saw his glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, not, as at Mount Sinai, full of majesty and terror, but full of grace and truth, John_1:14. Thus, in answer to the request of those who were struck with amazement by the law, God promised the incarnation of his Son, though we may suppose it far from the thoughts of those that made that request.
Q.1 What is the outstanding intent in vs.15?
Q.2 Why did the people not want to hear God speak anymore?
Q.3 What is the outstanding intent in vs.18?
Q.4 Is vs. 19 to be considered a warning?
Who is listening?
Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Mankind, from the first moment of creation, has been at odds with the laws of God. Adam and Eve were the first two miscreants. Since that time mankind has developed weapons of destruction, one generation after another, until finally we now have the capacity to actually destroy the earth. God’s creation. The words of God are too condemning too true and too accurate about how we live. We are afraid of God, so God gave us prophets and ministers who are more comfortable to live with, who speak out of love and kindness through his leading us. Through Jesus God has given us a way of life from which we might escape his terrible wrath and he (Jesus ) has offered his life for us as a ransom for our sins.
Q.1 Is this verse a description of any part of humanity in our day and time?
Q.2 Who or what is to blame for the lawless behavior of those who oppose God?
Q.3 What is to become of us as a society if we do not listen to God’s warnings ?
Pg.2
Who hears?
Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This is but one of the many provisions God has made since creation that have been ordered to accommodate mankind’s failure to abide God’s law. And since the first time God had to shed blood to cover the sin of Adam and Eve, the scarlet thread of redemption leads us all the way through the bible to this the very peak of our existence. It is a reference to being born again, a spiritual re birth which changes our carnal nature to a Christian nature. A nature driven by love for God because of what Jesus Christ has done.
Q.1 What things change when Jesus comes into our hearts?
Q.2 Isn’t it our decision that causes us to be righteous, and isn’t that how it starts?
Q.3 Can we explain the phrase in vs. 5 “ washing of rebirth and renewal by the holy spirit”?
Q.4 How does the Holy Spirit work in the soul of mankind?
Q.5 Justified by his Grace, what does that mean?
It’s all about conflict
Psalm 33:10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Even today our worlds collide, we have enemies, they have enemies, and all are ruled by leaders who are all subject to corruption. There is no real peace except the love of Jesus Christ be in our soul. And that is delivered to all who earnestly seek his saving grace for their life, and are born again in spirit.
Q.1 “Gone With The Wind”& “War And Peace” Two great novels what are your thoughts?
Q.2 Do we find it difficult to be righteous in all our daily activity?
Q.3 Why will being righteous in all our life not proffer our salvation?
Q.4 Can we actually believe this statement in vs. 10? Can you cite an example?
Q.6 Can we get beyond eternal conflict, or must there always be animosity?
Q.7 What is meant by “ the purposes of his heart” in vs. 11?
Pg.3
God is everywhere, all the time
Psalm 33: 12, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From Heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind. 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16, No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Not Israel only, but the Gentiles also; not all mankind, but a peculiar people, whom the Lord has chosen out of the world to be his possession, All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy. There is no flying from him, but flying to him only, one may run but cannot hide. If we make God's favor sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us.
Q.1 What do you think of when reading Vs. 12?
Q.2 In vs. 13, Is the Psalmist telling us not just the Jews, and the Gentiles but all mankind?
Q.3 Is vs. 13 a threat or a fact?
Q.4 What is the purpose for the statements in vs. 16 & 17?
Q.5 Can you think of some examples from the past?
A new heart
Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Deu 30:6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
It is promised, that God will give them one heart; a heart firmly fixed for God, and not wavering. All who are made holy have a new spirit, a new temper and dispositions; they act from new principles, walk by new rules, and aim at new ends. A new name, or a new face, will not serve without a new spirit. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
Q.1 Does this exhibit a new birth, a born again spirit?
Q.2 In this new condition can we worship other gods, money power pride etc.?
Q.3 What does the writer mean “God will circumcise your heart”?
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those things that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken contrary to your will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit. Leave each one of us with a proper understanding of what your will is for our life. We pray that this study tonight will impart to us a better understanding about the “Born Again” questions we may have. We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is the 7th study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. This study gives us the full intention of God as to our salvation and how to become a “Born Again Christian. Our study tonight will examine how this second birth comes about and what we as Christians must do to reach this level of faith and belief. And next week, we will be introduced to the way Jesus answers Nicodemus when he asks How can this happen?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. It is you through your Son Jesus who has made us and not we ourselves. We sometimes become so wrapped up in our own web of concerns that we forget that it is You through your Son Jesus who really is in control of our world. As people of God who seek to know more about how it is that we are to live as Christians, we pray that you will allow your Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and give us that new birth of which Jesus speaks. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
God Speaks
Deu 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
Deu 18:16 For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die."
Deu 18:17 The LORD said to me: "What they say is good.
Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.
Deu 18:19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.
At Mount Sinai God had spoken to the people in thunder and lightning, out of the midst of the fire and thick darkness. Every word made their ears tingle and their hearts tremble, so that the whole congregation was ready to die with fear. In this fright, they begged that God would not speak to them in this manner any more, but that he would speak to them by men like themselves, by Moses now, and afterwards by other prophets like unto him. “Well,” says God, “it shall be so; they shall be spoken to by men, whose terrors shall not make them afraid;” and, to crown the favor beyond what they were able to ask or think, in the fullness of time the Word itself was made flesh, and they saw his glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, not, as at Mount Sinai, full of majesty and terror, but full of grace and truth, John_1:14. Thus, in answer to the request of those who were struck with amazement by the law, God promised the incarnation of his Son, though we may suppose it far from the thoughts of those that made that request.
Q.1 What is the outstanding intent in vs.15?
Q.2 Why did the people not want to hear God speak anymore?
Q.3 What is the outstanding intent in vs.18?
Q.4 Is vs. 19 to be considered a warning?
Who is listening?
Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Mankind, from the first moment of creation, has been at odds with the laws of God. Adam and Eve were the first two miscreants. Since that time mankind has developed weapons of destruction, one generation after another, until finally we now have the capacity to actually destroy the earth. God’s creation. The words of God are too condemning too true and too accurate about how we live. We are afraid of God, so God gave us prophets and ministers who are more comfortable to live with, who speak out of love and kindness through his leading us. Through Jesus God has given us a way of life from which we might escape his terrible wrath and he (Jesus ) has offered his life for us as a ransom for our sins.
Q.1 Is this verse a description of any part of humanity in our day and time?
Q.2 Who or what is to blame for the lawless behavior of those who oppose God?
Q.3 What is to become of us as a society if we do not listen to God’s warnings ?
Pg.2
Who hears?
Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This is but one of the many provisions God has made since creation that have been ordered to accommodate mankind’s failure to abide God’s law. And since the first time God had to shed blood to cover the sin of Adam and Eve, the scarlet thread of redemption leads us all the way through the bible to this the very peak of our existence. It is a reference to being born again, a spiritual re birth which changes our carnal nature to a Christian nature. A nature driven by love for God because of what Jesus Christ has done.
Q.1 What things change when Jesus comes into our hearts?
Q.2 Isn’t it our decision that causes us to be righteous, and isn’t that how it starts?
Q.3 Can we explain the phrase in vs. 5 “ washing of rebirth and renewal by the holy spirit”?
Q.4 How does the Holy Spirit work in the soul of mankind?
Q.5 Justified by his Grace, what does that mean?
It’s all about conflict
Psalm 33:10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Even today our worlds collide, we have enemies, they have enemies, and all are ruled by leaders who are all subject to corruption. There is no real peace except the love of Jesus Christ be in our soul. And that is delivered to all who earnestly seek his saving grace for their life, and are born again in spirit.
Q.1 “Gone With The Wind”& “War And Peace” Two great novels what are your thoughts?
Q.2 Do we find it difficult to be righteous in all our daily activity?
Q.3 Why will being righteous in all our life not proffer our salvation?
Q.4 Can we actually believe this statement in vs. 10? Can you cite an example?
Q.6 Can we get beyond eternal conflict, or must there always be animosity?
Q.7 What is meant by “ the purposes of his heart” in vs. 11?
Pg.3
God is everywhere, all the time
Psalm 33: 12, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From Heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind. 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16, No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Not Israel only, but the Gentiles also; not all mankind, but a peculiar people, whom the Lord has chosen out of the world to be his possession, All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy. There is no flying from him, but flying to him only, one may run but cannot hide. If we make God's favor sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us.
Q.1 What do you think of when reading Vs. 12?
Q.2 In vs. 13, Is the Psalmist telling us not just the Jews, and the Gentiles but all mankind?
Q.3 Is vs. 13 a threat or a fact?
Q.4 What is the purpose for the statements in vs. 16 & 17?
Q.5 Can you think of some examples from the past?
A new heart
Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Deu 30:6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
It is promised, that God will give them one heart; a heart firmly fixed for God, and not wavering. All who are made holy have a new spirit, a new temper and dispositions; they act from new principles, walk by new rules, and aim at new ends. A new name, or a new face, will not serve without a new spirit. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
Q.1 Does this exhibit a new birth, a born again spirit?
Q.2 In this new condition can we worship other gods, money power pride etc.?
Q.3 What does the writer mean “God will circumcise your heart”?
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those things that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken contrary to your will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit. Leave each one of us with a proper understanding of what your will is for our life. We pray that this study tonight will impart to us a better understanding about the “Born Again” questions we may have. We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is the 7th study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. This study gives us the full intention of God as to our salvation and how to become a “Born Again Christian. Our study tonight will examine how this second birth comes about and what we as Christians must do to reach this level of faith and belief. And next week, we will be introduced to the way Jesus answers Nicodemus when he asks How can this happen?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. It is you through your Son Jesus who has made us and not we ourselves. We sometimes become so wrapped up in our own web of concerns that we forget that it is You through your Son Jesus who really is in control of our world. As people of God who seek to know more about how it is that we are to live as Christians, we pray that you will allow your Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and give us that new birth of which Jesus speaks. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
The Miraculous Works of God
Listen to Him Pg.1
The Miraculous works of God
Psa 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Psa 77:12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds."
Psa 77:13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?
Psa 77:14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
Whatever else may be forgotten, the marvelous works of the Lord Jesus in the days of old must not be forgotten, for the memory of the cross is always the handmaid for faith and the foundation of all true prayer. We will now, console and refresh ourselves with God's work of salvation in all its miraculous manifestations from the earliest times. The due remembrance of the works of God will be a powerful antidote against distrust of his promise and goodness; for he is God and changes not. Let us first give to God the glory of the great things he has done for his people, and acknowledge him, great above all comparison; and then we may take to ourselves the comfort of what he has done and encourage ourselves with it
Q.1 In Old Testament works of God, what do You best remember?
Q.2 Of the miraculous works of God, which of them is significant to you?
Q.3 Can we recall what great things God has done in our time?
Q.4 What encouragement can we take from God’s working his miracles?
The Power and Majesty of God
1Ch 16:24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Ch 16:28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
1Ch 16:29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
1Ch 16:30 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
As I read the news, and watch it on television and as God is portrayed in the news today, we treat his word as if it were some oddly interesting phenomenon. That the occasion of the miracles and wondrous works of God were some ancient historical event that just happened. Our world today seems to believe in that power which we can see, touch, taste or hear. That seems to me to be the driving force for our world today. Much like the giant Goliath in David’s day, with his loud fearsome voice, and his great strength and size, the Philistines were dreaded and feared. We respect, revere and worship that which is a viable entity that will appeal to our senses, Like the so sadly disrespectful music of the rap musicians we hear all over our world today. And we allow that to brush aside our worship and fear of God.
Q.1 Is verse 24 applicable for our world today? Are we doing that?
Q.2 Is verse 28 applicable for our world today? Are we doing that?
Q.3 Do we consider our worship today to be in the splendor of His Holiness”
Q.4 And do we demonstrate that we fear our God?
The coming Son of God Pg.2
Isa 42:1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.
Isa 42:2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.
Isa 42:3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
Isa 42:4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope."
Isa 42:23 Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?
Luk 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."
The Holy Spirit not only came, but rested upon him, and without measure. He patiently bore the contradiction of sinners. His kingdom is spiritual; he was not to appear with earthly honors. He is tender of those oppressed with doubts and fears, He will not despise them. By a long course of miracles and his resurrection, he fully showed the truth of his holy religion. By the power of his gospel and grace he fixes principles in the minds of men, which tend to make them wise and just. The most distant nations wait for his law, wait for his gospel, and shall welcome it. If we would make our calling and election sure, and have the Father delight over us for good, we must behold, hear, believe in, and obey Christ.
Q.1 What is God telling us in vs. 42:1?
Q.2 What is implied in vs. 42: 2&3?
Q.3 What is being promised in vs. 42:4
Q.4 In Isaiah 42:23, and in Luke 9:35 what is the message to us?
Meditation
There is a still small voice in each of us, and it tells us when we are right and when we are wrong. It recognizes immediately the thoughts that we have as cooperative, compromising, or controlling, and we all want the same things. We just want them for different reasons.
(1)We want recognition from our peers. This is reasonable only if the recognition is offered for the righteousness we represent. If otherwise, recognition is just self gratification. (2)We want to be heard, our opinion counts. This is reasonable, provided that our opinion is serving others. If otherwise, it is just self serving. (3)We want to be needed, to have a feeling of self worth. It is a matter of great concern to society when we are deemed worthless, We all need confirmation of our place in society. If that need turns to power and possessions, and is selfish, it is grossly misdirected (4)We want time to ourselves, for private meditation. Time alone to speak with God, and to consider our soul’s worth helps us to cope with our daily needs and adds to our self worth. If that time is spent in self gratifying thought and effort, scheming and plotting against something or someone it is misspent and will finally destroy us. (5)And finally we want relief from our cares and concerns. No one wants a life of grief and despair, hopelessness and discontent, ill health, or remorse for our mistakes. Having a healthy respect for the laws of nature and a regard for the laws of our land will greatly aid us in this respect, but a life built around the Godly principals of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus Christ is the guide for all of life’s needs. Jesus is that still small voice, We need to LISTEN TO HIM.
Open
Opening Prayer
Almighty God our Father in whom all things find their being, we pray your blessing tonight, on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those words that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken here tonight, contrary to thy will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit.
We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in the name of Jesus, our savior, AMEN
This is the third study in our attempt to learn from the Prophetic Word of God how Jesus came to save the world. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
It is our intention to learn the intricate and minute details of these prophetic events with a teaching moment in it. There is no word given to us by God and no mighty act he committed that is not of paramount import to any who seek to know Jesus and his teaching.
We continue in this study of God’s word as given to us by the Prophets, from Psalms, 1st Chronicles, and Isaiah, predicting the coming of a Savior for the world.
Closing Prayer
God of our salvation we are so thankful that you have included the downtrodden, the sinners and the unworthy in your offer of salvation. We are very aware of our sinful nature and ask only that we be allowed to take Jesus Christ as our savior. And in so doing, become worthy and righteous in your sight, and you as promised, will remember our sins no more. We ask that you help us in our anxious attempts to please you that we remember the words you spoke at the Baptism of Jesus” "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."
And Dear Jesus on our last day we want to be in paradise where you are; Amen.
Jesus does the unthinkable
Jesus Does The Unthinkable
Heb 8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Pg.1
Psalm 69:9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
Jesus’ zeal for the Gospel appeared in his strong and lively preaching of it, in his determination to continue in it. And in the wearisome journeys he took to spread it. In the risks and dangers he exposed himself to, for the sake of it; Also in the miracles he wrought to confirm it, and in the care he took to free it from doubt and reproach: His zeal for the worship and discipline of God's house was shown by his asserting the purity of worship in spirit and truth; by his severe rejection of the traditions, superstition, and self worship of men, and against the vices and corruptions of professors of religion, the Scribes and Pharisees: Those of that day who eagerly sought to control the people.
John 2:13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. The Passover he kept at Jerusalem;
it is the first after his baptism, and after his temptation in the wilderness, and there were four in all, the fourth at which he suffered (three years after this), and half a year was now past since his baptism. Christ, being made under the law, Thus he taught us by his example a strict observance of divine institutions, and a diligent attendance on religious assemblies. Christ, being made under the law, observed the Passover at Jerusalem; Thus he taught us by his example a strict observance of divine institutions, and a diligent attendance on religious assemblies. He went up to Jerusalem when the passover was at hand, that he might be there with the first. It is called the Jews' Passover.
Q.1 What is the significance of Jesus observance of Passover?
Q.2 Of what significance is that to us?
"Christ our Passover lamb is sacrificed for us;...let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Cor. 5:7, 8 In 2014, Passover begins at sunset on Monday the 14th of April until nightfall Monday the 21st.
Q.3 So might Jesus have been rather sensitive or committed during this time??
What Jesus sees
John 2:14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.
As this practice had become a custom no one considered it otherwise. Their hearts were already tuned to another master, the false representation by the Scribes and the Pharisees, and their own interests, not the worship of God. But the worship of God for the purpose of gain.
Q.2 Why would this have angered Jesus?
Q.3 What is the significance of this incident?
Q.4 Was this one of the prophecies?
Q.1 Is there the worship of God for the purpose of gain today?
Pg.2
What Jesus does John 2:15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
Rather more as a symbol than for use as to harm anyone. He had the right to cleanse his Father's house and here in his first act of his public ministry he asserts his authority. The traffickers fled before him, as his glaring at them, was no doubt imbued by a superhuman majesty. This was the first public act of Jesus’ ministry.
First purge out the old leaven, and then keep the feast. Christ's design in coming into the world was to reform the world; and he expects that all who come to him should reform their hearts and lives, Gen_35:2. And this he has taught us by purging the temple.
Q.1 What was the purpose served by this act ?
Q.2 What impression of Jesus was then apparent?
What Jesus said
John 2:16 To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!"
Here he reveals the reason for the act of his aggression
As Jesus cleansed the Temple so He can cleanse our hearts. When He comes to dwell within us, He finds our hearts desecrated by unholy things, which He quickly casts out.
Q.1 Is there another reason perhaps just as significant?
Q.2 Did Jesus then realize the hearts of the people were in Jeopardy?
The prophecy fulfilled
John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me.
In a word, a religious zeal is one of intense loyalty towards God. And we all know what is meant by loyalty. To be loyal is not merely to obey, but to obey with commitment, devotion, faithfulness and dedication. And This is what Jesus did and what he demands of his followers.
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Q.1 Is there an abundance of religious zeal in our worship in churches today ?
Q.2 Can you recall any one that you would classify as having Zeal for God?
Q.3 What would be the defining characteristic of that person?
Q.4 The disciples had Jesus in their day. Who is it that we have today?
Pg.3
By Who’s Authority!
John 2:18 The Jews then responded to him, "What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"
Christ, having thus cleansed the temple, gave a sign to those who demanded it, to prove his authority for so doing. He foretells his death by the Jews' malice, And gives them something to think about. Being Jews, they should rather have stood by him, and assisted him to vindicate the honor of their temple; but, instead of this, they objected against it. note, Those who apply themselves in good earnest to the work of reformation must expect to meet with opposition. When they could object nothing against the thing itself, they questioned his authority to do it:
Q.1 What kind of sign were they expecting from Jesus?
Q.2 Why would those in authority not have been pleased that he cleansed the temple?
Jesus Answers
John 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."
He foretells his death and resurrection, not in plain terms, as he often did to his disciples, but in figurative expressions, he called it the sign of the prophet Jonah, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. He spoke in parables that they might not perceive. Those that will not see shall not see.
This figurative speech used here proved such a stumbling-block to them that it was produced in evidence against him at his trial to prove him a blasphemer.
Matt. 26: 60, John 2:20 They replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
Luke 8:10 He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, "'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'
Q.1 Jesus was referring to his own death at their hands, but what did they think ?
Q.2 And as a sign, He would be raised again in three days, What did they think?
Q.3 They did not comprehend what Jesus was saying, are there many who are like that?
Q.4 Those who hear and do not understand, and see yet do not see. Who are they?
Are we convinced yet?
John 2:21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body.
Jesus answer was understood as the materialistic world in which so much is invested
Q. Why was that true?
John 2:22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
Even the disciples had not been convinced of his deity by his words, but after his resurrection, surely by then the world was convinced
Q. Why do you think that some still have doubts?
John 2:23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.
Q. Does it still take a miracle for us to believe?
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those things that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken contrary to your will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit. Leave each one of us with a deeper understanding of what your life, death, and resurrection means for our lives today. We pray that your spirit will guide and direct those who make and enforce the laws of our land, and that they will be morally and rightfully responsible. We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is our 6th study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. This study gives us the full intention of God as relates to those who have positions of power in high places. There is an awesome responsibility that comes with making and enforcing laws and regulations, and a great responsibility on those who must be governed by them. And there is no margin for self satisfying and greedy compassion-less acts of those who are making the laws and on those who are to abide by them. Our study tonight will examine how these circumstances come to be and, the example Jesus sets when confronted with people who were using the temple as a market place with the leaders blessings
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, We ask you to help us in our unbelief. We want our salvation through Jesus to be real and true. Yet we know in our hearts that we are not deserving any better treatment than Jesus gave to those who were desecrating the temple at Jerusalem. We pray that you will put your laws in our minds and write them on our hearts, and that you will forgive our wickedness and remember our sins no more. We pray that your loving concern for us will be such that we will learn to be attentive to the words of Your son Jesus. and that we, just as did the disciples, will believe the scriptures and the words that Jesus speaks. Be with us as we depart and bless those of us who are ill and needing help in any way Lord, Put your healing words and comfort in their minds and hearts and give them peace. In Jesus Holy Name we pray, AMEN
Heb 8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Pg.1
Psalm 69:9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
Jesus’ zeal for the Gospel appeared in his strong and lively preaching of it, in his determination to continue in it. And in the wearisome journeys he took to spread it. In the risks and dangers he exposed himself to, for the sake of it; Also in the miracles he wrought to confirm it, and in the care he took to free it from doubt and reproach: His zeal for the worship and discipline of God's house was shown by his asserting the purity of worship in spirit and truth; by his severe rejection of the traditions, superstition, and self worship of men, and against the vices and corruptions of professors of religion, the Scribes and Pharisees: Those of that day who eagerly sought to control the people.
John 2:13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. The Passover he kept at Jerusalem;
it is the first after his baptism, and after his temptation in the wilderness, and there were four in all, the fourth at which he suffered (three years after this), and half a year was now past since his baptism. Christ, being made under the law, Thus he taught us by his example a strict observance of divine institutions, and a diligent attendance on religious assemblies. Christ, being made under the law, observed the Passover at Jerusalem; Thus he taught us by his example a strict observance of divine institutions, and a diligent attendance on religious assemblies. He went up to Jerusalem when the passover was at hand, that he might be there with the first. It is called the Jews' Passover.
Q.1 What is the significance of Jesus observance of Passover?
Q.2 Of what significance is that to us?
"Christ our Passover lamb is sacrificed for us;...let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Cor. 5:7, 8 In 2014, Passover begins at sunset on Monday the 14th of April until nightfall Monday the 21st.
Q.3 So might Jesus have been rather sensitive or committed during this time??
What Jesus sees
John 2:14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.
As this practice had become a custom no one considered it otherwise. Their hearts were already tuned to another master, the false representation by the Scribes and the Pharisees, and their own interests, not the worship of God. But the worship of God for the purpose of gain.
Q.2 Why would this have angered Jesus?
Q.3 What is the significance of this incident?
Q.4 Was this one of the prophecies?
Q.1 Is there the worship of God for the purpose of gain today?
Pg.2
What Jesus does John 2:15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
Rather more as a symbol than for use as to harm anyone. He had the right to cleanse his Father's house and here in his first act of his public ministry he asserts his authority. The traffickers fled before him, as his glaring at them, was no doubt imbued by a superhuman majesty. This was the first public act of Jesus’ ministry.
First purge out the old leaven, and then keep the feast. Christ's design in coming into the world was to reform the world; and he expects that all who come to him should reform their hearts and lives, Gen_35:2. And this he has taught us by purging the temple.
Q.1 What was the purpose served by this act ?
Q.2 What impression of Jesus was then apparent?
What Jesus said
John 2:16 To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!"
Here he reveals the reason for the act of his aggression
As Jesus cleansed the Temple so He can cleanse our hearts. When He comes to dwell within us, He finds our hearts desecrated by unholy things, which He quickly casts out.
Q.1 Is there another reason perhaps just as significant?
Q.2 Did Jesus then realize the hearts of the people were in Jeopardy?
The prophecy fulfilled
John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me.
In a word, a religious zeal is one of intense loyalty towards God. And we all know what is meant by loyalty. To be loyal is not merely to obey, but to obey with commitment, devotion, faithfulness and dedication. And This is what Jesus did and what he demands of his followers.
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Q.1 Is there an abundance of religious zeal in our worship in churches today ?
Q.2 Can you recall any one that you would classify as having Zeal for God?
Q.3 What would be the defining characteristic of that person?
Q.4 The disciples had Jesus in their day. Who is it that we have today?
Pg.3
By Who’s Authority!
John 2:18 The Jews then responded to him, "What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"
Christ, having thus cleansed the temple, gave a sign to those who demanded it, to prove his authority for so doing. He foretells his death by the Jews' malice, And gives them something to think about. Being Jews, they should rather have stood by him, and assisted him to vindicate the honor of their temple; but, instead of this, they objected against it. note, Those who apply themselves in good earnest to the work of reformation must expect to meet with opposition. When they could object nothing against the thing itself, they questioned his authority to do it:
Q.1 What kind of sign were they expecting from Jesus?
Q.2 Why would those in authority not have been pleased that he cleansed the temple?
Jesus Answers
John 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."
He foretells his death and resurrection, not in plain terms, as he often did to his disciples, but in figurative expressions, he called it the sign of the prophet Jonah, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. He spoke in parables that they might not perceive. Those that will not see shall not see.
This figurative speech used here proved such a stumbling-block to them that it was produced in evidence against him at his trial to prove him a blasphemer.
Matt. 26: 60, John 2:20 They replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
Luke 8:10 He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, "'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'
Q.1 Jesus was referring to his own death at their hands, but what did they think ?
Q.2 And as a sign, He would be raised again in three days, What did they think?
Q.3 They did not comprehend what Jesus was saying, are there many who are like that?
Q.4 Those who hear and do not understand, and see yet do not see. Who are they?
Are we convinced yet?
John 2:21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body.
Jesus answer was understood as the materialistic world in which so much is invested
Q. Why was that true?
John 2:22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
Even the disciples had not been convinced of his deity by his words, but after his resurrection, surely by then the world was convinced
Q. Why do you think that some still have doubts?
John 2:23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.
Q. Does it still take a miracle for us to believe?
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those things that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken contrary to your will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit. Leave each one of us with a deeper understanding of what your life, death, and resurrection means for our lives today. We pray that your spirit will guide and direct those who make and enforce the laws of our land, and that they will be morally and rightfully responsible. We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is our 6th study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. This study gives us the full intention of God as relates to those who have positions of power in high places. There is an awesome responsibility that comes with making and enforcing laws and regulations, and a great responsibility on those who must be governed by them. And there is no margin for self satisfying and greedy compassion-less acts of those who are making the laws and on those who are to abide by them. Our study tonight will examine how these circumstances come to be and, the example Jesus sets when confronted with people who were using the temple as a market place with the leaders blessings
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, We ask you to help us in our unbelief. We want our salvation through Jesus to be real and true. Yet we know in our hearts that we are not deserving any better treatment than Jesus gave to those who were desecrating the temple at Jerusalem. We pray that you will put your laws in our minds and write them on our hearts, and that you will forgive our wickedness and remember our sins no more. We pray that your loving concern for us will be such that we will learn to be attentive to the words of Your son Jesus. and that we, just as did the disciples, will believe the scriptures and the words that Jesus speaks. Be with us as we depart and bless those of us who are ill and needing help in any way Lord, Put your healing words and comfort in their minds and hearts and give them peace. In Jesus Holy Name we pray, AMEN
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Jesus' First Miracle
Do whatever he tells you Pg.1
The beginning of His miracles John 2:1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, John 2:2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." The occasion, was a social event and joy and merriment filled the air as would at a wedding Jesus’ Mother was there , and Jesus, both having been invited. The location was somewhat remote. In Cana, a small and insignificant town in the Galilee, far from Jerusalem. This was a traditional wedding, and lasted for daysThe Wine had been consumed. Why did Jesus ‘Mother seek him in this matter? What could he do? He had shown his special abilities in some ways, but not in physical miracles. Jesus can do all things, and surely as his mother, she knew he could take care of it. So she stated her case. Would the Joyous occasion be marred by this oversight, Was this too trivial a matter for Jesus to bother with?The wine of our joy often is exhausted before its time. Sometimes we want to share our joy and just at that moment, It is gone. The world has a way of doing that. It is when such moments as these occur that our faith is tested and our best effort comes to our rescue.Q.1 Just when everything is going well you are presented with distress, is that familiar?Q.2 And when that happens, haven’t we always had someone to whom we could turn?Q.3 Can you recall a time when such was the case in your life? Q.4 Hasn’t there always been that special someone you turned to?
The significance of insignificant eventsJohn 2:4 "Woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come." John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." It is pretty obvious that Jesus is surprised by this occasion, and suggests that it’s not his problem. Is Jesus demonstrating his humanness at this point. We are not given any answers as right away Jesus had not yet started his ministry, and perhaps he wanted to keep a low profile. What are our conclusions? Why is this occasion worth our examination? It seems to me that although both she and Jesus knew he was a miracle worker, they both knew this instance was a minor situation and need not have been brought to him. She knew he could fix it. as did he also know . But do we? So often we deem our own problems beneath the care of Jesus, as if our situation were not worthy of his concern. His Mother knew him well enough to know, he can fix anything. No task is too trivial, no job too small, no problem to simple, that we make a decision to abort our praying to God about it. He actually does care about the trivialities and the mundane occurrences of our lives. Are we to Judge what he can and cannot handle? Let him be the judge of it. His mother issues instruction to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you. Then he does it, He works a perfect miracle.Q.1 Are we not to be concerned with our friends distress, should we help if asked?Q.2 How does it appear to you, did Jesus want to become involved or not?Q.3 Jesus had not really started his ministry, was it too soon, what do you think? Q.4 Is this seemingly incidental event meaningful in Jesus’ Ministry? Q.5 “Do whatever he tells you.” Does it apply to us in today’s world?
Pg.2
What Jesus Does
John 2:6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
John 2:7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
John 2:8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so,
John 2:9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
John 2:10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
Jesus begins with materials which are already there, he makes use of what is available. So typical of God to use even the plainest of vessels, used for ordinary purposes. He then issues his instruction. Plain words and easily accomplished, nothing magical or mysterious. Just water, something easily available. Then with no special words he issues his instruction “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
A very simple and easily accomplished task. As all of his miracles are, just ordinary words used in ordinary circumstances to accomplish extraordinary results. The key to this miracle is obvious, every one did as he was told and the results were accomplished. If only it were always that easy.
Do we understand what Jesus has done in his first miracle? Jesus has brought God to the forefront without mention of his name. He has demonstrated the power, the love, and the compassion that seems to exude from those who are Godly, who do Godly deeds and act in Godly ways. He used not a single word or prompt which made anyone aware of the power of God in this act. God is in everything that exists, all matter, all time and all events. And what has God done in Jesus? The very least of our needs he cares for.
And he will do the work of our salvation with the ease and perfection of one who is perfect And who does perfect miracles. God has saved the best for last.
Q.1 Have you seen unbelievable illusions in magic acts?
Q.2 Does there always seem to be some special effect, a trick of sorts, ?
Q.3 What special effect does Jesus use in accomplishing this miracle? Is he in control?
Q.4 Why did this miracle seem to come off without a hitch?
Q.5 Read the first phrase in verse 7. Who are the servants?
Q.6 Read the last phrase in verse 10. What is most impressive about what Jesus did?
Pg.3
The effect Jesus Has on others
John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Joh 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.
Having Jesus around and being in a close relationship with him began to tell the disciples something about who he was and what he was capable of. It perhaps came as a surprise to his disciples at this the first of his miracles, and most certainly it was a surprise to the banquet master. What Jesus could do and actually did would surprise many people in the days to come, But it did not take long for his disciples and his mother to realize what he could do.
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light what is the fellowship of the mystery which from eternity has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;
Rev 4:11 O Lord, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things, and for Your will they are and were created.
Q.1 What is there about perfection that is so appealing?
Q.2 What is there about Jesus that is so perfect?
Q.3 What is God telling us with Jesus’ miracles?
Q.4 Will we see more of his miracles? And his healings? Will they be teaching moments?
Meditation: The Six Human Needs
(1)We want to be Loved. There is a still small voice in each of us, and it tells us when we are right and when we are wrong. We then recognize immediately the thoughts that we have as cooperative, compromising, selfish, or controlling, and each stems from a desire to be loved. And each thought seeks a reaction from us.
(2)We want recognition. This is reasonable only if the recognition is offered for the righteousness we represent. We desire stimulation, acceptance and new challenges, so we may prove ourselves in to our peers. If our desire is simply self serving, we are self defeating and are devoid of any righteousness. Then the recognition is just self gratification.
(3)We want to be heard. We want to make a contribution, we need a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to, and supporting others We want to think that our opinion counts. This is reasonable, provided that our opinion is offered in the sense of serving others. If otherwise, it is self serving, and will fail.
(4)We want to be needed. To have a feeling of self worth is significant. It is a matter of great concern to society when we are deemed worthless, We all need confirmation of our place in society. If that need turns to greed, avarice, power and possessions, it is self serving and is grossly misdirected
(5)We want time to ourselves. For private thought and meditation, this aids us in our growth. Time alone to speak with God, and to consider our soul’s worth helps us to cope with our daily needs and adds to our well being. If that time is spent in self gratifying thought and effort, scheming and plotting against something or someone it is misspent and will finally destroy us.
(6)And finally we want certainty. Relief from our cares and concerns. We need the assurance that we can avoid pain and gain pleasure We desire a safe, sound, and happy, existence. No one wants a life of grief and despair, hopelessness and discontent, ill health, or remorse for our mistakes. Having a healthy respect for the laws of nature and a regard for the laws of our land will greatly aid us in this respect. But a life built around the Godly principals of the Beatitudes, and the entire Sermon on the Mount, as given to us by Jesus Christ is the guide for all of life’s needs. Jesus is that still small voice,
We need to do whatever he tells us.
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing tonight, on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those words that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken here tonight, contrary to thy will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit.
We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is the fourth study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. It is our intention to learn the intricate and minute details of each event in his life with a teaching moment in it. There is no word he spoke and no act he committed that is not of paramount import to any who seek Jesus and his teaching.
We may also learn from his Disciples and others that followed him how their lives were changed by His words, acts, and deeds. What we hope to learn from this study is how to put into practice those things which are a demonstration of his love for his fellow man, and which glorify God through the life and times of God’s Son Jesus
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. It is you through your Son Jesus who has made us and not we ourselves. We sometimes become so wrapped up in our own web of concerns that we forget that it is You through your Son Jesus who really is in control of our world of concerns. We pray that your loving concern for us will be such that we will learn to be attentive to the words of Your son Jesus and that we will listen to him. We are those servants Lord to whom the mother of Jesus speaks, and we pray that her words will guide us through this life and that we will indeed “do whatever he tells us”. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Next week:
What God will do !
The beginning of His miracles John 2:1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, John 2:2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." The occasion, was a social event and joy and merriment filled the air as would at a wedding Jesus’ Mother was there , and Jesus, both having been invited. The location was somewhat remote. In Cana, a small and insignificant town in the Galilee, far from Jerusalem. This was a traditional wedding, and lasted for daysThe Wine had been consumed. Why did Jesus ‘Mother seek him in this matter? What could he do? He had shown his special abilities in some ways, but not in physical miracles. Jesus can do all things, and surely as his mother, she knew he could take care of it. So she stated her case. Would the Joyous occasion be marred by this oversight, Was this too trivial a matter for Jesus to bother with?The wine of our joy often is exhausted before its time. Sometimes we want to share our joy and just at that moment, It is gone. The world has a way of doing that. It is when such moments as these occur that our faith is tested and our best effort comes to our rescue.Q.1 Just when everything is going well you are presented with distress, is that familiar?Q.2 And when that happens, haven’t we always had someone to whom we could turn?Q.3 Can you recall a time when such was the case in your life? Q.4 Hasn’t there always been that special someone you turned to?
The significance of insignificant eventsJohn 2:4 "Woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come." John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." It is pretty obvious that Jesus is surprised by this occasion, and suggests that it’s not his problem. Is Jesus demonstrating his humanness at this point. We are not given any answers as right away Jesus had not yet started his ministry, and perhaps he wanted to keep a low profile. What are our conclusions? Why is this occasion worth our examination? It seems to me that although both she and Jesus knew he was a miracle worker, they both knew this instance was a minor situation and need not have been brought to him. She knew he could fix it. as did he also know . But do we? So often we deem our own problems beneath the care of Jesus, as if our situation were not worthy of his concern. His Mother knew him well enough to know, he can fix anything. No task is too trivial, no job too small, no problem to simple, that we make a decision to abort our praying to God about it. He actually does care about the trivialities and the mundane occurrences of our lives. Are we to Judge what he can and cannot handle? Let him be the judge of it. His mother issues instruction to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you. Then he does it, He works a perfect miracle.Q.1 Are we not to be concerned with our friends distress, should we help if asked?Q.2 How does it appear to you, did Jesus want to become involved or not?Q.3 Jesus had not really started his ministry, was it too soon, what do you think? Q.4 Is this seemingly incidental event meaningful in Jesus’ Ministry? Q.5 “Do whatever he tells you.” Does it apply to us in today’s world?
Pg.2
What Jesus Does
John 2:6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
John 2:7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
John 2:8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so,
John 2:9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
John 2:10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
Jesus begins with materials which are already there, he makes use of what is available. So typical of God to use even the plainest of vessels, used for ordinary purposes. He then issues his instruction. Plain words and easily accomplished, nothing magical or mysterious. Just water, something easily available. Then with no special words he issues his instruction “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
A very simple and easily accomplished task. As all of his miracles are, just ordinary words used in ordinary circumstances to accomplish extraordinary results. The key to this miracle is obvious, every one did as he was told and the results were accomplished. If only it were always that easy.
Do we understand what Jesus has done in his first miracle? Jesus has brought God to the forefront without mention of his name. He has demonstrated the power, the love, and the compassion that seems to exude from those who are Godly, who do Godly deeds and act in Godly ways. He used not a single word or prompt which made anyone aware of the power of God in this act. God is in everything that exists, all matter, all time and all events. And what has God done in Jesus? The very least of our needs he cares for.
And he will do the work of our salvation with the ease and perfection of one who is perfect And who does perfect miracles. God has saved the best for last.
Q.1 Have you seen unbelievable illusions in magic acts?
Q.2 Does there always seem to be some special effect, a trick of sorts, ?
Q.3 What special effect does Jesus use in accomplishing this miracle? Is he in control?
Q.4 Why did this miracle seem to come off without a hitch?
Q.5 Read the first phrase in verse 7. Who are the servants?
Q.6 Read the last phrase in verse 10. What is most impressive about what Jesus did?
Pg.3
The effect Jesus Has on others
John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Joh 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.
Having Jesus around and being in a close relationship with him began to tell the disciples something about who he was and what he was capable of. It perhaps came as a surprise to his disciples at this the first of his miracles, and most certainly it was a surprise to the banquet master. What Jesus could do and actually did would surprise many people in the days to come, But it did not take long for his disciples and his mother to realize what he could do.
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light what is the fellowship of the mystery which from eternity has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;
Rev 4:11 O Lord, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things, and for Your will they are and were created.
Q.1 What is there about perfection that is so appealing?
Q.2 What is there about Jesus that is so perfect?
Q.3 What is God telling us with Jesus’ miracles?
Q.4 Will we see more of his miracles? And his healings? Will they be teaching moments?
Meditation: The Six Human Needs
(1)We want to be Loved. There is a still small voice in each of us, and it tells us when we are right and when we are wrong. We then recognize immediately the thoughts that we have as cooperative, compromising, selfish, or controlling, and each stems from a desire to be loved. And each thought seeks a reaction from us.
(2)We want recognition. This is reasonable only if the recognition is offered for the righteousness we represent. We desire stimulation, acceptance and new challenges, so we may prove ourselves in to our peers. If our desire is simply self serving, we are self defeating and are devoid of any righteousness. Then the recognition is just self gratification.
(3)We want to be heard. We want to make a contribution, we need a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to, and supporting others We want to think that our opinion counts. This is reasonable, provided that our opinion is offered in the sense of serving others. If otherwise, it is self serving, and will fail.
(4)We want to be needed. To have a feeling of self worth is significant. It is a matter of great concern to society when we are deemed worthless, We all need confirmation of our place in society. If that need turns to greed, avarice, power and possessions, it is self serving and is grossly misdirected
(5)We want time to ourselves. For private thought and meditation, this aids us in our growth. Time alone to speak with God, and to consider our soul’s worth helps us to cope with our daily needs and adds to our well being. If that time is spent in self gratifying thought and effort, scheming and plotting against something or someone it is misspent and will finally destroy us.
(6)And finally we want certainty. Relief from our cares and concerns. We need the assurance that we can avoid pain and gain pleasure We desire a safe, sound, and happy, existence. No one wants a life of grief and despair, hopelessness and discontent, ill health, or remorse for our mistakes. Having a healthy respect for the laws of nature and a regard for the laws of our land will greatly aid us in this respect. But a life built around the Godly principals of the Beatitudes, and the entire Sermon on the Mount, as given to us by Jesus Christ is the guide for all of life’s needs. Jesus is that still small voice,
We need to do whatever he tells us.
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing tonight, on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those words that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken here tonight, contrary to thy will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit.
We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are in the thoughts and prayers of those who seek thee tonight. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is the fourth study in our attempt to learn from Jesus’ ministry as he lived and taught it on this earth. It is our intention to learn the intricate and minute details of each event in his life with a teaching moment in it. There is no word he spoke and no act he committed that is not of paramount import to any who seek Jesus and his teaching.
We may also learn from his Disciples and others that followed him how their lives were changed by His words, acts, and deeds. What we hope to learn from this study is how to put into practice those things which are a demonstration of his love for his fellow man, and which glorify God through the life and times of God’s Son Jesus
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. It is you through your Son Jesus who has made us and not we ourselves. We sometimes become so wrapped up in our own web of concerns that we forget that it is You through your Son Jesus who really is in control of our world of concerns. We pray that your loving concern for us will be such that we will learn to be attentive to the words of Your son Jesus and that we will listen to him. We are those servants Lord to whom the mother of Jesus speaks, and we pray that her words will guide us through this life and that we will indeed “do whatever he tells us”. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Next week:
What God will do !
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