The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Likely, by the time the John was given his revelation by Jesus, all the other apostles were dead.  Most if not not all of them were probably martyred.  Since the time of Nero around 67 AD, Christians were frequently persecuted and likely being killed in the ways described in the book of Hebrews:
11:37: They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword.

It was very difficult for Christians as they waited for the return of the Lord.

The revelation given to John was NOT to scare people into being good or living holy lives.  The believers needed hope.

Read Revelation 1:1-3
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

 What do you think of when you think about the book of Revelation?

Jesus gave it to believers as a blessing.

• Blessed is the one who reads it aloud!
• Blessed is the one who takes it to heart

Don't be afraid when you hear the words of Revelation.  Be excited.  We don't live in dread of Jesus.  We eagerly look for Him to return.

WHO IS THIS JESUS?  Read Revelation 1:4-8 for clues.

1. a faithful witness of what is to come
2. the firstborn from the dead
3. the king of kings
4. the one who loves us
5. the one who freed us from sin by his blood
6. who made us priest to serve God
7. the one that will come in the clouds
8. the one everyone will see
9. the one who was pierced
10. the Alpha and Omega, who who is, who was, and who is to come

 In Revelation 1:9-11, John describes being deep in prayer listening to the Holy Spirit in his life.  Jesus came to him in a vision.  The vision was a message for churches that existed in John's day.  But, it was also for the churches and people today.  The churches in the 21st century have the same strengths and weaknesses as the churches in the first century.

Read Revelation 1:12-16 for a small glimpse of the awesomeness of Jesus:

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

If you saw Jesus in his glory, how would you respond?

 John said, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead."  
When the prophet Isaiah had a similar experience in Isaiah 6, he ALSO thought that he was going to die.  When we are in the presence of God, we realize how sinful we are.

What is one thing that you can do this week to show more reverence for Jesus.  Do we reflect his glory to others?

Jesus did not come to condemn us as believers, instead Jesus said,

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

What does it mean that Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades?
 
The seven golden lampstands are the seven churches that Jesus is speaking to in the first few chapters of Revelation.  As we read the book of Revelation this month, remember that it was written to you to give you hope.

If you are not a believer, if your friends are not believers, the book of Revelation should be scary.  We can't sugar coat the Gospel and hope everything turns out ok in the end.

2 Peter: Anticipation - He's Not Slow To Keep His Promises

When you have to wait for something a long time, do you start to believe it will never happen?

• We think God is being slow... ACTUALLY... God is patient
• We question the words of Jesus... ACTUALLY... his words have already been fulfilled
• We believe the teaching of scoffers... ACTUALLY... fire is being stored up for their judgement

What is a scoffer?
 
Read 2 Peter 3:1-4
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

What were the scoffers saying?  How does it relate to our lives in the 21st century?

Our HOPE is not in this world.  So when anyone tries to destroy our confidence in the return of Jesus, they are destroying the foundation of our salvation.  If Jesus said he would return, but doesn't,  how can we believe anything else he said is true.

Have you ever broken a promise and lost the trust of someone?

Read 2 Peter 3:5-7
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

What are two evidences that God's words can be trusted?

Atheists often try to treat the creation account and the worldwide flood of Noah as myth.  Peter is saying that these two events in history are examples where God spoke and his words were fulfilled.

• God spoke all creation into existence
• God told Noah a hundred years before it happened about the flood.

No one was around to be impatient with God while he created everything, but think about how Noah must have wondered if it was ever going to rain.

THE LORD'S PATIENCE
2 Peter 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

As we talked about in 1 Thessalonians, Jesus said "I'll be back".  For some people, his return will be like a home invasion.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

To be ready, we should live holy and godly lives.  How do we do that?

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

I went to Walmart last night to get a toothbrush.  While there, a homeless person asked if a I could spare a dollar.  After I gave her a dollar, she asked for another.  When the new heaven and new earth appears, there will no longer be people suffering.  No will suffer because of their own weaknesses, the failings of others, or unfortunate circumstances.

We need to do our part to hasten the day of Jesus' return.

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Big Ending
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior so you can show yourself ready for his return.

Jude: You Could Have Been A Contender!

Jude 3b: I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith...

When we CONTEND, we are fighting to win.

Not every attack is a frontal assault.  Sometime the enemy is sneaky. He attacks where we are not looking for him.  Other times, the enemy is devious AND ATTACKS FROM WITHIN!

In Jude's letter, he encourages believers to fight the attacks to the faith that come from the inside.
Who is Jude?

• Brother of James and Jesus
• He became a believer after Jesus died and rose from the dead
• He wrote to all Christians but probably was aware of a specific problem

The problem:

• Unbelievers slipped into roles of leadership in some churches
• These people were deceiving Christians to live immoral, ungodly lives
•  These people denied the deity of Christ and his works

 Jude 3-4: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

How can we know if leaders in our church are not correctly teaching God's truths?

In verses 5 - 16 of Jude, God compares these people to others that he has condemned for their evil practices.  Think about these people that were condemned and why.

v.5 -  Unfaithful Israelites that were rescued from slavery in Egypt
v.6 - Fallen angels (demons)
v.7 - Sodom and Gomorrah

"They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire."

 v. 11 - Cain, Balaam, and Korah

 All of these were examples of murderous, greedy, rebellious, and spiritually proud people.
SPIRITUAL PRIDE MAKES US EASY TOOLS FOR SATAN.

They were also described this way:
v. 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Jude said that when Jesus returned they would be judged.  But when Jesus returns, he will no longer be the suffering servant, instead he will judge all the living and the dead.

What can we do to be spiritually ready for the return of Jesus?

 In the next passages, Jude talks about how we can contend for the  faith.

 Jude 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

What can we do to contend for the faith now and be ready for his return?
1. Be led by the Spirit
2. Build up spiritual muscles with prayer and God's Word
3. Enjoy God's mercy and be merciful to others
4. Strengthen your faith and the faith of others
5. Snatch people from the fire

What is one thing you are doing that will make you a powerful man of God?

Jude 24-25  To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude ends his letter by worshiping God.  Do you really enjoy giving God your worship?  How can you be more focused during times of worship?

Summary:  Be on your guard against people that want to destroy the church from within.  Strengthen yourself and others in the faith to protect against deceivers.

I'll Be Back... It's why we have hope!

• For Arnold, it was his catch-phrase, "I'll be back"
• For Aragorn, it was his rightful place to become king of his people
• For Luke, he returned to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hut
• For Douglas MacArthur, "I shall return" was the promise he made to the people he left behind in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded during World War II.

A character in a movie can say, "I'll be back".  An American general can say, "I shall return," but only Christians have true source for hope. Jesus promised that when he returned, all believers DEAD and ALIVE would meet him in the air!



What is similar and different about the promise of General MacArthur and the promise of Jesus? 

In the letter to the people at Thessalonica, Paul helped the Christians there to understand two things:
1. what happens to a Christian who dies before Jesus returns
2. what will it be like when Jesus returns

After Paul encourages the people to remember why they have hope, he told them how they should live knowing that Jesus will return.

What is the difference between hoping or wishing for something and having HOPE in Christ?

For Christians, hope is our expression of faith that God will fulfill his promises.  Sadly, for some people, hope is wishing for something they don't really believe will happen.

"I hope we win"
"I hope I get an A"
"I hope someone loves me"

For believers, Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Faith and hope go hand in hand.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14  Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Two weeks ago we talked about Jesus being the original superman.  One of his powers was he conquered death and came back from the dead.  Because Jesus died and rose again, all believers will also conquer death.  When Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will receive resurrected bodies.  Those alive will be transformed.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

What do you think that will be like?

Paul made it clear this teaching was from the Lord.  What do you think we should do with this information?  Paul's instructions were simple.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

We do have some responsibilities.  Do you remember the story of the ten bridesmaids waiting for the groom.  Five were ready because they brought extra oil for their lamps.  Five missed out because their oil ran out and they had to leave to get more.  In the meantime, the Groom came just as he promised.  But the ones who were not ready were left outside, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-7 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

Was Paul trying to scare the people?  Are you ever afraid that you won't be ready when Jesus returns?

For believers, the return of Christ should be like waiting for Christmas morning, or like seeing a friend that has been away a long time.

Paul shared the words to encourage them and strengthen their hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

To do list:

• Be sober
• Put on faith and love and the hope of salvation
• Believe that in Christ you are not destined for wrath
• Be ready to live together with Jesus as well as each other
• Encourage and build people up

Unfortunately, not everyone has accepted the free gift of Jesus.  For those people, the return of Jesus will be like a home invasion where they are sleeping, get robbed, and beat up-- all because they are not ready for his return.

 

When God takes the dumbest thing you ever did... And makes it GENIUS

We can probably all think of stories where a character makes a dumb move, but it turns out pure genius.  For example, Luke Skywalker forgets to lock up R2D2 before bed, R2D2 runs away, Luke goes to search and avoids being killed by the Storm Troopers.  That would have been the end of the movie and a galaxy far, far away-- if Luke had been more responsible.

Things like this happen in fictional stories all the time because the writer has something in mind for his characters.  What about in real life?  Is there a malevolent writer that wants to see us endure horrible things just to bring about a happy ending?

I would say no.  We make our own choices and put ourselves in those positions.  But... can you think of a time when you did something really dumb, but it worked out for the best?

Because God is a loving designer with a purpose for each of our lives, in His mercy He often brings amazing things out of our stupid or sinful mistakes.  This was the case in the life of Onesimus.

Onesimus was a slave in the Roman world to a Christian who lived in Colossae named Philemon.  Onesimus did two things that would have been considered dumb back then:
1. He ran to escape from his position as a slave
2. He probably stole from his master before leaving.
While we in modern day America might justify his actions, in the Roman world he had committed two crimes worthy of death.

God had something better in mind for Onesimus!

While on the lam, Onesimus became a believer in Christ and started ministering to Paul who was still a Roman prisoner.

Is there a time when God did something unexpectedly great in your life?

Because of the new relationship between Paul and Onesimus, Paul decided to write to Philemon to ask him to pardon his slave. He did not want Onesimus to be held guilty for his crimes.  Paul started by reminding Philemon what a blessing Philemon had been to him in the past.

Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

If you want someone to do the right thing, reminding them of the good things they have done in the past is a good way to start.

Read Philemon 1:8-11: What did Paul do next to encourage Philemon to honor his request?

Philemon 1:8-11 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

How did Paul describe himself?
Why did Paul describe Onesimus as useful?

Who has taken a stand on your behalf?

Paul went one step further.

Philemon 1:18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Paul offered to make good on the debts of Onesimus.  This is a picture of what Jesus did for us when he took on the debt we could not pay.

How do you think Onesimus felt about Paul's letter and offer to repay his debt?

Onesimus had to face the man he wronged, have you been in the position of having to own up to your mistakes and go back to the person you wronged?

How did people respond to you?  What do you think Philemon did to Onesimus?

Ultimately, God is in control of everything.  He is able to make our personal failures into the turning points that change our lives.

Philemon 1: 15-16  Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.

Paul believed in Providence, not luck. Providence is God's design at work. When is the last time you noticed God's master plan in your life?

Testimony of a rowdy 6th grade boy that was always getting in trouble.



We can run wild, but we are all slaves until we let Jesus pay the debt that we all owe. Are you a prisoner of your past mistakes, or will you run wild with the freedom that only comes through trusting Jesus?

Jesus - Able to reconcile in a single bound!

 In Philippians 2, Paul explained how Jesus willingly lowered himself to the state of man.  But, in some ways, that was just his secret identity.  All the time Jesus was on earth subject to the limitations of his human body, he was also completely God.

Jesus had the power:

• to heal
• to raise the dead
• to overcome temptation
• to command nature
• to create as when he fed thousands with a small lunch
• TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS TO HIMSELF, THAT IS, TO GOD!

Jesus lowered himself to the state of man, but He was still pure God.

 The Supremacy of the Son of God

Colossians 1:15: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

In this verse, Paul asserts that Jesus is not a replica of God or picture of God.  Rather Jesus is God with all his qualities.  For a time, Jesus gave up some of his nature as God to live with people on earth.  But never forget, Jesus IS God!

In Colossians 1:16-20, Paul describes some of Jesus' accomplishments and roles.  Listen carefully because this is why Jesus is not like any other human or god (with a lowercase g).

Colossians 1:16-20: For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

1. Jesus CREATED all things
2. Thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities were created FOR Him
3. He pre-existed creation. Jesus was not from the beginning of time.  He existed BEFORE time began
4. Jesus is actually the glue that holds together creation
5. Jesus is the head of the church which is his body
6. Jesus was the first to conquer death so all believers could conquer death
7. The fullness of God lives in Jesus AND through Jesus all creation can once again be at peace with God
8. Jesus' blood shed on the cross guaranteed that reconciliation.

What does it mean to be reconciled?

Who and what are not reconciled to God right now? 

If Jesus wants us to be reconciled to him, how should that affect the way we treat the sinful people around us?

Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

If God was willing to reconcile with His enemies (us), why do we think it is OK not to do everything we can to reconcile with our enemies?  By the way, does every enemy accept reconciliation?

When we are inspired by our 'superman' Jesus, we can do impossible things as well.  Paul set the example for us.

Paul’s Labor for the Church

Colossians 1:24-27:  Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

What are these great things we are inspired to do?

• Suffer as Jesus suffered for his body, the Church
• Share the hope of glory with people we wouldn't want to be around (Jews shared with Gentiles)
• To be amazed by the mystery and treasure of Jesus -- the mystery was that Jesus was not just for the special people, the rich, famous, or beautiful.  The treasure of Jesus is for all of us!

Colossians 2:2-3 summarizes the most important thing we need to know about the original Superman:

² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Our goal (should be) to make known the mystery of Christ to others and uncover that treasure for ourselves.

Do You Got The Joy?

What is the secret of a joyful life?

• Fast cars 
• Big house 
• Beautiful wife 
• Everybody knows your name 
• The freedom to do about anything you want about anytime you want 

Kanye has all that, so why isn't he smiling?

Joy is NOT another word for happiness.  Happiness is temporary and changes based on circumstances.  True JOY and HAPPINESS are also both based on contentment.

The apostle Paul learned how to be content in any circumstance whether he had a little or a lot-- whether he had his freedom or shackles-- Paul found his joy in knowing Jesus and making Jesus known.

Paul preached in Philippi on his second missionary journey.  While there, he introduced Lydia to the gospel.  Lydia was a successful businesswoman who sold purple cloth.  He also cast a demon out of a fortune teller woman. She followed them around yelling, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”

Even though deliverance from demons was good for the woman, her slave owners were furious that she could no longer make money for them.  They got the crowd excited to the point that Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown in jail.

While in jail, God caused an earthquake to happen that eventually led to Paul's guard and the guard's whole family being saved. From all these events, good and bad for Paul and Silas, a strong group of believers formed in Philippi.

Now Paul is in prison after appealing to have his case heard by Caesar.  From prison, Paul wrote the letter of Philippians.

Philippians 1:3-6: I thank my God every time I remember you.In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Who are the people you are truly thankful for?  Do you pray for them with joy?  If not, what can you do to pray with joy?

Philippians 1:12-14: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Have you every experienced a difficult or challenging situation that worked out for the best?  What about a hard experience that helped someone come to know Jesus?

I have a problem with pastors who preach a prosperity gospel when so many Christians around the world are living with so little.

Surprisingly, in Philippians 1:15-18, Paul commented that some preached Christ out of selfish ambition and to make trouble for him.  However, Paul rejoiced that people were hearing the good news of Jesus for whatever reason.

Since salvation is the greatest thing that can happen for a person, how do we balance the joy of seeing someone saved even if the messenger is not properly speaking the truths of God?


Paul said, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."

He went on to rejoice in his tough circumstances.  He actually believed that it would be better for him if he was killed, but he was willing to continue on in his life for the benefit of the churches he had started.

Philippians 1:22-24: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

What would you be willing to go through to see your friends know or grow in Christ?

Whatever happens, Paul urges us to live in a manner worthy of Christ.  A life of joy only comes through finding our contentment in Jesus.  The strange thing about he Gospel is that it actually thrives in adverse or difficult circumstances.

 Philippians 1:27-29: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him

Shipwreck:Trust in the Storm

Acts 27:13-20, Acts 27:21-44, Acts 28:1-16

In Acts 23, the Lord encouraged Paul by saying "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."  Paul understood that it was God's plan to send him to Rome to witness to Caesar and his household about Jesus and the salvation that comes through Him.

 Just because you are inside of God's will for your life, that doesn't mean you may not go through storms!  Those storms, however, may be what you need to strengthen your faith, encourage others going through the same storm, and lead you to unexpected blessings.

Key Points:
1. Being inside of God's will for your life does not mean being outside of life's storms. Acts 27:13-20
2. Sharing with others what God has taught you can help them get through the storm. Acts 27:21-44
3. Your troubles can turn into a surprise blessing for you and  others. Acts 28:1-16

Read Acts 27:13-20
A Centurion was in charge of getting Paul and the other prisoners to Rome.  While on the way to Rome, the Centurion and the ship's captain decided to sail to Phoenix for the winter.  Paul advised against this plan.

What happened as they sailed to Phoenix on their way to Rome?
How did the hurricane like storm affect the people?

Paul was going to Rome as Jesus told him he must.  Why did God let the 'Northeaster' blow into their lives when Paul was just following God's plan? 

What are some times when you felt you were living exactly in the center of God's plan for your life yet troubles came along?  Did you blame yourself and assume you must have done something wrong?  Did you blame God and get mad at God?

Being inside of God's will for your life does not mean being outside of life's storms.

Read Acts 27:21-44
Once again, Paul received encouragement.  This time from an angel.

What does it tell you about Paul's relationship with these people and his relationship with God that he was willing to boldly tell them that
(1) an angel spoke to him
(2) they would all survive?

Paul's bold statement was balanced by the fact that he understood that God's plan would be worked out by the people there.  When the sailors saw an opportunity to abandon ship and attempt to save their own skins, Paul warned the centurion,
“Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” (V.31)

Paul wasn't worried about his own rescue by God; he was worried about the salvation of these others.
John B. Polhill commented that there may have been an intended double meaning.

A literal translation of the latter phrase would be ‘this is necessary for your salvation’ (sōtērias). There may be a veiled symbolism in the use of this word, a reminder to a Christian reader that the same God who delivered the storm-tossed voyagers from physical harm is the God who in Christ brings ultimate salvation and true eternal life. 

What are things you can do to be ready to share salvation with someone in their times of trouble?

Sharing with others what God has taught you can help them get through the storm.

 Read Acts 28:1-16
After God rescued every single person as he promised, the castaways were blessed by the local people with hospitality in their need.  As it turned out, Paul had the opportunity to bless many  sick people by healing them in Jesus' name.  One of the sick people healed was the father of the island's chief official Publius.

According to early church history, Publius became a Christian and was martyred for his faith years later.

What is the blessing of dying for your faith and how does that demonstrate that God fulfills his plan for our lives?

It was better for Publius to be murdered for his faith than to die with his sin in any other way.  Publius no doubt was thankful for the storm that shipwrecked Paul.

Ultimately, Paul arrived in Rome just as God had promised.  While there, people even from Caesar's household became Christians and Paul wrote some of his letters that became part of the New Testament.

Your troubles can turn into a surprise blessing for you and  others.  

Taking the Stand for Jesus

Acts 23:1-24

I’ve never truly faced persecution
Never been in prison waiting execution
Can’t say I’ve ever been tested for my faith.
I’ve never been on trial facing prosecution
Never forced to speak with elocution,
At the point of a gun... for my true faith.

These are the words of a rhyme I wrote confessing that it is easier to CLAIM faithfulness than to stand for faith when the trial begins.

I wrote this rhyme before the events of the Columbine High School shooting.  Though I doubt the exact events will be known on this side of Heaven, clearly Rachel Joy Scott was killed because of her faith in Christ.  How the tragedy played out is a topic for debate, but powerful versions of the story have been told in various media including the Pure Flix Entertainment film I'm Not Ashamed.

Down through history, Christians have been required to take a stand and take the stand because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  The most influential person to go to trial for his faith was the apostle Paul.  How did Paul get to the events of our story in Acts 23?

1. Paul was completing his third missionary journey. Acts 20-21
2. Paul desired to go back to Jerusalem and share with the Jewish Christians the amazing work that God was doing among Gentiles.
3. Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles when he returned to Jerusalem.
4. Paul declared he was willing to be imprisoned and even die, if necessary, for the Gospel.
5. Paul met with the Apostles in Jerusalem and confirmed the authenticity of the Gentiles' faith.
6. Upon visiting the temple, Paul was falsely accused and beaten by Jews opposing him.
7. Roman soldiers rescued Paul giving him the opportunity to speak to the people.
8. Paul told his testimony to the crowd, the story of his salvation and what God was doing in his life. Acts 22
9. When Paul confessed that God sent him to preach to the Gentiles, the Jewish crowd rioted.
10. The Roman commander that rescued Paul wanted to understand what was causing such an uproar so he ordered the Jewish leaders to meet and hear Paul out.

Read Acts 23:1-5

Even Paul's opening statement was met with opposition!

Have you ever tried to witness for Christ or speak up for something right only to be immediately shut down?  Were you discouraged and didn't go any farther, or did you fight through the opposition?

Read Acts 23:6-10
How did Paul successfully turn the topic of discussion to what he wanted to talk about?

What are some ways that you can create opportunities to witness to your friends by turning the topic of discussion?

 Paul knew that "resurrection" was a hot topic of debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees.  What  does the "hope of the resurrection of the dead" mean to believers?  Why is resurrection fundamental to the Christian faith?

Read Acts 23:11

This appearance of Jesus to Paul is easy to forget, but it must have been an amazing comfort to Paul because he understood that his life was about to change dramatically.

When we take a stand for Jesus, he also stands with us as described in this verse.

Read Acts 23:12-24

When we are part of God's plan, we do not need to worry about whether it could fall apart.  The Lord told Paul what was ahead for him and then it was in the Lord's hands to make sure nothing prevented it from happening.

By contrast, what did the 40+ Jews swear to do?  Swearing an oath (as done in Biblical times or as a disrespectful expression in modern times) is offensive to God because it puts people in the place of God.  The conspirators swore not to eat until Paul was killed (something that didn't happen for at least two more years).  They must have been really hungry waiting to kill Paul while he was in house arrest in Rome.

Bottomline:
God will give us opportunities to stand up for him.
We will face opposition.
Within God's plan, everything will come to pass because God never fails
There is no guarantee that God's plan will lead to ease and comfort for us as believers.

Psalms: Wisdom, Praises, Prophecy

Lesson for May 13, 2018

Psalm 1, 100, 110

What are some of the artists and bands you listen to?  Think of three songs you've listened to recently.  What are they singing about?  Does their message stick with you?  Does it help you form opinions or inspire you to action?

The singers, rockers, rappers, bands, artists you listen to are the psalmists in your life.  A psalm is a sacred song.  Ultimately, anything you worship and adore, even if it is not God, is sacred to you.

The Lifeway Gospel Project author of today's lesson made the following comment:

Today, we are part of a generation that has largely forgotten how to pray and sing the psalms. Perhaps for the first time in all of church history, the psalms are no longer the bedrock for our individual devotion or corporate worship. This puts us out of step not only with the rest of church history, but the earliest Christians. The apostles quoted more from the psalms than any other book in the Old Testament. They were steeped in the rhythm, poetry, and theology of their people’s prayer book.

Have you ever been encouraged to pray and sing from the book of Psalms?
Do you know how you would do it if you wanted to try?

What can we learn from the book of Psalms? For example:
1. Wisdom to live a life right with God (Psalm 1)
2. Going to God with our troubles.
3. Praise and adoration for God as our creator, salvation, and provider of all good things (Psalm 100)
4. Confession for our sins against God (Psalm 51)
5. Prophecy of the coming Messiah, both when Jesus came the first time and when He returns (Psalm 110)
6. The value of the scriptures (Psalm 119)

Read Psalm 1

The very first Psalm encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from God and his people.

How does God bless the righteous?
In verse 1, we are warned about leaning on the wisdom of the ungodly.  What is the progression of listening to evil that we must avoid?

What is the eventual outcome of the wicked?

What are ways that we follow the counsel of the world?

Read Psalm 100

The Psalms are songs.  That seems obvious.  Psalm 100 is an illustration of the joy of praising God, especially with other people.  We can speak and sing the psalms to God as prayer and as acts of worship.

Do you come into God's presence with singing? When we have worship time, are you wholeheartedly singing praises or distracted by other things?  What is preventing you from enthusiastically worshiping God with others?

Read Psalm 110

Psalms is also a book of prophecy.  A prophet is someone who shares a message from God.  Be wary, there are many false prophets both in history and claiming to be prophets today.  The acid test is that the prophet who truly speaks for God is not wrong, because God doesn't lie and he already knows the future.

Psalm 110 prophesies about a priest-king that would come to save us.  Jesus came as priest on earth when he offered the sacrifices for our sins.  Soon, He will return as king to rule.

Summary with a story:

Colossians 3:16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

It is a New Testament command repeated twice that we are to speak, teach, admonish, encourage one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.


We can get our counsel from the world, its music, its programming, or we can share Christian music and Christian wisdom with each other.

Action Plan
Read 1 Psalm each day, find Christian music that helps you know God's word better.

Job: The Question of Suffering

Lesson for May 6, 2018

Job 1; Job 16:1-5,18-22; Job 40:1-5, Job 42:7-9

If you were stepped on by a brontosaur,
dinner for a carnivore,
or your hair was singed by your pet dragon.

If the smoke from his nose is on your clothes,
his scales frightened all your bros
and your life is a drag--no fun

I agree you've faced some suffering,
and have a case for grumbling, but
remember Job, God, and the leviathan.

The family motto at my house is 'Bains don't complain'. Of course, it seems like no one ever pays attention to the family motto.  If anyone ever had a reason to complain, it was certainly Job.  Job was a man who probably lived some time before Abraham.  He was exceedingly rich and respected in his community, but above all else, he lived a life that demonstrated his love and reverence for God. God prospered Job in all he did and Job never forgot where the blessings come from.

However, things were about the change for Job.

Read Job 1:1-19.

What did Job have and what did he lose?
Why would God let Satan do something like this?

Read Job 1:20-22

What was Job's response to his calamity?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like Job?  How did you respond?

Circumstances that cause suffering fall upon the righteous and wicked alike, just like the rain.  Job did not do anything specific to deserve what he went through; but like Job, we live in a fallen world that has been corrupted by sin.  My sin, your sin, and all of humanity's sin is the reason for suffering in the world.  So, in fact, we ALL deserve the suffering that comes upon us.

When Job did not sin by accusing God of wrongdoing, Satan requested permission to test Job by afflicting him directly with painful sores all over his body.  Job's friends came to visit him and attempt to comfort him.  For a whole week they sat with Job, and no one said anything.  Then Job complained in ways no different than the rest of us.  His friends listened patiently for a while, but then made the mistake of arguing with Job about what was happening.  They made the mistake of assuming that Job had done something to bring his troubles upon himself.

Read Job 16:1-5

Like many of you, I want to 'fix' things.  Sometimes rather than attempting to 'be helpful', it is best to be a quiet comforter as people go through things rather than attempting to fix things that can only be resolved in God's timing.

Think about a time when someone you know was going through some troubles.  Were you helpful or not?

Job 16:18-22 reminds us that our true comforter and intercessor is in Heaven.  His name is Jesus.

At the end of it all, God interceded for Job and restored him.  God admonished Job for his complaints by reminding him of the Behemoth (Job 40), an animal Job would have been familiar with.  It ate grass like an oxen, had powerful legs and muscles in its belly.  Its tail swung like the trunk of a cedar tree. It was certainly no elephant or hippopotamus.  Then God reminded Job of the Leviathan (Job 41): a creature whose scaly body was impenetrable, who poured out smoke from his nostrils and flames from his mouth.  This was also a living animal Job was familiar with that demonstrated the chasm between God and man.  Job repented from questioning the sovereignty of God in prosperity and in suffering.  Job prayed for his friends and they were forgiven as well.

Read Job 40:1-5, Job 42:7-9

Ultimately, there has only been one man that has suffered unjustly.  Jesus accepted unbelievable suffering to restore all who believe to a right relationship with God, and also, to give people a home in Heaven where there are no more tears.

What are you suffering from today?  How can you give it over to God's will and let him take you through it?  Ask God to help you through your area of suffering.

Solomon: The Meaning of Life

Lesson for April 29, 2018

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, 4:1-2,13, 12:9-14

What are the most important inventions of all time?
the wheel
the printing press
the light bulb
the telephone
penicillin
integrated circuits
the internet
?

The printing press changed the world, but as technology advances, printed documents are less and less necessary in our lives.  This year's innovations will soon be discarded in America's landfills.  The shelf life of every great advancement for mankind gets shorter and shorter.

But... we look for ways to leave a meaningful legacy.

Solomon was the same way. He concluded that everything that is about making this life on earth more pleasant, is ultimately meaningless.  Life is NOT meaningless, but living for THIS life is vanity.

Take a breath and hold it as long as you can.  While you are holding your breath, do whatever you want.

1. Your life is like that breath
2. Some can hang on longer than others, but none can last long
3. After that breath is gone, whatever you did is probably meaningless because now you need another breath.
4. Psalm 144:4 says about humans, "They are like a breath;
       their days are like a fleeting shadow."

 Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

How do you feel about Solomon's view of life in Ecclesiastes 1?

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes later in life.  He had already experienced just about everything that a person could want.

• wisdom, scientific understanding, recognition and glory for being so smart
• accomplishments like building the temple, palaces, beautiful gardens, he lived for his work
• fabulous riches of gold, silver, chariots, animals, slaves, etc
• parties, pleasures, wine, women, and song
• he experienced a relationship with the true God, and worshiped many others too

If Solomon had everything a person could want, why did he say life was meaningless?

Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-2,13

In light of the suffering that faces both the righteous and the wicked, what should be our purpose in life?

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your
labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).

When everything else in life is vanity, meaningless, or even chasing after wind, serving the Lord by serving others is not in vain.

Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

After all the mistakes Solomon made in life, God gave him the wisdom in the end to say, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

How do you decide if your activities are meaningless or meaningful?

 Homework assignment:  Identify ten things you spend a lot of time doing, for each, rank it from 1 to 5 where 1 is totally meaningLESS and 5 is totally meaningFULL.  How can we make the ordinary daily stuff we do have ETERNAL value?

 

The Foolishness of Chasing Other gods

Lesson for April 22, 2018

1 Kings 11:1-13, Luke 11:31, Deuteronomy 17:14-17

The wisest man in the world, Solomon, still had human weaknesses such as lust, greed, an unhealthy pursuit of pleasure, and allowing idolatry to be an everyday part of his life.

Wisdom is putting God first and loving others as Jesus loves.  Foolishness is placing our own happiness above the needs of others.

What did Solomon do right to begin his reign as king?

• He asked God for wisdom to rule rather than long life, riches, or victory over enemies
• He wisely judged his people such as when the two prostitutes argued over a baby
• He wrote down the wisdom God gave him in the books of Proverbs, Psalms, and Song of Solomon.
• He completed a temple for God's glory and sought God's blessings.

When King David named Solomon as heir to his throne, he gave him some very important instructions:  1 Kings 2:2-4  “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,  and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,  that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

Read  1 Kings 11:1-13

What were the consequences of Solomon's sin?
Why do you think Solomon turned from following God with all his heart?
What similar things, relationships, and pursuits affect our hearts and love of God?

Solomon made all the mistakes that God warned about in the time of Moses.
Read  Deuteronomy 17:14-17

How would these warnings apply to us today?

If God gave Solomon more wisdom and blessings than any other person in HUMAN history, what can we do?

Read  Luke 11:31

 God fulfilled his promise to David about a forever king when Jesus came to earth, and more importantly, when He returns as ruler over everything.

Like Solomon, we will be tempted to chase after other gods.  Putting anything in front of God is idolatry, even when God blesses us with those things.

Jesus is the only one worthy of our worship and adoration.