Sunday School Lesson—The compassionate Savior

The wait was worth it!




Theme. The compassionate Savior


Text. John 11.1-44


A1 Outline

B1 Lazarus dies John 11.1-16

B2 Jesus comforts sisters John 11.17-37

B3 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead John 11.38-44

B4 The Jewish authorities want to kill Jesus John 11.45-57

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Bethany

C1 2 miles east of Jerusalem

C2 East side of the Mt of Olives

C3 Home of Simon the leper

C4 Home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

C5 A favorite place for the Lord Jesus

C6 Today is called al `Azareyeh (the place of Lazarus)

B2 Lazarus (source here).

C1 Brother of Mary and Martha

C2 Died and buried twice

C3 Resurrected once and will be again

C4 Was a tourist attraction (people wanted to see the man who was dead but resurrected). John 12.10

B3 Mary (source here).

C1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus was at dinner with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at Simon the leper's house.

C2 Mary poured very expensive perfume on Jesus's feet and wiped them with her hair.

C3 Judas became outraged at this. John 12.1-3

C4 Sat at the feet of Jesus to learn.

C5 Not the

D1 Mary the mother of Jesus

D2 Mary Magdalene

D3 Mary, the sinful woman of Luke 7.36-50

B4 Martha (source here).

C1 Owned the home where Mary, Lazarus, and her lived in. Luke 10.38

C2 Was burdened in preparing the meal.

C3 Was reminded by the Lord Jesus that other things are more important than physical food. Luke 10.39-42

C4 Some have suggested that Martha was either the wife or widow of Simon the leper.

B5 Lazarus dies John 11.1-16

C1 John 11.3. The word "love" is the Greek word φιλέω phileō. It means to be a friend. Being a friend is another person whom you like to be with, enjoy, due to many common interests.

C2 Why do people get sick? Answer according to the Christian idea. (The universe and world is cursed because of sin).

C3 Why wasn't the message, "Lazarus is sick"?

C4 According to many famous modern day "apostles and prophets," a person is never to be sick. How do we reconcile this? (Modern day apostles and prophets are fake and false. Reality shows us this).

C5 Why wasn't Lazarus chosen to be an apostle? He was loyal, faithful, a man who was raised from death. One would think this is a great qualification.

C6 John 11.4. Jesus says that this sickness does not result in death, but Lazarus died. Is this a contradiction?

C7 John 11.5-6. Why did Jesus wait 2 days before leaving to go to Lazarus? Wouldn't this disappoint the sisters? Why would Jesus increase their sorrow and distress?

C8 John 11.7. Where did Jesus want to go? They are in Perea, on the eastern side of the Jordan.

C9 John 11.8. Why are the disciples worried? Does this show foreknowledge and wisdom?

C10 John 11.9-10. What is the meaning of this verse? What is He referring to when He says "day" and "night"? What light is Jesus speaking of in John 11.10?

C11 John 11.11. Why did Jesus use the word sleep, when He knew the Lazarus was dead? Is this a proof text for soul sleep? (See here for more information).

C12 Are you afraid to die? Consider, for those who trust in Jesus Christ...

D1 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints. (Psalms 116.15 NKJV)

D2 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. (Luke 16.22 NKJV). Most likely we are too.

D3 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1.21 NKJV)

D4 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11.13 NKJV)

D5 The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. (Isaiah 57.1-2 ESV) The righteous (those, whom God made righteous through the death of the Lord Jesus and their trust in Him, never have anything evil, bad, sad, depressing, pain, etc. again).

D6 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. (Proverbs 14.32 ESV)

D7 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me. (Psalms 23.4 NRSV)

D8 but we are confident and prefer rather to be away from home from the body, and to be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5.8 EMTV)

D9 For I am hard pressed by the two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1.23 EMTV)

C13 John 11.15. Why would Jesus say, "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there?"

C14 John 11.16. Was Thomas an optimist?

B6 Jesus comforts sisters John 11.17-37

C1 John 11.17. Why 4 days? If it would have been the same day as Lazarus died, would there be a difference? Jesus and the disciples traveled approximately 40 miles in 2 days.

C2 John 11.18. Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem. So it would have been accessible to people in Jerusalem to come and comfort the sisters.

C3 John 11.20. Why did Martha come to see Jesus, but Mary stayed inside? (It was common for Jews to be in a sitting position when mourning. Mary may still be in shock and not wanting to meet anyone).

C4 John 11.20. Jesus could have healed Lazarus and not allowed all this grief. Does this make Jesus evil? Why did He allow them this emotional pain?

D1 Possibility 1. If Jesus had resurrected Lazarus the same day, many would have said that Lazarus had not really died. To have this resurrection after 4 days of burial, when many people saw it and knew of the death and burial of Lazarus, would definitely show Lazarus to be truly dead.

D2 Possibility 2. Their faith needed to grow. They had enough faith that Jesus could have healed Lazarus but not enough that Jesus could raise Lazarus. We learn that Jesus can heal and also can resurrect from the dead.

C5 Why did Jesus wait? How do we react to waiting?

C6 John 11.23. Would it have been easy for Martha to have missed the meaning of "...your brother will rise again?"

C7 John 11.25. What is Jesus teaching Mary, Martha, and us? Why did Jesus say, "I am the resurrection and the life," instead of saying, "I will raise up Lazarus?" What does "I am the life" mean? (Only Yahweh has life in Himself and can give life. See John 5.21.

D1 The Seven "I Ams" of Jesus

E1 "I am the bread of life" John 6.35, John 6.48

E2 "I am the light of the world" John 8.12

E3 "I am the door" John 1.7-9

E4 "I am the good shepherd" John 10.11, John 10.14

E5 "I am the resurrection and the life" John 11.25

E6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life" John 14.6

E7 "I am the vine" John 15.1 and John 15.5

C8 John 11.25. Why does Jesus say, "Those who believe in me will live, even though they die"? Is belief simple? (Yes, it is just accepting what Jesus says as truth).

C9 John 11.26. People die, so why does Jesus say, "those who live and believe in me will never die"? (He is speaking of spiritual and eternal death. The believers will have a resurrection).

D1 Clarke in his commentary on this verse states,

"Though he die a temporal death. he shall not continue under its power for ever; but shall have a resurrection to life eternal."

D2 Some translate the verse as "and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die forever. Do you believe this?" (John 11.26, LEB). Compare "Truly, truly I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never experience death forever." (John 8.51, LEB).

C10 John 11.27. This is a very strong statement of belief. Jesus accepts it.

C11 John 11.28-31. How long did it take for Mary to get up and go to Jesus?

C12 John 11.32. Is Mary angry at Jesus for not coming sooner? (No, she is simply making a statement).

C13 John 11.33. What did Jesus see Mary doing? (Crying). Does He know these things about us?

C14 John 11.34. The word translated "groan" or "deeply moved" has the idea of snorting with anger. Does Jesus like death? (No! It was in intention of His for people or creation. Death is a punishment for sin. The word for "troubled" conveys "passionately stirred up" in emotions. The calmness of our minds is disturbed. Jesus is not angry at Mary, Martha, or the people, for we see Him weeping, not rebuking).

C15 John 11.36. Are the people angry at Jesus? (Maybe, but they are more likely just venting their feelings in ignorance. They were sincere, not sarcastic. Mary and Martha had the same question).

B7 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead John 11.38-44

C1 John 11.38-40. Was Martha asking a question of doubt (You can't do this. It is scientifically impossible.) or curiosity (I believe you, but how). Mary the mother of Jesus asked the angel a question from curiosity ("Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" (Luke 1.34, EMTV). Zacharias asked the angel a question from doubt ("And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." (Luke 1.18, EMTV). Mary asks, "Huh, how can this happen? Zacharias asks, "I don't think you know what you're talking about."

C2 John 11.41-42. Why did Jesus pray?

C3 John 11.43. Why did Jesus shout, instead of speaking in a still, small voice like He did to Elijah? (After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. (1 Kings 19.12, HCSB)

C4 John 11.44. What did Jesus do, and what did the people do? (The people moved the stone and unwrapped Lazarus).

B8 What have we learned today?

B9 If Jesus showed care and compassion, so should we.

Dispensational Theology

Dispensational theology

This is link to a new publishing company, Dispensational Publishing House, article giving a brief overview of the importance of dispensational theology.

Much confusion occurs with the interpretation of Biblical prophecy due to a failure (or refusal) to distinguish between Israel and the church, and thereby denying any future to national Israel and equating the historical throne of David with God’s heavenly throne. The former rule (the throne of David) could be called the single, unified, mediatorial kingdom that existed historically under the Mosaic Covenant and was prophesied by the Old Testament prophets to be restored in its former glory at the second coming of Jesus Christ. The latter rule (God’s heavenly throne), which is eternal, would be understood as involving aspects of God’s universal and spiritual kingdoms.

You can read the rest here.

More on dispensationalism here.

Sunday School Lesson--Persecution

When things get ugly




Theme. The church is persecuted


Scripture. Acts 12.1-25


A1 Outline

B1 James killed Acts 12.1-5

B2 Peter freed from prison Acts 12.6-19

C1 Angel leads him out of prison Acts 12.5-10

C2 Peter goes to Mary, the mother of John Mark Acts 12.11-15

C3 Answered prayer Acts 12.16-17

C4 The guards are executed Acts 12.18-19

B3 Herod dies Acts 12.20-24

B4 Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark go to Jerusalem Acts 12.25

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Define

C1 Sovereignty

D1 "God is 'absolutely free to act as He wills and in accord with His own nature.'' He is 'the absolute monarch of the created universe.'"

D2 Humans do not have sovereign free will.

D3 Humans are not good and do not seek good (as defined by God). Romans 3.9-18, Jeremiah 17.9, Matthew 15.18-19, Romans 3.23

C2 Providential control

D1 "...nothing can happen apart from God's...preservation and upholding of all things."

D2 He knows what is going to happen and what is happening to us.

C3 Man's freedom

D1 "Humanity is created in the image of God and thus has the ability to make free, moral choices; however, 'God is able to govern the truly free exercise of man's will in such a way that all goes according to His plan."

D2 Note it does NOT say 'God governs man's will;" it does say "able to govern." Humanity does NOT have an absolute will to do good, to seek God, for we are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2.1 and Colossians 2.13).

B2 Terms

C1 Pelagian--Pelagian. any system in which the human person is capable of achieving salvation entirely on his/her own with no divine assistance other than common grace (i.e. the grace necessary for any being to exist). (1)

C2 Semi-pelagian--Semi-Pelagian. any system in which the process of salvation is initiated by the human person apart from any grace other than common grace, but in which the process of salvation is synergistically completed by the cooperative interaction of both divine and human. (1)

C3 Synergism-Synergism. any system that affirms some kind of cooperative interaction between the divine and the human in the process of salvation. (1)

C4 Christian

D1 Differing points between Calvinists, but all believe that God elected some to salvation and that they cannot resist God's call.

D2 Differing points between Arminians. Classical/reformed Arminians believe in

E1 Total depravity

F1 Dale V. Wayman

G1 Here at SEA, we believe that total depravity is real. You can't be an Arminian and not believe in total depravity.

G2 Humanity was created in the image of God, good and upright, but fell from its original sinless state through willful disobedience, leaving humanity sinful, separated from God, and under the sentence of divine condemnation.

G3 Total depravity does not mean that human beings are as bad as they could be, but that sin impacts every part of a person's being and that people now have a sinful nature with a natural inclination toward sin, making every human being fundamentally corrupt at heart.

G4 Therefore, human beings are not able to think, will, nor do anything good in and of themselves, including merit favor from God, save ourselves from the judgment and condemnation of God that we deserve for our sin, or even believe the gospel.

G5 If anyone is to be saved, God must take the initiative.

F2 Lenos

G1 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17.9, ESV2011)

G2 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. (Luke 18.19 LEB)

G3 just as it is written, "There is no one righteous, not even one; (Romans 3.10 LEB)

G4 And you, although you were dead in your trespasses and sins, (Ephesians 2.1 LEB) (Ephesians 2.5 and Colossians 2.13)

G5 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3.23 LEB)

G6 All humans are born contaminated with a sin nature (original sin).

G7 All humans do NOT seek God

G8 All humans cannot do good (as God defines good).

G9 All humans are dead in sins and trespasses

G10 All humans are sinners

E2 Total inability

F1 All humans do not seek God

F2 All humans need God's grace to enable us to understand our sinful condition

F3 Without God's enabling grace we would not/could not be saved

F4 God, by His grace, frees our will to respond. Our wills are not free but freed.

C3 Persecution

D1 Any suffering/abuse/death that Christians face/experience because they are Christians.

D2 If you are reviled on account of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. By all means do not let anyone of you suffer as a
murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. But if someone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but must glorify God with this name. (1 Peter 4.14-16 LEB)

C4 Herod of Acts 12

D1 Names--Herod I, Herod Agrippa, Agrippa the Great, Marcus Julius Agrippa (birth name)

D2 Parents--Father--Aristobulus IV, Mother--Berenice

D3 Lived--11 BC to 44 AD (died when he was 54 years old).

D4 Wife--Cypros

D5 Children--1 son, 3 daughters

D6 Life

E1 Friends with Caesar

E2 Spent money recklessly, which got him in prison and other troubles frequently. His wife usually made an appeal to someone, who then paid those debts.

E3 Was overheard that he wished Tiberius to die and Caligula be made emperor, thus ending up in prison again.

E4 After Tiberius died, Caligula became emperor. Caligula then promoted Herod.

E5 Caligula was assassinated.

E6 Claudius became emperor and promoted Herod to finally control Judea and Samaria.

E7 Gave a speech in Caesarea where flatters praised him as "the voice of a god and not a man." He then died from abdominal disease, which caused great pain. The word for "worms" in the Bible might be referring to maggots. Others think that he had a gangrene, which brought maggots.

E8 Jewish records of him from that time speak well of him, but Christian one's don't.

D7 Picture

C5 James, the Apostle

D1 Son of Salome (some believe she was sister to Mary, the mother of Jesus) and Zebedee

D2 Brother of John

D3 Called by Jesus while at work with their father

D4 Wanted to call fire down on the Samaritans because of their bad manners.

D5 One of three to see the raising of Jairus's daughter, the Transfiguration, and agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

D6 Saw the resurrected Jesus.

D7 Died on Herod Agrippa's order.

B3 James killed Acts 12.1-5

C1 Why was Herod involved in persecuting the church?

C2 Why did Herod kill James?

C3 What was the reaction from the Jewish authorities?

C4 The days of unleavened bread (2)

D1 One of the Three Pilgrim Festivals

D2 Celebrates the Exodus, the freedom from slavery of the Children of Israel from ancient Egypt that followed the Ten Plagues.

D3 Beginning of the 49 days of Counting of the Omer

D4 Connected to barley harvest in spring.

D5 2015 date is sunset of Friday 3 April to nightfall of Friday 10 April / Saturday 11 April (7th day)

D6 2016 date is sunset of Friday 22 April to nightfall of Friday 29 April / Saturday 30 April (7th day)

D7 Related to Shavuot ("Festival of Weeks") which follows 49 days from the second night of Passover.

C5 How many soldiers were guarding Peter? (16)

C6 Why so many?

C7 Who is praying for Peter? (The church). What is the church? (All the believers in Jesus. It is not an organization).

B4 Peter freed from prison Acts 12.6-19

C1 In human terms was Peter secured in the prison?

C2 When the angel came, a light shone in the cell. Wouldn't that alert the guards? Why was there a light anyway?

C3 The angel did the light, awaking Peter, and the removal of chains. Why didn't the angel do everything else (fastening the belt, etc.)?

C4 Was is it that some Christians suffer persecution and some don't? Do Bible believing Christians suffer more than the other types of Christians?

C5 Why did the angel come at night?

C6 Are Christians in the USA facing persecution? What kinds?

C7 Why was Peter delivered this time but later died for the faith?

C8 What does it mean the "expectation of the Jewish people?" (Most commentators believe that the Jewish leaders and people were waiting with excitement that another Christian was going to be killed). Why do people like death and mayhem? What does this indicate about the human heart/soul/person?

C9 Peter goes on to the home of Mary the mother of John Mark? How did Peter know to go there?

C10 The people were praying, but Peter was already freed.

C11 Why did Peter knock? Shouldn't he just have walked in?

C12 Why didn't the praying people not believe Rhoda?

C13 Why did Peter give his report on what happened then quickly left? (The authorities would be out looking for him).

C14 What James is this in Acts 12.17? (Jesus's half-brother). Why were they to tell James?

C15 When someone are being persecuted, should we pray for their release and their persecution to stop? (I have heard people say they will not do that for the brethren, because persecution is increasing their faith).

C16 How do Christians know that God is with them when they are being persecuted?

C17 How should we help the persecuted brethren?

C18 In Acts 12.18 why are the guards so worried about not finding Peter?

C19 Is God responsible for the death of the guards?

C20 How do you think Herod was feeling about Peter's disappearance? (Humiliation)

B5 Herod dies Acts 12.20-24

C1 Some say that Herod went to Caesarea for a festival.

C2 A chamberlain was a right hand man of the king.

C3 The occasion for Herod's anger for the people of Tyre and Sidon is unknown.

C4 Josephus relates that Herod was wearing a gown made of silver which reflected the light of the sun. Would this make an impression on people?

C5 Why would anyone yell out, "the voice of a god and not a man?"

C6 Josephus reports that it took Herod 5 days to die.

C7 Here the persecuted lives and the persecutor dies.

C8 Is God's kingdom ever stopped by a person?

C9 How do we deal with praise from people?

C10 Do we seek and carry out revenge?

B6 Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark go to Jerusalem Acts 12.25

A3 Resources

• B1 (1) http://marccortez.com/?s=synergism+is+not+semi-pelagianism
  B2 (2) Passover

Sunday School Lesson—The Church Expands

All are welcome




Theme. The church expands


Scripture. Acts 10.1-48


A1 Outline

B1 Cornelius and the angel Acts 10.1-9

B2 Peter's vision Acts 10.10-16

B3 Cornelius's servants and Peter Acts 10.17-29

B4 Cornelius and Peter Acts 10.30-43

C1 Cornelius talks to Peter Acts 10.30-34

C2 Peter talks to Cornelius Acts 10.35-43

B5 Cornelius and his family are baptized Acts 10.44-48

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Cornelius

C1 God fearing

C2 Generous

C3 Compassionate

C4 Alms giver

C5 Centurion--a military leader of 200 to 1,000 or more men

C6 Stationed in Caesarea.

C6 Italian band

D1 View one.

Name of the archery unit of the Roman army to which the Gentile centurion Cornelius belonged (Acts 10.1 ). KJV calls it the Italian band. Probably 1,000 men who had been mustered in Italy composed the unit. Little is known about this Italian Cohort. Extrabiblical evidence exists for the presence in Caesarea of a unit called Cohors II Italica after A.D. 69. That date, however, is too late for the events recorded in Acts 10.1 . Perhaps the Cohors II actually was in Caesarea prior to A.D. 69. Or perhaps the Italian Cohort to which Cornelius belonged was a different unit.

(Copyright Statement

These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.

Bibliography Information

Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Italian Cohort'. Holman Bible Dictionary. http.//www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/view.cgi?n=3120. 1991).

D2 View two. from Wikipedia

Cohors II Italica Civium Romanorum was a Roman cohort from Italia formed from Roman citizens. A cohort based in Caesarea is referred to in the Acts of the Apostles (Greek. σπειρης της καλουμενης ιταλικης, Latin. Cohors Italica in Acts 10.1, translated as the Italian band in the King James Version, or the Italian Regiment in the Good News Translation and World English Bible), and is associated with Cornelius the Centurion, the first gentile convert to Christianity.

According to Josephus, the principal portion of the Roman army stationed at Caesarea were Syrians. and the Pulpit Commentary therefore considers it 'pretty certain ... that the Italian cohort here spoken of were auxiliaries, so called as being made up in whole or in part of Italians, probably volunteers or velones.'

The cohort was among those stationed in Syria in 157 under legate Arridius Cornelianus.

C7 Other than what the Bible tells us, we know nothing else of Cornelius.

B2 Acts 10.1-9

C1 The word devout means serious about worshiping God. It is used 4 times in the New Testament. Twice it is used in Acts 10. It is also used in Acts 22.22 and in 2 Peter 2.9. Cornelius was sincere and a serious worshiper of God. This is seen in his actions and life.

C2 Was Cornelius saved? (No, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4.12).

C3 Is God able to get the Gospel to those who are seeking no matter where they are?

C4 Note that this vision includes specific information.

C5 Could Cornelius have disobeyed and not sent men to Joppa? (Yes, You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit! Acts 7.51. See also Isaiah 63.10, Ephesians 6.30, etc. It seems in the plain, normal sense, people can resist God.

C6 How long did it take for Cornelius to obey and send men to Joppa? How long does it take for us to obey, when we read in the Scriptures what God wants from us?

C7 What can be said about Cornelius and his family? Does Cornelius's family reflect his attitudes towards them?

B3 Acts 10.10-16

C1 Peter went on the roof to pray. Are there special places to pray or can we pray anywhere?

C2 Trance

D1 This Greek word is ekstasis. a displacement (of the mind), i.e. bewilderment, ecstasy

• Original Word. ἔκστασις, εως, ἡ
  


• Part of Speech. Noun, Feminine
  


• Transliteration. ekstasis
  


• Phonetic Spelling. (ek'-stas-is)
  


• Short Definition. bewilderment, amazement
  


• Definition. (properly. distraction or disturbance of mind caused by shock), bewilderment, amazement; a trance
  

D2 It is translated in the KJV as astonishment, amazed, and trance. It is that state of mind when we are in shock, as in the sudden death of a loved one. The mind seems to not hear what others are saying or doing. In Peter's case it would be an unawareness of surroundings seeing only the sheet and hearing only the voice.

D3 A dream happens when we are asleep. A vision is as an insert in a video. A trance is as an full 3-D surround screen cinema. In a trance one may look as if they are sleeping or staring at something.

D4 Can the devil bring about visions, trances, etc.? (Yes, and it is important to know, so that we may, with God's help, be wise and discerning. Remember Jeremiah 17.9 and Mark 7.21-22

C3 What kind of shock did Peter have at the announcement of "Get up, kill, and eat"?

C4 How did this experience change Peter's views towards non-Jews? How do we apply this to ourselves?

C5 In Acts 10.15-16 who is the one who "cleanses"?

C6 What does 'cleanse' mean?

D1 According to God's law to Israel, there are clean and unclean animals.

D2 Those animals listed as unclean, God has now cleansed.

D3 Jews and Gentiles can now eat clean and unclean, if they want to, without any punishment from God.

D4 Cleansed because of Jesus Messiah; see Matthew 15.11, Romans 14.14, 1 Timothy 4.4, etc.

D5 So He said to them, "Are you also without understanding? Do you not understand that everything entering a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter into his heart but into his stomach, and passes into the latrine, thus purifying all foods?" (Mark 7.18-19, EMTV) Utley in his commentary on this Mark 7.19 states, "The parentheses reflect the translators' view that it is an editorial comment (probably from Peter's experience in Acts 10). It is such an important NT truth (cf. Rom. 14.13-23; 1 Cor. 8.1-13; 10.23-33). Humans are not right with God based on what they eat or do not eat! The new covenant is not based on OT regulations (i.e., Leviticus 11; Acts 15). God looks at the heart, not the stomach!

C7 How does "So the law was our guardian [tutor or schoolmaster] until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. (Galatians 4.24-25) apply to this passage?

C8 What point is God teaching Peter? How do we apply this to today? Consider "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' And so wisdom is justified by her children." (Matthew 11.18-19, EMTV).

B4 Acts 10.17-29

C1 Acts 10.23, Peter left to go to Cornelius with the messengers as well as "some of the believers." Is it better to go as a team, single, or doesn't matter?

C2 Acts 10.19-20, God told Peter to get off his upholstery, meet the men, and go with them, for I have sent them." How is it that God sent them? Didn't Cornelius send them?

C3 Acts 10.24--Why did Cornelius invite so many people to hear Peter?

C4 Acts 10.25--Why did Cornelius fall/bow at Peter's feet?

C5 Acts 10.28

D1 What has Peter learned?

D2 The word impure or unclean has religious significance. Gentiles, in the opinion of the Jews, were worth little, which is why they are called 'dogs.'

D3 Cleansed hearts by means of faith. Faith is believing God.

B5 Acts 10.30-34--Cornelius and the others have a receptive heart.

B6 Acts 10.35-43

C1 God wants the truth in words, desires, thoughts, and deeds. How does favoritism, partiality, etc. different from truth?

C2 Is any type of favoritism OK? (Yes, it will be seen as in any given situation most would be partial to their spouse and their children).

C3 What type of favoritism is evil and wrong?

D1 Based on the amount of melanin?

D2 Based on how much money one has?

D3 Based on status?

D4 Based on age?

D5 Based on looks?

D6 Based on nationality?

D7 Based on gender?

D8 Do Jews have more favor with God than Gentiles?

D9 What about these?

E1 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. (Psalms 34.7, NKJV)

E2 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. (Psalms 103.13, NKJV)

C4 "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (Acts 10.35, NKJV). Does this passage teach salvation by works? (No. The Greek word for acceptable means accepted, in other words, God is willing to save a Jew just as He would a Gentile. Robertson in his commentary on this verse writes, "Acceptable to him (δεκτος αυτω). Verbal adjective from δεχομα. Acceptabilis. That is to say, a Gentile would not have to become a Jew in order to become a Christian. Evidently Peter had not before perceived this fact. On the great Day of Pentecost when he spoke of the promise "to all those afar off" (2.39) Peter understood that they must first become Jews and then Christians. The new idea that now makes a revolution in Peter's outlook is precisely this that Christ can and will save Gentiles like this Cornelius group without their becoming Jews at all").

C5 We must remember that in the Bible God initiates salvation and completes salvation. Humans do not initiate salvation, do not seek God, and do not choose God.

C6 Acts 10.36-43 Peter summarizes the Gospel, which Cornelius and his family and close friends believe.

D1 What peace is Acts 10.36 talking about? Is there a difference in the peace that the world is seeking for today?

D2 What does "Lord of all" signify? (He is king overall and sovereign. It does not imply all are saved. Both Jews and Gentiles are included).

D3 "Sons of Israel" refers to the current generation of Israel that had Jesus in their midst.

D4 Acts 10.38, when was Jesus anointed? (This is a trick question. Jesus was baptized by John who then saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus. This is the initiation for Jesus's ministry. It should be noted that Jesus is Messiah, has always been Messiah, and will always be Messiah. There was never a time that Jesus was not Messiah. Some people/groups teach that Jesus became Messiah at His baptism, which is heresy. Consider

E1 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2.11, EMTV) He is already Messiah.

E2 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6.69, EMTV)

E3 interpreting and pointing out that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, and to arise from the dead, and saying that "This Jesus, whom I preach to you, is the Christ." (Acts 17.3, EMTV) The witness of the prophets.

E4 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he should see the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2.26, EMTV) Simeon was old, yet was shown the Jesus is the Messiah. This was before Jesus's baptism.

E5 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb blameless and spotless, having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, He was made manifest in these last times for you, (1 Peter 1.19-20, EMTV). Before the foundation of the world (creation), Jesus was Messiah).

D5 Acts 10.39

E1 What is the significance of the word 'witness?'

E2 Is there any value in an eye-witness? Just one eye-witness? How about over 500 at the same time? (Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15.6, WEB).

F1 Afterwards He appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been raised. Mark 16.14 (EMTV)

F2 Why not openly to all? Clarke in his commentary answers, "But why was not Christ, after his resurrection, shown to all the people! 1. Because it was impossible that such a thing could be done without mob and tumult. Let it only be announced, "Here is the man who was dead three days, and who is risen from the dead!" what confusion would be the consequence of such an exposure! Some would say, This is he; others, He is like him; and so on; and the valid testimony must be lost in the confusion of the multitude. 2. God chose such witnesses whose testimony should be unimpeachable; the men who knew him best, and who by their depositions in proof of the fact should evidently risk their lives. And, 3. as multitudes are never called to witness any fact, but a few selected from the rest, whose knowledge is most accurate, and whose veracity is unquestionable, therefore, God showed not Christ risen from the dead to all the people, but to witnesses chosen by himself; and they were such as perfectly knew him before, and who ate and drank with him after his resurrection, and consequently had the fullest proof and conviction of the truth of this fact."

D6 Acts 10.42

E1 Is believing and preaching the resurrection important? Why?

E2 The Lord Jesus is the Judge of the living and the dead.

F1 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth. Psalms 96.13 (NKJV)

F2 He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word which I spoke, that word will judge him in the last day. John 12.48 (EMTV)

D7 Acts 10.43--what is the wonderful blessing in this verse? Is there any partiality with God, or can all be saved?

B7 Acts 10.44-48

C1 What happened to those who believed?

C2 Why don't we see this today? Four times this is noted in the Scriptures.

D1 Jews--Acts 2.4

D2 Samaritans--Acts 8.17

D3 Gentiles--Acts 10.44-45

D4 Disciples of John the Baptist--Acts 19.1-7

C3 Why were the Jewish believers with Peter shocked?

C4 Do we have to be baptized in water to be saved? See here and here

D1 A common Bible verse used to "prove" this is "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be condemned. (Mark 16.16, EMTV).

D2 Another verse that is used is "which as an antitype, baptism now also saves us—(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1 Peter 3.21, EMTV)

D3 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2.38, WEB)

D4 Jesus answered him, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! (John 3.3-5, WEB)

D5 The Nicene Creed has "I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins."

D6 Most Christians on conversion believe in the "ordinance" of baptism and are baptized.

D7 It all boils down to, what happens to a person who believes but dies before they can be baptized? The Roman Catholic Church teach and believe that there is also a "Baptism of desire" and a "Baptism by blood." The first refers to Old Testament believers and any person who desires baptism but died before they could be baptized. The latter refers to those who believe but were martyred before they could be baptized in water.

D8 Seven baptisms

E1 John's--John 1.25-28, Acts 1.5, Acts 11.16, Acts 19.4. This is because the people had repented of their sins.

E2 Moses--1 Corinthians 10.1-4. This was into Moses's authority. They also, under Moses, left slavery for freedom, and Pharaoh's authority for Moses' authority. Now Christians are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3.27 and Acts 8.16).

E3 Jesus--Matthew 3.13-15, Luke 3.21--This was "to fulfill all righteousness," that is, an official sign to begin His ministry.

E4 Water--Acts 10.47 and many places

E5 Fire--Luke 3.16, Ephesians 5.26, Titus 3.5

E6 Washing--Mark 7.4 (utensils, hands, etc.) and Hebrews 9.10

E7 Holy Spirit--Mark 1.8, Acts 1.5, Acts 2.38 (the gift of the Holy Spirit is after water baptism), 1 Corinthians 12.13, Ephesians 4.5 (commentators are divided on whether baptism refers to water or the Holy Spirit).

D9 What came first the pouring out of the Holy Spirit or water baptism?

D10 Were they saved/born again before or after water baptism?

D11 Were they truly saved before water baptism or after the pouring out of the Holy Spirit?

Discernment

Discernment



This is a picture of the office standard for a meter.

If I have an object in my hand and want to know its length, I need to discern. In order to discern there must be a standard. The official standard is above.

A Christian must also have a standard in order for us to have discernment. Here is an article from Arminian Today on this topic. May we today and every use discernment according to the standard of the Bible.

"Needed: Biblical Discernment

Proverbs 2:3-5 (NKJV) reads:

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.

Filled with the Spirit

What does "filled with the Spirit" mean?

A1 Scripture

B1 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.(Luke 1:15 NRSV)

B2 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41 NRSV). Elizabeth said something in her native language. There was no other activity or action. Luke 1:41-45

B3 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: (Luke 1:67 NRSV). What did Zechariah do, running around the room speaking in tongues that no one could understand? No, he said something in his native language. Luke 1:67-79

B4 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. (Luke 4:14 NRSV). What did Jesus show and do jerking and hissing and speaking in unknown languages? No, He started teaching. Luke 4:14-15

B5 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4 NRSV) What happened when all the Christians were filled? Did they start jerking, falling to the ground, speaking in unknown languages? No, they started speaking the wonderful acts of God. Acts 2:4-11

B6 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, (Acts 4:8 NRSV) Peter started preaching in their native language. Acts 4:8-13

B7 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NRSV). They spoke with boldness.

B8 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55 NRSV). He starting preaching. He had a vision of Jesus at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

B9 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17 NRSV). After Ananias prayed for Paul, what did Paul do? And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, (Acts 9:18-19 NRSV)

B10 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (Acts 13:9 NRSV). What did Paul do? He pronounced judgment on this evil man who was trying to not have the proconsul trust in Jesus. Acts 13:9-12

B11 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52 NRSV) What did they have? Joy that the Holy Spirit gave.

B12 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:18 NRSV). What we the people to do? Pray, praise and thank God, and sing. Ephesians 5:18-20

A2 Did any of these believers ask for this? No

A3 The Holy Spirit lives in each believer.

B1 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. (Romans 8:9 NRSV)

B2 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6 NRSV)

B3 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 NRSV)

B4 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may abide with you forever, (John 14:16 EMTV)

A4 What is filled with the Spirit as in Ephesians 5:18?

B1 The word "spirit" is nearly if not always interpreted to be the Holy Spirit.

B2 There is a contrast between wine and Spirit.

B3 What is the effect of each?

C1 Wine--the effects of drunkenness. For other effects of living according to the flesh see Galatians 5:19-21

C2 Spirit--the effects of the Holy Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The context refers to singing and giving thanks to God (Ephesians 5:19-20).

B4 Note we are the vessel and the Holy Spirit is the one who fills.

B5 We have a choice--flesh or spirit, ourselves or the Holy Spirit.

Ready to share money or faith

 

A short post about the Christian and money and also providing answers about the Christian faith.

Ready to share money or faith

Money--with wisdom

 

Attitude--So having food and clothing we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:8, WPNT)
Acknowledgment--Further, God is able to make all ‘grace’ abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may abound to every good work; as it is written: “He has distributed around, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:8-9, WPNT)
Educate--I am not saying this because of lack, since I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11, WPNT)
Freedom--Your way of life should be free from the love of money, being content with what you have, because He Himself has said: “I absolutely will not desert you; I most certainly will not abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, WPNT)

Faith--with answers and calm patience

Ready (so we have to study)--Rather, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready with an answer for everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with meekness and respect; (1 Peter 3:15, WPNT)
Remembering--For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18, EMTV)
Responsibility--holding fast to the faithful word as he was taught, that he may be able to exhort by sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9, EMTV)
Resource (first and foremost)--All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be proficient, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, EMTV)