A Few Thoughts About Psalm 100

Psalms 100:1-5 BSB A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.

This is a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving.

There are 2 sets of commands and their rationale.

First set

B1 Commands

C1 Shout

C2 Serve

C3 Come

C4 Acknowledge

B2 Rationale

C1 God created us

C2 God owns us

C3 God shepherds us

Second set

B1 Commands

C1 Enter

C2 Give thanks

C3 Praise

B2 Rationale

C1 God is good

C2 God is merciful

C3 God is faithful

Notes for first set

B1 Shout

C1 The Hebrew word is רוּעַ rûwaʻ. It means a loud noise.

C2 Here a joyful noise because of the context.

C3 Happiness is only from events, happenings, experiences. Joy is a deep peace, content, safety, satisfaction. In our passage, this joy is from fellowship with out creator, the Creator.

C4 A joyful noise is the expression of this contentment and peace.

C5 Use

D1 Both happiness and joy: Esther 8:16 NIV For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

D2 Zechariah 9:9 NIV Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

C6 Do we have joy? Why?

C7 Why is real joy only related to God and His ways?

B2 Personally, I believe Scripture teaches that we were created for fellowship with God and to serve Him forever. He does not need fellowship or servants. The basic meaning serve is the Hebrew word which means to work. We work for God. He does not need our work, but if there is work in His kingdom, we know that He is a delegator, not a micromanager.

B3 Come is an invitation. It has the idea of entering. A special blessing is for believers: Ephesians 3:12 NLT Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.

B4 Acknowledge is to recognize, give credit to, believe, We are to acknowledge

C1 He is God

C2 All the character traits/attributes of God

C3 Isaiah 45:5-6 NLT I am the LORD; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don't even know me, 6 so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the LORD, and there is no other.

B5 Rationale

C1 God created us

C2 God owns us, or rather, “His we are,” that is, “we are His.”

C3 God shepherds us which reflects His style of leadership.

Notes for second set

B1 Commands

C1 Enter. This is the same word as come in verse 2.

C2 Give thanks: Colossians 3:17 BSB And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

C3 Praise. What do we praise God for? Basically, it is everything that God is. It is His ways, thoughts, desires, and deeds. It is seen in the 10 Commandments and His decisions. It is seen in His character traits, His worldview, and lifestyle. His way is perfect. Since it is perfect, it is best for us, too.

B2 Rationale

C1 God is good. Good is an adjective and can be applied in many different ways. Here it refers to His character and actions. All God’s decisions are done in wisdom, love, and holiness.

D1 The standard of good is God Himself. Mark 10:18 BSB “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied, “No one is good except God alone.

D2 Psalm 86:5 NIV You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

C2 God is merciful

D1 God wants to show mercy. He does not want to punish, but we must meet His conditions like Abraham did. Genesis 15:6 NIV Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

D2 Consider these 2 passages:

E1 God punishes those who rebel and continue in rebellion even after being warned many times. Psalm 59:5 NIV You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.

E2 God pardons and forgives those who humble themselves and believe: Micah 7:18 NIV Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

C3 God is faithful

D1 Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

D2 Psalm 31:5 NIV Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

D3 He is faithful. Are we?

D4 Hebrews 10:23 ISV Let us continue to hold firmly to the hope that we confess without wavering, for the one who made the promise is faithful.

Colossians 4:2 GNT Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.

1 Year Bible—Jude

The main topic of Jude, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus, is to beware of false teachers. He explains the reason and gives their characteristics.

False teachers

C1 Can teach close to orthodox but live secret lives ruining some believers. Think of molesters and sexual predators.

C2 Can teach a passage but interpret it differently than the plain, normal sense. They spiritualize, allegorize, redefine, explain away, use reams of paper to mold us to their personal view (eisegesis), etc.

D1 Since Yahweh is omnipotent and omnisapient, He communicates perfectly. What He says or records in Scriptures is the truth. If it is to be symbolic, it will be recorded as such.

D2 We need to read the Scripture as, “What does this passage mean?” Many read and interpret Scripture as, “What is this saying to me?”

C3 Have a goal for power, money, and sex. Sometimes just one goal, sometimes two, or sometimes all three.

Jude 1:3-4 WEL Beloved, I was in the process of promptly writing to you about our common salvation, when I had to write to you and exhort you that you must passionately defend the faith which was once for all [time] committed to the saints.

4 For certain people slipped in unnoticed who were written about in advance for condemnation, ungodly people, changing the grace of our God into a lack of moral restraint and disowning the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

C1 Passionately defend the faith.

D1 The Greek word for passionately is ἐπαγωνίζομαι epagōnízomai. It means to be intensely motivated and giving effort to preserve truth and expose evil.

D2 For this type of contention we need the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18).

C2 The faith here in context and similar usage in the NT refers to the Gospel, doctrines, worldview, and lifestyle of God and His kingdom. It is the whole of Christian faith as taught by the Lord Jesus and His apostles and prophets.

D1 A false Gospel (Galatians 1:7-8).

D2 A false Gospel of faith plus various manmade rules necessary to be saved as in Colossians 2:4-8.

C3 Note that they slip in, that is, they do not openly disclose what they really believe and who they really are.

C4 We have been warned by the former prophets and prophetesses.

D1 Compare 2 Peter 3:17.

D2 See also Matthew 7:15, Matthew 10:17, Matthew 16:6.

D3 And Jeremiah 29:8, Matthew 24:5, 24:11, and 24:24.

C5 They change God’s grace into a lack of moral restraint. Some possibilities are

D1 Since we are saved, we have freedom. An excuse has been used of “I can do all things through Christ.” They selectively isolate the passage from the context. Romans 6:1 NET What shall we say then? Are we to remain in sin so that grace may increase?

D2 They excuse their hard conscience by keeping everything secret. For example, Ezekiel 8:8-9, 12-13 NET He said to me, "Son of man, dig into the wall." So I dug into the wall and discovered a doorway. 9 He said to me, "Go in and see the evil abominations they are practicing here." ... 12 He said to me, "Do you see, son of man, what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in the chamber of his idolatrous images? For they think, 'The LORD does not see us! The LORD has abandoned the land!'" 13 He said to me, "You will see them practicing even greater abominations!"

D3 They feel no guilt. “I am a woman of faith. God loves me.” (I actually heard this once). Proverbs 30:20 NKJV This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "I have done no wickedness."

C6 Disowning:

D1 That He is Lord: 1 John 2:22 NKJV Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.

D2 Abandoning the faith: See 2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 10:33; 1 Timothy 5:8.

D3 The way they live is ungodly, thus, denying Jesus being Lord. These do not obey His commandments, because they do not love Him as shown in their actions. Titus 1:16 NKJV They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Jude 1:5-7 states that God has punished in the past, and He WILL punish in the future. It is a warning to each and all.

Jude 1:8-14 teaches us

C1 Dreamers

D1 These are those who have trances, dreams of “revelation,” visions, etc.

D2 Another translation: Jude 1:8 NASB Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.

D3 The Greek word is ἐνυπνιάζομαι enypniázomai. It is defined as dreams

E1 Vocabulary Of The Greek Testament: The importance attached to temple visions and dreams in Egypt

E2 These teachers claim that God has revealed things to them via dreams. The message consists of 3 things that these false teachers claim God revealed, that is, defiling the flesh, rejecting authority, and revile (literally blaspheme angelic beings).

E3 Some understand dreams to refer to literal, revelatory dreams, or the dream world of unreality, or delusions, or lying about having dreams to give their teachings credibility.

D4 Compare 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

C2 Jude 1:11 WEL Woe to them! For they followed the way of Cain, ran greedily after the error of Balaam, and were destroyed in the wicked challenge of Korah.

D1 An attitude of rebellion

D2 A lusting for power, control, and money

C3 A love feast is the fellowship meal associated with the Lord’s Supper.

C4 Note how these teachers have no morals, no guilt, no concern for anything or anyone but themselves.

C5 We must avoid these types, put them out of church, and warn people of them. That is part of contending for the faith.

C6 These people are totally void of any fruit or characteristic of God. They are twice dead, that is, completely dead.

C7 They have no shame in what they do or say. Even if they know it is wrong, they do not care. Romans 1:32 NET Although they fully know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them.

C8 They have a booked reservation for blackness, that is, not light, no comfort, no peace, no rest for eternity. Matthew 25:30 BSB And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

C9 The Lord Jesus will return and judge. Note, He comes with His saints.

Christ comes to judge

C1 He is judge and will judge.

D1 John 5:22 LEB For the Father does not judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son,

D2 Hebrews 10:27 GW All that is left is a terrifying wait for judgment and a raging fire that will consume God's enemies.

D3 Revelation 20:15 LEB And if anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

C2 These people are described as

D1 Having ungodly actions, so break all the 10 Commandments in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. So stubborn are they. Compare: Revelation 16:11 ULB They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pain and sores, and they still refused to repent of what they had done.

D2 Verbal abusers, false accusers, blasphemers, gas lighting bastards, etc.

D3 Complainers, that is, about God’s way of life, worldview, beliefs, decisions, etc.

D4 Find fault, that is, their way is true and everything else is false.

D5 Follow their own desires instead of God’s desires. Is this following our heart?

D6 Are arrogant.

D7 Are flatters, love bombers, etc. to influence and control others.

D8 They mock God, His promises, prophecy, etc.

D9 They cause divisions, that is, pitting people against each other. They enjoy such activity, then they offer to solve the problem. Their solutions are poison.

D10 They hate spiritual things as prayer, reading & studying the Bible, fellowship, etc. unless it gives them prestige.

The proper response

C1 Grow in the faith. We do this by studying and reading the Bible, praying, fellowshiping, etc.

C2 We are to remain in God’s love. Compare Jude 1:6 those who did not keep.

C3 We are to be concerned for each other’s faith. We want all believers to stay true, steadfast, and faithful to the end.

C4 Doubting is not a sin. It is an opportunity to search for the truth. We have a reasonable faith.

C5 Some of the believers might fall into sin. We must go to them and plead their precarious position and actions whether doctrinally or lifestyle.

God protective ability

C1 He is able

C2 He wants to protect us

C3 He wants to present us as being blameless with JOY!!

C4 Praise God!!!!!

Jude 1:25 WEL To the only wise God our Savior, [be] glory, majesty, supremacy, and complete authority, both now and forever. Amen

1 Year Bible—1, 2, & 3 John

The epistle of 1 John, written by John the Apostle, deals with the subject of—do we know if we are a Christian. 1 John 5:13 MKJV I have written these things to you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have everlasting life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.

How can we know if we are Christians? Here are some of the points John writes.

B1 Obedience to God 1 John 2:3-6. Are we obeying the teachings of the New Testament?

B2 A Life of Love 1 John 2:7-11.

C1 Do we say we love?

C2 Do we show the characteristics of love as written in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a?

B3 How We Think and Live 1 John 2:12-14. Is what we think and do the same?

B4 Do We Love the World? 1 John 2:15-17 1 John 2:15-17 MKJV Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

B5 Do We Have Attitude of anti-Christ? 1 John 2:18-19

C1 Do we leave the core doctrines?

C2 Have we become proud?

C3 Do we seek power and control?

C4 Note there is THE anti-Christ, and there are many anti-Christs. These are wannabes and those having the same attitudes.

C5 They left us.

C6 1 John 2:18-19 BSB Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

B6 Do We Affirm That Jesus Is Messiah? 1 John 2:22-23

B7 Are We Faithful to the Teachings of the Bible? 1 John 2:24-25

B8 Do We Continue to Do the Same Sins As Before Saved? 1 John 3:4-10

B9 Do We Love Other Christians? 1 John 3:11-12

B10 Does the World Love Our Christianity? 1 John 3:13-15.

C1 If the world (the nonbelievers) loves our Christianity, something is wrong.

C2 This does apply to the congregation, but it also applies to me and you.

B11 Do We Love Others? 1 John 3:16-18. This applies mainly to our brothers and sisters, so the context teaches. If we can help supply a need, we must. If we are unable, we can pray. We are a family and are to help each other.

B12 Do We Have a Clear Conscious? 1 John 3:19-24.

C1 This is not referring to past thoughts, desires, words, and deeds that have been confessed and forgiven.

C2 Compare the Apostle Paul:

D1 Acts 8:3 NET But Saul was trying to destroy the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

D2 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 NET For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

C3 The evil one often stirs up our memory to torment us, but we KNOW we are forgiven. Colossians 2:13 BSB When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,

B13 Do We Acknowledge That Messiah Came in the Flesh? 1 John 4:1-6. We must make sure we have the right Jesus as the creeds agree.

B14 Do We Love Our Fellow Christian Brothers and Sisters? 1 John 4:7-12

B15 Do We Want to Preach the Gospel? 1 John 4:13-21

B16 Do We Obey Jesus’s Rules in the New Testament? 1 John 5:1-5. There are over 1,000 rules for Christians in the New Testament. We need none other. See Colossians 3 for a number of the rules.

B17 Do We Have Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ Alone? 1 John 5:9-12. Many add some human effort, thought, ritual, etc. It is only, only through grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

B18 Do We Believe in the Son of God? 1 John 5:13 1 John 5:13 PickNT I have written these things to you who believe into the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life, really believing into the name of God's Son. [Emphasis is added]

B19 Do We Keep Sinning or Is There a Change? 1 John 5:18.

C1 Compare King Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33.

C2 Do we and others see a change?

C3 Do they see this change: 1 Peter 2:1-2 ISV Therefore, rid yourselves of every kind of evil and deception, hypocrisy, jealousy, and every kind of slander. 2 Like newborn babies, thirst for the pure milk of the word so that by it you may grow in your salvation.

Some other topics in 1 John

B1 1 John 2:20-21 The Holy Spirit Teaches Us Truth

B2 1 John 2:26-27 Christians Can Understand the Bible With Help of the Holy Spirit

B3 1 John 2:28-29 The Need for Perseverance

B4 1 John 3:1-3 Blessing of Being God’s Children

B5 1 John 5:6-8 Jesus Truly Is The Messiah

B6 1 John 5:14-15 God Answers Prayer If It Is His Will

B7 1 John 5:16-17 Helping each other in this life when we sin.

B8 1 John 5:19-20 Identifying the True God.

B9 1 John 5:21 Avoid Idols

2 John deals with a personal letter urging believers to continue to obey the rules of Jesus Christ, live in truth, and live in love as exemplified by the Lord Jesus.

B1 It also gives a stern warning: 2 John 1:9-11 BSB Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

B2 We to not want to share in their evil deeds, teaching, actions, etc.

3 John is also a personal letter dealing with leadership. There are two type of leaders.

B1 The micromanager, the dictator, the controller, the power seeking person, etc. Their way or no way. One study I read revealed one of the top 10 occupations for narcissists is pastoral. If a pastor(?) is like this, we MUST leave that church. 3 John 1:9-11 BSB I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. 10]So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

B2 The shepherd, like Jesus, is a delegator, not a dictator. 3 John 1:12 BSB Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Psalms 100:2 ULB Serve Yahweh with gladness; come before his presence with joyful singing.

1 Year Bible—1 & 2 Peter

The theme of 1 Peter is salvation. This salvation is

B1 Past (when they believed), present, and future

B2 Doctrinal

B3 Practical

Chapter 1

We are to rejoice in our salvation.

B1 It was given to us because of our believing the Gospel and placing our trust into Jesus Christ.

B2 It is guaranteed through the resurrection of Jesus.

B3 It is a protection of our souls through God’s grace and desire.

B4 It is the goal, or the end result, of our faith.

B5 It was prophesied by the prophets in the Old Testament.

We are to be holy in our salvation.

B1 Our body, souls, and spirit are to be holy according to God’s standard.

B2 Our minds must be ready for action to live, clear headed (as opposed to be under the influence of anything), and fix our hope on Christ and His grace.

B3 Our bodies must not be given to actions contrary to God’s rules for us in the New Testament. There are sensual pleasures that are proper in God’s view, but outside what He has allowed, we must avoid.

B4 The standard of holiness is God Himself. We must not think ourselves to be holy in ourselves but only by God’s grace applied to our daily lives. How we use this grace determines failure or success.

B5 Our hope and faith is in God alone, not in ourselves.

B6 Our standards fail and fade away. We must not think that we are good except from God’s grace, the Son’s atonement, and the Spirit’s sanctification

Chapter 2

We are to grow in our salvation.

B1 The source of growth is God.

B2 The foundation has already been laid and is being built on. The foundation is Christ’s Apostles and prophets from His time on earth. The foundation is not built again.

B3 We grow spiritually by food and this food has been provided us in the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit has inspired them for our growth. He in wisdom, love, and holiness has perfectly chosen the words. We must believe Him. The plain, normal sense uncorrupted by human effects of false interpretive methods.

We are to live out our salvation

B1 Our salvation (what has been accomplished in the new birth) is to be lived in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

B2 The standard is God Himself as recorded in the New Testament.

B3 We are to live it publicly towards government, our employers, our family and friends, our employees, and our enemies.

B4 When we suffer, we are suffer for living and speaking to honor God.

B5 How precious these words: 1 Peter 2:23-25 WEL When he was verbally abused, he did not verbally abuse in return. When he suffered, he did not threaten but committed it to him who judges righteously. 24 Who by himself carried our sins in his own body on the cross that we, now [being] dead to sins, might live for righteousness. By his wound, you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep wandering away but now have come back to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Chapter 3

We are to live our Christian life with our family in the way we act among them and treat them. There can be no abuse or control (micromanaging).

We are to live our Christian life when we suffer for Christ or any other suffering.

Chapter 4

We are to live a Christian lifestyle. It has never changed. Its principles have been given to us in Scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 LEB All scripture [is] inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 17 in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Chapter 5

We are to live our Christian life in our church family, not only our local brothers and sisters but also those worldwide. Those gifted by God to teach and/or lead must do so God’s way.

B1 1 Peter 5:3-4 WEL Do not lord it over God’s heritage, but be examples to the flock. 4 When the Chief Shepherd does appear, you will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.

B2 We are to be aware at all times. It is not a time for passivity or bypassing our minds. There is an enemy who wants to destroy us deceptively even coming as an angel of light. 1 Peter 5:8-10 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the Devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour. 9 Resist him, [be] immovable in the faith, realizing that the same kind of afflictions are being faced by your brothers who are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who has called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, will mend you, make you resolute, give you strength, and support you.

2 Peter

Chapter 1

We can be successful in the Christian faith and life.

B1 God has given us great and precious promises.

B2 We are to avoid following evil desires. Our Book tells us how.

We can grow in our faith.

B1 How to grow spiritually. Here is right before us: 2 Peter 1:5-7 WEL Beside this, be diligent to add to your faith moral excellence; to moral excellence add knowledge. 6 To knowledge add self-control; to self-control add perseverance; to perseverance add godliness. 7 To godliness add brotherly love; to brotherly love add unselfish, unconditional love.

B2 If we have this, we are strong. If we lack these, we are weak: 2 Peter 1:8-11 WEL For if these qualities are in you and are plentiful, they will make you not to be barren or unfruitful in the thorough knowledge concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he who lacks these qualities is blind, short sighted, and become forgetful that he was totally cleansed from his past sins. 10 So now, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, because if you do these things, you will never fall. 11 For in this way the entrance will be abundantly supplied to you into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Chapter 2

We must know that false teachers exist.

B1 We must know truth from error. Most pastors do not teach the Scriptures anymore, and many of those who do teach, teach the Scriptures through the lens of their theology.

B2 We must be a little skeptical and test what they say.

B3 2 Peter 2:1-3 WEL But false prophets were among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly and deceptively bring in destructive heresies, even disowning the Lord that redeemed them. They will bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Many will follow their destructive ways. Because of them, others will curse the way of truth. 3 Through selfish desires, they will use you to get rich with [their] deceptive words. For a long time now their judgment is anticipated, and their destruction is not asleep. [Emphasis is mine]

C1 Beware of false teachers.

C2 They love control and money, yes, and often sex. Look how many headlines reveal their grooming and unfaithfulness.

C3 Please read the whole chapter when you get home.

Chapter 3

We must remember that Jesus Christ WILL return.

B1 In the last days, many will question if He will return.

B2 Let us not be willingly ignorant.

B3 Judgment will come on the ungodly just as it did in the past.

B4 We need to make greater effort to live as Jesus told us to live. He will supply the grace that we need.

We must remember and apply this: 2 Peter 3:13-14 WEL Nevertheless, according to his promise, we look forward to the coming of the new heavens and a new earth where righteousness makes its home. 14 As a result, beloved, seeing that you look forward to such things, be diligent to be found by him in peace, spotless, and blameless.

We must remember Peter’s last written words: 2 Peter 3:17-18 WEL Therefore, beloved, seeing that you know this ahead of time, be on guard lest you also get led away with the error of the wicked and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 Instead grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory and honor both now and forever. Amen.

Short Notes Version 1 Mar 20

Psalm 126:

B1 There is a present view (the time of this Psalm’s writing). It describes the Jew’s happiness and seeking blessings from God because of their return to Israel from Babylon.

B2 Their is also a future view. This is best explained by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum in an answer to a question he received.

God as King

B1 If God is King of all kings, Lord of all lords, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent, why is there evil in the world?

B2 God indeed rules all. We know

C1 God delegates who is to rule: Daniel 2:19-23 NIV During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."

C2 By whatever term the country’s leader is known by, this person must rule as a servant of God. Romans 13:3-4 RSV For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.

C3 But he/she essentially always does not learn God’s ways nor do them: Psalm 2:2-3 NKJV The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."

C4 Even though they are required to learn His ways: Deuteronomy 17:14-20 NIV When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us," 15 be sure to appoint over you a king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your fellow Israelites. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not an Israelite. 16 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." 17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. 18 When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. 19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees 20 and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.

B3 Eventually, Jesus will come to reign, since all human leaders failed in some way:

C1 Psalm 2:6 ESV "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."

C2 Psalm 45:6 ESV Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;

C3 Psalm 89:27 ESV And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

C4 Psalm 110:1 ESV A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."

C5 Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

C6 Daniel 7:13-14 ESV "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

C7 Zechariah 14:3, 9 ESV Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. ... 9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one.

C8 Revelation 11:15 ESV Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

B4 Let us all understand and be good servants of Jesus Christ.

C1 Matthew 6:24 NIV "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

C2 John 12:26 NIV Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

C3 His rules for us our in the New Testament: For example read Ephesians chapters 4-6.

C4 If we love God, we will obey His teaching (doctrine) and His rules (lifestyle): John 14:23-24 NIV Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

1 John 2:16-17 NIV For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

A Few Thoughts About Answers to Prayer

Prayer is talking to God

B1 Formal: Solomon in 1 Kings 8:22-53

B2 Informal: Nehemiah 2:3-5 (Nehemiah was in the king’s presence and didn’t have any time to be on his knees. Essentially, in his soul he prayed, “God help me”).

Why pray?

B1 Needs of spiritual, physical, and/or emotional nature

C1 Of others

C2 For ourself

B2 Our counselor

C1 For consolation

C2 For complaining. This would include our story of persecution, abuse, difficulties, hardships, etc.

B3 Seeking

C1 God’s will

C2 Wisdom

B4 Ministering. Help

C1 For preaching the Gospel

C2 For teaching

C3 For preaching (pastors, deacons, deaconesses, etc.)

C4 For the sick and troubled

C5 For the hurting

B5 Situations

C1 Patience

C2 Forgiveness (our need of forgiveness and help to forgive others)

C3 Judgment and other decisions about ourselves or others

C4 Dedication (of meetings, places of worship, etc.)

B6 Towards God

C1 Being thankful

C2 Blessing God

C3 Praising God

Hindrances to prayer

B1 Unforgiven sin (my sin or in not forgiving others)

B2 Treating wife badly (which is sin)

B3 For our lusts instead of needs

B4 For cursing someone

B5 Trying to manipulate God for any answer

False views about prayer

B1 Name it, claim it

B2 Have to word it perfectly

B3 Have to pray until it is answered (the way I want it answered. This is “praying through”)

B4 Believing if we pray enough prayers, He will answer. There are no price tags (number of prayers) for an answer

B5 Believing that if we have enough people or the right people (super-spiritual) people pray, it will be answered

Attitudes towards God regarding prayer

B1 Honoring God

B2 Being humble

B3 Being honest

B4 Being accepting and seeking God’s will

B5 Being teachable

B6 Being confessing of sins

B7 Being mindful of others first

B8 Being generous instead of covetous

B9 Being in expectation

B10 Seeking God’s kingdom (wanting to learn God’s ways, promoting God’s ways, living in God’s ways. His ways are His beliefs, rules, and way of life in His kingdom).

Questions

B1 Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?

C1 He always answers prayer—it may be yes, no, or wait

C2 Wrong reasons for prayer (treat wife badly

C3 Ignoring and disobeying God’s Law. For the Jew, it was Mosaic Law. For the Christian, it is the rules in the New Testament. Proverbs 28:9

C4 A person doesn’t believe God can answer, will answer, or doesn’t believe what God has in the Bible, etc. Hebrews 11:6 & James 1:6-7

C5 At the correct time. Compare Titus 1:3 & Luke 18:7

C6 Pray only for show and praise of people. See Mark 12:40

C7 Unconfessed sin and/or not having believed the Gospel and place trust into Jesus Christ. See Proverbs 15:29 & 1 Peter 3:12

C8 Being an arrogant person. See Luke 18:10-14

C9 Not persevering in prayer, that is, quit too soon. See Luke 18:1-6

C10 He does answer, but it is different than what we prayer for. See 2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

C11 It is not His will See 1 John 5:13-14

B2 I prayed if I should marry this man. I did. He was abusive. So why did God do this?

C1 There were red flags and cautions to you and/or others, but they were ignored. Sometimes the desire to marry and believe the best is greater than exists.

C2 Sometimes we are deceived by a facade of godliness.

C3 Sometimes we get in a hurry and rush. Compare Psalm 40:1.

B3 I prayed for deliverance for my family member, friend, myself, etc. but nothing has happen.

C1 God may want to teach the person some things that cannot be learned any other way.

C2 God may want to use this person to teach others.

C3 (Daniel 10:12-14 NET Then he said to me, "Don't be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to future days." (Emphasis was added).

B4 Why do we pray in Jesus’s name?

C1 Our recognition that Jesus is God and Messiah

C2 To honor Him

C3 To be recognizing that the Father’s will and the Son’s will are in unity.

C4 See John 16:26, 1 John 5:13, Ephesians 2:18

B5 Does God answer prayers of unbelievers?

C1 For salvation See Luke 18:13-14

C2 As a witness to His love

C3 As a call to the Gospel and service See 1 Samuel 3:10

B6 When should we not pray?

C1 When it is time for action instead of praying any longer (the prayer is answered so start). See Exodus 14:15

C2 When we know the answer is “No.” 2 Corinthians 12:8

B7 How does prayer sanctify something?

C1 Us when our sin is exposed See Psalm 50:1-2

C2 When we agree to God’s will See Luke 1:38

C3 When we ask for God’s wisdom See James 1:5

C4 God says so See 1 Timothy 4:4-5

B8 Can we pray directly to God?

C1 Because Jesus is our High Priest. See Hebrews 10:19-22

C2 We can pray directly to God to honor His name See Psalm 115:1

B9 What happens if I don’t pray?

C1 We miss out on fellowship with brothers, sisters, and God Himself. See Matthew 18:20 & Psalm 130:5-6

C2 We disobey God. Why wouldn’t someone want to communicate with the one who loves us?

C3 Might lead to reject of God and by God See John 15:16

C4 God’s blessings See James 4:2

C5 Might not be delivered from temptation Matthew 26:41

C6 Might brings God’s wrath See Jeremiah 10:21

B10 How often should someone pray?

C1 Every day for guidance and safety See Psalm 5:3

C2 Every day for leaders 1 Timothy 2:2

C3 Every day for all brothers and sisters. We are one family. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

C4 Every day for all things See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

B11 Why have a prayer meeting?

C1 It was done by the first Christians and indeed all since then See Acts 1:14

C2 For other’s needs See James 5:13-20

C3 For the Gospel to be spread Colossians 4:3-4

C4 For when our brothers and/or sisters sin 1 John 5:16-17

Psalms 5:2-3 BSB Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

A Few Thoughts About Marriage, Money, and Budgets

Some quotes:

B1 Arguments about money hamper many marriages. If you consider that about a third of adults with partners report that money is a big source of conflict in their relationships, it's no wonder that financial problems are the leading cause of divorce. What you may not know is that the challenges can actually start even before you say "I do." (Source)

B2 One of the most common sources of conflict in marriage is money, how to spend it, and how to save for things that really matter. It doesn’t make sense when you think about it logically. Money is simple. Keeping a budget is something an 8-year-old can do. (Source)

B3 Finances are the leading cause of stress in a relationship, according to a survey of people in a relationship or partnership released Wednesday by SunTrust Bank. Some 35 percent of all respondents experiencing relationship stress said money was the primary cause of friction. (Annoying habits came in second, at 25 percent.) Among respondents with relationship stress aged 44 to 54, 44 percent said money was the primary cause. (Source)

B4 The number one issue couples fight about is also a topic many couples avoid discussing — money. According to a new survey by Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce, behind infidelity. Results show that both high levels of debt and a lack of communication are major causes for the stress and anxiety surrounding household finances. (Source)

There is an answer

B1 Some basics

C1 All money, belongings, real estate, etc. is God’s: Psalms 24:1 GW A psalm by David. The earth and everything it contains are the LORD'S. The world and all who live in it are his.

C2 He supplies our needs: Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

C3 We need to be content with what we have: 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV But godliness with contentment is great gain.

C4 Covetousness is condemned: Luke 12:15 NLT Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.

B2 Priorities

C1 God’s kingdom, His worldview, His way of life occupy the highest and first priority: Luke 12:29-31 NLT And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

C2 We are not to conform to the world’s covetous ways: Romans 12:2 GNB Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

C3 Life and body are more important than food and clothing: Luke 12:23 Williams Your life is worth more than food, and your body more than clothes.

D1 The Greek word for life is ψυχή psychḗ and is usually translated as soul or mind.

D2 Believer's Bible Commentary by WILLIAM MACDONALD notes:

The emphasis of the NT is that the cause of Christ should have first place in our lives. Food and clothing should be subordinate. We should work hard for the supply of our current necessities, then trust God for the future as we plunge ourselves into His service. This is the life of faith.

When the Lord Jesus said that we should not worry about food and clothing, He did not mean that we were to sit idly and wait for these things to be provided. Christianity does not encourage laziness! But He certainly did mean that in the process of earning money for the necessities of life, we were not to let them assume undue importance. After all, there is something more important in life than what we eat and what we wear. We are here as ambassadors of the King, and all considerations of personal comfort and appearance must be subordinated to the one glorious task of making Him known.

D3 Philippians 3:8 GNB Not only those things; I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ

Some ideas

B1 Have a budget. It’s not hard. You might want to consider Pear Budget.

B2 Plan priorities together. Agree with each other. This is no time to be the bully.

B3 God gets something first. Give to your local church first.

B4 Then give to the regular bills of housing, food, utilities, etc.

B5 Entertainment should be last. We can always find something relaxing for free.

B6 We don’t have to eat the greatest and best. We don’t have to eat out as often. Eat as a family.

C1 The Benefits of Eating Together For Children and Families

C2 9 Scientifically Proven Reasons to Eat Dinner as a Family

C3 Why the Family Meal Is Important

B7 Ways of saving money

C1 101 Ways To Save Money

C2 23 Easy Ways to Save More Money in 2020

B8 Live minimalistically

C1 Minimalist Living

C2 How To Start Living A Minimalist Lifestyle

Love each other:

B1 The acts of love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends,

B2 All our doings are to be done in love: 1 Corinthians 16:14 GNB Do all your work in love.

B3 Serving each other, yes husbands are to do this too: Galatians 5:13 GW You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love.

God cares: Luke 12:6-7 NLT What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Give thanks to God: Ephesians 5:20 NLT And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.