This a lesson I put together for my Sr High/Jr High Wednesday 180 class two week ago. It was really well received and I have had several people ask me for copies of it. So, here it is. I hope you enjoy it.
Follow the Leader: Jesus Christ
• Why are you here? Why do you go to church, 180 Youth Group, 180 events, etc?
• What does it mean to be a leader?
• What does it mean to be a follower?
• When should we be leaders and when should we be followers?
• Do you have a role model?
• Are you a role model to others?
A role model is somebody you desire to be like; someone who sets a good example. Christians today need a role model who encourages them to have faith and be strong through difficult times. The qualities a Christian role model should have are faith, loyalty, strength, dedication and not being influenced by public opinions.
!!There is a HUGE difference between being a witness and witnessing!!
Christ As Our Role Model
Winter is the season of NFL play-offs. Fall is the season of baseball’s World Series. How do we judge which team to cheer for if they are not our home-town team? One of the greatest influences of our choice of teams is the character displayed by players, managers, and owners of the team. What does it take to have such a reputation? It takes players and coaches with good Christian ethics; players and coaches who make good role models to millions of fans who follow them. Adults, and Youth in particular, often have role models. They may be sports figures, teachers, parents, military leaders...whoever the person can look up to as being successful and worthy of admiration.
1 Pet 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, [a role model] that you should follow in his steps.
(Heb 13:7 NASB) Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
I would like to discuss you with 10 traits of Christ that you can and should adopt to follow in his steps, not just in suffering, which is what Peter is exemplifying here, but in the overall way that He lived.
1. Christ put God the Father first in his life and expects us to do the same.
John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me.
Mat 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
This is further exemplified in Mat 10:
Mat 10:37-38 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; {38} and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
What do we put before Christ and His lifestyle? A friend, a party, a reputation, our independence, our looks, our pride, pleasures? Do we allow our family or friends to influence us to disobey God's commandments? Are any of us ashamed to let others know we are a Christian? Real role models put ethics above self, every time.
2. Christ did not put on a front. He was completely genuine.
Luke 20:45-47 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, {46} "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. {47} They devour widows' houses (to gain possession of their property through wills, etc.) and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
Does this scripture remind you of any religious leaders you've seen? Does it remind you of any ball players you know? How about political figures?
John 7:22-24 Yet , because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not originate with Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath. {23} Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath? {24} Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."
Verse 24 can be better understood by its Old Testament source:
Isa 11:2-4 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-- {3} and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; {4} but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth......
Do we jump to conclusions, especially negative conclusions, about others? That's the easiest thing in the world to do.
Do we put on a front? And if we do, what is our motivation? To hide our true selves while we struggle to overcome...or to hide from others just to make a good impression? That's called vanity.
Mat 23:27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like [whitewashed] tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean."
Kind of sounds like He's referring to a politician’s speech, doesn't it, especially in these days of the election campaigns? Make it sound good to make a good impression, while all the time knowing they're intentionally deceiving or fooling the public. Does this ever sound like you?
3. Christ had humility in spite of who he was.
Mat 19:16-17 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Good Master, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" {17} "Why do you call me good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
Although he was perfect, Christ passed the praise on to our Father. How do we accept praise ... by bragging further - like you hear from athletic events and locker rooms?
(Isa 66:2 NASB) "For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
We are told to follow Christ’s example. Christ had humility...How humble are we (you)?
4. Christ was bold, courageous and uncompromising.
Mark 1:21-22 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. {22} The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Teachers of the law were like lawyers today. They preach confusion to win their cases. Too few base their arguments on ethical or moral standards, especially if it might risk losing their case.
Mark 3:1-5 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. {2} Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. {3} Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." {4} Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. (Do you remember the Arabs in the Madrid Peace Conference with Israel? They wouldn't answer questions, either.) {5} He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
As Matthew describes it in Mat 12:11 & 12, it was OK to save a sheep on the Sabbath but not heal a man...And he rubbed their noses in it by having the handicapped man stand up in front of them so they couldn't miss the healing.
John 8:37-59 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. {38} I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father. " {39} "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. {40} As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. {41} You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." {42} Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. {43} Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. {44} You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. {45} Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! {46} Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? {47} He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." {48} The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" {49} "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. {50} I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. {51} I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." {52} At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. {53} Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" {54} Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. {55} Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. {56} Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." {57} "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" {58} "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" {59} At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
The words of our Savior were blasphemy to them.
John 11:53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
How courageous and uncompromising are you about God's truth? When God’s Word is in opposition to your own thoughts and actions, do you change? Or, do you change God’s Word?
5. Christ was concerned about all kinds of people.
Mat 5:43-47 You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
What is an enemy? What characteristics does an enemy have? Will an enemy try to destroy you by simply injuring or killing you? Or does an enemy try to hurt or damage you in any way he or she can? Can you tolerate character assassination; threats to your family; slander; threats to your livelihood, property or treasure?
{44} But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, {45} that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. {46} If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? {47} And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
How many of us have the same problem with someone else, possibly one of another race or social position?
Mat 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. {11} When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" {12} On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. {13} But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Are you a sinner or are you righteous? We have all known people whose actions and even words proved they thought themselves to be of the righteous group.
Luke 15:1-7 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. {2} But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." {3} Then Jesus told them this parable: {4} "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? {5} And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders {6} and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' {7} I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Do we (you) go out of our way to befriend worldly people?
6. Christ perceived human nature.
John 6:64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
We too should perceive who is out to get us. We must determine who is a good friend and who is not. We must decide who it’s good to hang out with, or date, and who is not. We must not be willingly blind to those who would harm us. But still we must be decent to them.
(Luke 21:12 NASB) "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake.
(John 15:20-27 NASB) "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. {21} "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. {22} "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. {23} "He who hates Me hates My Father also. {24} "If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. {25} "But they have done this in order that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' {26} "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, it will bear witness of Me, {27} and you will bear witness also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
(Heb 11:35-38 NASB) Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; {36} and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. {37} They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated {38} (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
7. Christ strove to please His Father.
(John 8:29) The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him."
(John 5:30 NASB) "I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
(John 6:37-38 NASB) "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. {38} "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Do we strive to please our Father?
(John 4:34) "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Many people in the world around us want to please themselves first. Then, if they get around to it, they may do good to others. My friend Eddie Qualls' last sermon showed he cared enough to try and help out at flood relief centers. That is doing the will of Him who sent Christ.
8. Christ was concerned about our effectiveness
John 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
(Psa 92:12-15 NASB) The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. {13} Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. {14} They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, {15} To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Are we spiritually fruitful? If not, are we Christ's disciples?
Mark 6:30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
How is our productivity?...at school. Out with our friends, around the house, in Bible study, praying for others, being an example to others? Are you known as a producer or are you known as dead wood? Remember:
John 15:2 "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he [prunes] so that it will be even more fruitful."
We must be spiritually productive.
9. Christ maintained his composure.
(Mark 4:37-40 NKJV) And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. {38} But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" {39} Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. {40} But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
Christ was not worried about perishing. We must have faith that He will protect us.
Luke 9:49-50 "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." {50} "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
Christ did not get upset because he feared a competitor or unknown follower. What is our attitude about other people that may want to follow or imitate us?
Do we fly into a rage when things do not go our way or we feel threatened?
10. Christ served others.
(Mat 10:24 NASB) "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.
(Mat 24:42-46 NASB) "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. {43} "But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. {44} "For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. {45} "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? {46} "Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
Luke 22:24-27 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. [Sounds like certain professional athletes we've seen.] {25} Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. {26} But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. {27} For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
We should not elevate anybody to some superior status (pastor, etc…), but we should show our appreciation for each other. How do you serve? How do you respect those that serve you?
To sum it up: Follow in Christ's steps. He is the greatest role model in history!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Celebrating Purim- The Story of Esther
Purim is a very interesting holiday celebrated by Jews, primarily in America. This year it begins on March 7th with a fast, followed by two days of celebration. It's really a celebration of the Old Testament Story of Esther.
In the third year of his reign, the King of Persia, Ahashverosh (also known as Ahasuerus and Ahashuerus) decided to have a feast. It was on the seventh day of these festivities that the King summoned his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and demonstrate her beauty for the King's officials. Vashti refused to appear. Incensed, the King asked his officers for a suitable punishment. One advisor, Memuchan, argued that Vashti should be killed for her disobedience. The King took his advice and Vashti was killed.
As time passed the King desired a new queen. To find a suitable wife, a contest was initiated among all the eligible maidens in the kingdom. One of those was Esther, a Jewish girl. Esther, who was an orphan, had been raised by Mordecai, her uncle, after her parents' death. Mordecai instructed Esther not to divulge her Jewishness when she went to meet the king. Each day, Mordecai walked by the court and asked after his niece. Esther impressed all who met her, including the King, and she was elevated to queen. Meanwhile Mordecai, while sitting near the palace gate overheard a plot to assassinate the king. He immediately told Esther who reported it to the King in the name of Mordecai.
Years later the King elevated Haman, a descendant of Amelak, the traditional enemy of the Jews, to the position of chief advisor. Haman was a wicked and vain man who expected everyone to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow because Jews are to bow only before GOD. Not content to just punish Mordecai, Haman wanted to destroy the entire Jewish people in Persia. He cast lots or PURIM to determine the day of annihilation.
Haman went to the King, slandered the Jews, and convinced the King to go along with his plans. Upon learning of the plot, Mordecai tore his clothes, wore sackcloth and ashes, and walked through the city crying loudly. When Esther heard of Mordecai's display, she dispatched a messenger to discover what was troubling her relative. Mordecai recounted the details of the evil decree and instructed Esther to intercede on the Jews behalf. Esther agreed to appear before the King unannounced even though anyone who came to the King uninvited risked losing their life. She, therefore, instructed Mordecai to organize a three-day fast for all the Jews on her behalf.
After completing the three-day fast, Esther entered the king's inner court dressed in her most royal garb. The King granted her an audience promising her that virtually anything she would ask would be granted. Esther replied that she wished to invite the King and Haman to a banquet on that day. After the feast Esther asked the King and Haman to return for another banquet the following night. Haman left the banquet consumed with self- importance and pride, but these feelings were turned to anger when he saw Mordecai sitting at the gate of the King's palace and paying Haman no mind. Haman went home fretting over the impudent Mordecai. His wife, Zeresh, advised him to construct a gallows and ask the King that Mordecai be hanged. Haman joyously acted upon the suggestion.
That night, the King discovered that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving him from the assassination plot of two servants. When Haman appeared in the court, the King decided that his trusted servant should determine Mordecai's compensation. Haman, intending to obtain the King's permission to hang Mordecai, unwittingly answered the King's questions. The King asked Haman"What should be done for the man the King wishes to reward?" Haman, believing that Ahashverosh intended to reward him, replied that the honoree should be dressed in royal clothing, ride upon a royal horse. And be led through the city streets by an official proclaiming "This is what is done to the man the King wishes to honor".
Ahashverosh agreed and instructed Haman to do what he had declared for Mordecai. Crestfallen, Haman followed the King's orders and dressed Mordecai in royal clothing and Haman led Mordecai around the city on a fine horse.
At Esther's second banquet Haman's downfall continued. Esther revealed Haman's villainous plot and the fact that she was Jewish. She asked the King to "grant me my soul and my people." Ahashverosh consumed with anger ordered that Haman be hanged on the gallows intended for Mordecai. The King elevated Mordecai to a position of great influence and allowed him to issue edicts permitting the Jews to fight their enemies. On the thirteenth and fourteenth of Adar the Jews won tremendous victories and were saved from the threat of total annihilation.
Ever since, Jews have observed Purim. The day before Purim is a day of fasting, in memory of Esther's fast. The fast is then followed by two days of dancing, merrymaking, feasting and gladness where Jews celebrate by telling this story, drinking, giving gifts to the poor, and food to each other.
Additionally, it is common for people to attend Purim services in costumes as part of the fun. And, kids write the name of Haman in chalk on the bottom of their shoes and carry noise makers. During the reading of Esther as part of the service, every time the name Haman is read aloud the children stamp their feet and make noise to blot out the name of Haman.
Like I said, this is a fun holiday and I hope my friends and family that celebrate Purim enjoy.
Khag Sameach!
In the third year of his reign, the King of Persia, Ahashverosh (also known as Ahasuerus and Ahashuerus) decided to have a feast. It was on the seventh day of these festivities that the King summoned his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and demonstrate her beauty for the King's officials. Vashti refused to appear. Incensed, the King asked his officers for a suitable punishment. One advisor, Memuchan, argued that Vashti should be killed for her disobedience. The King took his advice and Vashti was killed.
As time passed the King desired a new queen. To find a suitable wife, a contest was initiated among all the eligible maidens in the kingdom. One of those was Esther, a Jewish girl. Esther, who was an orphan, had been raised by Mordecai, her uncle, after her parents' death. Mordecai instructed Esther not to divulge her Jewishness when she went to meet the king. Each day, Mordecai walked by the court and asked after his niece. Esther impressed all who met her, including the King, and she was elevated to queen. Meanwhile Mordecai, while sitting near the palace gate overheard a plot to assassinate the king. He immediately told Esther who reported it to the King in the name of Mordecai.
Years later the King elevated Haman, a descendant of Amelak, the traditional enemy of the Jews, to the position of chief advisor. Haman was a wicked and vain man who expected everyone to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow because Jews are to bow only before GOD. Not content to just punish Mordecai, Haman wanted to destroy the entire Jewish people in Persia. He cast lots or PURIM to determine the day of annihilation.
Haman went to the King, slandered the Jews, and convinced the King to go along with his plans. Upon learning of the plot, Mordecai tore his clothes, wore sackcloth and ashes, and walked through the city crying loudly. When Esther heard of Mordecai's display, she dispatched a messenger to discover what was troubling her relative. Mordecai recounted the details of the evil decree and instructed Esther to intercede on the Jews behalf. Esther agreed to appear before the King unannounced even though anyone who came to the King uninvited risked losing their life. She, therefore, instructed Mordecai to organize a three-day fast for all the Jews on her behalf.
After completing the three-day fast, Esther entered the king's inner court dressed in her most royal garb. The King granted her an audience promising her that virtually anything she would ask would be granted. Esther replied that she wished to invite the King and Haman to a banquet on that day. After the feast Esther asked the King and Haman to return for another banquet the following night. Haman left the banquet consumed with self- importance and pride, but these feelings were turned to anger when he saw Mordecai sitting at the gate of the King's palace and paying Haman no mind. Haman went home fretting over the impudent Mordecai. His wife, Zeresh, advised him to construct a gallows and ask the King that Mordecai be hanged. Haman joyously acted upon the suggestion.
That night, the King discovered that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving him from the assassination plot of two servants. When Haman appeared in the court, the King decided that his trusted servant should determine Mordecai's compensation. Haman, intending to obtain the King's permission to hang Mordecai, unwittingly answered the King's questions. The King asked Haman"What should be done for the man the King wishes to reward?" Haman, believing that Ahashverosh intended to reward him, replied that the honoree should be dressed in royal clothing, ride upon a royal horse. And be led through the city streets by an official proclaiming "This is what is done to the man the King wishes to honor".
Ahashverosh agreed and instructed Haman to do what he had declared for Mordecai. Crestfallen, Haman followed the King's orders and dressed Mordecai in royal clothing and Haman led Mordecai around the city on a fine horse.
At Esther's second banquet Haman's downfall continued. Esther revealed Haman's villainous plot and the fact that she was Jewish. She asked the King to "grant me my soul and my people." Ahashverosh consumed with anger ordered that Haman be hanged on the gallows intended for Mordecai. The King elevated Mordecai to a position of great influence and allowed him to issue edicts permitting the Jews to fight their enemies. On the thirteenth and fourteenth of Adar the Jews won tremendous victories and were saved from the threat of total annihilation.
Ever since, Jews have observed Purim. The day before Purim is a day of fasting, in memory of Esther's fast. The fast is then followed by two days of dancing, merrymaking, feasting and gladness where Jews celebrate by telling this story, drinking, giving gifts to the poor, and food to each other.
Additionally, it is common for people to attend Purim services in costumes as part of the fun. And, kids write the name of Haman in chalk on the bottom of their shoes and carry noise makers. During the reading of Esther as part of the service, every time the name Haman is read aloud the children stamp their feet and make noise to blot out the name of Haman.
Like I said, this is a fun holiday and I hope my friends and family that celebrate Purim enjoy.
Khag Sameach!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Let Scripture Speak: 2 Corinthians 1
Sometimes, it's best to just let the Scriptures speak. I just recently read 2 Corinthians 1 using The Message translation. You know, I really enjoyed! So, here it is for all to enjoy. I especially liked vv 20-22...what a blessing!!!
2 Corinthians 1
1-2I, Paul, have been sent on a special mission by the Messiah, Jesus, planned by God himself. I write this to God's congregation in Corinth, and to believers all over Achaia province. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting.
The Rescue
3-5All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
6-7When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.
8-11We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part.
12-14Now that the worst is over, we're pleased we can report that we've come out of this with conscience and faith intact, and can face the world—and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high. But it wasn't by any fancy footwork on our part. It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised. Don't try to read between the lines or look for hidden meanings in this letter. We're writing plain, unembellished truth, hoping that you'll now see the whole picture as well as you've seen some of the details. We want you to be as proud of us as we are of you when we stand together before our Master Jesus.
15-16Confident of your welcome, I had originally planned two great visits with you—coming by on my way to Macedonia province, and then again on my return trip. Then we could have had a bon-voyage party as you sent me off to Judea. That was the plan.
17-19Are you now going to accuse me of being flip with my promises because it didn't work out? Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth—a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you're wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. Our word to you wasn't a careless yes canceled by an indifferent no. How could it be? When Silas and Timothy and I proclaimed the Son of God among you, did you pick up on any yes-and-no, on-again, off-again waffling? Wasn't it a clean, strong Yes?
20-22Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.
23Now, are you ready for the real reason I didn't visit you in Corinth? As God is my witness, the only reason I didn't come was to spare you pain. I was being considerate of you, not indifferent, not manipulative.
24We're not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We're partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours.
2 Corinthians 1
1-2I, Paul, have been sent on a special mission by the Messiah, Jesus, planned by God himself. I write this to God's congregation in Corinth, and to believers all over Achaia province. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting.
The Rescue
3-5All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
6-7When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.
8-11We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part.
12-14Now that the worst is over, we're pleased we can report that we've come out of this with conscience and faith intact, and can face the world—and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high. But it wasn't by any fancy footwork on our part. It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised. Don't try to read between the lines or look for hidden meanings in this letter. We're writing plain, unembellished truth, hoping that you'll now see the whole picture as well as you've seen some of the details. We want you to be as proud of us as we are of you when we stand together before our Master Jesus.
15-16Confident of your welcome, I had originally planned two great visits with you—coming by on my way to Macedonia province, and then again on my return trip. Then we could have had a bon-voyage party as you sent me off to Judea. That was the plan.
17-19Are you now going to accuse me of being flip with my promises because it didn't work out? Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth—a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you're wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. Our word to you wasn't a careless yes canceled by an indifferent no. How could it be? When Silas and Timothy and I proclaimed the Son of God among you, did you pick up on any yes-and-no, on-again, off-again waffling? Wasn't it a clean, strong Yes?
20-22Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.
23Now, are you ready for the real reason I didn't visit you in Corinth? As God is my witness, the only reason I didn't come was to spare you pain. I was being considerate of you, not indifferent, not manipulative.
24We're not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We're partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sin...what is it?
Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, sin has profoundly altered every single aspect of human life. Do you really, truly understand what sin is? Here is a small excerpt from an essay I wrote on the topic of Sin. Email me if you’d like the full the essay:
Where to begin with the question of sin? The Bible declares that we are made in the image of God, yet it also declares that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (Rom 3:23), and yet at the same time we are morally culpable for our actions. In this short essay we will look at answering the following; What is sin- original, social, and actual. My views and direction on sin, and what are the practical, ministerial implications of this understanding and position regarding sin. Let’s first begin with a definition of this term we are examining: sin.
According to Hoekma, sin is a perverse way of using God given gifts and powers. (Hoekma, 113-132). This is a way of looking at sin as the taking of God’s good creation and disrupting that image. Much like what we see happen prior to and then after Genesis 3:15; pre curse and post curse creation. Nothing is the same after the fall of man. Plantinga also has an interesting definition of sin; sin is the willful breaking of shalom. (Plantinga, 10) Shalom in the Bible means “universal flourishing, wholeness and delight- a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts are fruitfully employed.” (Plantinga, 10) In other words, shalom is the way things are supposed to be. Sin is then the breaking of shalom in a willful manner, which is a result of the disruption of the image of God in men to begin with. Plantinga goes on to say that, “sin outstrips other human troubles by perverting special human excellences.” (Plantinga, 3) I think that last statement gets to the heart of the effect on our imago Deo; our excellences in God’s image are perverted. Still present, but perverted. This is much like a giant Maple tree that has grown crooked, still a Maple tree but not as useful for shade as it otherwise would have been. We still reflect our God image, but is has been stained.
But sin does not have to defeat us: we know what sin is! And our gracious and loving God sent His son to save us from ourselves. 1 John 4:10 states, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His son to be a propitiation for our sins.” God does not want us to be defeated, although we are stained from birth through original sin. God not only sent his son, but we are also able through scripture and study to assess sin and assign it characteristics that allow us to comprehend and avoid it. Hoekema lists the multiple facets of the nature of Sin in chapter 9. I feel that an understanding of sin’s nature is valuable in learning how to deal with it. First, sin does not have an independent existence. This stresses that sin in actuality is the perversion of something which was good, a defect. Augustine called it the deprivation of that which is good. The reason that sin cannot be independent is evident in that it can be conquered. If sin were actually a substance, an actual part of the essence of man, then how would we be able to conquer it? It is this understanding that allows man, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to break free from sin and to change course. Sin is not a physical aspect of man, it is a perversion of the direction of man.(Hoekma, 169)
Secondly, sin is an essence that is related to God and the will of God. If there is no God, there is no sin. As we see all through scripture, it is the law (the Law of God) that brings consciousness to sin. Rom 3:20 declares that “…through the law we become conscious of sin.” Rom 7:7 states it as follows, “Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said ‘Do not covet’”. (Hoekma, 171) The law gives us understanding, knowledge that at the end of the day, all is sin acted out by us and is against God.
Third, sin has its source in the heart. (Hoekma, 171) I understand the implication here. Sin is essence, not physical. What is the heart? It is the emotion of man. The spring of both the good and evil that man is capable of. Mat 15:19 states. “For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander.” This also leads to the 4th and most interrelated point on sin, sin includes actions and thoughts. The “lust of the flesh” that is spoken of in Galatians 5:16 encapsulates in the word ‘flesh” the entire human nature. (Hoekma, 172) It is our innermost being that is marred, that is perverted. Plantinga reinforces sinful thoughts as sin by delineating further that just assuming that you are offending God in some way is evidence of sin. (Plantinga, 22)
Lastly, at the root of all sin is pride. In some fashion we want to be like God. (Hoekma, 173) That was the overriding impulse in Gen 3:5 with the fall of man. Augustine sums it up in this manner:
And what is the origin of our evil will but pride? For “pride is the beginning of sin.”(Ecclus 10:13) And what is pride but the craving for undue exaltation? And this undue exaltation, when the soul abandons Him to whom it ought to cleave as its end, and becomes a kind of end to itself.” (Hoekma, 173)
Plantinga sums it up very nicely, going on to paraphrase Niebuhr and the idea of security. This also is a version of pride as we (man) are looking to gain what we want when we want it:
At bottom, says Reinhold Niebuhr, we human beings want security. We feel restless and anxious in the world because we are both finite and free, both limited and unlimited. We are persons of seemingly endless possibilities and of immense power, but we are also creatures utterly dependent on the good offices of our Creator. So we live on the edge of finitude and freedom, anxious lest we miss opportunities and anxious anew when we have exploited them…but our anxiety as Niebuhr observes, is only the context for sin, not its cause. Our base problem is unbelief. Failing to trust in the infinite God, we live anxiously, restlessly, always trying to secure and extend ourselves with finite goods that can’t take the weight we put on them…Unbelief says Niebuhr, yields anxiety, which yields alternating pride and sensuality. (Plantinga, 61)
This is the baseline and I agree with this assessment.
Where to begin with the question of sin? The Bible declares that we are made in the image of God, yet it also declares that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (Rom 3:23), and yet at the same time we are morally culpable for our actions. In this short essay we will look at answering the following; What is sin- original, social, and actual. My views and direction on sin, and what are the practical, ministerial implications of this understanding and position regarding sin. Let’s first begin with a definition of this term we are examining: sin.
According to Hoekma, sin is a perverse way of using God given gifts and powers. (Hoekma, 113-132). This is a way of looking at sin as the taking of God’s good creation and disrupting that image. Much like what we see happen prior to and then after Genesis 3:15; pre curse and post curse creation. Nothing is the same after the fall of man. Plantinga also has an interesting definition of sin; sin is the willful breaking of shalom. (Plantinga, 10) Shalom in the Bible means “universal flourishing, wholeness and delight- a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts are fruitfully employed.” (Plantinga, 10) In other words, shalom is the way things are supposed to be. Sin is then the breaking of shalom in a willful manner, which is a result of the disruption of the image of God in men to begin with. Plantinga goes on to say that, “sin outstrips other human troubles by perverting special human excellences.” (Plantinga, 3) I think that last statement gets to the heart of the effect on our imago Deo; our excellences in God’s image are perverted. Still present, but perverted. This is much like a giant Maple tree that has grown crooked, still a Maple tree but not as useful for shade as it otherwise would have been. We still reflect our God image, but is has been stained.
But sin does not have to defeat us: we know what sin is! And our gracious and loving God sent His son to save us from ourselves. 1 John 4:10 states, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His son to be a propitiation for our sins.” God does not want us to be defeated, although we are stained from birth through original sin. God not only sent his son, but we are also able through scripture and study to assess sin and assign it characteristics that allow us to comprehend and avoid it. Hoekema lists the multiple facets of the nature of Sin in chapter 9. I feel that an understanding of sin’s nature is valuable in learning how to deal with it. First, sin does not have an independent existence. This stresses that sin in actuality is the perversion of something which was good, a defect. Augustine called it the deprivation of that which is good. The reason that sin cannot be independent is evident in that it can be conquered. If sin were actually a substance, an actual part of the essence of man, then how would we be able to conquer it? It is this understanding that allows man, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to break free from sin and to change course. Sin is not a physical aspect of man, it is a perversion of the direction of man.(Hoekma, 169)
Secondly, sin is an essence that is related to God and the will of God. If there is no God, there is no sin. As we see all through scripture, it is the law (the Law of God) that brings consciousness to sin. Rom 3:20 declares that “…through the law we become conscious of sin.” Rom 7:7 states it as follows, “Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said ‘Do not covet’”. (Hoekma, 171) The law gives us understanding, knowledge that at the end of the day, all is sin acted out by us and is against God.
Third, sin has its source in the heart. (Hoekma, 171) I understand the implication here. Sin is essence, not physical. What is the heart? It is the emotion of man. The spring of both the good and evil that man is capable of. Mat 15:19 states. “For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander.” This also leads to the 4th and most interrelated point on sin, sin includes actions and thoughts. The “lust of the flesh” that is spoken of in Galatians 5:16 encapsulates in the word ‘flesh” the entire human nature. (Hoekma, 172) It is our innermost being that is marred, that is perverted. Plantinga reinforces sinful thoughts as sin by delineating further that just assuming that you are offending God in some way is evidence of sin. (Plantinga, 22)
Lastly, at the root of all sin is pride. In some fashion we want to be like God. (Hoekma, 173) That was the overriding impulse in Gen 3:5 with the fall of man. Augustine sums it up in this manner:
And what is the origin of our evil will but pride? For “pride is the beginning of sin.”(Ecclus 10:13) And what is pride but the craving for undue exaltation? And this undue exaltation, when the soul abandons Him to whom it ought to cleave as its end, and becomes a kind of end to itself.” (Hoekma, 173)
Plantinga sums it up very nicely, going on to paraphrase Niebuhr and the idea of security. This also is a version of pride as we (man) are looking to gain what we want when we want it:
At bottom, says Reinhold Niebuhr, we human beings want security. We feel restless and anxious in the world because we are both finite and free, both limited and unlimited. We are persons of seemingly endless possibilities and of immense power, but we are also creatures utterly dependent on the good offices of our Creator. So we live on the edge of finitude and freedom, anxious lest we miss opportunities and anxious anew when we have exploited them…but our anxiety as Niebuhr observes, is only the context for sin, not its cause. Our base problem is unbelief. Failing to trust in the infinite God, we live anxiously, restlessly, always trying to secure and extend ourselves with finite goods that can’t take the weight we put on them…Unbelief says Niebuhr, yields anxiety, which yields alternating pride and sensuality. (Plantinga, 61)
This is the baseline and I agree with this assessment.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Jesus Understands
When I saw this picture and verse it really jumped out at me. The picture is very cool but I LOVE this verse. In many ways this one verse sums up the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ. John starts the verse with an admonition to his readers not to sin. Ideally, we should repent from sinning and follow Jesus. But in reality this cannot completely happen. We are human. We are sin, and we are sinful through and through. The Lord knows this, and loving us as he does, He sent His Son Jesus to live among us: fully human AND fully divine. He was tempted in every way that we are and yet avoided sin. And when the time came for Jesus to lay down His life to atone for our sins, he did so willingly; and now with the full experience of having lived as a man, he can relate to our failings and our circumstance. His atoning death not only justified us in the Lord, but through grace and faith we receive eternal salvation through a Mediator that understands through experience our human condition! What a wonderful God we serve!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The History of St. Valentine
I love Valentine's Day! Mainly because I was born on Valentine's Day, and the fact that I have my birthday on a holiday has been a tremendous source of joy for me since I was a kid. Also, my Valentine's Day birthday is also the reason for my second middle name (yes I said second middle name), Valentino. That said, the history of St. Valentine is really interesting...and much more meaningful than cute little cupids, cards, and chocolates.
In 270 A.D., marriage had been outlawed by the emperor of Rome, Claudius II. Claudius issued this decree because he thought that married men made bad soldiers since they were reluctant to be torn away from their families in the case of war. Claudius had also outlawed Christianity in this time period because he wished to be praised as the one supreme god, the Emperor of Rome. Valentine was the bishop of Interamna during this period of oppression. Valentine thought that the decrees of Rome were wrong. He believed that people should be free to love God and to marry. Valentine invited the young couples of the area to come to him. When they came, Valentine secretly performed services of matrimony and united the couples.
Valentine was eventually caught and was brought before the emperor. The emperor saw that Valentine had conviction and drive that was unsurpassed among his men. Claudius tried and tried to persuade Valentine to leave Christianity, serve the Roman empire and the Roman gods. In exchange, Claudius would pardon him and make him one of his allies. St. Valentine held to his faith and did not renounce Jesus Christ. Because of this, the emperor sentenced him to a three-part execution. First, Valentine would be beaten, then stoned, and then finally, decapitated. Valentine died on February 14th, 270 A.D.
While in prison, waiting for his sentence to be carried out, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter, the blind girl named Asterius. During the course of Valentine's prison stay, a miracle occurred and Asterius regained her sight. Valentine sent her a final farewell note. He signed his last note, "From Your Valentine." Even today, this message remains as the motto for our Valentine's Day celebrations.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!
In 270 A.D., marriage had been outlawed by the emperor of Rome, Claudius II. Claudius issued this decree because he thought that married men made bad soldiers since they were reluctant to be torn away from their families in the case of war. Claudius had also outlawed Christianity in this time period because he wished to be praised as the one supreme god, the Emperor of Rome. Valentine was the bishop of Interamna during this period of oppression. Valentine thought that the decrees of Rome were wrong. He believed that people should be free to love God and to marry. Valentine invited the young couples of the area to come to him. When they came, Valentine secretly performed services of matrimony and united the couples.
Valentine was eventually caught and was brought before the emperor. The emperor saw that Valentine had conviction and drive that was unsurpassed among his men. Claudius tried and tried to persuade Valentine to leave Christianity, serve the Roman empire and the Roman gods. In exchange, Claudius would pardon him and make him one of his allies. St. Valentine held to his faith and did not renounce Jesus Christ. Because of this, the emperor sentenced him to a three-part execution. First, Valentine would be beaten, then stoned, and then finally, decapitated. Valentine died on February 14th, 270 A.D.
While in prison, waiting for his sentence to be carried out, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter, the blind girl named Asterius. During the course of Valentine's prison stay, a miracle occurred and Asterius regained her sight. Valentine sent her a final farewell note. He signed his last note, "From Your Valentine." Even today, this message remains as the motto for our Valentine's Day celebrations.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Reading Scripture For All It's Worth
I love reading Scripture. We should daily and regularly read and meditate on the Word of God. Time spent in the Word is profitable to our well being (1 Tim 4:7-8), refreshing to our Spirit (Ezekiel 37: 1-10), and a safeguard against spiritual attack (John 16:33). Anyone can read scripture and glean from it the truth of what is written and also the deeper understanding of what the Spirit places on the heart of the reader. That said, the best way to truly understand the deeper meaning of the Word is to understand the historical context in which it was written. Now, you don’t have to be a theologian or a seminary student in order to arrive at the deeper meaning of Scripture. Reading the scripture simply for what it is does not take away from the simple truth of God. But, for those of you that wish to arrive at a deeper understanding of the Word without going to graduate school, here are a few simple steps that will help you set the historical context of Scripture.
A. The Historical Context
Historical Context is a process by which we form a tentative and informed reconstruction of the situation the author is addressing. What is the author's relationship with the churches addressed? What is its past history? What are the kinds of questions addressed? What is the culture or the city addressed like? What was Greco-Roman culture as a whole like? Here are some steps to take (this is not an exhaustive list as I am primarily referring to the Epistles (Letters of Paul, John, Peter, Jude, James, Hebrews, etc.):
1. First, for background information, consult Bible Dictionary articles, introductions to commentaries, or special articles and monographs on the letter you are interpreting
2. Read the entire letter through in one sitting at least once. This is getting an idea of the letter at the “big picture” level.
3. As you read the entire letter, take notes on:
a. information revealed about the recipients: Jew and/or Gentile, free or slave, rich or poor, faithful or unfaithful to the gospel.
b. author’s attitude toward the audience. Is he affirming, rebuking, or both?
c. information bearing on the situation of the letter. What is the problem(s) or joys prompting Paul to write? Is there a specific issue or is the letter general?
d. the logical divisions and argumentation of the letter
4. The, repeat the above steps in more detail in relation to the specific verse or passage you are working on.
These simple steps, combined with faith, belief and prayer will help you to set the historical context of Scripture and hopefully draw you towards a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A. The Historical Context
Historical Context is a process by which we form a tentative and informed reconstruction of the situation the author is addressing. What is the author's relationship with the churches addressed? What is its past history? What are the kinds of questions addressed? What is the culture or the city addressed like? What was Greco-Roman culture as a whole like? Here are some steps to take (this is not an exhaustive list as I am primarily referring to the Epistles (Letters of Paul, John, Peter, Jude, James, Hebrews, etc.):
1. First, for background information, consult Bible Dictionary articles, introductions to commentaries, or special articles and monographs on the letter you are interpreting
2. Read the entire letter through in one sitting at least once. This is getting an idea of the letter at the “big picture” level.
3. As you read the entire letter, take notes on:
a. information revealed about the recipients: Jew and/or Gentile, free or slave, rich or poor, faithful or unfaithful to the gospel.
b. author’s attitude toward the audience. Is he affirming, rebuking, or both?
c. information bearing on the situation of the letter. What is the problem(s) or joys prompting Paul to write? Is there a specific issue or is the letter general?
d. the logical divisions and argumentation of the letter
4. The, repeat the above steps in more detail in relation to the specific verse or passage you are working on.
These simple steps, combined with faith, belief and prayer will help you to set the historical context of Scripture and hopefully draw you towards a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)