The Horrors of Humanity Humanity: Fall and Judgment

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Gen 3:17-19

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

1. A Broken World

Let’s start where it all began the Garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve had everything good. But when they chose to go their own way instead of trusting God, sin entered the world. That one decision broke the perfect relationship between people and their Creator. Since then, every war, lie, sickness, and act of hate has been a ripple of that first rebellion. Humanity fell—and the fall still echoes in us today.

2. Daniel’s Terrifying Visions

Fast-forward hundreds of years to Daniel. He’s living far from home, serving under kings who don’t worship God. In chapters 7 and 8, Daniel has two wild, frightening visions. 

He sees beasts, horns, rams, and goats—all symbols of violent kingdoms and proud rulers. It’s like watching world history through a nightmare—wars, persecution, and people who think they can rule without God.

Daniel was shaken, but he didn’t lose faith. He held on to what he knew: God still rules, even when the world looks out of control.

3. The Ancient of Days

Then Daniel saw something greater, a throne blazing with fire and the Ancient of Days (that’s God Himself) sitting in judgment. Books were opened. Every act, every word, every sin was seen and weighed. Then Daniel saw “one like a Son of Man” that’s Jesus, coming with the clouds, receiving everlasting power and glory. That vision tells us this: God’s justice will win. Evil won’t last forever. Jesus will rule forever.

4. Why This Matters

Daniel’s visions are not just ancient history, they’re a mirror. The same pride and rebellion he saw are alive in our world and our hearts today. When I ignore God’s rule, I’m replaying the fall all over again. When nations reject God’s ways, they’re like those beasts, strong for a moment, but destined to fall. But when I trust in Jesus, the Judge becomes my Savior. He took my judgment on the cross so that I could stand innocent before the Ancient of Days.

5. Hope in the Darkness

Daniel felt scared and heartbroken, but he never lost hope. He knew God’s kingdom would outlast every empire. We can have that same hope. Even when the world feels dark; wars, injustice, pain - God is still writing the story. For everyone who trusts in Jesus, judgment turns into joy, and the end becomes a new beginning.

God’s people have eternal hope, even in the darkness. Physical life and this world will end, but eternal life with God sheds the light of life  on believers. In this world’s darkness, evidenced in current affairs, personal relationships, and various threats or uncertainties where do you seek God’s light? How can you share God’s light with those in your life who might be walking through a valley of darkness?

Jesus removed the weight of God’s judgment from the shoulders of believers. Jesus bore the brunt of every sin you have committed. How does this freedom impact your daily life? Knowing that His judgment passes over you, how might you joyfully express your appreciation to God? To whom is God drawing you to share the freedom from judgment that God offers through faith in Jesus Christ?

Closing Thought

• The fall explains why our world hurts.
• God’s judgment explains why evil must end.
• And Jesus, our King explains how hope can live again.
• So like Daniel, we hold fast:
• Even when life feels like Babylon, God reigns, Jesus saves, and His kingdom lasts forever.

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Christian life sustained by awe, glory of Jesus glorified in you, you in Him (2 Thes 1:1–12)

Loved Tim Keller's take on the good news of judgement day in his sermon Marveling at Jesus. This is a topic my brother and I often wressle over, how people going to eternal destruction could be justice. 

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed are suffering. For after all it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us, when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified among His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—because our testimony to you was believed. To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will consider you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:1–12

In the sermon Keller gives an illustration of a light bulb. Because the filament is encapsulated, air tight bulb, when electricity goes through it lights up but doesn't go out (Ex 3:2 not consumed by fire). This illustrates "Jesus glorified in you, you in Him." The sermon had another great point that everyone who honestly turns to the Lord is received. The only person who honestly turned to the Lord throughout all time and was rejected was Jesus on the cross, "my God why have you forsaken me." - this is hell. "These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,"

Keller centers on Paul’s vision of Christ returning “to be glorified… and marveled at” by believers, and Paul’s prayer that God would make us worthy of that calling. 

Big idea: The Christian life is sustained by awe, seeing the beauty and glory of Jesus, especially amid pressure and pain. On the last day, every believer will marvel; the call is to begin marveling now. 

Why it matters:

• Suffering reinterpreted: Present afflictions don’t mean God’s absence; they are the context in which faith grows and love increases.  
• Justice assured: God will set things right relief for the oppressed; judgment for persistent evil so we endure without bitterness. 
• Glory anticipated: The endgame is mutual glory Christ glorified in his people, and his people glorified in him. Awe fuels holiness. 

How to live it (Paul’s prayer → our practice):

Pray toward worthiness: Ask God to “fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.” Make obedience beautiful, not begrudging. 

Pursue awe, not just duty: Regularly contemplate Christ’s character and work so worship, not willpower, drives change. (Keller’s through-line across the sermon.) 

"Marvel at Jesus now, and you’ll have strength to endure, love to give, and a life that points to his coming glory."

Another happy note this week, I learned my friend Prasad was baptized this month. 

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Separation of wicked from the righteous (Matt 13:47-49)

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish.  When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous Matt 13:47-49

I was at the Springfield art fair on Saturday with Joe, John, Connie, and Kim. There was a guy and his wife holding signs warning about hell and preaching in the style of sinners in the hands of an angry God. But nobody paid much attention. 

In our study of Matt5-13, I've been enjoying discovering new facets of truth. Jesus starts out saying "blessed are the poor, who realize their need for God - for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Jesus then spends a lot of time talking about what the Kingdom of heaven is and how the righteous and wicked respond to it. 

The kingdom of heaven will be free from sin - it's source, lure, and consequences (Rev 20:7-15). Jesus has already accomplished this and is continuing it's accomplishment today. I was reflecting on Geysers, planters and pruners: How people are born into and matured in the Faith with the realization that I can't "bring" anyone to faith. I can however pray to God who is able to do more than I can ask or imagine. So that what I do. I pray for my family, friends, co-workers, city, state, country, and world. "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." This give me a new perspective and I get to see God is working and I can see the light. "In your eyes" sung as a worship song to God is pretty amazing, they guy at the end is "speaking in tongues."

• Fellowship, and good announcement: be made right with God (Matthew 6:1-18)
• Worry is a dark thought that is cured with heavenly insight (Matthew 6:19-34)
• The cure for family trauma and depression is placing hope in God (Psalm 42-43)

Separation is to life or destruction

• Matthew 3:12 - His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Separation after resurrection is predicted

• Daniel 12:2 - And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt
• Matthew 25:32-33 - All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.
• Ezekiel 34:17-22 - This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another...
• John 5:28-29 - Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Separation of the unprepared from the prepared

• Matthew 22:10-14  -So the servants went out into the streets and gathered everyone they could find, both evil and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. / But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. / ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. ...
• Luke 6:47-49 - I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. / But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!”

Seperation of the abiding children of God (heirs of the Kingdom), from workers of lawlessness

• Matthew 7:22-23 - Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
• Romans 2:6-8 - God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
• Luke 13:24-30  - “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. / After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ / Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ ...
• John 15:6 - If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Separation from sin's source, lures, and consequences is our best life

• Revelation 20:12-15 - And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. / Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. ...
• Revelation 21:27  - But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Ezekiel 20:38 - And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me. I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

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Idolatry, selfishness, and hurt feelings provoke judgement and brokenness (Jer 18:18-19:15)

"This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will bring disaster (devastation) upon this city and its surrounding towns as I promised, because you have stubbornly refused to listen (and obey) to me.’" - Jer 19:15

Jeremiah 18:18-23

A) Hurt Jeremiah turns from intercesor, to provoking God's judgement against them.

18) People plot to stop Jeremiah with variety, rumors, and ignorance

19) Jeremiah pleads with Lord: hear, help/intercede, listen what enemies say

• 20) good (intercesion, protection) repaid with evil (dug a pit to kill)
• Intercessory Faith, believe in God on behalf of another
  
• 21-22) let children starve, die by sword, plague, screams of terror because of raiders

23) Knowing the plot, don't forgive crimes/wickedness, or blot out sins, let them die from your anger.

Application: When we are hurt, feeling rejected, disappointed we can feel like giving up on people and pushing a self centered agenda. We want to be proven right in our peers eyes. I'm reminded of Cain, Abel, and Seth. 

Our lives speak long after we've died. What will our life testimony be about? Accomplishments on Linked In, vacations on Facebook, family, friends, and ministry?  

Jeremiah 19

B) God responds with broken jar illustration and devastating prophecy against stubborn disobedient people.

19:1-3) buy clay jar, ask leaders/priest to broken pots dump, listen to this message from Lord

4-6) Israel rejected me, made this place valley of slaughter, incense, blood of innocent, child sacrifice to Baal against Lord's will

• God's point in asking Abraham to sacrifice his son (Gen 22:2, Rom 12:1-3)
• Biblical view on abortion

7-9) Lord will upset plans, allowing slaughter, ruin, destruction - resulting in cannibalism and despair.

10-13) Smash clay jar, Lord of Heaven's Armies shatters people, not mended, beyond hope of repair, homes of idol worshipers like this garbage heap, like Topheth

• Isaiah 30:33: “Tophet” is another name for “the valley of the children of Hinnom” (II Kings 23:10), where the idolatrous Jews made their sons and daughters “to pass through the fire” as an offering to the pagan god Molech. King Josiah “defiled” it, by converting it into the constantly burning refuse dump for Jerusalem.
• Rescued, kept.. so now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light (Psalm 56:13 Coram Deo))
  

14-15) At Temple of the Lord, proclaimed all these cities and towns devastated because you stubbornly refused to listen and obey my words.

Application: our lives are consequential, how we treat one another in word and deed can bring life or death. Choose life. 

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Knowing Jesus, the will of God

Knowing the will of God is a subject of great interest in the world today. In BSF this year we study the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1-3). This is God's gift, to make the future known, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. We are blessed when we read and take it to heart. 

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Luke 13:22-29 give this lesson in the context of judgement and repentance (Luke 13:1-5), spiritual growth (Luke 13:6-9), Jesus heals us on the day of rest (Luke 13:10-17), the disabled dies like a seed breaking out into a tree (Luke 13:18-19 - We lose our disabled life, and find eternal life in Christ John 12:24-26), like flour is transformed by yeast our life is transformed by the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:20-21). Salvation comes from entering into a relationship with Jesus (Luke 13:24, a "one at a time" narrow door), not through community service (Luke 13:25-30) or saving your own life (Luke 13:31-35). 

The phrase workers of lawlessness, reminded me of Cain and Abel, Cain brought produce, Abel brought his affection. Workers of lawlessness earn wages, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). The gift of God is called Faith (Ephesians 2:8-10), not a job to do. We are saved by faith, through grace to do the good work God's called us to (family). 

To know the will of God we have to hear the Word of God, we have to focus on Jesus (John 1:1). In Hebrews we Understand the old testament in the light of Jesus Christ

Jesus’s heavenly authority: John 3:11-13; 5:19; 8:18, 26-29

• Jesus came from heaven, tells us, he sees what the Father is doing, "Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.", Jesus is one witness, his Father who sent him is the other. 
• So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”

Jesus fulfilled the Law and prophets (Matthew 5:17-18), Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), Christ has indeed been raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20), and has power over death (John 1:4; 11:25-26), Jesus reigns (Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 2:8-9). 

Jesus died for my sins (Romans 5:8), freed me from sin’s penalty (Psalm 103:11-12; Isaiah 38:17; Romans 6:23; 8:1-2), freed me from sin’s power (Romans 6:1-14; 8:3-11; Philippians 2:12-13) and freed me from sin’s presence (1 John 3:2).

We are living stones and a royal priesthood (Exodus 16:34, 19:6, 28:21; 1 Peter 2:5, 9, Isaiah 65:15, John 6:35, Rev 2:17)

Jesus will return for everyone, living and dead will see him and mourn (Daniel 7:13; Zechariah 12; Matthew 24:30)

• Job 19:26, "And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;"
• Heb 9:27-28, Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

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Leaders unyoked to God, ruin generations by greed and dishonesty (Jeremiah 5:1-6:21, Matthew 11:28-30)

key verse;

So I will go and speak to their leaders. Surely they know the ways of the Lord and understand God’s laws.” But the leaders, too, as one man, had thrown off God’s yoke and broken his chains. Jer 5:5

“From the least to the greatest, their lives are ruled by greed. From prophets to priests, they are all frauds. They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord. This is what the Lord says:“Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ Jer 6:13-16

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30

 Jeremiah 5:1-6:21

A) God sees our dishonest heart attitude

5:1-3) LORD, no one is honest, not paying attention, refusing correction/repentance

4-6) Poor ignorant of God's ways/laws, leaders thrown off God's yoke - bringing beasts, rebellion/sins many

• My yoke is easy, burden is light Matt 11:28-30

7-9) Pardon your family? Idolatry, adultery, covetous - I should avenge myself.

10-13) destroy grapevines, they don't belong to LORD - treachery, lied about consequences, didn't listen to God's prophets

14-17) LORD "Mighty foreigners, unknown language, mighty, devour, destroy all you have"

18-19) Yet, you will live under them because you 'gave yourself to foreign gods'

B) Warning for God's People who rejected God's way

20-25) Senseless, don't see, hear, don't respect presence/boundaries, stubborn/rebellious hearts - turned away, abandoned God, impure heart, wickedness deprives blessing, sin robbed of good things

26-31) Wicked, set traps for people, evil unlimited plots for wealth, refuse justice to orphans, deny rights of poor - they like false prophets, priest iron hand,  

6:1-5) Run for your lives, disaster, destruction, enemies about to devour you

6-9) Prepare for battle, city is wicked - punished, obvious listen to warning, everyone accounted for

10-15) No one listens, ruled by greed, prophets/priest are frauds, superficial treatment of mortal wounds, speak false peace to their destruction 

16-21) Stop, decide path of godly and find rest for your souls, all nations, fruit of schemes, rejecting God's word is disaster. Sacrifices are not pleasing to God. 

• Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt 11:29

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The reason people forget about God and live miserable lives (Jeremiah 2-3:5)

key verses: 

"...Why then do my people say, ‘At last we are free from God! We don’t need him anymore!’... for years on end my people have forgotten me." Jeremiah 2:31-32

AIM: Every calamity's root is forgetting the God that made you and rescued you to be holy.

A) Leaders stopped asking 'Where is the LORD?' and turned to idols ruining their future (1-13)

1-3) another message to Jerusalem, "remember eagerness as young bride follows, Israel holy first child protected"

 - Interesting "holy first child" is not Isaac 

4-6) Listen LORD, "worship worthless idols, become worthless. Didn't ask 'where is the LORD who saved/led out of Egypt'

• God's desire for us is salvation in relationship with him (Hosea 13-14)

7-9) fruitful land, you defiled/corrupted. Priests didn't ask 'where is the LORD?' teachers ignored Him, prophets name of Baal (Numbers 25 sex plague, 1 Kings 18:21 tested,  Romans 11 explains) - worthless idol. Children's children charged.

• Similar message from Zephaniah 1:2-3) everything on earth, all mankind will be destroyed, Zephaniah 1:4-6) hand against Judah, Baal worship, idolatrous priests, astrologers, apostate believers
• 1 Kings 16:29-34) Omri, evil, worse than others, married Jezebel, worshiped Baal, setup Asherah pole, Jericho rebuilt costing life of oldest and youngest sons.

10-13) sent searching elsewhere exchanging glorious God for worthless idol, abandoned fountain of living water, dug cracked cisterns 

• Rescued, kept.. so now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light (Psalm 56:13 Coram Deo))

Application: Getting off course starts with wicked leaders. Yet the Lord is interceding on your behalf, giving you a thirst for his righteousness. Your broken cisterns can't hold this holy water. We are lost. Pray the Father draws us to himself. Give us the gift of faith - let us repent of ignorance, help me to release my grip on worthless idols. Awake my soul. 

B) God delivered us from slavery, yet we've used our freedom to leave him (14-22)

14-17) "why Israel enslaved, tormented, destroyed? you rebelled against God, though he leading you"

18-19) "what gained from wicked world? punishment, shame - see evil bitterness = fearlessly abandon LORD."

20-22) "freed from slavery, yet said 'I won't serve God' - prostituted instead, stained guilty

Application:   I need to stop rebelling against God and let him led me in the fear of the LORD.

C) We claim to be right with God, yet we are living apart from him, living a lie (23-3:5)

23-25) "you deny worshiping images of Baal, yet lust is obvious, panting after other gods 'I can't stop'

26-27) "thief, shame only when caught, leaders bring idols, turned backs to LORD, in trouble cry out 'come and save us!'

28-30) you don't call on idols because you know the are lifeless, your rebellion punishes children, they don't respond to LORD discipline - because you killed your prophets

31-32) listen to the words of the LORD, why MY people claim freedom from God, forgetting him:

• 33-34) plot, scheme, win lovers, clothes stained with blood of innocent/poor
• 35) you say, 'I've done nothing wrong, God's not angry with me!' - claim you've not sinned
• 36-37) flit from ally to ally for help, Egypt/Assyria let you down, despair/exile - LORD rejected nations you trust
• 3:1) Divorce is final, you prostituted yourself, why are you trying to come back?
• 2-5) Look, shrines of defilement, adultery to other gods, polluted land with brazen prostitution/wickedness, spring rain fails - shameless fake repentance, fake obedience, "you keep on doing all the evil you can."

Application: People claim freedom from God because we don't live as we claim to believe. Lord, I've sinned against you in every way. I've surrounded myself with idols and have grown callous to your discipline. I've lived a life 'I can't stop' - a lie. I don't want to live a lie, but to live in Spirit and Truth. 

Thank you Father, Lord - you're mercy is made new everyday. Help me follow where you lead, the way you lead. Amen. Thank you for conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgement. Revelation 22:15

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When Jesus writes his word in our heart, it produces obedient faith (John 8)

 This week we studied John 8, previously I had the following insights:

Jesus exposes sin teaching freedom believing his light and truth

AIM: Sin and death is overcome by disciples of Jesus

A) Jesus teaches all have sinned with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)

B) Jesus teaches about light of life and freedom of obedience to him 

(John 8:12-32)

C) Jesus clarifies slavery to sin, that Abraham rejoiced in God's promise fulfilled in Jesus (John 8:33-59)

Principle: Truth that sets you free progresses from obedient faith

In my BSF discussion group yesterday we talked about Jesus writing on the ground.

John 8:8 (clear word)

Same finger writing judgement in Daniel 5:5-6) "Suddenly, they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand. The king himself saw the hand as it wrote, and his face turned pale with fright. His knees knocked together in fear and his legs gave way beneath him."

John 8:31-32 (discipleship)

John 10:9-21, people continue to be divided - either Jesus is the devil or he's God. Read this, what do you think? 

Principle: Truth that sets you free progresses from obedient faith

John 8:42-43 (love)

Do your thoughts and attitude bring you into Love for God? If you love God and seek to do his will you naturally come to Jesus. This is what it means to be drawn to Jesus by his father. 

John 8:47 (belonging)

We get to see the Kingdom of God and know him at the very center of our lives. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are sons and daughters of the most high God. 

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God uses prophecy to enact judgement and provide mercy (1 Kings 22-2 Kings 1:18)

Big Idea: God's judgment stands, prophets' message is mercy towards repentance. 

 1 Kings 22-2 Kings 1:18

A) Ahab's desire for glory brings condemnation to himself

22:1-9) 3 years no war, Jehoshaphat of Judah, Ahab of Israel want to take Ramoth-gilead but ask 400 prophets + 1 of the Lord Micaiah Imlah

10-14) Ahab's prophets "LORD says, iron horns gore Arameans to death" Micaiah "I will say only what Lord tells me to say"

15-16) Micaiah sarcastically to Ahab, "LORD will give victory", Ahab wants truth from the LORD.

17) Vision Israel scattered mountain, sheep without a shepherd, LORD master killed, send home peace.

 - sheep without a shepherd. Moses (Numbers 27:17), Babylon (Isaiah 13:14), Easy prey (Ezekiel 34:5), Confused and helpless (Matthew 9:36), So Jesus taught the crowds (Mark 6:34)

18-28) Micaiah "Listen to what the LORD says, LORD put a lying spirit in the mouth of prophets to judge Ahab. Prison but assurance. 

 - Application: God is Sovereign and calls everyone to repent from fortune tellers and evil ways or die.

29-40) Ahab disguise didn't work, hit by a random arrow, buried Samaria - dogs licked his blood, son Ahaziah next king

B) Jehoshaphat lived a life pleasing to the LORD though he failed

41-50) Jehoshaphat 25 years, good pleasing LORD's sight but failed to remove pagan shrines, people sinned, peace with Israel, banished prostitutes, ships not sailed, son Jehoram next king.

C) Ahaziah's evil lead many to sin, and never sought the LORD in his moments of need leading to death

51-53) Ahaziah, evil in LORD's sight who led Israel to sin, served Baal provoked anger

2 Kings 1:1-8) Elijah intercepts messengers about Ahaziah's injury - you'll never recover

9-15) 50 soldiers fire from heaven killed them x2, Humble captain + angel of LORD, go with him

 - Man of God - Gen 2: formed from dirt, God breathed life into him. Moses (Deut 33:1, Joshua 14:6), messenger for Samson's parents angel of the LORD ascended in flame (Judges 13:6,18,20,25), Samuel (1 Samuel 9), Elijah

 - Application: But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Tim 6:11

A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Titus 1:7

16-18) Elijah delivers same message, Ahaziah dies, brother Joram next king

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How God heals the mind of those under a powerful delusion (Isaiah 28:15, Romans 1:28, Isaiah 30:28, 2 Thessalonians 2:11)

I saw a question on Twitter this morning. "Can you be a part-time Christian?" the comments had 100s of "no" and a thoughtful reference to lukewarm-vomit from the mouth of God in Revelation. But a motorcycle evangelist from northern California (Chaplain Ken) had a truly insightful comment, "God doesn't want weekend visits, he wants full-time custody." Intrigued I followed him and saw this picture from previous tweets:

Isaiah 26:3-4) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself is the Rock eternal.

Chaplain Ken also had a promotion to a bad called Sound Doctrine and their song "John 3:16" - that kept repeating only John 3:16. The idea in John 3:16 is to start there and keep reading... John wrote so you would believe in Jesus, Son of God

So rather than grumble in my heart, I started in Isaiah 26 and kept reading...Isaiah talks about the nature of people and the nature of God. How God's sovereign plans and human free will play out together. 

What happens when people reject God is described in Romans 1:28: "Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done."

Isaiah 28:15-18: For you said, "We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place."

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the realm of the dead will not stand.

Peter uses the language of a building (1 Peter 2:6-8), a nation (1 Peter 2:9-10) pulling from Isaiah 8:14, 28:16, Psalm 118:22, Exodus 19:5-6, Hosea 2:23 (SLU). From Luke 24:44-45, how was Peter able to make these connections?

Isaiah 30:6, 18) This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:28: His breath is like a rushing torrent, rising up to the neck. He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; he places in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray. (NIV)

His hot breath pours out like a flood up to the neck of his enemies. He will sift out the proud nations for destruction. He will bridle them and lead them away to ruin. (NLT)

And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. (KJV)

Connects with 2 Thessalonians 2:11: ...with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. 11 For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness

Peter's letters explain how faith, grace, and hope work in our lives 

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Practical righteousness comes from conviction of personal sin and wise judgement (John 16:8)

God still speaks to us in our current situations and circumstances. We have internal proof that comes out through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). Many people equate this to a theory of consciousness or psychology of the mind. However, Christians believe God has poured his Spirit out on all humans (see Acts 1-3). Have people always wrestled with this? A longing for something better, and right. Personal purity, the absence of all defects of character. The courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference. 

This morning I'm seeing a fresh perspective that Jesus is alive with the Father and has sent me His Spirit to guide me. Eternal life starts now and last forever. Receiving the gift of eternal life and mercy by faith (Romans 4, Titus 3:3-7)

 “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:1-15

Growing in Holiness, The Doctrine of Sanctification

The moment you come to Christ for salvation and trust in His sacrifice for your sin, His sinless perfection is immediately attributed to you. Justification is the theological word that describes this amazing transaction. As you walk with God through the rest of your life on earth, He continues His purifying work within you. Sanctification is the process by which you grow in practical righteousness – to be more like Jesus in the way you think and live.

John 16:1,8-15;Romans 6:1-23; 8:12-13; Ephesians 4:22–5:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7

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Wickedness is democratized, everyone doing it their way (Judges 21:25)

 Judges 21:25

Elevating your version of the truth over God's truth is the epitome of arrogance. 

• Judges 19, gang rape then cut to pieces 
• Judges 20, lead to civil war and massacre 
• Judges 21, kidnapping

Deny God and dismiss his truth 

 - lack everything good in life

Disregard human life

Ignore God's commands moral lines are blurred and obliterated. 

 - self destruction 

 - adultry, inhospitable,disobedient,murder, kidnapping 

No one benefits without God

Don't lower your morality and live in the culture around us. 

 - trading the challenge with fitting in with the culture 

 - we need to rise up to God's standards 

 - we need one another to stay accountable and hear the truth

The only solution to depravity is the Gospel of Jesus Christ 

Gospel changes everything 

 - simplistic and true 

https://grace.church/messages/series/judges/

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Jesus reassured John, confronted unbelief, and demonstrates the kingdom of heaven (Matt 11-12)

Aim: Truth about Jesus leads some to believe in Him while others refuse to believe. Doctrine: Satan and demons, Attribute: Faithful, Big idea: Belief vs. unbelief

A) Jesus reassured John, condemned unbelievers, and called the weary. – Matthew 11

11:1-3) John's uncertain if Jesus is the Messiah and asks

4-6) Jesus answers scripture, blind see, lame walk, leprosy cleansed, deaf hear, dead raised

 - 6) "blessed is anyone who doesn't stumble on account of me" 

7-11) Jesus praised John as greatest to the crowds 

 - today the least believer today has a greater privilege than John the baptist

12-15) John came in spirit and power of Elijah

16-19) Jesus condemned critical unbelievers; self-willed, irritating children refuse God's message

20-24) Jesus condemned indifferent unbelievers who ignored the great works and words

 - God holds us accountable to the truth He reveals, the greater the spiritual privilege the greater the responsibility. 

25-27) Jesus praise God for believers who come with awe and confidence of children

28-30) Jesus offers himself as the Way to the Father (Promise, call)

 - God ordained that knowledge of Him would come only through His Son. The Spirit of God must draw us to the Son, who alone can reveal the Father to us (John 14:6), Not work we do but what he does to remove our shame and guilt for sin (1 Peter 2:24).

 - Submission to Jesus brings rest to weary souls

B) Jesus warned the Pharisees demonstrating the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 12

12:1-8) Jesus confronted by Pharisees about eating on Sabbath

 - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" 

 - 9-14) in the synagogue, Jesus teaches right from wrong logically, healing man's hand

 - "stretch out your hand", we just need to obey to experience life-changing miracles

 - Pharisees reaction to miracles, "plotted how they might kill Jesus"

15-21) Jesus heals the crowd that follows him fulfilling (Matthew 12:18-21, Isaiah 42:1-4)

22-24) Jesus heals demon-possessed blind/mute, talk/see, Pharisees call him the prince of demons

 - Pharisees and Scribes (Mark 3:22) witnessed the miracles, believe super-natural is demonic not from God

25-29) Jesus knew their thoughts, explains healing by Spirit of God, the kingdom has come upon you.

30-32) More than a failure to believe, blasphemy calls God’s work evil, a very serious sin against God. 

33-37) A tree is recognized by its fruit, we speak from our heart, good/evil comes from what is stored up inside - by words we are acquitted or condemned.

 - Today if you hear his voice don't harden your heart (Hebrews 1-4:13)

Prayer: Lord please forgive me and heal me from my habitual sins, change me from the inside out. Make me holy, that I can come into your presents un-ashamed and live righteously today. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 

38-42) Pharisees, Scribes ask for a sign, "wicked, adulterous generation ask for sign" only sign of Jonah, 3 days, 3 nights heart of the earth Son of Man - repent be wise

 - 43-45) impure spirit comes out of a person, if unoccupied comes back with more wicked, the final condition is worse than first - so will be with this generation

Wow, Matthew 12 is Revelation in a nutshell!

46-50) who is saved, in God's family? Whoever does the will of Jesus' Father in heaven!

Applications:

1. What doubts or hard questions should you bring to Jesus?

2. How have you experienced true rest in Christ? 

3. What truth about Jesus do you resist?

Principles:

People who believe in Jesus find refuge, but people who do not believe await judgment.

Your response to Jesus determines your eternal destiny.

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Prayer: Urgent, continual reliance on the grace of God (Acts 13:42-52)

What I'm doing this morning, I do every morning: Do your best to present yourself to God, approved after being tested. I want to be a good and noble vessel, ready and useful to God. The purpose of this time is to move up and see clearly how I can best serve the Lord. Some days are better than others. Today I'm excited to help my work colleagues advance their capabilities and succeed. It's SALT and LIGHT today. My prayer is that we are what God has called us to be, holy His. I'm grateful for this Day 4 of 40Days (Acts 13:42-52).

Acts 13:42-43) Paul and Barnabas, large fan club of Jews: urgent, continual reliance on the grace of God

44-45) Next week most of city came to hear the word of the Lord, Jews jealous, slandered them

46-47) bold declare: first Jews who rejected God's word, judging themselves unworthy of eternal life - now for Gentiles

‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth. Isa 49:6

 - Message: The living Word of God engages and intrigues us right where we are

 - Gently instruct those who oppose the truth (2 Timothy 2:25)

48-49) Gentiles VERY glad, THANKED the LORD - all who were chosen for eternal life became believers, spreading the message

50) Jews stirred up influential religious leaders, ran Paul and Barnabas out of town

51-52) Shook dust from feet as sign of rejection, to Iconium - disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Daily Reading for Personal Growth, 40 Days with God

40 daily Scripture readings that illustrate the character of God and the nature of faith.

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Failing away from God, we remember the way back (Hosea 12:1-6)

 Hosea 12

Pivotal verses: "But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always." Hosea 12:6, the continued pleading from Hosea 6

“Come, let us return to the Lord...he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him" Hosea 6:1-3

God has been showing me I need to have more quiet time with the Lord, slow down - take a Sabbath rest, fast (stop eating). Only in these times can my crooked ways be straightened. A little intervention goes a long way. 

12:1) Ephram feeds on wind, multiplies lies, violence, allies with Assyria, Egypt

 - MSG: obsessed with god-fantasies, chases ghosts and phantoms. He tells lies nonstop, soul-destroying lies.

 - False prophets introduce destructive heresies, ignoring facts of wrath (2 Peter 2)

 2) Judah and Israel being charged by God, held accountable to their deeds

 - Was watching sin, transgression, iniquity from BibleProject showing deference in these terms, clarifying what's wrong in the world. Sin is against God, transgression is breaking trust. The video shows a thief stealing from you is one thing but when a neighbor does it (whom you should have trust), it's transgression. Iniquity (AVON) is allowing the consequences of our lives to fall upon us (wickedness, guilt, bent/crooked). 

 - To punish: visit someone's AVON (Iniquity) upon them.

3-5) Jacob struggled with his brother and God, wrestled, brought to knees, wept in repentance, sought favor, and was found by God in Bethel

 - the Lord God Almighty (God of hosts, God of the Angel Armies), the Lord is his name (God-Revealed, God-Known)!

6) What are you waiting for? Return to your God! Commit yourself in love, in justice! Wait for your God, and don’t give up on him—ever!

 - Redemption and the "To Be" list

 - Live like your approaching eternity today: Joshua recounts history and covenant to the Lord before death (Joshua 22-24)

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Empty sinfulness leads to Judgement only Jesus can save us from (Hosea 10)

 Hosea 10 looks like the American dream. I've discovered the only way to abide in the Lord (John 15) is to pray continually (1 Thes 5:16-18)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

A) Riches breeds promiscuous idol worship (10:1-6)

B) Results in desire to be expunged, hidden from God's wrath (10:7-10)

C) Jesus provides God's mercy, a changed life (10:11-15) 

10:1-2) More luxurious, rich, bountiful we are the more pagan/promiscuous the worship, squandered, guilty - Lord will break altars down

3-4) "no king, we didn't fear LORD, useless", empty words, covenants without intension, injustice

5-6) People's idols invoke fear, mourning, but resulting in ridicule and shame because people have trusted in idol

 - Thinking of the Statue of Liberty

7-8) Samaria is history place of sin crumble, beg mountains "bury us, plead with hills fall on us"

 - Jesus repeats this in Luke 23:30 and later in Rev 6:16...Isaiah 2:19... "if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" - Luke 23:31

 - Desire to hide is in our nature Gen 3:8) "they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God"

 - And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 1 Peter 4:18

9-10) Only sin and more sin, no progress, wicked men: Be punished for multiplied sins

11) Israel trained heifer, loves easy work, Judah pulls plow, break up the hard ground

 - Jesus from the line of Judah, learn from him (Matthew 11:28-30)

12) plant the good seeds of righteousness, harvest crop of love, plow hard ground of your hearts, seek the Lord shower righteousness upon you

 - Knowledge of SIN cultivates a conscience and heart for God

13) see ourselves: cultivated wickedness, harvested thriving crop of sins, eaten fruit of lies. trusting military, believing great armies

 - Walking in light involves progressive humility and honesty (1 John 1:5-2:6)

14-15) see the day of judgment dawns

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Jesus authorizes 72 workers into his Fathers fields (Luke 10:1-24)

 Luke 10:1-2) Jesus appointed 72 others, sent two by two everywhere he was going, "Harvest plentiful, workers few, ask Lord of harvest to send workers

 - Jesus demonstrates how bringing people to faith can nourish us

3-4)  lambs among wolves, no money, bag, extra sandals, don't stop on the road

5-7) enter a home, "may God's peace be on this house", a blessing for peaceful, stay, accept hospitality

8-12) Town welcomes, eat, heal sick "Kingdom of God, has come near you", unwelcomed, "dust from our feet, warning you, Kingdom of God has come near. (Sodom)"

 - Abram demonstrates living by faith, Lot and Sodom a lifestyle of disaster (Gen 13-14)

 - Covenant of circumcision, Abraham washes feet receiving the promise (Gen 17-18:15)

 - Abraham intercedes before Sodom is destroyed with Lot's wife (Gen 18:16-19, Luke 17:32)

13-16) Woe, sorrow awaits you, towns who reject miracles, blessing, repentance, God's message, God's people, God himself

17) seventy-two returned joyfully, "Lord, even demons obey/submit in your name"

18-24) I gave you authority, overcome power of enemy, rejoice in heaven, full of joy/Holy Spirit - praise Father, Lord of heaven and earth, revealed to children, pleased, everything committed/entrusted to Jesus, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see"

 - Eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands

 - So cool Luke shows me the parable of Sower and teaching extended through experience and time

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The Scroll of the Father, the Lambs book of life, delivered by the Spirit

My brother was saying the book in Rev 5:1-9 is not discussed. I see this as the Father knows the date and times (Matthew 24:36, 30-51), this is given to Jesus in heaven (after death, burial, resurrection, and ascension - Acts 1:1-11), the scroll of judgment and destruction also reveals the Lamb's book of life (Rev 3:5). Jesus was given all authority in heaven and heaven and sends us to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:17-20). This the little scroll was given to us to take to heart (Rev 10:1-10). To taste and see that the Lord is good. 

 - The Lamb conquered; He came; He has taken the roll. He is the wisdom of the Church; among all pre-eminent; all things will be reconciled in Him; the purpose and meaning of all life's mysteries and sorrows will be made plain in Him. (Comp. 1Corinthians 1:24; Ephesians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:18.) From Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

...the spontaneous act of the Lamb in taking the book of his own accord as his right, with the call to St. John to take the little book (Revelation 10:8). Out of the right hand. The position of power and honour. He to whom all power was given in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28.) is the only One who can penetrate the mysteries and dispense the power of God's right hand. Of him that sat upon the throne; of him that sitteth. That is, the Triune God (see on Revelation 4:2). The Son in his human capacity, as indicated by his sacrificial form of the Lamb, can take and reveal the mysteries of the eternal Godhead in which he, as God, has part. From Pulpit Commentary

Scroll, Book searches in revelation were also helpful. In my study of Revelation, I concluded that "John sees God's redemptive plan completed in Christ's return", Rev 13:8 is part of a parenthetical gospel message that reveals God's plan from the creation to the final judgment. 

Jesus is the authority: Daniel 7:13,Daniel 7:14,Luke 10:22,John 3:35,John 13:13,John 17:2,1 Corinthians 15:27,Ephesians 1:20-Ephesians 1:22,Philippians 2:9,Philippians 2:10

I have a reminder on my phone, "The Lord knows those who are his" with a picture of a man kneeling in prayer. The context is not to get bogged down with arguments that benefit no one. 

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.” 2 Timothy 2:19-26

A friend asked me for prayer for her Alpha Weekend, she wanted to communicate her excitement about the prospect of inviting God into your life, to not miss the Holy Spirit Weekend. The encouragement is to have fun, build friendship and experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Lord brought me to James 3:17-18;Col 4:5-6.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Prayer: Lord, let my words be helpful to those who hear them. Let my delivery be tasteful and gentle, wholesome and pleasing. May I be the peacemaker in this world for your glory. Amen.   

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God sustains a remnant in judging the world in a flood (Gen 5-7)

During the time of Enosh, son of Seth and grandson of Adam, “people began to call on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). 

 - Means: seeking God through faith, with a desire to know Him, 

 - The name of the Lord: Genesis 12:8; Joel 2:32; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-13; 1 Corinthians 1:2 

 - Psalm 14:4 calls those who never call on the Lord "evildoers"

 -  God has revealed enough about Himself, even in creation, to hold people accountable to acknowledge and seek Him, to call on His name. ( Romans 1:18-20)

Genesis 5-7 Main Truth: God justly judges all wickedness but also extends saving grace.

A) Generations live and die under God's faithfulness (Enosh, Enoch, Noah)– Genesis 5

This section made me realize the importance of generations, passing on knowledge of God and praying for our childrens' childen. 

1-8) Adam (God's likeness) family, blessed lived 930 years Seth (3rd son) had Enoth 105 lived 912 years (had other children)

9-11) Enosh at 90 at Kenan and others lived 815 years

12-20) Kenan 70 Mahalalel -> Jared -> Enoch

21-24) Enoch -> Methuselah, Enoch walked with God faithfully 300 years (perhaps asked Adam about God as Adam still alive), taken away

25-27) Methuselah -> Lamech -> Noah

28-32) Noah "He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed"  (2 Peter 2:5, preached righteousness) ->Shem, Ham, Japheth

Principle (from BSF daily dive): God delays judgment, but each generation dies.

B) Sin’s Corruption on the Earth – Genesis 6:1-7:10

1-5) Nephilim "heroes of old, men of renown" contributed to the rising wickedness of humanity (6:5) - three views Angelic order fallen angels in human bodies (maybe), men possessed by evil spirits (certainly possible), or Seth's line with Cain's (most likely because Luke 3:38, Gen 5:3). I think about our own lives/history. Men of renown such as Genghis Khan and Natzi's who full of violence took over the world (Gen 6:11). 

6:5-7) God determined humanity was ripe for judgment

8-13) God’s Grace to a Blameless Man

Principle:  God always plans to save the faithful few

 - 14-22) God instructed Noah how to build the ark

 - 7:1-10) God tells how to build the Ark

Principle: God responds to evil by setting a time for judgment

C) God’s Condemnation through the Flood – Genesis 7:11-24

11-16) rain begins

17-24) waters rise

• Noah’s faith: Hebrews 11:7
• God’s ways not ours: Isaiah 55:8
• All defined as part: Genesis 41:57; Deuteronomy 2:25; 1 Kings 18:10
• The Flood compared to judged by fire: Matthew 24:39; Luke17:26-27; 2 Peter 3:5-10
• God’s love: John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8
• Jesus, the Righteous Judge: 2 Timothy 4:1, 8; Revelation 6:10
• The final judgment: Romans 2:16
• Days of Noah: Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-27

Doctrine of God's Judgement of Believers and unbelievers

 - We all experience death and experience the inability to stop sinning. 

 - God's judgment establishes true value. He rewards faithful obedience (1 Cor 3:14; 15:58; 2 Cor 5:10)

 - Punitive judgments are dreadful for those who reject Jesus (John 3:16-21, Luke 16:19-31)

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Jesus, willing to sacrifice commands us to do the same

 Vince Miller's 9 Attributes of a man, says our apathy is defeated by Jesus's actions

Matthew 20:28 - Jesus came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

John 15:13 - Greater love - lay down your life for your friends.

"A man is willing to make hard sacrifices. While it is natural to be a taker, God's man is a giver. He understands that God is a generous giver who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all men. He believes that Christ’s sacrifice is the means of his salvation, but sacrifice is also the method of his sanctification. This attribute requires self-evaluation, radical priority, renewed positioning, an attitude that is willing, and a mindset that loses everything to win that of real value." - Vince Miller

Luke 14:25-35 Loving God more than our highest priorities: life, family, work, and rule. Enables us to give more to these priorities from the position of Jesus' disciple. 

• Coming to Jesus, we must see how badly we've done with our lives (Luke 14:26) and understand that sin's penalty is death (Luke 14:27). We must surrender our lives. When Jesus says "hate" it's "to love less than." Our lives include our heritage, ancestors, and their past achievements (father and mother). Our lives include our descendants, our future, our close family relationships, our wife and children.
• We need to see the cost is beyond the foundational conversion, but the finish line. The finish line requires effort and investment. Evaluate our commitment, more than zeal. 
• Jesus is king and we make peace with him while we can. We surrender everything to him. Lose to win, knowing God is set to win at the end of time. Lose in this lifetime or loss in eternity
• Salt is good. People are good. Salery is derived from Salt. Soldier is a derived from Salt. Salt that loses it's "saltiness" is good for nothing and thrown out. 

Don't waste your life. Give your life to Jesus and get involved in finding out God's good plan for your life.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you - Romans 12:1-3

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