Bread and wine at the last Supper/Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-30)

Bread and wine at the last Supper/Passover meal, He illustrated His sacrifice to free every believer from the penalty and power of sin. 

In BSF Lesson 26 - MATTHEW 26 - Mike Gaynor explains the link between the Passover and last supper as follows:

Passover. Usually, the presider would pass the bread saying, "This is the bread of our affliction," but Jesus says in effect, "This is the bread of my affliction," as He broke the bread saying, "This is my body."

There were four cups of wine passed around at Passover, one for sanctification, one for deliverance, one for redemption and run for praise. Many see Jesus passing the third cup of redemption here and He gives it new meaning as He says, "Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Isaiah 42 promised that the servant of the Lord, Jesus, would be a covenant to the people. At this supper, Jesus is telling the disciples He is a living promise of redemption from sin for God's people.

Warren Wiersbe (Be Loyal), each cup at Passover relates to the four promises in Exodus 6:6-7 and the hymn Jesus and disciples sang before they left was part of the traditional Hallel Psalm 116-118. Psalm 116:13-14, Cup of Salvation, call on the name of the Lord, fulfill my vows to the Lord. Links cup of salvation (13) to death of faithful servants (15), sacrifice "thank offering" fulfilling vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people (17-18) - Praise the LORD (19).

Then Hollie Roberts adds these great considerations for us:

We recall His act of loving redemption every time we partake of the Lord's Supper in our own churches. As we do this, let's reflect and consider these six "Looks" at the Lord's table. 

• Look backward to Jesus' finished act of redemption on the cross that provides an anchor for my soul. (Heb 6:19)
• Look forward to the fulfillment of the kingdom of God and drinking that cup of wine of praise with Jesus in everlasting fellowship. (1 Cor 11:26)
• Look inward to examine and confess our sins. We should ask in the original Lord's Supper context, "Lord, how have I betrayed you?" (1 Cor 11:28)
• Look upward to realize our Savior is alive at God's right hand, interceding for us to trust, obey, and faithfully serve Him. (Heb 7:25, 1 John 2:1)
• Look around at the band of brothers and sisters that Jesus has put us in to serve and love as He did, washing His disciples' feet. (John 17:17,20,21,23,24,26)
• Look outward as we proclaim the Lord's death and be energized to share the good news of redemption with fellow rebels.

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Lord's Passover established, firstborn die and prophetic song marks Israel's freedom from Egypt

Exodus 11:1-15:21

Aim: Hard heart rebellion ends with a losing battle against God.

A)     Lord sends death of first born so Pharaoh will let people go

(11:1-1-3) Lord said one more plague, then Pharaoh let’s you go, neighbors ask for silver and gold

(4-10) Moses hot anger, Every firstborn son, animal dies tonight Egypt, then officials will beg us to leave, Lord hardens Pharaoh’s heart

(12:1-11) Lord said 10^th day of this month, lamb (1 year old, male, no defects)  per household, care for it 4 days, slaughter at twilight, blood on door frame eating, roast all over fire (bitter herbs, unleavened bread), eat fast, burn leftovers

(12-16) Lord – strikes every firstborn of people and animal to judge gods of Egypt but will Passover houses with blood on door, commemorate, generations, lasting ordinance

(17-20) Lord – Celebrate Festival of Unleavened Bread 14^th to 21^st, out of Egypt

(21-30) Moses, elders – gives instructions, they obey (26-27) children ask, tell them, LORD  strikes, every house mourns

(31-36) Pharaoh, Egyptians “leave now take our clothes, gold and silver!”

Principle: What God says will happen, will happen. The only certain thing in this world is God’s word.

Application: Do I trust God, does my obedience show that I trust Him?

B)      Lord consecrates firstborn and commands Israel to obey a lasting ordinance of Passover

(37-42) about 1 million Israelites left after 430 years, LORD vigil, Israelites keep vigil to honor him

(43-51) LORDs Passover Restrictions; no foreigners, eat inside, don’t break bones, community must celebrate it

(13:1-10) LORD - Consecrate every firstborn human and animal male, annual observance, ordinance, teaching established

Principal: God’s ordinances have restrictions

Application: Do I understand that not everyone can partake in God’s ordinances? Do I teach others about restrictions or shy away for comfort and friendship sake?

C)      Moses understands God’s faithfulness and how to communicate it

(11-16) LORD brings you to Canaanite as promised to ancestors – tell children what this means

(17-18) God leads to Red Sea, short path = war with Philistines might change their minds to return to Egypt

(19-22) Moses took bones of Joseph (grandfather) swore an oath pillar of cloud, pillar of fire in front of people

(14:1-18) harden Pharaoh and Egyptians to gain glory

(19-25) LORD came between Egypt and Israel, as Israel crossed the red sea, LORD looked at Egyptian army threw it into confusion “Let’s get away!”

(26-31) LORD to Moses stretch out your hand over the sea, so water flow back over the Egyptians – he did, they died, all of Israel was safe

(15:1-11) song to the LORD remembrance of his strength, defense, salvation, name, majestic power and greatness,

(12-18) Prophetic song of judgment, redemption, glory, God’s home, inheritance, LORD reigns forever

(19-21) Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister took a tamboreen lead a song of praise

Principal: Prophetic words come from true prophets who have heard from and experienced God in present experience.

Application: Will trust in scripture as word from God to individuals who have encountered God?

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Biblical history God's plan, and provision to become his people

God's plan: God’s glory: Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20, made humans In His image: Genesis 1:26-27 and set Eternity in our hearts: Ecclesiastes 3:11

God's book: Inspired writers: 2 Peter 1:19-21

God's character: Holy, Creator, Lord of All. Promise and fulfillment Satan’s defeat: Genesis 3:1-15, Revelation 20:10, Redemption, freedom from sin’s bondage: Romans 8:18-39

Love is our nature when we believe and accept Jesus

God's provision over human history: Creation: Genesis 1:1–2:3, Creation of humans: Genesis 1:26–2:25,  Forbidden tree: Genesis 2:8-17

• Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4

Human sin and God's promised redemption (Old Covenant): Satanic serpent: Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9; 20:2, Adamic covenant (1 Family): Genesis 3:15, Filled with violence: Genesis 6:13, Noah: Genesis 6:9, Noahic covenant: Genesis 9:8-17, 5. Abrahamic covenant: Genesis 12:1-3, Abraham’s righteousness: Genesis 15; Romans 4:3, 9, 20-22, Promised land: Genesis 15:9-21, Heb 11:8-10, God’s people: Genesis 17:7, Matt 12:50, Jesus’s genealogy: Matthew 1:1-17, Prophecy of slavery: Genesis 15:13, Promise to punish: Genesis 15:14, Promise of liberation: Exodus 6:6-7, Passover (1 Nation): Exodus 12:1-42, Leaving Egypt: Exodus 12:31, Lamb of God: John 1:29 (1 World), Passover lamb: 1 Corinthians 5:7, Mosaic covenant: Exodus 19–24, Follow only God: Exodus 23:20-33, Need for a Savior: Romans 3:19-26, Promise of Judah: Genesis 49:10, David’s call: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Davidic covenant: 2 Samuel 7:8-16, Jerusalem conquered: Jeremiah 1:1-16; 6:6, 22-23; 52:1-30, Promised return: Jeremiah 29:10-14, Promise of Messiah: Jeremiah 23:5-6

• But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us. Titus 3:4-6

New Covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ life, death, and resurrection: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Redeemed: Romans 3:23-25, Transformed: 2 Corinthians 3:18, Reborn: John 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9, Conceived by Holy Spirit: Luke 1:29-38, Prophecy of Bethlehem: Micah 5:2, Joseph in David’s lineage: Matthew 1:1-17, Salvation from sin: Matthew 1:21, Died in Passover season: Luke 22:7-22; 23:26-56, Carried our iniquity: Isaiah 53:4-6,  Rose in three days: Matthew 28:1-10, Eternal life: 1 Corinthians 15:12-58

Church Era (grace period): Spirit within believers: Romans 6:1-14; 8:6-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18, Jesus prepared His followers: Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:4-8, Promise of Holy Spirit: Acts 1:8, Promised return: Acts 1:9-11, Pentecost: Leviticus 23:15-22, Beginning of the Church: Acts 2:13-41, Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20, Power of the gospel: Romans 1:16, Lord of all: Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 1:7, Restore, reward, and judge: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

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God leads Joshua to bring Israel into the promise land (Joshua 1-5:12)

AIM: Joshua listens and lives into the promise of God
Attributes of a Leader: Listens to God, Obeys God's instructions, Reminds others of God's Promise

Focus verse: "He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.” - Joshua 4:24

What stones remind of God's faithfulness? Gravestones, Mount Rushmore? Monuments remind us of the people who came before us. We ponder what it was like as we read of these fantastic events. It's interesting that even now we have this word and are still telling the story, we have the circumcision and the Passover is still celebrated. Seeing we have archaeology, and geographical evidence, maybe now you should consider these words and see what God may have for you today.

Joshua 1-5:12
A) Joshua listens to the Lord's will for his life and immediately obeys
1-4) After Moses death (Moses life is preserved by God for His eternal purpose), Lord spoke to Joshua-Lead Israelites across Jordan River, I'm giving them (Jordan to Lebanon mountains, Euphrates to the Mediterranean) south, north, east, west
5) No one able to stand against you as long as you live become Lord is with and won't leave you
 - 6) be strong and courageous - it's you who will lead them to possess my promised gift
7-8) Be strong and very courageous - success/prosperity = careful to obey Lord instruction, Moses gave, don't deviate, study continually, meditate day and night, obey everything
9) Lord Commands "Be strong and courageous!" not afraid or discouraged, LORD your God with you wherever you go
 - Principle: Personal relationship with God is the basis of being Strong and Courageous

10-11) Joshua commanded officers tell people to get ready 3 days will cross the Jordan and take possession of the land LORD your God is giving you
12-15) Joshua called together tribe of Reuben, Gad, half-tribe Manasseh: Remember Moses commanded about promised land (Moses life’s end is focused on God’s faithfulness to Israel)
16-18) They answered "We will do what you command, we will go where you send, obey you to the death, be Strong and Courageous!
 - Application: when we hear another person speak the words God speaks to us in private it's a confirmation. I liken this to a harmony of notes coming together and making a cord.

B) God's grace shown to Rahab's household via two spies
2:1) Joshua secretly sent two spies, scouts Jericho prostitute Rahab overnight
 - 2-3) Mole tells the king of Jericho about it, sent orders to Rahab bring out those men
4-7) Rahab hid them roof bundles of flax, lied they left out the city - they believed her
8-11) Rahab knew LORD gave this land, all are afraid, heard LORD made dry path the Red Sea from Egypt - no one will fight you because of LORD you God supreme God of heaven and earth
12-13) "swear by the Lord kindness, let me and family live when Jericho is conquered
14-16) they offer their lives, don't betray - we'll keep our promise when LORD gives us the land
 - Application: Hebrews 11:31, she had faith and put it into action James 2:25
 - 17-20) Follow these instructions: don't betray us, leave "this" scarlet rope from window everyone in the house is safe
 - 21) "I accept your terms" Rahab
22-24) spies return with news from Rahab, it's ours their terrified.

C) Preparation and personal holiness precedes ministry confirmation and miracles of new life
3:1-4) Early next morning left Acacia Grove, Jordan, camped three days giving instruction, Levitical priests-Ark of the Covenant of LORD you God follow them 1/2 mile distance, not closer
 - 5) purify yourselves, tomorrow LORD will do great wonders among you
 - 6) Morning, Joshua to priest "Lift up Ark, lead people across river"

 7) LORD told Joshua, "Today I will begin to make you a great leader in eyes of Israelites, they'll know I am with you like I was with Moses
 - 8) Command priests who carry Ark of the Covenant, few steps in Jordan then stop"

 9) Joshua says, "come and listen to what the LORD you God says
 - 10) Today you'll know living God among you, drive out Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites ahead of you
 - 11) Look Ark of Covenant, belongs to Lord of whole earth will lead you across Jordan
 - 12-13) choose twelve men from each tribe of Israel (witnesses), priest will carry Ark of the LORD, when feet touch water flow will stop, river will stand like a wall

14-15) people left camp to cross the Jordan (expecting the miracle Joshua 3:5), harvest season, Jordan overflowing yet as soon as feet of priest touched water at rivers edge
 - 16) water above backed up to town of Adam, Zarethan water below to Dead Sea until riverbedwas dry - all crossed over near Jericho
 - 17) meanwhile priest who were carrying the Ark of the LORD's Covenant stood on dry ground in middle of riverbed as people passed by, waiting until whole nation of Israel crossed Jordan dry ground.
 - Illustration: gawker slow-down, no one had ever seen the Ark of the Covenant because it was always wrapped up during transport.

D) Stones, circumcision, and Passover to remember God is faithful to His promises
4:1-3) LORD said Joshua, "choose twelve from each tribe" take stones from middle of Jordan piled where you camp tonight"
 - 4-5) Joshua does it and adds 6-7) these stones memorial, future children will ask what it means
 - 8-9) They did as Joshua said, Joshua set another twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan
 - 10-11) priests where first in last out
 - 12-13) 40k armed warriors Reuben, Gad, 1/2 Manasseh led Isaraelites across Jordan as Moses directed, Lord was with them
 - 14) LORD made Joshua great leader in eyes of all for rest of his life, revered like Moses
15-18) LORD -> Joshua, "Command priest carrying AotC come out of riverbed" when they did, river flowed again
19-20) tenth day, first month, Gilgal east of Jericho, 12 stones
21-24) Joshua ->Israelites "future children will ask what it means, and you tell them what God did, split Red Sea-> then Jordan, so that all nations of earth might know that the LORD's hand is powerful and you might fear the LORD your God forever"
 - so you might know: Deut 4:34-36, no other 'god' take a nation for himself by trails, signs and wonders and war but by "mighty hand and an outstretched arm" - LORD is God, none beside him - His voice from heaven disciplines you, see His fire on earth you heard His words
 - God lets us know what's in our heart through trials (Deut 8:2-3), we live by his word (not bread alone)
 - Psalm 78:6, children not yet born might know, for His name sake (Psalm 106:8, 145:12), He declared the end from the beginning that we might know (Isaiah 41:26)
"that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" 1 Peter 2:9, Isaiah 60:1-15,16 - Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
 - Jer 33:3, ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
5:1-8) everyone under the age of 40 is circumcised because they're fathers failed to do it
9) Lord -> Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt"
10-12) They celebrated Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, never seen again.
 - Priniciple LORD God supplies our needs when we follow his instruction to GO

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Watch out!...Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod (Mark 8:15)

While listening to Matthew 16 and then Mark 8 as part of the 155-day challenge I was struck by this teaching and Exodus came to mind. Earlier this year I went to a Jewish Passover Sader and heard the life of Moses taught during that meal. I've had the opportunity to study the life of Moses twice and the Gospel of Matthew twice in BSF, not only study but also to teach in the school program there. At the Sader, I learned something new. When the Israelites were commanded to eat everything that night and leave without leftovers. My Jewish friends taught that every batch of dough was started from the previous so that you could be eating bread that was passed down from your great-great grand mother. She said God commanded to burn the left overs so that they wouldn't be taking the pagan ways of Egypt into the promised land which God was giving them.

(12:1-11) Lord said 10th day of this month, lamb (1 year old, male, no defects)  per household, care for it 4 days, slaughter at twilight, blood on door frame eating, roast all over fire (bitter herbs, unleavened bread), eat fast, burn leftovers

(12-16) Lord – strikes every firstborn of people and animal to judge gods of Egypt but will Passover houses with blood on door, commemorate, generations, lasting ordinance

(17-20) Lord – Celebrate Festival of Unleavened Bread 14th to 21st, out of Egypt

(21-30) Moses, elders – gives instructions, they obey (26-27) children ask, tell them, LORD  strikes, every house mourns - Exodus 12 outline

Then Jesus warned about the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod (Matthew 16:6, Mark 8:15), Luke 12:1 summarizes that the yeast is hypocrisy, Matthew 16:12 shows the disciples understood Jesus to be saying "Beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees". All of this in the context of Pharisees trying to discredit Jesus and Jesus telling them "A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. (Matt 16:4)", which points to God's plan for the Messiah (Matt 16:13-20) and his death and resurrection (Matt 16:21-28). Mark places this closer to Miracle of feeding 4,000 and Jesus reminds them about the feeding of the 5,000 (which is 1 or only two miracles in all 4 Gospels). In Mark 8:17-18, Jesus asks, "Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?"

Jesus continues to questions them in Mark 8:18 b, "And don’t you remember?"

• 5 loaves, 5,000 how many baskets left over: 12
• 7 loaves, 4,000 how many baskets left over: 7
• Jesus leaves it with "Do you still not understand?" Mark 8:21

Called out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light

"Success" where failure would have been better

Relational Grace: Loving kindness of Christ in me

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Purge sin from within self and church (1 Cor 5)

1 Cor 5

1. Grieve over sin, don't celebrate it
- bring to God in simple prayer
2. Get serious about Christian trafficking in sin
- goal, decision, commitment:empowered by Holy Spirit. Grace empowers what truth demands
3. Get serious about so it doesn't spread
- passover, new bread
4. Get serious about sin in the church (kind, compassion to those outside the church)
- be honest with eachother
- admit to God and eachother
5. Get serious about your sin, SPECK
6. Get help if you are stuck in sin
- pornography is killing people in the church
- get better? Or life change? Away with the leven from Egypt. Passover.

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Jesus reveals his betrayal, death, resurrection and resisting slothful temptation (Matthew 26:1-46)

Focus verse:

Keep watch for one hour... Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:40-41

How often do I watch and pray for one hour? I spend plenty of time watching television and internet videos. When will I sit with God? When my soul is troubled instead of looking for a distraction I will watch and pray.

 Matthew 26

A) Jesus predicts his betrayal, death, and resurrection appearance during last super

1-5) Jesus; Passover in 2 days, Son of Man crucified, chief priest/elders schemed to kill him

6-9) Jesus head anointed perfume at Bethany, indignant disciples; money for poor

10-13) Jesus; beautiful prepares my body for burial - gospel preached, her deed will also be told

14-16) Judas agrees to betray for 30 silver

17-21) day one Unleavened Bread, prepare Passover, "appointed time is near" - reveal one of twelve betrays

22-25) Sad they all suspect themselves, better to be unborn - Judas identified

26-30) While eating Jesus broke bread, take and eat this is my body, thanks for the cup, drink this is my blood of the covenant poured out for many, forgiveness of sins. sang hymn, mount of Olives

 - What was a blood covenant (Genesis 15:9-21)?

Hebrews 6:13-18;9:19-21,22,23,24-28;10:4

believe God (Galatians 3:7; Genesis 15:6). God’s promise of eternal blessing is given only on the basis of faith in the saving blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12)

31-35) All will fall away tonight, after I've risen I'll go ahead of you to Galilee. Peter argues revealed 3 times betrayer

B) Jesus overwhelmed prays the Fathers will be done, energized while disciples slept - Matt 26:36-46

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Exiles rebuild alter and temple with support from kings despite opposition (Ezra 3-6)

Subject: Exiles rebuild altar and temple with support from kings despite opposition

Aim: Worship and sacrifice prepares us for success in spite of challenges. 

Divisions

A) Exiles rebuild the Altar and sacrifices set the stage for rebuilding the temple in year 2 (Ezra 3:1-6)

B) Rebuilding the Temple has opposition slowing down and stopping the work (Ezra 3:7-4:24)

C) Rebuilding temple completed in 4 years with Darius support (Ezra 5-6)

Content: 

Ezra 3:1-6) Rebuilding the Altar, 7th month, Moses sacrifices written in Numbers 29

three major assemblies in 22 days, moving the people from awakening → repentance → renewal 

7) Rebuilding Temple: gave money, traded food/oil for cedar logs

8-9) second year, working aged Levites supervise

10-13) foundation laid, celebration and praise, joy mixed with weeping

4:1-5) Opposition to the Rebuilding: enemies want in on building but are denied, set out to discourage, make afraid and bribe, frustrate

6-16) Later Opposition Under Xerxes and Artaxerxes, written accusation of rebellious and wicked city, walls to avoid taxes, sedition

17-24) King aligns with accusation, Temple building stops until 2nd year of Darius 

5:1-2) Tattenai’s Letter to Darius: Haggai/Zechariah prophesied 

3-17) Tattenai questions building started, sends letter to Darius quoting elders, we/servants of God rebuilding the temple as ordered by Cyrus

6:1-12) The Decree of Darius: looks up Cyrus decree, and doubles down on it - we'll fund it completely at elders direction. 

6:13-15) Completion and Dedication of the Temple: Jews build, prosper under Haggai and Zechariah's preaching, temple completed 6th year under Darius

16-18) Israel, exiles celebrated dedication offering 500+ bulls, reams, lambs, 1 goat per Israel tribe, installed priests divisions Levites groups in service to God, Moses writings

19-22) Passover: Levites slaughtered Passover Lamb for all exiles, separated selves from neighbors to seek the Lord, 7 days joy Festival Unleavened Bread

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Loving obedience will characterize those who belong to God

Loving obedience will characterize those who belong to God and live in the light of His promise. To obey God requires faith. Faithful actions always involve risk. Yet, believers can move forward and lead others with certainty that our victory is already won in Jesus Christ. God promises He will never forsake His people. Will you take strength by meditating on His Word, His great, loving character and His promises? As you step out in faith to obey His gracious commands, He will deepen your joy and grant you success in accomplishing His purpose.

Going Deeper References from www.bsfinternational.org | People of the Promised Land I Lesson 1
1: Land: Genesis 13:14-17;15:18-21; 17:8
 2. Covenant: Genesis 15:13, 16;Deuteronomy 11:24-25
 3. Commission: Numbers 27:18-23;Deuteronomy 31:3-8; 34:9
 4. Commission: Exodus 3:1-10
 5. Moses’ blessing: Deuteronomy 33
 6. View of Promised Land: Deuteronomy 34:1-4
 7. Moses buried: Deuteronomy 34:5-6
 8. Covenant: Genesis 12:1-7; 15:7
 9. Worship and obey: Exodus 19:3-8; 20; 24:3-8
10. Circumcision: Genesis 17:1-14; Joshua 5:2-7
11. Passover: Joshua 5:10-12
12. Renewal: Joshua 8:30-35; 24:1-28
13. Joshua’s victories: Joshua 1:5, 11; 3:10-17; 6:16; 8:18;10:14, 30; 11:6; 13:2-6
14. Jesus’ victory: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 24:44-47; John 12:31-32;Hebrews 2:14-15
15. Promise of rest: Joshua 1:15
16. God rested: Genesis 1:31-2:3
17. Eternal rest: Hebrews 3:7-4:11
18. Judgment of Canaanites: Deuteronomy 7:2; Joshua7:1-26; 8:24-26
19. Mercy for Canaanites: Joshua2:8-14; 6:24-25
20. God’s presence: Joshua 1:5; Matthew 28:20; John 14:16-18; Hebrews 13:5
21. God’s Law: Joshua 8:32
22. God’s covenant: Joshua 24:26
23. Judgment: Romans 2:14-16; Acts 17:31; Hebrews 4:13
24. Sin: Genesis 6:5; 15:16
25. Battle: Exodus 17:8-14
26. God’s presence: Exodus 33:7-11
27. 12 spies’ report: Numbers 13:1-14:9
28. Commission: Numbers 14:10-35
29. God’s will: John 4:34
30. God’s will: Romans 12:2
31. Manasseh: Numbers 32:20-33
32. Faith: Hebrews 11:31
33. Faith: James 2:25
34. Gospel: Romans 1:16-17; Revelation 5:9; 7:9
35. Genealogy: Matthew 1:5-16
36. Consecration: Genesis 35:2-3; Exodus 19:10-11
37. Ark: 2 Samuel 6:6-7
38. Passover: Exodus 12:2-3; Joshua 4:19
39. Faithfulness: Psalm 119:90
40. Circumcision: Genesis 17:1-14; Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:28-29
41: Living water: John 4:13
42: New life: Romans 8:28-29
43. Freedom: John 8:34-36; Romans 6:1-14
44. Manna: Exodus 16:1-34
45. Patient: 2 Peter 3:9
46. Joy: Psalm 16:11
47. Blessing: Psalm 1:1-3

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God proves his trustworthy word in Israel’s exodus from Egypt

Book of Exodus

AIM: God is awesome and unstoppable yet personally knowable to us

A) God’s multi-generational plan of redemption includes Moses first 40 years

(Exodus 1-2:10) Moses is kept by Pharaoh's daughter in spite of murderous oppression of Egyptians

(2:11-25) Moses sympathetic actions have contrasting, life changing consequences

(3-4) God graciously calls and equips Moses to return to Egypt, to deliver Israel

(5-6) Pharaoh’s first rejection concludes with Moses understanding God’s plan

Application: Do I see God working through generations and his life saving providence in my generation? How can I follow Moses in understanding God’s plan?

B) Egypt’s sin of preventing God’s people from worship leads to death and ruin

(6:28-10:29) Pharaoh’s self-destructive pride leaves Egypt in ruins

(11-15:21) Lord's Passover established, firstborn die and prophetic song marks Israel's freedom from Egypt

Application: How is pride causing me to miss God’s instruction? How is the passover synonymous to Jesus Christ and my personal response?

C) God reveals more of His character, provision and presents with Israel

(15:22-18:27) God blesses Israelites with Manna, Quale, water, victory and leadership

(19-20) Consecrated Israelites receive God’s law governing relationships

(21-24) God provides his covenant laws governing his Holy people

(25-31) God shows Moses His dwelling place and requirements for holy use

(32:33:6) Golden Calf worship, breaks God’s law and reveals His mercy

(33:7-34:35) God reproduces 10 commandments, reveals himself and covenant conditions

(35-40) Tabernacle is built and God guides his people day and night

Application: What part of my life do I spend in the joy of God’s grace and where am I just getting by covered by God’s mercy? What does God require of me to experience his presents?

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Receiving a fresh word from the Lord, preparing our hearts (Jer 4:3)

Thinking about my friends in Teen Challenge, Alpha Ministry, SALT, Grace Church, BSF and Tennessee DOC. While we do life together we need to be on guard against being fake and letting God change us from the inside. Praising God for his work in my life and grateful for all my mentors, employers, pastors and friends. Grateful for Church and enjoying the Chosen season 5 in theaters, shows a wonderful connection of passover and the last supper. The Passover Seder 2020 | Jonathan Cahn explains it well. In my prayer for the Church this year, I want to incorporate the "it would have been enough." 

I reflect on Jason, and 40 days this lent season. It's good to also reflect on having permanent fast, like I have with drugs, and smoking. These aren't part of my life anymore, hallelujah.

Quit going into self deception (James 1:19-27)

1. Receive the Word (James 1:19-21), swift to hear (Matt 13:9, Rom 10:17), slow to speak (Prov 10:19,17:27), Slow to wrath (Prov 14:29), and a prepared heart (first, confess your sin and ask the Father to forgive us - 1 John 1:9, then by meditating on God's love and grace and asking Him to "plow up" any hardness in our hearts - Jer 4:3, finally have an attitude of meekness/humble (James 1:21, Matt 5:5 AMP, Mat 5:5 MSG). Humble acceptance doesn't argue with the Word, but honors it as the Word of God - not twisting it to conform to your thinking, but letting it renew your mind (Romans 12:1-2).

and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” Jer 4:2-4

God's heart change is required, pride and power must be surrendered. (Jer 4:1-9)

4:3-4) LORD says, "Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Don't waste good seed among thorns, surrender pride, power - change heart before the LORD or bear unquenchable fire of anger for sin.

• Today, God's word is living and active (Heb 4:7,12),Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16). 
• The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:14
• But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15
• I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27

Hosea 10:12: Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.

Matthew 13:3-9: And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. / And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. / Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. ...

Mark 4:3-9: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. / And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. / Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. ...

Luke 8:5-8: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, where it was trampled, and the birds of the air devoured it. / Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the seedlings withered because they had no moisture. / Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the seedlings. ...

Isaiah 55:6-7: Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Joel 2:12-13: “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Ezekiel 18:30-32: Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!

James 1:21: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.

Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1: Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 3:7-8: Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness,

Proverbs 28:13: He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

Isaiah 1:16-17: Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Matthew 3:8: Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.

Luke 3:8: Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham

Lord I give you my heart, I give you my soul, I live for you alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I'm awake, Lord have your way in me. Amen. 

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Jesus turns water into wine, says his resurrection is authority

John 2:1-25
AIM: Following Jesus in faith let's you in on the miracles

A) Jesus shows his glory, changing water into wine
(1-3) 3rd day of wedding, Cana in Galilee, Jesus mother there - Jesus and disciples also invited - wine runs out, mother tells Jesus

• Perhaps Jesus who drew crowds of 5,000 had brought an un expected amount of people
• Taking symbolic meaning, from Isaiah 24:7,9,11 - "no more wine" takes a new meaning, Isaiah 24 regards the destruction of the Earth as God's doing (Isaiah 24:1), a consequence of sins of people (Isaiah 24:5).

(4-5) Jesus "not our problem, my time hasn't come yet" - Mary to servants do what he says

• Mary knew Jesus was the Messiah (Luke 1:31-33) and may have had Isaiah 25:6,7-9 in mind when she told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
• Mary's influence on Jesus and Others because the Lord was with her (Luke 1:28). It's God influence working through his servants (Luke 1:38).
• Principle: God's timing is perfect and deliberate and he uses all things (Rom 8:28), from an embarrassing situation at a wedding to times of suffering (Judges 6:1-40). These timed events or divine appointments are confirmed in the person/witness who is called.
• Application: Present your problems to Jesus (cast your cares on him), when talking with others about your problems ask them to "do as he says", not "do as I say." What difference could telling a child to do as Jesus says, rather than do as "I" say make? 

(6-8) six stone water jars, ceremonial washing (20-30 gallons each) - Jesus said fill with water, dip some out take it to master of ceremonies (MC) - they did so

• 25 gallons is 95 liters, a bottle of wine is 1.5 liters, so that's 63 bottles per jar, 378 bottles from all six jars
• Principles: God's provision is more than enough. God is not limited by time (fermentation). 

(9-10) MC didn't know where the wine was from but recognized it was the best

• "Share the gospel at all times, when necessary use words"
• Principle: Everyone benefits from God's grace whether they know it or not (Joel 2:28 promised, John 14:12-21 reminded/clarified,  Acts 2 fulfilled)

(11-12) first of many signs, reveal his glory, disciples believed in him, to Capernaum mother, brothers, disciples 

• Principle:  Signs are received in faith, bringing more faith (Romans 1:17 NIV, KJV), Jesus performed many signs but not everyone excepted and believed (ver 23; Mt 12:38; Jn 3:2; S 4:48; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 12:37; 20:30)

B) Jesus clears the temple and explains the resurrection is his authority

(13-17) almost Passover Jesus Jerusalem temple courts, people selling animals/exchanging money, whip of cords, overturned tables, "stop turning Father's house into a market" (Ps 69:9)

(18-20) Jews, "what sign, prove authority", Jesus "destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days" - "46 years to build.."

• No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” - John 1:17-20
• He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. - John 1:7,
• (21-22) So after Jesus does his first miracle he immediately talks about the miracle that proves his authority. The resurrection. 1 Cor 15:4

(23-25) In Jerusalem, Passover Festival, people saw signs and believed in his name but Jesus wouldn't entrust himself to them - he knew all people, didn't need testimony about mankind, knew what was in each person.

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Solid Hope: God's promise, perfection in Jesus intercession (Heb 6:13-7:28)

Focus Verses:

• This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Heb 6:19
• For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Heb 7:19
• But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Heb 7:24-25
• He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Heb 7:26

AIM: We can believe God's trustworthy promise and draw near to him through Christ

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Getting to know someone overlooked or ignored

Matthew 25:31-46, verse 40: Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ MSG

Matthew 28:18-20 The Message (MSG)
18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 
1) Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,
2) marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3) Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.
I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

What does it mean to me?

• God's authority is power, specifically, grace that I can access through faith. Faith not just in the good news of Jesus life, death, and resurrection but in the truth that helping the overlooked person is actually helping God. 
• To train is to direct growth by encouragement, leading, and guidance. Training is also teaching, enlightening, and giving instruction. We are to do this with everyone near and far. It's not about who we are going to see but the person on the way. (reminds me to have a Tasteful, sunny disposition)
• Marking with baptism is a public profession of an inner reality. It's like a birthday, wedding day or graduation day or Passover, it's something to be remembered and celebrated. Baptism should be done by a person who has been a strong part of your faith - not a stranger. Daniel Henderson baptized me and led me in a discipleship program over the course of a year (above and beyond Sunday church). It was more than him though, it was a group of 30 guys, so baptism isn't something we all get to share in, but it's something we all can celebrate together. 
• I love the idea of instructing these overlooked and ignored people in the "practice" of all that Jesus commands. Our faith is more than an intellectual belief it's a way of life. 

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Angelic touch brings freedom for Peter and death to Herod (Acts 12)

In Acts 12 we see that angels can manifest and interact with people, bringing help in time of need or bringing judgment when a ruler has gone too far. We see divine intervention in Peter and Herod's life based on their character. We've seen the character of Peter living life obeying God and now we see the life of Herod against God. We also see that the prayers of the church matter, even when not everyone praying believes. And that being shrewd involves gaining support around an unreasonable king. I love the faith I see in this chapter, no fighting but trusting in God and witnessing miracles.

AIM: No matter what, the word of God spreads and flourishes

Acts 12
A) Angel frees Peter as people prayed
1-4) King Herod arrests/persecutes the church, James (John's brother) killed by the sword, Peter arrested during Unleavened Bread, public trial scheduled after Passover.
 - 5) Church earnestly prayed to God for Peter.
Principle: Prayer is our best response to any situation.  Intercessory Faith, believe in God on behalf of another
6-7) Night before trial, Peter sleeping between two soldiers, angel wakes him up "get up" chains fell off
 - 8-10) Put on clothes and sandals, follow the angel, they passed the guards at two gates, suddenly the angel left.
11-14) Peter came to himself, went to Mary (John Mark's mom), they were praying, Rhoda "Peter's at the door"
 - 15) they didn't believe her, they thought it was "his angel"
 - 16-17) Peter told them what happened and left
Application: divine appointments should be shared with others in the church.

B) Herod plays god and Angel strikes him dead
18-19) Herod looked for Peter, cross-examined guards and had them executed, went to Caesarea
20) Herod quarreled with people of Tyre and Sidon got support from Blastus (trusted servant) to seek peace with Herod for food.
21-23) Fancy Herod addresses people who praised him as a god, he didn't praise God, angel struck him down, eaten by worms and died
24)  But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

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Jesus heals the sick, feeds 5,000 and walks on water

John 6:1-21
AIM: God's miraclous grace is abundant, mankinds apathy is abhorant
A) Jesus heals the sick then feeds 5,000 from 5 loaves, 2 fish with 12 leftover baskets
(1-2) Jesus, far shore Sea of Galilee (72 times, Tiberias just here), crowd followed signs, healing sick
(3-4) Jesus mountainside, sat disciples Jewish Passover Festival near
(5-6) Jesus saw crowd, tested Philip “where can we buy bread” – knowing his plan
(7) Philp “1/2 year’s wages for single bite
(8-9) Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother “Here boy, 5 barley loaves 2 small fish, but how far?”
(10-11) Jesus: “people sit down”, took loaves/fish gave thanks, distributed as much as they wanted

• Giving thanks magnify's God (Psalm 69:30)
• "Come Lord Jesus be our guest, bless this food prepared for us Amen" Psalm 50:14 "Pay your vows to the Most High"

(12) All enough to eat, Jesus commands gather left over/nothing wasted
(13) filled 12 baskets with pieces of 5 barley loaves
Application: Jesus Feeds 5,000+ and Promise we will do more. How am I recognizing God's healing by the nature of my body? How much "Left over" does God want me to recognize and use for his glory?

B) People see Jesus as Prophet and try to force him to be king
(14) After, “sign” people said he’s THE Prophet (John 1:21,25;7:40)
(15) Jesus knowing they intended make him king by force withdrew to mountains by himself
Application: What's my motivation for following Christ? What evidence in my life shows God is with me and not retreating from me?

C) Jesus sends disciples to Capernaum and walks on water
(16-17) evening came disciples set across lake for Capernaum
(18-19) strong wind, rough water rowed 4 miles saw Jesus walk water frightened
(20-21) Jesus "don't be afraid", then willing to take him in - immediately boat reached shore
Application: Where am I seeing Jesus show up in "imposible places"

“sea of Chinneroth This inland sea, or rather lake, which drives its several names, the Lake of Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Lake of Gennesaret, from the territory which forms its western and south-western border, is computed to be between seventeen and eighteen mile in length, and from five to six in breadth. The waters of this lake, which are sweet and agreeable, lie in a deep basin, surrounded with lofty hills, except at the north and south, where it is a plain country or level. There is a current through the whole lake even to the shore; and the Jordan through it is discernible by the smoothness of the surface in that part. Its appearance from the north- western extremity is said by Mr. Buckingham to be exceedingly grand; but the barren aspect of the mountains on each side, and the total absence of wood, give a cast of dullness to the picture.” - http://biblehub.com/joshua/12-3.htm

http://biblehub.com/john/6-1.htm
Praying over food

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LOVE - More than words

From the gateway church, Robert Morris teaches insightfully about more than words

Love, Scripture links
The Bible is a love story, God's love for us. God exhibiting his love towards us. We have a call to action beyond salvation, something else happened with the death and resurrection beyond salvation.

Genesis 3:23–24
1. The Exile - Still impacts everyone today. We need a savior. We are separate from God's call on our life. We are in exile when we feel the weight of sin in our lives, when we are not living in God's purpose for our life. We protected in exile by God and are brought out of exile by God.

2. The Blood Sacrifice - Jesus is the Passover lamb. Celebrate our freedom
Exodus 13:3; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8
John 1:1 - in the beginning, John 20 on the six day of the week, Jesus is on trial "this is the man", six day of creation is when God created man. At the end of the six day of Creation God said, it is finished. When Jesus died he said, "It is finished", seventh day God rested, Jesus was in the tomb. The first day of the week Jesus appears to Mary as the gardener, he's taken back his rule. Gives the garden back to do the work he's called us to do. "Help bring his kingdom of heaven, down to earth"

3. The Mission - Love God, love others. How will it happen?
Matthew 22:35–40; John 16:8–11, "Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness (justice), and judgement. Sin because they don't believe Jesus is God. Our role is to strive to remove sin from our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. Justice because I go to my father and they see me no more. We are to "Do justice" - not protesting, but being a witness in our "doing". Judgment because the ruler of this world is judged (was Satan). We don't need to judge anyone, the Holy Spirit does this - not ours. Our job is to love. Think of holiness being about what we do (fresh water, life-giving), not what we don't do (pour and separate). We ask, "what do you need most" - and then do it, let people see the "marks of Christ" - "by your love they will know your my disciple".

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Isaiah has eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that understands (Isaiah 1-3)

 Isaiah 1 – Mission and Message

1:1) Vision during reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah

 - 2 Chronicles 26–32 reveals the general climate as idolatry and half-done righteousness works (Uzziah didn't remove high places), Hezekiah rad law, reinstated Passover, temple worship but hearts of people turned away from God.

1:2-6) Israel and Judah constant rebellion against God brings crippling dis-ease and heart ache 

 - What is constant rebellion against God?

 - Spoiler alert, Isaiah 1:16-18 reveals God mercifully called His people to repentance, offering opportunity to avoid His just judgment

 - 7-9) working for nothing, total loss: except the LORD almighty left survivors 

 - 10-17) improper worship, prayer and sacrifice are meaningless when we don't repent from our evil rebellion and start doing righteous work for people in need.

 - 18-20) God can settle the matter, completely change us if we are willing (faith) and obedient (works) to enjoy life or get destroyed if we are resistant and rebellious.

How?

 - Judgement: Isaiah 9:19; 22:5) God's wrath on land and people

 - Mercy through Jesus Messiah: Isaiah 9:6; 11:1-3, including all people under his righteous rule, the promises offering comfort and hope: Isaiah 27:6; 32:1-2; 40:1-2; 43:1-2 

21-26) Good soil is cultivated by doing righteous work for people in need, but if it's prostituted, murderous, diluted, unfaithful it's good for slash and burn - starting over.

 - 26) key verse: "I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”

27-28) God's people delivered with justice and righteousness, rebels broken, sinners who forsake the LORD perish

29-31) Shame and disgrace in our choices is the beginning of letting God slash and burn our failures

Isaiah 2:1-5) Last days, mountain of LORD's temple established, all nations, many ministers, settled disputes changing destructive tools/traits into productive ones

 - "walk in his paths", "walk in the light of the LORD"

6-8) Yet it appears LORD is absent, his people superstitious, divination, worldly customs, idols, self-made

9-21) Human pride will be brought low, they will try to hide from God but not be able to 

Application: 22) stop trusting mere humans

Isaiah 3:1-7) LORD's supply and support includes all wise, hard working, honorable people, without them people oppress each other and nobody will lead

8-11) words and deeds, show on faces the righteous enjoy the fruit of their deeds, wicked self-made disaster

12-26) Arrogant youth lead people to "turn you from the path" and are ruined with poverty and old age

Isaiah 4:1) Seven women will beg one man to take his name, "take away our disgrace"

2-6) then branch of LORD, glorious, fruitful land pride of survivors in Israel, Spirit of judgement and fire cleanses, LORD creates a canopy of like Exodus 13:22 (Pillar of cloud and fire)

Isaiah 5:1-7) Sing love LORD, his vineyard (Israel) prepared (Judah) but yielded bad fruit (bloodshed/distress), so it's judgement was abandonment 

8-17) woe to Rich/self-serving, forgetting about LORD, drunken, debauchery leads to ruin never understanding, riches go to waste LORD Almighty/holy God proved right

18-24) Woe to deceitful sin enticers, who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light, wise in own eyes, roots decay and flowers blow away like dust

25-30) God brings others nations to enact swift judgement

Isaiah 6:1-5) Isaiah sees his own ruin, sinful speech; having seen the king, Lord Jesus, acknowledge by seraphim "holy, holy, holy the LORD Almighty"

6) Live coal from altar, touched Isaiah's lips; "your guilt is taken away, sin atoned for"

7-10) Isaiah hears call of God to tell people to hear without understanding, see without perceiving otherwise they might see, hear and understand with their heart and TURN and be healed

11-13) Isaiah understands this is God's living word the holy seed that will be proclaimed forever

Eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands

Jesus teaches how the message of His Kingdom is received (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

From BSFonline.org: Bowing Humbly Before Our God Most High, The Doctrine of God the Father 

The opportunity to gaze into Isaiah’s encounter with the living God offers us a profound privilege...Seeing our heavenly Father as infinitely exalted above us provides a necessary foundation to fully appreciate what God has done on our behalf. God bridged the chasm that separated us by sending His Son in the flesh to die a painful death to overcome death’s stranglehold on us. 

We are not God’s equal in any way. To see God as a friend or force we can take or leave as a matter of convenience or choice misrepresents undeniable truth. If we fail to recognize God’s supremely exalted place over us, our view of ourselves remains corrupted. Without understanding God’s transcendence, we remain clueless about the inexpressible wonder of His nearness. 

Many things about God should leave us speechless and undone, like Isaiah. The more deeply we understand who God truly is, the more wonderful and shocking His tender love becomes. The God who stands infinitely beyond us in every way longs to draw us close. Can you believe that? He loves us too much to ignore the gap between us. The Father demonstrated His barrier-breaking love in the amazing sacrifice of His Son. God came near to us so that we could draw near to Him. The holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty loves us with an everlasting love. 

Will you rejoice that God made a way to cleanse you? He sends His people out to tell the world who He truly is. May a fresh sense of wonder and worship fill us as we ponder the majesty and mercy of our exalted God!

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Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God

John 1:19-51
AIM: Identify Jesus, the Lamb of God and respond with faith

A) John Identifies himself with scripture
(19) Testimony of John the Baptist when Jews (Pharisees (vrs John 1:24) sent priest, Levites from Jerusalem to ask "who are you" (25 hour walk to 51 hours if there was no way to cross to get to Bethany, John 1:28)

• Because John was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15) people came to John from all over to hear him preach "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand", they confess sin and were baptized in the Jordan (Matthew 3:1-6), he also taught people what God expects from him people (Luke 3:8-14).

(20) John said, I'm not the Christ

• Luke 3:15 tells us people were in expectation, questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ - but he openly said to all that he was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit (at Pentecost) and fire (at judgement), see Luke 3:16-17; Acts 2:1-4; Rev 14:14-16; Daniel 7:13.

(21) They asked "Elijah?"  he said "I am not", "the prophet" "No"

• Reincarnation is explicitly denied in the Bible, Hebrews 9:27 says each man is appointed to die and then face judgement
• Elijah was taken up (2 Kings 2:11), yet spoken of regarding day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5), at the transfiguration of Jesus Elijah and Moses were there as well as the Father speaking (Matthew 17:1-13).  Jesus explained John the Baptist was like Elijah, Matthew 17:11-13; Luke 1:16-17 - some see the two witnesses as being before the final judgement (Revelation 10:1-11:19)
• The Prophet was promised in Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:18,22-26

(22-23) "We need an answer for those who sent us", "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said (Isaiah 40:3)

(25-27) "Why baptizing if not Christ, Elijah or Prophet", "I with water, among you stands one you don't know, comes after me"

B) John identifies Jesus, the Lamb and Son of God

(29) John sees Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (forty days later Matthew 3:13-4:2)

• Matt Henry: "great sacrifice, by which atonement is made for sin, and man reconciled to God", plan of redemption (Acts 2:23), Our Passover lamb (1 Cor 5:7)
• Eternal Lamb (1 Peter 1:19-20; Revelation 13:8), Perfect sacrifice (Isaiah 53:4-10), Lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7)

(30-31) Jesus is who John has been preaching about, why he baptized - so Jesus would be revealed to Israel

(32) John, "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, remained on him

• Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, to be born of the Spirit to see and enter God's kingdom (Luke 3:16; John 3:3,5)
• Believers would receive the Spirit like wind and fire and flow from their heart streams of living water (John 3:8; 7:38-39; Acts 1:5;2:1-4,17) Faith is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9;1 Cor 12:13)
• Living Water: Song of Solomon 4:15; Jeremiah 2:13;17:13; Zechariah 14:8; John 4:10;7:37-38; Rev 7:17

(33) (Holy Spirit) said to John, whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit 

(34) John's witnesses: "this is the Son of God"

• Prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, Child is born, son is given his name called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
• The tempter believed, Matthew 4:3,6 as did demons in Matthew 8:29 and His disciples Matthew 14:33; 16:16 and everyone understood Jesus claimed to be Son of God Matthew 26:63;27:40,43,54
• Jesus taught we would be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9) and this has happened as 1 John 5:20 says, "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.", Ephesians 1:5 we are adopted through Jesus Christ.

C) Andrew, Simon/Peter, Philip and Nathanael follow Jesus

(35-36) John, two disciples points to Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

(37-38a) They followed Jesus who turned, saw them following asked "what are you seeking"

(38b) "Rabbi/teacher, where are you staying"

(39-42) "Come and you will see", they stayed with him a day - Andrew believed and told brother Simon/Peter we found the Messiah/Christ
(43-35) next day Jesus Galilee, found Philip from Bethsaida city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael found him whom Moses in the Law and prophet wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph
(46-47) Nathanael doubts, Jesus recognizes him as honest Israelite
(48) Nathanael questions Jesus about knowing him and Jesus answered "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."
(49) Nathanael says, Rabbi, you are Son of God, king of Israel
(50-51) Jesus answered because I said v48 you believe - you'll see greater things "heaven opened and angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man

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By Faith we receive all that God has for us (Hebrews 11)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11-13
A) Faith enables a righteous living that pleases God
11:1-3) Faith shows reality of hope, evidence of unseen. Through faith earn good reputation. By faith understand entire universe formed by God's command, what we now see didn't come from anything that can be seen
4) By faith Abel's offering gave evidence he was righteous, God approved
5-6) By faith Enoch taken to heaven without dying, known as a person who pleased God. Without faith, God can't be pleased.
7) By faith Noah built a boat to save his family, He obeyed God who warned of things that never happened before - he condemned the world, received the righteousness that comes by faith
8-10) By faith Abraham obeyed God, left home he went not knowing where he was going - lived in tents, foreigner looking forward to an eternal city built by God
11-12) By faith Sarah believed God would keep his promise, an uncountable nation from one man who was good as dead.
13-16) Died still believing God's promise, saw from a distance and welcomed it, agreed on being foreigners, nomads, looking forward to the heavenly homeland - God is not ashamed to be called their God

B) Faith enables sacrifices and perseverance in the midst of impossible circumstances
17-19) By faith Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice to God, God was able to bring him back to life and Abraham did receive his son back
20-22) By faith Isaac promised blessing for his Jacob and Esau and blessed each of Joseph's sons and Joseph confidently said Israel would leave Egypt and take his bones.
23) By faith Moses parents hid him, not afraid to disobey king's command
24-27) By faith Moses refused luxury, chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying fleeting pleasures of sin. Better to suffer for Christ, looking ahead to his great reward, by faith moved forward kept eyes on the one who is invisible. 
28) By faith Moses commanded people to keep the Passover, sprinkle blood on doorpost so angle of death wouldn't kill firstborn
29) By faith people went through Red Sea on dry ground but Egyptians all drowned
30) Faith, people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days and the wall crashed down
31) Faith, Rahab prostitute not destroyed in her city who refused to obey God, gave friendly welcome to spys.
32-38) Everyone in the Bible is an example of faith that overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, receiving God's promises, super natural help - their weakness turned to strength - tortured refusing to turn from God seeing the resurrection
29-40) earned good reputation becuase of their faith, yet none received all God promised, wanting to reach perfection with us

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