This section is divided into 3 simple phrases.
The Temple of the Lord (2:1-5)
This is a look to the future when God's temple will be the center of all worship. Not only would nations rid themselves of idols, but of weapons and wars as well. We will do this until that time we're to "walk in the light."
The Day of the Lord (2:6-3:26)
This is the time of judgement and tribulation. The nations and Israel will all be purifies for the coming of the King. It will be a period of great suffering and millions will perish.
1) Why will God judge His people?
Instead of holding the truths of God they were adopting that of this world. The male rulers became proud and boastful. God doesn't like this and promised to humble them. (v. 19-22)
2) How will God judge His people?
Taking away of everything! Th entire support system would disintegrate and no remedy would be available. Only women and children would hold office, a huge humiliation in this male dominated society. (3:6-4:1) Men would be killed and women would be bound like animals to the slaughter. God will suffer more than any, having to witness His children and creation being destroyed. But it's for the better of all.
The Branch of the Lord (4:2-6)
This is a reference to the Messiah. Christ was afresh "branch"out of David's "dead" dynasty. through this branch, God would cleanse His people and restore the fruitfulness of the land. When the Day of the Lord occurs, not just the temple, but all dwellings will be blessed. "In that day" the people will be holy and set apart. This is possible reference t the rapture of believers mentioned in Revelation. The land they dwell in will be beautiful and glorious, a clear reference to Heaven.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Isaiah Chapter 1
God is presenting His case to the people on how poorly they've done as a nation. He presents evidence on how they've treated themselves (4-6), their nation (7-9), and their beliefs/religion (10-14). God then offers a promise of what happens if they follow Him, with a warning attached (15-20). He closes his argument with a recap of His points and gives more warning if they don't obey (21-31).
The court case is more of a lawsuit type situation. In verses 2-4 the people are labeled as rebellious. The word "rebel" implies a breaking of an agreement. The view of the land as a battlefield is reference to Israel being spared. When the people refuse to run the land according to God, He permitted his people to suffer (Deut 28:15-68). God compared the region to Sodom and Gomorrah. He did promise that like S and G only a few would survive to carry out His plans. Also known as the remnant.
These people were really considered fallen, they were actively worshipping. But, were just doing it to do it. People argue the same fr today, according to Barna (The Frog in the Kettle) 62% of people believe the church is not relevant to today. they believe that t makes no difference with the world. I'd say that's only partly true, it's all in where your priorities stand.
A way to overcome the distruction is give and several o the sins listed stillrun rampant today. We always think si is a "new" thing. In truth we've been dealing with thesame issues sense the fall of man.
1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. 5 Why should you be beaten anymore?
Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—
only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil.
7 Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. 8 Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege.
9 Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah. 10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the ppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. 18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. 21 See how the faithful city
has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers! 22 Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies. 25 I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. 26 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 Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. 28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish. 29 “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen. 30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. 31 The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.”
The court case is more of a lawsuit type situation. In verses 2-4 the people are labeled as rebellious. The word "rebel" implies a breaking of an agreement. The view of the land as a battlefield is reference to Israel being spared. When the people refuse to run the land according to God, He permitted his people to suffer (Deut 28:15-68). God compared the region to Sodom and Gomorrah. He did promise that like S and G only a few would survive to carry out His plans. Also known as the remnant.
These people were really considered fallen, they were actively worshipping. But, were just doing it to do it. People argue the same fr today, according to Barna (The Frog in the Kettle) 62% of people believe the church is not relevant to today. they believe that t makes no difference with the world. I'd say that's only partly true, it's all in where your priorities stand.
A way to overcome the distruction is give and several o the sins listed stillrun rampant today. We always think si is a "new" thing. In truth we've been dealing with thesame issues sense the fall of man.
1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. 5 Why should you be beaten anymore?
Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—
only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil.
7 Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. 8 Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege.
9 Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah. 10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the ppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. 18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. 21 See how the faithful city
has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers! 22 Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies. 25 I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. 26 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 Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. 28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish. 29 “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen. 30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. 31 The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.”
Isaiah: A History
My wife and I decided that we wanted to do a bible study and I really wanted one I could sink my teeth into. So we decided to do Isaiah. I really want to gain an understanding of prophets. It's hard to determine when they go between past, present and future at a moments notice. So as we go through I will update the blog with our insights.
Author: Isaiah (740-687 bc)
It was a time of significant political, military, economic, and social upheaval. It was a time of having a very high level of unfaithfulness and disregard to the Mosaic law (the laws passed down by Moses). It was a time of enormous shits in power on the international scene.
Israel was divided into the north (Israel/Ephriam) and the south (Judah). The main focus is on Judah and it's capitol of Jerusalem.
Theological Significance of Isaiah:
1) Yahweh as the Holy One
2) Israel as Yahweh's Holy People
3) Zion as God's Holy City
4) the inclusion of the nations (Gentiles, or non Jews) in His people.
The 5 acts of deliverance shown in Isaiah:
1) Judah from Assyrian invasion
2) Nation from Babylonian captivity
3) Future deliverance of Jews from Gentiles
4) Lost sinners from judgement
5) Final deliverance of creation from the bondage o sin when the Kingdom is established.
So who is Isaiah?
Isaiah is the son of Amos (no clue who he is). He is the father of two sons, Sehar-jashub (a remnant shall return [7:3]) and Maher-shalal-has-baz (quick to plunder, swift to spoil [8:1-4,18]). Isaiah's wife is known as the prophetess, for being married to him. He served under many kings (listed below). He is thought to have been sawn in half by Hezekiah's successor (Heb 11:37).
The Kings in Isaiah:
Uzziah - smitied with leprosy when he tried to interfere with priests in the temple.
Jetham - a good king, son of Uzziah, during his reign Assyria became a threat.
Ahaz - son of Jetham, not a good king, brought Judah into bondage.
Hezekiah - a great king, the last of the godly kings, brought Judah out of bondage and back to the lord, he's famous for the water system he established (which still exists today).
All the kings sense Hezekiah have led Judah into political and spiritual decay, ending in captivity to Babylon (city on Euphrates river, capitol of Babylonia in southern Mesopotamia).
Theme: The salvation (deliverance) of the Lord
Outline:
I Condemnation
1 sermons against Judah and Israel (1-12)
2 Burdens of Judgement against Gentiles (13-23)
3 songs about future glory (24-27)
4 woes to coming judgement by Assyria (28-35)
5 historical interlude (36-39)
a) Hezekiah delivered from Assyria (36-37)
b) Hezekiah delivered by Babylon (37-38)
II Consolation (40-66)
1 God's greatness (40-48)
2 God's grace (49-57)
3 God's glory (58-66)
Author: Isaiah (740-687 bc)
It was a time of significant political, military, economic, and social upheaval. It was a time of having a very high level of unfaithfulness and disregard to the Mosaic law (the laws passed down by Moses). It was a time of enormous shits in power on the international scene.
Israel was divided into the north (Israel/Ephriam) and the south (Judah). The main focus is on Judah and it's capitol of Jerusalem.
Theological Significance of Isaiah:
1) Yahweh as the Holy One
2) Israel as Yahweh's Holy People
3) Zion as God's Holy City
4) the inclusion of the nations (Gentiles, or non Jews) in His people.
The 5 acts of deliverance shown in Isaiah:
1) Judah from Assyrian invasion
2) Nation from Babylonian captivity
3) Future deliverance of Jews from Gentiles
4) Lost sinners from judgement
5) Final deliverance of creation from the bondage o sin when the Kingdom is established.
So who is Isaiah?
Isaiah is the son of Amos (no clue who he is). He is the father of two sons, Sehar-jashub (a remnant shall return [7:3]) and Maher-shalal-has-baz (quick to plunder, swift to spoil [8:1-4,18]). Isaiah's wife is known as the prophetess, for being married to him. He served under many kings (listed below). He is thought to have been sawn in half by Hezekiah's successor (Heb 11:37).
The Kings in Isaiah:
Uzziah - smitied with leprosy when he tried to interfere with priests in the temple.
Jetham - a good king, son of Uzziah, during his reign Assyria became a threat.
Ahaz - son of Jetham, not a good king, brought Judah into bondage.
Hezekiah - a great king, the last of the godly kings, brought Judah out of bondage and back to the lord, he's famous for the water system he established (which still exists today).
All the kings sense Hezekiah have led Judah into political and spiritual decay, ending in captivity to Babylon (city on Euphrates river, capitol of Babylonia in southern Mesopotamia).
Theme: The salvation (deliverance) of the Lord
Outline:
I Condemnation
1 sermons against Judah and Israel (1-12)
2 Burdens of Judgement against Gentiles (13-23)
3 songs about future glory (24-27)
4 woes to coming judgement by Assyria (28-35)
5 historical interlude (36-39)
a) Hezekiah delivered from Assyria (36-37)
b) Hezekiah delivered by Babylon (37-38)
II Consolation (40-66)
1 God's greatness (40-48)
2 God's grace (49-57)
3 God's glory (58-66)
Update on Life
So a lot has happened to me as of the past year. I met an amazing, beautiful, and most important Godly woman. I have been blessed enough to call her my wife. We just celebrated our 6th month of marriage! To top that, we are just about to enter our 2nd trimester. Yep she's pregnant with our first! Our families have really started to get closer and closer as the big day approaches. We will find out in about 8 weeks if it's a boy or girl.
In preparation of the new addition, we have really been making some changes around here. We have gotten rid of cable and watch very little tv. This is an attempt to save money (it's somewhat working) and to really start nailing down what we plan for our family. I can honestly say, I don't really miss it all that often. We are also trying to get everything set up so that Stephanie (my wife) will be able to stay at home and raise our precious little one (I say it's a boy!). We have been spending this time as a way to really enjoy one another and to get closer not only in our relationship, but with God also. We've been attending Lizella Baptist Church. We really have fallen in love with our Sunday School group. It so wonderful to be surrounded with people whose goals are the same as ours. We have been participating in the Love Dare and are over half way done with it. It's been tough, but it has been easy at the same time. It really helps that we have such open communication with one another. That has been the key so far. That and when something comes up, we may panic for jut a moment, but we come together and tacle it head on.
In preparation of the new addition, we have really been making some changes around here. We have gotten rid of cable and watch very little tv. This is an attempt to save money (it's somewhat working) and to really start nailing down what we plan for our family. I can honestly say, I don't really miss it all that often. We are also trying to get everything set up so that Stephanie (my wife) will be able to stay at home and raise our precious little one (I say it's a boy!). We have been spending this time as a way to really enjoy one another and to get closer not only in our relationship, but with God also. We've been attending Lizella Baptist Church. We really have fallen in love with our Sunday School group. It so wonderful to be surrounded with people whose goals are the same as ours. We have been participating in the Love Dare and are over half way done with it. It's been tough, but it has been easy at the same time. It really helps that we have such open communication with one another. That has been the key so far. That and when something comes up, we may panic for jut a moment, but we come together and tacle it head on.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
James 1: 1-18
Here are the notes from today's passage.
Book: James
Chapter: 1:2-18
Caption: Trials and Temptations
Chief People: James
Choice Verse: 12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Crucial Words: trial (the action or process of trying or putting to the proof; to test); temptation (the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil, a cause or occasion of enticement)
Challenges: There are two main challenges that come from this selection. First, to consider it pure joy when you’re in a trial (v. 2-12). It takes an incredible amount of faith and courage to take part in a trial and still find the pure joy and happiness that the Lord can provide. A trial also provides the opportunity for a man to humble himself before the Lord and others. It’s important to remember that only the meek will enter the gates of Heaven. The second challenge is that of recognizing where your personal areas of weakness are, being able to identify where your temptations will lie. God cannot tempt you because He can’t stand against Himself. It is also important to know that Satan does not place the temptations. He plays on your natural tendencies. Satan doesn’t have any control over us. What he does is dangle it in front of us like the proverbial carrot to the donkey. We choose to act on it! In the time of temptation we have to make a conscious effort to turn towards God.
Cross-References: Trials: 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Peter 2:9 / Temptation: Matthew 4:1, 6:13 and 26:41; 1 Corinthians 7:5 and 10:13; Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15/ Meekness (meek): Psalms 37:11; Matthew 5:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1 / Humility (humble) Proverbs 11:2 and 15:33; Philippians 2:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 5:5
Christ Seen: Christ is seen in two major ways. One, that we have to have the ultimate faith in Him! Two, Christ will put us through trials in order to deepen our relationship with Him. We will be forged from fire and will become better either because of it or in spite of it. Remember as iron sharpens iron, so man shall sharpen man.
Central Lessons: Just as a student in school or a child to his parents, we have to learn in order to grow. We have to be taught lessons, and the main way we learn is by doing. We have to be put through trials in order to: 1) learn the lesson needed, 2) grow as a person, 3) (the most important) grow as a Christian, and 4) be able to help others as they go through the same trial. Yes the trials can change, but there is a guarantee that people will experience the same trials. There are some common trials: family, health issues, substance abuse (in all types of forms), and the one we all can/will relate to work. The thing that separates a mature Christian to an immature Christian/non-Christian is faith. Without faith we can’t possible keep our eyes on the Lord when in a situation of hardship.
Conclusion: It can best be summed up with verses 2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Notes: I’ve got to make sure that no matter the situation I seek God’s will. I try to handle too many things on my own (thinking I’ve got all the answers, or I’ve got to be in control). How could I possibly y handle something better than the man (not sure if God’s really a man parse) who created the Heavens and the Earth? I need to grow in the Lord and need to make sure that my prayer life matches this. I also need to make sure that I can hear the alarms go off when something isn’t quite right. We all spend so much time protecting ourselves from others (house alarms, car alarms, etc); we should take even more precaution from the things that can truly harm us. What more harm can there be besides our eternal home? I also need to know what my “buttons” are, and be able to recognize them way before a problem can arise.
This could be tied into a Fruit of the Sprits, Prayer, and/or Seeking God’s Will study.
Book: James
Chapter: 1:2-18
Caption: Trials and Temptations
Chief People: James
Choice Verse: 12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Crucial Words: trial (the action or process of trying or putting to the proof; to test); temptation (the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil, a cause or occasion of enticement)
Challenges: There are two main challenges that come from this selection. First, to consider it pure joy when you’re in a trial (v. 2-12). It takes an incredible amount of faith and courage to take part in a trial and still find the pure joy and happiness that the Lord can provide. A trial also provides the opportunity for a man to humble himself before the Lord and others. It’s important to remember that only the meek will enter the gates of Heaven. The second challenge is that of recognizing where your personal areas of weakness are, being able to identify where your temptations will lie. God cannot tempt you because He can’t stand against Himself. It is also important to know that Satan does not place the temptations. He plays on your natural tendencies. Satan doesn’t have any control over us. What he does is dangle it in front of us like the proverbial carrot to the donkey. We choose to act on it! In the time of temptation we have to make a conscious effort to turn towards God.
Cross-References: Trials: 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Peter 2:9 / Temptation: Matthew 4:1, 6:13 and 26:41; 1 Corinthians 7:5 and 10:13; Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15/ Meekness (meek): Psalms 37:11; Matthew 5:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1 / Humility (humble) Proverbs 11:2 and 15:33; Philippians 2:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 5:5
Christ Seen: Christ is seen in two major ways. One, that we have to have the ultimate faith in Him! Two, Christ will put us through trials in order to deepen our relationship with Him. We will be forged from fire and will become better either because of it or in spite of it. Remember as iron sharpens iron, so man shall sharpen man.
Central Lessons: Just as a student in school or a child to his parents, we have to learn in order to grow. We have to be taught lessons, and the main way we learn is by doing. We have to be put through trials in order to: 1) learn the lesson needed, 2) grow as a person, 3) (the most important) grow as a Christian, and 4) be able to help others as they go through the same trial. Yes the trials can change, but there is a guarantee that people will experience the same trials. There are some common trials: family, health issues, substance abuse (in all types of forms), and the one we all can/will relate to work. The thing that separates a mature Christian to an immature Christian/non-Christian is faith. Without faith we can’t possible keep our eyes on the Lord when in a situation of hardship.
Conclusion: It can best be summed up with verses 2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Notes: I’ve got to make sure that no matter the situation I seek God’s will. I try to handle too many things on my own (thinking I’ve got all the answers, or I’ve got to be in control). How could I possibly y handle something better than the man (not sure if God’s really a man parse) who created the Heavens and the Earth? I need to grow in the Lord and need to make sure that my prayer life matches this. I also need to make sure that I can hear the alarms go off when something isn’t quite right. We all spend so much time protecting ourselves from others (house alarms, car alarms, etc); we should take even more precaution from the things that can truly harm us. What more harm can there be besides our eternal home? I also need to know what my “buttons” are, and be able to recognize them way before a problem can arise.
This could be tied into a Fruit of the Sprits, Prayer, and/or Seeking God’s Will study.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Snow Day
Well today was a snow day, without any snow. It was so nice to get a chance to just chill and get recharged after a week (really more than) of illness and then the week at work from (well you know where).
Sorry I'm a little behind on my reading. I got caught up today, but won't be putting it up. I'm ready for the week. I've got a chance to really get involved in the political system. I've got jury duty this week. Then I'm off with the church.
Sorry I'm a little behind on my reading. I got caught up today, but won't be putting it up. I'm ready for the week. I've got a chance to really get involved in the political system. I've got jury duty this week. Then I'm off with the church.
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