John 2:1-11
Vs. 3 - would have caused major damage to groom and groom's family reputation.
Vs. 11 - to some this was a "wonder" - WOW!!!! To others a sign that increased faith in who Jesus' was.
"Wine" - in this passage - locally grown, locally pressed, locally "bottled". Most likely
"fermented"
Then was diluted (with 3-4 parts water) - mixed wine (mixed with water)
Drank with meals - everyday affair - part of regular diet
OTHER WORDS - based (largely) on alcohol content.
Sha Kar - from foot to be, become drunk"
Therefore: "strong drink" - 1 Sam. 1:15 Prov. 20:1
Hare Keh - spiced wine (stronger still) - Prov. 23:29-33
example: "wine mixed with myrrh" - Mark 15:23 - drug, anesthetic
On one hand, wine praised and applauded in old testament. Literally "a blessing" - symbolic of peace, prosperity, affluence
However, repeatedstrong warnings about mis-use - in Old Testament and New Testament
"mocker/brawler - leads to poverty, injustice, abuses, etc."
AND clear, repeated condemnation of drunk/en-ness. Typically found in "sin list" - Gal. 5:19-21
So, use it But be
Other considerations:
#1. Wine WAS part of daily DIET - in that day and time. (is that true today?)
#2. WAS a universal, social norm - in that day and time. These were Jews/Hebrews, part of their culture.
There was immediate change with Gentile Christians!!! Why??? Because of their background! Yes, they were familiar with alcohol but with it went drunkenness, orgies, etc.
Example: 1 Tim. 5:23 - Why was he not drinking? Because he was an abstainer, as were many New Testament Christians - offensive to new Gentile converts.
Today.... - acceptable some places/questionable in others.
NOT acceptable in Southeast Oklahoma.
Answer: many times - "we're gonna change that!!!"
WHY??? Because it's ALL about ME and what I want!!!! 1 Cor. 10:23-24
#3. Wine of then is NOT the wine of today. - Then - alcohol by volume - 2-4%
Today: beer - 2-4% Wine = 9-16% liquors= 32-80%
POINT: It's NOT the same!!!!!
Example: compare the dancing in Psalm 150:4 (a) or folk dancing to the sensuous slow dancing found in most bars and honky-tonks. It's NOT the same!!!
What is today's alcohol beverage designed to do????
Is it for nutrition? to strengthen family? sharpen senses? enhance your spiritual walk?
there are numerous statistics - US and Global attesting to alcohol consumption being a primary cause of death - ranks number one in 16 - 50 year olds world wide.
#4. Restrictions beyond "be careful".
A. Priests - Lev. 10:8-10
B. Nazarites - Num. 6:1-4 - made highest vow to the Lord
C. Kings - (recommended, not statute) - Prov. 31:1-7, 8, 9
D. Elders/Pastors - 1 Tim. 3:1-3 - on one hand, not forbidden, BUT clearly spelled out!!!
E. Deacons - 1 Tim. 3:8 - " " " " " " " " "
See a pattern? - Why? Answer: people with spiritual responsibility.
BUT - everybody does it!!!!
In a recent Harvard Public Health Study = 50% DON'T.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism = 44% DON'T
Answer: "I'm a Christian and I'm goon continue to drink responsibly".
Rom. 14:19-22 - context "disputable matters" - vs. Rom. 14:1
Conclusion: Let's consider:
1) WISDOM
2) LORDSHIP - John 2:11 - passage is NOT about WINE/Christian drinking
It is about Jesus "manifesting His glory", revealing, declaring, His LORDSHIP!!
and that should be the answer to the whole issue!!!!
Whatever your decision, this is where it should be settled.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Calling of the First Disciples
Last week - Exhibit A - John the Baptist's testimony.
The next day: John 1:35-51 - first disciples from John the Baptist to Jesus - wanted to spend time with Him - find out who He was and what He was teaching.
Next - Andrew and ??? John??? - not named but assumed to be John. Andrew went and found Peter.
Jesus found Phillip - John 1:51 "I tell you (all)" Reference: Gen. 28:10-19 - angels ascending and descending ladder to heaven. Jacob named place - "Bethel" = house of God.
John 1:51 - (His first statement of Who he Is.) angels ascending and descending on Himself =
Jesus is the Connection - between earth (man) and God - (the stairway, the ladder)
Jesus is the Communication - John 1:18
Jesus is the Avenue - (roadway, stairway, BRIDGE) - John 14:1-6 - "I am the way".
Common objection to this - not that "Jesus is A way".
Objection is that "Jesus is THE way!!"
When faced with this objection, short answer = this is not a question of preference
= this is a question of truth, fact - established NOT by Christians or the church, but by Christ!! - the one we declared to be the stairway.
QUESTIONS:
1) Do we need a ladder? stairway? etc?
2) does Jesus serve that purpose? - God in the flesh
3) is He THE ONLY WAY??
In our study, John will say, "yes, yes, and yes!!!"
Next Question: have you decided? chosen THIS way??
JESUS said, "I am THE way!!!" (the only way)
The next day: John 1:35-51 - first disciples from John the Baptist to Jesus - wanted to spend time with Him - find out who He was and what He was teaching.
Next - Andrew and ??? John??? - not named but assumed to be John. Andrew went and found Peter.
Jesus found Phillip - John 1:51 "I tell you (all)" Reference: Gen. 28:10-19 - angels ascending and descending ladder to heaven. Jacob named place - "Bethel" = house of God.
John 1:51 - (His first statement of Who he Is.) angels ascending and descending on Himself =
Jesus is the Connection - between earth (man) and God - (the stairway, the ladder)
Jesus is the Communication - John 1:18
Jesus is the Avenue - (roadway, stairway, BRIDGE) - John 14:1-6 - "I am the way".
Common objection to this - not that "Jesus is A way".
Objection is that "Jesus is THE way!!"
When faced with this objection, short answer = this is not a question of preference
= this is a question of truth, fact - established NOT by Christians or the church, but by Christ!! - the one we declared to be the stairway.
QUESTIONS:
1) Do we need a ladder? stairway? etc?
2) does Jesus serve that purpose? - God in the flesh
3) is He THE ONLY WAY??
In our study, John will say, "yes, yes, and yes!!!"
Next Question: have you decided? chosen THIS way??
JESUS said, "I am THE way!!!" (the only way)
Monday, February 2, 2015
The Testimony of John the Baptist
Apostle John's prologue = John 1:1
What he's trying to tell us = John 1:14
John's purpose = John 20:30-31 - that you might know Christ and have eternal life
In between = Evidence (miracles, fulfilled prophecies, teachings, testimonies, observations, opinions, etc.)
Exhibit #1 = the Testimony of John the Baptist - John 1:6-7, 34- sent from God
Why is John the Baptist's testimony so weighty? powerful? important?
Because - John the Baptist was well known by the people, highly esteemed by the people, and considered a Prophet!! Mark 1:1-5 Last prophet was Malachi - no prophet for 400 years.
So, crowds came, religious leaders took note, even civil leaders feared him!!! -
Political reasons - John the Baptist so popular with the people, that if he started a movement against what was going on, the people would follow him!! Could cause a huge uprising.
John's testimony so weighty that John the Apostle (writing 60 years later)
A) made his testimony exhibit #1, and,
B) spent little time introducing him!!!
John the Baptist's testimony of Jesus:
John 1:19-21 - Elijah - see Mal. 4:5 and Deut. 18:15 - like Moses - John 1:22-23
Isa. 40:3-5
John 1:24-34 - issue was with what authority he was doing these things
This = the testimony of John the Baptist = Jesus is the One.
Now => the Message of John the Baptist - Matt. 3:1-12
Huge deal in the 1st. Century
The Message of John the Baptist
In a WORD = "PREPARE"
ie: SELF - (heart, mind, etc.)
for the coming King, Kingdom
How? - Repent - Be Baptized - Produce Fruit ---- sums up his message
1) Repent = about face - 180 degree turn around - change mind => change direction
for non-believer = turn from _________ TO Christ
for believer = turn from worldly things to Godly things. This still an issue -still find ourselves following things shouldn't be following
2) Be Baptized -
Then this signified - turning, cleansing, identity with coming Kingdom, identity with Christ.
Now this signifies - a public declaration of a PERSONAL decision
3) Produce Fruit - in keeping with salvation = James 2:17
Reformer's formula = Justification is by faith alone; but not by a faith that is alone!
NOTE: those who accepted, responded to the message of John the Baptist - were the First to recognize and receive Christ!! Because they had prepared.
You cannot (in truth, practice) separate the message and the Messiah.
Application in life: non-believers = come to Christ
believers = be strengthened and encouraged in the faith
What he's trying to tell us = John 1:14
John's purpose = John 20:30-31 - that you might know Christ and have eternal life
In between = Evidence (miracles, fulfilled prophecies, teachings, testimonies, observations, opinions, etc.)
Exhibit #1 = the Testimony of John the Baptist - John 1:6-7, 34- sent from God
Why is John the Baptist's testimony so weighty? powerful? important?
Because - John the Baptist was well known by the people, highly esteemed by the people, and considered a Prophet!! Mark 1:1-5 Last prophet was Malachi - no prophet for 400 years.
So, crowds came, religious leaders took note, even civil leaders feared him!!! -
Political reasons - John the Baptist so popular with the people, that if he started a movement against what was going on, the people would follow him!! Could cause a huge uprising.
John's testimony so weighty that John the Apostle (writing 60 years later)
A) made his testimony exhibit #1, and,
B) spent little time introducing him!!!
John the Baptist's testimony of Jesus:
John 1:19-21 - Elijah - see Mal. 4:5 and Deut. 18:15 - like Moses - John 1:22-23
Isa. 40:3-5
John 1:24-34 - issue was with what authority he was doing these things
This = the testimony of John the Baptist = Jesus is the One.
Now => the Message of John the Baptist - Matt. 3:1-12
Huge deal in the 1st. Century
The Message of John the Baptist
In a WORD = "PREPARE"
ie: SELF - (heart, mind, etc.)
for the coming King, Kingdom
How? - Repent - Be Baptized - Produce Fruit ---- sums up his message
1) Repent = about face - 180 degree turn around - change mind => change direction
for non-believer = turn from _________ TO Christ
for believer = turn from worldly things to Godly things. This still an issue -still find ourselves following things shouldn't be following
2) Be Baptized -
Then this signified - turning, cleansing, identity with coming Kingdom, identity with Christ.
Now this signifies - a public declaration of a PERSONAL decision
3) Produce Fruit - in keeping with salvation = James 2:17
Reformer's formula = Justification is by faith alone; but not by a faith that is alone!
NOTE: those who accepted, responded to the message of John the Baptist - were the First to recognize and receive Christ!! Because they had prepared.
You cannot (in truth, practice) separate the message and the Messiah.
Application in life: non-believers = come to Christ
believers = be strengthened and encouraged in the faith
Monday, January 26, 2015
Foundational Truths of John
John 1:1 = memorable beginning/opening lines
However, John's prologue (1st. 5 verses) is more that memorable/catchy/poetic. It = fundamental truths that under gird his gospel.
On one hand, we are interested in the practical, applicable, personal (and we should be)
However, if there is no foundation beneath??? What do we have??
JOHN'S FOUNDATION TRUTHS - (prologue) - John 1:1-5
I. THE WORD IS GOD - (Vs. 1) - John uses "was" but He is "I AM"
The Word (logos): A.) to the Hebrews = spoken word/communication - (example - Old Testament prophets spoke words of the LORD)
B) to the Greeks = THE Principle that governs, unifies, explains origin, function of universe
for John? = Jesus fits Both. PLUS --> John 1:14 - Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Don't have this teaching anywhere except Christianity.
II. IN HIM IS LIFE - (John 1:4) - source of physical life
A. in usual sense - man, animal, biological, physical
B. Absolute sense - ie: life as GOD has it!!! - totally different from physical life = eternal, everlasting
Vs. 4 means more than life through Him. Means Life Resides IN Him.
He = origin, source, keeper, protector of ALL life (physical and spiritual)
Message = we lost that life at the Fall.
We (can) regain it - in Christ (the Word)
III. THAT LIFE IS OUR LIGHT - (John 1:4)
ie: our illumination, our ability to see (know)
As with life = both physical and spiritual, so with LIGHT = both physical and spiritual (that's what illuminates us),
ALL comes from Him - (Rev. 21 & 22)
John's emphasis = Spiritual light - He is only source
SO, John's "foundation' - the WORD is GOD, LIFE, LIGHT --- BUT = Problem!!! - John 1:5
Could be: A) didn't comprehend?
B) couldn't overcome?
Combination = APPROPRIATE - accept, receive, embrace
Darkness against the light. Darkness has not "appropriated" the light - embraced, used, received
Summary application of Prologue = John 1:10-13
So: 1) Have a solid foundation - laid on which to build our faith, etc.
2) will now receive much additional information: events, miracles, teachings, commentaries, observations, opinions, responses
BUT in the end we come back to beginning - ie: you must decide - you must choose!!
for non-believer, choice = simple/obvious, one time
For believer (like disciples, like Thomas) after initial decision, must decide and must choose - again and again.
This gospel gives encouragement, instruction, strength.
However, John's prologue (1st. 5 verses) is more that memorable/catchy/poetic. It = fundamental truths that under gird his gospel.
On one hand, we are interested in the practical, applicable, personal (and we should be)
However, if there is no foundation beneath??? What do we have??
JOHN'S FOUNDATION TRUTHS - (prologue) - John 1:1-5
I. THE WORD IS GOD - (Vs. 1) - John uses "was" but He is "I AM"
The Word (logos): A.) to the Hebrews = spoken word/communication - (example - Old Testament prophets spoke words of the LORD)
B) to the Greeks = THE Principle that governs, unifies, explains origin, function of universe
for John? = Jesus fits Both. PLUS --> John 1:14 - Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Don't have this teaching anywhere except Christianity.
II. IN HIM IS LIFE - (John 1:4) - source of physical life
A. in usual sense - man, animal, biological, physical
B. Absolute sense - ie: life as GOD has it!!! - totally different from physical life = eternal, everlasting
Vs. 4 means more than life through Him. Means Life Resides IN Him.
He = origin, source, keeper, protector of ALL life (physical and spiritual)
Message = we lost that life at the Fall.
We (can) regain it - in Christ (the Word)
III. THAT LIFE IS OUR LIGHT - (John 1:4)
ie: our illumination, our ability to see (know)
As with life = both physical and spiritual, so with LIGHT = both physical and spiritual (that's what illuminates us),
ALL comes from Him - (Rev. 21 & 22)
John's emphasis = Spiritual light - He is only source
SO, John's "foundation' - the WORD is GOD, LIFE, LIGHT --- BUT = Problem!!! - John 1:5
Could be: A) didn't comprehend?
B) couldn't overcome?
Combination = APPROPRIATE - accept, receive, embrace
Darkness against the light. Darkness has not "appropriated" the light - embraced, used, received
Summary application of Prologue = John 1:10-13
So: 1) Have a solid foundation - laid on which to build our faith, etc.
2) will now receive much additional information: events, miracles, teachings, commentaries, observations, opinions, responses
BUT in the end we come back to beginning - ie: you must decide - you must choose!!
for non-believer, choice = simple/obvious, one time
For believer (like disciples, like Thomas) after initial decision, must decide and must choose - again and again.
This gospel gives encouragement, instruction, strength.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Introduction to the Study on the Book of John
John the Apostle - Son of Zebedee & Salome
Zebedee = prosperous fisherman - Mark 1:19-20 - had "hired hands"
Salome = follower of Jesus - Mark 15:40-41 - was there at the cross
maybe a sister of Mary - John 1:25
zealous for her sons and their positions in the Kingdom - Matt. 20:20-21
There were two sons - James and John - often mentioned together.
Jesus nicknames them "sons of thunder" - Mark 3:16-17
John = follower of John the Baptist before became a follower of Jesus, therefore already a seeker and believer in Messiah
The Gospels portray Peter as the leader of the disciples, and suggest that James and John = next 2 influential disciples - behind Peter.
So, John => chosen as 1 of the "12" - apostles
and - becomes part of Jesus' "inner circle" - these three were very close to Jesus and He had a particular intimacy with them.
Matt. 17:1, 26:36-37
After the Resurrection John became a leader in the church at Jerusalem.
Late in life = exiled to Patmos (by the Roman leader Domitian?) because of his illegal preaching and teaching that Christ was the Messiah.
There he recorded "The Revelation" - Rev. 1:9-11
Also authored I, II, III John - where he again declares himself eye witness of all the happenings. 1 John 1:1
John is believed to be the only Apostle who died a natural death approximately 98 AD - approximately 95 years old)
Several "key words' in John - (keep coming up over and over again)
Light - 24 times Life - 50 times truth - 52 times
John's favorite? "believe" - John 3:16 - stands out
In the verb form means to be persuaded, convinced. But, = more than intelligent assent - means cling to, trust in, rely on. Wholistic belief= head, heart, hands
Used in Matthew - 10 times. Mark - 10 times Luke - 9 times. John - 99 times.
In a concordance search of the Bible for Believe, believed, believes, - 1/3 of all usage is in John!!
John's message == belief (wholistic - head, heart, hands) is essential to being a follower of Christ.
John 3:36 John 8:24
AGAIN, this is MORE than intelligent assent. It = trusting Him
Illustration: John 11:23-26
Note Question - Vs. 26 - "do you believe this?"
Answer: Vs. 27 - (paraphrase) - "Yes! I believe this because I believe You!! (in You)
John's purpose in writing this?? - John 20:24-31
Our purpose in this study?
1) convince/persuade this un-believer.
2) strengthen, encourage the believer.
Zebedee = prosperous fisherman - Mark 1:19-20 - had "hired hands"
Salome = follower of Jesus - Mark 15:40-41 - was there at the cross
maybe a sister of Mary - John 1:25
zealous for her sons and their positions in the Kingdom - Matt. 20:20-21
There were two sons - James and John - often mentioned together.
Jesus nicknames them "sons of thunder" - Mark 3:16-17
John = follower of John the Baptist before became a follower of Jesus, therefore already a seeker and believer in Messiah
The Gospels portray Peter as the leader of the disciples, and suggest that James and John = next 2 influential disciples - behind Peter.
So, John => chosen as 1 of the "12" - apostles
and - becomes part of Jesus' "inner circle" - these three were very close to Jesus and He had a particular intimacy with them.
Matt. 17:1, 26:36-37
After the Resurrection John became a leader in the church at Jerusalem.
Late in life = exiled to Patmos (by the Roman leader Domitian?) because of his illegal preaching and teaching that Christ was the Messiah.
There he recorded "The Revelation" - Rev. 1:9-11
Also authored I, II, III John - where he again declares himself eye witness of all the happenings. 1 John 1:1
John is believed to be the only Apostle who died a natural death approximately 98 AD - approximately 95 years old)
Several "key words' in John - (keep coming up over and over again)
Light - 24 times Life - 50 times truth - 52 times
John's favorite? "believe" - John 3:16 - stands out
In the verb form means to be persuaded, convinced. But, = more than intelligent assent - means cling to, trust in, rely on. Wholistic belief= head, heart, hands
Used in Matthew - 10 times. Mark - 10 times Luke - 9 times. John - 99 times.
In a concordance search of the Bible for Believe, believed, believes, - 1/3 of all usage is in John!!
John's message == belief (wholistic - head, heart, hands) is essential to being a follower of Christ.
John 3:36 John 8:24
AGAIN, this is MORE than intelligent assent. It = trusting Him
Illustration: John 11:23-26
Note Question - Vs. 26 - "do you believe this?"
Answer: Vs. 27 - (paraphrase) - "Yes! I believe this because I believe You!! (in You)
John's purpose in writing this?? - John 20:24-31
Our purpose in this study?
1) convince/persuade this un-believer.
2) strengthen, encourage the believer.
Monday, January 5, 2015
General Wisdom for the Coming Year
from Deuteronomy - (2nd. Law/Repetition of the Law)
The time & setting - Egypt --> wilderness --> Promised Land - 1st. generation wouldn't go in so spent 40 years wandering between slavery and blessing.
The purpose - Deut. 4:1
So----- review past
reiterate Covenant
Offer/invite/challenge next generation
Question? Is this applicable to us? today?
Answer: 1 Cor. 10:6, 11 - (context) - Paul said "all scripture given by inspiration of God..."
are not entering a "new land", but ARE entering new era - examples: what's new to you in 2015??
Not beginning a journey - (been Christian for ___ years)
But are on a continuing journey.
We're not the same people = (Israel, 3500 years, across the globe)
BUT, we're still PEOPLE!!
still subject to people problems!!!
1 Cor. 10:12-13 (a)
So, General Wisdom for the Coming Year --
Deuteronomy has many specifics, but today, = broader/more general, however = important, practical, applicable, helpful
Deut. 8:1-18
focus on: I) Be Careful
II) Remember
III) Observe
I. Be CAREFUL - usage/synonym - "Be careful" - 20 times in Deuteronomy (NIV)
TO: do, obey, pay attention, follow, watch yourselves
NOT TO: forget, neglect, be enticed, be ensnared
Synonyms: to be cautious, wary, alert, awake, observant, mindful, attentive, watchful, diligent, vigilant, on guard.
Why so important?? - A) Dangers ahead, around
B) we tend toward careless -
Careless = inattentive, thoughtless, unobservant, negligent, lax, indifferent, forgetful, unwary, off-guard
Which => greatest danger (often) = SELF!!
Words to US --> Eph. 5:15-17 - our problem is carelessness
Observe/compare - in Hebrews = Hebrew Christians tempted to drift due to persecution/hardships.
(here) in Deuteronomy = tempted to drift due to success/prosperity
Which are we most like??
II. REMEMBER as in:
A) Look Back - at former events, experiences
AND, B) Keep in Mind - lessons and truths learned there!!
Remember - 16 times in Deuteronomy - why so important???
Point is not looks back and reminisce - Heb. 2:1
But = look back and LEARN. (ones who've walked with Christ the longest should be the most solid)
III. OBSERVE - doesn't mean stand back and watch == OBEY!!
more than know His will == DO His Will
Mentions 13 times in Deuteronomy, and when add 'obey', =>42 times)
James 1:22-25
Matt. 7:24-27
These are good, general observations, reminders, challenges for us.
BUT, 1 thing precedes these 3 = ie: decide/choose - Deut. 30:11-20
The time & setting - Egypt --> wilderness --> Promised Land - 1st. generation wouldn't go in so spent 40 years wandering between slavery and blessing.
The purpose - Deut. 4:1
So----- review past
reiterate Covenant
Offer/invite/challenge next generation
Question? Is this applicable to us? today?
Answer: 1 Cor. 10:6, 11 - (context) - Paul said "all scripture given by inspiration of God..."
are not entering a "new land", but ARE entering new era - examples: what's new to you in 2015??
Not beginning a journey - (been Christian for ___ years)
But are on a continuing journey.
We're not the same people = (Israel, 3500 years, across the globe)
BUT, we're still PEOPLE!!
still subject to people problems!!!
1 Cor. 10:12-13 (a)
So, General Wisdom for the Coming Year --
Deuteronomy has many specifics, but today, = broader/more general, however = important, practical, applicable, helpful
Deut. 8:1-18
focus on: I) Be Careful
II) Remember
III) Observe
I. Be CAREFUL - usage/synonym - "Be careful" - 20 times in Deuteronomy (NIV)
TO: do, obey, pay attention, follow, watch yourselves
NOT TO: forget, neglect, be enticed, be ensnared
Synonyms: to be cautious, wary, alert, awake, observant, mindful, attentive, watchful, diligent, vigilant, on guard.
Why so important?? - A) Dangers ahead, around
B) we tend toward careless -
Careless = inattentive, thoughtless, unobservant, negligent, lax, indifferent, forgetful, unwary, off-guard
Which => greatest danger (often) = SELF!!
Words to US --> Eph. 5:15-17 - our problem is carelessness
Observe/compare - in Hebrews = Hebrew Christians tempted to drift due to persecution/hardships.
(here) in Deuteronomy = tempted to drift due to success/prosperity
Which are we most like??
II. REMEMBER as in:
A) Look Back - at former events, experiences
AND, B) Keep in Mind - lessons and truths learned there!!
Remember - 16 times in Deuteronomy - why so important???
Point is not looks back and reminisce - Heb. 2:1
But = look back and LEARN. (ones who've walked with Christ the longest should be the most solid)
III. OBSERVE - doesn't mean stand back and watch == OBEY!!
more than know His will == DO His Will
Mentions 13 times in Deuteronomy, and when add 'obey', =>42 times)
James 1:22-25
Matt. 7:24-27
These are good, general observations, reminders, challenges for us.
BUT, 1 thing precedes these 3 = ie: decide/choose - Deut. 30:11-20
The Christmas Hope
Last week - "after life/better life"
but, not everybody believes that.
Concerning afterlife - are 3 kinds of Hope -
I. NO HOPE - naturalist/atheist
"no God, no heaven" therefore no continuity
no purpose
no significance
This is not the prevailing view, however does = growing view!!
II. HEART'S HOPE - based on:
1) inherent knowledge - Eccles. 3:11
2) personal desire (longing)
3) select portions of scripture
it - embraces the pleasant (we = eternal/God=gracious_
- rejects the offensive (we = sinners/God=just)
therefore is generally optimistic - (I'm OK, you're OK)
but - is shallow/incomplete
This is the prevailing view (in America)
III. CHRISTIAN HOPE --- which
1) Recognizes inherent Knowledge
2) admits personal desire.
but, 3) builds on the full Revelation
alteration: change from III. Christian Hope to III. CHRISTMAS HOPE
Because, (more than any other event) His coming has shaped our understanding/expectations/confidence/HOPE
by His coming ....
I. He Brought Us Light
ie: the light of knowledge/understanding Isa. 9:2, Luke 2:30-32, John 1:4, 12:46
Not all knowledge/understanding
but = enough to instill confidence and joyous Expectation - 2 Cor. 4:6
by His coming ....
II. He Bought us Access - bridge illustration
John 14:1-6 Rom. 5:1-2
What if He brought light without access? Couldn't cross the bridge!!
What if He bought access without light? Wouldn't know to cross!!!
BUT (by His coming) He's given Both --
so we have - confidence, certainty, joyous expectation
(Christian Hope) --> (Christmas Hope)
There's a catch!! ie: in Christ light and access are offered. However, must be received (owned/embraced)
Without acceptance and reception, they stand (valid and sufficient), BUT, they stand APART from you -
without any positive effect!
but, not everybody believes that.
Concerning afterlife - are 3 kinds of Hope -
I. NO HOPE - naturalist/atheist
"no God, no heaven" therefore no continuity
no purpose
no significance
This is not the prevailing view, however does = growing view!!
II. HEART'S HOPE - based on:
1) inherent knowledge - Eccles. 3:11
2) personal desire (longing)
3) select portions of scripture
it - embraces the pleasant (we = eternal/God=gracious_
- rejects the offensive (we = sinners/God=just)
therefore is generally optimistic - (I'm OK, you're OK)
but - is shallow/incomplete
This is the prevailing view (in America)
III. CHRISTIAN HOPE --- which
1) Recognizes inherent Knowledge
2) admits personal desire.
but, 3) builds on the full Revelation
alteration: change from III. Christian Hope to III. CHRISTMAS HOPE
Because, (more than any other event) His coming has shaped our understanding/expectations/confidence/HOPE
by His coming ....
I. He Brought Us Light
ie: the light of knowledge/understanding Isa. 9:2, Luke 2:30-32, John 1:4, 12:46
Not all knowledge/understanding
but = enough to instill confidence and joyous Expectation - 2 Cor. 4:6
by His coming ....
II. He Bought us Access - bridge illustration
John 14:1-6 Rom. 5:1-2
What if He brought light without access? Couldn't cross the bridge!!
What if He bought access without light? Wouldn't know to cross!!!
BUT (by His coming) He's given Both --
so we have - confidence, certainty, joyous expectation
(Christian Hope) --> (Christmas Hope)
There's a catch!! ie: in Christ light and access are offered. However, must be received (owned/embraced)
Without acceptance and reception, they stand (valid and sufficient), BUT, they stand APART from you -
without any positive effect!
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