Memory is a funny thing. What we forget eventually gets replaced with something that may not be true. We call that revisionist history. Our brains are notorious for it – especially when we allow things to phase out of constant cognitive circulation. In other words, when we stop the regular reminders. This can happen with our religion. We can forget not only what should be pursuing in our quest for God, but also what the journey should look like. The result? Fear, faction and false religion. Brief reminders (or refreshers) are therefore occasionally needed to keep the church in check. As part of today’s discussion, please take note of those truths time and neglect has caused you to forget. 1. God gave to His people a religion where their seeking after Him, good standing with Him and blessings from Him would be dependent on their happy pursuit to learn and enforce every single portion of His Law.1.1. (Deu 6:24-25; 2Ki 22:8-13 hence why 2Ki 23:1-3 = To receive God’s blessing requires seeking to learn and do all that is written in the book of the Law 1Ch 28:9; 2Ch 15:2; Neh 9:34-38 w/10:28-29; Psa 1:1-6 = Delighting and meditating on [or seeking to learn] the Law is the path of the righteous and those God blesses; Psa 27:8 w/11; Isa 55:6-7 = Seeking the LORD for pardon/salvation requires seeking to learn His Law since w/o knowledge of that it is impossible for the wicked to identify and forsake their unrighteous way; Dan 9:13; Hos 4:6; Jam 1:25; 2Pe 3:17-18; Phi 1:9-11; Rev 12:17 = The children of NC Israel [those who hold to the “testimony of Jesus”] are those who “keep the commandments of God” – a clear reference to the OT – most especially its Law. Since you can’t keep what you don’t know, this infers that like OC Israel, NC Israel [i.e., Christians] are expected to seek God through understanding all of His Law).1.2. Hence the reason:1.2.1. Hence the reason Israel’s kings were required to become life-long students of the Law, intimately acquainted w/every portion (Deu 17:18-19) “write for himself a copy of this Law…and he shall read it all his days” = Intimately acquainted w/every portion; “all the days of his life that he may learn to fear the LORD his God” = Life-long student. Consider king David’s constant plea for God to teach him the Law and give him understanding. David knew that his relationship w/God was dependent on his continued pursuit to know and obey every letter and stroke of God’s Law (Psa 119:1-2 = Seeking God means learning and obeying His Law; Psa 119:17-24, 33-35 w/[77, 92-95, 113-117, 143-144, 145-148, 155, 159, 169] = Delighting and seeking to understand God’s Law is how we preserve God’s protection and salvation).    1.2.2. Hence the reason Jesus says what He does not only in (Mat 5:17 “fulfill” = restore to its fullest measure [see LXX 1Ki 1:14], 18-19) but also (Mat 5:20) = The scribes and Pharisees were not committed to every single portion of God’s Law but rather selective, choosing to ignore or explain away those portions that did not suit their agenda or were contrary to what they wanted to believe (e.g., Mat 15:4-9 = Notice the connection to following God. A person who explains away portions of God’s Word because it doesn’t fit their agenda is considered vain worshippers – i.e., false Christians; Mat 22:42-46 = Their belief in Messiah rejected Him as also God which was contrary to other portions of Scripture).1.2.3. Hence the reason the word God chose to identify His followers was “disciple” which means “learner” (Isa 8:16 “disciples” [Heb., limmud = learner]; Joh 8:31 “disciples” [Grk., mathaytace = learner]).1.2.4. Hence the reason pastors are commanded to teach their people the entirety of God’s Law – including those portions they are unfamiliar -or uncomfortable with (2Ti 4:1-3 = No doubt the “word” to be preached are the OT Scriptures [most esp. the Law] given Paul’s testimony as to their usefulness – 2Ti 3:16). 1.3. The result of such pursuit will inevitably be a covenant community whose beliefs and practice experience regular change since it is impossible to grow in understanding and obedience without there also being change -including at times, big changes. Hence the reason: 1.3.1. King Josiah re-institutes the Passover which had been neglected for 400 years and required a massive commitment on the part of the people and resources (2Ki 23:21-23 w/2Ch 35:1-18). 1.3.2. Ezra re-institutes the Feast of Booths (Neh 8:13-17).1.3.3. Nehemiah and Ezra call for those guilty in Israel to divorce and send away the foreign wives and children (Neh 13:1-3 w/23-26 [Ezr 9:1-2, 10:3]). 1.3.4. The Jews had to change their understanding of Messiah (from just a man to a man who was also fully God – Mat 22:44-46) and His agenda (Mat 16:21-23 versus Act 1:6) 1.3.5. The Jewish Christians had to change from excluding unclean people and foods to now including them as part of the new covenant community (Act 11:1-18). 1.3.6. The disciples had to change their views on the necessity of OC signs (Act 15:1-22). 1.4. Refusal therefore to grow or change will lead to false religion filled with sacred cows, canons within canons and the hypocrisy of special pleading (e.g., the Gadarenian pig farmers, the Judaizers and Evangelicals).1.5. If it weren’t for our happy pursuit to learn and enforce God’s Law in this church, the discoveries we have made in relation to the gospel would never have happened.1.6. Why did God make His religion this way? Why is our standing w/Him determined by our happy pursuit of learning and obeying His Law? B/C His Word (most especially His Law) is the means by which we love Him and each other (Mat 22:37-40). Why ultimately (then) God made His religion this way is because He wanted us to exist with Him and each other in a relationship of love. Its all about love (love for Him and each other) and the way we learn to love is through learning His Law – which is why (also) we should never be anxious or afraid to change or learn new things since what we are learning is how to better love Him and each other.        2. God at times hides the meaning of His Word as part of how He leads His people.For example:2.1. God hid the meaning of (Deu 24:1) from Moses (per Jesus in Mat 19:9) for the sake of (Neh 13:1-3).2.2. Jesus hid teaching from His disciples until the time when they would be able to receive it (Joh 16:12-15 [Luk 18:31-34 part of what was hidden was why He had to die]).2.3. Paul and Peter speak of God’s plan being hidden from the prophets who spoke it implying it would have hindered God’s leading of His people had they known before the time of its fulfillment (Eph 3:1-10 w/1Pe 1:10-12) = The ability for the OC church (“rulers and authorities in the heavenly places”) to fully accept God’s plan (especially one including the Gentiles) would require it first being fulfilled and “the riches of Christ” revealed. 2.3. As part of God leading us as His church, we should expect that there will be parts of His Word – or our understanding of His Law that will remain hidden, until the proper time (e.g., when we possess the maturity to receive it – Phi 3:15; Consider also Lev 24:10-16; Num 15:32-36). 3. Also a part of how God leads His people, He makes the decisions of His anointed shepherds and divine council immediately binding even when erroneous and may change in the future.3.1. (Deu 17:10-13; Jesus deputizes His anointed shepherds w/this same authority - Mat 16:17-19 “whatever you bind on earth shall [be]have been bound in heaven”) = The infallibility of God’s shepherds and divine council is not necessary to their authority or the binding nature of their judgment. God’s will for His people will never be outside the decisions of His anointed pastors and divine council who are seeking to follow His Word – including those times when the Scriptures have been incorrectly interpreted. Wrong does not mean sinful. Appeals and help to correct their wrong thinking can change things. However, until they see it, the former judgments carry the authority of Jesus Himself (Mat 18:18-20). Hence (1Ti 5:19)[1].   3.2. That this is part of how God also leads His people is confirmed by: 1) His role as the Great Shepherd Who always sees to it that all decisions made by fallible (even sinful) human beings work for the good of His people (e.g., Gen 50:20), 2) our history as His church (e.g., our old and unbiblical view of “you eye shall pity” – or punishment depends on the criminal [their repentance] versus the biblical view of “your eye shall not pity” - or the crime determines the punishment [not the disposition of the criminal] resulted in Trisha being prohibited from divorcing Richard, an option she is now thankful was unavailable at the time).  4. If (therefore) we want God to continue to prosper and protect our church, then we need to believe that every challenge is solvable and every change beneficial, as long we put in the effort to understand His Word and trust His leading of our anointed shepherds and divine council. 4.1. (Mat 7:7-11) = Jesus promises that our pursuit of understanding in relation to God’s Word will be successful as long as we are asking for God’s help, seeking to obey and putting in the effort to unlock the answers (knocking on the closed doors). That understanding God’s Word is included in what Jesus is promising in these verses is supported by the fact that there may be nothing more “good” the Father could give to us than a correct understanding of His Word.4.2. (Rom 8:28) = Every challenge and change prompted by our pursuit of understanding and obeying all of God’s Word is a guaranteed value-add to the covenant community and her people.  4.3. God’s purpose for taking the Israelites out of their comfort zone in Egypt and into the challenging wilderness was not to kill them or do them harm. It was instead for their prosperity and protection. Like them we can give into fear, become suspicious of God’s anointed leaders and forfeit God’s good purposes. IOW: its all about attitude and effort.4.4. According to Malcom Gladwell, these two things are the reason Asian kids do so much better than American kids in solving math problems. The Asian kids’ attitude is that if they apply enough effort, the problem is solvable, whereas American kids’ attitude is the problem is only solvable if they possess the innate ability to do so. As a result, the American kids waste time second-guessing their ability, comparing themselves to others and eventually quit – or fail to put in the effort that would have otherwise caused them to solve the problem. American kids are easy quitters and consummate failures not because they lack ability, but the right attitude (no one is special and every problem is solvable to those who put in the effort and don’t give up). Unfortunately, this shortfall in attitude affects adults also – including some in our church (say it isn’t so!). The result? Cowardliness and factious people fearful that if we don’t stop poking at things we will eventually screw things up or do irreparable harm (though that has never happened). 4.5. God wants us to trust His leading through our anointed shepherds and beware of becoming factious (e.g., Act 15:23-29; 1Co 11:16-19) “we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God” = Paul and the other anointed shepherds of the churches; “Factions” = People who cause division in the Body by their contentious and public stand against the anointed shepherds and their understanding of Scripture (e.g., the length of hair permissible on men – 14-15); “so that those who are approved may become evident” = Those who are factious are never among those approved by God.4.6. Last but not least, God promises to give the answers and understanding His anointed shepherds need in their proper time (2Ti 2:7 = Timothy was the anointed shepherd at Ephesus).  CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Christ Covenant Church or Christ Cowardly Church? Do we need to change our name or our attitude? Are we operating according to God’s design or succumbing to fear, factions and false religion? What truths have you forgotten about the only religion taught in the pages of Scripture?  [1] "See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles... Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop."- Ignatius (died in AD 105); "My child, him that speaks to you the word of God remember night and day; and you shall honour him as the Lord."- Didache (written AD 100)

1. If you are going to follow Christ and make it to heaven, then you must be a person characterized by sexual purity not sexual sin. (Gal 5:19 w/21; Eph 5:5; 1Th 4:1-6; 2Pe 3:14 “spotless” [Grk., aspilos = Without stain versus 2Pe 2:13-14 “eyes full of adultery” consider w/Job 31:1) = IOW: their eyes/minds are not fixed on covenant faithfulness to their wives (or God) but instead their next illicit sexual fix (Jer 2:22-24; Rev 22:15). 2. Those who struggle with sexual sin – or possess strong desires to commit sexual sin, are people guilty of idolatry. 2.1. IOW: struggles with-or strong desires to commit sexual sin, are a sure sign that the person you are dealing with is an idolator. 2.2. Idolatry is the worship of something other than the Creator, or God. You worship the creature or what is created - which in practical terms means that you trust your flesh (your senses or sense of perception) and/or the propaganda of the world (the creature v. the Creator) when determining the value of things in this life (e.g., Pro 5:1-5, 6:20-26). 2.3. The consequence of such idolatry is God’s wrath surrendering you to the power of your flesh and its sexual deviance (Rom 1:18-27) = God is incredibly angry w/those who refuse to value the things of this world according to His truth (they “suppress the truth”) – though they know He exists (He is their “Creator” and therefore the One Who knows best). They choose instead to “worship” (Grk., sebazomai = To give devotion to) the creature, to give their loyalty and trust in valuing things to what is created (i.e., their physical senses or perception and what is touted and taught as valuable by the creatures of their culture or propaganda of this world – which has always included things related to sexual pleasure). As punishment, God “[gives] them over (Grk., paradidomai = Surrenders them to the power of what they trust as the determiners of value -i.e., “the lusts of their hearts.”) which means they are now enslaved and emboldened “to impurity…[and] degrading passions.” (i.e., sexually deviant desires). 2.4. What would be a “2” on the scale of sexual temptation for the Christian (the person worshipping God) becomes a “10” for the person worshipping the creature (trusting the value system placed on things by their flesh and the world). They are now slaves to sexual sin and unable to sustain faithfulness to God (Jon 2:8; the danger of such enslavement for those already saved – 2Pe 2:18-22).2.5. This connection between idolatry and sexual sin is testified throughout the Bible (Exo 32; Isa 57:7-8; Hos 4:12-14; 1Co 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5; Col 3:5; Rev 2:14, 20, 21:25). 2.6. God’s act of surrendering the idolator is congruent with the moral physics established at Creation: loyalty, attraction and affection are all the function of value. IOW: those things are the result of where we chose to see value (and who or what we chose to trust as the determiner of value – the creature or the Creator) (Mat 6:21).  2.7. Why idolatry makes God so angry is because of what it says about Him and us. By choosing self (or the world) to be the ones who will decide what is valuable in this life, we are equally choosing those things to be the determiners of right and wrong. We have replaced God with ourselves as the source of such things. In essence, we have declared ourselves to be false gods and true God - expendable. 2.8. This was the sin of our original parents (Gen 3:5-7) = In choosing to violate God’s prohibition, Adam and Eve were committing the sin of idolatry. Trust in God was no longer needed, they would now be the ones determining right and wrong. Their flesh and intellect were sufficient for determining the true value of the new world they barely knew. The reign of earth’s first false gods had begun. And (once more) we are following in their footsteps when we choose to trust our flesh and the world to determine the value of things (what is right and wrong, wise or foolish, safe or dangerous, necessary or unnecessary, essential or expendable). 3. Overcoming sexual sin (and being sexually pure) therefore requires ending our idolatry - our reign as false gods, by changing who we worship from creature to Creator.3.1. In practical terms this means we make the decision to 100% distrust what is being communicated by our flesh and the world (as to the value of things – no matter how shiny or sexy or cool) and instead give 100% of our trust to God and His Word for determining what is truly valuable. IOW: we make the decision to surrender our entire value system to God. No matter how we feel or how persuasive the world is in selling us on something, we make the decision to always view it with suspicion until we can square it with God’s Word. We refuse to consider anything as valuable, important, necessary, essential, righteous or wise unless God’s Word agrees that it is. We only place the value on things that God’s Word places on those things (Luk 16:15).3.2. This is what it means to die to self and live for Christ which is the bare minimum requirement to following Him and getting to heaven (Mat 16:21-23 w/24). 3.3. This is also what it means to love God with our entire creature (Mar 12:29 and Exo 20; Rom 12:1 w/Jer 31:1; Consider how this is the opposite of idolatry which is loving the creature as god). 3.4. The result of worshipping the Creator will be loyalty, attraction and affection for God and the things He says are valuable (i.e., those things that are righteous, wise and safe) and disgust for the things that He says are not (i.e. those things that are wicked, foolish and dangerous) (again, Mat 6:21). IOW: faithfulness becomes completely doable (even in respect to sexual things).  4. Changing how you view sex is also a big part of how you overcome sexual sin and be sexually pure.4.1.(Rom 12:2) = The transformation that happens when you renew your thinking is not something that happens passively. Like the previous principle, renewing your mind takes action – most especially w/respect to the subject of sex. It means making the decision to no longer think about sex the way the world thinks about it. You will only think about sex the way God thinks about sex, the way He created it. 4.2. The way the world attempts to frame sex gives you the impression that it is better – or possesses more value than God’s design – which means trusting God (or His value system) is important (here) also. IOW: I need to trust that by viewing sex His way (and rejecting the world’s view) I will not be missing out (or less blessed) in this life.4.3. Though the way the world views and experiences sex looks superior to God’s design, it is a dark hole leading to the destruction of those things you care most about – including your soul.   4.4. Why do I say that? Because the way the world views and experiences sex creates an insatiable appetite often leading to deviant activity, sexual addiction and severed relationships – most especially marriages and families. For example, studies show that people who watch porn feel less satisfied and less connected to their spouses. Porn also creates feelings of sexual inadequacy and frustration leading to the search for help in the form of sexual products or deviant sexual activity. From a biological perspective, the hit on dopamine receptors can be similar to drugs like cocaine - creating not only addiction but the need for more –or more deviant behavior to feel the same way. At least 50% of all failed marriages and family issues are related to porn.  4.5. What (then) is difference between how the world and God view sex?4.5.1. According to the world’s view, the goal of sexual activity is to satisfy whatever fleshly desire I am using it for (pleasure, power, approval, security, etc). Those involved in sexual activity therefore exist for utilitarian reasons. They are nothing more than the objects or instruments by which I accomplish the goal. As such, a Christian husband with this view of sex sees and treats his wife as his “in-home hooker” and his home as the “holy whorehouse.” His wife is viewed as the tool God gave him to fulfill his fleshly (or worldly) desires without being guilty of sexual immorality. As mentioned, possessing this view of sex leaves that person always wanting and needing more – leading to a preoccupation with sexual thoughts (“when are we going to have sex again?”), the need for sexual enhancement (‘what can I do to spice up our sex life or my sexual experience?”) – and in many cases, deviant sexual behavior or sexual immorality. 4.5.2. In contrast, God created all sexual activity to be a covenant ratifying act (1Co 6:16; Hos 2:1-3, 6-7)– which means this is what the pleasure it affords is meant to communicate. It is the physical celebration and communication of marital loyalty, purity and unity. Which means every time a person has sex -or is involved in sexual activity this is what they are expressing – whether they like it or not. Hence the reason God is angry with those who do it outside of marriage – because they are committing fraud. The same is true for those who are unfaithful in their marriages. Their sexual activity is communicating fidelity which in reality, is a lie. In the past, the term “love-making has been applied to sex, and understood biblically, that is an accurate description since love is defined by those three things: loyalty, purity and unity. When couples adopt God’s view and purpose for sex, satisfaction is attained every time since the expression of each other’s loyalty, purity and unity is the mission—and the mission is being accomplished by the act itself. It also brings a change in focus. It’s no longer about me getting a dopamine hit, but my wife receiving the message of my love and loyalty to her and the covenant we share. My affection through sexual activity becomes my way (per God’s design) of telling her in the most intimate or deeply emotional of ways how much I value our marriage and how faithful I have been to my covenant vows. Hence the reason (again) for it being pleasurable. It is a celebration of covenant fidelity! This (then) is what is being communicated in passages like (Gen 2:24-25 “become one flesh” = Celebrate thru sexual activity your covenant loyalty, purity and unity to one another; “were both naked” = Involved in sexual relations, intercourse; “were not ashamed” = Why? b/c what was being communicated was true: they were exclusive in their love and fidelity to one another; See also Psa 25:14 “The secret [intimacy] of the Lord is for those who fear Him; And He will make them know His covenant [fidelity] [through such intimacy].”). 4.6. This view (then) is also what is expected of those escaping the sexual immorality of the world through marriage: that they will adopt God’s view of sex in their relationship with their spouse (1Co 7:1-4) “duty” = Frequent sexual activity (or acts of sexual intimacy) communicating covenant fidelity and their rejection of former “immoralities.” 4.7. If a person is to overcome sexual sin, then they must make the choice to change to God’s view and never again think of sex in the ways presented by our flesh and the world. 5. Finally, if you are going to overcome sexual sin and reach the goal of sexual purity then you must always practice inversion.5.1. Former vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Charlie Munger used to say to get rich (or to reach the goal of financial independence) you must “invert, always invert.”5.2. What is inversion? Or what does it mean to “always invert”? It means that you achieve your goal by not focusing directly on the goal but avoiding all those things that can keep you from achieving your goal. 5.3. More people achieve their goals by inversion than anything else. Why? B/C it is much easier to achieve a goal (no matter what it is) by not actually focusing on the goal, but on those things that will keep you from achieving it. That (then) is the genius of inversion: achievement is attained by winning the war on the “2”s versus focusing our energy on the “10”s – which is what we are doing when we focus instead on what to avoid rather than the goal itself. (BTW) the principle of inversion did not originate with Charlie Munger, but God (Pro 22:3; 1Co 6:18).5.4. In the case of money – or the goal of financial independence that means focusing your attention on avoiding those things that are most associated w/poverty (e.g., failing to budget, failing to understand how money works, failing to go to college, impulse spending, etc.) versus focusing your attention on how to get rich. The former is much easier to do than the latter. Statistics also show that those who focus on getting rich (or the goal of getting rich) tend to be less patient, far too risk tolerant and rarely achieve their goal (e.g., people who buy lottery tickets or gamble).5.5. In the case of sexual purity (or overcoming sexual sin) inversion therefore means focusing your attention on avoiding those things associated with sexual immorality (e.g., sexually charged tv shows and movies, music, social media or events). It means also avoiding all thoughts that may pop up in your mind related to sexually immoral things or the temptations to lust that can come after seeing an attractive person or having a sexual dream  - again, winning the war of the “2”s (Job 31:1; 2Co 10:5).  CLOSING CONTEMPLATION:(Gen 4:7): The only way to master (or overcome) sexual sin is by trusting God’svalue system and adopting His view of sex and sexual activity. Those who don’tmaster their sexual sin will be mastered by their sexual sin.YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Coherent (def.): clear, consistent, logical and reasonable (equitable/just). Coherent things are intelligible, they make sense. Christ Covenant Church seeks to a place that possesses coherent Christianity. The reason for this endeavor is the following: 1. Coherency is essential to the confirmation of something as truth especially as it relates to what you believe. 1.1. In Philosophy this is known as the Coherence Theory of Truth: an individual proposition (or belief) is only true if it is coherent with existing propositions or a system of propositions (or beliefs) already determined to be true (e.g.,) I [Scott Jarrett] am 54 going on 55. For that belief to be true, then it must cohere with other beliefs or truths such as: 1. My birth date is 11/1/69, 2. I am still alive. My statement/proposition (54 going on 55) sb considered true b/c it is logically coherent.  1.2. That coherency is essential to truth (or what we believe to be true) can be seen by considering Satan’s first attack against humanity. It was an attack on the coherency of God’s words (Gen 3:1-5) = Satan’s contribution to humanity’s first act of rebellion was his ability to get our original parents to believe that what He had said was incoherent. This then is the power of incoherency (and once more, why coherency is so essential): incoherency leads to distrust and ultimately open rebellion against God.1.3. As humans, we have been hard-wired to trust only those things that are coherent: that make sense because they are clear, consistent, logical and reasonable (Pro 29:18 “vision” [Heb., hazon = Prophetic vision that makes clear or coherent what God’s people are to do]) = Without such coherency, God’s people will be “unrestrained” in their moral behavior. IOW: they will become distrustful and disobedient to God’s Law. This is confirmed also by the author’s response to the first couplet (“But happy is he who keeps the law [Heb., torah = God’s special revelation or message – most especially His Law). When God’s Word -or what we believe about it is coherent (clear, consistent, logical and reasonable), it is much easier to trust it and obey His laws. 2. If the Bible is truth, then what it teaches (and Christianity believes) must be coherent[1]. 2.1. Jesus testifies to the Bible (or God’s Word) as truth (Joh 17:17).2.2. Jesus also testifies to the Bible’s coherency (Deu 30:11-14; Joh 1:1 “Word” [Grk., logos = Logic, the coherent word; in re: to the mind it refers to the function of reason/logic and calculation]) = Jesus’ identity as the divine Logos (“Word”) communicates to us not only the nature of God (as logical or coherent) but also the nature of Scripture (God’s divine written words – OT, NT): they are likewise logical (or coherent) giving us (humans made in the image of our logical/coherent God) the ability to know Him w/certainty (v18 “explained” [Grk., exegeomai = Exegesis; coherent explanation). [2]  2.3. Jesus uses logic – or the Law of Noncontradiction [A ≠ non-A][3] to prove the existence of life after death/resurrection and His deity – Mat 22:31-32 [Jesus also confirms plenary inspiration]; Mat 22:41-46)[4].2.4. Paul likewise uses a logical syllogism to prove the necessity of the resurrection to salvation/Christianity (1Co 15:12-20). 2.5. Other passages related to the Bible’s teaching as coherent (Psa 19:7b-9, 119:105; 2Ti 3:15-16 = None of these texts are truthful unless what the Bible teaches is indeed coherent; 1Pe 3:15 “defense” [Grk., apologia = Out of logic]).2.6. To say that the Bible’s teaching is coherent is not the same as saying that it is not (at times) difficult to understand (e.g., 2Pe 3:15-17) = According to Peter, the reason Paul could be difficult was not due to incoherency (i.e., what he wrote was unclear, inconsistent, illogical or unreasonable) but rather the moral instability (“unstable”) and intellectual deficiency (“untaught”) of others (“unprincipled men”).2.7. Oftentimes the incoherent (and therefore false) doctrines believed by many Christians today are labeled as incomprehensible. Incomprehensibility however is not the same as incoherency. The difference between the two from the standpoint of cognitive understanding is experience versus intellect. Though what is incomprehensible can be intelligible (it can be understood intellectually), it is beyond that person’s ability to understand experientially (e.g., hell). By contrast, what is incoherent fails to be something that can be understood both by experience and intellect (e.g., 2 + 2 = 3).[5] 2.8. Finally, coherency is necessary not only to our knowledge of God, but to distinguishing between the divine and the demonic. “If a transcendent God really does have a logic all His own, no criteria can exist in the realm of the transcendent to distinguish between Yahweh and Satan.” – Nash (ibid) “If the law of non-contradiction is irrelevant in the sphere of transcendent ontology, the God and not-God, the divine and the demonic, cannot be differentiated.” – Clark (ibid) 2.9. Point (then) Not To Miss: never should we accept as biblical truth any belief or doctrine that fails the test of coherency. 3. A great place to start when determining whether the version of Christianity you are following is true or false is the test of coherency (it fails to be clear, consistent, logical or reasonable). 3.1. As it re: to consistency consider: Is our doctrine of God or salvation consistent w/what was what was established in the OT? IOW: is their coherency between the NT and OT based on what you believe? Or do you possess a “canon within a canon”? (Luk 5:36-39) = NT (“new wine”) orthodoxy/orthopraxy is determined by its coherency or consistency w/what has already been established (“is good enough”) from the OT (“the old wine”) .3.2. As it re: to clarity and logic consider: Jesus appeals to the Pharisees’ clarity and ability to use logic (or logical inferences) to indict them for their rejection of Him as Messiah (Mat 16:1-4 = Their problem was moral not intellectual. IOW: it was not an issue of coherency).3.4. As it re: to reasonableness (it is equitable and just) consider: Jesus appeals to reasonableness (bib. jurisprudence) in His claims to deity when condemned by the Jewish leaders (Joh 5:31 w/31-47; also Joh 7:24). 4. Our God-given mission is to fight to re-establish the coherency to Christianity. 4.1. (Jud 1:3; 1Ti 6:20-21 “opposing arguments” [Grk., antithesis = Incoherent beliefs]).4.2. Why would we need to re-establish the coherency of Christianity? Because what was taught at the church’s inception by Jesus, the apostles and early church fathers (Ante-Nicene) regarding the Bible’s three main pillars: God, the gospel and man have been lost to incoherency (Jud 1:3 w/4). “The Christian experience requires not simply a surrender of the will but a rational [coherent] assent to the truth.” – Nash  5. Modern Christianity – or Christianity after the Ante-Nicene period (325 A.D. to the present) has been incoherent in its view of the Bible’s three main pillars of truth: God, the gospel and man.5.1. None of this should come as a surprise given: 1) this is Satan’s first – and frequent play (hence 2Co 10:5; 1Ti 6:20-21), 2) the consequences of incoherency (distrust and disobedience to God).5.2. Incoherency in re: to the doctrine of Man (e.g., Calvinism) = Not only incoherent because it violates the law of noncontradiction (man has a free will yet God has already decreed what man will do before he was created), but bc it is also unreasonable (unjust) – God judges or condemns men who had no free will to choose Him (Unconditional Election) or ability (ability establishes culpability) to live up to His standards (Total Depravity) (Deu 30:9-14).5.3. Incoherency in re: to the doctrine of the Gospel (e.g., the Faith Alone Gospel [WCF]:faith is the only necessary instrument of salvation) = Incoherent in its attempts to reconcile: 1) the NT’s teaching on faith and works,[6] 2) the framework of salvation presented in the OT w/what is presented in the NT.[7] 5.4. Incoherency in re: to the doctrine of God (TBD – next week!) “A Christian might say that the Trinity is an utter mystery and cannot be logically explained yet insist that if a defining doctrine of another worldview is ‘an utter mystery logically,’ then that worldview must be rejected. But this will not do. If we allow opaque mysteries in our own worldview, we have to allow them everywhere. Or if we demand logical consistency in other worldviews, we must demand it of our own. That is, the criteria for rational evaluation must be objective. Special pleading should be apologetically out of bounds…If Christians desire to demonstrate the truth and rationality of Christianity to those who hold other worldviews, they must apply objective criteria to the contending worldviews. If none are given, there is no apologetic, but only preaching.” – Douglas Groothuis (Christian Apologetics)                                               [1] See Jack Symes, “When God Is Too Ineffable.” = Symes makes the comment that America’s rejection of Christianity (due to incoherency) is trending behind the U.K.[2] “Christians believe the rational [logical or coherent] world is the projection of a rational [logical or coherent] God who objectifies His eternal thoughts in the creation [and through Scripture] and who endows the human creature, the apex of creation, with the image of God which includes a structure of reason similar to God’s own reason [i.e., with a logical mind]…The laws of reason (reason means logic) are the same for both God and humans…The Logos teaching of the New Testament and the early church fathers entailed a similarity between the rational structure of the human mind and the rational structure of the divine mind” – Dr. Ronald Nash (The Word of God And the Mind of Man)[3] “The same attribute cannot at the same time belong and not belong to the same subject in the same respect.” – Aristotle; Examples: 1) 2+2 = 4 and 2+2 ≠ 4 cannot both be correct. 2) my dog Tevi is alive and my dog Tevi is not alive cannot both be true at the same time and in the same place.[4] “The denial of the law of noncontradiction leads to absurdity…If the law of noncontradiction is denied, nothing has meaning…significant human action also becomes impossible…If God is to communicate his thoughts to human beings, that communication must accord with the law of noncontradiction.” – Nash (ibid)[5] Some have attempted to posit that what God knows to be true might indeed mean that 2+2 = 3. Though there is no doubt that what God knows to be true is far more than us, it cannot contradict what has been revealed (2+2 = 4). If so, then what has been revealed – or is shared as truth by both God and man would no longer be true – at least from the perspective demonstrated in Scripture -i.e., what is true is coherent and therefore logical. In response to those who appeal to Isa 55:8-9 (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts…As the heavens are higher than the earth…so my thoughts than your thoughts”) Gordon Clark’s words are fitting, “Of course the Scripture says God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. But is it good exegesis to say that this means his logic, his arithmetic, his truth are not ours? If this were so, what would the consequences be? It would mean not only that our additions and subtractions are all wrong, but also that all our thoughts, in history as well as in arithmetic are all wrong…To avoid such nonsense…we must insist that truth is the same for God and man.” (“Apologetics”, Contemporary Evangelical Thought) [6] As it relates to the James consider the following syllogism: 1) Are the producing of works necessary to salvation or for my faith to be effective until salvation? Yes (Jam 2:14-26), 2) Who is responsible for producing those works? WE are (Jam 2:14-26), 3) Is the context of James’ salvation (justification before God or men)? God (Jam 2:14)CONCLUSION: works are another necessary instrument/condition of our salvation (Jam 2:24, faith is the root and works are the fruit is false).[7] (Evangelical soteriology): Under the OT it was salvation by works then under the NT it became salvation by faith (or somebody doing the works for us) (e.g., the Covenant of Works) versus (the Biblical and coherent view): salvation has always been (OT/NT) a marriage covenant between Jesus and His people operating according to the marital mechanics of gain by grace through faith (Rom 3:28) and maintain through faithful obedience (Jam 2:24; Deu 28:1-2).

Coherent (def.): to be clear and consistent, logical and reasonable.The accusations of our critics:[See PREVIOUS SERMON (Coherence Part 1) for accusations 1-3] 4. Your requirement of faithful obedience to be a Christian is too difficult. We are totally broken and unable to live faithfully obedient lives to God. It is for this reason the message of salvation is faith in Christ not faithfulness to Christ. It is also the reason Jesus came to earth – to obey so we wouldn’t have to! The standard of obedience preached at your church is just making people into self-righteous Pharisees. God doesn’t expect nor require this level of commitment to get heaven. Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 4.1. Though we are born depraved – or with a strong desire for sin (or to serve self over God and His commands), we still possess the ability to choose and do good – or obey His commands. If this were not true, then God would be unjust for condemning people to hell based on their deeds (ability establishes culpability) (Job 34:11; Psa 62:12; Jer 17:10, 21:14; 2Co 5:10; Rev 20:11-15).4.2. God’s requirement of faithful obedience (not perfection) has never been too difficult – including for those under the OC (those w/o the indwelling Spirit, regeneration or propitiation) (Deu 28:1 w/30:11-14). 4.3. The message of salvation has always been both faith and faithfulness (to Christ). Faith itself is a pledge or personal promise to faithfulness to God over self or anything else (i.e., to live for or love God above anyone and anything else) (Gen 15:6 [w/Joh 8:56] w/Gen 17:1-8 [God confirming His promise and pledge to Abraham and the condition of that promise - Abraham’s former faith pledge to Him]; Exo 24:7-8 w/1Pe 1:1-2, 3:21). That our faith pledge mb followed by faithfulness for salvation to be secure is confirmed by James (Jam 2:14-26).4.4. If Jesus did indeed come to earth to obey on our behalf (with the assumption that we could not do it ourselves), then this too incriminates/indicts God given His expectations of obedience and severe judgments against disobedience in the OT (e.g., most of the first generation died and went to hell because of their unfaithfulness – Heb 3:12-19 [v19, apistis = unfaithfulness, See Num 14:33 w/4:6-11]).4.5. The Pharisees were self-righteous - or viewed themselves as righteous, but not for valid reasons. They claimed to keep (or be faithful) to God’s laws but were - in reality, hypocrites - not willing to exert the smallest amount of effort to obey God’s commands (Mat 23:1-4 w/ 28). Like Evangelicals, the Pharisees believed they were saved simply because of their faith and being a part of Abraham’s family. What they failed to accept is that God will remove from Abraham’s family all those who are unfaithful (Mat 3:1-10 w/Luk 7:30 [they did not believe they could be removed for unrepentance/unfaithfulness]; Joh 8:31-39; Rom 11:21-23). 4.6. If God doesn’t require this level of commitment to get to heaven, then why do those who fail to possess faithfulness end up apostate and in hell – i.e., under God’s eternal and unforgiving wrath (Mat 7:21-27; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5-6; Heb 10:26-30)? 5. Your church places loyalty to Christ and His church above loyalty to biological family including one’s spouse, children, and parents. As a result, you divide families and even approve of divorce. God made the marriage and the family to be the most important institutions on the planet. God also commands that children respect their parents. Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 5.1. Our choice to place loyalty to Christ and His church above loyalty to biological family – including one’s spouse, children, and parents has always been a condition of God’s (or Jesus’) covenant/salvation/eternal promises (Gen 12:1 w/2-3; Gen 22:1-2,3-18 w/Jam 2:21-22; Deu 6:4-5; Mar 12:29-30; Luk 14:25-35). 5.2. That loyalty to the church is how we express loyalty to Christ is confirmed by the facts: 1) the church is identified as the Body and Bride of Christ. Can a person sin against a man’s body or wife and not sin against the man himself? (Pro 6:27-35). 2) the church is the fullness of Christ on earth (Eph 1:22-23). In these two ways, Christ essentially made loyalty to Him synonymous with loving our covenant brothers and sisters. Hence why (Joh 13:34-35). 5.3. Hence the reason this was a major focus of John the Baptist and Jesus’ earthly ministry: to turn God’s people back to Him and His family over their human families as the first loyalty (Mal 4:6 w/Luk 1:17).5.4. Hence the reason also Jesus predicted that many families would be divided over His message (Mat 10:34-39).5.5. The only divorce we approve of are those sanctioned by Jesus: divorce for sexual immorality (Mat 5:31-32). To not allow what God allows is no different than allowing what God does not allow - which also brings God’s wrath against the covenant community (Isa 5:20, 23-25).5.6. The most important institution on earth is marriage and the family, Christ’s marriage to the church and the covenant family that it creates (i.e., the church). Every other form of marriage and family is subservient to this given: 1) The marriage of Christ to His church is the archetype/model for human marriage and family (Eph 5:22-32). 2) the creation of the holy family (not the biological family) was the goal of all Creation (Eph 1:1-11 w/3:1-11 = God the Father’s plan for Creation was to gather a people for His glory – and future inheritance - a holy family [made holy] thru the redemption [and marriage covenant] realized and accomplished thru His Son, Jesus Christ ). 5.7. Respecting one’s parents looks different when a person is a child under the home and headship of their parents versus once that child becomes an adult and is no longer dependent – or living at home. The former requires full submission to their parent’s commands and wishes (sans anything directly opposed to God or His Word) (Eph 6:1-3), whereas the latter no longer requires such submission but only that the (now) adult independent child see to it that the needs of their elderly non-apostate parents are being met (Mat 15:1-6). 5.8. Based on what was just discussed, children being loyal to their parents above God or His church has never been acceptable or expected by God.  6. If your church is doing everything right then why have there been so many disciplinary cases – including excommunications and apostasies --as well as betrayal and moral failures among those serving as officers? The church is to be a place of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Again, these things signal a problem. Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 6.1. The NT churches were filled with disciplinary cases -including excommunications and apostasies. As a matter of fact, many – if not most of the NT epistles or letters to the churches were written to deal with disciplinary matters (Rom 2:1-29; 1Co 3:1-18, 4:1-5, 18-21, 5:1-5, 6:1-11, 7:1-2, 8:1-13, 10:1-33, 11:1-22, 15:1-24; 2Co 1:21-2:11, 6:1-7:2, 10:1-11:33, 12:19-13:11; Gal 2:11-5:26; Col 2:8-23; 2Th 3:6-15; 1Ti 1:3-4, 18-20, 4:1-10, 6:20; Tit 1:10-16; Heb 3:12-14; 2Pe 3:14-18; Jud 1:3-4; Rev 2:1-3:22). If this was true for churches planted and pastored by the apostles, how much more those living in the worst or last days? We should therefore expect the church in the last days to feel as though they are over-run with such difficulties (Mat 24:10-12; 2Ti 3:1-17 = NOTICE where our confidence is to be in these difficult and confusing times). 6.2. Consider also the covenant communities under: 1) Moses (most went apostate – i.e., almost the entire 1st generation out of Egypt), 2) Jesus (many - if not most, of the Jewish religious leaders and people of Israel went apostate). 6.3. With regard to betrayal and moral failures among the leadership, this was also true for Moses (Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Korah and his family). The same was true for Jesus. Though all-knowing, He was still burned by betrayal and moral failure among those He picked (e.g., again Judas and also Peter). Paul also suffered betrayal (Demas and Titus – 2Ti 4:10)6.4. To speak of the church in terms of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit as though these are the only things that should characterize the church is highly misleading, especially given that the verse which speaks to this effect, starts with the attribute of righteousness (Rom 14:17 “righteous, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”). Paul could not have conceived of a church filled with Holy Spirit peace and joy that was not also filled with righteousness given that the Spirit will not provide such things without it. IOW: You need to first be practicing righteousness (adherence to all of God’s law) - as prescribed by the Spirit in God’s Word, to receive His peace and joy.6.5. The only problem signaled by the aforementioned concerns is that we are indeed living in difficult times. IOW: it is the world that has the problem not our church – unless we start looking and acting like the world (i.e., looking the other way rather than dealing w/the sin among us). Any church not filled with disciplinary issues is a church not being faithful to the Spirit (which means their peace and joy is false) (e.g., the majority of men and pastors are looking at porn~ how many are being disciplined out of the church? For many – if not most, this would cause them to close their doors). 7. Your church blindly follows the pastor or his interpretation of the Bible rather than listening directly to the Bible. The majority of Christians on the planet disagree with what you believe making your church a cult. 7.1. Many – if not most of the people in our church could hardly be labeled as “blindly” following their pastor given their regular and rigorous reading of the Bible, books on church history, theology, philosophy and ancient Jewish culture and beliefs. Not only that, but many in the congregation are also involved in apologetic or evangelistic forms of ministry where they are exposed to and learning about the beliefs of others claiming to be Christian. Last but not least, the congregation is frequently encouraged to vet the church’s beliefs against those who oppose it as well as ask questions where they find confusion or contradiction. 7.2. Though it is true that the congregation follows the teaching or interpretation of their pastor, this is true of all churches. The pastor is the one tasked with interpreting the Scriptures and teaching what he believes it to be communicating to his congregation. As part of this role, he is also to demonstrate that his interpretation and teaching on a particular text or subject are in agreement with the rules of literary communication (grammar, context) and the rest of what the Scriptures teach (2Ti 1:13, 2:15). This has been the regular practice of this church’s pastor.7.3. The belief that one can listen directly to the Bible without the need for interpretation reveals a high level of ignorance in those making such claims given that the Bible does not interpret itself – nor does it always communicate in such a way that it can understood by simply reading alone. The fact that it was written in ancient languages unknown to most readers, with backstories, idioms and other literary devices also unknown to most readers, means that it is more likely that the average – or untrained reader will grossly misinterpret its message than truly understand what is being communicated. The probability of this is enhanced by the sinful instability of most along with their inability to understand the individual or smaller parts while not losing the larger metanarrative or message presented by the whole (e.g., 2Pe 3:15-18). The chances of getting a correct interpretation are therefore greatly increased for those afforded the aid of a person well-trained and able to demonstrate proficiency in the aforementioned disciplines.7.4. All comments calling for the people of our church not to listen to their pastor and the teaching of our church – or accusing people of not thinking for themselves are in the end, hypocritical. If those making such claims were following their own advice, they would be forced to shut their mouths since by their advice, they are not truly calling for independent thinking but rather that people would (instead) listen to them. 7.5. Regarding what the majority believes as the litmus test for what we should believe, biblical history teaches otherwise. The majority is -more often than not, the place of error (e.g. OT and NT Israel). It is likewise a logical fallacy to think something to be true or correct because of its acceptance by the majority (Ad Populum).7.6. The first Christians were condemned as a cult. We should therefore receive such accusations as a compliment. 

Coherence (def.,) to be intellectually clear and consistent, logical and reasonable.The accusations of our critics:1. Your list of capital crimes and their punishments are completely arbitrary. The NT possesses no such list or penalties. The only law is love.Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 1.1. The NT (or more specifically, Jesus) affirms the OT Law’s (including its capital crimes) continuing authority under the NC and for the Christian (Mat 5:17-18, hence 19-20).1.2. The NT likewise establishes excommunication as the new and consistent application of the prior established (OT) principle of death prescribed for capital crimes (OT = physical, NT = spiritual) (1Co 5:1-5; 1Ti 1:20).1.3. Given that God prescribes the same punishment for all capital crimes, the time assigned to excommunication likewise must be the same no matter the kind of capital offense committed (Num 15:16). Biblical equity also requires that repeat offenders receive an increased sentence or level of severity commensurate to the original established time multiplied by the number of times they have reoffended (A-Jud-Sys.: recidivism rate) (Deu 25:2).  1.4. That God is indeed prescribing a set or fixed amount of time as well as the fact that this time is to be determined by the covenant community is made apparent by the NT evidence of time being assigned to those excommunicated while by the same token, making no mention of exactly how much time was actually assigned (2Co 2:6-7 w/1Co 5:1-5). 1.5. To speak as though love is a replacement to God’s Law – or stands opposed to the Law, is a complete oxymoron. From God’s perspective, there is no love without His Law. His Law – not the laws of men, is what determines true and righteous love to others. Said differently, it is impossible to love anyone, without strict adherence to God’s Law. The Law/establishing of equity = Love (Gal 5:13-14; Rom 13:8-10; Lev 19:15-18 w/Mat 22:39). 1.6. The question is therefore not whether we are going to follow love or the Law as our authority, but which Law (or laws) will define our love? The very arbitrary, always changing, completely subjective, laws of men based entirely on their sinful and selfish desires or the very equitable, never changing, completely objective laws of God based entirely on His perfectly righteous and immutable character? 1.7. Whether people realize it (or not), there is really only two choices: autonomy (self-law – [Jug 21:25; Pro 18:1]w/Pro 13:13; Gen 3:5[1]) or theonomy (God’s law – Deu 4:2, 5-8, 6:24).2. There is no such thing as apostasy[2] and even if there was, that is between God and that person. It is not something that the church can know or has the authority to declare.Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 2.1. Per God’s promise, the church in the OT (the Old Covenant community or kingdom of God on earth) was supplied with priests-judges who were ordained (deputized) with divine authority from the Holy Spirit and able (therefore) to bind in apostasy those who knowingly rebelled against their authority and/or refused to comply with the discipline/justice for their sins and stop their practice of rebellion against God and His laws (i.e., who refused to repent) (Exo 19:6 w/Deu 17:9-13 w/Num 15:30-31; Deu 29:18-20).  2.2. Per God’s promise, priest-judges ordained (or deputized) with the same authority and ability were provided to the church in the NT (New Covenant community or kingdom of God on earth) (Isa 66:21; Rev 1:6; Mat 16:17-19 w/Joh 20:21-23 [w/Mat 12:32]; Mat 18:15-20).2.3. If the OC priest-judges had the authority and ability to know who was apostate and bind them in apostasy how much more those functioning as priest-judges under the NC whose possess an added measure of the HS (bringing true regeneration and cleansing from sin thru the blood of Christ) and the completed (“perfect”) version of God’s Word to instruct them leading to greater clarity or understanding and less impact from personal depravity (Rev 1:5 w/Deu 28:20; 1Co 13:9-12). 2.4. Though not in relation to eternal things, we nonetheless believe the state possesses authority from God and can make decisions which promote or preserve justice and purge evil. We believe also that such authorities should be respected and submitted to (Rom 13:1-3). If this true for the state whose government and courts are secular why would we consider the church whose government and courts are sacred to be any less competent or called by God? (1Co 6:1-6).3. Your views on what constitutes sexual immorality and the severity of punishment inflicted (excommunication) on such sins as porn and masturbation are too extreme. Porn and masturbation are the regular practice of many if not most Americans – including those claiming to be Christians[3]. Studies also suggest that their practice may not only be essential to mental health and longevity of life, but near impossible to resist because of the way we have been created.Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 3.1. Per God’s Word, the sin of sexual immorality has but one punishment, death (OT- physical, NT- spiritual/excommunication; again 1Co 5:1-5) and has been committed any time a person voluntarily participates in any sexual activity w/someone not identified by God as their spouse: 1) Adultery (Exo 20:14 [versus 20:17]Lev 20:10; Deu 22:13-24), 2) Homosexuality (Lev 20:13), 3) Fornication and Incest [all sexual acts with unbelievers or those we have no intention or biblically sanctioned ability to marry] (Lev 20:11-14; Num 25:1-8 w/1Co 10:8 w/1Co 6:15-20; 2Co 5:20-6:2, 14-18; Exo 34:12-16), 4) Bestiality (Exo 22:19; Lev 20:15-16), 5) Rape (Deu 22:25-27), 6) Masturbation [immoral] (Mat 5:27-30), 7) Voyeurism and Pornography [illicit viewing of sexual acts or nakedness] (Lev 18:1-20).3.2. To not excommunicate those guilty of biblically defined sexual immorality would constitute rebellion by the church and secure God’s curse on the congregation (1Co 5:2 w/12-13 w/Deu 13:1-18; e.g., Jos 7:13). 3.3. If pornography (and masturbation) is the regular practice of most Americans, then most Americans are going to hell. This is perfectly inline (coherent) with Jesus’ prediction as it re: to humanity (Mat 7:13-14; Luk 13:22-24).3.4. A person’s mental health and longevity of life is more often (if not always) the result of sin – not its resistance (again, Deu 28:20 [“until you perish quickly”] along w/v34, 65-66; Deu 32:47).3.5. Sexual immorality only becomes “near impossible to resist” when we fail where it starts and what is easy to prevent: 1) succumbing to sinful sexual lust/coveting (Exo 20:17 [versus 20:14]; Job 31:1; Eph 1:12-18), 2) living for this world instead of the next world (this is the key to contentment or the removal of coveting) (Pro 29:18; Col 3:1; Phi 3:14 versus 2Pe 1:9).      [1] “Such then is the graveyard of autonomous ethics; each gravestone reads the Satanic temptation, ‘Ye shall be gods, knowing [determining] good and evil.’” – Greg Bahnsen (Theonomy In Christian Ethics)[2] The unforgiveable sin or the inability to ever be forgiven by God. This curse can only befall those who were formerly saved -or in saving covenant relationship with God. That person’s sins are placed back upon them w/no hope of future pardon. They are bound in a state of damnation from which they cannot escape no matter the repentance that may follow (Heb 12:15-17). [3] Consider the following statistics (2023): 1) 47% of families in the United States reported that pornography is a problem in their home. Pornography use increases the marital infidelity rate by more than 300%. 2) 56% of American divorces involve one party having an “obsessive interest” in pornographic websites. 3) 68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis. 4) Of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively search for porn. 5) Only 13% of self-identified Christian women say they never watch porn—87% of Christian women have watched porn. 6) 55% of married men and 25% of married women say they watch porn at least once a month. 7) 57% of pastors say porn addiction is the most damaging issue in their congregation. 69% say porn has adversely impacted the church. My reason for lumping masturbation into this is Jesus’ statements in Matthew 5 regarding the eye and the hand (vv28-30, what the eye sees, the hand does)- a reference to sexual lust and the subsequent act of masturbation. If lust will lead someone in this direction, how much more the viewing of actual nakedness or porn? For more information see “Biblical Sexual Ethics” – R. Scott Jarrett

1. Relevance of this study 1.1. Unbelief wb at an all-time high at the return of Christ (Luk 18:8).1.2. Without sustaining belief (or faith) in God, His Person and Words (1Ti 1:5 [“love” = For God and others – loyalty/equity]; Heb 10:37-39 [w/Heb 11:6]; 1Jo 5:4-5; 1Pe 1:5-7), it is impossible to sustain faithfulness to God and others (the other necessary instrument of salvation and to receiving divine blessings) (Jam 2:14-24; Luk 17:3-10; hence 2Pe 1:5-11; our examples – Heb 11:33 and 12:2). 1.3. Transformation from a foolish, spiritually darkened, deceived person led by their flesh/feelings to a person who is wise, discerning, enlightened and led by the Spirit, is also impossible without sustained belief (or faith) in God  (Psa 119:66; 2Co 4:4; Eph 6:16; 1Th 2:13, 3:5-7, 5:8; 1Pe 5:9). 1.4. Un-sustained belief (or faith) in God will eventually lead to apostasy (Heb 3:12-14; Rom 11:20-23).1.5. Every weapon in Satan’s arsenal has this as its goal: the destruction of belief in God, His Person and Words (Gen 3:1-5; Satan continues to operate from the original playbook. Hence the reason Paul can say “we are not ignorant of his schemes – 2Co 2:6-11 [w/2Sa 24:1 w/2Sa 7:8-16 – most eps. vv14-16]).2. Definition of belief (or faith) in God (the action not the object or religion – e.g., Jud 1:3) 2.1. What belief in God is not: mere mental ascent or agreement to His existence or the Bible as His words.2.2. What belief in God is (the biblical definition): The choice (Mar 16:11 “refused to believe” = Made a choice not to believe) to give unquestioned trust and allegiance exclusively to God, His Person and Words as eternally and infinitely perfect in truth, beauty, righteousness, justice, mercy, love, power, wisdom and knowledge (versus self, others or anything in Creation – e.g., Rom 1:18-25 “honor…give thanks” = Acts demonstrating allegiance; “worshipped” = Acts demonstrating where – or w/whom, we place our highest trust/allegiance; Heb 11:1; belief = Trust/Allegiance – Exo 19:9; Num 14:11, 20:12; Deu 1:30-35 w/Heb 3:19; Deu 9:23, 32:51; 2Ki 17:14; Psa 27:13, 78:22 w/32, 106:12 w/24; Psa 146:6 “keeps faith” = Allegiance; Joh 1:12 [“believe in His name”] = Trust/Allegiance to that person and their word]//unquestioned trust and allegiance - Act 8:37 “believe with all your heart” = No division in your heart [in your trust/allegiance]). 2.3. Our choice to believe in God (to give unquestioned trust and allegiance exclusively to Him) is an operation of the will that must not be governed by: 1) earthly thinking (Luk 24:11; Joh 3:12 “earthly things” versus “heavenly things” = Belief in only what can be seen or is common/comfortable to the natural world/way of thinking [materialism or naturalism] versus belief also in the unseen or what is uncommon/uncomfortable to the natural world/way of thinking [belief in the immaterial and supernatural]; Isa 53:1; 1Co 1:21; hence 2Co 5:7 and 1Pe 1:8; [Lam 3:65; Eph 4:18; Mar 16:14 “hardness of heart”] = Refusal to believe in the unseen/unrealized – Pro 22:3; e.g. From an ability perspective, this is the brain function of animals. We however possess the higher faculties and function [ability] of foresight, forecasting and faith – belief in what is yet to be seen or realized. Our failure to use such faculties/function is therefore not due to ability but our will. We refuse -or choose not to do so for immoral reasons – Mat 16:1-4; hence Luk 16:31), 2) emotions (Rom 4:18-20; Mat 17:17 “sign” = emotional experience). To say that our choice is not governed by natural thinking is not the same as saying there is no evidence to support what we believe. There is enough to leave every person w/o excuse on Judgment Day (Rom 1:19-20; Consider also Joh 2:22 w/Joh 20:27-31). To say that the trust/allegiance we give to God must be unquestioned is not the same as saying God expects blind trust. IOW: God does not expect us to trust Him if He fails to be or do what He has promised in His Word (the Bible) (e.g., Mal 3:10).3. How we sustain/strengthen our belief in God.(Luk 8:15) “hold it fast” = Belief in God will be met w/challenges and therefore requires the constant and consistent practice of certain things to preserve it: 1) removal of all stumbling blocks/overcompensation (Mat 13:44-48, 18:7-9; Luk 19:8; 2Co 7:1 w/11; Col 2:5 w/8; 1Ti 4:1, 6:20-21; Heb 12:1), 2) apologetics (1Pe 3:15; 2Ti 2:15-18; Jud 20), 3) spending time receiving spiritual bread from others (Rom 1:11-12; 1Th 3:2 w/10; Eph 4:11-13), 4) sharing our spiritual bread w/others (Heb 3:12-14), 5) self-discipline (body and mind) (1Co 9:27; 1Ti 4:6-10), 6) being doers of God’s Word (Jam 1:22-25 “prove yourself doers [“one who looks intently at the perfect law…and abides by it”] versus “hearers who delude themselves” [who deceive themselves into thinking they believe but instead are “like a man who looks…in a mirror…and…immediately [forgets] what kind of person he was [a person who used to trust but not anymore]”) = Sustain that trust/allegiance [true belief in God] through obedience. It goes both ways: we need to sustain our belief to obey and we need to obey to sustain our belief - i.e., there exists a symbiotic and synergistic relationship between belief and obedience), 7) right attitude in trials (Jam 1:1-3). 4. Signs/Causes of unbelief (What to keep in mind: the choice of unbelief is sin – Joh 16:8-9).Given that the belief in God refers to two things: His Person and His Word means that there are essentially two types of unbelief related to this subject: 1) unbelief as it relates to God’s Person (trust in His existence and/or attributes – e.g., His love, justice, wisdom) and 2) unbelief in His Word (trust that what He says is true and accurate; trust that I need to place the same level of seriousness He places on certain subjects or issues – e.g., repentance/change/faithful obedience/getting to heaven/the requirement urgency, overcompensation and living for the whole, etc.). What then are the causes and/or signs of these two sins of unbelief?4.1. (S/C) hardness of heart (Lam 3:65; Eph 4:18; Mar 16:14 “hardness of heart” = Refusal to believe in the unseen/unrealized – Pro 22:3; e.g. From an ability perspective, this is the brain function of animals. We however possess the higher faculties and function [ability] of foresight, forecasting and faith – belief in what is yet to be seen or realized. Our failure to use such faculties/function is therefore not due to ability but our will. We refuse -or choose not to do so. IOW: the problem is moral not intellectual).4.2. (S/C) ignorance/folly/bad influence or intel in re: to God, His Person and Word or even other religions (Eph 4:18 “ignorance”; 1Co 15:32-34; hence Col 2:8; 1Ti 6:20) (e.g.,): 1) As it re: to the spiritual books of other religions: Hinduism’s Bhagavad Gita = Never claims to be written by a personal God Who has spoken to humanity; Mormonism’s Book of Mormon, Islam’s Qur’an = Both rely on and are counterfeit versions or distortions of Christianity (Mormonism started almost 2000 years after Christianity’s inception, Islam almost 600 years after). Each claim that the Bible is corrupted and their books are the fix. 2) As it re: to morality – or those who claim there is no such thing as good and bad or morality = Everybody has a moral point of view – including those who say there is no morality since that is a moral point of view or position - they are being moral about no morals— which also means that everyone is religious since this is at the heart of what defines religion (a system of morality). Now, knowing this is true and inescapable, which do you think is the wise choice, a religion or morality determined by a perfect God or one driven by the sinful desires and agendas of imperfect men? 3) As it re: to General Revelation – or the impression one gets from observing nature. The flowers are growing, the sun’s shining, people are laughing and having a good time while we are torturing ourselves over the little stuff. Maybe we got it all wrong? God’s there but there is no test, so just go with the flow (live and let live). Or it’s a test and “go with the flow” is the test. Vetted: a) what one observes in the present is not always a reliable indicator of reality (Mat 24:37-39 [2Pe 3:1-7]), b) if no test, then why so much suffering (i.e., there is more to the world than just the sun shining and flowers growing – there is also disease, death and destruction)? God is a monster. c) if this is the test, can you establish equity from this “go with the flow mindset”? What if the flow is kill all babies like it was for the Jews in Egypt? Or you need to worship the Emperor [president] like it was in Rome? Or kill all those retired, retarded or crippled like it was in Nazi Germany? d) change all of that to “everybody needs to just love and accept everyone for who they desire to be” and the problems still persist since a large part of those you need to love and accept are pedophiles, rapists and serial killers. At some point you are prohibiting and condemning certain groups of people and the question of who decides who those groups are becomes immediately relevant: perfect God or imperfect sinful men?4.3. (C) the failure of other Christians or the church (Mat 18:6-7; Rom 2:24; 2Co 2:7 w/11 w/2Sa 24:1 w/1Ch 21:1). 4.4. (S/C) inconvenience or uncomfortableness/cowardliness/wimpiness/lack of self-control/emotion-driven [feelings = facts] (Pro 14:12; Mat 13:20-21, 53-58; Luk 8:13, 22:31-34; 1Co 16:13 “stand firm in your faith, act like men”; Cancer is also inconvenient and uncomfortable but we don’t act like it doesn’t exist as a means to escaping it).4.5. (S/C) unrealistic expectations (Mat 16:1-3 w/4 = Linear thought and deductive reasoning is enough to make the right choice in relation to God. That choice however often requires change that causes pain. As a result, people can [sinfully] expect an experience to accompany their belief which will alleviate - or make easy, the painful changes necessary to live for Him. Such expectations are unrealistic – and rebellious given this life is meant to be painful since it is a test. Hence why 1Pe 1:6 “distressed with various trials” w/13 and 4:12-18; Act 14:22). The unbelief that results from unrealistic expectations is therefore nothing more than that person pouting and an attempt to manipulate God/hold Him hostage (e.g., child who says to his parents, “I hate you” when they don’t give them what they want). 4.6. (S) inability to think properly about spiritual things or morality (Rom 1:21, 28).4.7. (C/S) apathy/lack of zeal or urgency to spiritual things/arrogance (don’t need God) (Amo 6:1-3; Luk 18:1-8; Joh 3:36 “obey” [Grk., apatheo = apathetic – is viewed by John as the opposite of belief or essentially synonymous w/unbelief]; Hos 13:6; Hab 2:4 w/3:18-19 = Those who live by faith are those who believe God’s warnings and responds w/urgency [in this case the coming judgment of the Assyrians and the need to flee to the mtns for safety] versus the person who thinks he knows better or doesn’t believe things to be so serious or dangerous —the arrogant person who makes God’s 10s into 2s). 4.8. (S/C) insecurity (need the praise of men) (Joh 5:44, 12:42-43).4.9. (S/C) infatuation w/the things of the world/FOMO (Mat 13:22 versus Joh 6:35; Rom 9:33 w/10:11).4.10. (S/C) pleasure in wickedness or rebellion/exercising the authority of our free will (2Th 2:11-12; Important not confuse the need to exercise our free will w/what it means to be truly free [Satan’s biggest and beginning lie – Gen 3]; e.g., the Montrose Mouse – “the last great act of defiance”; Ad Seg). 4.11. (S) little or no spiritual fruit/spiritual immaturity (Luk 8:14 [Grk., ou telesphereo] = Not bringing to completion/maturity – not fulfilling your full potential for God] versus v15).

1. Relevance of this study  1.1. Unbelief wb at an all-time high at the return of Christ (Luk 18:8). 1.2. Belief (or faith – Mar 11:22-23) in God, His Person and Words is the first necessary instrument of salvation and to receiving God’s blessings (Gen 15:6; Isa 7:9; Mat 13:58 ; Luk 1:20, 45; Joh 3:15-18, 5:24, 10:26; Act 10:43, 16:31; Rom 1:16, 3:28; Heb 3:18-4:2; 11:6 [He is there and He is not silent]; 2Ti 3:15; Contra – hell, Rev 21:8).  1.3. Without sustaining belief (or faith) in God, His Person and Words (1Ti 1:5 [“love” = For God and others – loyalty/equity]; Heb 10:37-39 [w/Heb 11:6]; 1Jo 5:4-5; 1Pe 1:5-7), it is impossible to sustain faithfulness to God and others (the other necessary instrument of salvation and to receiving divine blessings) (Jam 2:14-24; Luk 17:3-10; hence 2Pe 1:5-11; our examples – Heb 11:33 and 12:2).  1.4. Transformation from a foolish, spiritually darkened and deceived person who is addicted to their feelings, sin and the world to a person who is wise, discerning, enlightened and led by the Spirit, able to withstand the attacks of Satan, the flesh and world is also impossible without sustained belief (or faith) in God, His Person and Words (Psa 119:66; 2Co 4:4; Eph 6:16; 1Th 2:13, 3:5-7, 5:8; 1Pe 5:9).  1.5 Un-sustained belief (or faith) in God, His Person and Words will eventually lead to apostasy (Heb 3:12-14; Rom 11:20-23). 1.6. Every weapon in Satan’s arsenal has this as its goal: the destruction of belief in God, His Person and Words (Gen 3:1-5; Satan continues to operate from the original playbook. Hence the reason Paul can say “we are not ignorant of his schemes – 2Co 2:6-11 [w/2Sa 24:1 w/2Sa 7:8-16 – most eps. vv14-16]). 1.7. Some of those who are struggling w/unbelief can be snatched from the fire (Jud 1:22-23). 2. Definition of belief (or faith) in God (the action not the object or religion – e.g., Jud 1:3)  2.1. What belief in God is not: mere mental ascent or agreement to His existence or the Bible as His words. 2.2. What belief in God is (the biblical definition): The choice (Mar 16:11 “refused to believe” = Made a choice not to believe) to give unquestioned trust and allegiance exclusively to God, His Person and Words as eternally and infinitely perfect in truth, beauty, righteousness, justice, mercy, love, power, wisdom and knowledge (versus self, others or anything in Creation – e.g., Rom 1:18-25 “honor…give thanks” = Acts demonstrating allegiance; “worshipped” = Acts demonstrating where – or w/whom, we place our highest trust/allegiance; Heb 11:1; belief = Trust/Allegiance – Exo 19:9; Num 14:11, 20:12; Deu 1:30-35 w/Heb 3:19; Deu 9:23, 32:51; 2Ki 17:14; Psa 27:13, 78:22 w/32, 106:12 w/24; Psa 146:6 “keeps faith” = Allegiance; Joh 1:12 [“believe in His name”] = Trust/Allegiance to that person and their word]//unquestioned trust and allegiance - Act 8:37 “believe with all your heart” = No division in your heart [in your trust/allegiance]).  2.3. Consider (Jam 1:21-25): 1) v21 “receive the word implanted” = Give unquestioned trust/allegiance to God’s Word, 2) v22-25 “prove yourself doers [“one who looks intently at the perfect law…and abides by it”] versus “hearers who delude themselves” [who deceive themselves into thinking they believe but instead are “like a man who looks…in a mirror…and…immediately [forgets] what kind of person he was [a person who used to trust but not anymore]”) = Sustain that trust/allegiance [true belief in God] through obedience. Which means it goes both ways: we need to sustain our belief to obey and we need to obey to sustain our belief (i.e., there exists a symbiotic and synergistic relationship between belief and obedience).  2.4. Our choice to believe in God (to give unquestioned trust and allegiance exclusively to Him) is an operation of the will that must not be governed by: 1) earthly thinking (Luk 24:11; Joh 3:12 “earthly things” versus “heavenly things” = Belief in only what can be seen or is common/comfortable to the natural world/way of thinking [materialism or naturalism] versus belief also in the unseen or what is uncommon/uncomfortable to the natural world/way of thinking [belief in the immaterial and supernatural]; Isa 53:1; 1Co 1:21; hence 2Co 5:7 and 1Pe 1:8; [Lam 3:65; Eph 4:18; Mar 16:14 “hardness of heart”] = Refusal to believe in the unseen/unrealized – Pro 22:3; e.g. From an ability perspective, this is the brain function of animals. We however possess the higher faculties and function [ability] of foresight, forecasting and faith – belief in what is yet to be seen or realized. Our failure to use such faculties/function is therefore not due to ability but our will. We refuse -or choose not to do so for immoral reasons – Mat 16:1-4, 17:17; hence Luk 16:31), 2) emotions (Jer 12:6; Rom 4:18-20; again Mat 17:17 “sign” – an emotional experience).  2.5. To say that our choice is not governed by natural thinking is not the same as saying: 1) there is no evidence to support what we believe. There is enough to leave every person w/o excuse on Judgment Day (Rom 1:19-20; Consider also Joh 2:22 w/Joh 20:27-31).  2.6. To say that the trust/allegiance we give to God must be unquestioned is not the same as saying God expects blind trust. IOW: God does not expect us to trust Him if He fails to be or do what He has promised in His Word (the Bible) (e.g., Mal 3:10). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Have you made the choice to give unquestioned trust and allegiance exclusively to God, His Person and Words and are you doing what it takes to sustain that? NEXT WEEK: 1) How we sustain/strengthen our belief in God, 2) signs/causes of unbelief. 

QUESTIONS1. Can you give the Big Picture (from God's Word)?2. Can you show that salvation is a marrage?3. Can you show it is a marriage to Jesus?4. Can you show who Jesus is and what He did?5. Can you show that baptims is necessary as the place where we pledge our allegiance to Jesus?6. Can you show that God's vow to us is dependent on us being faithful?7. Can you show that obedience is necessary to salvation?8. Can you show that the obedience God requires is faithfulness and not perfection?9. Can you show that this is something you can do?10. Can you show faithfulness means our new life will be characterized by righteousness and repentance?ANSWERS1. (Heb 11:6; Romans 2:6-8)2. (Jer 31:31-32)3. (Eph 5:32; Acts 4:12; Jude 1:5)4. (1 Cor 15:1-4; John 1:1-5, 14)5. (1 Pe 3:21; John 3:5; Gal 3:26-27)6. (Luk 10:25-28; Hebrews 3-4)7. (Jam 2:24)8. (Deu 28:1; Mat 25:14-30; Mat 5:48 w/ Col 1:28)9. (Deu 30:10-14)10. (1 John 3:4, 7-10; Luk 13:1-9; Acts 26:20)

1. God is real. This life is the test.2. Extreme ownership.3. Self suspicion before evil suspicion.4. See something, say something.5. No victim mentality.6. Use the courts.7. Those who fail to fulfill the second greatest commandment are fit only for the pit.CLOSING THOUGHTS1. The first generation ministry is to raise up the second generation.2. Hold them accountable so that their generations are not marked by the same failures.3. we all need to own the failures of our first generation and vow to be better.

An important ministry in the church is the ministry of mercy. This study will discuss various aspects related to this subject. 1. Historically the church has recognized the existence of only two forms of ministry: the ministry of mediation and the ministry of mercy. The ministry of mediation includes all those gifts and tasks related to teaching (e.g., preaching, discipleship, counseling, music/worship, sacraments), justice (e.g., discipline, establishing policy, counseling, judgment/JUDCO, sacraments) and operations (security, administration, finances, building and grounds maintenance) whereas the ministry of mercy includes all those gifts and tasks related to caring for the disadvantaged (e.g., poor, elderly, sick, injured and incapacitated) and dying. Support for this two-fold division is as follows:1.1. The division of labor practiced by the church of the apostles (Act 6:1-4) = A division between those officers who would oversee the ministry of mediation (“ministry of the word”) and those who would function in the ministry of mercy (“serve tables”; e.g., chaplains). 1.2. The charge to Paul by the Jerusalem church (Gal 2:1-10) “remember the poor” = IOW: make sure that in addition to your preaching of the gospel and planting churches (the ministry of mediation) that you make sure those churches also possess ministry devoted to mercy. 1.3. The distinction that seemingly exists among the angels between those who report truth and carry out judgment (i.e., mediators or messenger angels; e.g., Gabriel and Michael, the watchers and cherubs – Dan 4:17) and those who help the disadvantaged and dying (i.e., angels of mercy – Luk 22:43-44; Heb 1:14).  2. Pastors (the ordained officers) are commanded to spend their time and energy on the ministry of mediation and therefore need the help of others in the congregation to fulfill the ministry of mercy.  (Act 6:2) “it is not desirable” = It is not what God wants us to do (Hence v4).  3. This was true even in relation to Jesus. Though involved in acts of mercy, His ministry focus was mediation. (Heb 12:24 “mediator of the new covenant”; Luk 4:38-44 = Notice how the people tried to monopolize His time in the direction of mercy).  4. Because the ministry of preaching and teaching takes so much energy and time, Jesus prohibited those He recruited to this task, to be involved in mercy-related ministry – including with those who are dying.(Luk 9:59-60) = Based on Jesus’ charge to this man (a faithful Jew), he is being called to a ministry of mediation – most specifically preaching (“go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God”)[1]. To do so however, this man would need to leave the care of dying saints (his faithful Jewish father) to others – those involved in the ministry of mercy. He was not allowed to do both (“Let the dead bury their own dead”) = Ancient idiom referring to those whose function was to care for the dying in the covenant community (“their own dead”).A paraphrase of Jesus’ words to this man: “Let those tasked with caring for the dying worry about caring for your dad’s death. Your responsibility is to grow the covenant community through preaching the gospel.” That this is what Jesus is indeed communicating versus calling this man to ignore the death of his father and condemning anyone involved in the care of the dead (or dying) as spiritually undead (a common way of looking at the phrase “Let the dead bury their own dead”) is supported by the fact that Jesus cared deeply and did not ignore the deaths of those close to Him – including not only family but also friends (e.g., friends – Lazarus, Joh 11:1-15; family – John the Baptist, Mat 14:12-13).    5. The only time we see pastors involved in the care of the sick, is when it concerns the baptism of those dying. (Jam 5:14-16) = This person’s sickness is unto death. He is also bed-ridden. Hence why the elders “pray over him. Their prayer is due to his request for salvation. In such circumstances, ancient tradition prescribed a baptism (“anointing”) with oil (rather than water). Since it is only the ordained officers (“elders” or pastors) who possess such authority - i.e., the authority to baptize or “loose” someone from their sins” (Mat 16:19 w/Joh 20:21-23; 1Pe 3:21; Act 2:38), it is their services (or the ministry of mediation) that is necessary (versus the ministry of mercy). Do not miss the fact that the pre-requisite to receiving this death-bed baptism is no different than what is required in normal cases (v15 “prayer of faith” [belief], v16 “confess your sins” [repentance]). Notice also that it is the “effective prayer” (calling out to God) by the “righteous man” (i.e., the elders – Mat 28:19 “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost”) that secures the repentant and believing person’s restoration to God and future resurrection (v15 “restore the one who is sick [to God] and the Lord will raise him up [in the resurrection].”).   6. Why God has made such a division in the church with respect to these two ministries is no doubt related to:6.1. The opportunity it provides to every person to be productive for kingdom – something absolutely necessary to our faithfulness and fitness for heaven (Mat 25:14-46).  6.2. The equity it establishes in the covenant community. IOW: no one person is doing all the work or carrying all the burden. It is instead an “every member ministry” (1Co 12:14-25 “The body is not one member, but many…[Therefore] the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’”). 7. Three conclusions should be drawn from this study: 7.1. Those not laboring in the ministry of mediation, need to give themselves to the ministry of mercy (Luk 10:1-2) “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest = Similar to the twelve commissioned before them, the seventy were most likely also sent out “in pairs” (Mar 6:7) to fulfill the tasks of mediation and mercy (Luk 9:2 “He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and perform healing”). The reason these men were sent in pairs was due to the church’s two-fold division of ministry (mediation and mercy); one would be focused on preaching and teaching, while the other was focused healing and caring for people’s needs.The POINT NOT TO MISS: Jesus’ plea for additional workers (“beseech the Lord of the harvest…”) is not just in relation to preaching; the kingdom also needs people to labor in the fields of mercy! 7.2. Pastors are in the ministry of mediation, and therefore should never be expected to function in those roles related to the ministry of mercy. We must be careful not to confuse the role of pastor with the role of chaplain.  7.3. The chaplain is an officer whose focus is overseeing the ministry of mercy in the church (i.e., seeing that the needs of the disadvantaged or dying in the covenant community are being met; e.g., Epaphroditus – Phi 2:25-30 w/1:13).  [1] That this man was a Jew and faithful to God is supported by the fact that: 1) the focus of Jesus’ ministry was the Jewish community (Mat 10:6). 2) Hardly would Jesus have attempted to recruit this man to preaching about the kingdom had he been an unfaithful Jew. He would have instead called him to repentance (Luk 13:1-5). Based on the context (vv57-62), each of the men mentioned were more than simply faithful Jews, they were already disciples of Jesus. This includes the third or final man (v62, no one after putting his hand to the plow…”).

1. Culpability: without exception, every person able to reason, who knows that what they are doing is wrong (Jam 4:17) is not only fully culpable for their actions but also fully capable of turning from them (repentance) (Act 17:30; Deu 30:9-14). With respect to one’s ability to reason consider:1) God makes such a distinction in multiple OT texts (Jon 4:11 “know the difference between their right and left hand”; Isa 7:15-16 “know enough to refuse evil and choose good”; Isa 8:4 “My father...my mother” ) = A person able to demonstrate (e.g., in conversation w/others) cognitive reasoning skills (i.e., able to make distinctions for the purpose of comparing and contrasting -or use deduction as part of their thinking process [“if this then that”]). 2) God’s makes a punitive distinction between those who are able/old enough to reason and those who are not in (Deu 1:39 “have no knowledge of good and evil”) = Not yet old enough to reason. A person’s ability to reason therefore renders that person subject to the full weight (or punishment) of the Law with respect to their sin (e.g., penalties related to restitution, death for a capital crime).3) That no distinction should be made between a person’s ability to reason in general and a person’s ability to reason from a moral perspective (i.e., one implies the other) is confirmed in Jesus’ condemnation of the Jewish leaders (Mat 16:1-4).4) Though not fully culpable, those unable to reason still commit sin and possess some level of culpability (e.g., Isa 48:8; Psa 51:5 [hence, vv6-9]; Psa 58:3). Hence the reason God commands parents to be diligent and severe in the corrective punishment of their children (Pro 23:13-14). 5) The age at which a person is able to reason is not the same as the age of bar/bat mitzvah (“son/daughter of the law”), the age at which all legal rights were extended to a Jewish boy or girl including the ability to marry and own property.  2. Correction: God’s relatively easy first expectation of parents in relation to their children is that the level of correction (negative reinforcement) applied to their children will be swift, consistent and severe enough to immediately establish their authority and stop those children from practicing all forms of overt rebellion against them or any other authority figure before those children possess the ability to reason. (Exo 21:15; Deu 21:18-21) = All capital crimes are crimes that could have been easily avoided had the responsible parties been obedient to God’s preventative prescription. They are therefore crimes which are the result of sizable neglect, unbelief, cowardice and selfishness. Hence why: 1) parents who fail to meet this first expectation are said to be desiring their child’s death (Pro 19:18).2) spanking is required until this first expectation is met (Pro 29:19 “does not respond”) = Words will not be enough to secure compliance.  This is especially true in children not yet old enough to reason. In this respect, they are like a slave (Gal 4:1-3 “elemental things”) = Rudimentary means of learning/education – i.e., spanking or “association training.”. This is the law of the animal kingdom or the base level of brain operation found in creatures possessing a brain (e.g., canines – wolves establish order/peace through the association training of negative reinforcement)[1]. 3) Though the indwelling Spirit given at baptism allows us to eventually leave spanking behind, the Spirit does not replace a person’s ability to reason. Rather the Spirit works w/our ability to reason. Hence in those unable to reason, other measures must be adopted.   4) the modern world’s embrace of only those forms of correction which employ reason reveals their great ignorance of - and obstinance to, both General and Special Revelation (Ecc 8:11 and Isa 26:9-10) = Justice (swift and painful punishment fitting the crime) is the key to effective correction and the mitigation of similar actions in others. 3. Compliance: doing better than you did before, yet still not meeting God’s expectation (of faithfulness) means that you are still in sin (or not fully) repentant and will go to hell if you do not do what it takes to become fully compliant. Consider:1) The serial killer who reduces his murders from five every month to two every month is still guilty of practicing murder. 2) (1Jo 3:7-10; Heb 12:1-4; Mat 5:29-30, 18:8-9; 1Co 9:27-30; Mat 16:24-26 w/27).   4. Counsel: attempting to play the spiritual physician in the covenant community when you do not possess the proper training or have passed the proper tests is worse than medical malpractice (Mat 18:6-7). Hence the reason all spiritual council (advice) given by the church’s members should be immediately reported to its licensed spiritual physician, the (ordained) pastor (“physicians of the soul” – Richard Baxter). 1) (Pro 6:19, 13:10, 16:28, 17:19, 18:1-7 w/15; Rom 16:19 w/1Co 5:1 w/2Co 7:7; Phi 2:19; 1Th 3:5; 1Co 1:10 w/ Phi 1:27 = Standing together for the gospel requires we be of the same mind which is impossible if the counsel we give or receive is contrary to God’s appointed teacher in the church – i.e., the ordained pastor). 2) In this light consider (2Co 10:3-6) = Paul saw the censorship, removal and even prosecution of every form of bad counsel, thinking or theology posited by the congregation as an important part of his role as a pastor and responsibility to protect the flock (“spiritual warfare…fortresses” = Mental strongholds inhibiting people’s obedience that will eventually lead to their apostasy). 3) How we should think about our relationship to the ordained pastor: like the doctor-nurse relationship in a hospital (nurses are to report all treatments administered or new symptoms to the attending doctor) or the relationship between the Executive Director of an Assisted Living facility and his staff (e.g., Richard Conklin’s job as E-D at Morning Star = Protective oversight req’g all depts and staff to share all counsel and situations affecting the safety and prosperity of the residents – e.g., staff tells a resident that it is okay to keep a coffee table in their apartment who unbeknownst to them has a history of falling). 4) How we should NOT think about our relationship to the ordained pastor: like the relationship between the police and a criminal (“criminals don’t rat out fellow criminals to the cops”). This is the mindset of the wicked and the world w/respect to authority – including the authority in the church (a ghetto or street theology/mindset; e.g., “I want to confide in others or receive advice from others who will not seek pastor’s counsel”) = I am a stumbling block/attempting to make another guilty of collusion or malpractice.5) If we are truly family, then nothing should be hidden from those God has made our spiritual parents for our protection and prosperity (pastor = our spiritual father; “father knows best”; 1Co 4:14-15; 2Ti 1:2). [1] Colorado Law: A parent, guardian, or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a minor or an incompetent person,and a teacher or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a minor can use reasonable and appropriate physical force, if it is reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain or promote welfare of child. Sec. 18-1-703.[Cr.] "Reasonable" or "appropriate" physical force which is "reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain or promote the welfare of the child" is defined as follows: not excessive or abusive.Colorado Law: “Abuse” or “child abuse or neglect” means an act or omission that threatens the health or welfare of a child in one of the following categories: Skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death and: The condition or death is not justifiably explained; The history given concerning the condition is at variance with the degree or type of such condition or death; The circumstances indicate that the condition may not be the result of an accidental occurrence. Those investigating cases of child abuse shall take into account child-rearing practices of the culture in which the child participates [this includes the religious beliefs of the home]. The reasonable exercise of parental discipline is not considered abuse. Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 19-1-103; 19-3-103.

GOD’S EXISTENCE (The Moral Test argument)1. Through our inescapable drive to assess (judge) all things from an ethical perspective (right and wrong), we (humanity) are not only confirming our unique identity as moral creatures but also our belief in: 1) this life as a test (ethics indicate a test) and 2) the existence of God (i.e., an objective test-grader) Who in the after-life, will reward or punish us based on our performance of the test.1.1. Hence the reason humans suffer guilt, depression and mental illness, b/c we as moral creatures sense our failures in relation to the test we instinctively know exists (Deu 28:20, 28). 1.2. The Moral Test argument cannot be refuted nor should anyone want to refute it given the other options: 1) this life is the only life or 2) everyone goes to heaven makes all suffering and evil meaningless and unbearably cruel (Deu 28:34 “you will be driven mad by what you see”). 1.3. Support: (Rom 1:18-21; Luk 20:35; Rev 3:4-5; Jam 1:12 [Hence Jam 1:1-3]; Psa 62:12 Pro 24:12; Mat 16:27; Joh 5:28-30; Rom 2:6, 14:12; 1Co 3:13; 2Co 5:10; Eph 6:8; Col 3:25; Rev 2:23, 20:12, 22:12). RELIGION2. The principles (i.e. rules for the test) established by God’s Word and gospel is the only ancient system of morality (i.e., religion) that creates true equity in the world. 2.1. There are two important things to consider when determining the rules of the test:2.1.1. He is there and not silent. It is only reasonable to assume that when God created humanity, He provided them with the rules to the test – i.e., the system of morality (religion) they would need to follow to pass the test. 2.1.2. Ancient is better. Given the correspondence between time and corruption - or the fact that the reliability of something diminishes the further you move from its point of origin, those religions closest to the beginning of Creation would therefore be the most likely to possess an accurate record. Two of the oldest possessing a record of rules are: 1) the religion of the Babylonians (Code of Hammurabi [18th century BC]), 2) the religion of the Hebrews/Jews (Mosaic Code [15th century BC]).[1] 2.2. Though the similarities between these two ancient religions confirm prior oral tradition (the laws originally given to Adam and Eve were passed down to Noah and his sons and their descendants)[2], only the Mosaic Code establishes the same moral expectations and justice for all people without discrimination due to status, health or race (Deu 16:20; Num 15:16. IOW: it is the only ancient religion that truly establishes equity (or love – Lev 19:15-18).    GOSPEL3. The only way human beings have ever received salvation (i.e., passed the test/avoiding failing the test) is by entering into a marriage covenant with God (i.e., by marrying Jesus)[3]. Support: (Jer 31:31-32 w/Jud 1:5)         4. Because the way we get saved is through entering into a marriage covenant with Jesus: 4.1. Gaining that relationship has always required a faith-pledge of our allegiance - i.e., our solemn promise to obey the latest version/application of Jesus’ moral law (e.g., 1Co 5:1-5 versus Lev 20:11) and observe its associated covenant signs (“clean laws”)[4]. Support: (Deu 32:51)[5] Covenant signs associated w/our faith-pledge in our human marriages = Wedding rings exchanged at the time of our vows (our faith-pledge of allegiance to one another) Covenant signs (CS) associated w/our faith-pledge in our marriage to Jesus:4.1.1. Adamic and Noahic Covenants (Gen 6:9 “Noah walked with God) = Most likely indicating that pledges or vows of allegiance have been taken and that the respective parties have entered into a covenant relationship with one another – (Consider for example, Amo 3:3 “Can two walk together unless they are in agreement?” = Context is that of covenant agreement); CS = Animal sacrifice (Gen 3:21 ,8:20).  4.1.2. Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 15:6); CS = Animal sacrifice and circumcision (Gen 17:1-14) = The obligation to obedience being communicated by God is not new to Abe. No doubt this is what Abe originally committed to in his pledge of faith. Seeing however that this is what his new “sign in [the] flesh” is meant to communicate, necessitates its rehearsal by God. 4.1.3. Old Covenant (Exo 24:7-8); CS = Animal sacrifice, circumcision, separation and sabbaths. In the NT these are referred to as “the works of the law”(Exo 31:13). 4.1.4. New Covenant (1Pe 1:2 w/3:21 “appeal to God”) = Pledge of allegiance; CS = Baptism and the Lords Table. 4.2. Maintaining that relationship has always required faithfulness to our prior faith-pledge of allegiance.Support: Human marriage = Unfaithfulness leads to divorce (Mat 5:32); Marriage to Jesus = Unfaithfulness likewise leads to divorce/apostasy (Heb 10:26-30, 12:14-17; Isa 50:1; Jer 3:38; 1Co 10:1-12 [5-6 and 11-12]) = The only way the OC Jews can serve as an example w/respect to NC salvation is if the same consequences suffered by them for unfaithfulness can also be suffered by us.  5. To simply say that people under the OC gained their salvation by observing the OC clean laws erroneously implies they were only necessary – or needed to be observed at the initial point of a person’s salvation. Reductio Absurdum: no bacon on the Israelite’s burger the day they got saved, but after that it was okay. 6. That a bi-partite distinction exists within God’s Word and that it is the OT covenant signs that Paul is opposed to when speaking of the end of the Law (Rom 10:4) is not only confirmed by their proximity to the phrase “works of the law” (e.g., the mention of circumcision in Rom 3:28-30 where Paul also states that we are “justified by faith apart from the works of the law”), but also what Paul says in (1Co 7:19 “circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, what matters is keeping the commands of God” ). 7. Though they may look different in application, the principles established by the moral commands of the OT remain in full force today as confirmed not only by their repeated mention in the New Testament, but also the principle of stare decisis.[6]  7.1. In re: to repeat: (Rom 13:9) “if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” = Love is accomplished through obedience to God’s moral commands (w/Gal 5:13-14) “through love serve one another…the whole Law is fulfilled…in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” = Paul’s command to love is a repeat of the second greatest commandment which requires observance of all God’s moral commands to accomplish [again, Rom 13]). 7.2. In re: to stare decisis: (e.g., 1Co 6:18) = Unless I am willing to think that only sex with a prostitute (v16) constitutes immorality, I need the OT to determine the scope of the crime which means the moral commands established in the OT remain authoritative.  [1] The distinction between these two religions is the different path taken by the sons of Noah and their descendants: 1) the descendants of Ham and Japheth who rebelled against God (Gen 10:1-11:9 = The Tower of Babel, the Babylonians), and 2) the descendants of Shem who continued following God (Gen 11:10-35:29 = Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - or Israel, the Hebrews/Jews).[2] For example consider: 1) (CH197) “If he has broken a [landowner’s] bone, they shall break his bone.” with (Lev 24:19-20) “Anyone who maims another shall suffer the same injury in return: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; the injury inflicted is the injury to be suffered.”; 2) (CH195) “If a son has struck his father, they shall cut off his hand.” with (Exo 21:15) “Whoever strikes father or mother shall be put to death.”[3] As should be expected, the concept of divine marriage for salvation was likewise a part of ancient religion – including the religion of the Babylonians, “The very ancient rite of the sacred marriage was of the utmost importance, if not the essential and pivotal element of Babylonian religion. The principal role was played by the god of the city-state, and the sacred marriage was celebrated in order that, by a species of sympathetic magic, the resulting fruitfulness might be extended to the people and the whole land, that is to say, that fertility and abundance might be bestowed upon the head of every family, his flocks and herds, and the land he cultivated.” – E. Douglas Van Buren (“The Sacred Marriage in Early Times in Mesopotamia”)[4] Jesus represents the Law’s personal embodiment and author – including its historical codification at Sinai (Joh 1:1; Heb 9:16). [5] See Matthew W. Bates, Salvation By Allegiance Alone[6] This principle assumes - among other things, that laws established in the past remain authoritative in the future unless overturned. As a result, it is this legal maxim that allows us to assume that when previous laws are cited as support for present cases – or used to understand them, it is because those laws continue in force. As such this too provides an irrefutable argument for the Law’s continuing authority under the New Covenant since how could Jesus, the apostle Paul and the rest of the New Testament authors use the Old Testament as their support unless those commands are still in force?

In this episode, we discuss how Pastor Scott Jarrett started in ministry, the history behind Christ Covenant Church and our current campaign.

Stranger things = Those fringe[1] subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds.  Why we are discussing these kinds of subjects = So that we are viewing of our world in the same way Jesus and those living in the ancient near east (the bible’s authors) viewed their world since this is not only the real world but also vital to proper biblical interpretation (or the avoidance of projecting on the text/reading into the text our modern ideas and assumptions [eisegesis] – e.g., Gen 2:18-20).  “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is …not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible…The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) Doorstep theory (def.,): Many of those currently living today (2024) will witness the return of Jesus (i.e., we are living on the “doorstep” of Jesus’ return) (Mat 24:32-35). 1. What makes this kind of claim (theory) provocative or (once more) fringe?1.1. The great number of people who misunderstand what Jesus taught regarding knowledge of His return: 1.1.1. They think Jesus taught that the time of His return was unknown (even to Him) (Mat 24:36, 25:13; Mar 13:32-33).1.1.2. Though Jesus did say we cannot know the exact day or hour, such statements were made in the context of telling His disciples what to look for as the sure-fire signs that His return was imminent (or would take place during the lifetime of many who witnessed them; again Mat 24:32-34; Mar 13:29). IOW: we may not know the exact day or hour, but we can be confident with respect to a small window of years (Mat 24:22). 1.2. The great number of people who fail to consider that Jesus gave such sure-fire signs so that those living at the time of His return would be prepared.1.2.1. (Mat 24:42-51) = Those who are ignorant – or not convinced that Jesus’ return is imminent run the risk of falling away or being found unfaithful when He comes. 1.2.2. We as a church would therefore be foolish to avoid discussing such things if the evidence of these sure-fire signs seem to be present in our time.2. What are the reasons for believing that we may be on the doorstep of Jesus’ return? Four sure-fire signs have been confirmed:2.1. We are living less than ten years away from the 7th or Sabbath millenium.Per God’s perspective and plan, each millennium represents one of the days of Creation. As such, the time the world will end and Messiah will return is on the Sabbath -or the beginning (seventh) millennium (i.e., 6,000 years after the 1st day of Creation).[2] We will officially enter the Sabbath or seventh millennium in 2033/34. Support for saying Jesus will return during the Sabbath millennium which begins in 2033/34:2.1.1. Peter confirms this as God’s view (2Pe 3:8). 2.1.2. The context of Peter’s words (in 2Pe 3) is Jesus’ return and the end of human history (2Pe 3:1-10). 2.1.3. Peter confirmed 2033/34 as the year we enter the Sabbath millennium in his preaching on Pentecost. (Act 2:17-20) = Peter’s divinely inspired interpretation of Joel 2:28 as “And it shall be in the last days” indicates that the IPO of the indwelling Spirit marks the beginning of the final two millennia before the Sabbath millennium/time of Christ’s return. Why? 1) Peter indicates there will be plural days [or millennia] before the end – or Christ’s return (17, “last days”). 2) At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, we were already somewhere in the range of 4,000 years – which means Peter’s reference cannot be more than two. This puts Jesus’ return somewhere around 2033/34 (or two thousand years after Christian Pentecost which took place in 33/34 A.D.).2.1.4. Ancient Jewish tradition also taught this view (e.g., Talmud, Midrash literature).2.2. Satan’s global misinformation campaign has begun and been successful.(Rev 20:7-8a) = One thousand years after Satan’s incarceration in the abyss - or the advent of the church age (Rev 19:1-20:6), the dimensional portal will be opened allowing him to “deceive the nations” into thinking they are worshipping Jesus - when in reality, they have embraced false gospels and gods.Support for saying that Satan has been released and poisoned the world w/false versions of Christianity and the gospel:2.2.1. The official start of the false Christian religions of Roman Catholicism (RC) and Eastern Orthodoxy (EO) happened almost exactly 1,000 years (11th century Great Schism) after the establishment of Christ’s church on earth (Rev 20:7).2.2.2. In fulfillment of Peter’s words, Martin Luther twisted the words of Paul and invented the FAG leading to the equally false  Protestant Reformation (16th century) (2Pe 3:15-17) = As before, the context of these verses is the end of human history/the return of Christ.2.2.3. False Christianity is now not only the predominant form of Christianity in the world but also the largest group of people on the planet. Almost 3 billion human beings (37.5% of all humanity) claim to be Christian according to some version of its main three false religions (PR, RC, EO).2.3. The FAG has become the dominant gospel and those not adhering to it are heavily persecuted. (Mat 24:8[3]-13) = The gospel being preached by the “false prophets” just before Christ’s return will be antinomian in nature (it will amount to “lawlessness”). IOW: obedience to God’s Law will be considered “nice but no longer necessary.” This lawless/antinomian gospel will also be the dominant gospel of the day. Hence the reason it “mislead many” (not few) causing “many” to “fall away and betray one another and hate another” (i.e., violate their covenant allegiance to Christ and/or His people, the church). The desire for this gospel to remain dominant will also cause its lawless recipients to heavily persecute those who preach against it and lay siege to those remaining vestiges of God’s divine council on earth (Jud 1:8-10 w/14-15 = Rejection of the church’s DC/authority will also characterize the time just before Jesus’ return). Support for saying the FAG gospel has become dominant and the authority of Christ’s churches and gospel are rejected and reviled: 2.3.1. The FAG is now a part of all popular versions of Christianity around the world - including RC/EO. IOW: Most – including those in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, teach some version of the FAG in that obedience is nice but not ultimately necessary to that person getting to heaven.2.3.2. It is currently hard (impossible?) to find churches teaching a gospel where obedience to all of God’s Law is necessary to be saved (Rev 20:8-9) “surrounded the camp of the saints” = Indicates that Christ’s churches - or those covenant community embracing the true gospel, will (at that time) be few in number and therefore easily outnumbered (“surrounded”) by those in Satan’s false gospel (FAG) churches. 2.3.3. The Evangelical church’s rejection of church authority/DC (2Pe 2:10).2.3.4. With respect to persecution: our experience at Christ Covenant Church (e.g., the lies, slander and other forms of ill-treatment we have endured for speaking against the FAG, asking questions or attempting to create dialogue) (Mat 10:25). 2.4. Just before Christ’s return, the true gospel will be recovered and revealed to the world.(Mat 24:14) “preached to the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come.” = Just before Christ’s return, the gospel lost through the deception of Satan and suppression of false Christianity will be found and bore witness to as not only part of God’s final judgment against the nations, but also the means to saving those few who remain welcome to Him (2Pe 3:9). Support that the true gospel has been recovered and is being preached to the whole world:2.4.1. The gospel of G&M preached throughout redemptive history by Jesus has been recovered by Christ Covenant Church (“Judaism 2.0.”, covenantal nomism).2.4.2. Our internet presence has allowed us to accomplish this global gospel witness almost instantaneously given that most (if not all) of the civilized world (who Paul is referring to) has access to the internet. 3. What things remain unfulfilled – yet seem to be on the horizon (what should we be looking out for)? Two things:3.1. Satan and his demons’ returning to earth as Jesus and His angels/holy ones.Satan’s entire global misinformation campaign has been leading to one major event: the great Jesus fake-out. He and his demon’s will return to the 3rd dimension as Jesus and his angels/holy ones in supposed fulfillment of the Scriptures – or more specifically, its Dispensational Premillennial interpretation. This means the immediate establishment an earthly, global kingdom of unified peace, healing miracles (e.g., healing cancer), massive blessings and last chance salvation. All nations and people (even those formerly not Christian) will unite under him (as Jesus) given he will (in his big reveal) also save the planet from nuclear war; a war he has secretly been instigating and influencing between the US and Russia for many years (also consistent w/Dispy Pre-mill doctrine).  Support for this view:3.1.1. (Mat 24:15-28) = Satan presenting himself to the world as the returning Jesus; (2Th 2:1-10) [v3, 9] “apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction…the one whose coming is in accord with/conforming to the activity of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders” = Satan disguising and designating himself as the returning Jesus and promoting the lawless – “lawless” obedience is nice but not necessary FAG. [v7a] “mystery of lawlessness is already at work” = The seeds of the Evangelical FAG will precede and prepare the stage for his arrival along w/its most popular eschatological system: Dispensational [Pre-Trib Rapture] Premillennialism. [v6,7b] “what restrains him now” = Not who but what: the tech to not only get back to the 3rd dimension in corporeal form but also stop the nuclear war he secretly instigated to win the rest of the planet to him. [v8] = The reign of Satan-Jesus will be short lived as the real Jesus’ return will bring immediate destruction [“slay with the breath of his mouth”] to him and his rebellious FAG followers (2Th 1:7b-10 and Rev 20:9b).3.1.2. (Rev 20:8 “Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war”; See also Eze 382 and 39:1) = Many scholars believe this is a reference to modern day Russia and the (nuclear) war they will (be influenced by Satan – vv7-8) to start. 3.1.3. Becoming the savior of the problem/war you (secretly created for that very purpose) is a proven age-old tactic for winning the masses to you or your cause (e.g., create gun violence as a means to getting legislation against gun ownership; “Lest we forget…[we must acknowledge] the very first radical…known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom – Lucifer.” - Saul Alinsky, Rules For Radicals).3.1.4. Evidence of UAPs/UFOs shutting down nuclear missile silos in the US and Russia coupled w/the fact that the rise in UAP/UFO activity started when we gained nuclear capability in 1945. Is it possible this is also the reason for the frequent number of UAP/UFO sightings off our coasts by our Navy? In all of this are we simply witnessing the test flights of the vessels they intend to bring down the missiles, stop the war and save the planet? Is it possible that alien abductions are real and additionally a means to testing the tech they will eventually use to stage a mass “pre-trib rapture” of Evangelicals (before the nuclear launch)? Is it possible Satan is behind all of the recent pre-occupation with aliens and UFO/UAPs(e.g. Government and govt official’s admission of UAPs and/or alien lifeforms, Congressional hearing with David Grusch [Air Force intelligence officer], David Fravor [Navy pilot] and Ryan Graves [Navy pilot], Jacques Vallee [famous astronomer, computer scientist who believes aliens may be angels: “when God exited, the angels beamed in”], Cymone’s Homeland Security briefs [w/Space Force, regarding disclosure from the Vatican]) as a means to getting us ready to receive the supernatural w/open arms? (e.g., military dropping propaganda leaflets to influence/prepare the people to be favorable to them when they arrive). 3.2. A large number of Jews will become true Christians.The nation of Israel will receive the recovered gospel and convert to true Christianity rejecting the counterfeit Jesus and his false FAG.Support for this view:3.2.1. The Jews will never receive or recognize as Messiah anyone who rejects their Law as necessary to salvation. 3.2.2. Paul seems to predict a future mass conversion of Israel (Rom 11:25-27; Also Hos 3:4-5) 3.2.2. John seems to predict that the time of Israel’s conversion will be right after the great Jesus fake out – or just before true Jesus’ return (Rev 20:9) “camp of the saints and the beloved city” = Very possibly a reference to the nation of Israel’s conversion to Christianity [G&M gospel/law-loving gospel/Judaism 2.0.] in defiance of Satan-Jesus and his “lawless” FAG. If so, then God’s justice will prove to truly be poetic (since according to Premillennial doctrine and expectations, Israel will not oppose – but submit to Pre-mill Jesus). 4. What are the practical implications and application of what we just learned? 4.1. Deep conviction in relation to Marriage Covenant Gospel and the ability to prove it from the Scriptures will be the only thing that will keep you from being duped by Satan-Jesus and falling away when things get crazy (Mat 24:13,35-44 22; 2Th 2:11-15). 4.2. There is no time to waste when it comes to not only doing what it takes to produce the aforementioned conviction and knowledge but also faithfulness to God’s law, church and gospel (Mat 24:42-25:46). [1] Subjects not part of the mainstream; topics or understanding that are unconventional and/or uncomfortable to modern culture and thinking.[2] “The belief that the seventh millennium will correspond to the Messianic Age is founded upon a universalized application of the concept of Shabbat—the 7th day of the week—the sanctified 'day of rest'. This tradition maintains that each day of the week corresponds to one thousand years of creation: Just as the six days of the work week culminate in the sanctified seventh day of Shabbat, so too will the six millennia of creation culminate in the sanctified seventh millennium (Hebrew years 6000–7000) — the Messianic Age.” – Wikipedia (Year 6000)[3] “the beginning of the birth pangs” = Adverse weather and wars (vv6-7) are not the definitive signs that the end is near but “merely” the pre-requisites or precursors to what will be.

What does it mean to be a human being? Why are we here or what is our purpose? What is truth and where do I find it? Why do we suffer? Where is everything heading? In sharing the gospel, these are the questions that also need to be answered. We need a “big picture gospel”, one that not only provides the answers to life’s larger ontological questions but shows their connection to God’s redemptive plan[1].  1. God created men and women in His image as eternal[2], free-will spirits[3] with a moral conscience[4] and a two-fold purpose: 1) to have relationship with Him and others (and) 2) to promote and protect moral physics (truth, beauty and justice[5]) in relation to Him and the rest of Creation. It is this two-fold purpose that establishes the two greatest commandments in the Bible (love the Lord your God and love your neighbor) (Mat 22:37-40). It should therefore come as no surprise that moral physics – most specifically the practice of justice (or equity), is what makes us peacemakers (Mat 5:9 “peacemakers” = Equity promoters and protectors – Mat 7:12 “for this is the Law and the Prophets” [Mat 22:40 “on these two commandments depend the whole Law and Prophets”]; IOW: Equity [or justice] is the foundation of moral physics, the Bible and our creation mandate. Hence Psa 89:14 “justice is the foundation of your throne”).  2. God created everything that exists according to His moral physics (truth, beauty and justice) which is defined by the Bible (God’s written words). Anything therefore not agreement w/the Bible is not truth, beauty or justice. 3. Our rebellion (sin) against our two-fold purpose is the biggest reason we suffer and die.It is b/c we fail to have relationship w/God or others and/or violate truth, beauty and justice in our image-bearer relationships w/God and the rest of Creation. 4. This Creation was never meant to be the final version but rather the test to determine who is worthy to enter the New Creation where there will be no suffering, sin, death or disappointment but rather perfect and perennial truth, beauty and justice.This then is the other reason we suffer; this life is a test.  5. If we are to make it to the New Creation (i.e., be saved), we must exist with God in a marriage covenant - which could also be called a “new creation covenant” since this is not only its goal (to enter the New Creation), but the same goal given in the first human marriage (new creation). 6. Like our human marriages, the covenant relationship we exist in with God operates according to the principles of gain and maintain: we gain the relationship w/God by grace through vows of faith (expressed in baptism) and we must maintain it through faithful submission to the rest of His covenant laws (His moral physics: truth, beauty and justice) as our Head or Husband. 1) (Exo 24:7-8 w/Lev 18:5 [Eze 20:11]; 1Pe 1:1-2 w/3:21 w/Gal 3:26-27 [“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”; IOW: faith = baptism]; Mat 28:19-20). 2) (Mat 19:16-19 [v21, “if you wish to be complete”]; Luk 10:25-28; Rom 3:28 w/Jam 2:21-24 [v22, “faith was completed”]; Phi 2:12-13; Phi 3:16 [“let us keep on living by that standard to which we have attained” = Let us maintain what we gained] followed by a warning vv17-19; Deu 29:18-20 w/Heb 10:26-30; Jer 3:3-8; Isa 50:1). 3) Faithful not perfect (Deu 28:1); We can be faithful (Deu 30:11-14).4) God is our head/husband (Isa 54:5).5) We must obey the latest version of God’s Law and its application – i.e., the one associated w//His current salvific covenant. In our case, the New Covenant. In every case, this Law is comprised of two-parts: clean laws (the signs associated w/that covenant’s justification/right standing w/God: 1] Adamic and Noahic = Animal sacrifice, 2] Abrahamic = Animal sacrifice and circumcision, 3] Old = Animal sacrifice, circumcision, separation and sabbaths [in the NT these are referred to as “the works of the law”], 4] New = baptism and the LT) and moral commands (the rest of God’s commands according to the current covenant’s prescribed application – e.g., 1Co 5:1-5 versus Lev 20:11).  7. Jesus, the fully God - Son of God is not only the specific Person of the Godhead[6] with whom we must gain and maintain a marriage covenant if we want to be a part of the new Creation (i.e., He is the divine Husband), but also the One lovingly sent to earth by the Father so that through His death and resurrection, sin could be sufficiently cleansed from His covenant people and the way of salvation finally opened to all those nations who formerly rejected Him. 1) (Joh 1:1 “Word” [Grk., logos] = Jewish philosopher Philo id’d Melchizedek as “the logos of God” before the time of Jesus w/Joh 8:56 [Gen 14:17-20 w/Heb 7:1-28 and Heb 11:10 “city whose builder was God” = Jewish tradition says that Mel was the builder of Jerusalem – i.e., Jesus built Jerusalem; Jud 1:5; Heb 9:15-16 w/Exo 24:1-8; Eph 5:22-23).2) (Joh 3:16; Eph 2:4-5; Rom 3:25 w/Heb 10:1-18; Rom 4:25; 1Co 15:1-4).3) (Mat 1:21; Luk 2:32 [Act 13:47]; Act 17:26-31; Luk 10:1w/17 = Seventy sent out to take control back from the demons as a sign of Jesus’ coming deliverance of the seventy gentile nations given over to Satan and the demons [Gen 10:1-11:9 w/Psa 106:35-37 w/1Jo 5:19]. Hence v18; Eph 2:12). 8. Because God is reasonable and just (or equitable), He will give to people as their eternal home what they freely chose based on their deeds in this life which means hell – or a place of nothing but fire - for those who rejected their two-fold purpose since this is all that is left after God takes His truth, beauty and justice with Him into the New Creation. 1) (Deu 7:9-10; 1Sa 26:23; Mat 16:27; Rom 2:6-10; 1Pe 1:17; Hence Rev 20:11-15). 2) (2Pe 3:10-13) = The removal of the righteous and all that is righteous from this Creation will start a blaze that will never be put out or escaped by those left behind.[7]  CLOSING CHALLENGE = Do your best to give people the big picture (gospel). [1] Without the big picture, we run the risk of people hearing our gospel as the answer to the larger ontological questions. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that our world is becoming increasingly post-Christian. IOW: more and more people are operating without a biblical worldview. As such what the typical 3 point gospel of: 1) God is holy, 2) you are not (your are sinful and suck), 3) God sent Jesus to save you from His holy wrath (b/c you sin and suck) is interpreted as God created humans unlike Him (as image-offenders not image-bearers) whose purpose for existence is escaping His wrath through self-deprecation at the feet of His Son. [2] Eternal = Cannot cease to exist.[3] Free-will spirits = Spiritual beings characterized by unrestrained choice. [4] Moral conscience = Ethical right and wrong are lens and limits (locus) of one’s operation in the world (we do b/c we deem it right). [5] Truth = Agreement w/reality; Beauty = Agreement w/symmetry; Justice = Agreement w/equity.[6] The one true and only God of heaven and earth eternally exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Hence the reason all three are named in our baptism of allegiance (Mat 28:19 w/1Pe 3:21).[7] Hell or the lake of fire is also described as a place of utter darkness (Rev 21:8 and Mat 25:41 w/Mat 8:12, 22:13, 25:30 and 2Pe 2:12, 17 and Jud 13). Is it possible this is all that remains when the elements of Creation are removed? A field of dark energy or burning plasma similar to that found in space? Is it possible that the expansion of the universe caused by this dark energy (which scientists believe came after initial creation of the universe) is a result of sin and the countless demons and dead spirits which are expanding its realm (Eph 6:12 “forces of this darkness”)? “An exotic possibility is that [dark energy] springs from the physics of extra dimensions.”(Ron Cowen, "A Dark Force in the Universe," Science News).

What does it mean to be a human being? Why are we here or what is our purpose? What is truth and where do I find it? Why do we suffer? Where is everything heading? In sharing the gospel, these are the questions that also need to be answered. We need a “big picture gospel”, one that not only provides the answers to life’s larger ontological questions but shows their connection to God’s redemptive plan[1].  1. God created men and women in His image as eternal[2], free-will spirits[3] with a moral conscience[4] and a two-fold purpose: 1) to have relationship with Him and others. 1) (Gen 1:27 “image”) = Not only does this word infer humans are eternal, free-will spirits w/a moral conscience like God but also relationship w/God and other image-bearers given this is the primary reason things are created to be like one another: to make them compatible in relationship. 2) (Gen 1:28 “be fruitful and multiply” = Create others w/Gen 2:18-20 “there was not a suitable helper found for him”) = Because of the massive dissimilarity between humans and animals, animals cannot be used to create other humans and remove loneliness (deficiency of deep relationships w/others like you -i.e., humans). 2) to promote and protect moral physics (truth, beauty and justice[5]) in relation to Him and the rest of Creation. 1) (Gen 1:31 w/2:15-17 “cultivate”) = Promote or develop and expand…the borders of Eden according to its moral design (“Eden” = Paradise – a place filled w/truth, beauty and justice); “keep” = Protect and care for… Eden according to its moral design.2) God’s moral physics (t/b/j) were to be promoted and protected in relation to both Him and His Creation – which included the woman or other image-bearers since the garden of Eden was her (or humanity’s) original residence as well. 3) It is this two-fold purpose that establishes not only the two greatest commandments (love the Lord your God and love your neighbor) but the entirety of God’s Law and Word (Mat 22:37-40). 2. God created everything that exists according to His moral physics (truth, beauty and justice) which is always in agreement with His law, as established by His written words in the Bible. 1) (Gen 1:31 [Heb., tobe]) = Full of truth, beauty and justice (excellence).2) (Gen 2:7 w/19) “formed” [Heb., yasar] = To form as art (beauty); “breathed” = Filled w/His moral essence (t/b/j). This same idea is communicated when speaking about the Bible (2Ti 3:16). 3) Consider also (Psa 119:142, 15, 160 w/Joh 17:17 “your Word is truth”; Psa 119:96 “I have seen a limit to perfection [beauty]; Your commandment is exceedingly broad” [the most beautiful] w/ also Ecc 3:11 “everything [in God’s Word] is appropriate [beautiful] in its time [perfect for understanding God’s purpose and plan]”; Psa 19:7-9 = God’s Word establishes justice).   3. Our rebellion (sin) against our two-fold purpose is the biggest reason we suffer and die.1) IOW: it is b/c we fail to have relationship w/God or others and/or violate truth, beauty and justice in our image-bearer relationships and/or w/the rest of Creation.2) (Gen 2:17 w/3:16-19; Rom 6:23; 1 Jo 3:4)3) Consider also (Rom 8:19-21) = The rest of Creation suffers b/c of the sin of humanity in failing to promote and protect her according to t/b/j. As a result, we suffer also. Hence the reason the Creation waits w/eagerness for the revealing (or arrival) of those who will be her good moral stewards (i.e., “the sons [children] of God”).  4. This Creation was never meant to be the final version but rather the test to determine who is worthy to enter the New Creation[6] where there will be no suffering, sin, death or disappointment but rather perfect and perennial truth, beauty and justice. (Mat 10:37-38 [Contra Mat 22:8]; Luk 20:35; Rev 3:4-5; Jam 1:12 [Hence Jam 1:1-3]; Rev 21:1-8) 5. If we are to make it to the New Creation (i.e., be saved), we must exist with God in a marriage covenant - which could also be called a “new creation covenant” since this is not only its goal (to enter the New Creation), but the same goal given in the first human marriage (new creation - Gen 1:28 w/Gen 2:18). 1) What you discover when you read the Bible is that God uses covenants to save people. And those covenants are marriage covenants (e.g., Jer 31:31-32). Hence the reason the Bible begins with a marriage and ends with a marriage (Gen 2 and Rev 19) and a great portion of the language of Scripture is marital in nature (e.g., Rev 21:2). 2) In addition, the first marriage (Gen 2:23), possesses the same Hebrew structure as the Bundesformel [“I will be their God and they will be My people”], the vow of allegiance God makes when He enters into covenant w/people for the purpose of salvation (Lev 26:12; Jer 31:33; 2Co 6:16). 3) We likewise take vows of allegiance in our marriage to God (Exo 24:7-8 and 1Pe 1:1-2 and 1Pe 3:21 “appeal to God for a good conscience” = Pledge/vow of our allegiance to God).4) As an additional connection between marriage and new creation, consider what we become when we get saved/enter into marriage w/God (a new creation – 2Co 5:17).  To be continued… [1] Without the big picture, we run the risk of people hearing our gospel as the answer to the larger ontological questions. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that our world is becoming increasingly post-Christian. IOW: more and more people are operating without a biblical worldview. As such what the typical 3 point gospel of: 1) God is holy, 2) you are not (you are sinful and suck), 3) God sent Jesus to save you from His holy wrath (b/c you sin and suck) is interpreted as God created humans unlike Him (as image-offenders not image-bearers) whose purpose for existence is escaping His wrath through self-deprecation at the feet of His Son. [2] Eternal = Cannot cease to exist.[3] Free-will spirits = Spiritual beings characterized by unrestrained choice. [4] Moral conscience = Ethical right and wrong are the lens and limits (locus) of one’s operation in the world (we do b/c we deem it right). [5] Truth = Agreement w/reality; Beauty = Agreement w/symmetry; Justice = Agreement w/equity.[6] This then is the other reason we suffer: this life is the test.

Scholars agree that the subject of Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 is corporate worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday). What many also agree on is the interchangeability of the terms “psalms”, “hymns” and “spiritual songs.”[1] IOW: these terms do not refer to different types of songs but rather function as “overlapping near synonyms”[2] meant to emphasize the imperative of congregational singing.[3] With that in mind, here (then) is God’s prescription for our congregational singing:1. The focus must be on God and His work not us or ours. 1.1. (Eph 5:19, “singing…to the Lord”; Col 3:16 “singing… to God”) 1.2. Too many songs in MCW (modern Christian worship) are guilty of placing the focus on us (what we are feeling, doing or going to do for God) w/very little – to no communication in respect to God (Who He is and what He has done or is doing). IOW: they are heavy on us and light on God.[4] 1.3. Compare: 1) (Psa 8, 46) = Words focused on God: Who He is and what He has done.[5] 2) Crown Him With Many Crowns (“the Lamb upon the throne…Awake my soul and sing of Him Who died for Me; And hail Him as they matchless King thru all eternity…Crown Him the Lord of heaven; One with the Father known…His glories now we sing; Who died and rose on high; Who died eternal life to bring; And lives that death may die.”) = The focus is on God (Jesus): Who He is and what He has done (not us or what we are going to do).to [Last week’s top 20 worship songs, CCLI]: 1) I Speak Jesus (“I just wanna speak the name of Jesus, Over every heart and every mind, Cause I know there is peace within Your Presence, I speak Jesus, I just wanna speak Jesus”) = The focus of this song is what we are going to do – not Jesus or His work. 2) How Great Is Our God (“sing with me, how great is our God and then the world will see how great is our God…name above all names worthy of all praise, my heart will sing…”) = Besides being entirely about what we are doing or singing (we are the primary acting agent), the song makes no mention of Who God is or what He has done or is doing, nor speaks any of words directly to God. Consider also [the 7 top cliches in MCW]: 1) I want you, 2) I need you, 3) I lift you up, 4) I lay it down, 5) I’m in awe, 6) I’m alive in you, 7) I am living for you. = All focused on us as the primary acting agent.1.4. PNTM: We are here to sing to God – or about God not ourselves (i.e., bows not vows is how we give praise to God).[6]2. The words (and music) must communicate God as our King not our girlfriend.2.1. (Eph 5:19) “Lord” = A term used to confer majesty to those in positions of authority. Our songs must therefore communicate this majesty. IOW: the songs we sing must sound like an expression of majesty to a king versus a solicitation for intimacy with our girlfriend. 2.2. Example: All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name (“All hail the power of Jesus’ name let angels prostrate fall, to Him ascribe all majesty and crown Him Lord of all, to Him all majesty ascribe and crown Him Lord of all!”).2.3. Compare: The Secret Place by Phil Wickham (“Where are you going to run my soul…How you gonna keep this flame alive…In the fading light when night is breaking, I know you will always be waiting, You’ll always be there, I running to the secret place. Where you are…you stole my heart, stole my heart. Better is a moment I spend with you…I’m running, I’m running to the secret place.”). to The Secret Place by RC Sproul (“He who dwells within His most secret place, Is never far from His blessed grace…The secret place of God Most High, The shadow of our Mighty King, The dwelling place where angels cry, Is where our praise will forever ring.”).2.4. Examples from other MCW songs: 1) “Capture my heart again, your love is extravagant, your friendship, intimate.” (Your Love Is Extravagant by Casting Crowns), 2) “As I feel your touch, you bring a freedom to all that is within.” (Pour Out My Heart by Craig Musseau), 3) “A sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside my chest.” (How He Loves – John Mark McMillan), 4) “Lay back against you and breath, hear your heartbeat, this love is so deep, it’s more than I can stand” (The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe), 5) “We’re going all the way, and the wonder of it all is that I’m living just to fall more in love with you.” (Deeper ’99  by Delirious) 2.5. It is not just a song’s lyrics that can make us be guilty of treating God like our girlfriend. It can also be the music. Does the music [melody etc.,] make you feel like God is your king or your lover? Does it sound more like the Michigan Wolverine’s fight song, Hail To The Victors! or Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On?2.6. PNTM: what we sing and how it sounds must be majestic. If it doesn’t feel majestic, then we probably shouldn’t be singing it. “Care must always be taken that the song be neither light nor frivolous, but that it have weight and majesty.” – John Calvin “There is a great difference between music which one makes to entertain men at table and in their houses, and the [songs] which are sung in the Church in the presence of God and his angels.”- St. Augustine3. Songs must also communicate rich wisdom and theology that will aid in the congregation’s spiritual formation and fortitude. 3.1. (Col 3:16) “Let the word of Christ [or early manuscript version: the Lord] richly dwell within you [in] all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” = Because of its large biblical content, our congregational singing should represent the first sermon of our church service. Our worship in song should feel like “the meal before the main course.”3.2. With the exception of the Getty’s (and a few other modern hymn writers), the wisdom and theology found in most MCW is extremely lacking or completely non-existent. "Too often today the church serves up affective sentiments without much care for the discipline of the Word." - R. Kent Hughes“One of the saddest features of contemporary worship is that [it is filled with] trite jingles that have more in common with contemporary advertising ditties than with [God’s inspired music], the Psalms. The problem here is not so much the style of the music, though trite words fit best with trite tunes and harmonies. Rather the problem is with the content of the songs…Today’s songs reflect our shallow or nonexistent theology and do almost nothing to elevate one’s thoughts about God.” – James Montgomery Boice“Many American evangelicals continue to exhibit a considerable gap between the materials they sing and the theology they preach. They confess to believe in a transcendent God who is above all creation, yet they sing few [songs] which properly reveal God’s excellences. Some congregations expect “strong meat” in biblical preaching but seem to be satisfied with “milk” or even lollipops in song.” – Donald Hustad3.4. MCW Examples: Oceans by Hillsong (“You call me out upon the waters; The great unknown where feet may fail; And there I find You in the mystery; In oceans deep my faith will stand, I will call upon Your Name; And keep my eyes above the waves; When oceans rise; My soul will rest in Your embrace; For I am Yours and You are mine; Your grace abounds in deepest waters; Your sovereign hand will be my guide;
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me; You’ve never failed and You won’t start now; Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders; Let me walk upon the waters; Wherever You would call me;
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander;
And my faith will be made stronger;
In the presence of my Saviour; I will call upon Your Name; Keep my eyes above the waves; My soul will rest in Your embrace; I am Yours and You are mine.”) = This song could be talking to any (so-called) God given there is nothing specific or any theology which exclusively ties it to the God of the Bible. It is completely void of any biblical wisdom or theology. 3.5. We need to be concerned about more than simply making sure the lyrics are orthodox, they need to also be rich in wisdom and theology (“Poor songs [also] lead us to idolatry. Not just inferior worship – idolatry. It’s that important.” – Chris Anderson). [7]3.6. In contrast, most hymns - including modern hymns (e.g., Getty’s) are packed full of wisdom and theology that aids the saints in their spiritual formation and fortitude. 3.7. Example: Crown Him With Many Crowns (“The Lamb upon the throne; Hark How the heav'nly anthems drowns; All music but its own! Awake, my soul And sing; Of Him Who died for thee; And hail Him as thy matchless King; Thru all eternity [Rev 5 and 7]…Crown Him the Lord of heav'n; One with the Father known; One with the Spirit thru him giv'n; From yonder glorious throne; To Thee be endless praise; For thou has died for me; Be Thou, O Lord, thru endless days; Adored and magnified [Heb 1; Rev 15 and 22]; …His glories now we sing; Who died and rose on high; Who died eternal life to bring; And lives that death may die.” [Rom 4 and 5; Rev 5, 12 and 13]).[8]3.8. PTNM: Worship (in song) is not testimony it’s teaching (“rhythmic theology” – Anderson). The question then to ask when deciding whether a song should be sung by the congregation: What is it teaching? Is it (this “first” sermon) doctrinal sound or sinfully idolatrous? Additionally, how much wisdom or theology is being communicated through its verses and chorus? Is it an aid to the congregation’s spiritual formation and fortitude?[9]4. The words and music must be beautiful but without a feminine vibe. 4.1. Similar to the above point, much of MCW makes God seem more like a metrosexual than the mighty warrior portrayed in Scripture (e.g., most if not all music/songs by Chris Tomlin especially when it is sung by Chris Tomlin).4.2. Among the many reasons God only identifies Himself in masculine terms in the Scripture is most certainly this: to make clear that His tastes are not feminine. The words we sing and the music we use must therefore never be anything less than fully masculine. No feminine vibes allowed! 4.3. That being said, our God also cares deeply about beauty – especially in His house and what takes place there (Exo 28:2, 40; Psa 27:4, 50:2, 96:6). 4.4. What this means is that: 1) beauty is not a feminine invention - nor something that only women should care about. It is instead at the heart of masculinity (rightly understood), 2) the masculine music we sing must also be beautiful (e.g., masculine music that is not majestic/beautiful = Country worship music [words may promote aspects of masculinity but the music is not beautiful – it is instead as the saying goes, “like clean underwear covered in a sh*tty suit”]). 4.4. “The Christian Life should not only produce truth– but also beauty” – Francis Schaeffer4.5. Beauty is achieved when our music/songs are “skillful” (i.e., complexity performed w/excellence; Psa 33:3), “glorious” (i.e., filled w/rich wisdom and right theology; Psa 66:2) – and (again) majestic (def., beauty expressed in dignity, power, perfection and stateliness). PNTM: We must protect the masculinity of God and the beauty He loves (and is!) in the songs we sing since anything less can also make us guilty of idolatry.   CLOSING COMMITMENT: 1) song-writing group to start writing hymns, 2) a hearty diet of singing only hymns for the next 8 weeks (to inspire our song-writing group and strengthen our souls) 3) a removal of all music from our congregational singing that do not meet the criteria discussed today. [1] See for example, F.F. Bruce, The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians; Douglas J Moo, The Letters to Colossians and Philemon; Andrew Lincol, Ephesians; Frank Thielman, Ephesians; See also David F Detwiler, “Church Music and Colossians 3:16”[2] Scott Aniol (Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs: Assessing the Debate”). That the terms psalms, hymns and spiritual songs should be viewed as referring to the same thing (as overlapping near synonyms) is supported by their interchangeable use in Scripture. For example: 1) all three terms are used in the LXX as titles for the Psalms, 2) The NT writers use the term “psalm” (Grk., psalmois) to refer to “hymns” ([Grk., hymnois]1Co 14:26; cf. 1Co 14:15) and spiritual songs ([Grk., odais] Jam 5:13). “Since [these three Greek terms] are each used as translations of psalm titles in the LXX and are employed interchangeably in the NT, the weight of evidence seems to suggest that Paul did not intend the terms to designate clearly identifiable genre of corporate song.” – Aniol (ibid) [3] That Paul expects the church to be characterized by singing that involves the entire congregation (versus a select few – or one) is established by the “one another” phrase found in both verses. Additional PNTM: 1) the people leading us in worship are not the only ones ministering to others thru singing (we are all “speaking [ministering] to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs”), 2) singing is not optional (how we accomplish the command to “let the word of Christ [or the Lord] dwell richly in [us]” is by “singing”), 3) refusing to sing or singing w/an unthankful heart is sin which not only qualifies as a threat to our eternal future (Heb 10:26-30), but may also place us under God’s immediate and special wrath (Heb 13:28-29 w/13:15), 4) the songs we sing together must be something that is easy for us to sing (hymns are “songs for unmusical people to sing together” – Erik Routley) .[4] “In many cases, congregations have unwittingly begun to sing about themselves and how they are feeling rather than about God and His glory.” – Chris Anderson (Theology That Sticks)[5] Keep in mind that not all of the Psalms were meant to be sung by the congregation. Only 55 of the 150 are directed to the choirmaster. Most of the psalms were meant for special music or special occasions (e.g., songs of ascent).[6] Music must be tethered to God – His attributes, His names, His works, His purposes, and His glory. This is vital, perhaps more than anything else.” – Anderson (ibid)[7] "Careful attention to the selection of hymns and praise songs is important. People learn from everything that happens in a worship service, not just the sermon. Indeed, there are probably many Christians who imbibe more of their theology, for good or ill, from what they sing than from what they hear taught.” – Carl Trueman (“The Trinity and Prayer”)[8] “The old hymns expressed the theology of the church in profound and perceptive ways and with winsome, memorable language. They lifted the worshiper’s thoughts to God and gave him striking words by which to remember God’s attributes.” – James Montgomery Boice[9] “Congregational song is part of the teaching ministry of the church. Church musicians and pastors should ask themselves: if our people learned their theology from our songs what would they know in twenty years about God, the cross, the resurrection, the offices of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, creation, justification, election, regeneration, the church, the sacraments, and all the other fundamental doctrines of the faith?” – Anderson (ibid)

Stranger things = Those fringe[1] subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. Why we are discussing these kinds of subjects = So that we are viewing of our world in the same way Jesus and those living in the ancient near east (the bible’s authors) viewed their world since this is not only the real world but also vital to proper biblical interpretation (or the avoidance of projecting on the text/reading into the text our modern ideas and assumptions [eisegesis] – e.g., Gen 2:18-20).  “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is …not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible…The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) Divine council (def.,): a heavenly assembly of beings who have been deputized by God to function as His vice-regents on earth governing and judging the nations on His behalf. 1. Biblical evidence of their existence (Psa 82:1-8)(1) “God (Heb., elohim [singular – see underlined] = Divine being/God) takes His stand taking His stand(participle -singular) in His own the divine (Heb., be el = the divine [See ESV], e.g., el shaddai = God of the mountain, Gen 35:11) congregation (or council); He judges in the midst of the rulers (or gods) (Heb., elohim [plural – see verse 2], “you” [plural] = Divine beings/Gods/gods). See also verse 6, “I said, ‘you are gods’” (again, elohim).  2. Who are the plural elohim that make up this divine council? After considering the possible options, there is only one that meets all the biblical tests: the anointed priests and levites (judges) of the covenant community.[2]   3. What are the practical implications and application associated with the God’s divine council being the priests and levites in Christ’s churches (the New Covenant community)?3.1. Deacons/officers are a part of the DC by proxy (i.e., they are deputized not anointed, e.g., Korah the levite - Num 16:3 “we are all holy” [anointed]) (Deu 21:5 [priests are judges] w/2Sa 15:1-4 and 2Ch 26:21 [kings are judges] = Deu 17:8-9) = The king and priests are the anointed judges in the CC (high court judges or divines[3]). Levites and the heads of households help the king and priests in judging. They are the low court judges (2Ch 19:8). They have been deputized to represent the high court judges – i.e., the divine council or council possessing divines or those w/divine authority/anointing (Deu 16:18 “judge the people…tribes…in all your towns”; “judging ones [participle; the wise heads of household in each tribe[4]] and officers” [Levites] versus 17:8-9 “if any… cases of dispute” are “too difficult…then you shall arise and go to…the Levitical priests and judge” [priests and king/the anointed/divines]; NC = Pastors and deacons, Isa 66:21 [priests and deacons selected as heads of their households] w/1Ch 17:6 “the judges of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd My people”). 3.2. Jesus confirms that the NC possesses a DC just like the OC which means there is supernatural authority, power, protection and guidance in our church that Jesus Himself backs up or supports – which is what makes it a divine council issuing divine judgments: 1) (Mat 18:15-16) = [Deu 16:18, 17:6], 2) (Mat 18:17a) = [Deu 17:8], 3) (Mat 18:17b-20) = [Deu 17:9-12].3.3. The way God perfectly cares for and leads His people to heaven is through the fallible and fallen leadership of His DC which means: 1) though fallible and fallen, God’s DC can judge/rule with justice (or equity) and righteousness (e.g., 2Sa 8:15). 2) unless it can be disproven to the congregation, our default position as a congregation should be to view the decisions and judgments made by our DC as coming directly from God (Pro 16:10; 2Co 1:21 w/4:6-7; Consider also 1Ti 3:1-16 = The P+D are what make the church the pillar and buttress [fortress] of truth; Mat 10:40 and 18:19-20; Act 15:22).  3.4. Anyone who thinks the church possesses no DC (i.e., no human judges w/divine authority): 1) is ignorant of the Scriptures and God’s power (in the church) (Mat 22:29).2) has not considered the implications of such thinking w/respect to not only the preservation of justice and righteousness in the church but protection from demons and demonic influence (e.g., how many of us wb okay w/getting rid of the American judicial system which appoints secular men as judges w/final authority in relation to laws and issues of justice? If we deem them necessary to procuring the aforementioned things in this country, why would the same not be necessary for the church? [1Co 6:3-4]. Do we not view the secular judges as possessing authority from God? [Rom 13:1] Then why not those leaders in the church?). 3) are more than likely rebels who despise such authority or judges since they are a threat to their wicked way of life (Pro 21:15).  3.5. The church’s DC will be under stricter judgment by God and so should be careful in their decisions and judgments to make sure they are always promoting justice and preserving equity (Deu 16:20; Jam 3:1; the result of such carefulness wb the ignorant/disobedient viewing many of their decisions/policies as petty or unrighteous – e.g., late = absent; Pro 28:5). 3.6. Understanding that the DC in the church is actually referred to as elohim, brings further clarity and certainty to why insubordination or insurrection amounts to apostasy from God (Deu 17:9-12 [Num 15:30-31; Deu 29:18-20] w/Mat 18:17b-20 [Mat 12:32]; Mat 10:14-15; Rom 13:2 w/5; the crayon-eaters dilemma = When you refuse or reject the counsel of the DC, you have pushed your case to God on J-Day – which allows for no recourse/redemption after judgment). 3.7. It makes sense that the DC of the church will be involved in the final judgment of those who were a part of their congregation given they will also be involved in the judgment of those angels who caused their office and congregation pain and distress (1Co 6:3 = Those angels who caused trouble to the CC over which that DC was responsible. The righteous angels will face no judgment; Heb 13:17; Hence why then even the archangel Michael chose never to speak against the DC – Jud 8-9; Consider the context of Jude: humans treading where no angel would dare to tread; 1Th 5:12-13 “live in peace w/one another” = CC w/their DC; Num 12:1 w/9-10). 3.8. The existence of a DC in the church means that though Jesus has left us for heaven, He has not left us as orphans (i.e., persons w/o a father – or one who through their vision and discernment, discipline and discipleship, provides them with the tools to prospering in this world and passing the eternal test). In the ANE, it was assumed that those w/o fathers were also those w/o the proper leadership in their lives to become wise or make wise decisions. Orphans – or those left as orphans, were as a result, often the idiots and criminals of society. How (then) Jesus (though again in heaven), keeps His church from becoming aimless idiots and crooks who ultimately damn their souls b/c of such folly or lack of wisdom = Through the special anointing of “another Helper…the spirit of truth…the Holy Spirit” on certain members of His DC (Joh 14:16-18a w/25-26). Why we cb confident that John 14 is a reference to the HS’ special anointing of the priests (in Jesus’ DC) and not the HS given to all at baptism: 1) bc the three things Jesus says about it are in perfect agreement w/what Jesus says at the initial special anointing: 1] He will personally deliver it after His death (18-20), 2] it will be associated w/Jesus’ special peace (26-27), 3] it will strengthen their belief (28-29). All three of these things are only found in (Joh 20:19-22). 2) the purpose of the John 14 HS is not the purpose of the Spirit given at baptism/@Pentecost. It can make someone a prophet (the gift of revelation – Act 2:15-18) but not a judge/part of the DC (the gift of remembrance in re: to truth - Joh 14:26; Consider also 1Co 15:29 “others judge” = The judges/DC [v28 w/Act 15:19 “my judgment” = James the anointed priest]. IOW: prophets are not judges. What about the prophet Samuel who “judged Israel”? [1Sa 7:15] Sam was also a priest – 1Sa 2:18 w/22:18 and 7:9 in contrast to 13:12]).    [1] Subjects not part of the mainstream; topics or understanding that are unconventional and/or uncomfortable to modern culture and thinking.[2] In the ANE, the spiritual realm and humanity were inextricably linked. To believe in the spiritual realm meant also believing that its supernatural power had also been given to certain humans who functioned as authorities within specific spiritual communities. Those communities were identified as religions (or the old term, cults) and the dispensers of this power, their priests (e.g., Psa 132:16). To assume then that no such power or authority existed – or still exists today, would have been for those in the Bible, the same as believing the spiritual realm itself was fantasy. The question should therefore never be, are their human beings functioning as God’s divine council today? But rather, who are they? [3] Old term for priests and theologians (e.g., Westminster Divines)[4] In ancient times, being the head of a household or tribe did not require you be the oldest in the family (e.g., David; hence Psa 119:100). It meant that those in the community (or household) viewed you as among the wisest and most righteous of their clan (Exo 18:21). 

Stranger things = Those fringe[1] subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds.  Why we are discussing these kinds of subjects = So that we are viewing of our world in the same way Jesus and those living in the ancient near east (the bible’s authors) viewed their world since this is not only the real world but also vital to proper biblical interpretation (or the avoidance of projecting on the text/reading into the text our modern ideas and assumptions [eisegesis] – e.g., Gen 2:18-20).  “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is …not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible…The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) Previously discussed: Dimensional portals (def.,): doors or gates and their accompanying bridges connecting the immaterial/spiritual/supernatural world to the material/physical/natural world allowing those with access, the ability to travel or send/receive things from one dimension (or realm) to the other (e.g., Rev 4:1 “door” = Portal; Consider also 2Co 12:2 – Like John, Paul most likely travelled through a dimensional portal). BIG TAKEAWAY: In Christ’s churches, we have access to a heavenly portal that allows us to give and receive from God those persons (e.g., receive angels for help – Heb 1:14) and things (e.g., give praise to God, receive forgiveness through the sacraments – 1Pe 3:21; Joh 13:5-15 [context is the LT – v26]) important to our saving relationship with Him.  Divine council (def.,): a heavenly assembly of beings who have been deputized by God to function as His vice-regents on earth governing and judging the nations on His behalf.[2]1. Biblical evidence of their existence (Psa 82:1-8)(1) “God (Heb., elohim [singular – see underlined] = Divine being/God) takes His stand taking His stand(participle -singular) in His own the divine (Heb., be el = the divine [See ESV], e.g., el shaddai = God of the mountain, Gen 35:11) congregation (or council); He judges in the midst of the rulers (or gods) (Heb., elohim [plural – see verse 2], “you” [plural] = Divine beings/Gods/gods). See also verse 6, “I said, ‘you are gods’” (again, elohim). [3]2. Who are the plural elohim that make up this divine council? Considering the options:2.1.  other members of the Trinity (Jesus and the Holy Spirit) (Heb 1:8; Act 5:3-5)Why this is not a viable option: God not only condemns the elohim (“rulers”) of verse 1b of judging unjustly and walking in darkness but also promises they will one day “die like men” because of such behavior (2-7). 2.2. other deities (or the gods of other religions) 1) (Exo 20:3; 1Ki 11:33) Why this is not a viable option: Other deities do not exist (Deu 4:35, 39; Isa 45:5-6)2.3. Dead people – particularly dead saints (1Sa 28:13) Why this is not a viable option:  1) Dead people play no role in governing or judging the affairs of those currently living (2-4). 2) Though communication with or by them is possible, God strictly prohibits such interaction as punishable by death (Lev 20:27). 2.4. Angelic beings  (the view of Michael Heiser)Specifically: Satan and the other fallen angels who are identified as “sons of God” before His throne (Job 1-2) and are responsible not only for the Fall but mating with humanity and promoting global rebellion against God leading to the Flood (Gen 6 w/1Enoch 6-11). God placed these demons over the Gentile nations as their divine council (or spiritual authorities) after their rebellion at Babel (Deu 32:8-9 w/17 = “Sons of Israel” sb “sons of God” referring to “demons”, who inherited the Table of “Nations” as God’s judgment against the Gentiles for the Tower of Babel event [Gen 10-11]). God’s rebuke and condemnation of this council in Psalm 82 is the result of their poor oversight. Though wicked they were still expected to rule righteously.Why this is not a viable option: 1) God never gives angels authority positions over humans – including archangels (Jud 8-9). Rather, it is humans who function as judges (rulers) over the angels (1Co 6:3). Angels exist to serve humans – specifically, those inheriting salvation (Heb 1:14). [4] 2) The idea that angels had sex with women infers not only that angels have the ability to procreate. Yet Jesus makes it clear that angels possess no such capability given they lack the proper context for such activity, marriage (Mat 22:30). To assume sexual activity were possible by angels is to therefore equally accuse God of sin – or providing moral creatures with natural desires and capabilities that possess no righteous application or solution. The fact that giants existed after the global flood (Gen 6:4) lends additional support. They are the mutated offspring of men – not angels[5].    3) Viewing the word “nations” in Deuteronomy 32 as a reference to the 70 nations of Genesis 10 is not only a false assumption – one leading directly to Heiser’s change of the phrase “sons of Israel” (MT) to “sons of God” (DSS), but a failure in reading comprehension.[6] The entire context and focus of the Deuteronomy 32 (Moses’ Song) is God’s inheritance for the people of Israel, a group made up of twelve nations (Gen 17:4-6 w/16) which means the phrase, “sons of Israel” found in the MT is correct. Regarding the reference to “demons” in (v17), Moses is simply recounting the idolatrous acts of the first generation (e.g., Exo 32:1-6; Lev 17:7; Act 7:43 [Amo 5:26-27]) since this is what prohibited them from receiving or realizing this land inheritance.  4) Jesus applies (6) to humans not angels (Joh 10:34 = Jesus’ defense only makes sense if the Jews understood Psalm 82 – including verse 6, as referring to humans). 2.5. the anointed priests/judges of the covenant community (Deu 17:8-9 w/Deu 21:5 = Priests/levites are the judges in the CC)1) the place where the elohim carry out their office as rulers/judges is on earth (not heaven), the same place as the priests/judges of the covenant community (1-4; hence why God will also judge them on the earth – v8 “Arise O God, judge [the unrighteous judges] on the earth for it is You [God] who possesses [owns] all the nations”).2) the judges (priests and levites) of the covenant community are also referred to as elohim (e.g., Exo 21:6 [See “God” Fn]; Exo 22:8-9).3) the word translated “earth” in (5,8 [eretz]) can also be translated as land - as in the land of Israel (i.e., the covenant community) (e.g., 2Ki 5:2 “land” [eretz]).4) the word translated “nations” in (8) can refer to the tribes of Israel (i.e., the covenant community) (e.g., again Gen 17:4-6).5) The predominant concern and scope of Scripture is justice in the covenant community and among its leaders – not the other leaders or nations. To therefore assign a context bigger than God’s people to Psalm 82 (as Heiser does – the 70 nations of the Gentiles from Gen 10-11), is to assume an interpretive position or approach contrary what is most common in the OT – including its largest literary portion, the Prophets (e.g., Jer 22:1-17; Eze 45:9; Amo 5:10-24)[7].6) Paul uses divine council language to speak of Old and New Covenant priests and levites: 1] (Eph 2:6) “seated us” = Paul’s audience according to 1:1-3, is the church (“Paul” along w/the “saints…and faithful…in Ephesus”) not the individual. At the very least then, the “us” of ch.2 refers to the covenant community – most specifically, her priests and levites (“faithful” = Or “faithful ones” – most likely a reference to her priests and levites – See Phi 1:1[8]). This is further supported by Paul’s connecting phrase “with Him in the heavenly places” – a direct allusion to (Psa 89:5-7) = The leaders of God’s assembly/covenant community are viewed as existing in heaven. IOW: this is the origin of their office and authority (Eph 3:10). 2] That Paul is indeed referring to spiritual leaders in the covenant community when using the phrase “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places”) versus spiritual beings such as angels or demons (again, Heiser’s view) is confirmed by the role of the church in explaining and proclaiming the “mystery” and “gospel” of God’s Messiah [Jesus] – most especially to the Jewish nation (Act 1:8; Rom 2:10) - including its spiritual leaders (Eph 3:1-10) = Assuming Heiser’s view, why would the gospel need to be preached to demons or angels – those with no hope of salvation? These verses therefore have to be referring to a human occupied divine council – most specifically those in the OC community. Why the OC divine council (priests and levites) and not those under the NC? Because of (Eph 3:11-15) = Paul’s preaching this gospel (as the ambassador of the “church”) to the aforementioned rulers and authorities has caused him “tribulations” that will bring the Ephesians “glory” (or “glory in the church”). It can’t therefore be New Covenant priests and levites Paul is referring to since not only would they not be guilty of persecuting him, but by such tribulation, bring glory to the church (such actions – if true, would bring shame to the church). How then will Paul’s preaching to OC divine coucil bring glory to the church (one that makes the tribulation/persecutions suffered bc of it worth it)? Through their conversion. They remain a part of “God’s family” (again, vv14-15) and therefore the field of final harvest for the church before Christ’s return (Rom 11:11-12). Consider (Rom 11:11-12). 3] What Paul says about these heavenly rulers or authorities in his letter to the Colossians confirms this is who Paul has in mind (the OC divine council/priests and levites) (Col 2:15-16) “When He (God) had disarmed (or defrocked and dismissed) the rulers and authorities” (through Jesus’ atoning death that removed our debt before God – v14), He made a public display of them having triumphed over them through Him” = IOW: Christ was able to make us righteous before God without the OC priesthood which in turn made them essentially  obsolete (Heb 7:12 w/8:13). Additional support: (v16) = B/C the priests of the OC community have been defrocked and dismissed, we are to no longer recognize them as our spiritual authorities (our divine council). 4] Lastly, consider how Paul uses this phrase (“rulers…in the heavenly places”) at the end of his Ephesian epistle. Close cross examination of this phrase with earlier portions of the letter and other Scripture also points to Old Covenant priesthood.  (Eph 6:11-12) “schemes of the devil” = Schemes accomplished thru the “deceitful scheming” and trickery of men (4:14) = More than likely a reference to the Jews since this was – once more, the main antagonist in Paul’s ministry – and the apostolic church[9]. Additional support (1Th 2:14-18) = Notice Paul views the Jews “hindering” his mission in the gospel as satanic [“Satan hindered us”]). Paul’s point (then) in verse 12 of Ephesians 6: “Our struggle is not (only) against flesh and blood but against the rulers…in the heavenly places” (i.e., the OC divine council) who – though they have been defrocked/dismissed from their former poisitons, are now being empowered by “the powers” related to “the world forces of this darkness…the spiritual forces of wickedness” (i.e., Satan). That Paul is in these verses referring specifically to the Jewish rulers and authorities (“in the heavenly places”) is also supported by the fact that the Greek term Ioudaioi (v14, “Jews”) was the common way to refer to the Jewish priesthood and its levites (e.g., Joh 2:13-18). 7) If the anointed leaders of the Old Covenant community possessed spiritual authority (i.e., represented God’s divine council), how much more this would be true for the New Covenant community given: 1] the biblical evidence of priests and levites (judges) existing under the New Covenant just as they did under the Old (Isa 66:21; Deu 17:8-9 w/Mat 18:15-20; Consider also 1Co 6:1-4 = The church will appoint her own judges who will not only be competent enough to make righteous decisions concerning “matters of this life” but also one day judge the angels. How is that possible unless they like their predecessors have been anointed and/or deputized as God earthly vice-regents?).2] the Body of Christ has also been given the indwelling Spirit to help her leaders - something not present under the OC.3] We possess the “perfect” or completed corpus of God’s revelation for securing justice in the covenant community (i.e., the completed canon of Scripture – 1Co 13:10). 8) In the ANE, the spiritual realm and humanity were inextricably linked. To believe in the spiritual realm meant also believing that its supernatural power had also been given to certain humans who functioned as authorities within specific spiritual communities. Those communities were identified as religions (or the old term, cults) and the dispensers of this power, their priests (e.g., Psa 132:16). To assume then that no such power or authority existed – or still exists today, would have been for those in the Bible, the same as believing the spiritual realm itself was fantasy. The question should therefore never be, are their human beings functioning as God’s divine council today? But rather, who are they?  CLOSING CHALLENGE/CONTEMPLATION: What are the practical implications and application associated with the divine council being God’s anointed leaders in the church (the New Covenant community)? List as many as you can and discuss with others. [1] Subjects not part of the mainstream; topics or understanding that are unconventional and/or uncomfortable to modern culture and thinking.[2] “All ancient Mediterranean cultures had some conception of a divine council.” – Michael Heiser (“So What Exactly Is an Elohim?”) [3] That the office of this assembly or council is indeed located in the heavens is supported not only by the fact that it is identified as “divine” – a word implying heavenly or spiritual origins, but also passages such as Eph 3:10 and 6:12.[4] Ancient Jewish tradition teaches that this was the reason for Satan’s initial rebellion. Though stronger and more knowledgeable, God placed humans above the angels in authority and made them their servants. It should be mentioned also that though Scripture speaks of Satan as the ruler of this world (1Jo 5:19; also 2Co 4:4 “god”/elohim), his office and authority are illegitimate – having no appointment by God. To assume God did give such appointments/authority to angels (including Satan) would mean as humans we are required to submit to them and all rebellion against them would be viewed as rebellion against God (Rom 13:1-2). [5] The purpose of Genesis 6:1-4 is to communicate the level of devastation produced by the global flood. At the time it took place, the earth was covered by human beings – including their mutated offspring, the giants (“the sons of God [human males] came into [procreated with] the daughters of men” [human females]; See 1Co 11:7). [6] Though I do believe that the intention of God’s language confusion – or the forfeiture of His divine language (Hebrew), was a means of judgment that would ultimately send Babel’s rebels further into the direction of spiritual darkness and false religion (i.e., worshipping and serving demons – Deu 4:19-20 “beware not to…be drawn away and worship them [the moon and the stars] those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven”), such conclusions are of no import to our understanding of Deuteronomy 32 whose concern are the nations of Israel not the world. [7] The Prophets (major and minor) contribute 250 chapters to the Old Testament’s total of 929 chapters – almost as many as the entire New Testament (260 chapters).[8] The Ephesian church is made up of Christians (or “saints”) including also “faithful ones” (priests and levites). See similar in Col 1:2. [9] This only changed after 70 A.D. and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Neronic persecution – influenced, aided and abetted by the Jewish priesthood, ultimately back-fired, turning Rome’s destructive forces against them and their religion. 

Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds.  “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is …not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible…The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) Previously discussed: Dimensional portals (def.,): doors or gates and their accompanying bridges connecting the immaterial/spiritual/supernatural world to the material/physical/natural world allowing those with access, the ability to travel or send/receive things from one dimension (or realm) to the other (e.g., Rev 4:1 “door” = Portal; Consider also 2Co 12:2 – Like John, Paul most likely travelled through a dimensional portal). BIG TAKEAWAY: In Christ’s churches, we have access to a heavenly portal that allows us to give and receive from God those persons (e.g., receive angels for help – Heb 1:14) and things (e.g., give praise to God, receive forgiveness through the sacraments – 1Pe 3:21; Joh 13:5-15 [context is the LT – v26]) important to our saving relationship with Him.  Divine council (def.,): a heavenly assembly of beings who have been deputized by God to function as His vice-regents on earth governing and judging the nations on His behalf.[1]1. Biblical evidence of their existence (Psa 82:1-8)(1) “God (Heb., elohim [singular – see underlined] = Divine being/God) takes His stand ([participle -singular], “taking His stand) in His own the divine (Heb., be el = the divine [See ESV], e.g., el shaddai = God of the mountain, Gen 35:11) congregation (or council); He judges in the midst of the rulers (Heb., elohim [plural – see verse 2], “you” [plural] = Divine beings/Gods/gods; See also verse 6, “I said, ‘you are gods’” [again, elohim]). [2] 2. Who are the plural elohim that make up this divine council? Considering the options:2.1.  other members of the Trinity (Jesus and the Holy Spirit) (Heb 1:8; Act 5:3-5)Why this is not a viable option: God not only condemns the elohim (“rulers”) of verse 1b of judging unjustly and walking in darkness but also promises they will one day “die like men” because of such behavior (2-7). 2.2. other deities (or the gods of other religions) 1) (Exo 20:3) “You shall have no other gods (elohim) before Me”, 2) (1Ki 11:33) “Ashtoreth the goddess (elohim) of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god (elohim) of Moab, and Milcom the god (elohim) of the sons of Ammon.”Why this is not a viable option: (Deu 4:35, 39; Isa 45:5-6)2.3. Dead people – particularly dead saints (1Sa 28:13) [in reference to Samuel the witch of En-dor says],“I see a god (elohim) coming up out of the earth.” Why this is not a viable option:  1) Dead people play no role in governing or judging the affairs of those currently living (2-4). 2) Though communication with or by them is possible (e.g., besides 1Sa 28:13, see also Isa 29:4), God strictly prohibits such interaction as punishable by death (Lev 20:27). 2.4. Angelic beings 1) (Psa 8:5) “gods” [elohim] translated as “angels” in (Heb 2:7); (6) “I said, ‘You are gods (elohim), and all of you sons of the Most High (a reference to God) = elohim are sons of God w/(Job 1:6) “sons of God” (elohim) which included “Satan” who exists as part of the angelic class known as Watchers/archangels [Dan 4][3] or cherubim [Isa 28]). In the case of Psalm 82, fallen watchers/cherubim -i.e., demons, hence the rebuke and condemnation of (2-7). This is the view of Dr. Michael Heiser.[4] Included in Heiser’s view, is the belief that the global flood was the result of Satan and his fallen watchers/cherubim having sexual relations w/human women (which produced the Nephilim or giants) and convincing humanity to (once more) rebel against God. Heiser’s view comes from an Enochian understanding of (Gen 6:1-4).“The divine transgression before the flood is retold in several Jewish texts from the intertestamental period. At least one has the divine offenders coming to earth to ‘fix’ the mess that was humankind—to provide direction and leadership through their knowledge. They were trying to help, but once they had assumed flesh, they failed to resist its urges. The more common version of events, one with a more sinister flavor, is found in 1 Enoch 6–11…The story begins very much like Genesis 6: “And when the sons of men had multiplied, in those days, beautiful and comely daughters were born to them. And the watchers, the sons of heaven, saw them and desired them. And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us choose for ourselves wives from the daughters of men, and let us beget for ourselves children’…The offspring of the Watchers (sons of God) in 1 Enoch were giants (1 Enoch 7)…But what does it all mean? Why is Genesis 6:1–4 in the Bible? What was its theological message? Yes, there were giants, renowned men, both before and after the flood (Gen 6:4). But those offspring and their knowledge were not of the true God—they were the result of rebellion against Yahweh by lesser divine beings. Genesis 6:1–4, portrays…a horrific transgression and, even worse, the catalyst that spread corruption throughout humankind. Genesis 6:5 is essentially a summary of the effect of the transgression. It gets little space—it’s a restrained account. The later Second Temple Jewish literature goes after it full bore. First Enoch 8 goes on to elaborate how certain watchers corrupted humankind by means of forbidden knowledge.” – Heiser (ibid) “They [the Watchers] became servants of Satan and led astray those who dwell upon the dry ground” (1 Enoch 54:6)… “These are the Watchers (Grigori), who turned aside from the Lord, 200 myriads, together with their prince Satan(ail)”(2 Enoch 18:3). 2) (Deu 32:8-9 w/17) “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, When He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the sons of Israel” (Masoretic Text) – versus “sons of God” (elohim) (Dead Sea Scrolls) = A reference to God giving over the 70 nations of Genesis 10 (the “table of nations”) to Enoch’s watchers (the “demons” of verse 17) due to the people’s rebellion at the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). It is therefore also these individuals that God is rebuking and condemning in (2-7). Though fallen, the demons were still expected to exercise righteous judgment.“Deuteronomy 32:8–9 describes how Yahweh’s dispersal of the nations at Babel resulted in his disinheriting those nations as his people. This is the Old Testament equivalent of Romans 1:18–25, a familiar passage wherein God ‘gave [humankind] over’ to their persistent rebellion. The statement in Deuteronomy 32:9 that ‘the LORD’s [i.e., Yahweh’s] portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage’ tips us off that a contrast in affection and ownership is intended. Yahweh in effect decided that the people of the world’s nations were no longer going to be in relationship to him. He would begin anew. He would enter into covenant relationship with a new people that did not yet exist: Israel. The implications of this decision and this passage are crucial to understanding much of what’s in the Old Testament. Most English Bibles do not read “according to the number of the sons of God” in Deuteronomy 32:8. Rather, they read ‘according to the number of the sons of Israel…’ The difference derives from disagreements between manuscripts of the Old Testament. ‘Sons of God’ is the correct reading, as is now known from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Frankly, you don’t need to know all the technical reasons for why the “sons of God” reading in Deuteronomy 32:8–9 is what the verse originally said. You just need to think a bit about the wrong reading, the “sons of Israel.” Deuteronomy 32:8–9 harks back to events at the Tower of Babel, an event that occurred before the call of Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel. This means that the nations of the earth were divided at Babel before Israel even existed as a people. It would make no sense for God to divide up the nations of the earth ‘according to the number of the sons of Israel’ if there was no Israel. This point is also brought home in another way, namely by the fact that Israel is not listed in the Table of Nations. So what happened to the other nations? What does it mean that they were apportioned as an inheritance according to the number of the sons of God? As odd as it sounds, the rest of the nations were placed under the authority of members of Yahweh’s divine council. The other nations were assigned to lesser elohim as a judgment from the Most High, Yahweh… God decreed, in the wake of Babel, that the other nations he had forsaken would have other gods besides himself to worship. It is as though God was saying, ‘If you don’t want to obey me, I’m not interested in being your god—I’ll match you up with some other god.’ Psalm 82, where we started our divine council discussion, echoes this decision. That psalm has Yahweh judging other elohim, sons of the Most High, for their corruption in administering the nations.” – Heiser (ibid)3) (6b) “sons of the Most High” (elyon).“Elyon is a completely transparent title for deity, both in Hebrew and Ugaritic. The word refers only to God in the Bible and Ugaritic religious texts. The point here is that the phrase ‘sons of Elyon’ in Canaanite (Ugaritic) material always refers to gods/divine beings.” – Heiser (“Divine Council 101: Lesson 2: The elohim of Psalm 82 – gods or men?”). Why this is not a viable option: 1) God never gives angels authority positions over humans – including archangels (Jud 8-9). Rather, it is humans who function as judges (rulers) over the angels (1Co 6:3). Angels exist to serve humans – specifically, those inheriting salvation (e.g., guardian angels) (Heb 1:14). [5] The idea that angels had sex with women (Enochian understanding of Gen 6) infers not only that angels have penises, but sperm – or the ability to procreate. Yet Jesus makes it clear that angels possess no such capability given they lack the proper context for such activity, marriage (Mat 22:30). To assume sexual activity were possible by angels is to therefore equally accuse God of sin – or providing moral creatures with natural desires and capabilities that possess no righteous application or solution. The fact that giants existed after the global flood (Gen 6:4) lends additional support. They are the mutated offspring of men – not angels[6].    2) Viewing the word “nations” in Deuteronomy 32 as a reference to the 70 nations of Genesis 10 and the Tower of Babel incident in Gen 11 is a false assumption[7]. The entire context and focus of the chapter (Moses’ Song) is instead about God’s allotment to the people of Israel, a group made up of twelve tribes or nations (Gen 17:4-6 w/16 = All references to nations in these verses are speaking about the twelve tribes of Israel; See also God’s words to Jacob in Gen 35:11) which means the phrase, “sons of Israel” found in the Masoretic text is correct. How then we should understand Deu 32:8-9:“When the Most High (God) gave the nations (the twelve nations of Israel) their inheritance (Israel btw is the only one ever spoken of in the OT as receiving an inheritance from God), when He separated the sons of man (the Jews), He set  the boundaries of the peoples (God pre-determined the borders of the land that wb given to each Jewish tribe when they entered the Promised Land) according to the number of the sons of Israel (twelve sons equaling twelve nations within the one nation of Israel).”Regarding the reference to “demons” in (v17), Moses is recounting the idolatrous acts of the first generation which eventually led them to being prohibited from entering into the Promised Land (e.g., Exo 32:1-6; Lev 17:7; Act 7:43 [Amo 5:26-27]).  3) Jesus applies (6) to humans not angels (Joh 10:34 = Jesus’ defense only makes sense if the Jews understood Psalm 82 – including verse 6, as referring to humans). Furthermore, though the term “sons of God” can be used for angels and other spiritual beings, the term “sons of the Most High” is only used in relation to humans (Christians) (Luk 6:35).   CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Who are the members of God’s divine council?    [1] “All ancient Mediterranean cultures had some conception of a divine council.” – Michael Heiser (“So What Exactly Is an Elohim?”) [2] That the office of this assembly or council is indeed located in the heavens is supported not only by the fact that it is identified as “divine” – a word implying heavenly or spiritual origins, but also passages such as Eph 3:10 and 6:12.[3] “The term ‘Watchers,’ meaning ‘wakeful ones’ (Aramaic ןיריע), glossed as ‘sons of Heaven’ in 1 En. 6:2, refers to a class of angels, mentioned in the Bible only in Dan. 4:10, 14, 20. – Angela Kim Harkins (The Watchers in Jewish and Christian Traditions)[4] “The term elohim more broadly does not refer to ‘deity attributes.’ Rather, it points to a plane of existence. An elohim is simply a being whose proper habitation [or origin of office and authority] is the spirit world…An elohim is a divine being, in that an elohim is an inhabitant of [or office-bearer in] the spiritual place of reality.” - Heiser (ibid) [5] Ancient Jewish tradition teaches that this was the reason for Satan’s initial rebellion. Though stronger and more knowledgeable, God placed humans above the angels in authority and made them their servants. It should be mentioned also that though Scripture speaks of Satan as the ruler of this world (1Jo 5:19; also 2co 4:4 “god”/elohim), his office and authority are illegitimate – having no appointment by God. To assume God did give such appointments/authority to angels (including Satan) would mean as humans we are required to submit to them and all rebellion against them would be viewed as rebellion against God (Rom 13:1-2). [6] The purpose of Genesis 6:1-4 is to communicate the level of devastation produced by the global flood. At the time it took place, the earth was covered by human beings – including their mutated offspring, the giants (“the sons of God [human males] came into [procreated with] the daughters of men”[human females]; See 1Co 11:7). [7] Though I do believe that the intention of God’s language confusion – or the forfeiture of His divine language (Hebrew), was a means of judgment that would ultimately send Babel’s rebels further into the direction of spiritual darkness and false religion (i.e., worshipping and serving demons – Deu 4:19-20 “beware not to…be drawn away and worship them [the moon and the stars] those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven”), such conclusions are of no import to our understanding of Deuteronomy 32 whose concern are the nations of Israel not the world.

Resurrection (def.,): The supernatural phenomenon whereby the present state of those who have died is replaced by once more being alive in a physical/material body yet unable to die again. 1. Easter is also known as “Resurrection Sunday” since it marks the day Jesus Christ became the first person to experience resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is also the reason God’s people corporately worship God on Sunday rather than Saturday (Rom 6:9; 1 Co 15:20; Act 20:7 = Every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday).  2. Jesus’ resurrection (to Paradise): 1) proved that He is the Divine Son of God (Rom 1:4 w/Joh 10:18), 2) means His sacrificial death was sufficient to propitiate - or satisfy God’s requirements for cleansing the sins of His people and make them truly righteous before God the Father. As such, the temporary injunction of animal sacrifices (“pass-over atonement”) was forever canceled (Rom 3:23-25, 4:25 w/Heb 10:10-17; also Mat 1:21).    3. No one since Jesus has experienced resurrection since: 1) the son of the Shunammite woman, the widows’ sons, Lazarus, Dorcas, and Eutychus experienced resuscitations not resurrections given they died again (1Ki 7:17-23; 2 Ki 4:18-37; Luk 7:12-15; Joh 11:39-44; Act 9:36-41, 20:9-10), 2) all those who have died in the past currently exist like God without physical/material bodies ([Due 4:15-18 w/Joh 4:24 w/Luk 24:39] w/1Co 15:20-23; 1Th 4:16-17; 2Co 5:8). 4. Every person who has ever lived will experience a resurrection at the return of Jesus to earth (Joh 5:28-29; Act 24:15 [Dan 12:2; Psa 11:7]). 5. Before Jesus’ resurrection, those who died went either to Abraham’s bosom (the temporary resting place of righteous disembodied spirits) or Hades (the temporary torturing place of wicked disembodied spirits) and neither could cross over to the other (Luk 16:19-26).  6. After Jesus’ resurrection, those in Abraham’s bosom were allowed into heaven (their sins having been propitiated versus simply passed over) to fellowship w/the Trinity, the angels and the righteous disembodied spirits of those who die after Jesus’ resurrection (Heb 9:15-16 w/Eph 4:8-10; 2Co 5:8; Luk 23:43).  7. Experiencing the resurrection of the wicked will: 1) be the fate of most human beings because they chose to love wickedness rather than put faith in and be faithful to Jesus during their earthly life (Mat 7:18-23; Luk 13:23-24; 2Th 2:1:5-9, 2:10-12, 2) be followed by God’s condemning judgment and then being tortured in a lake of fire everyday forever (Psa 11:4-6; Rev 20:11-15; 2Th 2:10-12; again Joh 5:28-29 and Dan 12:2). 8. Experiencing the resurrection of the righteous will: 1) be followed by God’s approving judgment then an eternal life of never sinning, suffering or being bored, as they will be forever equipped with superhuman bodies and forever occupied with discovering, developing and enjoying King Jesus’ perfect new - and infinite universe to His glory (Rev 21-22), 2) require not only pledging your allegiance to Jesus in this life through baptismal faith but then living in faithful obedience to those vows until you die or Jesus returns (1Pe 3:21; 1Jo 3:7-10; Luk 20:35 “those considered worthy to attain to the resurrection [of the righteous] w/Joh 5:29).  9. We should not be surprised that people mock our belief in a future resurrection, the resurrection was as unpopular (a belief) in the ANE as it is today (e.g., Act 17:18 w/31-32). To not believe in a resurrection – most especially, the resurrection of Jesus, will eternally condemn you (1Co 15:1-4 “the gospel which I preached to you” w/Gal 1:6-9 “a different gospel…anathema”).“Nobody in the pagan world of Jesus’ day and thereafter claimed that somebody had been truly dead and had then come to be truly, and bodily, alive once more.” - N.T. Wright (The Resurrection of the Son of God).10. The fact that there will be a future resurrection not only confirms that this is not the only life we will live, but that the point of this very temporal life is to determine what version of eternal life we deserve (1Co 15:32).   TODAY’S TAKEAWAY: GOD IS REAL. THIS LIFE IS THE TEST. GAIN THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE RIGHTEOUS. PHI 3:10-11“10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

1. David had all the potential to be a great king.2. David demonstrates his righteous and careful character through extreme trials.3. David saves his soul by submitting faithfully and quickly to God's discipline.Closing contemplations comparing Saul and David:1. God views men as mighty because of their obedience, not their physical stature.2. Response to discipline is a defining moment and test for people, possibly more than anything else.3. Having the future deck stacked in your favor is only an indicator of your potential, not your success.4. Complacency Kills5. God expects us to be faithful, not perfect.6. Growing distant from church members, pastors, or God, after discipline is not a good sign.7. God doesn't hold grudges.8. God demands our attention to detail even when under pressure.9. God expects you to honor your covenants and keep your word - even to your own harm.10. Your sin has consequences. God expects you to accept that and move on.11. It is important to be in your place when the fighting starts.Who will you model your life after? It's not enough to want to be like David, or to not want to be like Saul. Will your choices reveal you to be more like Saul or more like David?2. Those who refuse to submit to God's discipline end up being the worst enemies of God. Don't be surprised or worried.3. Moral decline doesn't happen overnight.

1. Saul had all the potential to be a great king.2. Saul's life falls apart because he refuses to change his character flaws.3. Saul is disciplined for his rebellion but shipwrecks his soul by refusing to submit to God's discipline.Closing Contemplations:1. Response to discipline is a defining moment and test for people, possibly more than anything else.2. Those who refuse to submit to God's discipline end up being the worst enemies of God. Don't be surprised or worried.3. Moral decline doesn't happen overnight.4. God views men as mighty because of their obedience, not their physical stature.5. Having the future deck stacked in your favor is only an indicator of your potential, not your success.

Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds.  “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is …not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible….The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) Dimensional portals (def.,): doors or gates and their accompanying bridges connecting the immaterial/spiritual/supernatural world to the material/physical/natural world allowing those with access, the ability to travel or send/receive things from one dimension (or realm) to the other (e.g., Rev 4:1 “door” = Portal; Consider also 2Co 12:2 – Like John, Paul most likely travelled through a dimensional portal).1. Summary of what we learned in our previous two discussions:1.1. In the Bible, access to the divine (a heavenly portal/gate which in most cases, is also identified as the house of God) is associated w/mountains (including hills and high places). Hence the name, “El Shaddai” (Literally, “God of the Mountain”): 1) Mt. Eden (Eze 28:13-14 “Every precious stone was your covering” = This statement along w/what follows could be a reference to a temple like structure that existed as God’s house on the mountain – Precious stones were a part of Solomon’s Temple – 1Ch 29:2) 2) Mt. Ephraim (Gen 28:10-22 “a ladder was set on earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it…‘This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate [portal] of heaven [Bethel].’” w/Jug 4:5 “Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim”)3) Mt. Sinai/tabernacle (Exo 24:1-18 w/the tabernacle being constructed at the base of the mountain – Exo 40)4) Mt. Zion/Jerusalem Temple (Psa 84:1-3, 9), 5) Jesus as the eschatological Mt. Zion/Temple (house of God) (Mat 16:18 “rock” [mountain] w/Dan 2:35 [7:13] w/Isa 2:1-3; Joh 1:14 “dwelt” = Literally, “tabernacled”; Joh 2:19-21 w/Rev 21:22; Mat 16:19 “keys [to the portal/gate] of the kingdom of heaven”). Hence why also (Gen 11:1-9 “Babel” – later, “Babylon” or “Gate of Heaven”).  1.2. In the Bible, bodies of water (seas, lakes and rivers) are associated with death, the wicked and demons (Psa Psa 9:17 “the wicked…Sheol”; Luk 8:31 “demons…the abyss”, 16:23 “[wicked] in Hades”; Mat 8:31-32 “[the demons possessing the swine] rushed…into the sea” w/12:43 “[exorcised demon] passes through waterless places seeking rest [a water-filled place]”) (In re: to both Psa 18:1-17). *For further study see L. Michael Morales (Who Shall Ascend The Mountain of the Lord?) 2. Conclusions (Inferences/Hypotheses) that can be drawn from what we have learned:2.1. The above two truths, are why God’s salvation often involves (or is depicted as) deliverance from the watery depths and ascent to the mountain heights (bc we are moving from death to life/new life): 1) Noah and family: were delivered from the global flood to Mt. Ararat (Gen 7:6-7 w/17w/21-8:4) 2) Moses and Israel were delivered thru the Red Sea to Mt. Sinai (Exo 14:29-30 and 19:1-2) 3) David (in re: to Saul’s deadly manhunt) was delivered from “the torrents (rushing water) of ungodliness (or demonic assault, 1Sa 16:14)…the cords of Sheol…the snares of death…the many waters” to a place “on high” to the mountain of God - or God who is the mountain (“rock”) (Psa 18:1-7 w/15-17)4) Us/Christians were delivered thru the waters of baptism symbolizing the place of our sin/death to new life on the mountain that is Christ (1Pe 3:20-21 w/Rom 8:3-4) Who experienced the same path in His mission to save us: baptism unto death (Luk 12:50) leading to resurrection and heavenly ascension from the top of a sacred mtn (Mt. Olivet). 2.2. Access to God – or His sacred mountain (for forgiveness, blessings, empowerment, guidance) has never been something available in any place, at any time or in any way (Exo 19:10-19 w/Psa 15 = Access to God/His mtn is limited and restrictive; Joh 12:25-26 = Access to El Shaddai Jesus is limited and restrictive; Again Mat 16:18-19 [Joh 20:21-23] = Forgiveness exists only in the church planted on El Shaddai Jesus and thru the hands of His anointed priests [Jam 5:14-16]). 2.3. Only God can open portals to heaven. The only portals we can open, are those to Hades (e.g., Gen 28:16 “surely God is in this place and I did not know it”) = Jacob plays no role in opening the portal, only in recognizing it. (Gen 11:4 w/6) = Their efforts in opening a heavenly portal was an exercise in futility, what however they could open in respect to evil had no limits [“nothing evil which they purpose to do will be impossible for them”]; 1Co 10:20 “sharers in demons” = Sacrifice to demons opens portals to [contact w/] demons).   2.4. Heavenly portals are necessary for salvation (Joh 3:3 “born again”) = Literally, born from above (Grk., anothen = Above, e.g., Joh 3:31 [“He who comes from above”]). Hence the reason the sacraments reside w/the church (i.e., the house of God/gate of heaven where these portals exist) (Mat 16:19). 2.5. The closer the portal the closer the help or hindrance (Dan 10:2-13) = It seems as though the angel was not able to simply appear at the place where Daniel was praying and fasting, but rather had to travel (from Jerusalem) through Persia to get to him (i.e., God was not willing to open a portal in Babylon). This implies that portals are not everywhere and the time it takes to receive supernatural help is determined by their proximity (See Num 1:51-2:2 w/Psa 34:7; Consider also Mar 5:25-30 = Jesus as the new house of God, was a walking portal). The proximity principle should also be assumed in relation to demonic activity (1Th 2:18 “Satan hindered us”). 2.6. The world is filled w/churches (sacred mountains) who, because their gospel is false and/or are compromising, have filled the world w/portals open to the demonic realm (Mat 16:18 “gates of Hades” w/Rev 18:2; Combined w/the previous point consider all the Evangelical churches that start in public schools – or false Christian schools [Roman Catholic, Evangelical] and what that means for those places – i.e., they are being overrun by demons. Could this be the reason for the uptick in violence, idolatry and immorality in our schools today?).  2.7. It should come as no surprise that false versions of Christianity share many similarities to true Christianity since this is how all effective false religions work. Consider the false religions of the ANE started by the 70 nations who are the descendants of Noah’s rebellious sons Ham and Japheth (Gen 10 Table of Nations). Because they share the same ancestors and experiences as the true followers of YHWH, what they produce as their god and religion share many of the same names, stories and beliefs (e.g., portals, sacred mtns and high places, the necessity of sacrifice, stories of Creation and the Flood, etc). The differences (in these false versions) exist in those areas where the truth is incompatible with their desires or agenda (e.g., a gospel req’g only faith to be saved). The PNTM: counterfeits versions of YHWHism are bound to look like what is legitimate because of their past history or prior connection to the truth. Yet in the end, what they are – no matter the level of similarities, is a religion worshipping demons (e.g., Evangelicals are worshipping demons they call YHWH or Jesus. How many demons have been afforded the name YHWH or Jesus?). 2.8. Our tithing (or lack thereof) affects whether or not the heavenly portal (and its benefits) are available to us (Gen 28:22) = The ancient religion passed down to Jacob by Isaac and Abraham taught him the necessity of tithing to maintaining access to God’s heavenly portal and receiving His blessings (Mal 3:8-10 “windows” [Heb., arrubbah] = Flood-gate).  2.9. The biblical relationship between the sea and the demonic (Rev 13:1), as the alternate, acceptable existence for demons (Mat 8:32), could be the reason for UFOs entering and exiting from our oceans. 2.10. False churches are our world’s greatest threat: they promise a portal to heaven yet open those leading to the Hades and the devil (Rev 18:2)  2.11. The safest place on earth: Christ’s church (Joh 1:51; Mat 7:24 w/Psa 18:1-3), 2.12. Is it by accident that Christ Covenant Church sits on a high place (a hill) in the Mile High City – or is it poetic providence?

Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist in the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds.  What to keep in mind when discussing subjects like this: (1Ti 1:3 “strange doctrines”) = Doctrine that does not agree with orthodoxy – e.g., Gen 6:1-4 according to 1Enoch (fallen angels mated with human women who gave birth to the giants who actions and dead, demonic spirits are the main reason for humanity’s corruption [tbd under Divine Council]).Why talking about these subjects are important: 1) we are living in stranger times (e.g., The US secret program that employed what is known as remote viewing [clairvoyance] from 1978-1995 [Project Stargate]; UFO/UAP and alien phenomena and their possible connection to world govts, the divine or demonic and other dimensions, our culture’s current obsession w/the supernatural [super-heroes, aliens, stargates/portals to other dimensions or multiverses [The Marvels, Avengers Infinity War and End Game, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Spiderman Across the Spiderverse, Zac Snyder’s Justice League, Stargate, Fringe, Resident Alien, Ancient Aliens, Stranger Things, etc.], quantum mechanics/physics and its belief in multiple dimensions).2) much of what the Scriptures have to say about these kinds of subjects were suppressed in the over correction of the Protestant Reformation [16th century] as the means to not only curtailing the myths of Roman Catholicism but also the hyper-supernaturalism that characterized much of the Middle Ages [400 – 1500 A.D.].3) the evidence for dimensional portals (or “stargates”) or divine councils are not only present in the Scriptures but also other ANE[1] literature (Sumerian, Babylonian, Akkadian, Egyptian and Assyrian [e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Book of Gates).  4) the Bible presents a material world that is very connected to, dependent on, impacted and affected by an immaterial world filled with supernatural beings and power. “Human events are inextricably intertwined with the events in heavenly places.” - Sinclair Ferguson (“Preaching From The Book Of Daniel”)5) to speak of the events of life without consideration of their connection or impact on the spiritual realm would have seemed strange to the biblical authors living in the ANE. If we are to understand our bibles and its message to us, we must then understand it from their perspective. “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is not Augustine or any other church father. It is not the Catholic church. It is not the rabbinic movements of late antiquity and the Middle Ages. It is not the Reformation and the Puritans. It is not evangelicalism in any of its many flavors. It is not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible. Every other context is alien to the biblical writers and, therefore, to the Bible….The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) Dimensional portals (def.,): doors or gates and their accompanying bridges connecting the immaterial/spiritual/supernatural world to the material/physical/natural world allowing those with access, the ability to travel or send things from one dimension (or realm) to the other (e.g., Rev 4:1 “door” = Portal; Consider also 2Co 12:2 – Like John, Paul most likely travelled through a dimensional portal). 1. The cosmology[2] established by the Bible seems to identify certain geographical locations as more likely to possess dimensional portals. The geographical locations most frequented by those living in the ANE for the purpose of connecting with the spiritual/immaterial/supernatural realm were the high places. Hence the reason communication w/God (or false gods), religious sacrifices and temples often existed on mountains (e.g., Mt. Sinai, Mt. Zion) or mountain-like structures (e.g., pyramids, ziggurats; the Tower of Babel)(See Tabernacle Prefigured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology In Genesis and Exodus, Who Shall Ascend The Mountain Of The Lord? by L. Michael Morales). 2. Those high places confirmed to be dimensional portals between heaven and earth are also referred to as the “house of God” (other by its other terms: “sanctuary”, “tabernacle” or “temple”). This is the point behind God resting on the seventh day [after the six days of Creation] - and the reason we are told to be gathering for worship on the Sabbath in God’s house. ANE thought teaches us that though God’s home is in heaven, the place He chooses to rest is in His house [think vacation home] on earth. In the beginning that was Mt. Eden, later it was Mt. Sinai.[3] Other houses of God and dimensional portals associated w/high places/mountains: 1) Jacob’s Bethel (Gen 28:10-19 [“Beth-el” = House of God; “gate of heaven” = Dimensional portal] w/Jug 4:5 [“hill country of Ephraim” = Mt. Ephraim; See also Gen 35:3, “let us go up to Bethel”]), 2) Israel’s tabernacle (Exo 29:44-45 w/1Chr 6:48 [“the tabernacle of the house of God”]; Exo 40:34 w/24:15-16 [“cloud…glory of the Lord” = God’s Presence transfers to the tabernacle identifying it as the new sacred mountain of God and gate to heaven] [4]), 3) Jerusalem’s temple/sanctuary (2Chr 6:6 w/Psa 78:68-69; Psa 48:1-3 w/9 w/13 [“Mount Zion…His holy mountain…Your temple…her palaces”] w/Psa 27:4 [“house of the Lord…His temple”]). Understanding the connection between high places and heavenly portals (the presence of God/the divine) helps us to better appreciate why: 1) important events or meetings are often referred to as “Summit Meetings” (e.g., G5 Summit; Gen 31:51-32:2 = The fact that Jacob and Laban are on a mountain when all these things happen [covenant/“pillar” of “witness” est’d, God invoked for judgment, sacrifice is made] and supernatural events are experienced [“angels of God” are on the mtn] is not by accident. Jacob and Laban no doubt saw this place as a potential portal [“This is God’s camp”]), 2) Jesus and His disciples found solace in the high places or mountain gardens (Mt. Olivet, Luk 21:37; its mountain garden:: the Garden of Gethsemane – consider also the angels who are there – Luk 22:39-43), 3) the gospel is connected to a high place/mountain (Isa 52:7 [Rom 10:15; Eph 6:15]) = Reference to the mountain tells us the messenger possesses a message from “on high” – i.e., it comes from God.  3. Jesus moves the house of God or dimensional portal between heaven and earth off the former sacred mountains and on to Himself and His churches. The physical location of Jesus’ churches wb be global and no longer require the need of a literal high place or sacred mountain (Joh 4:20-24 “worship in spirit and truth”) = Access to God (for forgiveness, blessings, empowerment, authority) would no longer be based on Jewish bloodline or its former sacred mountain (Zion/Jerusalem). God’s people would instead be born by the Spirit and building their lives on the truth/teachings of Jesus – God’s new sacred mountain – the eschatological Mt. Zion of the prophets. (Mat 16:13-18a) “I also say to you that you are Peter” = Jesus seems to be indicating that the reason He gave “Simon Barjona” (v17) this nickname (“Peter [Grk.-masc., petros] is a modified version of the actual term for rock [Grk., - fem., petra])[5] at the beginning of His ministry (Joh 1:42 “Cephas” [Aramaic for rock]) was for this divinely orchestrated moment, Simon (or Peter’s) powerful proclamation of Jesus’s identity (“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” – v16) a statement which also identifies Jesus as eschatological Mt. Zion of the nations, the foundation of God’s new house and fountain of His new laws (Isa 2:1-3 w/Dan 2:35) = The eschatological “mountain” of Isaiah and Daniel’s visions are the same. And according to Dan 7:13-14, the divine mountain is a Divine Person (Dan 7:1-18 is a repeat of Dan 2:31-45). Jesus alludes to Himself as the mountain and His church where His laws/truth will not only be taught but obeyed in (Mat 7:24 “rock” = An epithet for mountain often used when speaking of God – e.g., Psa 18:2, 31, 46[6]). Like before however, worship on this new mountain (and new house) would require a portal/access to heaven since it too would possess spiritual commodities to be received by heaven (the sacraments). Hence (Mat 16:19). The church is therefore the new Jacob’s ladder or heavenly highway, the sacred space on earth where an influx of celestial traffic and new spiritual commodities [e.g., the sacraments; judgments – Mat 18:18-20” I am there in your midst” = The heavenly portal is open and I am participating w/you in your judgments; See also 1Co 5:4 and Act 15:19-20 w/28-29][7] pass through on a regular basis (Mat 28:20b “I am with you always” [i.e. there on a regular basis] w/Joh 1:51; Heb 12:22-29; Hence Eph 1:23 “fills all in all” = Christ’s full presence resides in the church b/c of the heavenly portal that exists there).4. Like those worshipping false deities (demons), those churches given to moral compromise or false gospels, can become portals and/or open portals of Hades. Like those houses of God before it, Jesus’s promise in Mat 16:18b (“gates [or portals] of Hades will not overpower it [the church]”is conditioned upon the church’s practice of righteousness and justice – and embracing the true gospel.[8] (e.g., Rev 3:8 [notice the implied condition, they “kept His word and did not deny His name”] in contrast to Rev18:2 w/16:13-14 [“false prophet” = Israel’s priesthood] = B/C of her rejection of Jesus and His gospel, the OC church [Israel] not only became a false religion but a portal to Hades that filled Jerusalem w/demons]; Deu 32:15-17 [“Jeshrun” = Israel] w/Psa 106:37-38 and 1Co 10:16 w/19-20) = As in the case w/God, what can be safely assumed is that worship [sacrifice] to demons [knowingly or unknowingly] likewise opens portals allowing them passage into our dimension – or bodies. Hence the reason the global corruption of the church will eventually accomplish the permanent emancipation of Satan and the demons from Hades (Rev 20:7-8).  CLOSING COMTEMPLATION: What conclusions (inferences or hypotheses) can be drawn from what we have learned about the Bible’s cosmology and teaching on dimensional portals? [Make a list and discuss!] [1] ANE: Ancient Near East. The world of the bible’s authors and teachers (2,000 BC – 100 AD). [2] Cosmology refers to the way we understand the structure of the universe. According to ANE thought, the universe was comprised of three realms or dimensions: 1) heavenly for God and angels, 2) earthly for humans, 3) underworld (under the earth) for the dead, the devil and his angels. All three are depicted in the second of the Ten Commandments (Exo 20:4).[3] It is possible that like Moses on Mt. Sinai, so also Adam would summit Eden to meet w/God on the Sabbath. On the other days, God could be found walking in the garden at its base (e.g., Gen 3:8). [4] “The experience at Sinai as mountain of God will give way to another reality as this approach to God in worship is carried though the tabernacle as a portable mountain of God…Because the tabernacle is an architectural embodiment of the mountain of God, the transfer of God’s Presence from Sinai to the tabernacle yields other links and correspondences between them. Commentators, at least since Ramban in the Middle Ages, have noted the similarity between Mount Sinai and the tabernacle, first in relation to their tripartite divisions whereby the holy of holies (the priest’s sole access) corresponds to the summit, the holy place (accessed by the priesthood) corresponds to the second one partway up the mountain, and the outer court with the altar (accessed by the people) corresponds to the base of the mountain, also with an altar (Exo 19:1-25 w/24:1-2, 9-18)…After Adam’s and Eve’s expulsion from the garden of Eden, YHWH installed cherubim to guard the entrance – specifically to bar access to the tree of life (Gen 3:24). The only other place within the Pentateuch where one reads of the cherubim is in relation to the tabernacle (Exo 36:8, 35). Also, the tree of life in the garden…symbolizing God’s life-giving Presence, appears to find correspondence in the stylized tree the menorah – of the tabernacle.” – Morales (ibid)[5] The Roman Catholic church’s attempt to identify Simon as the same rock where Jesus will build His church reveals either their ignorance – or deliberate choice to ignore that these words are different and therefore referring to two different things. [6] “The word ‘rock’, sometimes a synonym for mountain, is also an epithet for YHWH.” – Morales (The Tabernacle Pre-Figured)[7] With respect to spiritual commodities consider the OT sacrifices or burnt offerings whose very name implies movement upward through God’s portal. “The supreme sacrifice, the burnt offering, or holocaust, is in Hebrew ‘ola, a going up.’” – Morales (ibid)[8] It is worth noting that where Jesus makes this promise (“the gates of Hades”) is also on a mountain, Mt. Hermon, a place known in the ANE as “the gates of the dead.”

Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist in the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds.   What to keep in mind when discussing subjects like this: (1Ti 1:3 “strange doctrines”) = Doctrine that does not agree with orthodoxy – e.g., Gen 6:1-4 according to 1Enoch (fallen angels mated with human women who gave birth to the giants who actions and dead, demonic spirits are the main reason for humanity’s corruption [tbd under Divine Council]). Why talking about these subjects are important: 1) we are living in stranger times (e.g., The US secret program that employed what is known as remote viewing [clairvoyance] from 1978-1995 [Project Stargate]; UFO/UAP and alien phenomena and their possible connection to world govts, the divine or demonic and other dimensions, our culture’s current obsession w/the supernatural [super-heroes, aliens, stargates/portals to other dimensions or multiverses [The Marvels, Avengers Infinity War and End Game, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Spiderman Across the Spiderverse, Zac Snyder’s Justice League, Stargate, Fringe, Resident Alien, Ancient Aliens, Stranger Things, etc.], quantum mechanics/physics and its belief in multiple dimensions).2) much of what the Scriptures have to say about these kinds of subjects were suppressed in the over correction of the Protestant Reformation [16th century] to not only curtail the myths of Roman Catholicism but hyper-supernaturalism that characterized much of the Middle Ages [400 – 1500 A.D.] and its theology.3) the evidence for dimensional portals (or “stargates”) or divine councils are not only present in the Scriptures but also other ANE[1] literature (Sumerian, Babylonian, Akkadian, Egyptian and Assyrian [e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Book of Gates).  4) the Bible presents a material world that is very connected to, dependent on, impacted and affected by an immaterial world filled with supernatural beings and power. “Human events are inextricably intertwined with the events in heavenly places.” - Sinclair Ferguson (“Preaching From The Book Of Daniel”)5) to speak of the events of life without consideration of their connection or impact on the spiritual realm would have seemed strange to the biblical authors living in the ANE. If we are to understand our bibles and its message to us, we must then understand it from their perspective. “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our context is not their context. The proper context for interpreting the Bible is not Augustine or any other church father. It is not the Catholic church. It is not the rabbinic movements of late antiquity and the Middle Ages. It is not the Reformation and the Puritans. It is not evangelicalism in any of its many flavors. It is not the modern world at all, or any period of its history. The proper context is the context of the biblical writers-the context that produced the Bible. Every other context is alien to the biblical writers and, therefore, to the Bible….The biblical context was produced by men who lived in the ancient near east (ANE). Seeing the Bible through the eyes of an ancient reader [therefore] requires shedding the filters of our [modern] traditions and presumptions. They processed life in supernatural terms.” – Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm)  Dimensional portals (def.,): doors or gates and their accompanying bridges connecting the immaterial/spiritual/supernatural world to the material/physical/natural world allowing those with access, the ability to travel or send things from one dimension (or realm) to the other (e.g., Rev 4:1 “door” = Portal; Consider also 2Co 12:2 – Like John, Paul most likely travelled through a dimensional portal).  1. The cosmology[2] established by the Bible seems to identify certain geographical locations as more likely to possess dimensional portals. 1.1. The earth’s oceans or large bodies of water are depicted as uncreated space, the place of darkness, chaos and evil – and therefore the place where those go who are now dead (uncreated physically, no longer attached to a physical body, spirits) those who have left the “light” of creation or “light of life” (life/creation being associated w/life - Gen 1:3-4; Job 33:30; Psa 56:13; Joh 1:4, 8:12). The sea was therefore thought of as a portal to the underworld (again Exo 20:4). Most common biblical terms used to identify the underworld: “Sheol or Abbadon”– Job 26:5-6[3]). Support: (Gen 1:1-2, “formless and void” = Uncreated; Gen 6:17 w/7:21-23 w/1Pe 3:20-21 [Like the blood of the sacrifice, water removes what should not exist in creation – i.e., sin, to the place of uncreation[4]]; See also 2Pe 3:5-6 [“formed out of water by water” = The water represents the instrument of creation rather than creation itself. Peter also associates it w/destruction – which coincides with the idea of uncreation since this is the end product of destruction]; Psa 18:4-6 w/16-19, 49:14 [Sheol is associated w/darkness in contrast to the upright who rule in the light/“morning.” It is also the place where our created “form” is uncreated or “consumed”]; Job 17:13]; Jon 2:2-3; Isa 57:20-21; Jam 1:6; Jud 1:13; Hence Rev 21:1)[5]. Given this understanding consider water’s connection to demons or demon possession (Mat 8:31-32 w/12:43 = Water shares much in common w/physical bodies making it a nice alternative. In this sense, pigs are also a reasonable option as a transport vessel back to the water – especially given their recent eviction from their human host – the ideal home for sentient life-forms/spirits)[6]. 1.2. In contrast, the earth’s land is depicted as created space and her gardens and high places or mountains (think Eden and the mountain of God in Eden) are depicted as sacred space, or the place where dimensional portals often exist. Hence the reason, ancient religions (those whose origins are closest to Creation and “religion zero”, or that originally instituted by God and practiced by Adam and Eve) are frequently associated with sacred gardens or high places, natural (mountains) or engineered (e.g., man-made ziggurats/pyramids of Mesopotamia and Egypt) (Exo 3:1; Deu 9:10; 1Ki 3:4; Psa 48:1-2, 68:15; Isa 2:3, 8:18, 14:13-5; 18:7, 51:3, 57:15; Jer 17:12; Eze 20:40, 28:13-14 [“Eden, the garden of God” in on the “holy mountain of God”]; Mic 1:5, 4:2; Heb 12:22; Rev 14:1, 21:10). With respect to the false religions existing in the ANE consider (Gen 4:12-14[7]; Gen 11:1-9[8]; Lev 26:30; Num 33:52; Deu 12:2; 1Ki 11:7, 12:31-32, 13:33; 2Ki 17:9-11, 29 Isa 65:3, 66:17). Mountains as sacred space also played a role in how those living in the ANE perceived the watery depths of the underworld. It existed at “the roots of the mountains” (Jon 2:5-6).“[In the Bible] sacred space was poetically conceived as a world-mountain surrounded by the primeval waters. At the cloud-covered summit of the mountain is the temple, the dwelling of God, and at the base are the chaos waters, underneath which lies Sheol, the place of the dead. Representing God’s life-giving Presence, the waters of life flow from the summit of the mountain. Movement away from life (creation) toward death (chaos); and, conversely, movement toward God is expressed as an ascent from death to life…Hence the movement from death to life, from exile to entry into God’s Presence, involves a pattern of deliverance through waters to the mountain of God. Noah and his household…will be delivered through the waters of deluge to the Ararat mount where he will offer sacrifices and receive divine blessing. Later, Israel will be delivered through the waters of the sea and brought to Sinai, entering into covenant with YHWH. The pattern of exile or expulsion entails the reverse movement: from the temple of God to the waters of destruction.” – L. Michael Morales (Who Shall Ascend)“God’s holy mountain, where His temple is located, is the center of the cosmos, or orderly creation. The farther away from the center of the cosmos one goes, the more one moves into the realm of chaos or non-creation. The spatial image is equally vertical and horizontal. Vertical, the heavens are the source of existence and creation; the underworld and abyss are the place of death and nonexistence. Horizontally, the land around the mountain of one’s god is known and understood and therefore thought of as most ‘created’; the sea which lay beyond the limits of the land was unsolid, non-formed – in other words, ‘uncreated’.” – B.F. Batto (“The Reed Sea: Requiescat in Pace”). [1] ANE: Ancient Near East. The world of the bible’s authors and teachers (2,000 BC – 100 AD). [2] Cosmology refers to the way we understand the structure of the universe. According to ANE thought, the universe was comprised of three realms or dimensions: 1) heavenly for God and angels, 2) earthly for humans, 3) underworld (under the earth) for the dead, the devil and his angels. All three are depicted in the second of the Ten Commandments (Exo 20:4).[3] When referring to the unrighteous dead, the NT uses the terms, “Hades” or the “abyss” or the “bottomless pit.” This underworld place is also associated w/Satan and the demons (e.g., Luk 16:23; Mat 11:23; Luk 8:31; Rev 9:1-11, 20:1-3).[4] With respect to the animal sacrifices of the Bible, the reason God prescribes them is so that sin – a corrupting element to the code of creation or life, can be properly dispensed of (or cleansed) through (or upon) something which (through its death) is leaving creation (i.e., being uncreated). What however man needs to truly experience freedom (from sin), is new creation. This then is what was accomplished and has been applied to us through Christ’s “uncreation” (death) and “recreation” (resurrection).[5] That the sea is more than simply a metaphor can be seen by its use in Revelation where it also provides clues to the Beast’s geographical origin (e.g., Rev 13:1).[6] The underworld is itself not filled with water. According to Zechariah, it is a “waterless pit” (Zec 9:11) implying that it is also a place of some level of discomfort or unrest (compare again to Mat 12:43 and also Luk 16:23 [Hades]). [7] The first deviation from “religion zero” is connected to the Bible’s first apostate, Cain. After being driven from the presence of God and Eden’s east door/gate (the established place of sacrifice after the Fall – Gen 3:24 w/11-16), Cain, no longer able to receive forgiveness (hence his response, v13, “my punishment is too great to bear!”), finds spiritual solace (and “new religion”) in his son (Enoch) and seeks a high place (or mountain) to build a city in dedication to his name (versus the name of God) (v17; archeology: Mesopotamian island hill-city of Eridu; in Sumerian, Nun-ki) . Hence the contrast mentioned in vv25-26. Archeology believes Cain’s city to also be the later site of the Tower of Babel/Babylon (which means, “Gate of God”) - the engineered (man-made) religious high place constructed on a now very flat (post Flood) area (Gen 11:1-4). [8] “The ziggurat builders wanted access to the divine through the gate [portal] of heaven.” – L. Michael Morales (Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?); “Such cultic towers were typical of the time in ancient Mesopotamia. Their purpose was to serve as a gateway between heaven and earth whereby the god could come down and even refresh himself on the way down to the earthly temple.” -G.K. Beale (“The Descent of the Eschatological Temple in the Form of the Spirit at Pentecost.”); “The Sin of the tower builders is their desire to storm the heavens and make a name for themselves, which symbolically means that they seek to invade the divine realm and become immortal like gods [to dethrone God and set themselves in His place].” – A. Gnuse (“An Overlooked Message: The Critique of Kings and Affirmation of Equality in the Primeval History.”). 

1. The problem is not ours, but theirs.2. We are in good company.3. Our primary mission is to be the aroma of Christ to the lost, not win the lost to Christ.4. Our primary audience and antagonist is and will be the false churches of the world.5. God uses the persecution of false churches to purge the apostate from Christ's true church.6. Persecution serves as one of the greatest and most reliable assurances that we are going to heaven.7. The evangelicals rejection of the true gospel may also be another sign that Jesus will be returning soon.

Common belief today: “We have the right to transfer our membership whenever we want, for whatever reason we want, as long as we believe the other church to be biblical.” Those who believe such things indicate they are not only completely ignorant – or rebellious to, what the Bible actually teaches on this subject, but also the church’s divine authority in such matters[1]. 1. We cannot transfer to another church without our current church’s allowance or approval. Why? Because our membership is attached to our baptism and our baptism is the property of the church currently possessing it -not us. 1.1. God only recognizes us as a member of a specific church when that church performs/possesses our baptism (Act 2:41 “added” [to the church as members] at the point of baptism). IOW: Membership = Baptism. 1.2. To transfer our membership to another church therefore requires the transfer of our baptism to that church.  1.3. Given that baptism is also the way we receive initial forgiveness or the washing away of our sins, it constitutes one of the keys of salvation given to the Christ’s churches – not the individual (Act 2:38, 22:16 w/Joh 20:21-23 w/Mat 16:18-19: Keys unlock gates – in this case, the gates to the kingdom of heaven [in contrast to v18 “gates of Hades”]. The key of baptism gives us access to the blessings of the Spirit and forgiveness [the blood of Christ]).[2] 1.4. Transferring to another church would therefore also require allowance/approval of the church (possessing your baptism) since: 1) they (not you) are the owners of that heavenly access key (baptism) (again, the keys are the property of the church not the individual) (Gen 28:11-18: Notice the gate to heaven is in God’s house, the pillar of truth; the NT church is that place today - 1Ti 3:15 “household of God…pillar…of the truth”), 2) it is impossible to have access granted by another church since only one legitimate baptism is allowed (Heb 6:1-6 “washings” which makes us “partakers of the Holy Spirit.” = Baptism; “impossible to renew them again to repentance since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God” = No second forgiveness or cleansing from sin – i.e., No second baptism; Hence, Eph 4:5)[3].  1.5. As additional support that our baptism is the property of the church and not us, consider also the church’s authority to permanently bind or remove forgiveness (i.e., declare apostasy) – which therefore means the rescinding of that person’s baptism (Mat 16:19 and Joh 20:21-23 w/Mat 18:17-20). Hardly could the church do that if baptism was the property of the individual (at least not without their consent)!    2. The church where our baptism resides, must be very careful when it comes to transferring a person’s baptism/membership to another church. Why? Because the church where our baptism currently resides – most specifically its shepherds (elders/pastors), have been assigned as our primary overseers for protection and the promotion of obedience to Christ’s commands (Mat 28:19 w/20; Act 20:28). 2.1. Allowing members of the church to leave without absolute confidence in the new church and its pastors, would therefore constitute a failure in these shepherds’ duty of care for which they will be severely judged (Act 20:26-27 w/Eze 33:7-9; Jam 3:1).  2.2. This will be especially true if the church where their membership is transferred possesses: 1) a false gospel (allowance to or approval of a church with a false gospel is the same as approving a false gospel which in turn brings judgment on their former church – or at least its pastor; Gal 1:6-9 w/2Jo 1:9-11) or 2) no relationship w/their current church by which to confirm the legitimacy of their gospel (that they are a true church) and competency of their shepherds (that they are a safe church) (Act 20:28-31 = Guard the flock from wolves. Would anyone consider someone to be a good shepherd guarding their flock from wolves if they allowed them to be cared for by strangers or someone they knew to be incompetent? This is akin to those Jesus refers to as “hired hands” or false shepherds – Joh 10:12-13; Consider this same question from the perspective of a parent)   3. Clear evidence it is not God’s will that the church allow or approve of the transfer of someone to another church: 3.1. They have outstanding discipline or grievances with their existing church (Mat 5:23-26). 3.2. The church they wish to be transferred to is false or not safe (point #2; Consider Paul’s perspective in regard to those pastors he knew to be false though they claimed to be comrades and had received the support of the people – 2Co 11:6 w/10-15 = Paul fought against giving approval or equal footing to flaky or false shepherds – regardless of what other people thought. Notice also, Paul has no problem using strong language in his assessment of such men). 3.3. Their current church does not know or have a relationship w/the transfer church so as to confirm them as true and safe (again, point #2). The idea that the church can trust the individual to make that decision is like saying we trust our children to make the big decisions in the home or the patient to determine the diagnosis or prescription for the doctors [who will still be responsible for the consequences of those decisions]). 3.4. They don’t want their current pastor over them and/or believe him to be unrighteous/unfit/using his office for evil/a false teacher - though they do not have the biblically required evidence to prove it (1Ti 5:19; Deu 17:12-13; Num 16:1-3 w/Num 15:30-31 w/Mat 12:32; Consider also 2Co 13:1-2).  3.5. They want to live somewhere too far from the existing church w/o confirmation of a church in that area (Jam 4:13-17). 3.6. There is nothing to be gained by them or the other church (this is the pattern est’d in the NT: those sent out will profit those other churches [e.g., Phoebe, Rom 16:1-2; Apollos, 1Co 16:12 w/Act 18:24; Timothy, 1Ti 1:3; Paul and Barnabas, Act 13:1-4]).   CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: What should the church follow, the will of God or the will of people (those wanting to transfer)? [1] Both now and going forward, what is to be assumed is that the church we are attempting to transfer from is a biblical church as well as the church where we were baptized or is currently possessing our baptism based on the allowance or approval of our baptizing church. [2] Hence the reason churches have always viewed the sacrament of baptism as the prerequisite to the other key of the kingdom, the LT (the sacrament where we receive continued cleansing by Christ’s blood – Joh 13:1-10), because baptism is the only way to gain access to this atoning reservoir (the blood of Christ resides in His church – Act 20:28; In this light Consider again Joh 13:10 = IOW: the original bath or washing of baptism by Jesus is what grants us access to the additional – and necessary washing provided thru the “supper” [v4]).[3] “The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered unto any person," - WCF, (ch.27)

Our Billboard campaign has begun! Below are the mission critical truths we need to know if we are to be successful in fulfilling our evangelistic ministry (2Ti 4:5): 1. Salvation requires you believe/practice the right gospel (i.e. the gospel of gain by faith in Jesus Christ and maintain by faithful obedience to all His commands versus the false gospel of faith alone). 1.1. (Rom 3:28 [gain] AND Jam 2:24 [maintain]; 1Jo 1:6, 2:3-4) = We need more than faith to get to heaven. We must be faithful, otherwise what was gained initially by faith wb lost and we wb counted as “liars” (to our covenant oaths) before God. GRAVEDIGGER: Can a Christian get to heaven whose life is characterized by disobedience? (No, Jam 2:14ff). Obedience is therefore another condition of salvation and the FAG is (therefore) false.1.2. Popular today is the idea that precision/correctness w/respect to the gospel doesn’t matter. What God cares about is strictly belief and practice. IOW: Even if our gospel is wrong/false, we are good as long we truly believe it and are committed to its practice. 1.3. What God’s Word teaches (Gal 1:6-9) = The context is gospel mechanics (what we must do to be saved) not historical facts (Who Jesus is and what He did). We need to get both right (historical facts: 1Co 15:1-4). 1.4. What about those who sincerely love God yet are ignorant to the right gospel? God leads those people out of their ignorance and into the truth (He sends messengers):1.4.1. The apostle Paul (1Ti 1:12-15 “Yet for this reason I found mercy”) = B/C Jesus saves the ignorant sinner who is sincerely seeking God (v12, “faithful” = Paul’s problem was intellectual not moral)1.4.2. Cornelius (Act 10:21-22 w/34-35)1.4.3. Apollos (Act 18:24-26)1.4.4 Woman at the well (Joh 4:20-24 [“must worship Him in spirit and truth” = You need to have the right gospel] w/28-29, 39-42).1.5. These are the kinds of Evangelicals we are looking for (those welcome to God/those whose problem is intellectual not moral/those “worthy” to receive the gospel). What to do w/those whose problem is moral (Mat 10:12-15) = Notice: those who are “worthy” are: 1) the only ones we give our time to, 2) the ones whose problem is not moral (v14, “does not receive you, nor heed your words” = Is not teachable to what you are saying; Mat 16:1-4). 1.6. POINTS NOT TO MISS: 1) There is no such thing as a saved person that believes and practices the wrong/false gospel. 2) God wants us to be seeking those who are seeking Him (those whose problems are intellectual – not moral). 2. Just because a person or church claims to believe/practice the right gospel doesn’t mean they do. 2.1. (Tit 1:16)2.2. Most every person or pastor who claims to be a Christian will initially “agree” that obedience is necessary to salvation yet when pressed further, it becomes only nice but not necessary (e.g., Andy and Kasey pastoral interviews). Further investigation is therefore necessary.2.3. Questions for assessment: 1) do they hold to the FAG? (if a church, check their website), 2) Can a Christian get to heaven whose life is characterized by disobedience (e.g., continues to live with their girlfriend) if that person continues to fully trust Christ for their righteousness and faithfully confess their sin to God? 3) In relation to a church, how often do they practice church discipline, enforce obedience or declare people apostate? (Mat 7:15-23: bad fruit = practicing lawlessness – or in the case of a church, allowing for the practice of lawlessness).2.4. Verifying a person or church as truly legitimate takes time. In the early church, you could not move from one church to another w/o pastoral collaboration for this very reason. Churches or people professing to be legit was not naively assumed to be true (or allowed to be true b/c people wanted to take a “vacation” from their current church [usually a sign of rebellion and thinking they will be more effective at flying under the radar elsewhere – (e.g., my conversation w/a Reformed Baptist pastor in LA; our response to the elder and people from the Evergreen church). 3. You cannot be a saved person (Christian) yet not baptized and a member of church believing/practicing the right gospel. 3.1.There is no such thing as a saved person who has not received remission/forgiveness of their sins (“Baptism is said to be ‘for the remission of sins’ and to ‘wash your sins away’. Unless one is prepared to say that one is saved without their sins being forgiven, then they must admit that baptism is a condition of salvation” – Robert Oliver, Clinton Church of Christ) (Act 2:38, 22:16; 1Pe 3:21). Consider Christ’s confirmation of baptism in the gain and maintain gospel presented by Jesus in (Mat 28:18-20).3.2. The “keys” of  the kingdom (baptism and the LT) have only been given to those churches built by Christ—churches possessing the right gospel (Mat 16:17-19 w/Joh 20:21-23 w/Act 20:28). 3.3. Hence the reason the early church was fond of saying, “there is no salvation outside of the church.”        4. It is possible for people/churches to have different doctrinal beliefs/practices yet still believe/practice the right gospel.  4.1. Though a church/person may possess different doctrinal beliefs or practices (doctrine or practice that may even create theological, ethical or logical contradictions), as long as those doctrines and practices do not negate their belief and practice of the right gospel, we are to view them as our brothers and sisters in Christ.4.2. Examples of different doctrine that does not immediately negate a person or church’s ability to believe and practice the right gospel: 1) Calvinism, 2) Creedal Baptism, 3) limited forms of Continuationism (those versions not negating Scripture as our final authority or the existence of a closed canon), 4) Dispensationalism, 5) Premillennialism.4.3 Examples of different doctrine that does immediately negate a person or church’s ability to believe and practice the right gospel: 1) Antinomianism (belief that any portion of God’s Law is no longer in force or must be observed), 2) Modalism (Oneness Pentecostalism), 3) any denial of Jesus’ full humanity or full deity, 3) Open Theism, 4) denial of Ecclesiastical Soteriology (sacerdotalism or the authority of the church in salvation), 5) denial of eternal and literal heaven and hell, 6) denial of baptism as necessary to salvation, 7) any rejection of God’s Word as our final authority, a closed canon or the embracing of progressive revelation (e.g., some Pentecostals/Charismatics and all Roman Catholics), 8) Neo-Orthodoxy.      4.4. POINTS NOT TO MISS: 1) There is big difference between saying that someone holds to different doctrine versus a different gospel. 2) Some doctrine/practice automatically negates a person’s belief or practice of the right gospel (e.g., Gal 5:1-4). 5. Just because a church believes/practices the right gospel doesn’t mean it is a safe church.5.1. True churches can still be dangerous churches. 5.2. The problems these churches (or their pastors) can still have: 1) Intellectual problems. The pastor is weak in the following areas: logic and critical thinking, Special Revelation -i.e., Scripture [1. hermeneutics or interpretation, 2. grammar or how language works, 3. worldview/framework theology, 4. biblical theology, 5. biblical jurisprudence/justice – inc. the proper practice of church discipline/excommunication and apostasy, cap crimes, 6. systematic theology -most esp., soteriology and theology proper, 7. church history and tradition, 8. ancient culture, 9. the ability to recognize biblical patterns of continuity and timeless principles], General Revelation [philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, business, finance and law]) (Hos 4:6). 2) Moral problems. The pastor is a hypocrite (preaching against the practice of sin yet practicing sin), lazy, cowardly (not enforcing obedience) or a people-pleaser (not willing to say the tough things).5.3. Examples of the kinds of spiritual dangers created by pastors w/intellectual or moral problems:  5.3.1. Practical antinomianism (pastor preaches obedience but does nothing to see that it is enforced).5.3.2. Legalism (Practice/Prohibition incorrectly supported/not supported by Scripture - e.g., Some Churches of Christ claim to hold to the right gospel yet b/c of their gross ignorance of the continuity that is communicated between the Old and New Covenants, they don’t allow for anything not explicitly mentioned in the NT - like musical instruments in worship [in the OT, God establishes musical instruments for worship in His OC house, why wouldn’t we expect the same for His NC house?]. For this same reason, they also reject infant baptism [1. NT teaches the church/Christians are the inheritors of the Abrahamic promises – 2Co 1:20; Gal 3:29, 2. one of God’s promises to Abe was special provision for babies born to covenant parents – Gen 17:7-13, 3. that promise now looks like baptism – Col 2:11-12]).5.3.3. Fail to create an environment promoting faithfulness/fail to understand what constitutes faithfulness (Def., of faithfulness = A life characterized by obedience that is driven by a constant lack of intellectual and moral satisfaction; 2Pe 1:5-11; 1Co 9:24 = Run to win not simply finish; 1Th 4:9-10 “But urge you…excel still more” w/3:12-13 = Perennial push to excel is the key to being established before God as “without blame”, the requirement for getting to heaven – 2Pe 3:10-14 w/3:17-18; Mat 18:7-9; Mat 28:20 “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded” = Constant learning and changing. We are driven to increase our knowledge so that our obedience may also increase; Heb 5:11-6:6 = Lack of maturity/excelling makes us more prone to apostasy). 5.3.4. Lack of wisdom. Examples: 1) inability to make the distinction between intellectual and moral problems. An improper diagnosis w/respect to either - or ignorance of the need to make such distinction, will lead to improper prescription [discipleship or discipline], abuse and people failing to possess the tools necessary to gain victory over their sin.  2) ignorance of the church’s authority and the power of her sacraments. Rejection of these two truths results in an impotent community overrun by sin. 5.3.5. The creation of unnecessary stress and suffering that makes faithfulness more difficult (e.g., church’s position on divorce: never any grounds or limited to a very wrong understanding of what constitutes adultery [i.e., sexual intercourse w/another person versus Mat 5:32 = porneia establishes mocheuo]).       5.3.6. Lack of justice or equity. Most churches’ jurisprudence is non-existent. The pagan courts of America have thought more and instituted, more of what the Bible teaches on this subject than the majority of churches on the planet. As a result, the justice practiced by most churches often protects the guilty and punishes the innocent.5.3.7. Lack of proper pastoral oversight (See Malcom Gladwell, Revisionist History podcast, In Triplicate (findings from the Triplicate Program during the Opioid Crisis = More oversight/policy/rules results in more people obeying the law and less people suffering as victims). Where would this congregation be if left to self-police? Would JUDCO even exist? What crimes and violations would go unpunished? How many more people wb taken advantage of? What curses wb upon our congregation for sins left unchecked in the Body? If a Christian whose life is characterized by disobedience cannot get to heaven , what is that church doing to prevent that from happening (Jam 5:20)?5.4. POINT NOT TO MISS: Not all saving churches are safe churches. The stupidity or sinfulness of its shepherds will affect your chances of getting to heaven (Mat 10:24-25a = Most Christians will not rise above the intelligence or morality of their shepherd; Mat 18:6).

Just as children bear the image of their family, God created us as image-bearers to be a part of His family. He also created human families with this goal in mind: we would teach our human families to join - and be supremely loyal to, God’s family -i.e., to embrace “the blood of the covenant [family as] stronger than the water of the womb”. The wonderful gift of family is therefore a deep and divinely constructed part of our DNA. It is what gives us identity and purpose. And it is central to God’s Creation and Christian mandate: we conquer for Christ and His kingdom only as a united family (Mat 28:18-20 w/Phi 1:27-30). Satan and sin have however taken this wonderful gift and perverted it: pitting human families against the family of God (e.g., Gen 11:1-9 = the Tower of Babel: the human families of Noah’s evil son Ham, stand against God and His family, Noah’s righteous son Shem and his descendants including Abraham [11:10-23] who was not only alive at the time of the Tower, but Jewish tradition records him as living at Noah’s house for 39 years and leaving to spread the truth about God after its destruction; Rev 20:7-9 = Satan will unite the human families of earth against the family of God, Rev 20:7-9).  What (then) we need to know (beyond this) so that we do not end in eternity w/ the wrong family:1. Jesus knew His ministry would cause division in human families b/c it would involve calling people back to loyalty to God’s family over their human families (Mat 10:34-37) “Me” = My family (Mat 10:40; Joh 13:34-35). (Luk 1:16-17) “turn the hearts of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God” = “turn the hearts back to the children” (or “restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers” – Mal 4:6). The patriarchs are the “fathers” (e.g., Abraham). In this way the Jews would be “a people prepared for the Lord” – i.e., worthy to receive salvation from Jesus/Messiah. What was the heart of “father” Abraham? He chose God (or God’s family) over his only (beloved = special, miracle, divine promised) son, Isaac, the child gaining honor for his human family (e.g., Luk 1:25; the reason some parents live vicariously thru certain children – they are the child that finally made them feel like a success/gave them the honor their former life had not afforded to them) (Gen 22:1-18: Notice the lack of hesitancy, level of commitment and trust demonstrated by Abraham’s actions in carrying out God’s instructions to kill his son. The lesson no doubt learned by Isaac from his father’s actions: 1) there sb no question as to which family possesses our supreme loyalty/love - Gen 22:1 “tested” w/16, 2) love/loyalty to God’s family should make our love/loyalty for human family look like hate – Luk 14:26). 2. When we become Christians we are (therefore) committing to leave behind all loyalties to our human families and cleave (or cling) to God and his family (Mat 19:27-29). This truth is reinforced by the fact that how we join God’s family is through a marriage [God/Jesus becomes our Husband] (Gen 2  3. God greatly rewards and holds in high regard those who do not hesitate to demonstrate their loyalty to His family over their human family (again Gen 22:16-18; Exo 32:25-29 w/Deu 33:8-9 = The Levites gained the high honor of leading God’s people bc of their loyalty to God’s family over their human families). 4. Jesus saw the church as God’s family and the priority during His time on earth (Mar 3:31-35). 5. Jesus’ human family thought He was crazy because of His loyalty to God’s family (Mar 3:20-21 [w/31-35]: Notice what loyalty looks like: our homes are constantly filled w/God’s family – Act 2:42, 46).  6. We are expected to separate from human family who refuse to listen to the true gospel (the gospel calling for the complete submission of their entire life to faithfully obeying Jesus as their forever Boss) or God will group us w/them in their damnation (2Co 6:14-17) v17, “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate” = A common OT theme w/ reference to both unrepentant/wicked outsiders and family members that – as a result of such unrepentant wickedness, have been placed under God’s damning ban/curse (outsiders – Isa 52:11, Jer 50:8, family - Deu 13:12-17; Rev 18:4). Paul’s use of this OT theme further reinforces his strong prohibition against relationship [“bound together”] or “fellowship” w/any persons (family or otherwise) who are unrepentant/wicked. Notice, Paul also makes his prohibition and its accompanying OT support, a condition of our covenant relationship w/God (vv16, 18). (2Jo 1:9-11) = Who more than our human family fits the description of those we would naturally welcome into our homes [i.e., give a greeting to]?). POINT NOT TO MISS: Being set apart as God’s holy people has always required separation from the unrepentant wicked. 7. Only those willing to endure the pain of separation from human family for the sake of Jesus will make it to heaven (again Mat 10:21-22 w/32-33 w/37; also Luk 14:25-35). 8. Jesus Himself suffered separation from human family b/c of His loyalty to God’s family (Luk 9:58-62) = The context is human family. When Jesus (therefore) speaks of having nowhere to lay His head, He is indicating He was separated from many of His human family and therefore possessed none of the expected places of rest afforded to weary travelers in ancient times (i.e., the homes of their family relatives).  9. Jesus’ first disciples suffered separation from human family b/c of their loyalty to God’s family (again, Mat 19:27-29) 10. Many among God’s family and greatest saints will be orphans (Mat 19:27; Psa 27:10). 11. Being a part of God’s family is performance-based and conditional – the very opposite of most human families and the reason many people choose the latter over the former (i.e., in my human family I don’t have to change or leave my sin behind to remain and receive its benefits) (Joh 10:17, 15:1-11; Jud 1:21; Deu 7:9).  CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Two conclusions can be drawn from the truths above: 1) False gospels (and the world run by Satan) will always preach a Jesus and gospel message that exalts human family and unconditional love and demonizes the ideas of division and separation, 2) One of Satan’s greatest tools and man’s greatest stumbling blocks to getting to heaven wb human family.  CLOSING CHALLENGE: 2024 RESOLUTION: Excel in our love/loyalty to God’s family (1Th 4:9-10).

1. What is the biblical (and therefore only saving) gospel.1.1. We call it the marriage covenant gospel—and that because the saving relationship we enter into with Jesus is a marriage covenant (Jer 31:31-32). As such, it functions according to the principles of gain and maintain. IOW: this is its mechanics –this is how it functions.1.2. We gain our salvation (or marriage to Jesus) through faith (expressed in the covenant sign and vow of baptism – Joh 3:5; 1Pe 3:21; Gal 3:26-27) and we maintain our salvation (or marriage to Jesus) through faithful obedience to all of His commands (Luk 10:25-28; Joh 14:15). 1.3. Jesus confirmed gain and maintain as the mechanics of the His gospel (or the saving gospel) just before heading back to heaven (Mat 28:18-20).1.4. This btw is not exclusive to those saved under the NC, but true of all saving covenants. From Genesis to Revelation, salvation has always taken place through the establishment of a marriage covenant between God and those persons and as a result has always operated according to the principles of gain and maintain. Though there have been changes to God’s covenant signs or the application of His laws, these two principles (gain and maintain) have been consistent throughout redemptive history. Every person who will be in heaven got there through adherence to the gain and maintain principles of the saving covenant they entered into w/God at the time of their existence on planet earth (from Adam to Us). 2. What the FAG teaches.  2.1. Faith in Jesus Christ and His righteousness is the only condition (or necessary instrument) for securing God’s justification (or salvation). 2.2. “Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification [salvation]…” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 11.2).2.3. The Evangelical’s support for this view (Rom 3:28 “we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law”).3. The problem w/believing that faith is the “alone instrument” of justification/salvation is that the apostle James makes both faith and works necessary instruments of justification/salvation (Jam 2:14-26). 3.1. Notice (first of all), that works are tied to justification according to the same grammatical construction we find in (Rom 3:28 “justified by faith” w/Jam 2:21, 24-25). Both Paul and James use the preposition “by” to signal instrumentality. Therefore, like faith, works are also an instrument of our justification/salvation (btw: I am using these terms interchangeably b/c this is how James uses them – compare v14 “save” then vv21, 24-25 “justified”). 3.2. Based then on what we have just discovered, to claim that faith is instrumental but works are not (or to say that works are the result of saving faith and not an actual instrument of our justification/salvation) not only betrays a double standard (one used by Evangelicals get “works” out of the way), but also poor grammar. No Evangelical would ever deny that how James is referring to “faith” in verse 24 is in the instrumental sense (“a man is justified by works and not by faith alone”). If however that is true for “faith”, then the same must be true for “works” since the former is meant to qualify the latter. Both faith and works are necessary instruments of justification/salvation. Hence the reason for (v20). According to James, you cannot view faith as the only necessary instrument of salvation. Without works (the other necessary instrument), faith is “useless” in securing justification.3.3. Another way (then) to read verse 24 would be, faith alone is not enough to save us. Works also are necessary.. 3.4. Important not to miss: Verse 24 is the only place in the Bible were the words “faith” and “alone” are used together --and (as we see), it is in the negative. James clearly did not view faith alone as enough to secure justification/salvation – and would have never been a fan of a gospel that made this their centerpiece. 3.5. Intellectual honesty is all that is required to recognize that James’ beef in these verses is not with works – but faith (or the idea that faith alone is enough to save). Hence the reason for his question in (v14) followed by at least 5 negative statements all in relation to the idea of someone possessing faith alone (or faith without works).    3.6. The easiest way to prove that James viewed both faith and works as necessary instruments to salvation is by considering the logical syllogism that arises from these verses. A syllogism considers a series of related truths to establish another truth (or conclusion) based on those former truths. How a syllogisms work: if A = B and if B = C, Then A = C. [Example: 1) Denver is a city (A) in Colorado (B), 2) Colorado (B) is in the USA (C), Conclusion: Denver is a city (A) in the USA (C)]   3.7. The logical syllogism created by James 2:14-261) works (A) are necessary to saving faith (B) (21-25) 2) saving faith (or faith that includes works) (B) is necessary to salvation (C) (faith w/o works is dead [17, 26], non-existent [18], demonic [19], and useless [14-16, 20])  Conclusion: works (A) are necessary to salvation (C).4. Important to our discussion on the book of James is Martin Luther: the “father” or inventor of the FAG. 4.1. Luther hated the book of James because it proved his invention (the FAG) to be false. So upset was Luther over what James’ message that he questioned its inclusion in the NT canon.“Let us banish this epistle from the university, for it is worthless. It has no syllable about Christ, not even naming him except once at the beginning. I think it was written by some Jew who had heard of the Christians but not joined them… [James] is really an epistle of straw…Accordingly, if they will not admit my interpretations, then I shall make rubble also of it. I almost feel like throwing Jimmy into the stove.”4.2. In regard to James 2:24 (the passage which reads “you see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone”), Luther’s words are even more direct and malicious. He writes, “It is false.” IOW: God’s inspired words are false. That is what Luther is saying! Because James’ message contradicted his FAG –because it didn’t fit with what he wanted to be true –He condemned it as false. 4.3. How many of us would be inclined to follow the gospel of someone who called a portion of God’s Word, false? Yet this is what every single Evangelical –every single person who embraces the FAG, is doing (whether they know it –or not). They are following a man who denied a portion of God’s Word because it refuted his F-A invention. 4.4. Rather than recognizing he was wrong, Luther instead had the arrogance to question (and ultimately deny) the Word of God. BTW: the term Evangelical is also Luther’s invention. He came up with it as the term to describe those who would follow his false FAG.4.5. Another thing unbeknownst to most Evangelicals, is that Luther attempted to counter James’ negation of faith-alone by sinfully and secretly adding the word “alone” to Romans 3:28 when translating the NT into the German language for his native country. In respect to such biblically prohibited actions (Deu 4:2), Luther said,“You tell me what a great fuss the[people]are making because the word ‘alone’ is not in the text of Paul...say right out to him: ‘Dr. Martin Luther will have it so,’...I will have it so, and I order it to be so, and my will is reason enough. I know very well that the word ‘alone’ is not in the Latin or Greek text.”4.6. Given the arrogance of Luther, no Evangelical should ever accuse us (or me) of being arrogant for questioning his invention – especially since Luther himself recognized he was a defeated man. He could not reconcile Paul with James. To him they existed in pure contradiction.He writes, “Many sweat to reconcile St. Paul and St. James… but in vain. ‘Faith justifies’ and ‘faith does not justify’ contradict each other flatly. [Yet] If any one can harmonize them I will give him my doctor’s hood and let him call me a fool.”4.7. According to Luther, anyone who could reconcile Rom 3:28 (“we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law”) with Jam 2:24 (“you see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone”) ---is not only worthy of the title “doctor” in relation to God’s Word but to call Luther a fool because that would mean his FAG is false.4.8. And we can do that (or the marriage covenant gospel of gain and maintain does that). It has no problem reconciling Paul with James while at the same time preserving the instrumentality communicated by both. And again, I will employ the use of syllogisms to prove it.5. Two syllogisms that replace Luther’s doctor’s hood with the dunce hat of a fool.5.1. The problem between James and Paul that Luther (and Evangelicals) still struggle to reconcile is two-fold: it is a problem with the Law and a problem w/justification. In respect to both, Luther and Evangelicals do not understand how James can speak of works (a reference to obeying the Law, Jam 2:1-13) as still necessary and an instrument of justification whereas Paul seems to speak of the Law’s cessation (Rom 10:4) and justification as a singular event that takes place only at the point of faith. This problem involving the law (btw) is not solved by sticking w/Paul. In the two books that Evangelicals often point to as their flagships for the FAG – Galatians and Romans, Paul establishes faith alone (Gal 2-3, Rom 3-5) only to the go on and talk about the necessity of works or the law later (Gal 5-6, Rom 11-13). The same can be said about justification. In Romans 8, Paul brings up the subject of justification as something still future or not finalized at the point of faith.5.2. Here then are the syllogisms that solve both problems (the problem w/Law and the problem w/justification) --w/o needing to throw James out of our NTs (as Luther wanted) –or relegating works to simply a result of faith rather than another instrument of justification (as Evangelicals do):5.3. In regard to the Law: 1) The Bible (A) includes both James and Paul as it authors (B) 2) Both James and Paul (B) speak about works: the works James refers to are necessary to justification (Jam 2:24 “works”) whereas the works Paul refers to are not necessary to justification (Rom 3:28 “works of the law”) (C)Conclusion: The Bible (A) teaches two types of Law/works, one that is necessary to justification/salvation (moral commands = Rom 13:8-10) and one that is not (C) (“works of the law” = Rom 3:28, 10:4 [i.e., OC clean laws: circumcision, animal sacrifices, Sabbath days, separation from the unclean – e.g., Gal 2:3, 11-12 w/16; Gal 4:10). Any person therefore not making such a distinction in their understanding of the Law (especially when reading Paul or James) – or interpreting Paul as against the entirety of the Law as necessary to salvation (e.g., Evangelicals), are grossly misinterpreting their Bibles (2Pe 3:16-17) = How the “unstable” and “untaught” twist Paul’s gospel and are damned: They preach a gospel that rejects obedience to God’s laws as a necessary/instrumental condition of salvation. They are “unprincipled” (literally, “lawless”) people (v17; FAG people existed in the 1st just as they do today).5.4. In regard to Justification: 1) The Bible (A) includes both Paul and James as it authors (B) 2) Both Paul and James (B) speak about justification in relation to Abraham: Paul says Abe received it at the point of faith (Rom 4:1-3 w/Gen 15:6) whereas James says Abe received it after he proved his faithfulness (C) (Jam 2:21-23 w/Gen 22:1-18) Conclusion: The Bible (A) teaches two types of justification/salvation, one that happens at the point of our faith (which is what passages like Rom 3:28 or Eph 2:8-9 are talking about) and another that happens only after we have lived in faithfulness to God’s commands (which is what Jam 2:24 is talking about –and what some Evangelicals have now embraced and refer to as “final justification”) (C).5.5. POINT NOT TO MISS: Neither Luther nor any Evangelical after him has been able to solve the two-fold dilemma their gospel (the FAG) creates. Yet not only have I just solved it, but the biblical gospel – the marriage covenant gospel of gain and maintain confirms and incorporates both solutions perfectly. And it is the only gospel that does. The FAG cannot—b/c it is a gospel built only on the teaching of Paul, a therefore very deficient and very damning gospel message. We have taken Luther’s hood and he now wears the dunce cap of a fool—the very thing every other Evangelical now wears also. 6. In addition to what has already been said, here are a few more truths that prove faith cannot be the “alone instrument” of our justification/salvation.6.1. Both faith and works are not only necessary instruments of our justification/salvation but also things we are responsible for producing w/the very real threat of eternal condemnation if we fail (Mar 1:15 = Here we both faith and works/faithful obedience being required since that is what Jesus is saying when He calls the people to repent. Biblical repentance requires we stop our practice of lawlessness or sin - and in its place, practice obedience to God’s commands; Joh 3:18; Gal 5:21; Heb 10:26-30; Heb 12:14). Hence the reason God will judge us according to our works or deeds (it is our responsibility not God’s [HS])(Rom 2:6; 2Co 5:10; Rev 20:12-13).6.2. Important for the Evangelical NOT TO MISS (here): like faith, works are not the inevitable result of our justification/salvation. If that were true, we would neither be commanded to do them nor given warnings if we fail (you can’t fail in something out of your control or that is inevitable).6.3. Believing that you can be justified/saved w/o obedience to God’s commands is also the definition of apostasy (Deu 29:18-20 w/Heb 12:15-17).7. In summary then, how do all of truths (previously discussed) prove the FAG to be false: they prove there is another condition for justification/salvation – (meaning) other than faith (which as we saw is what the FAG teaches). 7.1. By definition anything necessary for another thing to exist (in this case, justification/salvation) is a condition—which (based on what we have seen) is exactly what works (of faithful obedience) prove to be. They are a necessary instrument and therefore another condition. IOW: Justification/salvation requires more than faith. It is not by faith alone. The FAG is therefore FALSE (and therefore also a gospel that will send you to hell). 7.2. It doesn’t matter how long it has been around (500 yrs --which is actually not that long when one considers all of church history. Before the 16th century, no-one believed that salvation was simply by f-a. The FAG was a novel idea at the time it came into existence). 7.3. It also does not matter how many people believe it to be true. This is the logical fallacy known as Ad Populum – or the idea that something is true because it is popular (or because there are a 100 theologians who disagree). “To defeat relativity, one does not need 100 scientists, but just one fact.” – Albert Einstein 7.4. The same is true w/regard to FAG. To defeat the FAG, one does not need 100 Christian pastors or scholars or theologians, but just the existence of one more condition other than faith.

We live in a world dominated by feelings and that is not by accident. It is God’s ordained trial for us (and as such, Satan’s most prized strategy). Here then is what we need to know:1. Getting to heaven requires that we stop living by our feelings[1] and become characterized by a life of obedience to Jesus’ words (i.e., God’s will [Law and mission]): 1) the terms “flesh”,  “fleshly”, “passion”, and “sensuality” or commands to deny ourselves are often a reference to our feelings (Mat 16:24; Col 3:5-7; Gal 5:19 w/24; Rom 8:12-13 w/13:13-14; Tit 2:11-12; 1Pe 2:11, 4:1-3; Consider also Mat 7:24-27 = The “sand” or foundation of the second man’s house – the man not living in obedience to Jesus’ words, more than likely represents his feelings. He lives according to his feelings. As a result, when the storms or trials of life come, he is fickle and falls apart). 2) the command for self-control is a call to have command over our feelings (i.e., emotional intelligence) (Act 24:25; Gal 5:23; 2Pe 1:5-6; lack of s-c is what brings “difficult times” -2Ti 3:3). 3) living in obedience to Jesus’ words is what it means to live by the Spirit (which is always contrasted w/living by our feelings) (Joh 16:13-15 w/[Gal 5:16, 24-25; Rom 8:5]). 4) it is impossible to live faithfully for Jesus and be under the control of your feelings (Gal 5:17; Rom 8:6-8). 5) Feelings are weak and unreliable (Mat 26:41 and Rom 7:18; 2Co 1:17; Jer 17:7 in contrast to v9 “heart” = A reference to feelings). 6) Living by our feelings is sin (2Co 12:21).2. Living by our feelings is associated w/loving the world and the message/enticement of false teachers and Satan which is why it is impossible to live according to our feelings and please God (1Jo 2:15-16; 2Pe 2:1-2, 7, 10, 18-20; Eph 2:1-3).3. Everybody has the ability to win the war over their feelings, some however exacerbate their situation because of their choices, making it nearly impossible (Deu 30:11-14; 1Co 10:13; Mat 19:24-26). 4. Overcoming our feelings (i.e., possessing self-control or emotional intelligence) will require that: 1) we are self-programmed robots (we start like animals limited to feelings, afraid and unwise to everything [feelings don’t think – e.g., Teyve barks at boxes] and become self-programmed robots [programming our feelings thru conditioning/reinforced action that results in us becoming either adult animals or proper image-bearers -2Pe 2:12]. 2) as we get older/more removed from learning, we resort back to feelings as the main driver in decision-making and as a result, more averse to change/taking risks and fearful (Ecc 12:3-5). 3) we practice extreme degradation and desertion of our feelings as a guide for truth (1Co 9:27 [Modern translation: “I make it my b**ch”] = Degradation; Rom 8:13 “putting to death” = Desertion - treating how we feel as irrelevant to what is true/false; Mat 5:29-30, 18:7-10 = Completely ignore/dessert those things convincing you of rebellion so that you do not despise [lead astray] those looking to you for guidance [e.g., your children]; Important not to miss: when considering our approach to living the Christian life, analogies are never from the business world [i.e., it is not business etiquette or best practices that we are to employ], but rather the military or sports – which uses extreme degradation and desertion to be successful [e.g., boot camp instructor; David Goggins]; 2Co 10:1-5 = Fighting for God’s kingdom requires desertion in relation to our feelings). 4) we start with our tongues (Jam 3:1-2 “bridle the whole body” = Bridle your feelings). 5. Everyone is born welcome to God and will by their response to their feelings, either solidify themselves in that state – or a state of rebellion (Gen 22:16-18; Rom 1:18-26 = God eventually gives people over to their feelings [leading to His wrath] b/c of their choice to continue living according them [“gave them over in the lusts of their hearts…to degrading passions” = You can’t give someone over to something unless this was already present and in practice. This then is the source of their unrighteousness/ungodliness – v18]; Eph 4:17-22 = Living according to our feelings will eventually corrupt our souls - and once it is corrupted, there is no fix, even for Christians. Hence Heb 6:1-6 and 10:26-30).6. The kind of preaching or proclamation (teaching and evangelism) practiced by Jesus and the apostles and prescribed by God and the Holy Spirit was always controversial and polarizing b/c it was never sensitive to the feelings of the audience since feelings won’t cause us to live for God (What you win them with is what you win them to; 1Th 2:1-5; 2Ti 4:2; Heb 4:12; Hence Paul can say 2Co 2:15-17 e.g., Mat 15:11-14; Act 4:1-2 w/18; Act 6:9-14 w/51-53; Act 9:22-23; Act 13:5-10, 14-16 w/44-51; Act 14:1-2 w/18-19; Act 17:1-6; Act 18:4-6; Act 28:20-24).7. God will see to it that those who hate His truth- including His life purpose and plan for humanity (i.e., this life is a test of overcoming our feelings in favor of God and His ways that will determine who is worthy of heaven), are duped by Satan at His reveal (2Th 1:3-5 w/2Th 2:1-10).  8. There is only one feeling that is safe and sb promoted in our life and that is genuine heartfelt love for God and for others (a choice that results also in a feeling) since this is what overcomes the feelings most responsible for our failures as a Christian, fear, jealousy and pride [i.e., caring what others think] (Joh 21:15-17 [18:25-27]; 1Jo 4:12, 16-21; Love creates lasting commitment and consistency whereas fear, jealousy and pride, nothing but posers and pansies). 9. The feelings associated with our conscience – or our conscience and General Revelation, were never designed to be enough when it comes to determining right and wrong (IOW: we also need God’s Word – Special Revelation) (Gen 2:16-17).  CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE: One of the sticky wickets associated w/the subject of feelings is that most people who are living according to their feelings (versus the Spirit/in obedience to Jesus) are completely blind to it - or in absolute denial. IOW: they don’t think they are that kind of person –or they do not they see it---which is what makes it difficult—and why we need to pick up on those objective cues (or signs) from Scripture so that we can see it and make the proper spiritual diagnosis of who we are before it is too late.  The objective signs that you are living according to your feelings: 1) what most determines your free time is what pleases you versus what pleases God, prospers His people or prepares you to better serve and advance His kingdom (Phi 1:21). 2) you are averse to change (change creates negative feelings). 3) you are constantly fighting doubt/suspicion w/regard to God, God’s Word, church, leaders or people though you possess no sound evidence to do so (1Ti 6:1-4). 4) you struggle w/fear, pride and jealousy or wanting to be in positions of importance so that people will look up to you (Jam 3:14-15 “natural” = “fleshly or animalistic – i.e., the basis for all judgment or actions is our feelings). 5) you are prone to insurrection against God’s leaders or causing division in the Body of Christ (Jud 1:18-19 “following ungodly lusts” [their feelings] –“these are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded [Literally, natural or animalistic – same word as Jam 3:15 referring to creatures operating off their feelings]). 6) Jesus is your sponsor rather than your Lord (i.e., He serves/fulfills your Christian vision for yourself [i.e., where you feel you wb most happy]). 7) you are sloppy w/your words (e.g., “I was making fun of my coat but it actually does a good job of blocking the wind” versus “I was being negative about my coat…”; Pro 15:28 = The Righteous are committed to making sure their communication is accurate [truth] versus just letting whatever they feel in the moment roll off their tongue. Sloppy in the little, sloppy in the big – Luk 16:10). [1] Living by our feelings = Truth, morality [right and wrong], our actions and speech are predominately determined by our feelings.

A major reason churches fail to trust or follow their shepherds — or identify them as legitimately from Jesus, is bc they are ignorant of their job description - or more accurately, the job description they possess for that position in the church, does not agree with Scripture. BC I want to avoid that pitfall in this church, this morning we are going to discover and be reminded of what God says about this subject or, What you should expect if your church truly possesses a shepherd from Jesus 1. They wb IMITATORS:Jesus the Great Shepherd (Heb 13:20) promised to give Jesus-imitating shepherds as a gift to His people and primary caretakers of His body, the church, while He is in heaven. (Jer 3:15a “I will give you shepherds after my own heart”) = Shepherds w/the same heart (likes/dislikes, affections, agenda and desires) as Jesus (i.e., sheps who are imitators of Jesus in their shepherding). It’s fulfillment: (Eph 4:8 w/11 [“pastors” = shepherds] w/12 [“equipping…building up” = A caretaker]). POINTS NOT TO MISS: 1) If Jesus gave these kind of shepherds to His church, then it must not only be possible, but what we should expect and believe wb true of our shepherds. Hence the reason (Mat 10:40). 2) All of us need to possess a healthy level of skepticism, but skepticism that persists even when the evidence says otherwise is not healthy nor safe. It is pathological and rebellious unbelief (not against me –BUT GOD). Scripture to keep in mind (1Co 4:5 When the Lord comes He will “bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts” – i.e., no plausible deniability before God). 2. They wb EDUCATORS:Central to their role as Jesus imitators, these shepherds will spend copious amounts of time educating their people in God’s Word since this is the key to trusting God. (Jer 3:15 [Eph 4:14 = Education/understanding of God’s Word/doctrine wb how the shepherds shore up instability/distrust; Pro 22:17-19) = Trust is the by-product of education; Education is the key to trust (not entertainment/manipulation of the emotions [e.g., the “sermons” in most churches]). The piece that makes this a little bit of “sticky wicket” = Retainage requires repetition—which means if the only time you ever hear what I preach on Sunday is (on Sunday) then what you retain wb very little (20-30% at best). Which means though I am doing the job of an educator, you are failing to do your job as a learner (i.e., to study the lecture, to go over and over it until you retain it or know it). This btw the way is what the Proverbs are talking about when it says, “seek understanding” – understanding is learning—AND learning requires repetition or study to retain the material. Are you doing that ---or do you think you have more important things to do? Remember: this is the key to trust (and the reason so many of you still struggle w/trust) –B/C you are uneducated (and you are uneducated) bc you care more about spending your time being entertained than being educated (learning or studying what is given to you every week [you trade the steak dinner for terd rolled in sugar]).3. They wb OBSESSORS:Because obedience is so important and empiricism (truth/morality, actions/speech det’d by feelings) so dangerous, Jesus’s shepherds become obsessed with making sure their people are growing in faithfulness to God’s laws while faithfully ignoring their feelings as their guide to truth. (This was Peter as witnessed in his second epistle; in re: to obedience or faithfulness, 2Pe 1:5-13; in re: to empiricism or truth/morality, actions/ speech det’d by feelings, 2Pe 2:1-2 “sensuality” = Empiricism [2:18]; See also 2:7 “unprincipled men” = People w/o laws governing them [instead it is their feelings – “sensual conduct”], 2:10 “indulge in the flesh” = “despise authority”; Empiricism [truth/morality, actions/speech determined by our feelings versus God’s Law] is at the heart of the faith- alone false gospel [2:18-20 “promising them freedom” = Freedom from God’s law – that which keeps us from corrupting and defiling ourselves).4. They wb ENFORCERS:Like Jesus, these shepherds will be incorruptible and unfaltering in their use of authority to secure justice in the covenant community. (Isa 42:1-4): “My Servant…My chosen One…I have put my Spirit [mantle of authority] upon Him” = A reference to Messiah. He wb characterized by two things:  1) The justice He secures will never mistreat or abuse those under it or fail to provide the tools necessary for the repentant sinner to be restored (They wb incorruptible). (1-2, “He will bring forth justice to the nations [In doing so] He will not cry or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street [the idea of chaos or disturbance caused by the malpractice or abuse of those in authority]”) w/(3, “A bruised reed…a dimly burning wick [the repentant sinner] He will not break…extinguish [destroy or leave w/o the hope of future restoration]”). IOW: His actions will establish equity in the covenant community. 2) The taunting or condemnation of the wicked and ignorant, or the obstacles they present will not intimidate or stop Him from securing justice in the covenant community (THEY WB unfaltering) (4). Jesus-imitating shepherds will (because of such imitation) be characterized by the same two things: they too will be incorruptible (no malpractice/no abuse) and unfaltering (never intimidated or discouraged) in their use of authority to secure justice. In addition to what has already been said, it sb noted that the securing justice for the covenant community also requires a staunch rejection of empiricism (i.e., judgments based on feelings). This too is picked in the picture painted by the prophet w/respect to the coming Messiah (Isa 11:1-5) “He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear, But with righteousness He will judge…” = Don’t miss the contrast being made by Isaiah between judgment that takes place by way of the senses (what the eyes see or the ears hear) versus judgment based on righteousness. One is sensual (or based on how judgment is affected purely by those devices – how our feelings are manipulated or moved --empiricism), whereas the other (righteousness – referring to God’s Law) is outside of us—and therefore objective (or able to make decisions that are not influenced by personal preference or experience – those things which create a double standard or inequity). Which means this is entirely possible. Pastors can be truly equitable and just if they (like Jesus) are committed to listening only to God’s Law when making judgments/decisions for the covenant community. Hence the reason (btw) we are commanded not to pursue outside (or pagan) courts when dealing w/members of the covenant community (1Co 6:1-6). To think we need the council of outside authorities or courts to handle crimes w/in the church is to believe that the world (run by Satan) and rebellious to God are more objective or know better how to secure justice for the innocent or bring reform those individuals committing the crimes. It reveals not only a complete distrust of God but also a level of insanity, why would we go to darkness to find the light? (Isa 8:20!). All of this is true also as it relates to those functioning in the world as authorities and judges versus Jesus’ shepherds in the church. What would ever make us think that those controlled by Satan and completely ignorant of God’s Word wb more competent than those empowered by the Holy Spirit and equipped w/Scripture? Again, to do so betrays a level of insanity. Hence Paul’s command in (Rom 12:1-3) = According to Paul there are three things we all need to do (in light of what He has done for us): submit our life our minds and our ego to God and His Word -- which means executing a full-stop when it comes to trusting ourselves and the “wisdom” of the world – especially as it re: to truth and justice.       5. They wb OUTLIERS:We should not be surprised if those Jesus picks and empowers to be His shepherds are (like Him), viewed by the world as unconventional and controversial given their pedigree, practice and people. As we saw in Isaiah 11, Messiah wb a descendant of “Jesse” – or as it says elsewhere, “the Son of David.” (Mat 21:15). What this means is that Jesus’ life would (in a very real way) resemble that of David’s. This is sometimes referred to as “type and archetype”. David was a type of Messiah, His life wb the pattern followed by the coming (and superlative) Messiah – his fulfillment or archetype, Jesus. Which is why throughout the gospels we find Jews attempting to determine whether Jesus was the Messiah by considering his life and ministry based on the prior life and ministry of David. How (then) is this relevant to our point? Well, bc of what I said about Jesus being unconventional and controversial w/respect to His pedigree, practice and people (or followers). It starts w/David and the same is reflected also in Jesus. Both were not who the world (including the religious world of their days) would have picked to be Israel’s Shepherd. They lacked what most people view as the “confirming categories”. For example: 1) Neither David nor Jesus possessed the kinds of backgrounds normally associated w/kings. Hence the reason Jesse (his father) didn’t even think to bring David back from the field where he was shepherding his father’s flocks when Samuel revealed that one of his sons wb selected as king (1 Sa 16:1-11). Jesus (likewise) was questioned often by the religious leaders, given His strange birth and birthplace (Nazareth) (Joh 7:27, 41-42). Both David and Jesus were the unconventional pick – or bore a very unconventional pedigree (when compared to the world’s choice or expectations).2) Both David and Jesus challenged the status quo – or religious establishment of their day—and were (therefore) considered controversial in their beliefs or practices. So much so that both were forced to flee into the wilderness w/their followers. During their earthly ministries they were hunted and condemned by those in power and denied a place among the religious elite.3) Finally as it relates to their people, Both David and Jesus were defined by misfit followers. David’s mighty men were at one time considered the unimpressive losers” of Israel (1Sa 22:10, 25:10). In similar fashion, Jesus’s mighty men (or apostles) were considered the hillbillies of Jewish society, “unlearned men” who did not keep the traditions of the dominant form of Judaism in their day (Act 4:13; Mar 7:5). (And) Paul’s words in 1Co 1 make that clear not only that God continues to pick these people to be His followers But WHY (1Co 1:26-31) = If we are truly in “Christ Jesus” and this is a place possessing a Jesus-imitating shepherd, then it is not bc we followed the wisdom of what was popular, but bc of God –bc of what He has done is delivering us from those things by giving us hearts that care more about the truth of His Word and gospel than being popular or accepted by that version of Christianity which is.    CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: If we find ourselves possessing this kind of shepherd, what should be our response? (1Th 5:12-13)

WGO?Peter heals a lame beggar and preaches to the crowd who have gathered because of the miracle.  WTP?1. Evangelism can look like going to another church’s bible study (1; Act 17:1-3; Deu 33:10; Mal 2:7; Joh 18:20 = Temple courts [e.g., Solomon’s Portico] were where the people in Jerusalem would go to find teaching from various experts on the Law [priests/scribes, lawyers/judges, Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.,]. Hence the reason Jesus went to the Temple to teach – because He knew the religiously inclined wb there; Similar Act 16:13 = Bible studies were not always held in synagogues or the Temple [see also Act 20:20 “teaching…house to house”). 2. It is the job of the covenant community to see that those born w/disabilities are provided with the financial support necessary to care for their needs (1-2, “alms” = Financial donations; Act 4:34 “not a needy person among them”; Lev 15:4). 3. We must graciously accommodate the theological ignorance of those whose soteriology is right (1, [“going up to the Temple at the ninth hour” = The time of the evening sacrifice] w/17 “acted in ignorance” = Peter and John knew that the sacrifices of the Temple could not propitiate for sin. They however also knew that those attending the Temple who were ignorant of this –and more importantly of Jesus’s true identity and role in this respect, possessed the right soteriology [i.e., gain thru vows/covenant signs/faith and maintain through obedience to God’s Law or faithfulness is also required to be save]. Hence the reason for referring to them as “brethren”. In this light, consider 1Ti 1:12-14 = Paul was already a faithful member of the covenant community [already saved]. Paul made similar accommodations to the Jews in Act 21:20-26).    4. The mantle of authority (or power) given by Jesus to those pastors possessing the right gospel remains fully intact even when they possess certain beliefs which are wrong due to ignorance (1-10 = At the time that Peter exercises Jesus’s authority/power [“in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene” = According to His authority/power], he ignorantly believes the gospel to only be available to Jews or Jewish proselytes [Act 10:1-28]; Mat 18:18 “whatever you bind…loose” [Grk., hosos = Any or all things in quantity or measure]). 5. God gives power and spiritual authority (“piety” [Grk., eusebia = spiritual authority] to the church’s anointed pastors as a means to: 5.1. glorifying Jesus since it is His power and authority they now possess (11-13a; Joh 14:13; Joh 20:21-23). POINT NOT TO MISS: when you resist the authority of the church’s leaders you are both resisting Jesus and robbing Him of His glory.5.2. exposing those possessing hearts of rebellion against God’s authority (13b-15 = The Jews refused, rejected and killed [“disowned”] Jesus b/c they did not want to submit to His authority. God raised Him from the dead proving Jesus’s authority was divinely-appointed). POINT NOT TO MISS: When you buck the authority of Jesus (which now resides in His anointed pastors), you show yourself to be a rebel to God. 6. Loyal obedience to Jesus as our King can lead to more than just spiritual deliverance (16, “on the basis of faith in His name [a pledge of loyal submission to Jesus’s authority]…has given him this perfect health”; 1Co 11:30 = Many Christians get sick or suffer ill health bc they continue to pledge their loyalty to Jesus’s authority [which we do every time we partake of the LT – “for faithfulness of life”] yet live in sinful opposition to Him). 7. There is mercy for those whose rebellion is the product of ignorance and not stubbornness (17; 1Ti 1:13; Zec 7:8-13 = Stubbornness leads to wrath – not mercy [God being stubborn to us]. Hence the reason we need to determine whether the problem is moral or intellectual). 8. God knows how to take our ignorance and evil actions and use them to advance His Kingdom (13-18, “He has fulfilled” = God’s purposes were being accomplished even thru the wicked suffering inflicted upon Jesus by the Jews; Isa 53; Pro 16:4). POINTS NOT TO MISS: 1) free wills and a free future are not enough to keep God from perfectly accomplishing His plans – esp. in re: to His people (Rom 8:28). 2) possessing the proper biblical framework in re: to God and human responsibility, is essential to avoiding – or reading into passages like vv13-18, the error of determinism ([Exo 13:17; Isa 54:15; Jer 19:5] w/Eph 1:11 “works [Grk., energeo] = To give energy to, to operate - not determine/decree/fix – Act 17:26, 31 [Grk., horizo] = Some things - but not most things, have been determined by God – e.g., Jer 5:22). 9.  There is no forgiveness of sins or blessing of salvation from Jesus for those who fail to cease in their practice of (known) sin and live in obedience to God’s commands (19, “repent and return [to loyalty to the Lord, to practicing His ways and righteousness– Act 11:21, 26:18; Jam 5:19-20; Isa 55:7 w/56:1; Jer 4:1-2]” = This is the principle of put off and put on [Eph 4:22-24; e.g., it is often people’s failure in the latter that keeps them from persevering; Other examples: dieting, unhealthy relationships – self programmed robots//*wb awkward and uncomfortable at first]; 26, “to bless you by [instrumental – how the blessing will take place] turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” = The blessing [of Jesus’s salvation] happens only where there is no more practice of sin – i.e., where [again] it has been replaced by the practice of righteousness [1Jo 3:7-10]). 10.  Jesus will return when the Jews return to Jesus (19-25)[1] “in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things” = The return of the Jews to God thru becoming Christians (Rom 11:25-29), will lead to the return of Christ and times of refreshing (new heaven, new earth (Isa 66:18-22), which will also signify the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (1:6) and the eternal destruction of all people who do not bow the knee to Jesus (22-25 [Gen 22:18; Deu 18:15-19; 2Sa 7:8-17]; Isa 66:23-24)[2].     [1] “Christ’s coming is seen as in some sense dependent on Israel’s repentance.” – Ben Witherington (Acts)[2] “If the Israelites would repent for a day, the son of David (Messiah) would come immediately” – 1st cent., Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus (p. Ta’an)

1. The Christian Pentecost should be viewed as Sinai 2.0. given: 1) the sacred holiday of Pentecost (Shavout - Feast of Weeks, Exo 34:22) represented not only a celebration of God’s bountiful giving of physical food (or harvest), but also spiritual food since according to Jewish tradition, Pentecost was the day Israel received the Law from God at Sinai (Hag Matan Torateinu – The Festival of the Giving of Torah[1]) (1, “Pentecost…they were all together in one place”[2]).  2) the parallels that exist between Sinai and the Christian Pentecost: (Exo 19:16-18 w/20:1, 18) = Fire and awe (“fire…people trembled”) accompanying the presence of God speaking about His mighty deeds and Law (“God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the LORD your God Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery’”) which all the people experienced/heard (“All the people perceived”).(Act 2:2-12) = Fire and awe (“fire…They were amazed and astonished…they all continued in amazement and great perplexity”) accompanying the presence of God (“the Holy Spirit”) speaking about His mighty deeds and Law (“speaking of the mighty deeds of God”) which all the people experienced/heard (vv5-11).[3]  3) like the Christian Pentecost, Sinai also shares the association of people receiving the Spirit (Act 2:4 and Num 11:16-17 [this event takes place immediately following the Sinai event – Num 10:11-13]).  4) Luke’s mention of the Pentecost event as “fulfillment” (1, “When the day of Pentecost had come”) = Literally, “in complete fulfillment of the day of Pentecost” (Grk., en ho hemera pentakostay sumplay-ra-oe = In sum/complete fulfillment). Luke seems to be indicating that something started in the past (i.e., Sinai) has now come to completion (at Pentecost).[4]  5) What follows the Christian Pentecost is the receiving of the “new” Law (the Law as transformed in application and/or semantic range by Jesus) (42, “the apostles’ teaching”). 2. The “other tongues” – or tongues given by the Spirit to the early church, were human languages unknown to their speakers (versus a non-human language unknown to the speakers – e.g., an angelic language [Pentecostal version of speaking in tongues]) [5] (4-6, “tongues” [Grk., glossa = human language, Rev 14:6], “hearing them speak in his own language” – See also again, vv8-11)[6]. 3. Without the proper biblical framework, acts of God (or obedience to God) have been known to be misinterpreted as the behavior of fools or false teachers (12-13; “full of sweet wine”) = Drunk early in the morning, the behavior of fools (14-15). Drunkenness during the day was also associated w/many pagan religions who believed alcohol (or the creation of ecstatic states) was a means to connecting w/deity (e.g., early Christians were accused of being cannibals [for eating their Lord] and guilty of incest [bc they married their brothers and sisters]; we are accused of being works based/trying to earn our salvation or unaware of what Scripture teaches about salvation by faith [bc we teach salvation also requires obedience]). 4. Prophesy always involves the miraculous but not always new words – or predictions about the future (16-18, “prophesy”) = Peter is identifying their miraculous speech as the fulfillment of the first portion of Joel 2:28-32 (i.e., the portion re: to prophecy). Yet the content of their speech was itself not miraculous. Once more, they were “speaking (only) of the mighty deeds of God” – referring to those deeds done by God in the past. How then does this qualify as prophecy? The content of most prophecy is not miraculous; it neither speaks about anything new nor predicts anything still future. For speech to qualify as prophetic only two things are necessary: 1) speech in agreement w/God’s existing words (Deu 13:1-11, 18:20), 2) speech accompanied by something miraculous (2Co 12:12; Deu 13:1-2, 18:21-22)—which in the early church’s case, was the ability to speak the various foreign languages of those present at Pentecost w/o knowing them beforehand.  5. Peter’s divinely inspired interpretation of Joel 2:28 as “And it shall be in the last days (versus how it was communicated in the original text, “And it shall come about after this”): 1) indicates that the Christian Pentecost/IPO of the indwelling Spirit is not only the beginning of new words/NT canon from God but also the final millennia before Christ’s return and Judgment Day (17-18 = Gifts of the Spirit necessary to new words from God [“prophesy…visions…dreams” = The indication of new words from God/NT canon], 19-20 = Signs that will immediately precede Jesus’ return [Mat 24:29-31]).  2) provides further evidence that Jesus’ return will be in the very near future (17, “last days” = Plural or referring to more than one day which in Jewish tradition, each day represents a thousand years of redemptive history [2Pe 3:8] and Messiah returns on the last day, the Sabbath [or at the end of 6,000 years]. At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, we were already somewhere in the range of 4,000 years – which means the “days” (or millennia) being referred to by Peter can be no more than two. That puts Jesus’ return somewhere around 2033 [or two thousand years after the Christian Pentecost which took place in 33 A.D.]. In this light, consider Jesus’ words in Joh 9:4).  3) should create greater urgency (in us) to be faithful and productive for His kingdom (Mat 25:14-30) – most especially in witnessing to the truth and saving others (Peter’s [Joel’s] point in v21. Once we reach the last days, there is no time to waste; again Joh 9:4, also Pro 11:30). 6. The indwelling (or empowering of the) Spirit is given for the purpose of: 1) witness in persecution (Chapter one: witnesses on fire in the fire) (1:8).  2) new Scripture (2:17, again, “prophesy…visions…dreams”).  3) judgment (most esp. in the covenant community – 18, “prophesy” [all God’s people] = Judgment is a form of prophecy [e.g., Eze 23:36]; The NC indwelling Spirit is the new version of Num 11:17, hence Mat 18:15 = Every member judging/holding other members accountable/responsible for preserving justice/confronting sin as the first step in congregational justice/discipline). 7. What God wants the Jews to know about Jesus: 1) He was from God (22; Joh 3:2).  2) God’s plan was to deliver Him to the Jews as the (truly) propitiatory sacrifice for their sins (23a; The animal sacrifices were neither sufficient nor penal [i.e., the lambs were not punished]– Rom 3:25; Heb 10:4; Consider also the example of Isaac [God was not punishing him or Abe] or the prophesy of the High Priest [Joh 11:50-51]).  3) The Jews treated Jesus as though He were a criminal (23b).  4) God still treated Jesus’ death as propitiation for Israel’s sin, hence the reason death could not keep Him/He was resurrected (i.e., He was victorious – Rom 4:25) (24; Heb 9:15-16). 5) Jesus’ resurrection and role as Messiah (the “Christ”) was prophesied by David (25-32).  6) Jesus is now in heaven where God has exalted and confirmed Jesus’s role not only as His earthly king (“Christ”), but the divine King of heaven and earth (“Lord”) (33-36), 7) God is holding the Jews personally responsible for Jesus’ mistreatment and death (23, 36). 8. Peter uses the three most relevant pieces of evidence to validate a person and their message to prove that Jesus was who He claimed to be: 1) their public body of work (22; Act 26:26).  2) the Scripture (25-31).  3) personal (eyewitness) testimony (32).  9. One of the ways to know that you have been a faithful witness causing conviction in others, is that those receiving the message will either be “pierced to the heart” which leads to salvation (37) or “cut to the quick” which leads to persecution (5:33, 7:54, 10:39). 10. We are saved and regenerated in the waters of baptism (37-41, “be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…Be saved [thru repentance and baptism]...So then, those who had received his word were baptized…and…there were added [to salvation] about three thousand souls”). That by the word, “added” Luke means salvation is confirmed by (v47 “adding to their number…those…being saved”; 1Pe 3:21). 11. The Bible teaches infant baptism: 1) All the essential ingredients found in the phrase, (39, “For this promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off”) are also found in God’s promise to Abraham in Gen 17:7-13 (“children” = infants [v12], “this promise is for you and your children” [7, 10, “you and your descendants after you”], “for all those [children] who are far off [in the future]” [13 “everlasting covenant”]).  2) for the entirety of Israel’s redemptive history, infants were granted this special favor by God (i.e., they were automatic members of the covenant). Hardly would any Jew have found what Peter was preaching as good news if such special favor was no longer part of the deal (i.e., they were in under the OC, but now [under the NC], they need to be old enough to understand and give consent). 3) to remove God’ special favor toward infants (in this respect) would be a violation of God original and “everlasting” promise (hence the reason, baptism is identified as the new form of circumcision [Col 2:11]– God is keeping His promise!).  12. The first true Christians were continually devoting themselves to practicing the very things the world and popular religion (which is only popular b/c it has adopted many of the convictions of the world) has always found controversial or outright rejected: 1) new understandings (of old teachings) (42, “the apostles’ teaching [on the new application/understanding of the OT/Law]).  2) seeking confirmation from God (not popular opinion) for what they believed (43, “wonders and signs” = Confirmation that what was being taught was from God. Such signs and miracles were needed given the absence of the NT canon [what we use today to confirm the teaching]). 3) treating those in the covenant community more like family than blood family (42, “fellowship” [Grk., koinoenia]) = The idea of family or sharing and becoming one in re to: our resources/care (44-45), our beliefs, convictions and perspective (46a), our personal life (transparency) (46b, “and breaking bread from house to house” = Devoted themselves to time together outside the Temple for the purpose of sharing their personal lives), loyalty (“breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” = Joyfully sharing a meal w/others was an ancient indicator of your loyalty to them), happiness and blessings (47).  4) signs with real spiritual power (sacraments v. ordinances) (41, “baptized” w/47 “adding…those being saved”; 42, “breaking of bread” w/Joh 13:10 w/Joh 6:54).    [1] Tradition also speaks of this as the day that Ruth – a Gentile, placed herself under the yoke of the Law. [2] During Pentecost, it was customary for ancient Jews togather in one place, stay up all night learning Torah, and remembering theirvows of obedience to God’s commands (See “Shavout – The Holiday of the Givingof the Torah” - Chabad.org)[3] The famous Jewish philosopher, Philo’s words, “Then from the midst of the fire that streamed from heaven there sounded forth to their utter amazement a voice, for the flame became the articulate speech in the language familiar to the audience” were not spoken about Christian Pentecost, but Sinai. [4] “Luke uses an odd phrase to introduce this event, literally ‘in the fulfillment of the day of Pentecost,” but clearly from what follows [is not the fulfillment of that specific day since] the day was yet young.’” – C.K. Barrett (Acts Vol. 1)[5] Jewish tradition records that the language of angels is the same language God used to create the world, Hebrew (Jub 12:26). It is also this language that (Jewish) tradition teaches was preserved by Michael the archangel for those descendants of Noah in the line of Abraham after the splitting of the languages during the Tower of Babel incident (Apend. Of Naph. 8:4-6). Of further interest, the word “Hebrew” in Hebrew (eev’riyt) is a derivation of the Hebrew word for covenant (beriyt). Put another way, Hebrew was the language of covenant (or those in/remaining in covenant with God).[6] “The Greek syntax, surely dictates that the phrase ‘in his own language’ must go with the word ‘speaking’ not ‘hearing,’ in v6. They heard them speaking in their own languages.” – Ben Witherington (The Acts of the Apostles A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary)

1. Important people can help us advance the Kingdom (1; “Theophilus” – See Luk 1:3 “most excellent Theophilus” = Title reserved for those with high social status, power or influence [Act 23:26, 24:3, 26:26]. Given that Luke’s audience was much larger than just Theophilus, strongly implies the mention of his name was for the purpose of adding extra validity - and therefore readership, to his writings – possibly to those in the Jewish community. Luke was a Gentile and therefore would have carried no respect in the Jewish community. Such an assumption infers that Theo was an important and highly respected Jew.).2. Jesus did not go back to heaven until equipping His Church w/: 1) authority: He passed the mantle of Holy Spirit authority [anointing] to His “chosen” leaders (2, “after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders [or “charge” – Mar 13:34] to the apostles”, Joh 20:21-23). 2) assurance: He proved He was alive after His death (3, “many convincing proofs” = Evidence that removes doubt – e.g., Joh 20:17 [Mary Magdalene hugged Him], 20, 24-29 [Apostles saw/touched His wounds], 21:12-15 [Peter and other apostles ate breakfast w/Him]; “over a period of forty days” = Most likely the time when more than 500 people also witnessed Jesus alive after His death -1Co 15:6). 3) ability: He provided His disciples w/instructions for receiving the promised indwelling Holy Spirit for empowerment (4-8).3. There is an ascending and descending gift of the Holy Spirit: 1) ascending = anointing (2; Joh 20:21-23 = Jesus gives the HS just before He ascends back to heaven), 2) descending = indwelling (4-5, 8; Eph 4:7-11; “measure” = indwelling - or indwelling and anointing; “When He ascended…He gave [aorist = tense stressing association more than indicating time]” = Christ’s HS anointing is associated w/His ascension; “descended” = On Pentecost to give the indwelling Spirit; v11 = The anointed offices today [“evangelist” = NT priest who plants churches/missionary, “pastor-teacher” = NT priest; See Isa 66:21]). 4. Being faithful as Jesus’ “witnesses” in the midst of persecution/trials is: 1) necessary to being empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit (4-8 w/Luk 3:16-17 w/Mar 9:43-50 “salted by fire” = Tested by fire [or fiery trials] (Lev 2:13 “with all your offerings you shall offer salt”)[1]. Jesus went through the same process – Luk 3:21-22, 4:1-14. In this light consider also Paul’s words in Act 20:22-24 w/14:22; we are born [again] w/power that can only be released thru the trials that come thru witnessing). 2) the reason most Christians never experience empowerment from the indwelling Spirit -- because they avoid witnessing for Jesus and the persecution/trials it often brings! Point NOT to miss: empowering is for the purpose of witnessing in the midst of persecution/trials which means if you avoid witnessing in these situations, you avoid being empowered (12-26 = The apostles are praying [w/ the expectation of] empowerment [12-14] bc they are planning to witness [15-26] to the same hostile Jews who killed Jesus[2]; See similar in [4:29-30]). 5. Jesus’ return will feel a lot like a science fiction movie, an alien invasion and episode from “Law And Order” (9-11 w/1Th 4:15-17 [Mat 24:29-31] and 2Th 1:7-8 [Psa 149; Joh 5:28-29; Mat 13:40-43]; In the end, everyone will have their day in God’s court and some of us wb called to testify against others– Rev 20:11-15; Heb 13:17; 1Co 6:2-3).                                                                           6. The geographical place of Jesus’ ascent will also be the geographical place of His return (11-12 w/Zec 14:1-14, 9).    7. The standard by which to measure any church is its divinely inspired prototype: the church started by Jesus, the church of the apostles, the Jerusalem church which was small and filled with a lot of personal family members (versus large and filled with a lot of strangers) [3] (13-15; As it re: to being small: “one hundred and twenty persons” = Very small in comparison to the crowds that once followed Jesus [e.g., Luk 9:12-14]; As it re: to being filled w/family members: “Judas” = Jesus’ [half] brother, apostle and author of Jude, “Mary the mother of Jesus, …with His brothers.” = This list would include James – the future senior pastor of the church, as well as Joses and Simon. His sisters were [ml] also in attendance [Mar 6:3]; According to Scripture and tradition [e.g., Clement of Alexandria], most of the “eleven” were married and had at least one child [e.g., Mat 8:14; 1Co 9:5; e.g., Peter’s daughter was named Petronilla]. More than likely then, 30-40 [or 25-33%] of the 120 persons were family members. As it re: to remaining small: though experiencing times of great expansion (Act 2:41, 4:4, 5:14), they were short lived. Persecution forced most of the church’s new members to seek shelter in churches outside of Jerusalem (e.g., Act 8:4). As a result, the Jerusalem church remained one of the smallest for the majority of her first century existence (hence Act 11:28-30; Rom 15:25-26; 1Co 16:2-3).[4]  8. The apostles believed that insurrection – condemning or coming against the authority of those anointed to sacred office in the church was blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the unforgiveable sin and apostasy (16-20 w/Mat 26:14 w/Joh 12:1-8; “Let his homestead be made desolate and let no one dwell in it” [See the full context of Psa 69:22-28] = Let them become apostate; For blasphemy against the HS as insurrection against the anointed in the covenant community, see Mat 12:32 w/Num 15:30-31, 16:1-3; also Psa 105:15).  9. The qualifications for being in the anointed sacred office of apostle make clear that anyone claiming that office today is a false teacher (21-22 w/25 “apostleship”).  10. The congregation is the one deciding who gets anointed/ordained (15-16 w/23 [“they” = the congregation] – 26 [“added” = voted in by the congregation]; See also Act 6:1-6 [“the whole congregation…chose”; That they were choosing for the purpose of anointing/ordaining – i.e., that these were elders/pastors is confirmed by the fact these individuals had the authority/ability to baptize – e.g., Act 8:38]; OT ref. to congregational choosing for anointing – 1Ch 29:20-22). 11. Casting lots (sortition or selection by lottery) is a divine way to preserve equity in situations where there is no explicit counsel from God [His Word] (23-26 = Lots were cast to determine the duties of the priests. Joseph and Mattias were [ml] elders in their church [Luk 1:9 and 1Ch 24:1-5, 31, 25:8, 26:13-16] e.g., also [clothing] Mat 27:31; [land] Num 26:55; Jos 18:6; [sacrifices] Lev 16:8; in re: to it being divinely attended [revealing God’s will] – Pro 16:33 [e.g., Urim and Thummin – Exo 28:30]).  [1] “The reference to ritual sacrifice (Lev 2:13) would be fairly evident to the first readers of Mark. The argument has a coherence deeper than catchwords: Since undisciplined disciples risk the fire of gehenna at the last judgment, the hardships the disciple will undergo now are disciplines like the fire of a sacrificial offering that purifies, or like salt which stings but is preservative in its effect. Jesus on his way to Jerusalem is the supreme example of the sacrificial offerings ‘salted with fire.’ His sacrificial death is not to shield disciples from costly obedience, but rather show them the way: ‘For every one (meaning every disciple) will be salted with fire.’ Disciples whose lives are not characterized by rigorous self-discipline [and bold witness] are like flavorless salt. They have lost the sharpness which sets them apart from their environment and constitutes their usefulness.” – Lamar Williamson Jr. (Mark)[2] Since both were required holidays and the cost of travel was steep, the Jews who travelled to Jerusalem to observe Passover, would often stay until Pentecost. As such, the Jews who witnessed Jesus’ death are still in town.   [3] The are several good reasons for referring to the Jerusalem church as prototypical: 1) it is the specific church Jesus is referring to when making His “church promises” to Peter (Mat 16:17-19), 2) it is the church to which all the other first century churches looked for instruction/ruling on orthodoxy and orthopraxy (e.g., Gal 2:1-2; Act 15:1-29; 1Co 11:16 = The unity of practice among the “churches of God” on this issue was no doubt due to the fact that it came from their mother, the church at Jerusalem). [4] According to ancient church historian Eusebius, the Jerusalem church relocated to the city of Pella just before the city’s fall to the Romans in 70 A.D. It did so however without its two leaders, James (the brother of Jesus) and Peter who stayed behind and perished during the siege. At this point, most of the apostles were also dead and the church’s former members permanently dispersed to other locations. Though the city itself would continue to play a significant role in the world’s politics and religion, her church remained small and struggled to exist.   

Acts stands for “Acts of the Apostles.” IOW: What the apostles did, endured or experienced as God used them to spearhead the first genuine Jesus movement after His death and ascension back to heaven. Given the purpose of Scripture, those actions and events can be considered the signs of when such a movement is taking place today. In broad strokes, they are the following:1. The gospel message being preached will have teeth.1.1. Two things are meant by this figure of speech:1.1.1. the message wb offensive not only to the world, but also the majority of those claiming to follow God (e.g., the Jews of Jesus’ day; Evangelical Christians) (Act 7:51-54) = Like the messages preached by the former prophets, Stephen’s gospel was offensive to the majority of those already believing themselves to be the followers of God (the Jews of Jesus’ day; popular Christianity) (Act 17:6 “upset the world”, Act 28:22 “it is spoken against everywhere”). Most people (pagans and “Christians”) will hate the gospel of a genuine Jesus movement.1.1.2. salvation would not be free and easy – or something you get for nothing (with no strings attached). It would instead require sacred vows of loyalty to Jesus and a life of faithfulness to God’s Laws (Act 2:38): 1) “repent” = Commit to practicing obedience to God’s Laws (which means putting off/turning from the practice of sin) (Luk 3:3 [notice, like faith, repentance is also necessary to the forgiveness of sins], 4-14 = IOW: Practice the Law in all things, this is what it means/looks like to repent (Isa 40:3-8 “word of our God” [i.e., God’s Law]) = Eternal preservation/salvation will require clearing out of our lives all lawlessness and clinging to God’s Law as preached (esp. at the time of His Messiah) (Isa 42:1-4, 51:4-5). Notice this message (or offer of salvation) also applies to the “nations” – people other than the Jews (Isa 55:1-7 w/56:1-8)[1]. That by repentance is meant commitment to obeying God’s Law is also supported by other passages in the book of Acts (Act 21:21-24) = Paul would have refused James’ request if the version of Christianity he had converted to did not view obedience to the Law as necessary; (Act 24:14-15 w/25:8) = Likewise, Paul could not say these things if the version of Christianity he had converted to did not view the Law as necessary; (Act 17:11) = The Bereans would have found Paul’s gospel to be false if it ignored obedience to God’s Law since this was the central message of the OT Scriptures they were using to validate his message. 2) “each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” = Notice, this too (baptism) is necessary for salvation (or the forgiveness of sins). According to Peter’s first epistle, baptism represents a sacred vow of loyalty to Jesus (1Pe 3:21 “an appeal [Lit., a vow or pledge of loyalty] to God [in exchange for] a good conscience [i.e., forgiveness] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ [the person whose blood is the source of our forgiveness]”). This vow of loyalty is also picked up in the word faith [Grk., pistis = loyalty]. Examples from Acts (Act 3:16 “faith in His name”) = A common ancient idiom referring to a person’s loyalty to another (usually a person more powerful or of higher status than themselves); (Act 20:21 “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ”) = Not only is the aforementioned idiom expressed, but this time the word “faith” is used as the substitute for baptism. Instead of Peter’s former gospel combination of repentance and baptism, it is repentance and faith – demonstrating faith to be both a suitable synonym for baptism and another term communicating vows of loyalty.1.2. Why a gospel requiring such things was (and continues to be) so offensive to those outside a genuine Jesus’ movement = Because the gospel preached by the majority of those claiming to follow God has always been a gospel which requires no such loyalty or commitment. True now and true also in Jesus’ day. The rebellious Jews were the first Evangelicals. They too  believed in a FAG (Jer 6:14-19; Luk 3:8 w/Joh 8:39).    1.3. A gospel causing this kind of offense among the majority was prophesied as central to the genuine Jesus movement (Luk 2:34-35 w/Mat 10:16-39) = The people Jesus is calling “wolves” - who will do these awful things, wb the majority of those claiming to follow God and blood family.2.  The gospel message is powerfully and irrefutably proven from the Scriptures. 1.1. (Act 18:24-28 “powerfully refuted…demonstrating by the Scriptures”) = Proving by powerful argument and irrefutable Scriptural evidence (“demonstrating”, Luk 17:14). 1.2. (Act 1.17:1-3, 8:4, 19, 19:8 “synagogue”) = Jewish place of worship where scrolls containing all the OT Scriptures would be found. Though Paul [ml] possessed some books (e.g., Pentateuch – 2Ti 4:13), it would have been almost impossible to his missionary endeavors to carry everything. Hence therefore the common practice of going to the synagogue to evangelize. (“explaining and giving evidence”, “reasoning”) = The employment of logic and facts to make an argument. In this case, the logic and facts established by the Scriptures. (“persuading”) = Irrefutably proving.1.3. Jesus preached the same way (Luk 24:27 w/32 “our hearts burning within us”) = Idiomatic phrase indicating the presence of strong conviction where there had once been doubt. Jesus’ demonstrably proved from the OT Scriptures that the gospel message He had preached (most esp., that the Christ would need to suffer and die) was true.1.4. Point not to miss: the gospel of a genuine Jesus movement doesn’t just claim its message is irrefutable, but proves it from the Scriptures in such a way that it leaves its opponents w/o a valid rebuttal (in re: to ordained men, Tit 1:9-11 silenced” = their mouths made shut/stopped). 3. Because what is being preached as the gospel is both offensive and irrefutable, those rejecting its message (including those within the majority) will employ slander and shady tactics to shut the preachers up. 2.1. (Act 6:7-13 “cope with the wisdom”) = Refute his arguments from Scripture. Jesus promised to give His preachers this kind of wisdom (Luk 21:15). (“secretly induced men to say...put forward false witnesses”) = Employed slander and shady tactics to shut Stephen up bc (once more) they couldn’t refute him.2.2. (Act 9:22-23 “plotted” [20:3 “plot…formed by the Jews”, 19 “plots of the Jews”]; See also 23:12-15 “conspiracy”) = Shady tactics. In this case, the shady tactic of condemning someone w/o giving them the opportunity to defend their actions or beliefs (e.g., a kangaroo court). God’s Law forbids such shady tactics (Exo 23:1 w/Deu 19:15; Hence Joh 7:51). Even the pagan Romans viewed such behavior as shady and illegal (Act 19:21-28 w/35-42; See also Act 23:30, *25:16). 2.3. Because they could not refute their gospel, the Jews called the Christians a cult (“sect”) so that others would view them with suspicion. 2.4. Another common (shady) tactic of those who are unable to refute the preachers in a genuine Jesus movement is to slanderously attack their personal character.  This they also do, in the hopes of scaring others out of listening to them (Act 24:5 “deceivers…pest”) = Translates as “scoffer” in the OT. It refers to a wicked person who boldly condemns those who are right as though they were wrong. (“dissension”) = Insurrection (against God). See also Paul’s words in (2Co 6:8 “regarded as deceivers”) = Imposters. 2.5. Jesus’ character and intentions were likewise attacked by those who were unsuccessful in attacking what He preached (Mat 11:19 “gluttonous man and a drunkard” [Notice they condemned JtB also- v18]; Joh 8:41 “fornication” = Implying that Jesus was a bastard child; See also v48). 2.6. It is for these reason that both Jesus and Paul were confident that those part of a genuine Jesus movement will experience hatred and persecution from others (including once more, those a part of the majority followers of God) (again, Mat 10:22; See also Joh 15:18-21; Act 14:22). 4. The church will possess real authority.4.1. The fact that Acts speaks of those being baptized as receiving forgiveness of sins means there is real power in this sacrament. Another text that speaks of baptism as the place where we are forgiven - or our sins are washed away, is (Act 22:16).4.2. Seeing that the church (or her elders) were the only ones able to carry out this powerful act (Act 8:12, 35-38 = Philip was an elder in the Jerusalem church [Act 6:1-6], 9:18 = Ananias was the elder at the church in Damscus, 10:46-48 = Peter as an apostle/elder of the Jerusalem church, 16:14-15, 31-33 = Paul was an apostle/elder in the church at Antioch) means that the church possessed real spiritual authority – the authority (or power) to “bind and loose”, just as Jesus had promised (Mat 16:17-19; Joh 20:21-23). 4.3. That those churches associated w/a genuine Jesus movement possess real spiritual authority is also supported by the church’s exclusive ability to: 1) determine who received this authority from the HS (Act 8:15-19, 14:23; Act 20:28) = Notice it mentions the HS [or His authority and power] in conjunction w/ the elders at Ephesus (“the HS made you overseers…to “guard…oversee [and] shepherd” the church), 2) to pronounce and secure divine judgment in relation to the disobedient in the church (Act 5:1-11) = Notice again, the mention of the HS w/respect to the elders. When Ananias and Sapphira lie to the elders, they are viewed as lying to the HS. 4.4. As a final note, it should be mentioned that Acts also indicates that false churches and their leaders – or those not part of a genuine Jesus movement, will not possess such authority – and as a result, not be able to keep the demons out of their covenant communities (Act 19:11-16 w/Mat 16:18-19). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Many have claimed that their church is (or has been a part of) a genuine Jesus movement. If the present study’s findings are correct, how many churches truly are (or were)? What about us? Is what has been discussed today, what we see or have experienced in this church? If so, welcome to a genuine Jesus movement. [1] Scholars believe Acts to be the fulfillment of these chapters in Isaiah. See David W. Pao’s Acts and the Isaianic New Exodus

Canon (definition): Those books containing God’s spoken words (the Old and New Testaments otherwise known as Scripture, God’s Word or the Bible) preserved for the purpose of saving (physically, spiritually) His people (the covenant community). A major deterrent to canonical confidence[1], is not only a poor understanding of the canon’s formation, but the intended function of God’s spoken words as communicated in the canon itself. Having addressed the latter (function), this study will address the former (formation). With that in mind, there are several important truths that must be understood with respect to the formation of the Canon – or those books believed to contain God’s spoken words: 1. By the time of Jesus and the apostles, the Old Testament had long been accepted by the Jews as the first installment of God’s spoken words.1.1. First century Jewish historian, Josephus claims that the same books found in (our modern-day) Old Testaments, had long been considered God’s spoken words by the Jews, “For although such long ages have now passed, no one has ventured neither to add, or to remove, or to alter a syllable” (Against Apion, 1.38-42).1.2. First century Jewish writer, Philo of Alexandria likewise acknowledges the Old Testament as God’s spoken words using the same three-fold structure used by Jesus to describe them (Luk 24:44 “the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms”), “The laws and the sacred oracles of God enunciated [God spoke] by the holy prophets … and psalms” (On the Contemplative Life, 25; See also Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus and Dead Sea Scrolls, 4QMMT). 1.3. The way that Jesus and the apostles speak about the Old Testament, it is clear they too saw it as the first installment of God’s spoken words (i.e., as Scripture) (e.g., Mat 4:1-11, 9:13, 15:3-9, 22; Mar 12:10; Luk 4:21, 18:20; Joh 5:39, 7:38 10:35; Act 1:16, Rom 4:3; 2Ti 3:15-16; Jam 2:8; 1Pe 2:6).1.4. Furthermore, 33 of the 39 Old Testament books are referenced or directly quoted by Jesus and other NT speakers[2]. Those not referenced or directly quoted: Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Song of Solomon, Obadiah[3].1.5. Point not to miss: The OT (as the first canon or installment of God’s spoken words) was not only a forgone conclusion by the time of Jesus and the apostles, but something they and the other NT speakers firmly believed and promoted. 2. When the Old Testament speaks about the coming new kingdom (new Israel) and its Messiah, it also speaks about new spoken words from God (i.e., a new “testament” from God)[4].2.1. Support: 1) (Deu 18:18 “put my words in His mouth and he shall speak”) = Messiah will speak new words from God [fulfilled: Mar 9:7; Joh 6:14, 7:40; Act 3:23-24, 7:37], 2) (Isa 11:1 “rod of His mouth”) = Messiah will judge the earth w/new spoken words from God [fulfilled: 2Th 2:8; Rev 1:16, 11:15, 19:15], 3) (Isa 61:1-2 “bring good news”) = Messiah will bring new spoken words of salvation [fulfilled: Luk 4:18-19], 4) (Isa 2:2-3 “the word of the Lord from Jerusalem [shall go forth to the nations]”) = The new spoken words from God will go forth from Jerusalem to the nations of the world [fulfilled: book of Acts]. David Pao believes Isaiah 2 to be the paradigm for the entire book of Acts[5] (In this light consider, Luk 24:46-47). 2.2. Literature from the Second Temple period make it clear that the Jews knew the Old Testament was not the end of God’s spoken words. IOW: there would be a second installment:“The Jews of the Second Temple period were not a settled group. Despite having returned to their promised land, they still conceived of themselves as in ‘exile’ – they were still oppressed by foreign rulers (Bar 2:7-10; 2Macc 2:5-18; 4Q504 2-5; T. Mos. 4:8-9). Thus, Israel was in a posture of anticipation and longing; they were waiting for God to fulfill His promises to break into the world and redeem His people…Another way [therefore] to articulate Second Temple expectations…is to say that the Jews of this period viewed the story of the Old Testament books as incomplete. When the Old Testament story of Israel was viewed as a whole, it was not viewed as something that was finished but as something that was waiting to be finished….That Second Temple Jews regarded the Old Testament story as incomplete and in need of a proper conclusion has significant implications for the production of a new corpus of biblical books. If some Second Temple Jews became convinced that the story was completed in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth – such as the earliest Christians did -- the it is not unreasonable to think that the proper conclusion to the Old Testament might then be written. Indeed, the very structure of the Old Testament itself, with its truncated and forward-looking ending, naturally leads to the expectation that there would be a second installment of writings to finish the job. Otherwise, one would be left with a play that had no final act.” – Michael J. Kruger (The Question Of Canon) “A new Israel would require new Scriptures.” – David Meade (“Ancient Near Eastern Apocalypticism and the Origins of the New Testament Canon of Scripture.”) 3. The concept of a new covenant also points to a second installment of new spoken words from God.3.1. Scholars have long observed that “where there is a divine covenant…there is a divine covenantal document [containing God’s spoken words].”[6]3.2. So close is the connection between covenant and an accompanying document containing God’s spoken words, that the OT authors would frequently equate the two. To possess a covenant w/God meant to possess spoken words from God (Exo 24:7; Deu 4:13, 29:21; 2Ki 23:2).  3. It is therefore safe to assume that the early Christians – who were also highly covenantal in their understanding of their new faith, were expecting new spoken words from God (a New Testament to go with their new covenant). “The earliest Christians were themselves immersed in the covenantal structure of the Old Testament and thus would have understood this critical connection between covenants and written texts [of God’s spoken words for that covenant]…If they believed that through Jesus Christ a new covenant had been inaugurated with Israel (Jer 31:31), it would have been entirely natural for them to expect new written documents [of God’s spoken words] to testify to the terms of that [new] covenant.” - Kruger 4. At least some of the New Testament authors were aware they were writing the second installment of God’s spoken words (i.e., the New Testament).4.1. Consider for example, Peter’s use of the word “Scripture” when speaking about the writings of Paul (2Pe 3:16). Paul likewise uses the word “Scripture” when referring to a saying from Jesus in Luke’s gospel (1Ti 5:18 w/Luk 10:17). Certainly, such identification was not lost on the authors themselves. IOW: the authors (Paul and Luke) also shared the view that what they were writing was indeed Scripture (Consider Paul’s words in 1Co 14:37-38). 4.2. Assuming Luke felt the same way about his other book, the book of Acts, means we have accounted for over half the books in the NT (15 of the 27) or 139 of its 260 chapters (53%). Chances therefore are high that those writing the remaining portion also knew they were writing Scripture. 4.3. As additional support, many scholars believe that all of the NT’s authors believed they were preserving apostolic witness – i.e., that God was (through them) preserving (in written form) His (or Jesus’) spoken words to the apostles (Joh 14:26 w/17:8).  And their belief shares substantial patristic evidence. The early church fathers, Justin Martyr, Tertullian and Irenaeus all believed this to be true. For example, they believed the gospel of Mark to be the embodiment of Peter’s teaching about Jesus (captured by his “ghost writer” Mark, before His death) (See 2Pe 1:3-15; Mark is identified in the NT as “John Mark”, the cousin of Barnabas and close friend to the apostles [Act 12:25]). 4.4. Finally, the literary structure of the New Testament also bears witness to canonical awareness and intent. The NT authors wrote their respective books to mimic the language and patterns found in the Old Testament. For example: 1) the author of Hebrews presents the terms of the new covenant through Christ in the same mode and manner as the terms of old covenant through Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. So close is the literary structure of Hebrews to that of Deuteronomy, that David M. Allen concludes that Hebrews “does not just use Deuteronomy, it becomes the new Deuteronomy.” (Deuteronomy & Exhortation in Hebrews: A Study in Re-presentation), 2) Matthew appears to be molding his Gospel after the first five books of the Old Testament – or the writings of Moses (the Pentateuch). Even the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel bears witness to Scriptural (or canonical) intent. He begins with a genealogy and ends with a great commission – both vivid echoes of the book of Chronicles (1Chr 1-8; 2Chr 36:23), the last books in Israel’s history and the perfect place to therefore begin God’s new plan (and promise) of deliverance.  “Matthew constructs his Gospel partly to reflect the beginning and ending of Chronicles.” – G.K. Beale (The Temple And the Church’s Mission) 5. The church’s role was never to determine what should be a part of the New Testament canon, but to recognize what already was.5.1. In the words of Bruce Metzger, “Neither individuals nor councils created the canon; instead they came to recognize and acknowledge the self-authenticating quality of these writings which imposed themselves as canonical upon the church.” (The New Testament, Its Background, Growth And Content). 5.2. Based on numerous quotations from the 2nd century early church fathers, Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria, all 27 books of our modern-day New Testaments had already been recognized as Scripture by the time of – or shortly after, the death of the apostles[7].  “We have learned from none other the plan of salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith.” – Irenaeus (Against Heresies) “The fact that the collections of new Christian Scriptures used by Clement and Irenaeus…on the opposite sides of the Mediterranean Sea, resemble each other so closely, undermines the notion that churches, at a relatively late date in the second century, were only beginning to sort through a large mass of Christian writings.” – Charles E. Hill (Who Chose The Books Of The New Testament?) 5.3. Point not to miss: the self-authenticating qualities of the 27 books which make up the NT canon were so obvious, that their place in the Bible – as the second installment of God’s spoken words, was accepted and promoted immediately – or almost immediately after they were written. 6. What (then) were the “self-authenticating qualities” that caused the early church to recognize them as God’s new spoken words (i.e., NT Scripture)?6.1. agreement with the Old Testament gospel, focus and theology: The NT authors used the OT Scriptures to prove their New Covenant beliefs, demonstrating the agreement that existed between their gospel, focus and theology and the prior covenant (OC) (e.g., 1Co 15:3-4; Act 8:35, 17:11, 18:24)[8]. 6.2. authorship:  All the NT books were written by an apostle – or someone appointed by them to write on their behalf: 1) Mark (for Peter), 2) Luke and Acts (for Paul, [Luke was his travelling companion – Col 4:14; 2Ti 4:11, Phm 1:24]), 3) Hebrews (early church attributed to Paul), 4) Jude (the apostle Judas [Thaddeus] brother of James and half-brother of Jesus – Luk 6:16; Joh 14:22; Mat 13:55), 5) James (an apostle, brother to Jude and half-brother of Jesus – Gal 1:19).6.3. writing style and format: a common distinction between those books accepted as part of our New Testament versus the many writings that were not, are their writing style and format. Recovered fragments of the NT books were always written in “biblical [or book] majuscule”: a professional upright form of writing used in legal documents. In contrast, other books (pseudo scripture or gospels - e.g., the gospel of Mary) were always written in the informal style of cursive. Likewise, the biblical books were always written on a codex (think of a book w/pages) versus in the informal format of a scroll (the format used by the pseudo documents)[9]. 6.4. circulation among the churches  “There may have been eight to ten or maybe even twelve other gospels circulating in the second or third centuries, so, two to three times as many non-canonical as canonical ones. But simply estimating the number of gospels in existence does not tell us how many people or churches were using each one, or for what purpose they might have been using them. Currently, archaeologists have dug up ten fragments from one of the maybe eight to twelve non-canonical gospels dated to the second or third centuries. [In contrast however], the number of fragments of one of the four canonical Gospels from the same period is about forty, so a ratio of four to one. This suggests that, even though there were more alternative [pseudo] gospels than canonical Gospels in existence, apparently these others weren’t being copied and circulated as much as the four.” – Hill [1] By canonical confidence I mean, confidence that what we possess as God’s spoken words is enough to save us. [2] See“Old Testament Passages in the New Testament”, preceptaustin.org; For those notlisted, see Heb 11:32-34 for Judges, Mat 27:30 for Lamentations[3] Though not referenced or directly quotes these books contain motifs and principles repeated and alluded to throughout the NT (e.g., the Kinsmen Redeemer motif of Ruth; the marriage covenant love of Messiah and His bride motif of SoS; the principles of true discipleship and learning established by Ezra and Nehemiah).[4] What I will be arguing for in this - and the remaining points, is what has been referred to as the “intrinsic model” for canon formation. Simply put it argues that the phenomenon of canon was one that arose early and naturally as the consequence of the Old Testament witness (the current point) and deliberate sense the church possessed as to the need for writing down what they believed were God’s new spoken words. [5] See Acts and the Isaianic New Exodus[6] Meredith Kline, The Structure of Biblical Authority[7] See Charles E. Hill’s list in Who Chose The Books Of The New Testament? [8] For an example of this in the patristic writings, see Justin Martyr’s, Dialogue With Trypoho[9] See Hill, p.15-18

INTRODUCTION1. What is Church History?1.1. Definition: The study of the societal, cultural, political, intellectual and institutional factors that shaped popular Christendom or the church into her different branches of belief and denominations.  “The study of the history of God’s people in Christ, a theological claim, or, speaking more neutrally, of those who wanted to be God’s people in Christ.” – Everett Ferguson (CHURCH HISTORY, Volume One) 1.2. What Church History is not: 1) inspired history: which means we must practice biblical discernment with respect to what it approves or condemns, 2) history written by the remnant: the true Christians have always been the few and far between (the remnant). Unfortunately, the acts or beliefs of the remnant are not normally the ones that get recorded in our (uninspired) versions of church history. It is instead popular (Christianity) or what was accepted by the majority (“history is written by the victors”).     2. What portion of Church History will we be studying?The late Middle Ages through the Protestant Reformation(s) (German, Swiss and English/Continental), the Catholic Counter-Reformation, the Age of Reason, Christian Liberalism, and into present day American Evangelicalism.   Our primary source will be: CHURCH HISTORY, Volume Two (CH, V2) by John D. Woodbridge and Frank A. James III 3. What will we be discussing in class?3.1. A very (very) general overview of the chapter (one chapter per week).There is far too much history to cover in each chapter to qualify our discussions as anything more than a very (very) general overview of the material. It is therefore up to you to read the entire chapter so that you have the extra bits or details necessary to possess the fuller or more precise picture of what was taking place during that particular time in church history. 3.2. The theological validity and relevancy of various historical events.We will take time to explore the theological validity and relevancy of various historical events as a means to not only possessing a better understanding of what the Scriptures actually teach, but why the church is where she is today (what we are in the present is a product of our past). It is here, that we will venture into the discipline known as, Historical Theology[1].  *Questions and comments are welcomed! Dialogue over monologue is the goal (where and when practical and appropriate).  4. A very (very) general overview of the major historical and most relevant events (w/respect to where we are headed) that took place from the time of the post-apostolic church up until the beginning of the late Middle Ages - or the place in history where our textbook begins (roughly 100-1300 AD): 4.1. Bishopric as the answer to apostolic absence: the early church’s initial attempt at maintaining unity in doctrine and practice (orthodoxy/orthopraxy) after the death of the apostles was the promotion of a third office in the church besides that of elder and deacon, the office of bishop (a biblical term that seems to be used synonymously with elder in the NT). Bishops were considered the regional authority for those churches in their area (~ 40 churches/7.5k Christians by 100 AD). This new system of governance eventually led to the establishing of a head bishop over the entirety of the church, or pope (“papa”) (See 2nd Council of Constantinople). 4.2. Marcion: 2nd century influential teacher and son of a Roman bishop who was condemned by the early church as a heretic for his teachings: 1) Jesus is the benevolent, true God and Savior who rejected law and obedience for love and faith in contrast to the evil creator god of the Hebrew Old Testament (who demands obedience to his laws and mercilessly punishes those who disobey). 2) Paul was the only true apostle (James was a false teacher), 3) the canon of Scripture consists of only eleven books: a redacted version of Luke’s gospel and ten of Paul’s epistles (also redacted), one of those being his letter to the Laodiceans.    “The Marcionite church expanded greatly within Marcion's lifetime, becoming a major rival to the emerging Catholic church. After his death, it retained its following and survived Christian controversy and imperial disapproval for several centuries. Several theologians have viewed him as a proto-protestant[2].” (Wikipedia) 4.3. The contributions of the early church Fathers, (1st-3rd century church leaders who were the direct or indirect disciples of the apostles): 1) Baptismal regeneration [Tertullian, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen] 2) Baptism can only take place in true churches, those holding to the right gospel [Cyprian], 3) Obedience is necessary to salvation [Clement of Rome, Clement of Alexandria, Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Melito, Cyprian], 4) We have the freewill and ability to faithfully obey God’s laws [Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tatian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Melito].   4.4. Roman Emperor Constantine: toleration (the edict of Milan, 313 AD) and state support of Christianity eventually leading to its establishment as the dominant religion, influence and power within the Roman Empire (by 381, e.g., Edict of Thessalonica). As the saying goes, “Rome didn’t die, she just became a church.” (or put the other way, “the church was nationalized and commercialized”). 4.5. Ecumenical Church Councils: another attempt at maintaining unity in doctrine and practice within Christendom (~ 3-4 million Christians by 300 AD) through the: 1) validation/condemnation of doctrine, 2) establishment of canon laws (rules for the churches):  East-West (Great) Schism (1054 AD): This break between churches in the eastern and western world brought into formal existence the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. The differences that ultimately brought their permanent division (in italics): 1) eucharistic ecclesiology (each individual church equals the whole church; every bishop is equal and operates within a confederacy) v. universal ecclesiology (the whole church is identified as only those churches submitted to one supreme bishop, the pope), 2) no bishop is infallible v. the pope is infallible, 3) anti-filioque (HS proceeds from the Father only) v. Filioque (HS proceeds from Father and Son), 4) anti-Immaculate Conception (original sin in Mary) v. Immaculate Conception (no original sin in Mary), 5) no purgatory v. purgatory. Roman Catholic Crusades (1096-1204): Four military campaigns inspired and supported by the Catholic Church. The common mission: seize back control of the Holy Land (Israel) – most especially Jerusalem (the “city of God”) from the Muslims. Soldiers were recruited with the promise of heaven (their battle would remove sin, the death would be considered an act of martyrdom).  Roman Catholic Inquisitions: At the end of the 12th century, Rome began to hunt down and torture those found guilty of teaching doctrines deemed heretical in regions where the Catholic church reigned supreme. Catholic inquisition continued until the 19th century. Notable examples of groups tortured and killed would include: 1) the Catharists (12th-14th cent., rejected RC: monotheism [good god = NT; bad god = OT], humans were angels trapped in material realm), 2) the Waldensians (13th cent., rejected RC: pope and priesthood, holy water, sacred days and pilgrimages, relics) , 3) the Hussites (tbd in chapter one of CH, V2), 5) the Jews (12th-19th cent.), 6) the Protestants (16th-19th cent.).  [1] “The branch of theological inquiry which aims to explore the historical development of Christian doctrines, and identify the factors which were influential in their formation.” - Alister E. McGrath (Historical Theology)[2] See Politics of Religion/Religions of Politics by A. Welchman [3] Not considered among the ecumenical councils since it was attended only by those in the North African synod.

Canon (definition): Those books containing God’s spoken words (the Old and New Testaments otherwise known as Scripture, God’s Word or the Bible) preserved for the purpose of saving (physically, spiritually) His people (the covenant community).A major deterrent to canonical confidence[1], is not only a poor understanding of the canon’s formation, but the intended function of God’s spoken words as communicated in the canon itself. This study (or part one) will address the latter, part two, the former. With that in mind, there are several important truths that must be understood with respect to God’s spoken words:     1. The exclusive instrument God has chosen to lead and have relationship w/His people (i.e., to save them) has been His spoken words (not feelings or Jesus’ face in pancakes or naan - or the more recent and local example, glitter bombs [Church of the Front Range]) (Exo 34:27 “in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel” = God’s words were the means to covenant relationship w/OC Israel; Deu 31:8-9 = God’s words were the means to leading OC Israel; Isa 8:19-20 = Those led by anything other than God’s spoken words are counterfeits; Heb 1:1-2; 2Ti 3:16 “inspired” [Grk., “God-breathed” = Spoken by God] = What has been written down as Scripture is what was spoken [to the human authors] by God; 2Pe 1:19-21 = Gaining and maintaining a saving relationship w/God [“until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” = Until you get to heaven/the day of your eternal salvation is realized] requires that you give yourself to His “spoke[n]” words [“Scripture”] as the exclusive means to leading and living your life [versus to false teachers who lead thru feelings, their experiences or promises of false freedom [2:1-19]; What about Gideon’s fleece? See Jug 6:36 w/37-40). 2. Since the purpose of God’s spoken words is the salvation (physically and spiritually) of His people, we should: 1) always view His spoken words with this as their intention (i.e., whatever He has said is relevant/important to the subject of salvation – 2Ti 3:15), 2) never view His spoken words as an attempt at referring to or explaining all things (e.g., the Bible has very little to say about dinosaurs; the Bible spends very little time on the subject of Creation).  3. Never – including the present, have God’s people ever possessed all God’s spoken words yet they have always had what they needed to be faithful (Deu 29:29; 2Pe 1:3; e.g., 1Sa 10:10-11; Joh 20:30; Col 4:16; Rev 10:4).4. God at times, has deliberately hidden His spoken words - or their understanding, until His people were ready to receive it and take the next necessary step in their journey of obedience (Neh 8:13-18 [Lev 23:34; Deu 16:16]; Eph 3:1-6 = OT saints not given full understanding as to the prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. Hence Mat 13:34-35 and Luk 24:27, 45-46//Luk 9:45, 18:31-34; Joh 12:16, 13:7, 20:9; *the importance of this truth to our church: do not become unsettled by the fact that as we mature, God corrects our poor understanding of His spoken words from the past – e.g., Calvinism, baptism, Insurrection or the unforgiveable sin, what other things qualify as a capital crime, etc. ** what has never changed: our view that what a person needs to do to be saved is more than simply put faith in Christ, they must also be faithfully obedient to His laws).5. God has also deliberately foregone giving the exact application for some of His spoken words to accommodate the changing moral climates experienced by His people throughout the world and redemptive history (e.g., Deu 25:1-3; 1Co 5:1-5 w/2Co 2:6-8; see also 2Co 8:21; *important not to miss: though the church is given freedom as to the application of these laws, that does not make our decisions arbitrary or without God’s authority and backing[2]; Mat 18:18-20). 6. Under Jesus’ new covenant kingdom, God has deliberately changed the way we are to understand and apply some of His previously spoken (or preserved) words (e.g., Rom 10:20-21 w/Isa 65:1-2; 1Co 5:1-5; Col 2:11-12; Act 15:17 w/Amo 9:12 [LXX versus MT[3]]).7. In addition, God has deliberately made some of His spoken words hard to understand (e.g., 2Pe 3:16) so that those who truly love Him will truly understand it and those who don’t, won’t[4] (Jer 29:13 “with all of your heart” = Hard work motivated by love is the condition to finding God; Isa 6:10 w/1:1-15 and 5:24 = Dull and dim are God’s curse on those who refuse to love Him by listening to His laws [to love is to listen]; Mat 13:13-15; Joh 8:42-43; Act 28:27; 2Co 12:7-10 [the theory of desirable difficulty] = We are better at understanding things [we are “stronger”] when those things are presented in a difficult way[5]).8. Though not always apparent on the surface, there are no contradictions or inconsistencies between the principles established by God’s spoken words in the Old Testament and those established in the New Testament (Hence the reason: 1) Jesus and the NT’s speakers always appeal to the OT in support of their position or teaching – e.g., Act 24:14 [roughly, one out of every three verses in the NT is a direct or indirect reference to the OT], 2) Paul supports the OT as a source for becoming “wise” about NT salvation or training in righteousness [2Ti 3:15-16], 3) the Scriptures used at the start of the 1st century church to discern truth from error was the OT [the NT didn’t exist] – e.g., Act 17:10-11//e.g., Act 15:17 w/Amo 9:12 = No contradiction in the way James applies Amos since the intended goal of the prophet’s words agree with James’s interpretation [i.e., the Gentiles will be able to seek God’s salvation w/o becoming Jews [“all the nations who are called by My name”. Hence Paul’s struggle w/the Jews - Gal 6:13-15 w/3:28).   9. The two worst things therefore a person can be, are: 1) lazy in working hard to understand God’s spoken words (2Pe 3:16 = The reason they are “untaught and unstable” is due to their unwillingness to put forth the effort or work to “grow” in their understanding of God’s new covenant plan [the “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” They are “unprincipled men” [lazy – literally, w/o a law governing their behavior- most esp. God’s law – e.g., 2Pe 2:7], vv17-18; why so bad: v16b, “to their own destruction”)  and 2) under the impression that no changes or corrections will be made to their understanding of God’s spoken words as a consequence of their growth in understanding (and therefore refuse to change – or call into question what is being taught) (this too is implied in 2Pe 3:16-18 = People refusing to grow are people refusing to change; e.g., Act 6:8-7:53 [51]; Gal 4:1-10 [8-10]; why so bad: Heb 6:1-8).10. The end of first-century supernatural offices, brought an end to any additional spoken words from God in human history (1Co 13:8-10).   [1] By canonical confidence I mean, confidence that what we possess as God’s spoken words is enough to save us. [2] Arbitrary (def.) based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.[3] Based on the evidence from other extant Jewish sources (e.g., Dead Sea Scrolls), some scholars believe the LXX rendering to be the more accurate/correct rendering.[4] To say that something is hard to understand does not mean the same thing as beyond human understanding. If this were true, then hardly could Peter (for example) make an appeal to Paul’s wisdom – or encourage other Christians to read his letters since their message would be indiscernible (2Pe 3:14-15). It should also be noted that acknowledging the difficulties of Scripture (i.e., their interpretation) does no violence to the doctrine of Perspicuity or clarity of Scripture. Clarity is not the same as simplicity. In the words of Mark D. Thompson, “The clarity of Scripture [does] not mean, and [has] never meant, that there are no difficulties in Scripture.” (A Clear And Present Word, p.153).[5] For a popular culture treatment of this subject see Malcom Gladwell’s David and Goliath (Part 2: The Theory of Desirable Difficulty).

1. Accomplishing the mission of our Master1.1. The mission of our “Master” = Using our potential to be a value-add to His (new) kingdom (i.e., the church) through thecultivation of its assets (14-17). (14) “entrusted his possessions…talents [literally, weights of value]”, (27) “money” = Kingdom assets, those things determining the kingdom’s value. (15) “each according to his ability” = Potential based on one’s resources and opportunities. (16, 17) “traded and gained”, (27) “money back with interest” = Cultivation.1.2. Accomplishing the mission of our Master is necessary to being ready when we meet Him (24:44 w/25:13 w/14a “for it is just like…”). IOW: it is necessary to receiving (final) salvation (versus damnation) (21 versus 30).1.3. Adding to the value of Jesus’ (new) kingdom/church is the reason He (the Master) purchased (redeemed/saved) us out of this condemned world. IOW: the gracious gift of our salvation (i.e., forgiveness/escape from hell/eternity in heaven) is reciprocal (26 = Jesus expects a ROI).1.4. Maintaining our salvation therefore includes this aspect of obedience. We must make sure we are the kind of Christian whose life is a value-add to the mission of our Master. Consider: 1) Christians are the “slaves” (14) of God (term used most frequently in the Bible to describe God’s people). Slaves have no rights or reason to live beyond the mission of their master (again, this is why they are purchased).2) Our potential (“ability”) plays a crucial role in determining whether we were faithful to our Master’s mission - i.e., did our potential match our performance? (15 w/29). 3) The third slave is considered “wicked” and sent to hell not because of living an unholy life (e.g., he didn’t steal the master’s talent), but rather because he refused to be productive - or productive according to his master’s preference (Mat 7:21-23 = Those condemned chose to serve Jesus according to their preference versus God’s preference [“the will of My Father”]).1.5. According to Jesus, failing to be productive (according to your potential and God’s will for your life) means you are still wicked and worthy of hell.  2. Kinds of Christians: value-add (v-a) and value-bad (v-b)2.1. “Lions” (v-a Christians) (16-17): 1) they make good use of their “ability”/they live up to their potential/they have a great ROI. In the case of the first two servants in our parable, they had a 100% ROI! 2) they view Christianity like the military: they respect authority and live for the mission (20, “Master… you entrusted to me…see I have gained”).3) they are bold and courageous: they capitalize on their fear versus being controlled by their fear (25, “afraid”). 4) they have sense of urgency and always execute the mission (16 “immediately”).5) their value is determined by the value of the church (Phi 2:3-4; this is what removes selfishness; it is how we die to self and live for Christ). 6) lions love pain (their perspective: pain = gain).7) lions know - and are good with, God’s love being conditioned upon performance (Joh 17:4).8) lions are like/imitate Jesus and so go to heaven (23 “joy of the master” = Heaven, where “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” lives – Rev 5:5; Joh 17:4).2.2. "Chickens” (v-b Christians) (18): 1) they do not live up to their ability/potential. Like chickens who bury their eggs, the wicked servant buried his ability/potential so that others [in this case, the master] cannot benefit from them (25-27). Important point NOT to miss: it’s not enough to serve if what we do falls short of our ability/potential-i.e., we possess a poor ROI (e.g., pastor becoming a lay-teacher in the church – Would that be an acceptable ROI? Could I say I had been faithful w/my ability/potential?). 2) they view Christianity like a book club: no one is boss, we exist to discuss what we like in God’s book/complain [squawk like chickens] about what we don’t. 3) they are big talkers/squawkers who end up being nothing more than lazy cowards and emotional wrecks (26 “lazy” = cowardly = selfish)4) they hate anything urgent, make excuses and often fail to execute the mission (24 w/26 = Servant rejected the urgency of the mission assigned by his master). 5) their value is determined by what others think of them/how they view themselves in relation to others (in the church) (e.g., 24 = The wicked servant’s value was determined by how superior he felt to others [“a hard/harsh man”]). 6) chickens avoid pain (their perspective: pain = not necessary for gain) (24 w/25; e.g., pastor chooses a different career path because of the pain and effort required).7) chickens delude themselves into believing that God’s love for them is unconditional/not performance-based - i.e., they are evangelicals (25 = the wicked servant assumes his master will be okay w/his lack of performance).8) chickens go to hell (30 “outer darkness…weeping and gnashing of teeth” = Hell; Mat 13:42 see also Rev 22:18).2.3. “Hogs and dogs” (very v-b Christians) (Mat 7:6): 1) they are worse than hell-bound chickens. Hogs and dogs have no genuine interest in adding value to Jesus’ kingdom. 2) they despise the “holy” mission given to them at their conversion and anyone who attempts to push them in that direction they will “tear…to pieces”. 3) though citizens of Jesus’ kingdom, they hate His rule/authority (Luk 19:14)  4) hogs and dogs not only fail to execute but drain (“devour”) the resources of the church. On Judgment Day, all farm animals (chickens, hogs and dogs) will be thrown into the lake of fire by the angels (Mat 13:41-42; “stumbling blocks” = Chickens, those who by their cowardly selfishness and laziness promote the same in others; “those who commit lawlessness” = Hogs and dogs, those who despise God’s holy law and those who practice/enforce it [“they will devour you – Mat 7:6]). Only royal animals (lions) make it to heaven (Mat 13:43; “the righteous will shine forth as the sun” = V-A, royalty language – see Dan 12:3 w/Psa 80:1, 132:17-18])  3.Cultivation of the Kingdom’s assets3.1. How we cultivate the Kingdom (or Church’s) assets = Through the bold AND consistent promotion of her 3 main assets in our lives, church, and the world (boldness and consistency = cultivation)3.2. Why boldness? Boldness brings conviction, and conviction - not conversion is the goal. Only the HS can bring conversion. We are called to create conviction not conversion (Ecc 10:4 [“allays” = removes]; Act 2:47, 4:29). boldness = convictionSigns associated w/boldness (how you know you are being bold, and people are convicted):1) They want to hear more/get right with God (Act 2:36-37)2) They get angry, say mean things, avoid or condemn you or seek to hurt you (Act 7:52-54).3.3. Why consistency? Past victories/faithfulness only counts if you keep producing in the present (Eze 18:24; Mat 21:19). consistency = perseverance 3.4. The 3 main assets of Jesus’ (new) Kingdom (the Church) that must be boldly and consistently promoted in our lives, church and the world:1) TRUTH (the reality of the K) [God’s Word - most esp. His gospel] (Mar 16:15 [v20]; Luk 24:46-48 w/Act 1:8 – Notice it includes those who already think they are saved [“Jerusalem and in all Judea” = the Jews]; Lev 19:16-18 w/Psa 34:12-13; Isa 8:20; Joh 17:17; Eph 4:15; 1Pe 2:22; 1Jo 3:18; remember Rev 22:15). 2) JUSTICE (the function of the K) [God’s prescription] (Psa 34:14 [“peace” = justice]; Psa 37:30, 97:2, 106:3; Pro 21:3, 28:4; Isa 1:27, 9:7, 16:5, 42:1, 4, 51:4, 56:1; e.g., Mat 5:21-48).3) BEAUTY (the setting of the K) [symmetry](Gen 2:15 [“Eden” = Paradise - place of beauty; “cultivate” = to promote/spread abroad]; Exo 28:2; Psa 27:4 w/Psa 50:4 w/Psa 96:6; Eze 16:14 “your fame went forth among the nations because of your beauty”; Isa 62:1-12 [v3]w/Hos 14:6-7= Messiah’s coming kingdom/people will be characterized and conquer not only by truth and justice, but beauty; hence the prophets’ lament in Lam 2:15; “Beauty will save the world” – Dostoevsky).    CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: 1)     Based on the resources and opportunities provided to you, are you making good use of your potential in boldly and consistently promoting truth, justice, and beauty to those in your home, church and the world? IOW: are you a value-add to Jesus’ (new)kingdom, the church?2)     Based on your present state, where do you best fit in: with the lions, the chickens, or the hogs and dogs?3)     Would your pastor - or others in the church who know you (and will be truthful with you), agree with your answers?4)     Imagine a church filled with lions.

“One of the ironies of the Bible is that its most difficult book is called ‘Revelation’.” Making sense of the book of Revelation requires:1. We treat Revelation like all other prophetic literature in Scripture which operates according to the principles of symbolism (Rev 1:1, “communicated” [Grk., saymainoe] = Communicated through symbols/signs), original audience relevance (Rev 1:3-4, written to seven churches existing in the 1st century about events that will [in the majority] take place in their lifetime [3, “the time is near”; Mat 24:34]. Hence the early date for writing: > 70 AD[1]), unconventional fulfillment (e.g., Rev 14:8 [Isa 21:9], “Babylon” identified as someone other than literal Babylon), and recapitulation ([def., repeating previously mentioned events for the purpose of reinforcing formerly established truths and introducing new details or different perspectives that further the reader’s understanding and appreciation of those events.], Rev 5-11 w/12-18 [TBD]).2. We read John’s heavenly vision (chs. 4-22) as five main acts: two past, one in the past and present, two yet future.2.1. ACT ONE (PAST): DIVORCE  (4:1-5:14) = Jesus before the divine divorce court. 2.1.1. John is taken up to God’s heavenly throne room, the place where His judgments are determined (4:1-3). 2.1.2. The court’s business on this day is the finalization of Jesus’ divorce from OC Israel (5:1-5).[2] 2.1.3. The “book” (or scroll) with the seven seals represents the marriage covenant between Jesus and OC Israel created during the Sinai event (Exo 19-24 w/Jud 1:5; Exo 24:7 “the book of the covenant” = the marriage covenant document). 2.1.4. John weeps knowing that unless the marriage w/OC Israel is put asunder, the kingdom and promises of God could not be transferred to the church (or NC Israel). IOW: Jesus’ prophecy would not come true (Mat 21:43). 2.1.5. Jesus’ status as Israel’s true Husband (her “Lion” and “Root”) is the reason He is only One who can execute the divorce (break the seven seals of the marriage document rendering it void). 2.1.6. Likewise, Jesus’ status as a priest is the reason for the seven seals (Heb 4-10). Unlike normal marriage documents which were sealed only once, the marital document used for priests (get mekushar) was sealed seven times to dissuade priests from hasty divorces since priests were prohibited from the possibility of re-marrying their former spouses (or marrying those divorced). This understanding tells us that Jesus’ decision to pursue divorce is neither hasty nor without substantial grounds. Jesus’ grounds for divorce are two-fold: 1) OC Israel’s continuing (and generational) spiritual harlotry (Isa 50:1; Jer 3:8-9, 5:7, 13:27; Eze 16:8-30), 2) OC Israel’s murder of her Messiah and Husband-God (Act 2:36, 3:15, 7:52; Rev 5:6, 11:8; According to Jesus, this was the “final straw” – Mat 23:32-36).2.1.7. As such, correctly interpreting Revelation 4 and 5 is essential to understanding 15 of the remaining 17 chapters (i.e., chs. 6-18 or 70% of the entire book of Revelation).(6:1-11:19) = The seven-seals of the marriage document are broken releasing a seven-fold judgment against OC Israel culminating in the destruction of the Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans (depicted as seven trumpets)2.1.8. God promises a seven-fold judgment for Israel’s adultery/apostasy in Leviticus 26 (Lev 26:18, 21, 24, 28).2.1.9. The “four horsemen” of the initial four seals are also an allusion to Ezekiel 14 where God promises severe judgment against Jerusalem for unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 14:12-21). 2.1.10. Direct parallels exist between the initial four seals and what is communicated in Leviticus 26 and Ezekiel 14: 1) Seal one (Rev 6:1-2) = Conquest (Jerusalem) (Lev 26:28-31; Eze 14:21), 2) Seal two (Rev 6:3-4) = Sword/War (Lev 26:24-27; Eze 14:17-18), 3) Seal three (Rev 6:5-6) = Famine (Lev 26:18-20; Eze 14:12-14), 4) Seal four (Rev 6:7-8) = Wild Beasts and Pestilence (Lev 26:21-23; Eze 14:15-16, 19-20).2.1.11. Jesus prophesies that He will use the Romans as His primary means of judgment against the Jews (Mat 22:1-7; the Roman-Jewish War [67-70 AD]).2.1.12. The fifth seal places Nero’s persecution (64-68 AD) squarely on the shoulders of the Jews (who suggested Christians be Nero’s scapegoat for the burning of Rome) (Rev 6:9-11[3]).2.1.13. The sixth and seventh seals (Rev 6:12-17 w/8:1-11:19) represent the five-month siege against Jerusalem (April – September 70 AD). 2.1.14. The seven trumpets which begin at the breaking of the seventh seal, signal the high point/culmination of the vision’s goal: the destruction of Jerusalem (most spec., her Temple) and the end of Jesus’ marriage to OC Israel (Rev 11:2 w/8).[4]2.1.15. Revelation 7 predicts a reprieve in the war when: 1) Jewish Christians (i.e., the Jerusalem church) who understood and heeded Christ’s previous warning, flee the city (Rev 7:1-8; Luk 21:20-24[5]), 2) the full number of martyrs is complete and Nero’s persecution is over (Rev 7:9-17; fulfillment of Rev 6:11; Nero’s death/Vespasian’s dispatch [68 AD][6]).(12:1-18:24) = Recapitulation (repeat w/extra details/different perspective) of Revelation chapters 6 through 11. 2.1.14. Jerusalem, the “great city” of (Rev 11:2 and 8) is identified w/the idolatrous and pagan nation of Babylon, OC Israel’s former oppressors and place of exile (Rev 14:8 w/16:19, 17:18, 18:2, 10, 16, 18-21).2.1.15. The  beast that comes up from the abyss” in (Rev 11:7) is identified as Rome and Nero (the beast from the sea) (Rev 13:1-6, 18 [Rev 17:9-10 “seven heads…seven mountains” = Rome the city on seven hills; “seven kings, five have fallen, one is” = Nero was the sixth of the seven Roman Caesars][7]) who makes an unholy alliance with Israel and her priesthood (the beast of the land and the false prophet) (Rev 13:11-17 [Rev 16:13, 19:20, 20 :10 “false prophet”][8])[9] to destroy Christians. (Rev 6:9-11 w/[11:7, 12:17, 13:7-10, 14:12, 16:6, 17:6, 18:24])2.1.16. The seven seals (of Rev 6-11) are depicted as seven bowls of wrath (Rev 16).2.1.17. Revelation 12 and 13 also reveal: 1) OC Israel’s apostasies in relation to Messiah (Apostasy #1: abdication of her Messiah motherly duties [Rev 12:1-2; Mal 2:10-15], Apostasy #2: attempted murder of her Messiah Son [Rev 12:3-4; Mat 2:13-18; Luk 4:28-29], Apostasy #3: abandonment of her Messiah Son [Rev 12:5-6]), Apostasy #4: anarchy against the Roman govt [Rev 12:7-14][10]. 2) Satan’s (aka, the “dragon” and “serpent”) direct involvement in Israel’s apostasy (Rev 12:3-4), Rome’s power (Rev 13:1-4), and Christianity’s persecution (Rev 12:12, 17, 13:7-10).2.2. ACT TWO (PAST): REMARRIAGE  (19:1-21) = Jesus consummates His marriage to the Church (NC Israel) signaling their reign on earth.2.2.1. After celebrating the finalization of His divorce to adulterous/apostate OC Israel (the “great harlot”) through: 1) destroying Jerusalem and the Temple and 2) avenging the blood of the first century Christian martyrs (Rev 19:1-6), Jesus consummates His marriage to His new Bride, the Church (OC Israel) whose faithful deeds are her wedding dress (19:7-10). 2.2.2. Jesus is revealed as the Divine Warrior Husband Who fights for His Church (Rev 19:11-16 w/6:2 [“conquering to conquer”] and 19:2 [“avenged the blood of His bond-servants”]). 2.2.3. As His final act of vengeance for the first century Christian martyrs, Jesus’ destruction of Rome is also predicted (19:17-21). IOW: (Dan 7:13-14) wb fulfilled!2.2.4. The reign of Jesus’ kingdom (NC Israel/the Church) has begun (Rev 19:6b w/11:15, 12:10, 17:14).2.3. ACT THREE (PAST and PRESENT): SATAN (20:1-6) = Satan’s exile and NC Israel’s reign2.3.1. As part of the Church’s reign, Satan is exiled from this world curtailing his ability to deceive the Church or corrupt its gospel message to the nations (20:1-3; “thousand years” = Like the former time indicators in the book [e.g., Rev 13:5]], this refers to a literal period of time).(20:7-9a) = Satan’s escape and NC Israel’s demise2.3.2. Satan is successful in escaping back into this world (20:7).2.3.3. Satan begins deceiving NC Israel/the Church through the invention of various false gospels/forms of Christianity: 1) Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy (11th century - or [roughly] one thousand years after his exile), 2) Evangelicalism and the Faith Alone Gospel (Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, 16th century). 2.3.4. Satan unites the world against the last remaining Church on earth (Rev 20:8-9a).2.3.5. The extinction of Christianity (the last Church) is thwarted by the physical, final and fiery return of Jesus and His heavenly armies who instantly obliterate Satan and his forces and throw them into the eternal “lake of fire” (Rev 20:9b-10; 2Th 1:7-9). For additional consideration: A clue to Satan’s HQ since his escape (Isa 27:1 w/Mat 12:43).2.4. ACT FOUR (FUTURE): JUDGMENT (20:11-15) = The end of human history results in a final judgment of all who have ever lived.2.4.1. Two books determine every human’s new and eternal home, both related to our deeds (Rev 20:11-13).2.4.2. Based on what has been communicated in the previous chapters, our performance in the face of temptation and persecution - as well as our productivity for the Kingdom (the Church), will be the determining factors for finding our names in the “book of life” or among those who continued to receive the blood of Christ for forgiveness (Rev 20:14-15 w/Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21, 7:9-14, 12:11, 17, 13:10, 14:4-5, 12, 17:14, 19:8; Mat 25:14-30). 2.5. ACT FIVE (FUTURE): REBOOT (21:1-22:21) = The saints of human history enter the new heavens and new earth.2.5.1. Every human who passed their test through persevering and productive faithfulness to Jesus during their earthly lives, will inherit a new and permanently perfect creation where they will serve Jesus and search out new worlds in immortal, impregnable, immutable bodies which guarantee no end to their happiness, knowledge or life (Rev 21:1-22:5).2.5.2. Our free-wills (and nothing else) will determine where we end up eternally (Rev 22:6-13). 2.5.3. Those who end up going to Hell (instead of the Reboot) are not only pagans but those who: 1) chose to believe Christ’s blood was an endless fountain for their constant sin (versus endless only for those who are faithful keep His commands/not characterized by sin) (Rev 22:14), 2) continued to practice what are false versions of God, the gospel and reality (e.g., revisionist history, slander, careless words and thinking) (Rev 22:15). CLOSING WORDS: God: 1) sees salvation a s a marriage between Christ and the Church (Rev 22:16-17), 2) wants Revelation to be a part of Scripture - and His Law to still be in force (STARE DECISIS!) (Rev 22:18-21). [1] For further study see Kenneth Gentry’s, Before Jerusalem Fell.[2] Papers were served and divorce threatened in the past (over 600 years ago; Isa 50:1; Jer 3:8-9). Unfortunately, Israel produced no lasting moral change/repentance to keep the divorce from being finalized (Mat 23:37).[3] “If the martyr’s blood is flowing around the base of the altar (Rev 6:9), it must be the priests of Jerusalem who have spilled it.” – David Chilton (The Days of Vengeance); “(The Neronian persecution of Christians was accomplished)…through jealousy and envy (by the Jews).” – Clement (source unknown); “(The Jews) possessed very powerful advocates in the palace, and even in the heart of the tyrant; his wife and mistress, the beautiful Poppaea, and a favorite player of the race of Abraham. These two suggested to Nero the new and pernicious sect of the Galileans, the Christians.” - Edward Gibbon (History of the Fall and Decline of the Roman Empire)[4] The significance of the Temple’s destruction to Jesus’ divorce = The Temple was the sign of Jesus’ presence and covenant w/OC Israel (Exo 25:8). Hence the reason: 1) immediately after God first makes covenant (Exo 24), He gives to them the plans to build the tabernacle/temple (Exo 25-31), 2) the Temple had to be rebuilt (after its destruction by the Babylonians) for the covenant to be renewed (Neh 9:38-10:29).[5] “For when the city was about to be captured and sacked by the Romans, all the disciples were warned by an angel to remove from the city, doomed as it was to utter destruction.” – Epiphanius (On Weights and Measures)[6] “Vespasian [Rome’s new emperor] sent a dispatch to Rome rescinding the disenfranchisement of Christians as had been condemned by Nero.” – Dio Cassius [7] “Corporately the Beast is the Roman empire; specifically, he is Nero Caesar, its contemporary head.” – Kenneth Gentry (Revelation Made Easy)[8] “This lesser beast appears as a ‘lamb’ reminding us of temple worship in that the lamb us the dominant sacrificial victim. Just as the first beast’s image as a carnivore compound points to Rome and her bloody amusements, so it seems that the second beast’s lamb image points to Israel’s sacrificial system and religious claims.” – Kenneth Gentry (ibid)[9] “Revelation appears to present an unholy alliance against Christianity, a Roman-Jewish alignment.” – Kenneth Gentry (Navigating the book of Revelation)[10] “What did most elevate the Jews in undertaking this war, was an ambiguous oracle that was also found in their sacred writings [Dan 7:13-14], how…one from their own country should become governor of the habitable earth. The Jews took this prediction to belonging to themselves.” – Josephus (Wars); “Since God has established Rome and since you are at war against God’s laws, then you must go to war against Rome [that will] depend on [additional] human assistance. [Yet] where are you going to get human assistance? You might as well kill your wives and children and set fire to your own cities with your own hands and save Rome the trouble.” – King Agrippa (Josephus, Wars)

“One of the ironies of the Bible is that its most difficult book is called ‘Revelation’.”Making sense of the book of Revelation requires:1. We treat Revelation like all other prophetic literature in Scripture which operates according to the principles of symbolism, original audience relevance, unconventional fulfillment, and recapitulation.1.1. Symbolism(Rev 1:1 “communicated” [Grk., saymainoe]) = To indicate the reality of something through signs or symbols; symbolism). Scholars believe Jesus’ use of this Greek word is a direct allusion to Daniel 2 where he is told to interpret the various pieces of Nebuchadnezzar’s great statue dream as symbolism – or symbolic of the various kingdoms that would exist in the future (Dan 2:30 “interpretation” = saymainoe [LXX]). Jesus is therefore communicating that like Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, John’s visions (chs 1 and 4-22) are not to be interpreted literally, but through the lens of signs and symbols. This principle is true not only with respect to Daniel’s prophecy but all OT prophetic literature. We are to interpret its visions as symbolism (signs/symbols pointing to reality rather than the reality itself). What also proves true is that the book of Revelation shares many of the same signs and symbols found in those Old Testament prophetic books. Knowing this helps us to avoid using our imaginations in the interpretive process (e.g., Rev 1:7-8 w/Isa 19:1). Examples of imagination from John MacArthur’s interpretations of Revelation:1.1.1. (Rev 6:12-13), “moon became blood. Accompanying the earthquake will be numerous volcanic eruptions; large amounts of ash and debris will be blown into the earth’s atmosphere, blackening the sun and giving the moon a blood-red hue. Stars of heaven fell. The best explanation is a massive asteroid or meteor shower.” Understanding these verses based on prior OT use (Isa 13:1-22; Eze 32:1-11) = Prophetic language indicating God’s judgment against one pagan nation through their destruction by another pagan nation– which also meant the defeat of their false gods/idols. Isaiah 13 = The fall of the Babylonian kingdom to the Medo-Persians in 539 BC. Ezekiel 32 = The fall of the Egyptian kingdom to the Babylonians in 605 BC. In respect to false gods/idolatry = Both the Babylonians and the Egyptians worshipped gods derived from the “sun”, “moon” and “stars”. What then is being communicated by these symbols in Revelation 6:12-13? Israel’s rejection of their Messiah (Jesus) means that they too have become a nation guilty of idolatry (of worshipping a false god) and will likewise suffer God’s destruction at the hands of a pagan nation. In this case, the Romans (Jewish War 67-70 AD). 1.2.1. (Rev 8:8), “Like a great mountain. Probably a huge meteor or asteroid surrounding by gases that will ignite as it enters earth’s atmosphere. Its impact will create a tidal wave, destroying one-third of the world’s ships. sea became blood. This may refer to an event known as red tides, caused by billions of dead micro-organisms poisoning the water—in this case the result of the meteor’s collision.”  Understanding these verses based on prior OT use (Jer 51:24-25, 42 [w/Rev 17:1-6 which is the same city mentioned in Rev 11:8; See also Rev 18:20-21] = Prophetic language indicating the destruction/conquering of a great city by a massive enemy army.  Jeremiah 51 = The conquering of the great city of Babylon by the massive armies of the Persian king, Cyrus).   What then is being communicated by these symbols in Revelation 8:8? The great city of Jerusalem (and her Temple) will be overrun and destroyed by the massive army of the Roman Empire. 1.2. Original Audience RelevanceThe majority of what the biblical prophets write has relevance to its original audience (e.g., Isaiah = 71% or 47 of its 66 chapters). As such, before we attempt discern universal principles – or what portions of prophecy may be related to us, we must first attempt to understand the importance of the prophecy to those to whom it was first spoken or written (1:4-6, 9-11) = The majority of what John receives as prophetic visions in the book of Revelation is directly relevant to seven 1st century churches existing in Asia Minor. The majority of what is revealed will be fulfilled in their time (1-3). Similar time-markers are provided in Jesus’ prophetic, “Olivet Discourse” (e.g., Mat 24:15-34). Scholars agree that Jesus’ Olivet Discourse is a direct corollary to John’s Revelation. Of interest, is the fact that John’s gospel is the only of the four gospels not containing this famous prophecy. As such, some have called Revelation, “John’s Olivet Discourse.” Examples from OT prophecy supporting the principle of historical or first relevance to the original audience (Isa 7:10-16 w/8:1-8 w/Mat 1:23; Jer 1:11-16 w/7:1-13 w/Mat 21:13). Applying this principle to the book Revelation (examples): 1.2.1. The mountain thrown into the sea in Rev 8:8 as the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple: 1) Jesus made this connection w/His disciples before His death (Mat 21:18-21), 2) According to Dr. William Telford (Dept. of Biblical Studies, Sheffield University), “mountain” was the standard expression among the Jews for the Temple Mount. 1.2.2. The Beast who kills Christians for 42 months and possesses the number, 666 (Rev 13:1-7, 18) = The 1st century Roman king, Nero Caesar: 1) his name according to Hebrew numerical value equals six hundred and sixty-six, 2) many in the 1st century referred to him as a “wild beast” or “the beast” due to his bloody tirades and public displays of animalistic sexual indulgence, 3) As a means to escaping national revolt, Nero blamed his burning of Rome on the Christians (an idea provided by the Jewish leaders via his Jew-favoring wife, Poppaea Sabina) leading to 42 months (Rev 13:5) of the most bloody and violent persecution of Christians in the history of the world (A.D. July of A.D. 64 until Nero’s death in January of 68). 1.3. Unconventional FulfillmentMost prophecy in Scripture experiences multiple fulfillments (e.g., Isa 7:10-16 w/Mat 1:23). Each however is almost always partial – or related to only a portion of the entire prophecy. Rarely is a particular prophecy fulfilled in its entirety in the same event (e.g., contra Isa 53). Instead, each successive fulfillment tends to be concerned with different portions while at the same time, reapplying the previous portion already fulfilled to a completely new or different context. Example from Isaiah (Isa 9:1-7): 1.3.1. Sans verses 6b-7a = Hezekiah (Isa 36-39 -esp., Isa 37:32). 1.3.2. Sans verses 4 and 5 = Jesus (Mat 4:15-16; Luk 1:32-33, 79).  Such unconventional forms of fulfillment can also include change to the original intent or meaning (e.g., Isa 65:1-2 w/Rom 10:20-21). Example from Revelation: Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Babylon by the Persians is later used to communicate the destruction of Jerusalem (the new Babylon) by the Romans (Isa 21:9 w/Rev 14:8).1.4. RecapitulationRecapitulation is the repeating of previously mentioned events for the purpose of not only reinforcing formerly established truths, but to introduce additional details and different perspectives that also help the reader’s understanding and appreciation of those events. Revelation 12 through 18 (the seven bowls of wrath) are a recapitulation of Revelation 6 through 11 (the seven seals culminating in seven trumpets). Recapitulation is an important literary tool employed throughout the Bible. For example:1.4.1. The historical books of the Bible: 1) Genesis (Gen 1 w/Gen 2), 2) history of the kings and prophets ([1Sa 31 and 2Sa, 1 Ki and 2Ki] w/1Ch and 2Ch), 3) the Gospels (Matthew w/Mark w/Luke w/John). 1.4.2. The OT prophetic books (e.g., Isa 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12, 61:1-3 = The Servant of the Lord).1.4.3. Theological truths (e.g., Isa 65-66 w/Rev 21-22 = The new heavens and the new earth/Reboot).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Was Revelation written in the 60s or the 90s? Based on what we learned today, how do we know?

The Seven Deadly Deficiencies can and will shipwreck you and your family's Christian Faith.1. Lack of Loyalty (Luke 12:51-53; Luke 14:26, 33; John 13:35; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).2. Lack of Conformity (Romans 12:1-3; Philippians 1:27, 2:1-2; Luke 8:16-18; 1 John 1:5-10)3. Lack of Dignity, Honor, or Respect (Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:2; 2 Corinthians 8:21)4. Lack of Time (Ephesians 5:15-18; Luke 8:14; Luke 21:34-36).5. Lack of Cashflow (Proverbs 27:23-27; Proverbs 13:8).6. Lack of Discipline (James 3; Matthew 5).7. Lack of Wise Counsel (Hosea 4:6; Deuteronomy 32:28; Proverbs 15:22; 2 Timothy 4:34).

At Christ Covenant Church, we strive to possess the ancient Christian Faith of Jesus and the apostles. And that includes in the area of church polity (i.e., the operational model or governing structure established by God for His church). Hardly a simple task, this puzzle has alluded many throughout church history (including our pastor for almost twenty-two years). Hence the reason there exists at least seven models: 1) Presbyterian 2) Presbyterian w/a synod, 3) Plurality of elders, 4) Plurality of elders w/congregational affirmation, 5) Congregational, 6) Congregational w/pastors, 7) Episcopal, 8) Episcopal w/connexion. Continued study of Scripture and history, however, has allowed our pastor to finally put all the pieces of this important puzzle in their proper place. Said differently, to see the model presented in Scripture that alleviates all the problems created by the previous models adopted by our church. That model is also the oldest and first in church history. As such we can be confident that it was the polity of the first Christian churches. It is the episcopal model – or ancient Christian polity of Jesus, priests and deacons (JPD).1. Jesus is our High Priest, Prophet and King.1.1. The term “messiah” (or “christ” in the Greek) means “anointed one” and referred those who had received the (Holy) Spirit of authority for the purpose of salvation and judgment in relation to right doctrine and direction for the covenant community. This anointing (or ordination[1]) was limited to three offices: priest, prophet and king (priests - Exo 28:29-30; Lev 10:10-11, 17; Exo 40:12-15 w/Psa 132:16; Mal 3:6-7; prophets - Psa 105:15; kings - [1Sa 16:1,13; 2Ki 9:1-3] w/1Sa 24:6 and 2Sa 1:14-16; also 1Ch 11:1-3; With respect to it being limited, see Num 11:29). 1.2. Jesus became the first (and last) Person to combine all three offices in their superlative and divine form. He is the Christ: our Heavenly High-Priest, God’s Final Prophet and Divine Davidic King (or King of kings) (Mat 3:16-17: 1] as Heavenly High Priest – Heb 3:1, 4:14, 8:1-2; 2] as Final Prophet - Deu 18:15, 18-19 w/Joh 5:46 and Act 3:22-23 w/Heb 1:1-12; also Mat 21:11; 3] as Davidic King – Isa 11:1, 10; Psa 2:2, 45:1-7, 110:1 and 2Sa 7:12-13 w/Mat 1:1, 21:1-9; Rom 1:3; 2Ti 1:8; Heb 1:8-9 and Rev 11:15).1.3. What all of this means for Christ Covenant Church from a church polity/government perspective: Jesus is our highest authority, the final “Word” in all things, the One for whom we exist (Joh 1:1-4; Col 1:16). Hence the reason we proclaim at the end of every service, “All for King Jesus!”2. Priests are our ordained pastors (elders/overseers [Grk., episkopei = Bishop[2]]).2.1. God promises to re-establish the offices of priest and Levite for the new covenant community (Isa 66:18 w/21).2.2. As discussed, priests are an anointed/ordained office or the office possessing God’s special spirit of authority for the purpose of salvation, and judgment in relation to justice, doctrine and direction for the covenant community. Given the identification and requirements of elders/overseers/pastors[3]/pastor-teachers (1Ti 3:1; Tit 1:5; Eph 4:113), they represent the new covenant community’s priests. Hence the reason they are:2.2.1. said to possess authority (1Co 5:4; 2Co 10:3-8, 13:10; Tit 2:15)2.2.2. anointed/ordained (2Co 1:21; Tit 1:5 w/Heb 8:3 “appointed” = anointed; Act 14:23 “appointed” = Different word than Tit 1:5 but same idea is being communicated as confirmed by texts like Heb 8:3 [“appointed” – same word and subject as Act 14:23)2.2.3. required to demonstrate competency in teaching (1Ti 3:2 w/Tit 1:5 w/7 w/9 [notice he calls the elders, “overseer”]). Hence why they are called “pastor-teachers” (again, Eph 4:11). Hence why also, those seeking to be ordained were often commissioned to assist and be trained by those already ordained (e.g., Joshua – Num 11:28; Timothy – Act 16:1-3). 2.2.4. deputized by Jesus (through their ordination/anointing/receiving of the Holy Spirit of authority) not only for judgment in relation to justice, right doctrine and direction, but also to extend or withhold His forgiveness/justification/salvation (Mat 16:17-19; Joh 20:21-23; 2Co 3:1-6; Heb 13:17). 2.3. As additional support: 1) Paul identifies himself as a “priest” (Rom 15:15-16), 2) Jesus provides the same support/backing to the judgments and decisions of new covenant elders as those given to old covenant priests (Mat 16:17-19 w/18:17-20 w/Deu 17:9-13; in this respect consider also Num 15:30-31 w/Mat 12:22-32), 3) James speaks of new covenant elders (Jam 5:14-18) in the same way that Josephus speaks of old covenant priests,“[The priest] it is that must put up prayers for you to God, who will readily hear them, because God will receive them as offered by one that he hath himself chosen to this office.” (Antiquities of the Jews)2.4. If then, ordained pastors are the promised priests of the new covenant community, then it is only reasonable that they (like their old covenant counterparts) would also wear special garments associated w/their anointing/ordination (Exo 29:29). Hence the reason for the long legacy of vestments in church history.2.5. Their ordination typically happens through the recognition of an existing body of professing believers and the laying on of hands by existing ordained men (1Ti 4:14, 5:22; 2Ti 1:6-7; Act 6:1-6, 8:14-19, 9:15-18 [laying on of hands precedes Paul’s baptism for the HS] w/Gal 1:1, 15 and 2:9 = Paul equates his encounter w/Ananias [likely the ordained pastor at Damascus] w/his ordination as a apostle).2.6. Last but not least, those serving as new covenant priests (or ordained elders/overseers/pastors): 1) must be men who meet the character qualifications in (1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9 = Both of these passages assume the possession of the right gospel – especially Tit 1:9 “sound doctrine” since this is the prerequisite to the existence of a Christian church, the HS’ empowerment and Christ’s backing of that pastor)[4], 2) will be judged more strictly by God – most especially in what they say and so must become masters over their tongues (Jam 3:1-2), 3) are destined for a great heavenly reward if they are faithful (1Pe 5:1-4; Rev 4:4 = Elders are the one’s possessing a king’s crown – See 2Ti 4:8).  2.7. What all of this means for Christ Covenant Church from a church polity/government perspective: 1) never will there be women pastors/elders 2) never should there be elders/pastors who are not ordained/anointed, 3) those who “aspire” (1Ti 3:1) to be elders/overseers/pastors – i.e., new covenant priests are seeking a good thing and must be trained so that they can be ordained/anointed, 4) the new covenant priest is second in authority to Jesus and therefore possessing His support/backing when making judgments/decisions on justice, doctrine or direction for the church - even when wrong on issues (other than the gospel) due to ignorance. (Consider Deu 17:9-13 w/Lev 4:22ff = Due to ignorance, leaders can sin/be wrong in their judgments. Such fallibility does not mean obedience to their judgments is optional or will be excused by God. Hence Paul’s response in Act 23:5 and his instruction in Rom 13:5). 5) Until others are ordained, pastor Scott is the only one who should be addressed this way (“pastor”). 3. Levites are our deacons and judicial council (or JUDCO)[5].3.1. As discussed, Levites were also promised to the new covenant community. Their office is realized in the role of deacons who like them are: 3.1.1. to submit to and protect their priests/ordained pastors (their person and personal integrity) – as well as God’s house (Num 1:53 w/3:10, 18:3-4, 7; 1Ch 9:14-27; Act 23:1-5 [man who struck Paul was most likely a Levite guard]; 1Ti 5:19 [“elder” = ordained/anointed pastor]w/Exo 22:28 [applied to all rulers including priests as demonstrated by Paul’s violation w/Ananias]; 1Pe 5:5; e.g., O-line protecting their QB).3.1.2. deputized by the priests/ordained pastors w/a portion of the Spirit/spiritual authority (Num 8:9-10 “lay their hands” = Deputize w/authority versus anoint/ordain w/ authority)[6] to help their priests/ordained pastors w/:3.1.2.1. the sacrifices (i.e., the Lords Table) (Num 18:2-7 w/2Ch 29:34, 35:10-12) = The sacrifices (“the obligations of the tent of meeting”): 1) can only to handled by the sons of Levi (priests and Levites). Outsiders are not allowed to “come near”, 2) the Levites role ends outside the veil – i.e., they can prepare and distribute the sacrifice but cannot make it (i.e., make atonement for the people).[7] 3.1.2.2. the offerings (e.g., counting the offerings, seeing that the monies are used properly) (1Ch 26:20; 2Ch 31:14).3.1.2.3. determining justice, right doctrine and direction for the covenant community (e.g., JUDCO) (1Ch 26:29; Neh 8:7-9).3.1.2.4. worship (e.g., the worship leader sb a deacon) (1Ch 6:1 w/31-33, 16:4, 25:1-3). 3.2. Given Paul and Law’s prohibition against women serving as judges – or determining justice/equity, right doctrine and direction of the covenant community (See 1Co 14:34 w/Deu 19:21) - and the fact that this is the majority and most important portion of the deacon’s role, the office of deacon (like its former iteration) also remains open only to men. Though there a women ministers [women who minister in the church – e.g., Phoebe – Rom 16:1, Euodia and Syntyche – Phi 4:2], there are no women deacons [women in offices of spiritual authority]).3.3. In keeping with their predecessors there should exist for the new covenant Levite or deacon: 1) a “head” (or high) Levite/deacon who was responsible for managing the others (Neh 12:24), 2) limited periods of service (versus perpetual service as in the case of priests) (Num 8:24-26), 4) a reward for faithful service (Deu 33:8-11 w/1Ti 3:13). 3) a number representative of the congregation (Num 3:12). 3.4. The qualifications for deacons (or new covenant Levites) are not nearly as strict as those for new covenant priests (1Ti 3:1-7 versus 1Ti 3:8-12; e.g., no mention of deacons [like elders] needing to be “above reproach” [approved by legitimate and strict scrutiny], “temperate” [even keeled in his emotions/behavior] “prudent” [wise]). In modern terms the qualifications for deacons can be summarized as: 1) you can’t be a loser, dork, wimp, weirdo or ghetto (8 “dignified”), 2) you can’t be two-faced, a politician, a manipulator, given to flattery or brown-nosing, living for appearances, living a double-life, untrustworthy, insincere or dishonest in what you say (8 “double-tongued”), 3) you can’t be addicted to any unnecessary foreign substances that impede your ability to fulfill your God-given duties (8 “addicted to much wine”), 4) you can’t be open to committing crimes to make money or positions of authority to push your agenda or preferences on others (8 “fond of sordid gain” – 1Ti 6:5), 5) you must be prone to – and possess a reputation of protecting - versus insurrecting or causing division in the church or casting doubt in the minds of others as to the Christian doctrine being taught by her pastors (9 “holding to” = Bold or strong in protecting/possessing [1Co 7:37; Isa 13:8; no cowards or quiet men]; “the mystery of the Faith” = The church and her teachings/gospel [Eph 3:8-10]; “with a clear conscience” = Not prone to or possessing guilt in relation to division/dissension/insurrection [e.g., 2Co 1:12]); 6) you have a track record demonstrating you meet the prior qualifications (10; e.g., cap crimes/EOTC 3.4. What all of this means for Christ Covenant Church from a church polity/government perspective: 1) Tim is a deacon (and our head deacon). 2) we need more deacons (a good representation) of our current congregation (i.e., we need to elect 6 more [total of 9 or ~ 10% rep. of the congregation/ ~1/3 of our men]). 3) we have men who meet the qualifications (which now includes single men and those who by 2024, have served one year [versus two for elders] after restoration/EOTC issuance; except for Forrest Stinnett, none of our other men are disqualified due to discipline.). 4) repentance w/respect to women deacons and women in judgment. 5) though laymen and women can serve in other ministries (e.g., worship, offerings, security, etc – See 1Ch 9:2 – there are “temple servants” [Hbr. Netinims]), only the deacons can serve in the sacred roles of the Lord’s Table and JUDCO. 6) men must be re-elected to continue serving (elections every two years; next election in/for 2026). 7) these men ARE NOT ELDERS (and therefore should not be held to that standard). 8) There will be a special ceremony in January (2024) to commission those chosen/confirmed. 9) Because these men will be officers of the church (being deputized w/some authority), we will address them using the honorary title of “officer” (e.g., officer Tim, officer Andrew, officer Robert). [1] (Exo 28:41) “ordain” = Fill their hand…w/wisdom (to judge – vv29-30) and authority to atone (30:10).[2] Bishop is the term used in Episcopal churches and other ancient forms of Christendom to refer to their priests/pastors.[3] “pastor” which means shepherd is the term used by God when speaking about his priests or ordained/anointed leaders (e.g., Num 27:17; Isa 56:11, 63:11, Jer 10:21, 12:10, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 50:6; Eze 34:2-10). [4] “When the pastor reads and preaches the Word, he symbolizes Christ, the Husband, speaking to His holy Bride (which is, by the way, one of the main reasons why women cannot be pastors; they cannot publicly symbolize Christ the Husband to His Bride, the Church, 1Co 11:2-10, 14:33-38; Eph 5:22-33; 1Ti 2:11-15).” – Jeffrey J. Meyers (The Lord’s Service)[5] Viewing them as ruling elders yet using 1Ti 3:8-13 to support this theory misses the obvious: Paul’s use of the term “elder” – or teaching on the qualifications for elders ends at verse 7. [6] The authority of the Levites is therefore by proxy (i.e., only valid/enforceable when it was in agreement w/the priests). We see the same thing in relation to those tribal elders and officers God gave to Moses as additional help (Num 11:16-17).[7] Unlike the priests, the Levites cannot make atonement (e.g., See the contrast between the Levites and the priests in 1Chr 6:1-48 w/49). As such, only the ordained pastor – or new covenant priest can baptize (the point at which atonement is rec’d/the power of binding and loosing or forgiveness).

Young Christian Marriage = Marriage before the age of 25. In the United States young marriage has been on a steady decline. The average age of marriage for a man and woman today is 30 yrs and 28 yrs (respectively) versus 1920 when those numbers were 24 yrs and 21 yrs (respectively). This trend is neither biblical nor wise. It stems from worldly thinking that is both selfish and satanic. 1. Young (Christian) marriage is the biblical paradigm. Covenant kids would enter into (their first) marriages between 12 to 20 years of age (Mar 5:39-42 “girl” [Grk., korasion]) = Unique word referring to a young girl who has gone through puberty [sexually mature] and ready for marriage (See LXX, Gen 24:4; Ruth 2:5; Zec 8:5 “boys and girls [Grk., korasion] playing in the streets” = More accurately, sexually mature boys and girls dancing in the public square for the purpose of seeking out a spouse (e.g., Jug 21:14-23 w/Exo 32:6; See also Mat 14:6-11 “girl” [Grk., korasion]). Hence the reason Solomon can speak of “the wife of your youth” (Pro 5:18 = Wife taken at a young age). This is the time also when Christ speaks of taking Israel as His bride (Eze 16:7-8 “your breasts were formed…you were at the time for love” = At the age of sexual maturity). Joseph and Mary (Jesus’ parents), were also married (betrothed – Mat 1:18) at a young age. Scholars believe they were between the ages of 12 and 16. 2. The false assumptions made by many ignorant people is that shorter lifespans and the necessity to produce many children were the only reasons for the young marriage model of the Bible (or ancient times). In reality, sexual purity was another equally important reason (1Co 7:1-9 w/36) (36a) “past her youth” (the expected time when marriage would occur) = Paul’s instruction (in vv1-9) is in respect to the young, those who are beginning to experience strong sexual urges. His prescription? Get married (v9 - “it is better to marry than to burn with passion”[alternate interpretation = “burn in hell”]). (36b)“if…he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin” = The father’s neglect/refusal to find his daughter a husband (arrange a marriage for his daughter during her younger years) is ignoring his daughter’s natural sexual desires- as well as putting at risk her ability to remain sexually pure. (36c) “If it must be so” = She has not been given the gift of celibacy and therefore needs to be married so as to secure satisfy her sexual desires and maintain sexual purity. This is the same reason Paul commands young widows to pursue remarriage (1Ti 5:11). This is also the reason betrothals are to be no longer than 6 months (See document, The Biblical Model For Marriage). 3. Numerous studies confirm the biblical paradigm of young marriage to be the wisest for Christians - i.e., young married Christians/religious people are far more likely to achieve happiness, stability and permanence (not divorce) than those who are not religious and/or wait. 3.1. “There’s a general assumption – so widespread that it no longer requires demonstration – that in order to have a high-quality and lasting marriage, it’s necessary first to finish college, start a successful career, and then look for a partner with the same qualifications. Despite the ease of divorce, marriage is still perceived as being characterized by exclusivity, fidelity, and permanence. As a consequence, another idea that has become widely shared and promoted before embarking on such a definitive commitment is to give the relationship “a test drive” first — a period of cohabitation — to see how being together within the same walls works when you have shopping and chores to do, work commitments to juggle, and perhaps already a child to raise. Willingly or unwillingly, we have borrowed this popular approach to marriage from a consumer [worldly] mindset: before confirming a purchase, I need to test whether the product or service meets my expectations. But the sociological research shows that this is not the best approach when it comes to marriage [emphasis mine].Psychologist Galena Rhoades, who studies young adult relationships, argues that: ‘We generally think that having more experience is better [or getting to know the person for longer is better]. But what we find for relationships is just the opposite. Having more experience was related to having a less happy marriage later on. For example, we found that people who had been married before, people who had lived with a boyfriend or girlfriend before, and having had more sexual partners before marriage, were each associated with having lower marital quality later on.’ Sociology professor and director of the National Marriage Project (University of Virginia), W. Bradford Wilcox… showed in a study how much more efficient the so-called traditional and much disparaged model is: ‘The conventional wisdom holds that spending your twenties focusing on education, work and fun, and then marrying around 30 is the best path to maximize your odds of forging a strong and stable family life. But the research tells a different story, at least for religious couples [emphasis mine]. Saving cohabitation for marriage, and endowing your relationship with sacred significance, seems to maximize your odds of being stably and happily married.’” – Paola Belletti (“Research shows that marrying relatively young without living together first results in the most durable marriages”) 3.2. The point not to miss: Research confirms that Christian (religious) couples marrying young have a better chance for marital success than those who are older, deciding to pursue other life goals first or (because of waiting) have had more romantic and sexual encounters. In respect to the last, sociologists posit this may be due to the fact that the more romantic relationships and sexual encounters a person has (pre-marital), the more accustomed they become to severing and surviving the bonds created by such relationships and encounters making them more likely to do the same in their marriages when things get rough. 4. The Bible provides the answers to why Christians getting married young is indeed the wise choice: 4.1. because sexual purity is still a priority with God and marriage is His solution (1Th 4:1-6 “how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor” [which includes thru marriage based on v.6]; 1Co 7:2 “because of immoralities” = The solution to sexual immorality is marriage [e.g., parents w/immoral sons and daughters sb praying for them to find a spouse]). 4.2. because time is on their side (Ecc 4:9-12) = The key to possessing the benefits of verses – i.e., security/stability financially (9), emotionally (10), and physically (11-12a) is only achieved where you have the ingredients found in “a cord of three” (12b): 1) a marriage (first and second cords) and 2) time (third cord). Not experience, but time. Young married couples therefore gain the advantage of this third and vitally important ingredient. Time is on their side – meaning they have the potential to achieve sooner – and enjoy longer, the benefits of financial, emotional and physical stability. As the saying goes, “the sooner you are strong, the longer you will run”. 4.3. because the ultimate key to marital success is not prior knowledge or experience but a commitment to covenant faithfulness (Gen 24:62-67) “loved her” = Gave himself fully in covenant faithfulness to her. Consider that Isaac did this without copious amounts of knowledge or experience with respect to Rebekah’s personality, personal tastes or habits. This because covenant faithfulness does not require such knowledge or experience in order to be successful since what determines faithfulness is not the person or the reception of favorable circumstances in the future, but the covenant itself – i.e., my faithfulness is to the covenant not the person (Gen 2:24 – “The blood of the [marriage] covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”[1]). As self-programmed robots with stupid computers (computers that don’t attempt to reason you out of your stupid decisions), what you make the target of success will determine when your brain sends you the feeling of satisfaction/happiness (e.g., kid winning or losing at Chutes and Ladders). When that target does not change, it becomes easier to hit – or receive such emotional reward, strengthening our commitment to it. Covenant gives us that kind of target, people (including the people we are married to) do not. Unlike covenant, they change – making it harder to receive the same satisfaction we experienced in the past. Once more, however, when we live for the covenant (being faithful to it as our target of success- and not the person themselves) we continue throughout our lives to receive satisfaction (even if that person is difficult or disappointing). As long as the covenant remains intact, our potential for continued satisfaction remains intact. The worldly idea of “try before you buy” - or get to know the person (sexually or otherwise) to make sure there is a good fit, infers that the goal of marriage is selfish and satanic - i.e., self-gratification/glorification is the highest goal in life – which includes our marriages (Gen 3:5), versus what the bible teaches: the highest goal in marriage is covenant faithfulness/fidelity. Lastly, it must be mentioned that this is by Divine design. We were designed by God to find our greatest joy, happiness and feelings of affection in the pursuit of covenant faithfulness. Hence the reason also that our yes is to be yes and our no is to be no. Not simply for the purpose of being righteous, but so that we might experience the joy of covenant faithfulness (since that is what we are making when we make verbal commitments [“yes” and “no”] to others). Two examples from marriage that prove covenant fidelity is how we are designed (or at the core of what truly makes us happy): 1) the increased sense of commitment and affection we experience when imagining our spouse becoming disabled, 2) the greater happiness experienced by those in arranged marriages. Multiple studies show those in arranged marriages tend to be happier for longer than those in non-arranged marriages (For consideration see the short article by Paul Bentley, “Why an arranged marriage 'is more likely to develop into lasting love'”). Our move away from arranged marriages is actually a detriment since it puts the focus on self rather than covenant fidelity (and therefore sets us up for failure/unhappiness). Given the current social climate, and the false idea that a person needs to feel love before they can commit to love, it would be almost impossible to return to this more ideal framework for marriage without causing undue harm to the covenant community[2]. 5. In biblical times, sexual maturity was not the only factor determining when a child could/would marry. Mental maturity (or being recognized as a adult) was also a factor. Unlike today however, children reached mental maturity at - or around, the same time they were becoming sexually mature (e.g., Bar Mitzvah [male] = 13 yrs old.; Bat mitzvah [female] = 12 yrs old). Hence allowing them to be married at a much younger age than today. The deficiencies associated with the modern American models of parenting, education and justice make it hard to consider most children today as mentally mature until the age of 18. Wisdom therefore dictates that this be the general rule when determining the minimum age acceptable for our Christian youth to marry (though exceptions do exist).  [1] Since it is a marriage covenant we enter into w/Christ and His church when we become Christians, this principle applies here as well. Our loyalty to Christ and his church supersedes all other relationships. Hence Mat 10:32-39. It is our marriage covenant w/Christ that also proves this principle to be valid. We come to Christ knowing very little about the Christian life - or what the future may hold, yet are able to be happy and successful – irrespective of such ignorance.[2] Given the biblical understanding, how should we view feelings of love (e.g., “I am in love with him/her”)? A nice but unnecessary enhancement that can add extra motivation to our pursuit of marriage with the right person. Never however should it function as the piece determining who that person is.

Our launch of NEWPRO – as well as all the things that have transpired around that ministry – including those who first began attacking us, has led to a plethora of accusations against our church. Most specifically against me (pastor), but also you (the congregation) since when they attack me (as a false teacher), they are also saying something about you (e.g., you are incompetent, mindless lemmings, suffering from a strange version of Stockholm syndrome). Such accusations are meant to cause alarm, to trigger doubt in the mind – or even feelings of panic. Like the most recent Deepfake stunts that have crippled some of our banks and businesses, these attacks against our church are meant to make you think that something is now wrong (when in reality nothing has changed), that the foundation is rotten (when in reality it is as rock solid as ever). It is the manipulation of Satan, the “accuser of the brethren”, a powerful tool that has destroyed many lives over the course of human history. It is in fact, where things originally all went wrong. Satan accused God, of keeping from Adam and Eve, what they (or the human race) needed to be happy. And because they believed this accusation, they (as well as the rest of humanity), forfeited not only their chance at immortality now, but gained the pain and suffering of bodies now vulnerable to disease, damage and death. Because they failed in the realm of accusations, Paradise itself was lost. Conceivably then, the eternal end may prove to be as its beginning. A person’s place in heaven or hell, will most be determined by how they handled accusation – specifically those levelled against God, His church, pastors or gospel. This is the dark waters where the real sea dragon lives. And only those committed to God’s protocol and prescription, will safely navigate their way to the shores of heaven. 1. All accusations of a crime – especially those that are serious, must be taken seriously: 1) conduct a thorough investigation (Deu 17:1-4a; this includes accusations made against your pastor/gospel --e.g., pastor owns the building; e.g., a man in our church is acting as a mole, fueling the false narratives and slander being propagated by the apostate and those on the outside [pastor is doing arranged marriages of our young people]), 2) require evidence necessary to convict of a crime (Deu 17:4b-6; 1Ti 5:19 - What this implies: such evidence can be obtained and understood so as to secure a just verdict [Contra., e.g., pastor makes people believe they problems in their marriage or twists Scripture in such a way that it is impossible to see how he is wrong; e.g., “the logic being used in the Bible is different than our logic”), 3) issue swift, pitiless and fitting punishment to those found guilty (Deu 17:5, 19:21; e.g., 1Ti 5:20 and Tit 1:11-13), 4) expect congregational affirmation and involvement (Deu 17:7).2. All those claiming to be Christians who make false accusations – especially in relation to serious crimes, must be responded to severely.(1Co 5:11-12) “so-called brother” = Any person who claims to be a Christian (versus the confirmed brother: any person whose claim is confirmed by their baptism and good standing in a legitimate covenant community). “Do you not judge those who are within the church” = Based on Paul’s previous reference, this includes anyone claiming to be a Christian (in or outside our particular church). Paul’s point: By taking the name of Christ, you are putting yourself under the church’s authority, expectations and judgment. In relation to severity see (Deu 19:15-21; Also 2Ti 2:16).3. When we don’t take accusations seriously or respond severely to those who make false accusations – especially against our leaders or gospel, we are: 1) giving the impression that we are a cult (2Co 11:19-20), 2) creating doubt in the minds of God’s people  (2Ti 2:18 w/Tit 1:10-11), 3) fueling the spread of such accusations and behavior – i.e., more people will believe them to be true (2Ti 2:16-17a –“spread like gangrene”).4. Making false accusations – or accusations lacking the necessary evidence, against a church’s pastor and his teaching, attempting to cause doubt in the minds of his congregation – or separate his people from him, is the bona fide behavior of a wolf. (Act 20:28-30; Rom 16:17)   5. Biblical protocol requires that those accusing a pastor of preaching a false gospel (or being a false teacher) must give him the chance to defend himself before his accusers – even when they believe they possess irrefutable proof that he is guilty. (Joh 7:51-52: Notice how they thought they already had evidence Jesus was wrong. They missed the other piece: the chance for the accused to defend themselves before their accusers; The biblical principles mentioned in John 7 are the basis of this country’s court systems: 1] innocent until proven guilty, 2] the accused has a right to defend themselves before their accusers; hence Gal 2:11. Like Jesus, the verdict levelled against God’s pastors or people happens in “kangaroo court” Luk 22:53 w/Mat 26:55-68). 6. Anyone claiming to be a Christian and accusing a pastor of preaching a false gospel (or being a false teacher) though they failed to follow biblical protocol or provide the biblical prescription (the evidence necessary to make the conviction) could be guilty of the unforgiveable sin. We know this is true for all confirmed Christians of a particular covenant community aware of the crime of insurrection and guilty of committing it, but what those not in our church? What about those who are not a part of our covenant community yet also claim to be Christian—the “so-called brother”? Based on what Paul says about the “so-called brother” (in 1Co 5:11-13), they too can be guilty of committing the unforgiveable sin/insurrection should they refuse to repent after being made aware of their crime (Mat 12:22-24 w/30-32; until they are made aware, it is the sin of ignorance – e.g., Act 23:1-5). “Whoever” = Whoever from the covenant community. Speaks against the Holy Spirit” = Insurrection, condemning/standing against those spiritual authorities ordained w/the authority of the Holy Spirit in the covenant community (Num 15:28-30, 16:1-3; Deu 17:12-13; Joh 20:21-23). Similar to Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians, the Pharisees were not a part of Jesus’ new covenant community, but they were “so-called brothers” (Jews claiming to be a part of the old covenant community). As such, this made them liable to the charge of insurrection/unforgiveable sin. Why does Jesus claim these individuals to immediately be guilty of this sin? Because of all the Jews, the Pharisees were experts in the Law and therefore already knew the crime they were committing (if Jesus was indeed Who He said He was.) Most so-called brothers today, have no idea that condemning legitimate spiritual authorities in the church could make them guilty of such a crime. Hence once more the reason they must be told before such a judgment could be declared against them (revelation establishes obligation). Why we need to warn the ignorant “so-called brother” of this crime: because, their ignorance still has the consequence of eventiallu leading them to the place where they are locked in their sin by God (i.e., their day of grace is over – Eph 4:17-19). Why does 2Ti 2:24-26 not apply to this situation? The person in these verses stands in opposition yet follows the biblical protocol and attempts to bring the evidence. Hence the reason the ordained pastor is not to quarrel with them, be equitable (“kind”) and able to teach them.

MCG Summary: The saving relationship we enter with Jesus is a marriage covenant (Jer 31:31-32). As such, it functions according to the principles of gain and maintain. We gain our salvation (or marriage to Jesus) through faith (expressed in the waters of baptism – Joh 3:5; 1Pe 3:21; Gal 3:26-27) and we maintain our salvation (or marriage to Jesus) through faithful obedience to all of His commands (Luk 10:25-28).  OBJECTIONS: 1) why this matters = Gal 1:6-9; Jud 1:3-4; “If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity” – Albert Einstein, 2) what to keep in mind = Gal 4:16; Psa 19:7 w/Pro 30:5; Isa 8:20; 2Ti 3:15; “If it disagrees with experiment, it’s wrong” – Richard Feynman (e.g., Mormons do more missions/mercy work than any other religious organization, yet b/c what they believe does not hold up to all of Scripture, they are sending themselves and others to hell). “To defeat relativity , one does not need 100 scientists, but just one fact.” – Albert Einstein  “To defeat MCG one does not need 100 Evangelicals, but just one solid proof from Scripture.” What we have encountered thus far: talked to many pastors/Bible teachers, none could refute us, and several (secretly) agreed that we were right (e.g., Dave Anderson of Littleton Bible Chapel). Objection #1. Works/obedience to the Law are not part of justification/salvation (Rom 3:28, 10:4).1.1. Mac’s Hammer: 1) works are necessary to saving faith (Jam 2:14-26), 2) saving faith is necessary to salvation (Jam 2:14), Conclusion: works are therefore necessary to salvation.1.2. Bipartite view of the Law: 1) Both James and Paul are dealing with justification (salvation), 2) The “works” James refers to are necessary to salvation (Jam 2:24) whereas the works Paul refers to are not (Rom 3:28), Conclusion: the NT teaches two types of Law/works, one that is necessary to salvation (moral commands = Rom 13:8-10) and one that is not (“works of the law” = Rom 3:28, 10:4 [i.e., OC clean laws: circumcision, animal sacrifices, Sabbath days, separation from the unclean).1.3. Bipartite view of Justification: 1) Both James and Paul speak of justification in relation to Abraham, 2) the justification Paul speaks about in relation to Abraham happens at the point of faith (Rom 4:1-3 w/Gen 15:6) whereas the justification James speaks about in relation to Abraham happens after he proves his faithfulness (Jam 2:21-23 w/Gen 22:1-18), Conclusion: the NT teaches two types of justification/salvation, one that happens at the point of our faith and another that happens only after we have lived in faithful obedience. Objection #2. Works are the inevitable result of saving faith/work of the Holy Spirit (versus another condition of our salvation)/Christ obeyed for us (Phi 1:6; Mat 5:17)2.1. The works God requires for salvation are communicated as commands to us - not the Holy Spirit (e.g., Eph 5:22).2.2. The NT is filled with threats to real Christians who fail to be faithful (e.g., Heb 10:26-30, 12:14; 1Co 6:9; Gal 5:5, 21; 2Ti 2:12)  2.3. The Holy Spirit is never communicated as the Doer of our obedience, but rather as the Helper to those who endeavor to obey God (Joh 14:16; Act 5:32)2.4. God’s promise to finish the work He started (Phi 1:6) is simply a confirmation of faithfulness to His covenant vow to be our God and us His people (Jer 31:33). IOW: to continue to provide what we need to make it to heaven as long as we remain faithful to our covenant vows to obey His commands (hence why Paul follows Phi 1:6 w/2:12-16; See also 2Pe 1:3-11; 2Ti 2:11-13, 19).2.5. Nowhere in the Bible does it ever teach Christ obeyed the Law for us – including Mat 5:17 (See Mat 5:18-20 = If Christ were referring to fulfilling the Law for us in v17, then these verses make no sense –or what follows in the remainder of the chapter vv21-48. It also is a direct violation of His words in v17 and there OT origin – Deu 18:18-20 – and God’s Law – Eze 18:1-32; See also Isa 2:1-3 = Messiah would teach God’s Law to the people). Objection #3: We cannot be perfect, if we can lose our salvation due to disobedience, we would all lose it (Rom 3:10-18; Isa 64:6).3.1. The standard is faithfulness not perfection and is something that all people can do—even those who did not have the help of the Holy Spirit (Deu 28:1-2 w/30:11-14). Hence also the reason God gave the sacrifices/Christ – to cleanse us when we fail (if perfection was all God would accept why the institution of the sacrifices before – and as a part of giving the Law?).3.2. God hates those who say that can’t do it since this makes them victims and Him unjust in His judgment (Eze 18:1-32).3.3. Scripture is filled w/examples of people who were faithful in their obedience to God (e.g., Gen 6:9; Neh 9:8; Psa 18:20; Luk 1:6). 3.4. Rom 3 and Isa 64 are in reference to people committed to folly, evil, violent rebellion and wickedness – or those whose life is characterized not by faithfulness to God’s commands but to practicing iniquity, injustice and what is unholy (for Rom 3:10-18 see Psa 14:1-3, 53:1-3; Psa 5:9, 140:3; Psa 10:7; Isa 59:7f; Psa 36:1; for Isa 64:6 see Isa 64:1-5 “we sinned [and continued in them] for a long time”).           Objection #4: This is a works-based salvation that gives glory to man rather than God (Eph 2:8-9).4.1. The Bible nowhere teaches a works-based salvation yet has always taught the necessity of faithful obedience (e.g., Luk 10:25-28 w/Lev 18:5; Joh 4:22 = The mechanics of our salvation is the same as their salvation).4.2. Marriage requires covenant fidelity to remain intact (e.g., Jer 3:1-3 w/Isa 50:1-2). Yet no one ever thinks they are earning their marriage through such faithfulness (e.g., “honey I was faithful today and have earned three kisses”). Rather the blessings afforded to us at the time we gave our marital vows and gained our marriages remain abundantly available to us as long as we remain faithful to our vows (of obedience/fidelity).4.3. There is no glory taken from God (or given to us) when we obey (as a necessity of our salvation). Rather we are just making good on what we originally vowed – i.e., doing what those purchased by God ought to do as their obligation to their Master (Luk 17:1-10).4.4. Eph 2:8-9 are in reference to the lack of boasting that exists for all those who have come into saving covenant relationship w/Christ since the ability to gain such a relationship was only made possible because of God’s decision to show us mercy and Christ’s decision to die for our sins (See Eph 2:1-7). Before that, we were “without hope and without God.” (Eph 2:11-12). Interestingly enough, it is this “grace” (and lack of boasting) that establishes our obligation to obey (“grace” = Ancient term implying reciprocity. In ancient times all gifts were covenantal and establishing a relationship of reciprocity. No ancient society existed where grace was given with “no strings attached” [See Marcel Mauss, The gift: Forms and Functions of Exchange in Archaic Socieities; John Barclay, Paul and the Gift. e.g., Gen 21:23 [hesed] = grace]; Rom 13:8-10 w/Eph 2:10 “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” = We must reciprocate on God’s gift of grace through obedience to the Law [what God prepared beforehand]; e.g., Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, “[This covenant] demands a result not an appeasement”; The false gospel is known by its abuse of grace in this respect [i.e., no reciprocation – Jud 1:4]). Objection #5: Christ’s death was needless or insufficient if we still need to obey (practice justice) or can lose our salvation (Gal 2:21; Joh 6:39)5.1. Jesus’ death was propitiatory not penal. IOW: He did not come to remove our need to obey/practice justice. If He did then why: 1) do we still die?, 2) still need to repent of our sins (1Jo 1:9 = No such thing as “your sins are all forgiven, past, present and future”), 3) is there nowhere in the Bible that states Jesus was punished (paid justice) for our sins? (IOW: God is not the cosmic child-abuser, Evangelicals make Him out to be) 4) are the OT lambs never spoken of as being punished?5.2. Propitiation (cleansing the stain of sin away) has always been necessary for gaining justification and Christ perfectly accomplished this mission (“It is finished” – Joh 19:30) as proven by His resurrection (Rom 4:25). Yet what has also always been necessary is that those receiving such propitiation, practice justice (faithful obedience) to continue receiving it (i.e., maintain what they have already gained).5.3. Paul’s statement in (Gal 2:21) is in regard to gaining justification not maintaining it (See Gal 2:15-20: 1] we gain justification not thru observing the OC clean laws [“works of the law”] but faith in Christ [15-16], 2] gaining justification by faith in Christ does not give us a license to sin. We must maintain that justification just as they did under the OC, thru dying/submitting to God’s/Christ’s laws [17-20]).5.4. Jesus promises to never lose us (those given by the Father) (Joh 6:39), but we still possess a free will and can decide to leave Him (lose our salvation) through unwillingness to obey/disobedience (i.e., not fulfilling our covenant vows of obedience) (Joh 6:66 “disciples” = Those baptized into a saving covenant relationship w/Jesus [(Mat 28:19) = Notice what follows gaining salvation/becoming a disciple, the maintenance of obedience (v20). Objection #6: Marriage is a metaphor only6.1. Metaphors can explain or express but never dictate or justify the actions of a person.6.2. God (Jesus) justifies His actions (or the actions of His disciples) based on the principles governing marriage and the rights of the marital spouse (Isa 50:1 = I had the right to divorce/sell you b/c or your covenant disobedience; Jer 3:1 w/Deu 24:1-4; Eze 16:8-16, 32; Hos 2:1-13; Mat 9:14-15 = Disciples are justified in not fasting b/c the Bridegroom is present).  Objection #7: No historical support for the MCG (or view of gain and maintain).“[According to the early Christians] the second stage of salvation is this: we must maintain our saved condition by holding fast to our faith in living obedience to Christ’s commandments. Please understand we are already saved, we are not doing these things to earn salvation. We do these things to maintain our already saved condition.” – David Bercot (What the Early Christians Believed About Salvation).

The conservative Evangelical understanding of Paul’s instruction to women in 1Timothy 2 fares no better than the view espoused by its liberal camp. Beside misogynistic motives, this is due to three things: 1) failure to understand the larger context into which the relevant verses fit, 2) ignorance of the Ephesian backstory, and 3) poor vetting of their proposed application. This short study will present the position that not only passes all tests w/respect to application but also agrees with Scripture and the backstory of Ephesus itself. 1. The reason Paul gives the instruction found in chapters one, two - and the beginning of three, is for the purpose of securing proper “conduct” in the “church” (or “household of God”) (1Ti 3:14-16) (15 “conduct”) = Based on what follows (v16), the behavior Paul is concerned with addressing is not things related to etiquette (e.g., no food or drink in the sanctuary, no disruptions or sleeping during the sermon, everybody needs to participate in the singing, etc). It is instead related to the subject of authority. (16a) “great is the mystery of godliness” = Spiritual devotion or authority (Grk. eusebia). Support for the semantic range of eusebia including also the idea of spiritual authority:1.1. The majority of the word’s usage is found in the pastoral epistles whose main focus is spiritual authority in the church (i.e., pastors, elders and deacons).1.2. Certain passages in the NT make more sense when esuebia is translated this way (Act 3:12; 1Ti 6:3-6 [some NAS Fn on v5, “religion”]; 2Ti 3:5 [some NAS Fn, “religion”]; Tit 1:1 [the spiritual authority given to Christ and His apostles – See 2Pe 3:1-2; e.g., Act 15:1-31]). 1.3. Paul’s “common confession” w/respect to Jesus (“the mystery of godliness”) is all about spiritual authority (i.e., the mystery of spiritual authority given to men as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ) (16b): 1.3.1. “revealed in the flesh” w/Phi 2:5-8 = Jesus became a lowly man (someone without spiritual authority). 1.3.2. “vindicated in the Spirit” w/Phi 2:9-11 = Though a man, Jesus was shown to possess spiritual authority by the Spirit at His baptism (Pauls’ reference in Timothy w/Mat 3:16-17) and His exaltation/resurrection (Paul’s reference in Philippians w/Rom 1:4). Hence (Mat 12:22-32). 1.3.3. “seen by angels” w/Psa 8:5 and 1Co 6:3 = The mystery witnessed by angels is that men - who are physically inferior them are nonetheless their spiritual authorities. 1.3.4. “proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world” w/Mat 28:18-20 = The basis of Jesus’ great commission is His spiritual authority to proclaim salvation to all peoples/nations (Jew and Gentile) 1.3.5. “taken up in glory” w/Act 2:32-36 = Jesus (the guy the majority of Jews took to be nothing more than a man) is actually the boss of the universe.1.4. Paul’s instruction just prior to (3:14-16) and immediately following our primary text (2:9-15) are the qualifications for those functioning as spiritual authorities in the church (elders and deacons, 3:1-13).1.5. spiritual authority –or dealing w/those functioning at that capacity, is also where Paul begins his address to Timothy (1:1-3 w/6-7 “teachers of the Law”) = Certain individuals in the Ephesian church had self-styled themselves the authorities on the Law (i.e., those authorized to determine right doctrine) – even though they did not “understand…matters about which they make confident assertions” (and as a result were teaching “strange doctrines”).  2. What (then) can be safely concluded about our primary text (2:9-15): Paul is giving instruction as to what constitutes proper behavior (conduct) for not just anybody, but those possessing spiritual authority in the church. In this case, women deacons (1Ti 3:11). 3. Notice the word “godliness”(spiritual authority) is equally present in (v10). Paul’s point? Women “making a claim to” spiritual authority – i.e., operating in the office of deacon, will prove their fitness for office through their “good works” (or deeds) which (according to what surrounds this verse) includes works/deeds that demonstrate their authority to be under (or in submission to) the church’s male and ordained pastors/elders – those deputized by Christ w/the authority to determine right doctrine (Joh 20:21-23). And this they will do in two ways: 3.1. through their refusal to adorn themselves in authoritative (religious) clothing (i.e., vestments) (e.g., Exo 39- the robes worn exclusively by the priests; e.g., pastor Scott’s robe) (9) = Central to the city of Ephesus was the famous temple and cult devoted to the Greek goddess, Artemis (Roman goddess, Diana) (Act 19:27 w/35). Seeing that their god was a woman, this religion not only employed priestesses rather than priests as its highest spiritual authority, but taught that Eve was created first and women were the heads or authorities of the human race. Hence (2:13). As a sign of such authority, these priestesses would adorn themselves in vestments (religious dress) which included “costly garments”, jewelry and special hair arrangements (“braided hair”). That these things in and of themselves are not wrong is confirmed by Peter’s mention of similar female adornment in (1Pe 3:3) without strict prohibition. As such, Paul’s main concern – or reason for mentioning these things is not aesthetics but their communication of authority. In a city filled with women who claimed to be the highest human authority (estimates are that over one thousand priestesses attended to the Temple of Artemis)—including in spiritual matters, such carefulness as to a woman’s adornment in the church would be necessary to avoid confusion – especially in relation to those women who did carry some level of authority in the church (i.e., women deacons).3.2. through their refusal to be in authoritative teaching positions(12) = Given that women can function as deacons, it should be assumed that some would also function as teachers since this is one of the roles historically associated with office of deacon. According to Paul however, their role in this capacity must also demonstrate their submission to the church’s higher authorities, her male ordained pastors. As such, all teaching done by women deacons would need to be by proxy (i.e., teaching w/o authority or approved by the authority of another). This is what Paul means by “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man” (Literally, “no to teach, not to exercise authority [in teaching] over a man”). In this respect, she must “remain quiet” (i.e., not be given the authority to determine right doctrine/interpretation thru her teaching). What she teaches must instead be pre-approved or consistent w/what has already been established by the church’s male (ordained) pastors. That this is indeed what Paul is prescribing in verse 12 is confirmed when one considers:3.2.1. the close parallel that exists between Paul’s instruction in verse 11 (“quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness”) and 1Co 14:34 (“the women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak”).What this almost identical instruction tells us: whatever Paul is communicating to the Corinthians, the same is being  communicated to Timothy and the Ephesian church. Further unpacking of the Corinthian context helps us to understand exactly what that is (1Co 14:29-35) = Paul’s concern is that all special revelation proposed by those speaking or prophesying in the church (which included women -11:5) was done in an orderly way (v40) and received its proper judgment (as to its validity- v29). Hence then his prohibition against women speaking (or call for women to “keep silent”). The “Law” only allowed priests (or ordained pastors) to function as judges in such matters and priests were never women (e.g., Deu 17:8-12 w/Exo 28:1; Num 3:10). The point (then) not miss w/respect to Paul’s prohibition in 1Ti 2:12: it is not against women speaking/teaching God’s Word but doing so w/authority –or as one who has the authority to determine what is the right interpretation/doctrine. Similar to those men who fill the pulpit when the ordained pastor is away, women teachers (once more) are relegated to teaching by proxy -or teaching only what has already been approved as orthodox by the ordained pastor (versus being the ones- who through their teaching, are establishing that standard)[1]. 3.2.2. the explicit and implicit support for women as teachers found in the NT: 1) explicitly (1Co 14:1 w/9 “instruct” w/1Co 14:31 “learn” = prophecy is teaching[2]), 2) implicitly (2Ti 2:2 and Eph 4:8 [“men” = anthropos NOT andros/aner = humans]; Eph 4:11 = Women were evangelists, prophets, and teachers – Act 21:9 [prophets]; Act 18:26 [evangelist, teacher]).3.2.3. teaching by proxy (or under authority) is exactly what Paul teaches in (1Co11:5).3.2.4. interpreting Paul’s words in 1Timothy 2:11-12 as a prohibition against women ever teaching or speaking Scripture (notice again, speaking is included in Paul’s prohibition) when men are present creates a myriad of practical problems: 1) Scripture declares itself to be teaching without the need for someone to engage in the exercise of teaching (e.g., Rom 6:17 “teaching” [didaxe – noun]). As such, a woman would be forbidden from ever reading Scripture out loud or quoting Scripture in the presence of men. 2) women would also be forbidden from writing books discussing scripture, biblical topics or theology (or at the very least, it would be forbidden for men to read those books) since this too is a form of teaching (e.g., Nancy Pearcy’s Total Truth or other books). 3) no talk w/respect to men and Scripture wb allowed (e.g., Paul Oljker is sick, and when Mindy comes home he asks her to give a summary of the teaching. Mindy would not be able to tell Paul what the sermon was about. Instead, Paul wb required to get the recording or ask a man to summarize the sermon for him. Mindy would need to remain silent on all such matters). 4) it wb forbidden for a woman to give any instruction to a man if that instruction was backed by Scripture (especially if she is queried to support her instruction) (e.g., Kris is helping Sam w/the principles of budgeting. If those principles come from the Bible, she would be guilty of teaching God’s Word over a man).  3.2.5. interpreting Paul’s words in 1Timothy 2:11-12 as a prohibition against women ever teaching or speaking Scripture in church or during church (with or without men present) is also not without its problems: 1) take the example of Mindy and Paul, but this time Paul shows up late for church and misses most of the sermon. Given this understanding, Paul would not be able to ask Mindy to “catch him up” on what he missed until after church or until they left the church property. 2) this kind of thinking makes location the issue rather than who possesses the proper authority. But why would God care about that? Or what exactly does that say about women? (e.g., they are not smart/holy enough to teach in the church/men in the church). A biblical example that might help bring additional clarity to this issue: consider the high priest and the holy of holies which only he could enter. The reason for such exclusivity was not the place but the authority (or clearance) granted only to him. The principle is the same for women w/respect to teaching.  4. What this new (more accurate) understanding does not mean as it relates to women: that God has extended to them the office (and authority) of the priest/judge/elder/pastor (ordination) since this would: 4.1. be a direct violation of God’s created order and design (13 “first” = As the head or authority of humanity [i.e., for determining God’s creation mandate for humanity]). The woman was created as helper [i.e., a supporting role] – Gen 2:15-23; Contra: the beliefs of the cult of Artemis). It should also be mentioned that by allowing women to function as pastors, you are essentially supporting lesbian marriage since a woman has now taken the place of husband in the marriage - something also represented in the relationship between the pastor and the church [i.e., he is Christ’s earthly representative as husband to the church][3]).4.2. expose the church to weakness since God has not equipped women w/the emotional fortitude to persevere against the fear and manipulation used by Satan to deceive women (“Eve”) (14 “deceived” = Taken by fear – Gen 3:1-6; 1Pe 3:7; 1Co 16:13; Isa 29:26; To say that God has not given any woman such fortitude is not the same as saying all men have been given the fortitude necessary to function as pastors/priests. Not all men possess it as sb clear from the example of Adam.) 4.3. be viewed by God as a damning forfeiture of the oversight roles women have been called to by God (15 “preserved” = Literally saved [Grk. sozo]. IOW: women pastors will go to hell; “the bearing of children” = An example of an oversight role given to women: being a mother—having oversight of her children).  5. Lastly, it must be said that given the vast misunderstanding surrounding this subject and the risk of others misinterpreting our practice, it is wise for us to limit the venues where we would (currently) allow a woman to teach (with men present), most especially the pulpit on Sunday since this is the time most associated with hearing from God’s ordained pastors – the man He has given the right to speak w/authority from His Word.  [1] At least one evangelical pastor (John Piper) holds to this interpretation. On his website, Desiring God, woman teacher Mary Kassian, makes the following statements, “I believe the question of how to honor Christ through the exercise of my teaching gift revolves around the issue of whether I’m acting like a church-father [one speaking w/authority]. Am I doing something that is, or will likely be construed as, setting the doctrinal and spiritual direction for my entire church family? It says, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” Even if we don’t like it, don’t agree with it, or don’t understand it, the boundary is quite clear. Having the church-fathers authoritatively teach and instruct the congregation is God’s standard for the regular public meeting of the local church.”[2] For those viewing prophecy as different than teaching consider: the word prophecy is quite often used to refer to what we would normally call teaching/preaching since, most often, the prophetic message contains nothing fantastical or new (e.g., the majority of OT prophecy is simply a reiteration of God’s laws, promises and curses). As such, when interpreting the term prophecy in Scripture, we should assume what is being communicated-unless otherwise stated, is simply impromptu preaching – or a message given to the speaker not previously planned. If prophecy was always of the supernatural nature, then how could the church judge (in the moment of reception) whether the speaker’s words were true? [3] “The pastor represents Christ, the Husband, to the Church, His Bride…When he reads and preaches the Word, he symbolizes Christ, the Husband, speaking to His holy Bride (which is, by the way, one of the main reasons women cannot be pastors: they cannot publicly symbolize Christ the Husband to His Bride, the Church).” – Jeffrey J. Meyers (The Lord’s Service).

1. God made growing in knowledge necessary to possessing wisdom (i.e., the ability to make right choices and desire the right things). No one was ever wise who was also not growing in knowledge (Pro 2:6). 2. Wisdom (which again requires growing in knowledge) is necessary to salvation (or being and staying saved) and the primary way God interacts or has relationship w/us. IOW: It is not through visual stimuli or emotional manipulation but the dissemination of knowledge. Hence the reason God didn’t give us pictures or feelings as the means to helping us get through this life and into heaven. He instead gave us a book filled with knowledge (i.e., the Bible) (2Ti 3:15-16; Col 2:3-4 “in whom” = In Jesus’ book [Joh 1:1]; Hence Jer 9:23-24). 3. Neglecting your own personal growth in knowledge (especially that found in God’s Word) will not only cause you to be a fool (become stupid), but guarantee a life filled with unnecessary hardship and calamity (Pro 1:20-28). 4. Hating knowledge (or refusing to continue to pursue knowledge) will lessen your fear of God, ability to identify danger or sin and eventually lead to permanent self-delusion and apostasy (Pro 1:29-33, 7:1-23, 26:12; Isa 5:13 and Hos 4:6; Eph 4:17-19 w/Psa 14:1 “corrupt”).  5. Understanding the consequences associated with lack of knowledge or ceasing to grow in knowledge, should cause you to value its possession and progress in your life above everything else (Pro 8:10-11, 20:15). 6. Though growing in our knowledge or understanding of Special Revelation (those truths of God discovered through the study of His Word [e.g., theology]) must be our primary focus if we are to avoid becoming a fool or the apostate, avoidance of such pitfalls requires also that we continue to grow in our knowledge (or understanding) of General Revelation (those truths of God discovered through the study of our world -i.e., those disciplines associated w/the arts and sciences [e.g., history, biology, physics, philosophy, psychology, etc.]) (Mat 16:1-4 = General Rev aids our understanding of Special Rev. Hence Rom 1:19-20; also Pro 6:6).  7. According to both Special and General Revelation, you are most likely a fool – someone who hates or lacks knowledge, if any of the following things characterize your life:7.1. One bad decision after another (moral or otherwise) (Pro 19:3; Ecc 10:15 = Always losing his way, making bad decisions). 7.2. You struggle at times to understand how God’s Word or wisdom is righteous (Pro 8:8-9). 7.3. The excuses, “I wasn’t thinking”, “I don’t know what I was thinking” (Pro 13:16). 7.4. You would much rather be entertained rather than educated (Pro 15:14). 7.5. You fail to sense the urgency w/respect to pursuing knowledge (Pro 1:32).  7.6. You suffer from foot-in-mouth disease (Pro 10:14, 18:7; Ecc 10:12). 7.7. Learning hurts (is painful to your brain) (Pro 14:6). 7.8. You suck at listening but excel at presuming (Pro 18:2; 1Sa 15:22-23 [“idolatry”] w/Isa 5:13 and Jer 51:17 = Presumption/idolatry is often the product of empty gaps in our thinking/knowledge – i.e. our brains fill in the gaps w/assumptions that are false). 7.9. You find yourself questioning God or the things of God when you see wicked people who are happy and excelling (Psa 73:1-22).  7.10. You are hasty in your reactions and responses and rarely ever increase the knowledge of others by what you say (e.g., Two fridges, one full of delicious food, the other a single bottle of ketchup. What wb the result of a request that each bring out the best food they have? Due to its lack of additional choices, the fridge containing only ketchup will respond the quickest yet provide what is the least desirable – Pro 14:33 “known” = Made known immediately [by the speed of the fool’s response as well as the content of his words]; Ecc 10:3 = The fool’s life is characterized [“walks down the road” = Daily activity] by hasty reactions/responses and worthless thought [“demonstrates to everyone” = Quickly makes apparent by his responses/reactions]) (Also, Pro 10:21, 15:7, 19:2, 24:7, 29:20). 7.11. You lack the ability to be articulate when explaining things (Pro 14:7, 15:2, 17:7a).  7.12. English seems to be your second language though you don’t know any other (Pro 23:9). 7.13. You are easily influenced in your decisions (or convictions) by what feel or where the masses are (Pro 17:24 “eyes…on the ends of the earth” w/Ecc 2:14 “eyes in his head” = His decisions are the product of his knowledge not his feelings or the popular opinion of the masses). 7.14. You are more confident than the knowledge (or evidence) you possess would justify (Pro 12:15, 28:26; Dunning-Kruger affect). 7.15. You are not a friend of reading or books. By books I mean those meant to teach you something not storybooks, novels or comics – things written for entertainment rather than education) (Deu 17:18-20; Pro 119:100; Isa 29:9-14; 2Ti 3:15-16).Reading is still the number one way to retain knowledge and become wise. It is still the optimal or fastest way to build the neuro pathways (in your brain) necessary for good listening (or the accurate receival of what others say), ordering your thoughts (which directly affects your ability to be articulate) and mitigating assumptions or hasty (foolish) responses (since your mind now possesses sufficient data alleviating the need to fill gaps or the ability to respond in haste – i.e., you have too much to think about to respond in haste). Reading is also how you improve your understanding of the English language and the meaning of words (since all of that is part and parcel to reading). There is a reason (btw) that the older and wiser generations referred to those who struggled to read, as “dumb” and the TV as the “boob-tube” (since this is what those who attempted to receive knowledge through it would become). 7.16. What you do spend time reading does not challenge your thinking.Learning (growing in knowledge) requires more than information (knowledge). It requires also that we are challenging that thinking with opposing information or information that takes what we know to the next level. If all we do is read stuff that simply reinforces what we already know, then we not only stunt our ability to grow in knowledge but to become the wise thinking people such knowledge has as its goal. Reading what does not challenge you to grow and gain knowledge is a waste of time (Ecc 12:9-12 “excessive devotion to books [not educational/devoted to giving knowledge or wisdom] is wearying to the body [a waste of time]”). CLOSING CHALLENGE: Read 4 educational books (each no less than 100 pages, one re: to the Bible/biblical topics/theology) by the end of August (parents: a great idea for your kids while on summer break and way to stop raising fools).

Summary of points 1 through 4 (from last week): Paul writes to the Galatian churches for the purpose of steering them away from the damning gospel of the “circumcision party” (2:12) who were preaching observance of the OC cleans laws (otherwise known as the “works of the law” or “law”) as necessary to salvation (justification). Gaining justification (a spiritually clean/right standing w/God) under the NC, is secured by faith in Jesus Christ for Jew and Gentile alike apart from any observance of the prior covenant’s clean laws. As such, what Paul is not condemning in this letter is observance of God’s OC moral commands, though how we understand them must be according to their new application in Christ (the “law of Christ”). 5. Why Paul took such a condemning position against the OC clean laws for NC salvation: to preserve God’s previous: 5.1. command (Deu 12:32 w/2:21-3:1 and 5:1-4 = The Law is a closed system)5.2. promise (of Gentiles remaining Gentiles and yet being grafted into/adopted into Abraham’s family – Act 15:14-19/Amo 9:11-12) (3:27-29; 4:17, 6:12-13) = As stated last week, circumcision was a Jewish identity marker. The Judaizers did not want people in the NC who did first become “Jews” (i.e., take on Jewish identity through circumcision). 6. What the plan of salvation (or “gospel”) looked like for Paul under the NC: functionally, it was the same as the OC: you gain it by faith (which includes observing the prescribed NC signs/clean laws associated with such faith – e.g., baptism) and you maintain it through faithfulness ([gain] 3:26-28 [faith = baptism], 5:1-5, [maintain] 5:6, 13-14, 24-26).  7. The broad strokes of Paul’s argument (How Paul lays out his letter to the Galatians):7.1. Perversion to the mechanics of salvation means preaching a different (or damning) gospel:7.1.1. Gain perversion: To gain justification (be spiritually clean), a person still needs to observe the OC clean laws – including circumcision (1:6-9 w/2:1-5 w/11-16) = OC clean laws (“works of the law”; e.g., circumcision, separation from those not circumcised) were never able to truly justify. They offered temporary pass-over but never propitiation/real cleansing from sin (Rom 3:25), hence the reason everyone (including Jews) are required to put faith in Christ as the way to receive justification. Key point not to miss: the gospel problem is mechanical (what must a person do to be saved?) not historical (what did Christ do to save us? e.g., 1Co 15:1-4 w/12-17). In addition, by requiring observance of the OC clean laws for gaining justification, you are nullifying the need for Christ’s cross-work (since once more), the Law is a closed system (2:21-3:1, 5:1-4, also 5:18).7.1.2. Maintain perversion: BC we have been justified by faith in Christ (versus through observance of the OC clean laws), we no longer have to maintain that justification through observance of the moral commands (2:17-20) = In the same way a person had to submit to God’s moral commands (“For through the Law I died unto the Law”) in order to live for Him under the OC  (i.e., to maintain their saving covenant relationship), so also under the NC, a person must submit to Christ (“I have been crucified unto Christ…the life I now live…I live in faithfulness to [Grk. en pistei…tey {dative}] the Son of God”) and His new application of God’s moral commands – i.e., the “law of Christ” (6:2; 1Co 9:21). IOW: faith in Christ ≠ antinomianism (Act 21:21 [“forsake” = Grk. apostasia] -24 [“keeping the Law” = maintaining what you gained]).  7.2. The superior nature of justification gained by faith versus through observance of the OC clean laws is proven by:7.2.1. the indwelling Spirit (miracles) (3:2-5)7.2.2. the precedent set with Abraham and the promised blessings (3:6-9, 14)7.2.3. the incongruency of the Law in general w/the Abrahamic covenant and blessings which were not gained by human effort (3:10-12, 15-18)7.2.4. Christ’s removal of the curse associated with being Gentiles so that we could be included in Abraham (3:13-14).7.3. The nation of Israel (one of the promises made to Abraham with regard to his natural descendants) received the OC clean laws as a temporary help (a “tutor”) for dealing with sin (becoming spiritually clean/being justified --again, acts of pass-over) until the time of the promised “seed” (Christ) who would be the permanent, propitiatory solution for gaining justification and “impart(ing) (eternal) life” (3:19-29).7.4. To be a child of Abrahamic requires casting off the enslavement of the OC clean laws (4:1-31; do not be: [9] enslaved to “elemental things”, [31] “children of the bondwoman” [allegorical rep. of OC Israel as Ishmael]).7.5. Freedom from observance of the OC clean laws: 7.5.1. is necessary to receiving justification through faith in Christ (5:1-[5] “we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness”) = We are gaining our righteousness by faith; (18 “if you are led by the Spirit [justified by faith], you [cannot be] under the Law”) = Seeking justification thru the OC clean laws; (6:14-16; [15] “a new creation” = Justification by faith, [16] “those who will walk by this rule peace and mercy” = Those who are justified by faith]; IOW: being justified by faith requires not seeking such justification thru the OC clean laws.7.5.2. does not affect our obligation to keep the moral commands (law of Christ) as also necessary to getting to heaven (5:6 “faith working [maintained] through love” w/13-14; See also 16-26 [21] “will not inherit the kingdom of God” = Our salvation is dependent on our obedience; (6:1-10) [3] = Thinks he is something simply bc he possesses faith; [4] = Our confidence as Christians/those who have gained salvation by faith must reside in our performance {2Pe 1:5-11}; [5] = Each person is responsible for maintaining what he has gained; [6] = They must demonstrate through practice what they have learned; [10] = Faith working through love {5:6 w/13-14}]).

Galatians in one of the most confusing books in the NT. This confusion is exacerbated by the Evangelical’s false assumptions about the book’s legal language and the framework of salvation established by God in the Bible. This short series will provide the Christian with the information needed to remove such confusion and make sense of Paul’s important letter to the Galatian churches.1. What prompted Paul to write the letter to the Galatians: The invasion of a group of Jewish Christians (otherwise known as the Judaizers or “party of the circumcision” – 2:12) who were teaching that salvation required observance of the OC clean laws [spiritually clean/righteous/justified] (circumcision [2:3, 7-9, 12, 5:2-3, 6, 11, 6:12-13, 15], separation from those not circumcised [2:11-13], Sabbath holidays [4:10]). Paul – who planted the Galatian churches during his 1st missionary journey, (Acts 13-14: Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe), condemns these individuals as “false brethren” (2:4) and their teaching as a “different gospel” (1:6-9).2. Why Paul was confident that his gospel (which did not require the observance of the clean laws to be saved) was the true gospel: 2.1. Direct revelation from Jesus Christ (1:11-12).2.2. Prior confirmation from the “pillars” (James [half-brother of Jesus, apostle and senior pastor of the Jerusalem church], Cephas [the apostle Peter] and John [the apostle]) of the Jerusalem church (2:1-2) = Paul recognized the authority of the church’s leaders – especially in gospel matters; (2:3-5 “liberty”) = Release from the clean laws (Jam 1:25, 2:12). (2:6a “what they were makes no difference to me, God shows no partiality”) = Though Paul recognized (and was submissive to) the authority of the church’s leaders, he also recognized that such authority was by proxy. It only existed as long as they were in agreement with God. (2:6b “those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me”) = Their gospel proved to be no different than mine.2.3. Faith in Jesus (His death) had replaced them as the new clean law/way to gain righteousness/justification (2:16, 3:8-9, 5:1-5; Rom 3:31 w/Act 21:20-21). 3. How Paul became aware of the Judaizers’ presence in Galatia: An incident at Paul’s home church, Antioch (2:11-13) = Because of the Judaizers (sent by James and the Jerusalem church), Peter, Barnabas and other Jewish Christians were separating themselves/would not eat with the uncircumcised Gentile Christians in Antioch. (2:14 “live like Jews”) = Live observing the clean laws. Antioch sent Paul to the Jerusalem church to resolve the matter/determine whose gospel was correct. There Paul changed the mind of Peter and James (Act 14:26-15:19; v10 w/1 and 5 = The “yoke” of the clean laws). Since there is no mention of the church’s ruling (or letter – Act 15:20-31), it is more than likely that Paul wrote the Galatians letter before his trip to Jerusalem (possibly on the way).4. Why we can be confident that what Paul is condemning in the Judaizer’s gospel is not (as assumed by Evangelical’s) the entirety of the OC Law or the propagation of a works-based salvation:4.1. The initial mention of the problem is related to the clean laws (2:1-5 “circumcision”)4.2. Paul frequently pairs his mention of the various clean laws (most especially circumcision) with “works of the law” (or “law”) and contrasts them with justification by faith/the cross (2:12-16, 5:1-4, 11, 6:12-16). If Paul saw all of God’s laws as problematic to the issue of justification, then why does he limit his examples to only those things associated w/the clean laws? The same is true in every other epistle where Paul speaks against the Law. His examples are limited only to those things related to the clean laws – most especially circumcision, God’s special identity marker for the Jews (e.g., Rom 3:28-30, 4:1-11). 4.3. The massive problems associated w/thinking any Jew would endorse a works-based system of salvation (3:12 “He who practices them shall live by them”) = Evangelicals view Paul as teaching that the OC (or the Law) establishes an impossible works-based system of salvation. The Judaizers (they believe) were too arrogant to recognize their past which proved their inability to achieve this impossible standard and instead seek God’s mercy – the purpose or intention (per Evan) behind its establishment by God. The massive problems associated w/ this kind of thinking:4.3.1. Gal 3:12 is an allusion to Lev 18:5 which cannot be establishing a work-based system of salvation since the Jews receiving it were already in saving covenant relationship with God (Exo 24:7-8; e.g., Lev 16:34 [Yom Kippur]; Psa 85:1-4, 103:1-5 w/15-18, 132:16). The only other way to understand God’s words in Lev 18:5 is as maintenance: the Jews needed to maintain the saving covenant relationship they had already received by grace through vows of faith.4.3.2. God’s constant punishment of His people in the OT is due to their lawless easy-believism (similar to the Evangelical FAG: the law is “nice but not necessary”) – not their “arrogant” attempts at lawfulness. This was the problem of the Pharisees as well – the most likely identity of the Judaizers (Act 15:5) (Mat 23:28-32; See also Luk 18:9-14 “pharisee” = Lawless hypocrite, giving the appearance of lawfulness but – unlike the publican, unwilling to repent, do justice and truly be obedient to God’s laws. See Mat 15:3-9; Luk 7:30 w/Luk 3:1-14; e.g., publican - Luk 19:1-10).4.3.3. God’s standard is doable (Deu 28:1-2 w/Deu 30:11-14; Luther’s two false assumptions leading to his FAG invention: 1] w-b salv. {Luther was a Roman Catholic monk}, 2] inability of man {The Bondage Of The Will}).  4.4. Paul confirms the moral commands as another necessary (and continuing) condition of salvation we are responsible for producing (5:5-6, 12-21) = Notice: 1) we are the responsible agents (13, 16), 2) we will not “inherit the kingdom of God” if we fail to produce them (21). These two things not only prove that Paul is not condemning the entirety of the Law but that the FAG is false since anything we are responsible for producing that is necessary to salvation constitutes another instrumental condition of salvation (WCF, “faith is the sole instrument of salvation.”).

Galatians in one of the most confusing books in the NT. This confusion is exacerbated by the Evangelical’s false assumptions about the book’s legal language and the framework of salvation established by God in the Bible. This short series will provide the Christian with the information needed to remove such confusion and make sense of Paul’s important letter to the Galatian churches.1. What prompted Paul to write the letter to the Galatians:The invasion of a group of Jewish Christians (otherwise known as the Judaizers or “party of the circumcision” – 2:12) who were teaching that salvation required observance of the OC clean laws [spiritually clean/righteous/justified] (circumcision [2:3, 7-9, 12, 5:2-3, 6, 11, 6:12-13, 15], separation from those not circumcised [2:11-13], Sabbath holidays [4:10]). Paul – who planted the Galatian churches during his 1st missionary journey, (Acts 13-14: Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe), condemns these individuals as “false brethren” (2:4) and their teaching as a “different gospel” (1:6-9).2. Why Paul was confident that his gospel (which did not require the observance of the clean laws to be saved) was the true gospel:2.1. Direct revelation from Jesus Christ (1:11-12).2.2. Prior confirmation from the “pillars” (James [half-brother of Jesus, apostle and senior pastor of the Jerusalem church], Cephas [the apostle Peter] and John [the apostle]) of the Jerusalem church (2:1-2) = Paul recognized the authority of the church’s leaders – especially in gospel matters; (2:3-5 “liberty”) = Release from the clean laws (Jam 1:25, 2:12). (2:6a “what they were makes no difference to me, God shows no partiality”) = Though Paul recognized (and was submissive to) the authority of the church’s leaders, he also recognized that such authority was by proxy. It only existed as long as they were in agreement with God. (2:6b “those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me”) = Their gospel proved to be no different than mine.2.3. Faith in Jesus (His death) had replaced them as the new clean law/way to gain righteousness/justification (2:16, 3:8-9, 5:1-5; Rom 3:31 w/Act 21:20-21).3. How Paul became aware of the Judaizers’ presence in Galatia:An incident at Paul’s home church, Antioch (2:11-13) = Because of the Judaizers (sent by James and the Jerusalem church), Peter, Barnabas and other Jewish Christians were separating themselves/would not eat with the uncircumcised Gentile Christians in Antioch. (2:14 “live like Jews”) = Live observing the clean laws. Antioch sent Paul to the Jerusalem church to resolve the matter/determine whose gospel was correct. There Paul changed the mind of Peter and James (Act 14:26-15:19; v10 w/1 and 5 = The “yoke” of the clean laws). Since there is no mention of the church’s ruling (or letter – Act 15:20-31), it is more than likely that Paul wrote the Galatians letter before his trip to Jerusalem (possibly on the way).4. Why we can be confident that what Paul is condemning in the Judaizer’s gospel is not (as assumed by Evangelical’s) the entirety of the OC Law or the propagation of a works-based salvation:4.1. The initial mention of the problem is related to the clean laws (2:1-5 “circumcision”)4.2. Paul frequently pairs his mention of the various clean laws (most especially circumcision) with “works of the law” (or “law”) and contrasts them with justification by faith/the cross (2:12-16, 5:1-4, 11, 6:12-16). If Paul saw all of God’s laws as problematic to the issue of justification, then why does he limit his examples to only those things associated w/the clean laws? The same is true in every other epistle where Paul speaks against the Law. His examples are limited only to those things related to the clean laws – most especially circumcision, God’s special identity marker for the Jews (e.g., Rom 3:28-30, 4:1-11).4.3. The massive problems associated w/thinking any Jew would endorse a works-based system of salvation (3:12 “He who practices them shall live by them”) = Evangelicals view Paul as teaching that the OC (or the Law) establishes an impossible works-based system of salvation. The Judaizers (they believe) were too arrogant to recognize their past which proved their inability to achieve this impossible standard and instead seek God’s mercy – the purpose or intention (per Evan) behind its establishment by God. The massive problems associated w/ this kind of thinking:4.3.1. Gal 3:12 is an allusion to Lev 18:5 which cannot be establishing a work-based system of salvation since the Jews receiving it were already in saving covenant relationship with God (Exo 24:7-8; e.g., Lev 16:34 [Yom Kippur]; Psa 85:1-4, 103:1-5 w/15-18, 132:16). The only other way to understand God’s words in Lev 18:5 is as maintenance: the Jews needed to maintain the saving covenant relationship they had already received by grace through vows of faith.4.3.2. God’s constant punishment of His people in the OT is due to their lawless easy-believism (similar to the Evangelical FAG: the law is “nice but not necessary”) – not their “arrogant” attempts at lawfulness. This was the problem of the Pharisees as well – the most likely identity of the Judaizers (Act 15:5) (Mat 23:28-32; See also Luk 18:9-14 “pharisee” = Lawless hypocrite, giving the appearance of lawfulness but – unlike the publican, unwilling to repent, do justice and truly be obedient to God’s laws. See Mat 15:3-9; Luk 7:30 w/Luk 3:1-14; e.g., publican - Luk 19:1-10).4.3.3. God’s standard is doable (Deu 28:1-2 w/Deu 30:11-14; Luther’s two false assumptions leading to his FAG invention: 1] w-b salv. {Luther was a Roman Catholic monk}, 2] inability of man {The Bondage Of The Will}).4.4. Paul confirms the moral commands as another necessary (and continuing) condition of salvation we are responsible for producing (5:5-6, 12-21) = Notice: 1) we are the responsible agents (13, 16), 2) we will not “inherit the kingdom of God” if we fail to produce them (21). These two things not only prove that Paul is not condemning the entirety of the Law but that the FAG is false since anything we are responsible for producing that is necessary to salvation constitutes another instrumental condition of salvation (WCF, “faith is the sole instrument of salvation.”).

1. Under the OC, God promised to help His people through regeneration. (Deu 30:6) “circumcise your heart” = Repent/Remove your disloyalty to Me and My laws; separate/set yourself apart in loyal obedience to Me and My laws (Act 7:39 w/7:51). The purpose: “to love to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” = To be undivided in loyalty to God (Deu 6:5-15 w/Deu 10:12 w/20 and Deu 13:1-4 = Love to God means undivided loyalty; Deu 10:20, 13:4 [“cling”] same word as Gen 2:24 “joined” = To cleave or stick closely to, to show undivided loyalty. To love God w/all of our heart and soul, etc. is therefore idiomatic for marital loyalty/love). Circumcision of the heart (which fosters this marital love) is the same as receiving a new heart/new spirit (Eze 11:19-20 [promise to the exiles returning from the Babylonian exile]) = Notice, the result is the same as heart circumcision: to foster love (marital love) in God’s people (v20). Both passages (Deu 30 and Eze 11) are using the language scholars associate with regeneration (or new birth/being born again/becoming a new creation; e.g., Eze 36:26-27). Regeneration was therefore true under the OC just as it is under the NC. IOW: regeneration is not new to the NC. Hence the reason Jesus says what He does to Nicodemus (Joh 3:1-10 [Deu 30:6 w/Jer 9:25-26]). 2. God’s help to His OC people was predicated on them first producing this regeneration by their own efforts.Though demonized by Evangelicalism, the statement, “God helps those who help themselves” is true (Deu 30:1-5 [6 “Moreover the LORD God will…”]; Lev 26:41; Deu 10:16; Jer 4:4; Eze 18:31). 3. In the OT, God promised to help His people under the NC through not only regeneration but also by indwelling them with His Spirit.  (Eze 36:25-27 “cause” [Heb. ‘asah = to prepare – Exo 12:16, 39); Jer 24:7, 32:38-39; Joe 2:28-29 “all mankind” = Jews and Gentiles will receive the indwelling Spirit; Isa 32:15, 44:3). 4. The NT confirms the fulfillment of God’s promised help of regeneration and the indwelling Spirit. 1) Regeneration/New Creation/Born Again (Joh 3:3-5; 2Co 5:17; Gal 6:15; 1Pe 1:23), 2) Indwelling Spirit (Joh 14:16, 15:26, 16:5-15; Act 2:38 [Jews], Ac 10:44-45 [Gentiles]). 5. Because of the propitiation associated with our regeneration and the accompanying indwelling Spirit, the help God gives under the NC is far superior to that given under the OC. (Rom 7:21-8:4): 1) Propitiation along w/our regeneration (8:1-3 w/Tit 3:5 “the washing of [included in] regeneration”) = Hearts/spirits truly cleansed from sin and therefore also free from its power (7:21-25 [Rom 3:25 w/6:1-7 = Propitiation-fueled regeneration]), 2) Indwelling Spirit (8:4 = Empowering, interceding and leading [vv5-30]).          6. As before, God’s help does not negate the condition/pre-requisite of our own efforts. (Jer 31:31-34) = All those coming into saving covenant relationship w/God under the NC (33c “I will be their God and they will be My people” [Heb 8:8-12, 10:16-17]) will take the same kind of vow as those who initially came under the OC: a vow (of faith) to obey all of God’s commandments (Exo 24:7) (33a, “ I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it”; Hos 2:19-20). Jeremiah’s generation were coming into the OC with no such vows or commitment (e.g., Jer 2:1-8, 20-21, 32, 4:4, 8:7). This and the fact that the NC wb “forever”(vv35-40) is what would make it different than how the OC was treated in Jeremiah’s day (31-32, “not like the covenant I made with their fathers…My covenant which they [Jeremiah’s generation] broke”). By this vow of obedience those coming into the NC will: 1) “know the LORD” (34a [an allusion to Jer 9:23-24; 1Jo 2:4]), 2) receive justification/propitiation (34b [Exo 24:8; Eze 36:25; 1Pe 1:1-2]). Our commitment to repentance/obedience is once more God’s prerequisite to helping us (Act 5:32) = Point not to miss: our repentance/obedience precedes the help of the Sprit. IOW: He is not the cause of our obedience. The Holy Spirit intercedes and directs (Act 8:29, 39, 19:21, 20:22-23; Rom 8:5 w/26-30; Gal 5:16-17), influences and inspires (Rom 8:23; Act 2:17, 10:19 w/11:12, 10:45-47, 11:28, 15:28, 19:6, 21:4, 11), empowers, equips and enlightens (Act 4:8, 31, 6:10, 7:55, 16:14, 20:28; Rom 8:11, 13, 16, 9:1, 15:13, 19, 30; 1Co 2:13-14, 12:7; Eph 3:16; 2Pe 1:3-4; Phi 2:13; 2Ti 1:14; 1Jo 3:24; Jud 20; Rev 1:10), comforts, engenders affection and encourages (Act 9:31; Rom 14:17; Gal 4:6; Phi 1:19, 2:1; 1Th 1:6) only those who humble/submit themselves to His leading (Jam 4:5-7; Rom 8:4 w/14; Gal 5:25). Through unrepentance and disobedience we can/will resist, quench, grieve and enrage the HS shutting off His ability to help, even making Him our enemy (Act 7:51 [notice “uncircumcised in heart”]; 1Th 5:19; Eph 4:30 w/Isa 63:10; Heb 10:26-30). 7. God’s prerequisite for helping His people is justified by our moral ability. Were we unable to repent and obey, God’s prerequisite would be unjust (Eze 18:1-32 [33:1-20] “the fathers eat sour grapes; but the children’s teeth are set on edge…the way of the Lord is not right” = Because of the sins/sinful behavior of our parents, we are incapable of turning from our sins/obeying God. Therefore God’s judgment against us is not just/right; Eze 18:23 [33:11]) “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked” = This is impossible for God to say if it is impossible for us to obey). Scripture however communicates our ability to repent and obey (Deu 30:11-14).  8. These truths are what must inform our understanding of passages like 2Timothy 2:26 and Ephesians 2:5. 1) (2Ti 2:26) “God may grant them [the help of] repentance” = The reason Paul speaks about this in terms of possibility rather than a guarantee is because of the prerequisite necessary to receiving such help from God: that person’s own efforts in repentance and obedience. In this light consider, (Act 10:34-35 w/11:18). 2) (Eph 2:5) “even when we were dead…[God] made us alive” = Our deadness in sin does not indicate moral inability but rather God’s willingness at the time to help us (see vv11-12). However, with the coming of Jesus, God’s mercy (v4) was now available to Gentiles (Paul’s audience in chapter two). As such what is meant by “dead in our transgressions” is “without God” (i.e., God’s help) – something He is now willing to do (i.e., He is now willing to “[make] us alive”/regenerate us), if we will (first) take a vow of faith/faithfulness to Christ as our Savior (i.e., to “regenerate” ourselves [circumcise our hearts/get a new heart/spirt – Consider Luk 1:17, 8:15; Rom 2:15, 25-26; also Rom 6:17-18 [they gave themselves new hearts before they were cleansed/freed from sin]). This is His “gift” to us (as Gentiles) (vv5-8).  

A) What this instruction indicates: being born again is not enough to get to heaven.B) Why all of this is relevant: 1) Persecution 2) Perverse People 3) Prowling Devil1) Be Increasing In Intelligence2) Be Obsessed With Getting To Heaven3) Be Radical In Removal of Temptation and Unholy Influences4) Driven By Fearful and Overwhelming Reciprocity5) Be Deeply and Sincerely Loyal To Christ's Church and People

Though still relatively early in Jesus’ ministry, the Jews are already grown tired of both Him and his forerunner, John the Baptist. Like people today, they wanted immediate results. They expected that their baptisms and Jesus’ big reveal would immediately lead to the restoration of the geo-political glory they (as a people) had once enjoyed. Nothing like that however was happening (nor was going to). And so the Jews started to complain. IOW: their true colors were beginning to show. They were never “all in.” They were instead, “wedding-crashers” –people who show up to someone’s wedding simply for the purpose of enjoying the free food and booze. In the religious world (today) we call those people, “false Christians” ---people who were (likewise) never “all in.” People who brought their own version of the gospel to the party, people who want all of heaven, but only half of what is actually required to get there.Luke reveals 3 problems associated w/false Christians:1. They are absolutely certain that what they believe is more legit than those they disagree with (even when those individuals who are among the greatest of God’s people).1.1. (28a “none is greater than John”) = Jesus saw John the Baptist as the greatest human being who had ever lived (including greater than Abraham and Moses) (Mat 11:11 “none has [ever] arisen”).1.2. The Angel Gabriel, tells John’s father (Zechariah) before he was born that he would be “great before the Lord.” –even “filled with the Holy Spirit” while in his mother’s womb (Luk 1:15).1.3. What made John so great (greater than any other before him)? He was the promised: 1) forerunner to Messiah [Jesus] (v27 = the fulfillment of Mal 3:1). 2) instrument through whom God’s Law/justice would be restored as the means to repentance and justice, 3) Elijah-like prophet who would (through the aforementioned acts) prepare God’s people to receive the blessings associated with His better covenant: the blessings of full/final forgiveness and the indwelling Spirit as Helper (Luk 1:16-17 = The fulfillment of Mal 4:4-6 w/Luk 3:1-6, 16 = The fulfillment of Isa 40:1-5).1.4. (28b) = Those rebellious Jews (false Christians) of Jesus’ day thought they were better than John (the forerunner to Messiah, the restorer of God’s Law, the new Elijah!).1.5. Principle being established by Jesus: this is how false Christians think. They have a tendency of viewing themselves as better than those who are the truly great –or true Christians before God. IOW: they possess a very deluded sense of self-confidence/competence. 1.6. With regard to this behavior, the famous British philosopher, Bertrand Russel, had this to say, “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”1.7. This is the Dunning Kruger Effect: person’s lack of knowledge/skills causes them to overestimate their competence.2. They reject obedience of the Law (or the practice of justice) as necessary to salvation.2.1. (29) = As discussed, John’s baptism was for the purpose of restoring the errant Jewish community back to God’s Law and a life of practicing obedience and justice. Hence why when asked what the fruit of their baptismal repentance was to look like, John prescribed the Law (Luk 3:7-14).2.2. Many of the Jewish people – including some of those most errant (or straying from the Law), the Jewish “tax collectors” had listened to John and decided to receive his baptism as a sign that they agreed that God’s ways were “just” (again v 29 - “they [by their baptism] declared God just” or “justified God” ~ Fn). IOW: they submitted their lives to His Laws as the just (or righteous way) to live and as the only way to be in saving covenant relationship w/Him.2.3. The Pharisees and the Jewish lawyers (however) rejected this as God’s purpose (30) “the purpose of God for themselves” = God’s purpose in saving His people (the Jews – including the Pharisees and lawyers) was that they would live as His examples (as true or accurate image-bearers of Him) through obedience to His Law –and as a result, spread His glory to the world ().2.4. Unfortunately, many of the Pharisees and lawyers in Jesus’ day were no different than the Jews who had rejected God’s purpose by (also) rejecting the Law and regarding as illegitimate (even killing) anyone who told them differently.2.5. Hence the reason Jesus says what He does about the Pharisees and lawyers in (Mat 23:28-32) = Many of the Pharisees and lawyers in Jesus’ day thought that being God’s people required only faith – which made them giant hypocrites when adorning the tombs of the former prophets since (like those Jews who killed them), they too thought their faith in God was enough---and that anyone preaching obedience to the law needed to be eliminated.3. They hide the massive inconsistencies of their gospel behind the ad hominem arguments they levy against those who attempt to expose them.3.1. (31-34) = Because they could not refute the gospel requiring obedience to God’s Law being preached by both John and Jesus, the Jewish rebels employed the ghetto tactics of ad-hominem: condemning the speakers through attacks on their person. Ironically, this too backfired – since the attacks themselves were contradictory (John and Jesus’ lifestyles were essentially the opposite of each other - yet both are condemned).3.2. Jesus further exposes their counterfeit tactics w/an ancient - yet well-known idiomatic statement in (35) = IOW: Wisdom (or the truth/true message) is not known (or proven) by its agreement (w/the majority)- but by its agreement with the evidence (in this case, the Scriptures). Who John and Jesus were - along with what they preached, agreed w/the Scriptures - especially the former prophecies regarding Messiah and His forerunner.

Evangelicals believe their Faith-Alone Gospel (FAG) to be ironclad. However, like the Death Star, this formidable foe hides several fatal flaws. Those possessing the plans to the Death Star are able to expose such flaws and not only destroy it, but the evil Evangelical empire that has used the FAG to destroy countless lives.The plans to the Death Star = The FAG message:Salvation is earned through perfect obedience to God’s Law. Since however this is humanly impossible, salvation requires that we put faith (alone) in the God-man Jesus Christ Who not only died to pay for our sins, but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life. As a result, the Christian is afforded a justification that requires no duty to the Law. Christians obey only as a consequence of their regeneration and the indwelling Spirit.The 3 fatal flaws revealed in the Death Star’s plans (i.e., FAG):1. The Merit of Perfection“Salvation is earned through perfect obedience to God’s Law.”“Man’s relationship to God in creation was based on works. What Adam failed to achieve, Christ, the second Adam, succeeded in achieving. Ultimately the only way one can be justified is by works.” – R.C. Sproul (Getting the Gospel Right)2. The Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ“Since however this is humanly impossible, salvation requires that we put faith (alone) in the God-man Jesus Christ Who not only died to pay for our sins but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life.” "If Christ had only earned forgiveness of sins for us, then we would not merit heaven. Our guilt would have been removed, but we would simply be in the position of neutrality. For this reason, Christ had to live a life of perfect obedience to God in order to earn righteousness for us. He had to obey the law for his whole life on our behalf so that the positive merits of his perfect obedience would be counted for us. Sometimes this is called Christ’s ‘active obedience’ while his suffering and dying for our sins is called his ‘passive obedience.’” – Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology)The “Skywalker Shot” w/respect to the merit of perfection and the imputation of the active obedience of Christ: (Gal 2:21).3. One-stage justification, the consequence of works and a monolithic view of the Law.“As a result, the Christian is afforded a justification that requires no duty to the Law. Christians obey only as a consequence of their regeneration and the indwelling Spirit.”3.1. The third fatal flaw of the Evangelical (or those holding to the FAG) is the belief that justification exists not in two stages (1. initial justification: gain by faith alone; 2. final justification: maintain by faith and faithfulness) – the biblical view, but rather that it exists only in one (gain by faith alone and remain by faith alone). Works (or obedience) are simply the result (or “consequence”) of this one-stage justification and the Spirit’s fruit in the believer’s life.3.2. Westminster Seminary (CA) professor, R. Scott Clark, confirms “one-stage justification” to be the historical position of Evangelical Protestantism (in contrast to some of Evangelicalism’s most popular past and present pastors):“The magisterial Protestant churches (i.e., the Lutheran and Reformed) and their theologians did not speak of, teach, or confess a “two-stage” doctrine of justification… One of the principal sources of the doctrine that we are initially justified by grace alone (sola gratia), through faith alone (sola fide) but that by good works we are ‘maintaining a right standing with God’ (Piper, 1999), that ‘you are not saved through faith alone’ (Desiring God, 2017), ‘that final salvation in the age to come depends on the transformation of life’ (Bethlehem Baptist Elder Statement) was the English pastor and theologian Richard Baxter (1615–91). He is most remembered for his pastoral work in Kidderminster, which he described in his book, The Reformed Pastor (1656)1… The Reformed churches confessed ‘faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness’ and ‘And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits.’ The Reformers were well aware of the medieval doctrine of “get in by grace, stay in by works.” The orthodox Reformed in the 16th and 17th centuries rejected that doctrine in favor of ‘get in by grace, stay in by grace’ (as it were).”– R. Scott Clark (“Richard Baxter’s Initial and Final Justification”, Heidelblog)3.3. R. Scott Clark’s reference to Richard Baxter and John Piper reveals the confusion that exists over justification within Evangelicalism. Piper has been vocal about his belief in a “two-stage justification” since 1999 in various sermons or written forms of communication:“Works are not acceptable in the moment of initial justification. But when James affirms ‘justification by works’ he means that works are absolutely necessary in the ongoing life of a Christian to confirm and prove the reality of the faith which justifies..…For James, ‘justification by works’ means maintaining a right standing with God by faith along with the necessary evidence of faith, namely the works of love.” (“Does James Contradict Paul?”, 1999 Sermon)…The stunning Christian answer is: sola fide—faith alone. But be sure you hear this carefully and precisely: He says right with God by faith alone, not attain heaven by faith alone. There are conditions for attaining heaven, but no others for entering a right relationship with God. In fact, one must already be in a right relationship with God by faith alone in order to meet the other conditions (Foreword to Tom Schreiner’s book: Faith Alone – The Doctrine of Justification: What the Reformers Taught…And Why It Matters, 2015)…These works of faith, and this obedience of faith, these fruits of the Spirit that come by faith, are necessary for our final salvation. No holiness, no heaven (Hebrews 12:14)…In justification, faith receives the finished work of Christ performed outside of us and counted as ours—imputed to us…In final salvation at the last judgment, faith is confirmed by the sanctifying fruit it has borne, and we are saved by that fruit and that faith…So, we should not speak of getting to heaven by faith alone in the same way we are justified by faith alone. Essential to the Christian life and necessary for final salvation is the killing of sin (Romans 8:13) and the pursuit of holiness (Hebrews 12:14).” (“Does God really save us by faith alone?”, 2017 Sermon)…Present justification is based on the substitutionary work of Christ alone, enjoyed in union with him through faith alone. Future justification is the open confirmation and declaration that in Christ Jesus we are perfectly blameless before God. This final judgment accords with our works. That is, the fruit of Holy Spirit in our lives will be brought forward as the evidence and confirmation of true faith and union with Christ. Without that validating transformation, there will be no future salvation (“The Justification Debate: A Primer”, 2017).”3.4. Piper recently re-affirmed his belief in final justification – or the need to maintain our initial justification through obedience by tweeting: “justified by faith alone? Yes. “finally saved” by faith alone? No.3.5. Piper’s view is shared by other popular Evangelicals, including Norman Shepherd, Douglas Wilson2, Rich Lusk, Tom Schreiner and Mark Jones.3.6. In Shepherd’s “Thirty-four Theses on Justification in Relation to Faith, Repentance and Good Works” (1978) 3 he states,“Thesis 21: The exclusive ground of the justification of the believer in the state of justification is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, but his obedience, which is simply the perseverance of the saints in the way of truth and righteousness, is necessary to his continuing in a state of justification (Heb 3:6, 14).Thesis 22: The righteousness of Jesus Christ ever remains the exclusive ground of the believer’s justification, but the personal godliness of the believer is also necessary to his continuing in a state of justification in the judgment of the last day (Mat 7:21-23; 25:31-46; Heb 12:14).Thesis 23: Because faith which is not obedient faith is dead faith, and because repentance is necessary for the pardon of sin included in justification, and because abiding in Christ by keeping his commandments (Joh 15:5, 10; 1Jo 3:13, 24) are all necessary for continuing in a state of justification, good works, works done in true faith, according to the law of God, for his glory, being the new obedience wrought by the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer united to1 Baxter said, “We are justified by sincere obedience to Christ, as the secondary part of the condition of our justification; is evident also from these following Scriptures: Mat 12:37; Mar 11:25-26; Luk 6:37; Mat 6:12, 14-15; 1Jo 1:9; Act 8 :22; Act 3: 19, 22; 1 Pe 4:18; Rom 6: 16; 1 Pe 1: 2, 22.” (Thesis 77). Clark comments, “Baxter rejected the Protestant account of grace and works in favor of the medieval view that when Paul says “works” he means the Mosaic religious ceremonies [or clean laws) and not our good works). He rejected the Protestant understanding of grace (favor earned for us by Christ) and works (our good works).2 For support see Wilson’s “The Objectivity of the Covenant” (2003) and his adherence to Federal Vision whose fourth tenet (The Necessity of Obedience and Good Works to Final Salvation) states, “The Bible teaches justification by faith and the necessity of a Christian life of obedience and good works to final justification, the declaration we hope one day to hear: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’”3 Though able to defend his position biblically, Dr. Shepherd, a professor at Westminster Seminary (PA) since 1963 was dismissed in 1982 for his theses.Christ, though not the ground of his justification, are nevertheless necessary for salvation from eternal condemnation and therefore justification (Rom 6:16, 22; Gal 6:7-9).”3.7. In 2015, Mark Jones took the time to write an article not only supporting Piper’s position, but also its agreement with historical Reformed doctrine:“I've been told that some folks are taking issue with John Piper…who agrees with [Tom] Schreiner, we are ‘right with God by faith alone’ but we do not ‘attain heaven by faith alone.’ He adds that ‘there are other conditions for attaining heaven.’ Based on what I believe is a charitable and straight-forward reading of Piper, there is not a single word in his Foreword [to Schreiner’s book]that seems out of place in terms of the basic Reformed approach to justification, salvation, and conditionality. Piper affirms strongly and clearly that works do not contribute to the acquisition of salvation. But Piper also wants to affirm that good works should be considered necessary for the obtaining of salvation4. I fail to understand how this idea isn't present in literally dozens of Reformed luminaries from the Early Modern period. As Francis Turretin says: ‘This very thing is no less expressly delivered concerning future glory. For since good works have the relation of the means to the end (Jn. 3:5, 16; Mt. 5:8); of the 'way' to the goal (Eph. 2:10; Phil 3:14); of the sowing to the harvest (Gal. 6:7,8)...of labor to the reward (Mt. 20:1); of the contest to the crown (2 Tim. 2:5; 4:8), everyone sees that there is the highest and an indispensable necessity of good works for obtaining glory. It is so great that it cannot be reached without them (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:27).’ Again, Piper says we do "not attain heaven by faith alone" and Turretin speaks of the ‘Indispensable necessity of good works for obtaining glory’. I don't see why we can't agree that they are saying essentially the same thing; and, indeed, if they are, what is the problem? For those who have trouble grasping how Piper can affirm that justification is by faith alone, but that entering glory is not by faith alone, we must keep in mind the well-known distinction between the right to life versus the possession of life. Herman Witsius makes a distinction between the right to life (i.e., acquisition) and the possession of life. The former is ‘assigned to the obedience of Christ, that all the value of our holiness may be entirely excluded.’ However, regarding the latter, ‘our works...which the Spirit of Christ works in us, and by us, contribute something to the latter.’ Similarly, Petrus van Mastricht once wrote: "in so far as God, whose law we attain just now through the merit alone of Christ, does not want to grant possession of eternal life, unless [it is] beyond faith with good works previously performed. We received once before the right unto eternal life through the merit of Christ alone. But God does not want to grant the possession of eternal life, unless there are, next to faith, also good works which precede this possession, Heb. 12:14; Matt. 7:21; 25:34-36; Rom. 2:7, 10.’ Is there anything in Piper's Foreword that could not have come from the pen of Witsius or Turretin or Boston or Ball or Owen or Rutherford or Mastricht? I'm having trouble understanding what the problem is both biblically and historically. In fact, I can point to works by authors in the Reformed tradition who have stated the matter perhaps a little more strongly than Piper does (e.g., Mastricht, Davenant). It seems one would have to have a built-in bias against Piper - perhaps because of his relationship to Daniel Fuller or perhaps for some other reason - to raise questions about the orthodoxy of his Foreword. And, let's be honest, it is a serious thing to raise questions about the orthodoxy of someone on this point. It isn't like we're talking about complementarianism. Piper speaks of good works as necessary for attaining heaven. Reformed theologians have spoken of good works as necessary for possessing heaven. In my mind, that's the same thing. And, quite frankly, I think that's the better approach rather than causing unnecessary division where there really doesn't need to be any. In sum, as Piper says, ‘there are other conditions for attaining heaven’. Or, by someone else: ‘The New Testament lays before us a vast array of conditions for final salvation. Not only initial repentance and faith, but perseverance in both, demonstrated in love toward God and neighbor...Holiness, which is defined by love of God and neighbor...is the indispensable condition of our glorification: no one will be seated at the heavenly banquet who has not begun, however imperfectly, in new obedience.’ And if you don't like that last quote, you can take it up with Michael Horton [R. Scott’s colleague at Westminster Seminary, CA]. But I happen to agree with it completely.” (“In Support of John Piper”, Reformation 21)5. 3.8. Consider also Jones’ remark, "Good works are necessary for salvation, but not for justification." (“A Critique of Jesus + Nothing = Everything”)3.9. Rejection of this two-stage understanding is the reason many of Evangelicalism’s other popular figures (e.g., Phil Johnson) immediately accuse anyone espousing the necessity of works (or obedience) to salvation to be Roman Catholics or the Galatian Judaizers6. They fail to understand there exists a third option to understanding the relationship of works (or obedience) to justification: 1) Roman Catholicism: F+W=J, 2) Evangelical/FAG: F=J+W, 3) Covenantal Nomism/Marriage Covenant Gospel: F=J1 (Rom 3:28); F+W=J2 (Heb 12:14; Jam 2:24; Rev 20:11-15; Rom 2:6-11).3.10. That being said, admitting to a “two-stage justification”, one that makes obedience necessary to heaven, is the minority position within Evangelicalism. And for good reason. Though it is the biblical position, it betrays the message communicated by the FAG. If salvation ultimately requires more than faith, then it cannot be said to be by “faith-alone.”3.11. Those Evangelicals (e.g., Piper, Schreiner, Jones) who adopt the two-stage position, attempt to preserve their faith-alone position by placing works (or obedience) in the category of consequence (i.e., they are the inevitable result and evidence of saving faith and/or the Spirit). Such attempts however do not do justice to how the Scripture communicates those works (or obedience). Rather Scripture communicates that:3.11.1. We (not the Spirit) are the ones responsible for producing works (obedience) as the essential component to (not evidence of) faith and other necessary condition for securing final justification (2Pe 1:5-11; Jam 2:14-26 w/1:19-2:1, 8-13//The question being answered: Can faith alone “save” [v14]? The answer is “No. It requires also our [not the Spirit’s] works [v18 “my works”]. IOW: “faith by itself [alone] is dead…useless” [v17, 21, 26]. Our “works must accompany our “faith” to secure [final] justification [v24]) 7.3.11.2. We can fail to produce them and forfeit our justification/salvation (Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:1-6).3.12. A major impediment to the Evangelical’s ability to discern the biblical gospel (or see the flaws in the FAG) is their monolithic view of the Law (i.e., the NT term refers to the entirety of God’s OT Law [never a subset]– especially those passages [seemingly] calling for its abrogation – e.g., Rom 10:4).3.13. Deeper biblical analysis reveals the necessity of division or making a distinction within the Law between “works of the Law” (ceremonial/clean laws) and the Moral Law (all other commands). SEE Luther’s cap argument (Jam 2:24 w/Rom 3:28): 1) Whatever James is referring as works is different from whatever Paul is referring to as works. 2) The works James refers to are necessary to salvation (Jam 2:24) whereas the works Paul refers to are not necessary for salvation (Rom 3:28). 3) The works referred to by James are related to the Law (Jam 2:1-13 is the context for Jam 2:14-26; See also Jam 1:19-27) and the same is true for the works referred to by Paul (Rom 3:28 “works of the law”). 4) Conclusion: [4.1.] Since both James and Paul are referring to works related to the Law and yet only those works referred to by James are necessary for salvation, there must be a distinction in the Law (at the very least, a bipartite distinction: laws no longer needed for salvation versus laws that remain necessary for salvation). [4.2.] Any person not making such a distinction in their understanding of the Law (especially when reading Paul or James) – or interpreting Paul as against the entirety of the Law as necessary to salvation (e.g., Evangelicals), is grossly misinterpreting their bibles (e.g., FAG Evangelicals)8.Closing Contemplation:"Silence is consent; and we must speak to this issue when we are able. After extensively reviewing the work of (Antinomian) John Biddle, a rather exasperated John Owen said: 'I am weary of considering such trash.' Yet Owen did so because he loved Christ and his church. However painful it might be, ministers and theologians in our circles must deal with these issues, sometimes publicly if they are able, because of how many of Christ's sheep are being influenced by this defective theology. If we do not, perhaps our silence really is consent." - Mark Jones, (Antinomianism)4 Herein lies the crux of many of the Evangelical’s problems (and continual embrace of the false FAG): the failure to recognize the non sequitur created by saying works are not necessary for the acquisition of salvation while equally admitting the necessity of works to the obtaining of salvation. 5 In conjunction with the previous words, Dr. Jones makes the following observation in his book, Antinomianism, "As someone with some scholarly acquaintance with post-Reformation Reformed theology, particularly in the area of Puritanism, I have been dismayed at some of the theology that passes as reformed, when in fact it has corollaries to seventeenth-century antinomianism." 6 Phil Johnson recently tweeted against NEWPRO (who holds to a two-stage justification): “Your doctrine & behavior are genetically identical to the heretics who hounded the apostle Paul. Re-read Galatians. It was written to answer the exact doctrinal error you’re pushing.”7 Evangelicals (e.g., James White) make Jam 2:14-26 about works as evidence of faith. Though they do function in that way (v18), the main thrust of James’ argument is their essential nature as an additional component to salvation. If evidence were apostle’s focus, then his argument in verse 17 becomes nonsensical: why is “faith by itself” deemed to be “useless” (or nonexistent) simply because it possesses no (ostensible) evidence of works? The nature of something’s existence is not dependent on evidence. Only in the epistemological sense is such an argument relevant (e.g., a murder that possesses no evidence identifying a killer does not mean no such person exists). In addition, White inserts a spurious definition of δικαιοῦται [“shown to be justified” v. “justified”] (vv21, and 24-25) to support his claim and avoid the instrumentality of works proven by the conjunctive (parallelism) that follows. See The God Who justifies by James White. 8 Historical and scholarly support for such distinctions: “We must bear in mind that common division of the whole law of God published by Moses into moral, ceremonial and judicial laws.” (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4); "Paul could discern distinctions within God’s law which set certain commandments apart as applicable to all Christians, while others were irrelevant. This is tantamount to the division between the moral and the ceremonial law. Augustine introduces a distinction between the moral and the symbolical [clean/ceremonial] precepts of the law: 'For example, Thou shalt not covet is a moral precept; Thou shalt circumcise every male on the eighth day is a symbolical precept.' By symbolical precepts Augustine clearly means what would later become known as the ceremonial law..." (J.F. Bayes, The Three-Fold Division of the Law)

Evangelicals believe their Faith-Alone Gospel (FAG) to be ironclad. However, like the Death Star, this formidable foe hides several fatal flaws. Those possessing the plans to the Death Star are able to expose such flaws and not only destroy it, but the evil Evangelical empire that has used the FAG to destroy countless lives.The plans to the Death Star = The FAG message:Salvation is earned through perfect obedience to God’s Law. Since however this is humanly impossible, salvation requires that we put faith (alone) in the God-man Jesus Christ Who not only died to pay for our sins, but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life. As a result, the Christian is afforded a justification that requires no duty to the Law. Christians obey only as a consequence of their regeneration and the indwelling Spirit.The 4 fatal flaws revealed in the Death Star’s plans (i.e., FAG):1. The Merit of Perfection“Salvation is earned through perfect obedience to God’s Law. Since however this is humanly impossible, salvation requires that we put faith (alone) in the God-man Jesus Christ Who not only died to pay for our sins but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life.”“Man’s relationship to God in creation was based on works. What Adam failed to achieve, Christ, the second Adam, succeeded in achieving. Ultimately the only way one can be justified is by works.” – R.C. Sproul (Getting the Gospel Right, p.160)Fatal Flaw: The merit of perfection (or the Covenant of Works) is taught nowhere in the Scriptures.2. The Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ“…the God-man Jesus Christ…not only died to pay for our sins, but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life.”2.1. The second fatal flaw of the FAG is the assumption that the imputation of Christ’s death for our sins (His “passive obedience”) was not enough to get us to heaven. We also need the imputation of His perfect obedience – or perfect law-keeping which He accomplished during His earthly life. In theological circles this is referred to as the imputation of the active obedience of Christ.2.2 Though communicated among Evangelicals as if this assumption originates in Scripture, in reality it is the product of its predecessor (the merit of perfection). The impossibility of perfection makes necessary the possibility of Christ’s obedience for us.2.3. Given this essential connection, it is no surprise then that like the merit of perfection (most specifically, the Protestant Reformer’s doctrine of the Covenant of Works), there is no mention of the active obedience doctrine before the 16th century. French theologians John Calvin and Theodore Beza seem to be the first to write explicitly to the subject: 1) Calvin (1554), “Because we cannot attain to righteousness, but by fulfilling the law in all points, and by being discharged before God: it behooved our Lord Jesus Christ to be subject to the law, to the intent that his obedience might now be imputed unto us, and God accept thereof as though we brought the like obedience of our own.”. 2) Beza (1570), “We are justified before God, that is, held to be and declared righteous, because the obedience of Christ is imputed to us, which consists of two distinct parts, the satisfaction for our sins, and the full observance of all legal righteousness.” 12.4. Lack of historical evidence prior to the Reformation, has caused some Evangelical scholars to go on the defensive when discussing its validity to the doctrine of justification (i.e., salvation): “Informed Protestants would not want to say that the Reformation invented their understanding of justification.” – D.A. Carson (“The Vindication of Imputation in Justification: On Fields of Discourse and Semantic Fields,” in Justification: What’s at Stake in Current Debates)2.5. To be fair, not all the Reformers embraced the Active Obedience doctrine (e.g., Kargius, Piscator, Gataker, Twisse, and Vines). The same is true today. There are those within Evangelicalism who reject the imputation of the active obedience of Christ as necessary to justification or salvation (e.g., Evangelicals holding to New Covenant Theology, Evangelicals holding to Federal Vision). In large part however, this was the doctrine held by the Protestant Reformers and remains the popular position within Evangelicalism today. Like the Covenant of Works, examples of this teaching abound in Evangelical confessionals, books, articles, correspondence and social media:2.5.1. Heidelberg Catechism (16th century Protestant Confessional), Question and Answer, #60:“Question: How are thou righteous before God?Answer: Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; so that though my conscience accuse me, that I have grossly transgressed all the commandments of God, and kept none of them, and am still inclined to all evil; notwithstanding, God, without any merit of mine, but only of mere grace, grants and imputes to me, the perfect satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ; even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin: yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which Christ has accomplished for me…”2.5.2. Patrick Gillespie (late pastor of the High Church of Glasgow, principal of the University of Glasgow), The Ark of the Covenant:“Christ is a doer and fulfiller of the covenant of works most exactly in all points, both the command, and the curse and penalty of the Covenant, is satisfied by him; this is works, and this was the condition required upon his part…”2.5.3. William Cunningham (late Anglican priest and church historian), Historical Theology:“And as there is no perfect righteousness in men themselves to be the ground or basis of their being accepted or admitted to favor and happiness—as they can no more render perfect obedience than they can satisfy for their sins—Christ’s perfect obedience must become theirs, and be made available for their benefit, as well as His suffering,—His merit as well as His satisfaction.”2.5.4. Louis Berkhof (late Reformed theologian, Systematics professor and president of Calvin Seminary), Systematic Theology:“If He (Christ)had merely paid the penalty (for the believer) without meeting the original demands of the law (for the believer), He would have left man in the position of Adam before the fall, still confronted with that task of obtaining eternal life in the [impossible] way of obedience [the merit of perfection]. By His active obedience, however. He carried His people beyond that point and gave them a claim to everlasting life.”2.5.5. J. Gresham Machen (late Reformed theologian and scholar, founder of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church), “The Active Obedience of Christ”: "If Christ had merely paid the penalty of sin for us and done nothing more we should be at best back in the situation in which Adam found himself when God placed him under the covenant of works… [As a result our] attainment of eternal life would have been dependent upon our perfect obedience to the law of God [and we would be certain to fall]. [Christ was therefore] our representative both in penalty paying and in probation keeping. [And that for those who have been saved by him, the probation is over since] Christ has merited for them the reward by his perfect obedience to God's law."“SO THANKFUL FOR THE ACTIVE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST. NO HOPE WITHOUT IT.” (Dying words to John Murray via telegram)1 Calvin: Sermons On Deuteronomy; Beza: Quaestionum et responsionum Christianarum libellus; For further study see Bill Berend’s essay, “Christ’s Active Obedience in Federal Theology”2.5.6. Wayne Grudem (Evangelical theologian), Systematic Theology: "If Christ had only earned forgiveness of sins for us, then we would not merit heaven. Our guilt would have been removed, but we would simply be in the position of neutrality. For this reason, Christ had to live a life of perfect obedience to God in order to earn righteousness for us. He had to obey the law for his whole life on our behalf so that the positive merits of his perfect obedience would be counted for us. Sometimes this is called Christ’s ‘active obedience’ while his suffering and dying for our sins is called his ‘passive obedience.’” (“The Active Obedience of Christ”; Systematic Theology)2.5.7. Kim Riddlebarger (Reformed theologian and author), “Telling People the Truth in Love: A Reformed Approach to Evangelism”:“The only ground of salvation is the finished work of Jesus Christ--both in his active and passive obedience. In Christ, God satisfies the demands of the law. And in Christ's sacrificial death, God removes the guilt of our sin.” 2.5.8. Tullian Tchividjian (pastor of Sanctuary Church, FL, and Evangelical author), Jesus + Nothing = Everything:“God imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ, as if I had never committed any sin, and myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me.”2.5.9. Pat Abendroth (pastor of Omaha Bible Church, NE), “COVENANT THEOLOGY FOR THE UNINFORMED, UNSYMPATHETIC, AND MISINFORMED”:“For justification (the declaration that sinners are righteous) requires more than the removal of guilt by atonement as essential as atonement is. A positive upholding of the law is the required standard of righteousness. The work of Jesus provides both the payment of the law’s required penalty as well as fulfillment of the positive demands.”(Tweets) 2.6.0. Scotty Ward Smith (pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church, TN) “I'm such a mess it took Jesus' life of perfect obedience & his substitutionary death on the cross to redeem me.” 2.6.1. Tullian Tchividjian “The good news of the gospel is that my standing with God is not dependent on my obedience but Christ’s obedience for me.” 2.6.2. Paul Tripp (Evangelical counselor and author)“You've been called to submit, but rest is never found in your submission, but Christ's willing submission to the Father on your behalf.” 2.6.3. Elyse Fitzpatrick (Evangelical writer) “For every time I've stamped my foot and say, ‘This isn't what I want!’ the Father hears the Son's, ‘Not my will but Thine’ instead.’” 2.6.4. Steve Lawson (president of OnePassion Ministries and professor of preaching at The Master’s Seminary) “Not only did Christ die in our place, He also lived in our place.2.7. Verses massacred by Evangelicals in their attempt to support this doctrine include:2.7.1. (Mat 5:17) “fulfill” = Jesus came to see that the prophecies concerning the Davidic King and God’s law were fulfilled (Eze 37:24 w/Isa 2:1-3)2.7.2. (Rom 5:10) “His life” = We are reconciled by His death and saved (get eternal resurrection) b/c of His resurrected “life” (1Pe 1:3; 1Co 15:19-22)2.7.3. (Rom 5:18-19) “Therefore = Drawing a conclusion based on the previously established truth (v9); “one’s man’s disobedience” (literally one act of disobedience = Adam’s fall into sin) is compared to Christ’s one act of obedience (“one man’s obedience” – i.e., His obedience in death – Phi 2:8)2.7.4. (Rom 8:3-4) “the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us” = According to prophecy (Eze 11:19-20, 36:25-27), Christ’s propitiation brings the regeneration and renewal (see ch 6), that now empowers us to faithfully obey God (“who walk not according to…”).2.7.5. Righteousness passages (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Rom 10:3-5; Phi 3:9) “righteousness” [δικαιοσύνη] = Justification (e.g., Rom 1:17). The justification (righteousness) secured by Christ is exclusively tied to His death (and never His life) (e.g., Rom 3:21-26, 4:25, 5:9; Heb 10:14).2.8. Implications: the implication of the active obedience doctrine may be worse than the Scriptures they massacre to support it.2.8.1. it negates Christ’s cross-work.If righteousness is gained through the obedience of Christ's life, Christ died in vain. After living the perfect life, Jesus should have simply ascended back to heaven having completed what (according to Evan), can not only be imputed to our account, but serves as the only thing that truly makes righteous before God (i.e., what God requires is perfection not propitiation). 2“If we are made just (righteous) through (Christ’s) life, there would be no compelling reason why he would die for us… If [however] we obtain perfect righteousness through the imputation of Christ's passive obedience [His death], we certainly do not obtain it through the imputation of his active obedience, since you can add nothing to what is complete (Heb 10:14).” – Johannes Piscator (Epistle 68; Apologia)2.8.2. it makes God unjust.Evangelicals also believe Christ’s death to be penal (i.e., God punishing Christ for our sins). Assuming both this and the doctrine of active of obedience are true, places God in the position of being unjust since punishment is no longer required for those who are (now) perfectly righteous.“Indeed, the justice of God does not allow that the righteous be punished... If Christ by the obedience of his life had satisfied God [by making us righteous]… it would follow that God is unjust, who -in addition, required to be satisfied through the obedience of [His] death…” - ibid (Epistle 68)2.8.3. it removes the believer’s obligation to obedience.The imputation of Christ’s active obedience renders our obligation to obedience null and void.“If Christ satisfied for our sins by obedience performed to the law, so that such obedience is imputed to us by God as if we had performed it, it follows that we have been freed from obedience to the law, since Christ hypothetically performed it for us or in our place; just as we correctly say with the Apostle "we are freed from the curse of the law because Christ was made a curse for us" [Gal. 3: 13]. However, we are not freed from obedience to the law, but we have to perform it to God for ever. Therefore, Christ did not satisfy for our sins by the obedience performed to the law.” (Epistle 68)32.8.4. it violates God’s prohibition against vicarious imputationGod’s law makes it clear that the good or bad of another human being cannot be transferred to the account (moral standing) of another (Eze 18:1-32).2.8.5. it reestablishes the Catholic doctrine of neutrality with respect to the creation of man.One of the few highpoints of the Protestant Reformation was its rejection of Catholic anthropology (Adam and Eve were created morally neutral) in favor of the biblical view: God created our first parents as morally righteous (Gen 1:31) (a position they therefore needed only to maintain – not merit). Through the introduction of the active obedience doctrine, this position was reversed (Grudem, “we would simply be in the position of neutrality”).2.9. The Skywalker shot: the verse that destroys both assumptions: the merit of perfection and the imputation of the active obedience of Christ (Gal 2:21).2 Though John Owen attempted to refute this argument by saying that chronological order need not be followed by God in the process of imputation (The Doctrine Of Justification By Faith), it fails on two fronts: 1) it violates one of God’s most important principles for determining truth (i.e., the chronological order of events – e.g., Gen 1; Evan’s argument re: the place of works w/respect to justification). Which begs the question, even if God could violate it, why would He – especially given the importance of the active obedience doctrine if it were true? 2) it entirely misses the ontological truth established by the argument. If Christ’s obedience can be imputed – and we the recipients afforded the merits of perfect righteousness through it, then the sin previously committed hypothetically no longer exists (removing the need for atonement).3 In his book Blown by the Spirit, David Como makes the connection between the active obedience of Christ doctrine and the emergence of an antinomian underground in 17th century England, “Those who earn the epitaph ‘antinomian’ all saw demands for godly living as a new form of works righteousness and outward, literal, and legalistic religiosity that nurtured a slavish devotion to the law. Hence, godly preachers were routinely likened to Jews, Rabbis or Papists, while antinomian preachers often claimed to be the ones promoting the true Christian message of free grace and justification by faith apart from works, any works, legal or otherwise. Outward godliness and the demand for moral reformation were seen by them as Pharisaical error. The antinomians stressed the passivity of the believer in relation to moral obligations. Their freedom from the law was the result of the fact that they believed the law had been fulfilled…already by the believer’s identify with Christ. By virtue of this, believers were free from any obedience to the law. Believers were not inherently pure but rather rendered imputatively perfect via the holy life [obedience] of Christ.”

Evangelicals believe their Faith-Alone Gospel (FAG) to be ironclad. However, like the Death Star, this formidable foe hides several fatal flaws. Those possessing the plans to the Death Star are able to expose such flaws and not only destroy it, but the evil Evangelical empire that has used FAG to destroy countless lives.The plans to the Death Star = The FAG message:Salvation is earned through perfect obedience to God’s Law. Since however this is humanly impossible, salvation requires that we put faith (alone) in the God-man Jesus Christ Who not only died to pay for our sins, but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life. As a result, the Christian is afforded a justification that requires no duty to the Law. Christians obey only as a consequence of their regeneration and the indwelling Spirit.The 3 fatal flaws revealed in the Death Star’s plans (i.e., FAG):1. The Merit of Perfection“Salvation is earned through perfect obedience to God’s Law. Since however this is humanly impossible, salvation requires that we put faith (alone) in the God-man Jesus Christ Who not only died to pay for our sins, but lived to fulfill our obligation of obedience. God therefore imputes to those who put faith in Christ, both His propitiatory death, and the merit of His perfect life.”1.1. Everything the Evangelical believes about salvation hinges on the above assumption, that God saves based on merit. In this case, the merit of Christ’s perfect obedience that has been imputed (or reckoned) to us.1.2. Where does this assumption come from?The Evangelical’s merit-based system (of salvation) has three primary influences:1.2.1. Roman CatholicismThough Martin Luther and the other Protestant Reformers rejected Rome’s belief that human beings could eventually get to heaven by their merit, they assumed the merit-based system of salvation to still be valid (i.e., the soteriology taught in the Bible). The only merit however acceptable to God was the merit of perfection, and only Christ possessed it.1.2.2. Luther’s Law-Gospel Dichotomy and Approach to Scripture Luther saw the Bible divided into two categories: Law and Gospel. The Law designates what God requires. It demands the merit of perfection: a standard we cannot meet. Gospel on the other hand, designates what God provides (in Christ) and promises us grace and forgiveness. The Law kills us by showing how miserably we fail to perfectly keep it. This is its purpose and how it should be used so that the gospel – or good news that Jesus has paid and perfectly obeyed, can grant us life through the salvation it graciously gives us by faith.“The entire Scripture of God is divided into two parts: commands [Law] and promises [Gospel]1...The Law is the Word in which God teaches and tells us what we are to do and not to do…but after…the Law has done this work and distressful misery and poverty have been produced in the heart [because we cannot do it perfectly], God comes and offers his lovely, living Word, and promises, pledges, and obligates himself to give grace and help, that we may get out of this misery… This divine promise of his grace and…forgiveness [salvation]…is properly called Gospel.” – Martin Luther (Freedom of the Christian and Sermons)1.2.3. The Protestant doctrine known as the Covenant of WorksAccording to Reformed theologian, Louis Berkhof, the Covenant of Works doctrine did not exist until the second generation of Protestant reformers (e.g., 16th -17th century theologians: Olevianus, Cloppenburg, Coccejus, Witsius), and became prominent only after its mention in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646-1648). Prior to this, such teaching was unknown either in the Early Church or the Scholastic period that followed (9th-15th century). In mentioning this doctrine, the WCF also provides a succinct and clear understanding of what it teaches, which is a system of salvation predicated on the merit of perfection.“The first covenant created with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity [all human beings after him], upon condition of perfect and personal obedience” (VII.2)1.3. That modern Evangelicals or proponents of the faith-alone gospel do indeed think of salvation in terms of merit – or earning one’s way to heaven is attested to in their writing:1.3.1. R.C. Sproul (Reformed theologian and scholar, founder of Ligonier ministries)“In the final analysis we see that we are saved by works. You say, ‘Wait a minute. I thought we taught justification by faith alone?’ Yes, but justification by faith alone means justification by putting our faith in Christ alone because Christ alone has fulfilled the covenant of works. We are still saved by works, but we are saved not by our works, but by the works of Christ.” – R.C. Sproul (Sermon: Saved by the Works of Christ)1.3.2. Jon Bloom (staff writer for desiringgod.org)“Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, made this statement (‘Be Perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect’, Matthew 5:48) as the impossible culmination of the (fallen) humanly impossible standards of what it means to not sin in anger, lust, divorce, swearing oaths, and retaliation, as well as what it means to love our enemies. But just before he launches into this ‘perfection’ section of his sermon, Jesus gives us a clue to what he means: ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them’ (Matthew 5:17). Jesus came to perfectly fulfill on our behalf God’s demand on us for perfection.”1 Luther’s close associate Philip Melanchthon is more explicit, “All of Scripture is either Law or Gospel.” (Commonplaces)1.3.3. Lee Ann Trees (former Dean of Women at Westminster Seminary, CA)“We must keep God’s laws perfectly because his nature requires it, but none of us is able to do it. Without God’s intervention, we are all under condemnation. Yet, this is not the end of the story! Because we are no longer deserving of heaven, due to our own tainted nature and works, God in his love and mercy sent his Son from heaven to us…He lived the perfect life we should have lived (but failed to), and he redeemed us (something we couldn’t do for ourselves) by offering himself up as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. It is by God’s grace alone—through faith in Christ alone—that we have peace with God and enter into his presence. If Jesus, the Son of God, humbled himself to serve us, why should we think our pride-filled works could ever grant us access to God?”1.4. Salvation as merit-based is also at the core of Evangelical evangelism and preaching:1.4.1. Evangelism (example): Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron’s “Way of the Master” Evangelism. Evangelism begins by asking a person if they believe they are a good person. If they say “yes”, then that person is queried with regard to their obedience to the 10 commandments (e.g., have they ever lied?). The person is then told God’s standard for getting to heaven is perfection. Since they have failed to perfectly keep the ten commandments, they have only earned hell. Jesus is introduced as the perfect Law-Keeper and the One they must therefore put faith in if they want to get to heaven.1.4.2. Preaching (example): the “Redemptive-Historical” (or “Christ-Centered”, “Gospel-Centered”) preaching of Ephesians 6:1-3.God calls children to perfectly obey their parents. The bad news is however, because they are sinners, they miserably fail their parents and fall under God’s condemnation. What are they to do? Remember the good news of Jesus, Who like them was once a child and on their behalf perfectly obeyed His parents. By having faith in Him, every child can have the comfort of knowing that God views them as fulfilling His righteous commands -including the command to obey their parents.1.5. What makes believing that God’s system of salvation is merit-based a fatal flaw?1.5.1. The Bible nowhere teaches salvation as meritorious.No biblical support exists for the Covenant of Works2 or that God ever saw salvation as something that must be earned through perfect obedience to His commands. In addition, it must also be considered that if such a system did exist, then the Bible’s storyline before the time of Christ, paints a picture of God that is worse than Hitler. The establishment of the Law meant God was setting His beloved people up for failure (Lev 18:5, Deu 30:16; Eze 20:11; Luk 10:28 -“Do this and you will live” = Be sinlessly perfect in your obedience and you will possess eternal life). The history of the Jew’s brutal punishments and exile must now be read as the example of what happens when people fail to keep God’s impossible standard. It becomes the story of God the monster, who through the overt oppression of His unreasonable demands makes His people the victims of His hideous atrocities.1.5.2. The Bible nowhere teaches that we mut possess sinless perfection or perfectly obey God to get to heaven.When the Bible uses the word “perfect” to refer to sinful humans, it never carries the idea of sinless perfection. Instead it communicates faithfulness to all of God’s (known) commands. In this respect, the Bible identifies plenty of people as “perfect” [ תָּ מִ֥ים ] who are at the same time, sinners (See KJV: Noah – Gen 6:9; Job – Job 1:1, 8, 2:3; Asa – 1Ki 15:14; the men of Israel making David king – 1Ch 12:38; all those faithfully devoted to Israel – Psa 64:4; Pro 2:21; In this sense consider also Mat 5:48 “perfect” – same word [τέλειος] found in 1Co 2:6; Col 1:28; Jam 1:4 texts which teach this character trait can be achieved by believers. Again, it refers to faithfulness in all areas or completeness as in spiritual maturity).31.6. What (then) does the Bible teach as God’s system of salvation?The Bible teaches marriage as God’s system of salvation. Like marriage 1) we (as the bride) gain a saving relationship w/Jesus (as the bridegroom) by grace through faith -or a vow of fidelity/allegiance/loyalty (expressed in a covenant sign – e.g., circumcision, sacrifice, baptism – 1Pe 3:21), 2) we maintain that vow through faithful obedience to God’s commands (i.e., like a faithful wife, we submit to our husband in everything) (Mat 28:18-20).1.7. How do we use the merit of perfection to expose and destroy the Death Star (FAG) and the evil Evangelical empire?By asking Evangelicals the following 4 questions:1.7.1. Did you know that the foundation of the FAG is merit-based?1.7.2. Can you show me in the Bible where God teaches that salvation is merit-based or requires the merit of perfection?1.7.3. If by “perfect” the Bible means perfect obedience, then why are certain people in the Bible referred to as “perfect” though they were clearly sinners and demonstrated only faithful obedience to God’s commands? IOW: Is it possible that what this word means and what God actually requires (w/respect to obedience) is something other than perfection?1.7.4. If you believe salvation is merit-based (salvation requires perfect law-keeping), then doesn’t that make your God worse than Hitler since those Jews who were mercilessly killed by God under the Old Covenant for not keeping the Law were - like those killed by Hitler, helpless victims since it is impossible to be perfect?2 It is important to point out that Hosea 6:7 makes clear that God did establish a covenant with Adam. However never are we told that this covenant was merit-based – or as the Covenant of Works doctrine teaches, that the perfection they were supposed to demonstrate while under this covenant would eventually culminate in God’s offer of eternal life. This kind of fiction functions much in the same way as that used by con artists. It is always the foundational or initial assumption that proves to be most critical and most false. Once however accepted as true, the job of the con artist becomes easy, just stay consistent with the accepted assumption and not only will it become more believable but there is also little chance of it being discovered.3 For further study see God and Human Wholeness: Perfection in Biblical and Theological Tradition by Kent Yinger

(2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 4:7) = Controversial topics must be addressed and their silly myths put to rest. Truth: a reminder (Joh 18:38 “What is truth?”): 1) truth is not determined by personal or public tolerance (Joh 6:51-60; Eph 1:10; Hence Rom 12:1-2), 2) truth is not determined by appearances or emotions (Joh 7:24; Jer 17:9), 3) truth is determined by a proposition’s agreement with God’s Spirit (i.e., the Word of God) not the spirit of the world (Mat 4:4; Joh 6:61-63, 17:17; Act 17:10-12; Eph 6:17; Eph 2:1-2; Col 2:8 w/20; Hence 1Jo 4:1), 4) you cannot be Jesus’ disciple (i.e., a saved person) yet rejecting truth or listening to the error of this world -i.e., no sacred cows allowed (Joh 6:66, 18:37; 1Jo 4:4-6), 5) often what we think is truth is instead the spirit and error of the world (Hence 12:1-2).  6. Same Sex Rebellion6.1. In 1970, 70% of Americans believed homosexuality to be wrong. Today, 71% of Americans believe it to be morally acceptable (a 100% change in 50 years). 6.2. Homosexual relationships are now viewed as not only a respectable alternative to their heterosexual counterpart, but a lifestyle that should be explored by all people. Exploring one’s sexual orientation is encouraged as healthy.[1] 6.3. In our current economic climate, it also pays to be homosexual or part of a same-sex relationship. According to the 2019 Census Bureau report, “same-sex married couples have a higher median household income than opposite-sex married couples.”[2] 6.4. Due to homosexuality’s large acceptance in the West, several “Christian” denominations have also welcomed those practicing homosexuality into the fold (e.g., the Anglican Church of South Africa, Evangelical Anglican Church in America, Metropolitan Community Churches, some United Methodists, the United Churches of Christ, Presbyterian Churches in America, the Episcopal Church, Disciples of Christ, the Reformed Church in America, the Society of Friends [Quaker], the Friends General Conference [Quaker], the Mennonite Church USA, the American National Catholic Church, the Evangelical Catholic Church, the Old Catholic Church).  6.5. As of 2015, 62/63% of mainline Protestants now favor same-sex marriages and see no conflict between Christianity and homosexuality.  6.6. Things however were not always this way. Until the late 20th century (1970s), homosexuality was: 6.6.1. considered a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association.  “homosexuality [is a] sociopathic personality disorder…[a] sexual deviation.” (DSM I and II) 6.6.2. condemned as sinful and considered illegal (its solicitation or expression) in many American states. 6.7. So what changed? Not God, but the world and those churches who chose to follow the world. God’s view of homosexuality today (under the New Covenant) is no different than it was under previous covenants. Throughout redemptive history, the practice of homosexuality has always constituted same sex rebellion. 6.8. Given God’s attitude toward homosexuality and its attending consequences, we can conclude that the sin of homosexuality (i.e., homosexual behavior) is more serious than most other sins: 6.8.1. God so hates homosexuality that He purposely designed His laws, doctrine and gospel to keep those practicing homosexuality (among other serious sins) from ever becoming a part of His salvific plan or covenant people (1Ti 9-11 “laid down” = Established as a barrier). 6.8.2. So disgusting is homosexuality to God, that He promises to damn not only those practicing it, but also those (men) guilty of acting effeminately (1Co 6:9-10 [NAS], those who practice homosexuality and the effeminate” – See also ESV Fn 3 [“two Greek words”] [οὔτε μαλακοὶ οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται = “Neither the soft in behavior or man-f*%#ers”]; Hence 1Co 16:13; e.g., Those who are effeminate = Transgender males) 6.8.3. It is for these reasons that homosexuality is called an abomination (a thing causing disgust and hatred) and classified as a capital crime (Lev 20:13).  6.8.4. It is also for these reasons that God completely destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their inhabitants (Gen 19:1-25; v5 “Bring them out [the angels] that we might know them” = Have sexual relations w/them – See Gen 4:1). 6.9. Because they share the same unique signature of divine destruction (entire human populations destroyed by supernatural means), some have become convinced that like Sodom, Noah’s Flood was also the result of widespread acceptance or practice of homosexuality (In re: to Sodom: Gen 19:1-5 “all the people to the last man surrounded the house…‘Bring them out to us that we may know them’” = Every single male in the city of Sodom was seeking to perform homosexual acts on the angels - or more specifically, Jesus and the HS  - Gen 18:1-2; As it re: to both cities, consider Abraham’s plea in Gen 18:20-33. Neither city possessed as little as 10 men innocent of homosexual behavior since if that had been the case, God would have spared that city).  6.10. If the above is true, then not only is the gay movement’s choice of the rainbow for their flag highly ironic, but widespread acceptance or practice of homosexuality also serves as another clear sign of Christ’s imminent return/this world’s final fiery destruction (As of 2022, 19 million Americans [eight times as many people as it was just 50 years ago] are practicing/have practiced some form of homosexual behavior). In this light consider (Mat 24:36-51 = Discerning the signs of wickedness that characterized the time of Noah is key to discerning Christ’s return and our subsequent readiness). 6.11. Equally illuminating and important to our discernment w/respect to this perversion, is what causes it to become prevalent: a rise in atheistic thinking. Is this not what also characterizes our modern times? (Rom 1:25-27). 6.12. That being said, because human beings are conceived in sin, people can also be born with same-sex attraction or temptations. If however those individuals resist those temptations, they are not guilty of nor identified by homosexuality. IOW: we are not defined by what we feel, but what we practice (1Jo 3:7-10). In addition, those who come to Christ find new power/ability to conquer this temptation and sin (1Co 6:11 “such were some of you”). 6.13. Strong reasoning skills and knowledge of the pertinent biblical texts is more than enough to soundly refute the  objections made by those wicked churches/people who attempt to show compatibility between homosexuality and Christianity: 1) S&G was not destroyed because of homosexuality but attempted “rape humiliation”, rape used to humiliate foreigners believed to be spies (Jud 1:7 = God’s destroyed the cities b/c the men “pursued unnatural desire” –Literally, [NAS] “were going after strange flesh”– i.e., homosexual behavior, not rape; See also 2Pe 2:7-8 = Lot witnessed immoral sexual behavior among the people “day after day” – not simply at the time of the angel encounter), 2) S&G was not guilty of homosexuality but pride and lack of hospitality (Exe 16:49 = Sodom and Gomorrah are being used figuratively for Judah and Israel to emphasize how strongly God is opposed to them and their sin. The sins therefore mentioned are in relation to Judah and Israel not Sodom and Gomorrah), 2) Gen 19, 1Co 6, Lev 20, and Rom 1 are all in reference to those who are not born homosexual or operating outside “holy homo relationships” (1] attraction does not approve action [“I was born this was so it is okay”], 2] being born in sin is why we need to be “born again”, 3] In the Bible, all homosexual practice is communicated in terms of perversion, never is it ever communicated as holy or able to operate in that capacity), 3) God is a God of love which means He would never condemn someone for who they choose to love (See 1Ti 1:5- the goal of our instruction [w/God’s law, doctrine and gospel] is love”). 6.14. The acronym “FAG” as a designation for the Faith Alone gospel  is truly fitting, since it makes it possible for practicing homosexuals to be saved w/o repenting of their homosexuality (FAG = Only faith is needed to be saved, obedience/repentance is nice but not necessary; e.g., Free Grace Movement/Bob Wilkins: They won’t inherit “the kingdom of God” [1 Co 6:9-10] on earth but they will still be saved and go to heaven; e.g., Charles Stanley: even those Christians who later become atheists are still saved since our actions can never effect our standing/state with God). [1]https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/should-i-explore-my-sexuality/[2] https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/09/same-sex-married-couples-have-higher-income-than-opposite-sex-married-couples.html

(2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 4:7) = Controversial topics must be addressed and their silly myths put to rest. Truth: a reminder (Joh 18:38 “What is truth?”): 1) truth is not determined by personal or public tolerance (Joh 6:51-60; Eph 1:10; Hence Rom 12:1-2), 2) truth is not determined by appearances or emotions (Joh 7:24; Jer 17:9), 3) truth is determined by a proposition’s agreement with God’s Spirit (i.e., the Word of God) not the spirit of the world (Mat 4:4; Joh 6:61-63, 17:17; Act 17:10-12; Eph 6:17; Eph 2:1-2; Col 2:8 w/20; Hence 1Jo 4:1 and Rom 12:1-2), 4) you cannot be Jesus’ disciple (i.e., a saved person) yet rejecting truth or listening to the error of this world -i.e., no sacred cows allowed (Joh 6:66, 18:37; 1Jo 4:4-6), 5) often what we think is truth is the spirit and error of the world (Hence 12:3).  4. Domestic Discipline A husband has the right and responsibility to discipline his wife through discipling her in God’s Word (the more effective, New Covenant application, Eph 5:26 “love your wives…cleans[ing] her by the washing of water with the word”; Jer 31:33; Eze 36:27) and is prohibited from using physical force (the Old Covenant application, Col 3:19 “love your wives, do not be hostile with them”). The New Covenant application also applies to the discipline of Christian children (old enough to understand) (Eph 6:4 “discipline namely the instruction of the Lord”; e.g., Joh 1:16; As it re: to this being the prescribed practice w/respect to slaves in general see also Eph 6:9 “stop your threatening” = Physical threat/harm – e.g., Act 9:1). 5. Critical Race Truth5.1. Though all human beings are made in the image of God and share the same creational parents (Adam and Eve), there exists different races of people. Since the time of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), there exists two major divisions: Jew and Gentile. Those who are the direct (or biological) descendants of the Patriarchs are Jews (or Hebrews), and those who are not, are Gentiles (Hb. “ha-goyim” = the nations [non-jewish]) (Gen 14:13 “Abram the Hebrew”).   5.2. God recognizes the diversity of people-groups that exist within the race of Gentile based on their patriarchal ancestor or ancient country of origin. (e.g., Amalekites [Num 13:29], Amorites [Num 13:29], Ammonites [Gen 19:38], Arabians [2Ch 21:16], Assyrians [2Ki 19:35], Babylonians [Ezr 4:9], Canaanites [Num 13:29], Cushites [Dan 11:43], Edomites [Gen 36:9], Egyptians [Gen 10:6], Elamites [Ezr 4:9], Ethiopians [2Ch 12:3], Hittites [Num 13:29], Jebusites [Num 13:29], Libyans [Dan 11:43], Moabites [Gen 19:37], Nephilim [Num 13:33], Persians [Ezr 4:9], Philistines [Gen 10:14], Syrians [2Sa 8:5], etc.). 5.3. God also recognizes the physiological, behavioral and cultural distinctions that exist within the various people-groups that make up the Gentile race. (e.g., Num 13:32-33; Isa 18:1-2; Jer 5:15-16; Act 17:21; Tit 1:12) 5.4. Because of the Patriarchs, God has exalted the Jews above all other races and promised that eventually every Gentile race would be subjugated by the Jews.God is not partial, but He does discriminate. He has chosen to show favor to the Jewish people before any other. And that for all of human history (Deu 7:6-14; Psa 110:1-7 [Act 2:34-36] w/Isa 2:1-5 w/18:7 w/42:1-5 w/66:18-21 [Mat 28:18-20 and Rev 19:11-16 “rod of iron” = Subjugation and enslavement]; Seee also Isa 14:2, 60:10-12; and Exo 4:22; Hence Rom 2:10 – “glory and honor and peace…for the Jew first” w/v11).  5.5. Throughout history God has helped those races and nations less wicked, to subjugate and enslave those more wicked.The world’s view is the polar opposite: those who subjugate and enslave are the more wicked. This principle applied also to the OC Jews (Lev 18:24-28; Eze 5:5-17 w/6:8-10). 5.6. God only views such subjugation and slavery as sinful/evil when the people in those situations are treated unjustly.The first and most notorious example many Americans think of when considering the issue of racism is the slavery once practiced in this country. The American slave trade is viewed as one of the low points in our country’s history, the high point being when it was abolished. What however people fail to realize is that the fight to end slavery actually fueled the fires of racism rather than remove it. Why? Because the real problem was not being addressed. Slavery is not racism. Owning slaves or viewing people as property is not wrong when conducted according to God’s laws (Gen 17:10-13, 20:17; Exo 21:7-11, 20, 26; Lev 25:6, 44-48; Ecc 2:7; 1Co 7:21; Eph 6:5-9; All of God’s people exist as His slaves – Lev 25:38-42; Mat 10:24-25; 1Pe 2:16; 1Co 6:20).     5.7. From the perspective of God (and therefore also the Christian), racism – or sins related to one’s race, comprise a much smaller category than those identified by the world.What God (and the Christian must) identify as racist is limited to the following: 5.7.1. believing that a particular race is less humanThis is the wonderful product of Darwinian evolution. In his book, “The Descent of Man” Darwin states that some races are genetically superior and “more human” than others whereas others are “less human” and “more ape” than others. This was also a part of Hitler’s thinking and Nazi propaganda with respect to the Jews. German schools taught that the Jews were subhuman, implying their connection to rats. The Bible and science however reveal that all races come from the same original parents (Adam and Eve). As such all peoples, no matter their race, color or other distinctive features, have been created as image-bearers of God (Gen 1:26-28 w/Act 17:26). 5.7.2. being against inter-racial relationships/dating/marriageThe only form of “inter-racial” marriage prohibited in the Bible is Christians marrying non-Christians (2Co 6:14-18).   5.7.3. treating someone unjustly because of their physical/biological race (Lev 19:15-18; Mat 22:39)Here (then) is where precision is crucial to understanding issues related to race or racial treatment. Saying that it is sin (racism) to treat someone unjustly because of their race is not the same (nor sin) as saying people can (and at times should) be treated differently because of their culture – including the culture that may be associated with their race (Tit 1:12 w/13-16, 3:1, 8-10, 14). 5.8. The satanic philosophies of humanism and individualism have done more to confuse the issue of racism than anything else. Humanism = human freedom is the highest and greatest good.Individualism = every person is a sovereign citizen free from the control or ownership of others.Both of these philosophies can be summed up in what Jesus identifies as “self”, that which must be jettisoned if we as humans are to possess real and lasting abundant life (Mat 16:24-25). 5.9. Because Satan runs this world, the sins of racism will always exist since it proves an effective tool for dividing and destroying humanity.Many of the organizations and ideas purported to be against racism have historically been those most guilty of not only perverting its definition, but also promoting it for their own personal gain.  “There is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs-partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs.” – Booker T. Washington 5.10. By becoming a Christian and a part of Christ’s nation and culture (the church), Gentiles can now receive the favored treatment of the Jews, since through Christ we are adopted into the line of the Patriarchs (Abraham).When a person (Jew or Gentile) becomes a Christian, they leave their former race, nation and culture behind and become a part of God’s (new) chosen (and favored) race, nation and culture (1Pe 2:9; Gal 3:28; Eph 2:11-19a [race], 19b-22 [culture= church]; Also in re: to culture see Eph 3:6 and Col 2:6-8). The only way (then) to leave the sinful racism of this world behind is to leave this world and become a part of Christ’s new world/nation/culture and people. 5.11. As Christians, we are to favor our new race (Christians), nation and culture above our former race, biological family, nation and cultures. (Mat 12:46-50; Gal 6:10)

(2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 4:7) = Controversial topics must be addressed and their silly myths put to rest. Truth: a reminder (Joh 18:38 “What is truth?”): 1) truth is not determined by personal or public tolerance (Joh 6:51-60; Eph 1:10; Hence Rom 12:1-2), 2) truth is determined by a proposition’s agreement with God’s Spirit (i.e., the Word of God) not the spirit of the world (Mat 4:4; Joh 6:61-63, 17:17; Act 17:10-12; Eph 6:17; Eph 2:1-2; Col 2:8 w/20; Hence 1Jo 4:1 and Rom 12:1-2), 3) you cannot be Jesus’ disciple (i.e., a saved person) yet rejecting truth or listening to the error of this world -i.e., no sacred cows allowed (Joh 6:66, 18:37; 1Jo 4:4-6), 4) often what we think is truth is the spirit and error of the world (Hence Rom 12:1-2).  4. Domestic Discipline (the right and responsibility of a husband to discipline his wife)4.1. Like the children, the wife is the human property (slave) of her husband:4.1.1. The Hebrew term for husband (בַּ֫עַל; ba’al) and it’s Greek equivalent (κύριος; kurios) can also be translated as “owner” or “lord/master”, referring to persons whose authority is due to ownership (e.g., [בַּ֫עַל]: Gen 20:3 “man’s wife” = Literally, “she is owned by an owner [ba’al]; Exo 21:22 [same word as v28]; Isa 54:5; Jer 3:14, 31:32; Joe 1:8; Pro 12:4, 30:23, 31:10-12, 23; [κύριος]: 1Pe 3:1 w/6). “[In Israel, women] had no legal status, being the personal property first of their fathers, and then of their husbands.” – Anthony Phillips (Ancient Israel’s Criminal Law: A New Approach to the Decalogue) 4.1.2. In verbal form, the term (בַּ֫עַל; ba’al) refers to marriage, strengthening the connection between marriage and ownership (e.g., Deu 24:1). 4.1.3. Etymological studies reveal the term (“husband”) to be a derivation of the ancient term, “householder”, meaning owner of the household.  4.2. Wives as the property (or slaves) of their husband was the consensus position in all ancient societies. “The essence of the woman’s position in Roman law was that she could never technically become a free agent [no longer be a slave]…If a woman underwent marriage she passed into the manus [property ownership and control] of her husband…This placed her legally on the same footing as her daughter.” – Suzzane Dixon (“Polybius on Roman Women and Property”; JSTOR) 4.3. Though modern society no longer recognizes wives as their husband’s property (women as chattel), vestiges of this biblical truth remain. For example, most women still assume their husband’s last name. A sign of ownership is you carry that person’s name (e.g., Mat 28:19 w/1Co 6:20 w/Act 20:28 w/Eph 5:23). 4.4. Under the Old Covenant:4.4.1. God commanded that all slaves (personal property) be treated righteously (e.g., Lev 25:6; Deu 5:15-16, 16:9-14). Never were they to be neglected or abused or exposed to harm. So favorable was the position of the slave under God’s Law that many desired it over emancipation (Deu 15:12-17). The master-slave relationship was to reflect the relationship of Master-slave that existed between God and His people (Israel) (Lev 25:42; Deu 6:20-25 = We obey God because He is a good Master Who redeemed us [bought us out of slavery] from an evil master so that we could become His slaves; One of the most prominent terms used to describe Christians in the NT is δοῦλος, literally, “slave” -e.g., Act 2:18, 4:29; Rom 1:1, 6:18 and 22 [verbal forms]; Phi 1:1; Tit 1:1; Jam 1:1; 2Pe 1:1; Jud 1:1; Rev 1:1). 4.4.2.  God condoned the use of physical force against a man’s slaves when it was: 1) for righteous reasons (to enforce the law/justice), 2) done in a righteous way (the punishment fit the crime and did not cause permanent harm). A husband therefore using righteous physical force against his wife (according to the aforementioned criteria) was never considered abusing her (what today is identified as “domestic violence”). In this respect, it was viewed as no different than a parent spanking their child (Exo 21:20-21 “rod”, 26-27; In re: to children: Pro 13:24, 23:13-14 “rod”). That God saw the use of physical force (e.g., hitting, spanking) as appropriate not only for children but also adults is made clear by (Deu 25:1-3). Consider also (Pro 19:29, 26:3 = The category of “fool” includes more than children). It is important to note that God uses physical force against His wife when she is disobedient (e.g., Ezekiel 23; Eze 23:25-27). 4.4.3. That being said, God never condones a slave (including wives and children) hitting their owner (husband or father). Outside of acting in defense, such actions are always an act of insubordination. In the case of children, striking either parent is considered a capital crime (Deu 21:15). Though no explicit punishment exists for wives’ guilty of the same crime, it remains serious. Given the comparison made between wives and the church in the New Testament, a wife striking her husband is like the church striking Christ.  4.5. Until the late 19th century, husbands disciplining their wives through the use of physical force was not only legal, but encouraged in the Western World (including the United Sates). The basis for such laws was the Bible:  “A Similar doctrine had been laid down by Dr. Marmaduke Coghill, judge of the Prerogative Court in Ireland, who in a suit by a wife for divorce on the ground that her husband had given her a sound beating, delivered a well-considered opinion that, with such a switch as the one held in his hand, moderate chastisement was within the matrimonial privileges of the husband”.  - London Quarterly Review of Legal cases Vol 136, (1874) “By the ancient common law [the Bible], the husband possessed the power of chastising his Wife…let the husband be permitted to exercise the right of moderate chastisement” - Calvin Bradley v. State of Mississippi (1834) “A husband cannot be convicted of a battery on his wife unless he inflicts a permanent injury or uses such excessive violence or cruelty as indicates malignity or vindictiveness…A husband is responsible for the acts of his wife, and he is required to govern his household, and for that purpose the law permits him to use towards his wife such a degree of force as is necessary to control an unruly temper and make her behave herself; and unless some permanent injury be inflicted, or there be an excess of violence, or such a degree of cruelty as shows that it is inflicted to gratify his own bad passions, the law will not invade the domestic forum or go behind the curtain.”  - State of North Carolina v. Jesse Black (1864) 4.6. Though no longer legal, domestic discipline was still popular (even encouraged) in the 1950’s – including by America’s most liberal influences, Hollywood and Capitalism.   4.7. Evidence from the early church also demonstrates that they too believed husbands had the authority to enforce the law/justice through righteous physical force in relation to their wives. “A man may chastise his wife and beat her for her correction; for she is of his household.” - Friar Nicolas Byard (1140 A.D.) 4.8. A crucial consideration to the validity of domestic discipline: what gives a man the right to such discipline (the use of physical force) is the same principle that justifies a police officer’s use of force: they possess the authority to enforce the law (or justice). Why (then) is it okay for the police and not the husband whose authority over his wife is greater than that of a police officer (the husband’s authority originates and reflects that of Christ in relation to the church)? 4.9. The origin of Domestic Violence (or the villainizing of Domestic Discipline): the feminist movement of 1848-1861. Though spoken in the context of condemnation, a sampling from one of their speeches offers additional support to domestic discipline’s prior acceptance and understood connection to the Bible, “In those early days a husband’s supremacy was often enforced in the rural districts by corporeal chastisement, and it was considered by most people as quite right and proper – as much so as the correction of refractory children in like manner…The laws made it his privilege – and the Bible, as interpreted, made it is his duty…By the common law of England, the spirit of which has been but too faithfully incorporated into our statute law, a husband has a right to whip his wife with a rod not larger than his thumb, to shut her up in a room, and administer whatever moderate chastisement he may deem necessary to insure obedience to his wishes, and for her healthful moral development!”  4.10. It is the same sinful ideology of the feminist movement that is behind the current push for child emancipation. Soon all attempts by parents to guide the moral path of their children – and most especially when it involves the use of physical force, will not only be illegal, but viewed as the dangerous and damaging actions of abusive parents. The use of force by police officers will eventually follow suit since at the heart of this ideology, lies the belief that any physical force used against others is always and only evil.     4.11. What does God’s teaching on domestic discipline mean for Christians under the New Covenant? 4.11.1. From the perspective of justice: The use of physical force by a husband against his wife for righteous reasons and in a righteous way is never abusive (since what God condones as good can never become evil) (Isa 5:20). Such actions only qualify as abuse when they do not meet the biblical criteria. 4.11.2. From the perspective of application: According to Ephesians 5:25-33 the husband still maintains the right and responsibility of disciplining his wife. However, what that looks like (now) is not only different, but far more effective (Eph 5:26 “cleanse”) = Discipline through discipleship in God’s Word (similar to a pastor’s responsibility to the flock - 2Ti 4:2). Support: 1) the cleansing of v26 is in relation to the “word” not Christ’s blood (i.e., it is not referring to propitiation), 2) the cleansing is (instead) penal (Pro 20:30), 3) (v27 “spot or wrinkle…holy and without blemish”) = Practical holiness versus positional holiness (e.g., 2Pe 3:11-14), 4) (Eph 6:17; Col 3:19), 5) why discipline through discipleship in God’s Word is (now) more effective (Jer 31:33; Eze 36:27; Hence 1Ti 4:8).  CLOSING CHALLENGE: husbands to pray the Lord’s Prayer and read the Bible with their wives (round-robin style) M-F for the next four weeks. Week: 1) Philippians, 2) Colossians, 3) Ephesians, 4) James

(2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 4:7) = Controversial topics addressed and their silly myths put to rest. 1. God has a limited knowledge of the future.How can God be all knowing (omniscient) and yet not know every aspect of the future?1.1. The Bible never communicates that God is all knowing (omniscient) in the sense that He knows all aspects of the future. Instead, the Bible teaches that God possesses perfect knowledge and wisdom in relation to the past and present. This includes the present state of every person’s heart which means God also knows every person’s next decision since the present state of our heart is the determining factor in what we do next (e.g. Mat 12:34 w/Jam 3:2). That however is very different from saying that God knows every aspect of the future. Never does the Bible communicate that God knows such things. Instead the Bible communicates that:1.1.1. God is responding/reacting to our present actions/decisions and doesn’t know with certainty much beyond that (Jer 18:7-10; Exo 13:17; Isa 63:7-10; Jer 3:6-7, 19-20, 26:1-6, 36:1-3; Eze 12:3; Mat 8:10).1.1.2. God’s knowledge of those things far in the future is limited to His plans (promises and prophecies) which is therefore more of a reflection of His omnipotence (not His omniscience). Isaiah 40-48, that portion of Scripture dealing w/God’s knowledge of the future (as proof that He is the true God of heaven and earth) is not ultimately about His omniscience, but rather His omnipotence – i.e., that He has the power to see His will come to pass exactly as He declared it (Isa 42:8-9, 46:8-11, 48:3; Rom 4:17) = God’s omnipotence is what guarantees His specific knowledge of future things. Such omnipotence includes the ability to influence or direct people when necessary (e.g. Gen 50:20; Pro 21:1 w/Isa 10:5-15; Isa 44:24-28 w/Ezr 1:1-12 and 2Chr 36:22-23 = God accomplishes His purposes thru influence not coercion/violation of our free will). 1.2. Believing that God knows every aspect of the future - including every future decision we are going to make, makes you guilty of three heresies:1.2.1. Fatalism/Determinism/CalvinismIf God did know everything about the future then that would include our decisions which means none of our decisions would be free or real. Though it may seem that way, in reality, they are all predetermined (or fixed) according to what God has already decided.  This is not what the Bible teaches but instead the Greek heresy known as Fatalism, the Atheist heresy known as Determinism, or the Evangelical heresy known as Calvinism. 1.2.2. God as unjustIf Fatalism/Determinism/Calvinism were true, it would also mean that we are not responsible for our actions. We are instead victims. Such thinking makes a mockery of Scripture which establishes our responsibility (and therefore free will) through God’s commands, the conditions and consequences of those commands and the pleading of God and His prophets to keep those commands. Why plead for something we have no control over fulfilling? This kind of thinking also impinges on God’s most important attribute, His justice (Gen 18:19; Deu 16:20, 32:4). For God to be just in His judgment of us at the end of time, then it requires that the majority of our wills and the future be free and unknown since, “How can God commend/condemn us if the majority of what we did/did not do was out of our control because the future was pre-determined or fixed?” It is important to note that this view (Fatalism/Determinism/Calvinism) was condemned by the early church:“Let some suppose, from what has been said by us, that we say that whatever occurs happens by a fatal necessity, because it is foretold as known beforehand, this too we explain. We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions. Now, if this is not so, but all things happen by fate, then neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed. And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions…We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and rewards are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions. Otherwise, if all things happen by fate, then nothing is in our own power. For if it be predestinated that one man be good and another man evil, then the first is not deserving of praise or the other to be blamed. Unless humans have the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for th eir actions—whatever they may be.” (Justin Martyr)   1.2.3. God as incompetentCalvinists (the Christian version of Fatalism/Determinism) think that if God doesn’t know everything about the future, then He cannot be counted on to accomplish His various promises or prophecies. IOW: Without the ability to pre-determine everything, God would become incompetent. This belief however, is not only alleviated, but exposed as unintelligent once we consider that what God does know is more than enough to anticipate possible problems, establish contingency plans and ultimately steer the future in the direction He needs it go to accomplish His purposes. Possessing perfect knowledge and wisdom in relation to the past and present is all God truly needs to perfectly shepherd/manage the future – especially given the fact that the future is always the result of the past and present. IOW: perfectly know the past/present and you can perfectly control the future without knowing it or destroying the free choices of those living in it (e.g., Exo 13:17) (Pro 5:21; Gen 6:5; 2Ch 16:9; Mat 12:34b; 1Co 4:5; Isa 48:8; Isa 65:24; e.g. Deu 31:16 w/21). An illustration to drive home the point: a 300 qubit quantum computer (a computer possessing more information than there are atoms in the universe) playing chess w/a three-year old (the age a child is able to grasp the basics of chess). Is there any chance that baby could ever do anything the computer wouldn’t anticipate? How much more would this be true in relation to God? (Isa 55:8-9)1.3. This view is known as God the Great Shepherd (GTGS) and is NOT the heresy of Open Theism: B/C God doesn’t know the future, He makes mistakes (VERSUS Perfect knowledge/wisdom of past/present = Perfect mgmt of the future). 2. Hell will be filled with false teachers including women pastors and their churches. Why are women pastors false teachers and their churches on their way to Hell?2.1. Because God not only prohibits women from being pastors but also claims they will not be saved if they take those roles (1Ti 2:11-15). Consider also (1Co 14:34 “speak” = Act as judges [see v29]. The judges in Scripture are the priests/pastors – Deu 19:17; Isa 66:21). Any woman therefore who is a pastor is false and on her way to hell.2.2. As it relates to their church and those in it, the same is true for them as well. Why? Several reasons: 2.2.1. B/C it is a church preaching a false gospel, the key factor for determining whether someone is a true or false Christian/church (Gal 1:6-9). How you can be sure a church with a woman pastor is preaching a false gospel = By possessing a woman pastor they are boldly preaching their rejection of obedience to Christ as necessary to salvation.2.2.2. B/C it is a church that also does not meet the criteria necessary to be a saving church - i.e., a church where Christ’s authority/blood can be extended/offered thru her priests and her sacraments (Act 20:28 w/1Pe 3:21; Joh 13:8-17 w/Mat 26:21-23 w/Mat 16:18-19 w/Joh 20:21-23). What that criteria is according to (Act 11:19-26): 1) Jesus is followed/obeyed/imitated – v26 “Christians” = Little Christs”, 2) repentance and faith are necessary to gain salvation/receive initial forgiveness – v21, 3) you need a qualified/ordained man – v23, also 1Ti 3:2 [“husband”], 4) it preaches a gospel of gain thru baptism – v24 [“added to the Lord” w/Act 2:41, 5:14; Mat 28:19] and maintain [“remain”] - vv23-24, thru obedience – v26 [“taught” obedience - Mat 28:20].2.3. The early church affirmed the necessity of the church for salvation: “There is no salvation outside the church” (Cyprian) 3. The thief on the cross was no exception.If baptism is needed for saving faith and must be coupled w/faithful obedience, then what about the thief on the cross?3.1. The thief on the cross was literally baptized into Jesus’ death (what baptism represents – Rom 6:1-3). 3.2. Jesus referred to His death as a baptism (Luk 12:50).3.3. The thief also demonstrated repentance (the first act of faithful obedience) before exercising faith in Jesus (Luk 23:39-43): 1) repentance – vv39-41, 2) faith in Jesus (as God’s Son and Savior) (v42 “when you come into your kingdom” = Would not have said this unless he believed Jesus to be Who He claimed to be).3.4. The thief did not continue to sin so as to lose/forfeit what he was about to gain in his baptism (of death) (or, he maintained his obedience until his death – hence v43).

1. The gospel according to Jesus requires faithful obedience to get eternal life. (Joh 8:51 “keeps” = is faithful)  2. James got his gospel from his brother (Jesus) and Jesus got his gospel from the OT which means God’s salvation has not changed (IOW: it has always required faithful obedience). (Deu 28:1-2 w/Jam 2:24) 3. If as the Evangelicals say, the OT saints were also saved by faith alone (and not their obedience)[1], then God is no better than Hitler since most of Jews either didn’t get the memo and were ruthlessly killed by Him or tried the faith alone route and were still ruthlessly killed by Him. (Jer 7:1-16, 11:1-11, 13:12-14, 14:11-12, 13-14 “assured peace” [the message: have faith and you wb delivered], 15:1, 16:1-5 w/10-11, 19:9, 23:14-17, 21-22 [Eze 13:22], 25:4-11, 44:27)   4. Spotting false prophets, teachers and Christians has always been easy: they are those who leave the condition of faithful obedience out of their gospel and practice. (Deu 29:18-20; Mat 7:15-20 w/21-23; 2Pe 2:1; Jud 1:3-4; Eph 5:5-10; 1Jo 3:7-10) 5. The fact that we must repent and will be judged according to our works makes no sense unless faithful obedience is a condition of our salvation. (Mar 1:15; Luk 3:8-14; 2Co 7:10a; Rev 20:11-15; 2Co 5:9-10; Rom 2:6-11) 6. Jesus was sinfully cruel to someone He loved if salvation does not require faithful obedience. (Mat 19:16-22 “keep” = Be faithful to; Mar 10:21) 7. People don’t need to become Christians (receive propitiation) or possess the Holy Spirit (regeneration/new birth) to produce faithful obedience since God says we can do it without such help from above. (Deu 30:11-14 “who will ascend to heaven…[or] will go over the sea…for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it” = We do not need Spiritual help or deliverance to do it; propitiation necessary to be saved but not to faithfully obey God; See also Ecc 7:29 “upright” = Morally capable; e.g., 2Ki 10:3 “fittest” [same word as Ecc 7:29 translated “upright”) 8. If regeneration were necessary to faithful obedience then God would be unjust in His condemnation of the wicked (i.e., obligation requires ability). (Eze 18:1-9 “the fathers have eaten sour grapes and children’s teeth are set on edge” = We have no control over/cannot change our destiny – or stop the behavior that leads to our damnation)  9. God would also be unjust if faithful obedience were not quantifiable or knowable. (Again Deu 30:11-14 = We do not need Spiritual help or deliverance to “hear it” – i.e. to know it or know that you are doing it; 2Ti 4:7-8; Phi 3:6) 10. Evidence of conviction (or grief) over sin does not confirm that you possess faithful obedience. (Joh 16:8; 2Co 7:10b; e.g., Judas – Mat 27:1-5) 11. Evidence of affection, approval, or believe in Jesus does not confirm that you possess faithful obedience. (Joh 2:23-25, 6:60 w/66; Luk 14:25-35; Mat 13:20-22) 12. Your desire to be faithful, your membership in a biblical church or the fact that you have examples of obedience or serving Christ in your life also does not confirm that you possess faithful obedience. (Luk 12:34; Mat 7:21-23; Eze 18:26; Jer 7:1-15) 13. Committing a capital crime does not mean you will never be considered faithfully obedient by God. (e.g., 1Ki 14:8; 1Ti 1:12-13) 14. For the Christian to possess faithful obedience (and receive final salvation/get to heaven – Rom 13:11; 1Pe 1:3-5), they must (after initial salvation/baptism) remain obedient to everything they know God expects from them – especially during testing/trials, never knowingly continuing in any sin (or being unrepentant) to the point of losing their possibility of forgiveness. (Heb 10:26 “receiving the knowledge of the truth” = The truth established by God’s Word that we commit to trust and follow the moment we are receive Christ/get baptized; Luk 9:62; 1Jo 1:9, 3:7-10; Eze 18:24 = The majority view [“you were obedient the majority of your Christian life”] is not accurate; Deu 8:1-2 and 1Pe 1:6 = Obedience during trials/testing is especially important; In this respect consider also Mat 18:7-9) [1] “God has always required that his people exercise faith, even when that faith lacked the clear connections to Jesus that we can see today.Old Testament believers were saved by grace through faith, by the grace of God whom they trusted according to His own promises. In that broad sense, there really is no difference between the way the Old Testament saints were saved and the way New Testament saints are saved.” – D.A. Carson (Gospel Coalition)“Since Adam rebelled at the beginning, the Creator instituted only one way for a person to be declared righteous and that is through repentant trust in the coming Victor… Anyone, who trusted in the promise of the coming Son, now “born of a woman, born under law,” was justified, delivered from both the curse and obligation of the broken divine law… Overall, the only way anyone has been declared righteous from the Fall until the present is through trust in the substitutionary atonement of our Victor-King. In the past, people looked forward to him; now we look back to his finished work.” - Mark R. Kreitzer (Grand Canyon University)

The New Protestant believes that the gospel (or plan of salvation) presented throughout the pages of Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) to be the same in its basic framework. That gospel may be referred to as the Marriage Covenant Gospel (MCG) and can be summarized as follows:God saves through establishing covenants between Himself and those He is saving.1 The saving covenants of the Bible are not meritorious but marital in nature (e.g., Jer 31:31-32)2. As such, they follow the principles of gain and maintain: 1) Under the New Covenant, we gain salvation or covenant relationship with God by grace (or His gracious choice) through faith in Jesus Christ (i.e., through placing our trust in Him as Savior and vowing our allegiance or loyalty to Him3 as our Divine King4) and 2) we maintain (not merit) that salvation (justification) and its promises (including the promise of eternity) through faithful obedience to Christ’s Law (1Co 9:21; Gal 6:2; e.g., Mat 28:18-205). Biblical salvation is therefore not by faith alone (the Protestant/Evangelical view or FAG6), but rather requires also the condition of faithful obedience7.Determining which gospel is correct requires it possess consistency (or agreement) in the following 3 areas: 1) redemptive history, 2) the early church, 3) the relationship between faith and works. This study will show that the New Protestant MCG is the only soteriological framework demonstrating such consistency while at the same exposing the biblical and historical inconsistency produced by the Evangelical or (old) Protestant FAG.

If this is Jesus’ church and we want to build His kingdom, then we need to stop having “itching ears”. To do that however requires adopting Jesus (and Paul’s) speech in relation to the wicked – most specifically, the false preachers and fake Christians of our day.1. Jesus’ speech toward false preachers and fake Christians was constantly derogatory1, offensive and polarizing.2. The apostle Paul’s speech toward false preachers and fake Christians was equally derogatory, offensive and polarizing.3. Jesus and Paul were following the examples of God’s OT prophets.4. NT pastors are divinely charged with the same mission (or speech) as the effective means to protecting the church from fake Christians, and attracting those truly welcome to God.

The New Protestant believes that the gospel (or plan of salvation) presented throughout the pages of Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) to be the same in its basic framework. That gospel may be referred to as the Marriage Covenant Gospel (MCG) and can be summarized as follows:God saves through establishing covenants between Himself and those He is saving.1 The saving covenants of the Bible are not meritorious but marital in nature (e.g., Jer 31:31-32)2. As such, they follow the principles of gain and maintain: 1) Under the New Covenant, we gain salvation or covenant relationship with God by grace (or His gracious choice) and faith in Jesus Christ (i.e., by placing our trust in Him as Savior and vowing our allegiance or loyalty to Him3 as our Divine King4) and 2) we maintain (not merit) that salvation (justification) and its promises (including the promise of eternity) through faithful obedience to Christ’s Law (1Co 9:21; Gal 6:2; e.g., Mat 28:18-205). Biblical salvation is therefore not by faith alone (the Protestant/Evangelical view or FAG6), but rather requires also the condition of faithful obedience7.Determining which gospel is correct requires it possess consistency (or agreement) in the following 4 areas: 1) redemptive history, 2) the early church, 3) God’s moral character, 4) the relationship between faith and works. This study will show that the New Protestant MCG is the only soteriological framework demonstrating such consistency while at the same exposing the inconsistency, moral compromise and tension produced by the Evangelical or (old) Protestant FAG.

1. Recommendation from reliable sources is necessary for those Christians attempting to transfer their church membership or raise support as missionaries.2. Christian Unity/Fellowship requires more than Christian profession given Satan’s strategy of seeding churches with false brethren and teachers in order to divide/destroy God’s kingdom and people.3. False brethren and teachers are defined.4. Receiving the Father’s peace and the Son’s favor includes rescuing us from Satan’s powerful worldly forces.5. Women play a crucial role in advancing God’s kingdom and church.6. The only gospel that will give us the strength (or perseverance) to get to heaven is the one that agrees with the OT prophetic message of a coming King whose salvation would be granted to all those nations (or peoples) willing to give faithful obedience to Him and His Law.7. Like Enoch, some verses “walked with God, and were no more”(Gen 5:24).

How Shall We Then Live? Part 3 (In re: to new world problems[1]): 1. Our choices of abstinence or indulgence with regard to new world problems must: 1.1. not stop us from welcoming - or cause us to despise - those who choices are different (1-3, 21 “wine”) = Who is Paul referring to as the weaker brother (the one not eating meat or drinking wine)? There are two possibilities: 1) Jews living in Rome who were not were willing to obtain meat or wine previously offered to pagan idols or not prepared according to kosher laws (e.g., Exo 23:19; Lev 7:26-27; Pro 12:10). The problem was that the pagan temples and markets were the primary source of meat and wine in the city of Rome[2]. For these newly converted Jews, a diet of vegetables and water became (in their mind) their only acceptable option. And/Or 2) Gentile converts whose former association with meat or wine offered to pagan idols was still too fresh in their minds to partake without violating their conscience (See 1Co 8:7). Similar concerns were present in the Roman church with respect to days of fasting (5-6) “One person esteems one day as better…another esteems all days alike”= Some Jewish Christians were still convinced that daily fasting was the honorable practice -excluding Sabbaths or Sacred holidays (the “better” day). Others saw fasting as no longer required of specific days, but rather something done only on special occasions (e.g., special pleading before God – Jug 20:25-28 [victory in battle]; 1Sa 7:3-6 [repentance/forgiveness]; 2Sa 12:15-16 [mercy to the sick]; Ezra 8:21-23 [safety from danger])[3]. Included in our eternal assessment will be how we treated those who differed with respect to these kinds of new world problems (10-12 the “judgment seat of God” = The final judgment determining where we send eternity). Knowing this, should cause us to steer clear of ever being negative of someone for their choices/decisions in the area of new world problems when those choices/decisions are based on biblical conviction and God-honoring intentions. 1.2. be based on biblical conviction and God-honoring intention (5) “fully convinced [convicted] in his own mind [thinking supported by Scripture]” = IOW: He must possess biblical conviction. Hence why Paul says what he does at the end of the chapter (23) “But whoever doubts [possesses no biblical grounds for his indulgence] is condemned [in sin] if he eats because the eating is not from faith [the Christian Faith]. For whatever does not proceed from faith [the Christian Faith] is sin” = If our practice cannot be supported from the pages of Scripture (the book defining the Christian Faith) then we are acting in rebellion to God (regardless of what we think or how we view our actions). Biblical conviction therefore represents the first prerequisite for determining our choices (abstinence or indulgence) with respect to new world problems. The second is our intention (6-9) = Making choices based on what pleases self or others is no longer an option. Such decisions must now be made based on what we believe is honoring to God – including in the areas fasting or eating and drinking (See also 1Co 10:31). The reason behind this prescription? The Christian’s life now belongs to Christ (v8 “we are the Lord’s”). He has become our new “master” (v4), the One Who gained such authority/ownership by His death and resurrection (again v9; See Mat 28:18; 1Co 15:27; 2Co 5:17; Consider also 1Co 6:19-20). There are two questions (then) that should be utilized in making our choice with respect to new world problems: 1) Do I believe I can support my abstinence or indulgence from Scripture? 2) Is my intention to honor/please God in abstaining or indulging? Examples of new problems relevant to us where these questions need to be applied: drinking alcohol outside of sacred times, fasting during the week, movies, tv shows, video games involving witchcraft.   1.3. not become an area of proselytization in respect to those holding a different position (yet doing so with the right conviction and intention) (1 “welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions” w/4) = God supports his current (biblically based) conviction. Conversion to a different position is not necessary. 1.4. never cause another Christian to stumble (13-15) IOW: though what you choose to indulge in may be okay (not sin before God), if others in the Body of Christ view it as sin (to them it is still “unclean”) and see you doing it, they could become “grieved” (i.e., disenchanted in living the Christian life) – or worse, encouraged to do what for them would be sin since they do not possess the biblical conviction or God-honoring intentions to support such indulgence with respect to themselves (“it is unclean to anyone who thinks it is unclean”; See again v23b). Becoming a “stumbling block or hindrance” in this way puts us in danger of being guilty of several serious sins: 1) We are guilty of not “walking in love” toward our covenant brothers/sisters (15; Failing to walk in love toward our cov bros/sis is a sign that we are not a child of God – 1Jo 3:10), 2) We cause a covenant bro/sis to apostasize (15 “destroy” [ἀπόλλυμι]) = Every time this Greek word is used in the NT, it refers to something that is – or in danger of being - completely and permanently lost (Mat 12:14; Jam 4:12; Jud 1:5). Given the context in which Paul uses this word (“destroy the one for whom Christ died”), the thing in jeopardy is the person’s salvation. Our indulgence becomes for the weak Christian (those lacking the proper biblical understanding or conviction), the vice leading to their destruction (e.g., alcohol leading them back to their former alcoholism – i.e., unrepentant drunkenness/addiction), or the violation of conscience leading them to look for answers outside the Christian Faith (e.g., Christians are hypocrites because they preach against witchcraft, yet indulge in movies, tv and games which include it. Christianity therefore must not be true[4]). Both Paul and Jesus strongly warn against becoming a stumbling block of this magnitude (one leading to the apostasy of others) (1Co 3:16-17, 8:8-10 w/10:27-29; Mat 18:5-10).  1.5. also (therefore) be decided based on our ability to practice it while still preserving the conscience and spiritual prosperity of others in the church (16-22) = A sign of poor thinking – and very likely also, a selfish heart, is to believe that the only criteria for determining what I (as a Christian) can practice is whether or not that thing is considered lawful before God. Lawfulness is merely the first criteria; the second is whether it is helpful or harmful to me or those God has placed in my sphere of influence. As such, our primary goal should never be to seek and protect all those lawful indulgences that God has provided to the Christian, but rather seek to protect those in the Body of Christ who might be unnecessarily harmed by our practice. It is this kind of Christian that is “acceptable to God and approved by men (1Co 10:23-24, 31-33).” Our mindset therefore toward those indulgences which are justified – though questionable, should be, “If I cannot practice it safely (v22), without others accusing me of “evil” (v16) or causing another to “stumble” (v20), then I will (happily) forgo its practice (v21; 1Co 8:13).” The additional question (then) we must consider when making our choice: Can I practice it without being accused or guilty of association with evil by others? (Association w/evil = Sin/Damnation; 1Co 10:14-22; 2Co 6:14-7:1; Hence Rom 14:21 and 1Co 8:13). (Important Takeaways Not To Miss): 2. Diversity of practice with respect to new world problems (where there exists biblical conviction, God-honoring intentions and no cause for stumbling among others) should be supported in the church (1, 13, 19). 3. God honors those who abstain because they do not possess the biblical conviction and God-honoring intention to indulge (2-4 w/14) “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus” = I possess Biblically based conviction. “but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it is unclean” = They do not possess the biblical conviction to indulge. 4. God condemns those who indulge without possessing the biblical conviction and God-honoring intention to do so (23 “if he eats” = Indulgence – not abstinence, is the issue). [1] Practices, places or things that may be permissible under the New Covenant that did not exist in the past or were not permitted under the Old Covenant. [2] The kosher slaughtering of animals (OC requirement) has had a long history of being illegal in many parts of the secular world - e.g., “The Driving Force Behind The Ban OnKosher Slaughtering” by Melanie Phillips (JNS.org); “The Prohibition of RitualSlaughtering and Freedom of Religion of Minorities by Pablo Lerner (CambridgeUniversity Press); “The Day Kosher Slaughter Was Saved” by Baruch Sterman(Commentary.org).[3] See “On Esteeming One Day Better Than Another” by R. Dederen (Andrews University Seminary Studies vol. 9, pp. 16-35)[4] In 2007, the Barna Group did an extensive research project in which they asked non-Christian people why they rejected Christianity. 85 percent said it was due to the hypocrisy they had witnessed among their ranks.

Fighting or conflict is an inevitable part of life. It is, in many cases, the only way to resolve human problems. As a result the Bible is filled with examples of fighting. Jesus fought with Jews and Christians (Mar 8:11; Rev 2:16). Paul likewise, fought with Jews and Christians (Peter, Barnabas and other brothers in the church) (Act 9:28-29, 25:7-8; Gal 2:11-14; Act 15:1-2, 36-40). We must never therefore think of fighting as a bad thing – or that somehow fighting less, means we are better Christians (or mature). Rather what needs to be considered is, “Are we fighting righteously?”

How Shall We Then Live? Part 2(in re: to the govt)1. God commands every human being to respectfully obey the government (and their deputized agents) in the place where they reside or currently exist[1] (1a “in subjection” = In respectful obedience [same word as Luk 2:51]):1.1. Earthly govts have been established by God (1b) “instituted” = Appointed [same word as Act 22:10] (Dan 2:21, 4:17, 20). This includes: 1) His earthly sacred govt of the church – Joh 18:36w/Luk 22:29 w/Heb 12:28 [w/23 = the church]w/Mat 16:16-19 w/Joh 20:21-23; See also Act 23:1-5), 2) the evil secular govts of the world (e.g., Babylon – Dan 2:37-38, 4:27, Egypt – Exo 9:16, Rome – Joh 19:11; Hence – 1Pe 2:13-17). Examples of deputized agents: 1) secular (president, police, court judges), 2) sacred (pastors – Tit 2:15).[2] 1.2. Rebelling against earthly govts (or their deputized agents) means resisting God and incurring His judgment through them (2) “judgment” = God has authorized and empowered the secular and sacred governments to carry our His wrath against those who are disobedient to their authority and laws (3-5) “bear the sword…an avenger” = Earthly govts are the instrument through which God secures justice or vengeance (Rom 12:19). This is true for the church as well (e.g., 1Co 6:1-6 [Mat 18:15-20 w/Deu 17:6-13]; Heb 10:26-30). “for the sake of conscience” = Disobedience to God’s governing authorities brings also the consequence of a guilty conscience – which when operating properly, indicates corruption in the soul – an ailment that must be remedied otherwise it will lead to more serious sin (e.g., 1Ti 1:19).  1.3. Our respectful submission/obedience to them includes paying taxes as well as any other fees or payments they may require to support them and their work (6-7) “revenues” = Additional fees and payments serving as a revenue source for the govt (e.g., permits, licenses, customs/duties, tolls – Mat 9:9 “toll booth”). “honor” = Most likely a reference to financial honor (See Rom 12:10; 1Ti 5:17). God also sees as acceptable, governments demanding their citizens to financially support those employed by them/their deputized agents (e.g., ancient tax collectors [head and land taxes]: – Zacchaeus, Luk 19:1-10 [chief tax guy in the region of Jericho. A portion of what they collected went to their support]). 1.4. The only exception is when the governing authorities demand something that is sinful (Act 5:29).  (in re: to the Law)2. Christianity is all about love because: 2.1. it is all about fulfilling the Law (8) “the law” = The entirety of God’s OT laws. See verse 9, “the commandments, ‘You shall not…” = The Ten Commandments. If you have the Ten Commandments then you also have the rest of the commandments since they represent what each of the ten looks like in specific cases (they are the case laws). Hence (Deu 5:31). PNTM: 1) Paul is concerned w/Christians obeying God’s Law (which means Rom 10:4 cannot mean Christians are off the hook w/regard to obedience to the Law). 2) Obeying God’s law is how we love one another (9) = Paul sees obeying God’s Law as synonymous with loving others. This is also how we love our enemies - Mat 5:44 = Not they must become our friends or we must have affections for them but we must treat them righteously/according to God’s Law - e.g., Rom 12:20). 2.2. You can’t love people without adherence to God’s laws (10) = As a logical syllogism: Premise 1) True love does no harm to others. Premise 2) The Law was established to keep us from doing harm to our neighbors. Conclusion: Love requires the Law (or the Law represents the rules for love – 1Ti 1:5-8). Consider (then) churches/Christians who reject adherence to God’s Law. They are churches refusing to love others (love w/o the Law is a non sequitur). 3. The other reason Christians need to be concerned about obeying to God’s Law is because our obedience after becoming a Christian now weighs heavily in our final assessment before God (11-12) “Besides this” = Besides obedience to the Law being necessary to loving others, it is also necessary to our salvation. The Law - or our obedience to it represents the deeds/criteria used by God on Judgment Day to determine whether or not we were faithful to the covenant (whether or not we were faithful to our vow of faithfulness [“faith”] - Rev 20:11-15 “what they had done” = Were they obedient/disobedient to God’s Law?). “the hour has come for you to wake from sleep…The night is far gone; the day is at hand” = There is no more time to waste not taking our sin seriously (being asleep in spiritual darkness – making our “10”s into “2”s; 1Pe 4:3). “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” = Idiomatic way of saying, “the certainty of our salvation is being determined more now (in our day-to-day Christian lives), than when we got baptized (first believed and were justified). “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” = Our faith alone will not be enough to save us. We must also be characterized by taking action (“cast off…put on” = Aorist [continued action]) in respect to what is sinful (“works of darkness”) and what is righteous (“armor of light”).    4. Two major keys to obeying God’s Law are: 4.1. the avoidance of all those things/activities that impair our thinking, inflame our feelings or corrupt our wills (13) “Let us walk properly as in the daytime” = Let us live lives characterized by obedience to God’s Law which oncludes the avoidance of the three things/activities established in Paul’s three couplets: 1) impaired thinking: “orgies” = Most likely not a reference not to sexual parties but popular Roman (or pagan) religious services often conducted at night and involving the use of alcohol to produce estatic forms of worship similar to modern day Pentecostal services (trance like chanting, unintelligible speech, chaotic bodily movement and occasional vomiting).[3] Hence Paul’s coupling of this word (“orgies”) with “drunkenness.” Access to the spiritual realm was believed to be achieved through impairment of one’s mind (Pro 23:33; Pro 31:4-7). Examples of other things to avoid that impair thinking: Dependency on opioids, marijuana, lack of sleep. All have been shown to not only impair thinking, but possibly lead to long-term thinking problems (shrinking of the brain, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease). How impaired thinking leads to sin/disobedience: you won’t obey what you don’t understand or think incorrectly about (Isa 5:13; Jer 4:22; Mat 13:15 “dull” = impaired; Eph 4:17-18). 2) inflamed feelings: “not in sexual immorality” = Avoidance of all things related to or encouraging this capital crime. IOW: avoiding those things that inflame our feelings – most especially those things which are sexual in nature (e.g., entertaining sexual thoughts, viewing or listening to sexually- stimulating media: movies, music etc). Inflammation w/respect to our feelings is most common among those who obey their feelings – i.e., those not avoiding “sensuality” (2Pe 2:18  [NAS] “by fleshly desires, by sensuality” [apposition]; Gal 5:19. = Sensuality is a sin). Sociological studies show that sensuality (life det’d by our feelings) or the constant inflammation of our feelings – even when not specifically related to sexual things – more than often leads in the direction of sexual acts (e.g., gluttony stimulates sexual drive)[4]. This is true even among the animal kingdom – creatures who live completely based on their feelings (e.g., food supply determines sexual activity/birth rates). Hence the reason Peter compares such people (those living according to their feelings) to animals (2Pe 2:10 w/12). How then to avoid inflaming our feelings and the sexual immorality/disobedience that follows: Practice self-control/stop saying “yes” to your flesh in the little things (Act 24:25; Luk 16:10). Also, get rid of your addictions (anything that you will sin to keep is an addiction – e.g., drugs, alcohol, food, video games). By nature, all addictions inflame the feelings/identify us as people enslaved to our feelings. 3) corrupted wills: “quarreling and jealousy” = According to James, jealousy is a main cause of quarreling/sinful fighting (Jam 4:1 w/3:16; See Mat 27:18). The spark however, setting this doomed sequence of disobedient behavior in motion is a corrupted will: the fulfillment of your will (or way) is more important that God’s will or way. Your main mission/motive in life is self not God (Jam 4:2-3). Adopting this as our life’s mission/motive is diametrically opposed to God’s prescribed purpose and laws: everything for the advancement of His glory and kingdom (Rom 11:36). Corrupted wills also happen to those Christians whose loyalties/mission is divided (“one foot in the world, one in the church”). Only those putting God first in their mission and motives are His friends (Jam 4:4 w/8 “Draw near to God” = Make Him your main mission/motive in living). Notice putting God first (versus possessing selfish or corrupted wills) requires the removal of two things: 1) the removal of sinful habits/deeds (“cleanse your hands you sinners = Hands a metaphor for deeds), 2) the removal of doubt w/respect to God and His Word (“purify your hearts, you double-minded” = Hearts are a metaphor for our wills, double-minded a reference to doubts – See Jam 1:8). In summary, you will possess a corrupted will (one not fully committed to God) as long as you hold on to sinful habits and doubts. Example of a sinful habit to avoid that is associated w/both doubt and disobedience:  You do not schedule counseling/call pastor to resolve your doubts, to help you find the answers in God’s Word. Removing doubts is a part of renewing our minds (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:23).   4.2. the replication of the person of Jesus in the person of us (14) “put on” [ἐνδύω = to clothe or completely cover – Mat 22:11; Mar 1:6; Luk 24:49] = To replicate – or produce a close copy – captures this idea when the garment/clothing is the person of Jesus. The fact that we (or our person) are wrapped in His person however means that this replicate will carry the unique aspect of seeing not simply a living example of Christ, but what His person looks like when embodied and expressed in the unique person that God has made each of us. It means not the loss of our identity, but seeing to it that our identity is shaped exclusively by Jesus. Hence the reason the followers of Jesus are called “Christians” (Literally, “little christs”). This then is the other necessary key to obeying God’s Law – or conquering what stands in its way – the “flesh” or the gratification of our “desires.” Our job is to be the full-time understudies of Jesus (in theater, an understudy is someone who studies every aspect of another actor so as to function as their replacement). A great place to start in our endeavor to become Jesus’ replicate/understudy: In all things, WWJD?  [1] By government is meant: any entity demonstrating sovereignty or the infrastructure and ability to consistently enforce its laws in the face of local or foreign opposition. This definition of government represents a “biblical hybrid” of modern understandings or criteria of govt recognition (e.g., Montevideo Convention, Declarative Theory of Statehood). The most significant difference between modern views and the biblical record would be the fact that God sees (and has appointed) as legitimate even those governments whose current occupation and control of a particular territory is not approved of by its population or former occupying government (e.g., Israel under Babylon or Rome). [2] In respect to the pastor’s authority, disciple of the Apostle John, friend of Jesus’ mother Mary and early church father Ignatius writes, "It is fitting that you should run together in accordance with the will of the bishop (anointed pastor) who by God's appointment rules over you…He that refuses to assemble with the church [for the judgment of the bishop] has condemned himself. Let us be careful then not to set ourselves in opposition to the bishop, in order that we may be subject to God…Beloved, be careful to be subject to the bishop and the presbyters [other elders]. For he that is subject to these is subject to Christ, who has appointed them; but he that is disobedient to them is disobedient to Christ Jesus. He that does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. For he that does not yield to his superiors is self-confident, quarrelsome and proud. God resists the proud. And the proud have greatly transgressed. The Lord says to the priests, 'He that hears you, hears Me; and he that hears Me, hears the Father that sent Me. He who despises you, despises Me; and he that despises Me, despises Him who sent Me…We ought to receive everyone whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household as we would do Him who sent him. It is manifest therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we look upon the Lord Himself…It is becoming therefore, that you also should be obedient to your bishop, and contradict him in nothing; for it is a fearful thing to contradict any such person. For no one does [by such conduct] deceive him that is visible, but does in reality seek to mock Him who is invisible. And every such act has respect not to man, but God." [3] For example see “Why Roman Orgies Weren’t Really AThing” by Spencer McDaniel (talesoftimesforgotten.com)[4] For example, “Female sexual behavior is inhibited by short-and long-term food restriction” (Gill, C.J. and Rissman, E.F.; Physiology and Behavior) 

What about the Jews? (Part 3): God’s behavior toward people (including His covenant people – Jew/Gentile)1. God already knows and leads to the truth people whose biggest problem is intellectual not moral.1.1. The perfect example is the Apostle Paul (1, 1Ti 1:12-14 = Paul was ignorant yet faithful and so received God’s grace)1.2. This included a few other first century Jews who were likewise faithful during Israel’s apostasy against Jesus (5-6) “a remnant chosen by grace” = A small number of Jews chosen to hear and receive God’s favor of gaining salvation by faith in Christ versus through the OC way (e.g., circumcision, animal sacrifice, adherence to separation and sabbaths – i.e. “on the basis of works”) (e.g., Zechariah and Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Joseph and Mary, the other Apostles and all the Jews of the Jerusalem church who became Christians)1.3. This was also true during Israel’s apostasy in the days of Elijah (2-4; 1Ki 19:14-18)1.4. This has always been true (e.g., Neh 9:8; Act 10:34-35 “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality” = Peter realized that people - not God- has always been the answer to the question, “what determines who gets saved?”).2. God also knows and will give over to spiritual darkness those in the covenant community (e.g., the church) whose biggest problem is not intellectual but moral.2.1. (7-10) = The covenant community (“Israel”) whose purpose of existence was to serve God and get to heaven failed through their disobedience and apostasy (“failed to obtain what it was seeking” – i.e., salvation). Only the few (during that first century) who were faithful were spared and received it (“the elect obtained it”). Those in the covenant community whose problem was not intellectual, but moral, God pushed further in the direction of their desired darkness and sin (i.e., He gave them what they were truly “seeking”). He “hardened” them with a “spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see [“eyes…darkened so that they cannot see”] and ears that would not hear” (no longer any ability to see the truth or escape the sin they chose to follow), “their table [has become] a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution (what they feed on wb poison to their souls – convincing and driving them further in the direction of damnation – Psa 69:21 w/22) …bend[ing] their backs forever” (Psa 69:23, “mak[ing] their loins tremble continually”) = B/C of their moral stubbornness God will not only cause them to go mad but become cowards controlled by fear (including the fear of missing out in this life) (Deu 28:28, 65-67; Rom 1:28; Eph 4:17-19; 2Pe 2:20) IOW: The day of grace for that covenant person is gone.2.2. that God promises to also harden the Christian (remove His saving grace) if our problem continues to be moral is confirmed by Paul’s warning in (22).3. Israel’s (the Jews) “fall” from grace was not total nor final (5w/11a):3.1. their former apostasy (1st cent. rejection of Christ) does not affect future generations (23-24, 30-32; “consigned” = Handed over to the consequences of their sin – See Rom 1:24, 26, 28; Re: apostasy and future generations still possessing opportunity - Hos 14:1-7; prophecy regarding the restoration of apostate Israel in Jesus’ day – Jer 50:17-20 w/Eze 34:1-16, 23-24. Hence Jesus’ mission - Mat 15:24. PNTM = The children of apostate parents are not automatically apostate. No one loses their opportunity for salvation b/c of the actions of their parents – Eze 18:20).3.2. God is planning a revival among the Jews that will start when the Gentiles have apostasized (i.e., when they have closed themselves off to being saved) (25-29; “mystery” = God will accomplish such a revival w/o violating the free-wills of the Jews [Hence Paul’s concluding response – 33-36!]; WHEN THIS REVIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE: v25 - “[when] the fullness of the Gentiles have come in” = Nor more/few Gentiles are able to be saved due to the successful propagation of false gospel preaching [Mat 24:11-14 w/Luk 21:24 = Fullness of the Gentiles wb associated w/false prophets preaching a false gospel of lawlessness/loyalty grown cold that wb popular at the end of time1]; HOW THIS REVIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE [v26a - “And in this way all Israel will be saved” = Revival/the majority of Jews - versus a remnant – v5]: v26b - “The Deliverer will…banish ungodliness [false religion/false JUDAISM – i.e. JUDAISM 1.0.] from Jacob” = The Jews will embrace Judaism 2.0. [the version containing Jesus and its NC application of the Law]. Notice the mention of it being associated w/a “covenant” [v27]. The banishing of ungodliness/the taking away of Israel’s apostasy will happen as a result of God successfully establishing His new “covenant” version of Judaism w/them – NOT SOME COMPLETELY NEW RELIGION [i.e. Evangelical Christianity – Roman Catholicism 2.0.]; “As it regards the gospel, they [those 1st cent. Jews rejecting Christ] are enemies for your sake. But as it regards election [God’s salvific plans], they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” = God’s promise to Abe/Isaac/Jacob to always have their offspring/the Jews in His salvific plan wb fulfilled - See Gen 17:7 [“everlasting covenant” = Covenant until the end of human history/world]; also Deu 7:6-8, 10:14-15; Jer 31:6-20, 35-37, 33:25-26; Hos 11:8-11; Zec 10:6-8; My theory on how God does it = Satan’s big coming out party and revelation regarding Jesus – Rev 20:7-8 w/Isa 27:1-9).3.3. their acceptance of Jesus will usher in His return and the Reboot (11-15 “life from the dead” = Return of Christ/Reboot – Joh 5:28-29; 1Co 15:52 w/Mat 24:29-31).4. What God’s relationship to the Jewish people should teach us about our religion/salvation:4.1. we do not possess a new religion. Rather God has “grafted” us into the existing Jewish religion (Judaism 2.0) (16-18; Joh 4:22)4.2. our salvation/relationship w/God is conditioned upon faithfulness. If we do not maintain what we have gained God will cut us off/not spare us (i.e., eternally damn us) in the same way He has many of His former people (19-22; 1Co 10:1-14; Consider how Paul’s words in Romans 11 affect our translation of Rom 8:31-39 = Jesus’ love is not unconditional).1 Several Jewish apocalyptic sources seem to speak to this (e.g., 4 Ezra 4:35-37; Apoc. Bar. 23:4, 30:2, 75:6; Apoc. Abr. 29:17).

1. The Apostle Paul’s God wants all people (or at least, all the Jews) to be saved, whereas the Calvinists’ God does not.(1) “my heart’s desire…is that they may be saved” = Paul is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. His desire is therefore also that of God. He desires even the rebellious (those on their way to hell) to turn and be saved. Such desire is in direct violation of Calvinism’s doctrines of Unconditional Election and Limited Atonement which teach that before creating anything, God chose those Christ would die for and be saved as well as those Christ would not die for and be damned. Put another way, Calvinism falsely teaches that it was never God or Christ’s desire to save those who end up going to hell.2. Hell will have its share of people who were zealous for God.(2) = Those Paul speaks of as possessing “zeal (as in zeal for God) but not according to knowledge” were Jews who had rejected Jesus (i.e., Jews on their way to hell). Jesus speaks of similar people in (Joh 16:2-3) = Notice once again, the problem is zeal without knowledge (“they have not known the Father”). PNTM = Zeal does not make you real (as in a real Christian). Lots of people have zeal for God who – because of what they believe, are still on their way to Hell (i.e., they believe a false gospel).3. Being unteachable makes you unsavable.(3) “the righteousness of God” = Jesus (His redemption/propitiation – See 3:21-25); “For being ignorant of (SB: refusing to recognize [ἀγνοέω; 1Co 14:38]; vv17-21) the righteousness of God (Jesus – His redemption/propitiation – See 3:21-25), and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness (again, Jesus)” = The Jews refused Jesus (or faith in Jesus) as God’s new way of gaining justification/salvation, choosing instead to stick with the old way of circumcision, etc. (the works of the law). IOW: They were unteachable which means - as long as they remained in that state - they were also unsavable. PNTM = Getting saved requires you possess a teachable heart to God’s truth even when that truth goes against – or is different – from what you have heard in the past (Evangelicals = 1st century Jews).4. The new way of gaining justification/salvation through faith in Jesus means that the old way of gaining such righteousness (i.e., the works of the law) has ended.4.1. The old way of gaining salvation (the OC “law for righteousness”) has ended/been replaced by the new way of faith in Christ (4).4.2. Under the old/OC way (“the righteousness that is based on the law”), a person had to do “the commandments” (i.e., perform the works of the law/the clean laws/circumcision etc.) in order to gain justification/salvation (5).4.3. Under the new/NC way (“the righteousness based on faith”), God requires that we believe in the miraculous message about Jesus without being eyewitnesses to His heavenly exaltation/existence or His resurrection from the dead (6) = Do not require being an eyewitness to Christ’s heavenly existence/exaltation to believe; (7) = Do not also require to be an eyewitness of His resurrection in order to believe; (8) = God’s revelation of these miraculous things establishes your obligation to believe (w/o the need to be an eyewitness). You are instead to put faith in what God says. Hence (9) = Gaining salvation now comes by putting faith in God’s message about Jesus (i.e., that He has been exalted as “Lord” in heaven and that “God raised Him from the dead”).5. Paul practiced “Principled Hermeneutics” (The universal, timeless principle established by God’s OT instruction retains its authority under the NC).5.1. (6-8) = Paul is quoting Deu 30:11-14 according to its established principle: we can know and do what God requires without being eyewitnesses to God’s heavenly glory or His miraculous deeds, NOT its original instruction: the second generation of Israel knew and could do the OC commands -including the works of the law - without like their parents - seeing God in His Shekinah/heavenly (“heaven”) glory or experiencing God’s miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea (“beyond the sea”) (Deu 30:11-14).5.2. CONSIDER AGAIN how Paul applies this to Jesus: 1) he makes it about Christ’s shekinah/heavenly glory or exaltation to heaven (“bring Christ down”), 2) he makes it about His miraculous deed or resurrection from the dead (“bring Christ up from the dead”). 5.3. HOW WE KNOW PAUL IS APPLYING The PRINCIPLE VERSUS THE ORIGINAL: 1) he makes it about Christ rather than God’s commands (Deu 30:11 vs. Rom 10:6-7), 2) he changes the question “Who will go over the sea?” (Deu 30:13) to “Who will descend into the abyss?”. Neither of those changes wb permissible if Paul were adhering to the original instruction (since they violate what its original meaning), 3) the original instruction was in reference to obeying God’s commands whereas Paul is using it now to refer to faith. B/C Evangelicals do not recognize the enduring authority of God’s established OT principles, they admit confusion over this text (e.g., Doug Moo).5.3. Other examples of Paul practicing “Principled Hermeneutics” (and by it confirming the enduring authority of God’s established OT principles) (1Co 5:1-5, 9:7-11, 10:1-14). Paul explicitly confirms this as the NT hermeneutic in (Rom 15:4). This is also what Jesus is referring to in (Mat 5:17-18) as demonstrated by His institution of faith as the new application to fulfilling God’s clean law/propitiatory requirements. IOW: the way we fulfill every jot/tittle includes fulfilling the clean laws thru its new application of faith).6. To gain salvation (both now and in the future) a person must not only believe in Jesus as their Savior, but also commit their loyalty to Him as “Lord” (King/Master)(9-13) = Notice that to be saved, Paul requires both belief in Jesus’ role as Savior (“believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead”) and confession/calling upon Him in His role as Lord (King/Master) (“confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”). What’s the difference between the two acts? Belief in His role as Savior means you place your trust in His person and work as the means to gaining a right relationship w/God (as the way to be “justified” before God – v10). Confession/calling upon Jesus as Lord however, refers to loyalty – or the commitment we make to submit to His commands. And once again, both are necessary to gain salvation. IOW: you can’t simply believe in Jesus (or what He did on the cross for sin) and get to heaven. We must also commit to obeying Him as our King/Master (Confession as loyalty/commitment to obey His commands - Mat 10:26-33; 2Ti 2:11-12; See also 1Pe 3:21 “appeal to God” = Take a vow of loyalty).7. Getting people saved requires:7.1. we preach the right gospel message (one that requires more than simple belief to be saved – i.e. submission to Jesus as Lord is also necessary) (14) = Notice again, both calling on/confessing and belief are mentioned – i.e., LBS)7.2. we are ready/equipped to share and defend the gospel (15) “beautiful are the feet” = Ready/equipped are the feet (Isa 52:7; Eph 6:15 “put on the readiness given [or required] by the gospel”)7.3. we don’t make excuses for - or waste our time w/people whose rejection is clearly moral not intellectual (16-21).

Paul’s closing words/final principle in Romans 8: nothing outside the Christ’s covenant people can separate them from His covenant love.The question this prompts for the Jew: Why then have the majority of Christ’s original covenant people – most specifically those Jews living in the first century, been rejected or separated from Christ’s covenant love?1Paul’s answer not only establishes proper thinking on the subject but also a possible strategy for dealing w/those already offended by our beliefs:1. Strong affirmation of shared truths is the divine strategy and starting place for correcting those whose ignorance or misunderstanding have caused them to be strongly offended by your beliefs/words (1-5; e.g., interacting w/Evangelicals).2. When covenant people go to hell it is not because: 2.1. God doesn’t care/Jesus didn’t die for them (1-5; v3 = If Limited Atonement is true then the Holy Spirit/Paul qualifies as a better savior than Jesus; Act 20:28) 2.2. God’s Word failed to change them into obedient people (6) “But it is not as though the Word of God has failed” = God’s Word has not failed to change people in the direction of obedience, rather those people failed to obey the changes required by God’s Word; “not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” = Not all Jews (those whose genealogy can be traced back to Abraham) will be heirs to the promises. And that again because of their volitional choice to reject God’s new requirements for justification/salvation (faith vs. works of the law).23. [Genealogy is not enough]: Being born into the family of God is not enough to qualify as heirs (you must also qualify for His promises) (7-8).4. [God is sovereign in His requirements for receiving mercy]: God alone is the One Who decides - and can change, what will be the requirements for receiving His mercy (justification/salvation) and becoming heirs to the promises:4.1. in re: to Isaac (versus) Ishmael = God decided to change the requirement of: you must be the firstborn to be the heir”, to: you must be the firstborn natural son (or son of the promise) (9)4.2. in re: to Jacob versus Esau = God decided to change the heirship from the firstborn natural son to his brother (10,12-13) (11) = The reason God “calls” (or makes the decision to put) Jacob before Esau, to change the birthright from the older to the younger before they were born (or “had done [anything] good or bad” or before Esau did it himself by selling his birthright to Jacob), was to reinforce the fact that He still reserves the right to decide or change the requirements of birthright - or who becomes the heir of His promises- which when in respect to spiritual things, refers to salvation. Put another way, God did it “in order that His purpose of election (His plan for receiving birthright/mercy/salvation) would not be bound to what people decide or are committed to (“not because of works”) but (once more) His decision (“Him who calls”). As it re: to “works” being what we are committed to (See 16 “exertion”) = Literally, “running” (YLT = “So, then -- not of him who is willing, nor of him who is running, but of God who is doing [mercy]”; “running” is a metaphor for commitment/devotion - e.g., 1Co 9:26).1 That Jesus was the God of the Old Covenant and through whom the Jews had experienced His covenant blessings and curses is proven by several passages in both the Old and New Testament (e.g., Jud 1:5; Mal 3:1).2 What follows is the support for these two truths: 1) genealogy is not enough, 2) God is sovereign in His requirements for receiving mercy, 3) God’s mercy is not available to those who hate Him.What then Paul is communicating in v11 and 16: God is completely sovereign in His decision as to the requirements of His mercy/salvation. His decision is not swayed or influenced by our wills, what we desire, what we are committed to or where our devotion lies (e.g., the first century Jews’ devotion to genealogy and “works of the law”; e.g., The modern gospel of sincerity = God will save all who are sincere in their desire/beliefs and devotion).5. [God’s mercy is not available to those who hate Him]. 5.1. in re: to Esau (14) = Though God’s hatred toward Esau (and choice to give the heirship to Jacob) was not based on anything he had done (11 “works”), it was due to what He saw in Esau’s heart while still in his mother’s womb (Gen 25:23 “two nations” = One for God the other against Him. IOW: God saw that Esau hated him; Isa 48:8) 5.2. in re: to Moses and the Israelites (15 w/Exo 33:19) = His abundant goodness makes Him merciful. His Name is essentially “God of Mercy”. For this reason, the Jews called God’s mercy His “right hand” – or “most dominant trait.”3 Notice however, His Name as the “God of Mercy” is still tied to righteousness (Exo 34:5-7 w/Exo 20:5-6) = God’s mercy is only available to those who love Him (i.e., our love is the pre-requisite). Those who hate Him (i.e., who refuse to submit to His ways/requirements) will eventually be hardened. 5.3. in re: to Pharaoh (16-18 w/Exo 9:13-16) = As part of His abundant goodness, God showed Pharoah the damage He could do in the hopes that he would submit and be able to receive His mercy (“But for this purpose I raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth” = I showed you my power to give you a chance at mercy so that my name [“God of mercy” – Exo 20/33/34] might be proclaimed through you as one who received it). Pharaoh’s hardening came after many attempts by God and Moses. IOW: God only hardens those who continue to reject His goodness by refusing to submit to what He is requiring of them at that time - which in respect to Pharaoh was letting Israel go, in relation to the first century Jews, it was leaving behind the old requirements for justification and embracing the new.6. We must (therefore) be careful to never question or be critical of what God chooses to require of us since the problem is with us not Him (His is abundantly good and righteous in all He does!): 6.1. (19-20) = The excuses of the rebellious: It’s not my fault, this is how I was born (“Why does He still find fault?”)? I am not resisting him, why does He hate me (“who can resist His will?”)? How dare we blame God for what is our fault and the result of our faulty choices (Ecc 7:29; Pro 19:3). 6.2. (21 w/Jer 18:1-12) = Whenever God acts in wrath or destruction toward nations or people, it is only because they refused to turn from their sin or stubborn rebellion and submit to Him. IOW: The potter’s right or choice as to how to use the clay (for honorable or dishonorable purposes) is based on its pliability to His will (Eze 18:23, 32, 33:11).7. God’s goodness and righteousness includes showing great patience toward those who are rebelling against His requirements: 7.1. in the hope that they will eventually submit and become His beloved people/heirs to His promises (22-26; 2Pe 3:9) 7.2. but will eventually wear out leading to swift judgment (27-29).8. The reason then for God/Christ’s separation from many first century Jews is because they refused to pursue justification/mercy according to God’s new requirement which is faith in Christ not the old way of the works of the law (30-33 ) = Notice what makes the difference between the “Gentiles” (those receiving “righteousness”[mercy/salvation]) and “Israel” (those failing to receive “righteousness” [mercy/salvation]) is not God’s choice of them (the view of Calvinism) but which people chose to submit to God’s changed requirements for receiving mercy (“Good-bye Calvinism!”).3 Aspects of Rabbinic Theology: Major Concepts of the Talmud (Solomon Schechter, p. 322-23

Sonship is not only a major theme in Scripture but also directly affects the subject of salvation. Understanding sonship is therefore important to understanding the gospel – or how we are made a part of God’s family and receive His eternal inheritance.

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction is established by what is written? LEGEND: 1) Christianity is Judaism 2.0 (a marriage-covenant relationship of gain and maintain) NOT Roman Catholicism 2.0 ( a merit-based system of earn or burn) (Eze 16:59; Gal 5:6 w/21; Phi 2:12; 2Pe 1:5-11), 2) We gain positional/vertical justification (i.e., enter into a restful state/right standing/saving covenant with God) only through observance of God’s clean or sabbatical laws; those laws whose function is to cleanse/remove the stain/curse of our sin before God): [2.1.] OC = “the works of the law” (atoning sacrifice, a covenant sign [circumcision], atoning holidays [Passover-Pentecost, Yom Kippur], and spiritual separation [unclean foods and people], [2.2.] NC = Faith in Jesus Christ as our once-for-all atoning sacrifice which upholds the other clean/sabbatical laws through its new application/expression of: baptism (covenant sign – Col 2:11-12), the Lord’s Table (atoning holidays – Joh 13:1-8), separation from false Christians, the apostate, and rebellious pagans (spiritual separation – 1Co 5:9-13; 2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11), 3) We maintain the grace of continuing to receive positional/vertical justification/propitiation/forgiveness and our restful state/righteous standing/salvation/relationship with God through faithful obedience to His moral commands (practical/horizontal justification – Jam 2:14-26; Rom 6:1-23; Jud 1:21); those laws which accomplish love/being righteous toward God and others – including repentance which means confessing and turning from sin as well as paying the necessary penalties when I sin - Mat 22:36-40; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:6 w/13-14; As it re: to repentance – Luk 3:1-18; Luk 19:1-10; Lev 6:1-7 w/Mat 5:23-24; Act 20:21 w/26:20 = We must now maintain [keep] the repentance promised when we gained salvation), 4) Faith in Jesus Christ for positional justification is only accepted by God in baptism which regenerates us and communicates our vow of loyalty to repent and faithfully follow all of God’s laws (Joh 3:1-5; Mar 16:15-16 w/Mar 1:15; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21), 5) Besides the children of those already possessing salvation, the only persons welcomed to gain a saving covenant relationship w/God (i.e., positional justification) are those already practicing His moral commands or those promising to repent/turn from their sins and obey (Gen 6:9 w/18; Neh 9:8; Act 10:34-35; Rom 2:26).

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction is established by what is written? LEGEND: 1) Christianity is Judaism 2.0 (a marriage-covenant relationship of gain and maintain) NOT Roman Catholicism 2.0 ( a merit-based system of earn or burn) (Eze 16:59; Gal 5:6 w/21; Phi 2:12; 2Pe 1:5-11), 2) We gain positional/vertical justification (i.e., enter into a restful state/right standing/saving covenant with God) only through observance of God’s clean or sabbatical laws; those laws whose function is to cleanse/remove the stain/curse of our sin before God): [2.1.] OC = “the works of the law” (atoning sacrifice, a covenant sign [circumcision], atoning holidays [Passover-Pentecost, Yom Kippur], and spiritual separation [unclean foods and people], [2.2.] NC = Faith in Jesus Christ as our once-for-all atoning sacrifice which upholds the other clean/sabbatical laws through its new application/expression of: baptism (covenant sign – Col 2:11-12), the Lord’s Table (atoning holidays – Joh 13:1-8), separation from false Christians, the apostate, and rebellious pagans (spiritual separation – 1Co 5:9-13; 2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11), 3) We maintain the grace of continuing to receive positional/vertical justification/propitiation/forgiveness and our restful state/righteous standing/salvation/relationship with God through faithful obedience to His moral commands (practical/horizontal justification – Jam 2:14-26; Rom 6:1-23; Jud 1:21); those laws which accomplish love/being righteous toward God and others – including repentance which means confessing and turning from sin as well as paying the necessary penalties when I sin - Mat 22:36-40; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:6 w/13-14; As it re: to repentance – Luk 3:1-18; Luk 19:1-10; Lev 6:1-7 w/Mat 5:23-24; Act 20:21 w/26:20 = We must now maintain [keep] the repentance promised when we gained salvation), 4) Faith in Jesus Christ for positional justification is only accepted by God in baptism which regenerates us and communicates our vow of loyalty to repent and faithfully follow all of God’s laws (Joh 3:1-5; Mar 16:15-16 w/Mar 1:15; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21), 5) Besides the children of those already possessing salvation, the only persons welcomed to gain a saving covenant relationship w/God (i.e., positional justification) are those already practicing His moral commands or those promising to repent/turn from their sins and obey (Gen 6:9 w/18; Neh 9:8; Act 10:34-35; Rom 2:26).

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction (truths/principles) is established by what is written? LEGEND: 1) Christianity is Judaism 2.0 (a marriage-covenant relationship of gain and maintain) NOT Roman Catholicism 2.0 ( a merit-based system of earn or burn) (Eze 16:59; Gal 5:6 w/21; Phi 2:12; 2Pe 1:5-11), 2) We gain positional/vertical justification (i.e., enter into a restful state/right standing/saving covenant with God) only through observance of God’s clean or sabbatical laws; those laws whose function is to cleanse/remove the stain/curse of our sin before God): [2.1.] OC = “the works of the law” (atoning sacrifice, a covenant sign [circumcision], atoning holidays [Passover-Pentecost, Yom Kippur], and spiritual separation [unclean foods and people], [2.2.] NC = Faith in Jesus Christ as our once-for-all atoning sacrifice which upholds the other clean/sabbatical laws through its new application/expression of: baptism (covenant sign – Col 2:11-12), the Lord’s Table (atoning holidays – Joh 13:1-8), separation from false Christians, the apostate, and rebellious pagans (spiritual separation – 1Co 5:9-13; 2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11). 3) We maintain positional/vertical justification/our restful state/righteous standing with God/salvation through faithful/continued observance of the clean laws plus faithful obedience to the moral commands (practical/horizontal justification – Jam 2:24); those laws which accomplish love/being righteous toward God and others – including repentance which means confessing and turning from sin as well as paying the necessary penalties when I sin - Mat 22:36-40; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:6 w/13-14; As it re: to repentance – Luk 3:1-18; Luk 19:1-10; Lev 6:1-7 w/Mat 5:23-24; Act 20:21 w/26:20 = We must now maintain [keep] the repentance promised when we gained salvation). 4) Faith in Jesus Christ for positional justification is only accepted by God in baptism which regenerates us and communicates our vow of loyalty to repent and faithfully follow all of God’s laws (Joh 3:1-5; Mar 16:15-16 w/Mar 1:15; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21). 5) Besides the children of those already possessing salvation, the only persons welcomed to gain a saving covenant relationship w/God (i.e., positional justification) are those already practicing His moral commands or those promising to repent/turn from their sins and obey (Gen 6:9 w/18; Neh 9:8; Act 10:34-35; Rom 2:26).

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction (truths/principles) is established by what is written? LEGEND: 1) Christianity is Judaism 2.0 (a marriage-covenant relationship of gain and maintain) NOT Roman Catholicism 2.0 ( a merit-based system of earn or burn) (Eze 16:59; Gal 5:6 w/21; Phi 2:12; 2Pe 1:5-11), 2) We gain positional/vertical justification (i.e., enter into a restful state/right standing/saving covenant with God) only through observance of God’s clean or sabbatical laws; those laws whose function is to cleanse/remove the stain/curse of our sin before God): [2.1.] OC = “the works of the law” (atoning sacrifice, a covenant sign [circumcision], atoning holidays [Passover-Pentecost, Yom Kippur], and spiritual separation [unclean foods and people], [2.2.] NC = Faith in Jesus Christ as our once-for-all atoning sacrifice which upholds the other clean/sabbatical laws through its new application/expression of: baptism (covenant sign – Col 2:11-12), the Lord’s Table (atoning holidays – Joh 13:1-8), separation from false Christians, the apostate, and rebellious pagans (spiritual separation – 1Co 5:9-13; 2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11). 3) We maintain positional/vertical justification/our restful state/righteous standing with God/salvation through faithful/continued observance of the clean laws plus faithful obedience to the moral commands (practical/horizontal justification – Jam 2:24); those laws which accomplish love/being righteous toward God and others – including repentance which means confessing and turning from sin as well as paying the necessary penalties when I sin - Mat 22:36-40; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:6 w/13-14; As it re: to repentance – Luk 3:1-18; Luk 19:1-10; Lev 6:1-7 w/Mat 5:23-24; Act 20:21 w/26:20 = We must now maintain [keep] the repentance promised when we gained salvation). 4) Faith in Jesus Christ for positional justification is only accepted by God in baptism which regenerates us and communicates our vow of loyalty to repent and faithfully follow all of God’s laws (Joh 3:1-5; Mar 16:15-16 w/Mar 1:15; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21). 5) Besides the children of those already possessing salvation, the only persons welcomed to gain a saving covenant relationship w/God (i.e., positional justification) are those already practicing His moral commands or those promising to repent/turn from their sins and obey (Gen 6:9 w/18; Neh 9:8; Act 10:34-35; Rom 2:26).

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction (truths/principles) is established by what is written? LEGEND: 1) Christianity is Judaism 2.0 (a marriage-covenant relationship of gain and maintain) NOT Roman Catholicism 2.0 ( a merit-based system of earn or burn) (Eze 16:59; Gal 5:6 w/21; Phi 2:12; 2Pe 1:5-11), 2) We gain positional/vertical justification (i.e., enter into a restful state/right standing/saving covenant with God) only through observance of God’s clean or sabbatical laws; those laws whose function is to cleanse/remove the stain/curse of our sin before God): [2.1.] OC = “the works of the law” (atoning sacrifice, a covenant sign [circumcision], atoning holidays [Passover-Pentecost, Yom Kippur], and spiritual separation [unclean foods and people], [2.2.] NC = Faith in Jesus Christ as our once-for-all atoning sacrifice which upholds the other clean/sabbatical laws through its new application/expression of: baptism (covenant sign – Col 2:11-12), the Lord’s Table (atoning holidays – Joh 13:1-8), separation from false Christians, the apostate, and rebellious pagans (spiritual separation – 1Co 5:9-13; 2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11). 3) We maintain positional/vertical justification/our restful state/righteous standing with God/salvation through faithful/continued observance of the clean laws plus faithful obedience to the moral commands (practical/horizontal justification – Jam 2:24); those laws which accomplish love/being righteous toward God and others – including repentance which means confessing and turning from sin as well as paying the necessary penalties when I sin - Mat 22:36-40; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:6 w/13-14; As it re: to repentance – Luk 3:1-18; Luk 19:1-10; Lev 6:1-7 w/Mat 5:23-24; Act 20:21 w/26:20 = We must now maintain [keep] the repentance promised when we gained salvation). 4) Faith in Jesus Christ for positional justification is only accepted by God in baptism which regenerates us and communicates our vow of loyalty to repent and faithfully follow all of God’s laws (Joh 3:1-5; Mar 16:15-16 w/Mar 1:15; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21). 5) Besides the children of those already possessing salvation, the only persons welcomed to gain a saving covenant relationship w/God (i.e., positional justification) are those already practicing His moral commands or those promising to repent/turn from their sins and obey (Gen 6:9 w/18; Neh 9:8; Act 10:34-35; Rom 2:26).

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction (truths/principles) is established by what is written?*Special note regarding the two forms of justice/justification necessary for gaining and maintaining a saving covenant relationship with God: 1) positional (vertical) = Right standing w/God gained thru the clean laws and covenant signs (OC: sacrifice, circumcision, ceremonial separation//NC: faith-expressing baptism in Christ [our sacrifice, circumcision and ceremonial separation]); 2) practical/penal (horizontal) = Faithfulness to the moral commands (including penalties) and covenant signs as maintenance (OC: sacrifice and ceremonial separation//NC: LT).

(Romans 15:4) “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” = What timeless instruction (truths/principles) is established by what is written?Romans 21. It is not just those who know God’s righteous decrees - yet approve of sin (1:32) who are “without excuse” (1:20) and unable to “escape the judgment of God”, but also those who are hypocrites (i.e., people who “practice the very same things” they condemn in others) (1-3; Paul’s specific audience = Jews, those in covenant/right standing w/God – [17-25 “you”]).2. Interpreting God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward you when you are in sin as the sign you don’t need to repent – or that you have somehow escaped His wrath and judgment, is the false presumption of a very “hard and impenitent heart” that is “storing up (or accumulating additional) wrath for [itself] on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment is revealed” (4-5).3. Paul did NOT preach the faith-alone gospel (i.e., that only faith was needed for justification/salvation [Luther’s premise from 1:17]; THE CULPABILITY ARGUMENT: 1] our morality [not Christ’s or the Spirit’s] will determine where we spend eternity – i.e., God’s grace in Christ does not negate human responsibility [6-11] = Notice, no one is excluded – including Christians, “God shows no partiality” [to “the Jew first”– Heb 10:30; Gal 6:7-8 = We sow to the Spirit not the Spirit sows for us]; 2] morality that we are responsible for and determines our eternal state is by definition another condition of justification/salvation [6 “render to each one” = Pays the party responsible for the work - Mat 20:8; “according to his works” = The payment is commensurate to the work/crime - 12-13; Deu 19:21 - e.g., natural theology: Newton’s third law]; 3] culpability confirms capability [Deu 30:11-14]; 4] if God’s grace thru the work of Christ has removed His people’s responsibility to morality then God has morally compromised Himself since His justice or standard of righteousness has changed [Psa 62:11-12; Pro 24:12; Jer 17:10, 32:17-19; Deu 24:16 w/e.g., proxy test takers = the immoral act of cheating]. All performance substitution [negative – Passive Obedience of Christ/positive – Active Obedience of Christ) is sin [Eze 33:1-20]).4. God has not called us to the good life (in the present), but to the good fight that leads to the eternally good life (in the future) (7; 2Ti 4:7 = Those who replace living for the good life in the present w/living for the good fight, will weather every storm and come out on top w/the eternally good life in the future. The motto of the true Christian is therefore, “good fight, good life” and NOT the motto of humanism [“good life, go die” - 1Co 15:32-33]. What they don’t realize [8]).5. According to Paul, the “gospel of God” (1:1) views repentance as: 1) obedience to “the law” (1-5 w/6-13; Luk 3:1-14, 18 = Notice, John’s message is considered “the good news” - i.e., the gospel), 2) the thing that gives “value”/legitimacy to the sign, of who is - or remains, in covenant relationship with God (13-29; 26a - “If a man who is uncircumcised [but] keeps the precepts of the law” = God-fearer; those Gentiles who followed Judaism but were not circumcised [e.g., Act 10:2; See also Act 13:16, 26]; 26b – “will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?” = Will it not make him eligible to receive circumcision? Evidence suggests this as the point of transition from God-fearer to proselyte, the demonstration of obedience to the Law. IOW: his probation is now over and he is welcome to enter into covenant relationship w/God; See also Rom 3:1 = The “value” the Jew’s circumcision [or the covenant sign bringing justification] was determined by what he did w/what he had been “entrusted” [“the oracles of God” = His Law]; In re: to our covenant signs, baptism and the LT – See 1Co 10:1-12). *Theses verses establish THE REPENTANCE ARGUMENT: you cannot have repentance (the pre-req to faith/belief/God honoring the cov. sign/salvation!) w/o commitment to obeying the Law (Mar 1:5; e.g., Luk 19:1-10).6. Paul had a bipartite understanding of the Law (25-26 = Circumcision was a part of the Law. The only way v26 makes sense is if Paul viewed circumcision as a subset within the Law. Otherwise, how can the “uncircumcised man be said to be keeping the “precepts of the Law”? Consider 1Co 7:19; *This bi-partite understanding is key to deciphering the upcoming terms “under the law” and works of the law”).7. The “Law” is “a light to those in darkness” and “the embodiment of knowledge and truth”. Who would therefore be so stupid as to want to get rid of it? (20; See Deu 4:6-8; Neh 9:13).8. Robbing temples may have been an ancient Jewish idiom referring to masturbation or sexual immorality in general based on: 1) the immediate context (22 = Sexual in nature), 2) no Jew would go near the temple of a false religion or take its idols (22b “you who abhor idols”), 3) our bodies are considered temples (1Co 6:15-20).9. How do you honor God without obedience to the Law if it is only through obedience to the Law that we do that? (23)10. What causes the world to mock Christianity is not their faith, but their dishonoring of God thru disobedience to His Law (23-24; Contra Deu 4:6-8).

Romans 11. Those who are truly “set apart for the gospel of God” as imitators of “Paul” the “apostle” possess a message that teaches both Jews and Gentiles receive salvation through: 1.1. faith/vows of allegiance or loyalty (to King Jesus) (14-17 “from faith [for the “Jew”] to [Gk., eis = An indication of scope, 1Th 2:16] faith [for the “Greek” or the “barbarians”]) = Everyone now gains their right standing w/God (i.e., the “power of salvation” or “the righteousness of God”) the same way – thru belief/faith. This was a major change in respect to both who and how salvation was gained. In the past, it was to the Jew (exclusively) and according to the “works of the law” (i.e. circumcision - the sign given to Abraham and passed on thru Moses as necessary for entrance into covenant w/God and receiving forgiveness/cleansing thru its corollaries – separation and sacrifice; Rom 2:25-29, 3:1, 3:23-21, 4:1-12; See also Eph 2:11-22; 1Co 7:19; Gal 2:1-16, 5:2, 6:15; Gen 17:9-14). Paul’s emphasis on this aspect of salvation is in defense of what was decided at Jerusalem council (Act 15:1-11).1.1.1. Faith as a vow of allegiance or loyalty to King Jesus: In the 1st century, the word [Gk., pistis] faith was not only used to communicate belief or trust, but also allegiance or loyalty. For example in Josephus: “The inhabitants of this city determined to continue in their allegiance [pistis] to the Romans.” (The Life, 104). According to David M. Hay, 62% of the time pistis in Josephus refers to allegiance or a vow of loyalty (“Pistis as a ‘Ground for Faith’ in Hellenized Judaism and Paul”).1.1.2. The strong connection between allegiance/loyalty and faith in the first century mind is the reason pistis in the NT is often translated as “faithfulness,” a synonym for allegiance or loyalty (e.g., Rom 3:3; Gal 5:22).1.1.3. Key passages dealing with salvation where pistis clearly refers to allegiance or loyalty (versus belief or trust): 1) (Mat 8:9-10) = The centurion expresses allegiance/loyalty to Jesus in the same way his soldiers show allegiance/loyalty to him. Jesus views this as the ideal form of saving pistis [faith] in Himself. 2) (Act 26:18) = Paul defines pistis [faith] as turning “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” – i.e., as a change in one’s allegiance. Hence the reason faith always includes repentance (v19-20, “repent” = turning from sin and Satan). We turn from our former allegiances (“repent” [Grk., metanoia] = to turn) so that we can “turn to God” (give our allegiance to Him).1.1.4. Allegiance or loyalty as the correct understanding of pistis [faith] – especially when in reference to Jesus, is also supported by the biblical concept of love for God/Jesus. It is allegiance or loyalty that is the primary focus (Joh 14:15).1.1.5. At the very least then, what must be included in our understanding of pistis [faith] is that it communicates more than simple belief or trust. It communicates also our intention of allegiance or loyalty. And this faith-sworn allegiance/loyalty is viewed by God as a sacred pledge/binding vow (1Pe 3:21 “appeal” [Gk., heperowteyma] = Sacred pledge/binding vow).1.2. faithfulness/faithful obedience (5)= Paul’s mission as an apostle (the reason he was “granted apostleship”) was to see that those coming into the NC by “faith”(a sacred vow of loyalty to King Jesus) were now following that up w/the corresponding obedience so that God’s name would not be blasphemed by the world (“to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among the nations”)(Rom 2:23-24 = Blasphemy of God is the result of disobedience by His people). That Paul is indeed calling for obedience as an additional condition of salvation (versus calling for people to obey by believing – e.g., Luther/Evangelicals) is confirmed by: 1.2.1. who it includes – i.e., those who already possessed faith or were already believers - the Christians at Rome (6-13 “including you who are [already] called to belong to Jesus Christ…to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace…your faith is proclaimed in all the world…I long to see you that…we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith both yours and mine…I do not want you to be unaware brothers”). Why include those who have already put faith in Christ if this is what is meant by “to bring about the obedience of faith?”1.2.2. its agreement w/the ministry of the resurrected Jesus (Mat 28:18-20 = Teach [or “bring about…obedience” in] those who possess “faith” [i.e. those you are “baptizing”]) and the messianic prophecies of the OT (1-4; Isa 2:1-5 w/Joh 3:16-21 and Mat 5:17-20; also 1Jo 1:4//Isa 11:1-5 and Mal 4:1-6 w/Luk 3:1-22, 16:15-17//Isa 42:1-7, 21 w/Luk 4:18//Isa 56:1-8 w/Deu 4:13 w/Mat 21:13//Isa 66:18-21 w/Eze 44:23-24 w/Mat 16:17-19 and Joh 20:21-23 also Eph 4:11).1.2.3. its OT precedent (Gen 22:1-18 = Abe’s faith needed to be followed up by/completed by obedience – see Jam 2:21-24 = James confirms this to be the proper understanding of Gen 22).2. Ending up under the delusion of Martin Luther or his false gospel of faith alone is what happens when:2.1. you determine the thesis (of the book of Romans) based on your own agenda (or personal problems) versus its book-ends (Rom 1:17 – “no more works only faith” [against Rome] versus Rom 1:5 and 16:26 - “what I am going to tell you [obedience needs to follow faith], what I told you [obedience needs to follow faith]”//focus of the chapters proves this true also: faith = ch 1 [mentioned], 3-5 [total = 3 1/4 chs]; faithful obedience = ch 1 [most], 2, 6-16 [total = 12 3/4 chs]).*How Luther felt at the end of his life about the gospel he had invented: “since the downfall of Popery and the cessations of excommunications and spiritual penalties, the people have learned to despise the word of God. They no longer care for the churches; they have ceased to fear and honor God…After throwing off the yoke of the Pope, everyone wishes to live as he pleases. [They say] ‘we will spend the day like Lutherans. Drunkenness has come upon us like a deluge.’ If God had not closed my eyes, and if I had foreseen these scandals, I would never have begun to teach [my] gospel.”2.2. you ignore the historical or Jewish context of its communication and replace – or read into it, your own (Joh 4:22 w/Zec 8:23; e.g., 1] THE CHANGE ARGUMENT: either you have changed your god or God has changed [Deu 29:18-19 w/Deu 13:1-11 and Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8]; 2] “works of the law” = Me trying to work my way to heaven versus the Jewish understanding of the clean laws/those laws related to “vertical justice”).2.3. you fail to understand the violation of justice this position creates (e.g., the CONFLATION ARGUMENT: 1] two forms of justice in the OT: vertical [passover/propitiatory sacrifice] and horizontal [penalty/punishment], 2] horizontal must be completed for God to accept our vertical offering [Lev 6:1-7; Mat 5:21-24], 3] Jesus is only identified as fulfilling vertical justice [Joh 1:29 w/Rom 3:23-25 = propitiatory substitute NOT penal substitute], 4] Penal substitution is illegal [Eze 18:1-20; Lev 27:29; Num 35:33-34], 5] Horizontal justice remains our responsibility if we are to get to heaven [1Jo 3:7-10; Luk 19:1-10; 2Co 5:9-10]).3. Jesus is both fully man and fully God (3-4).4. The way we as Christians can “impart…some spiritual gift to strengthen” our brothers and sisters or be “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” or “reap a (spiritual) harvest among them is by seeing that each of us are adding the necessary obedience God requires to our faith (5 w/11-13; 1Jo 5:1-3 = Obedience to God’s commands is how we love and strengthen one another; [2Jo 1:4-6; 3Jo 1:4] = John was encouraged by their obedience).5. Why we should all be eager to “preach the gospel” (of allegiance-faith and faithful obedience) - versus being “ashamed of the gospel” (15-16a) is b/c:5.1. through such faith all people can now receive God’s righteousness (or a right standing with God) (Again, God’s salvation is no longer exclusive to the Jews or requiring a person become a Jew thru circumcision) (16-17).5.2. through such obedience all people can avoid God’s angry “wrath”, against all forms of disobedience (18-20 = suppression of obvious truth, 21 = Disrespect and ungratefulness toward God, 22-23, 25 = Idolatry and narcissism) which includes the curses of sexual perversion (24, 26-27 “dishonoring their bodies” and “dishonorable passions” – i.e., homosexuality), mental illness (28 “debased mind”), anarchy (29-31) and the death penalty (32 “those who practice such things deserve to die”).6. A society (therefore) filled with homosexuality, mental illness, anarchy and a rescinding of the death penalty is what happens when the obedience portion of the gospel is made nice but not necessary (32).7. Stupid is a moral choice before it becomes a mental condition (21-22).8. That something is “eternal” (i.e. There is an Unmoved/Prime Mover), and that this something is someone or “divine” (i.e. It is an eternal Person versus and eternal force) is “plain” to everyone (God has “shown it to them”) since it is “clearly perceived in “the creation of the world” or “in the things that have been made” (i.e. The universe points to intelligent/deliberate design versus accidental evolution) which means all atheists, agnostics and idolators are idiots “without an excuse” (19-20).

Safely navigating our souls to the shores of heaven requires we spy the lies that lead to shipwreck and the truth those lies often conceal.1. You don’t have what it takes to live for God and get to heaven (2Pe 1:3).2. The Devil poses no threat to the Christian (1Pe 5:8).3. The consensus of pagans, our thoughts, our spiritual beliefs and our feelings are all things we can trust when attempting to discern truth (Joh 17:17; Isa 8:20).4. The Bible is your only spiritual authority (Neh 9:7-8; Jer 3:15).5. Stop trying to carry the heavy burden of obedience to the Law and start resting in God’s free grace.

Safely navigating our souls to the shores of heaven requires we spy the lies that lead to shipwreck and the truth those lies often conceal.1. You don’t have what it takes to live for God and get to heaven (2Pe 1:3).2. The Devil poses no threat to the Christian (1Pe 5:8).3. The consensus of pagans, our thoughts, our spiritual beliefs and our feelings are all things we can trust when attempting to discern truth (Joh 17:17; Isa 8:20).4. The Bible is your only spiritual authority (Neh 9:7-8; Jer 3:15).5. Stop trying to carry the heavy burden of obedience to the Law and start resting in God’s free grace.

Safely navigating our souls to the shores of heaven requires we spy the lies that lead to shipwreck and the truth those lies often conceal.1. You don’t have what it takes to live for God and get to heaven (2Pe 1:3).2. The Devil poses no threat to the Christian (1Pe 5:8).3. The consensus of pagans, our thoughts, our spiritual beliefs and our feelings are all things we can trust when attempting to discern truth (Joh 17:17; Isa 8:20).4. The Bible is your only spiritual authority (Neh 9:7-8; Jer 3:15).5. Stop trying to carry the heavy burden of obedience to the Law and start resting in God’s free grace.

Safely navigating our souls to the shores of heaven requires we spy the lies that lead to shipwreck and the truth those lies often conceal.1. You don’t have what it takes to live for God and get to heaven (2Pe 1:3).2. The Devil poses no threat to the Christian (1Pe 5:8).3. The consensus of pagans, our thoughts, our spiritual beliefs and our feelings are all things we can trust when attempting to discern truth (Joh 17:17; Isa 8:20).4. The Bible is your only spiritual authority (Neh 9:7-8; Jer 3:15).5. Stop trying to carry the heavy burden of obedience to the Law and start resting in God’s free grace.

Safely navigating our souls to the shores of heaven requires we spy the lies that lead to shipwreck and the truth those lies often conceal.1. You don’t have what it takes to live for God and get to heaven (2Pe 1:3).2. The Devil poses no threat to the Christian (1Pe 5:8).3. The consensus of pagans, our thoughts, our spiritual beliefs and our feelings are all things we can trust when attempting to discern truth (Joh 17:17; Isa 8:20).4. The Bible is your only spiritual authority (Neh 9:7-8; Jer 3:15).5. Stop trying to carry the heavy burden of obedience to the Law and start resting in God’s free grace.

In Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus reveals the power our discretionary and belief loyalties possess not only for determining who we truly serve (who we are loyal to as King), but also for producing the salvation-essential attributes of affection (for God) and conviction (in regard to the Word of God). Our confidence that loyalty is indeed His subject is confirmed by His conclusion (24 “serve…be devoted to” = be loyal to).

In Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus reveals the power our discretionary and listening loyalties possess not only for determining who we truly serve (who we are loyal to as King), but also producing the salvation-essential attributes of affection (for God) and conviction (in regard to the Word of God). Our confidence that loyalty is indeed His subject is confirmed by His conclusion (24 “serve…be devoted to” = be loyal to).

Act 17:22-31These verses represent Paul’s Mars Hill (Areopagus) address to the Athenians. In it we find six “shiny” words to think/talk about when you spend time after the sermon stuffing your face and fellowshipping for Easter.Why I refer to them as “shiny” = They are words that (in their context) evoke the kinds of conversations we need to be having with the people in our world today. They (I believe) are the conversations that bring the most needed forms of light to our dark and confused world. The song, Shiny Happy People (by R.E.M.) has also been playing in my head. (22) "Religious" = Possessing a system of morality (right and wrong). That is all the word “religion/religious refers to: a person’s moral beliefs. As humans, we are moral creatures by nature (creatures concerned with right and wrong). This is what makes us different than the animals.1.1. What therefore Paul says to the Athenians is true about all humans. We are all very religious. This includes people who would claim they are “not religious.” Do they not practice some form of morality (rules of right and wrong)? Do they not believe certain things to right and others to be wrong?1.2.Whatever determines that person’s moral beliefs (what determines what is right and what is wrong) is that person’s religion irrespective of whether it has a formal name (bob relies on Bob to determine right and wrong. Bob therefore follows the religion/cult of Bob).1.3. What religion do you follow? Who/what determines right and wrong for you? (23) "Ignorance" ("unknown") = The “altar… to the unknown (or ignorant) god” was most likely created by the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who invited Paul to speak (16-21).2.1. Like many people today, the Epicureans and the Stoics were atheists. They believed that whatever created the universe (including them) was not only “unknown” but unable to know what it had created. Put in modern terms, what created the universe was eternal matter (lifeless, unintelligent, impersonal, non-sentient energy).2.2. The big problem with believing this: Atheism makes it impossible to be human – i.e., to be the moral creatures (creatures who care about right and wrong). Why? B/C the only way to possess a morality/system of right and wrong that is truly equitable/fair/un-biased and therefore truly just for every single human being, is if it is the same for everyone. And the only person who has the right to determine that system of morality, is the one who created us (i.e., our owner). Without direction from our owner, the best our moral beliefs can be is subjective, every person believing what they want (everyone walking according to their own law). Though on the surface that may sound good, in the end it results in nothing truly being right or wrong (since whatever is right for you is wrong for me and vice versa).Eternal matter however is not a person, it is a thing. As already stated, it isn’t intelligent or knowledgeable about anything. Eternal matter/energy cannot therefore direct its creation in issues of morality. Hence the reason the United States has become increasingly more violent and evil over the past 25 years. As atheism has taken more of a foothold, more humans have lost their ability to be truly moral or just, to correctly discern right from wrong. People are acting more like animals, controlled only by impulse/instinct, driven to do what they do b/c it is what they feel in the moment.2.3. There are a couple of names for this kind of morality (do what you want/feel): 1) Anarchy (The strong take what they want and do what they want to the weak), 2) Satanism/Thelema (the autonomous or freed will; one law: “Do what thou wilt”). Allister Crowley was the inventor of Thelema and person most influential to modern day satanism. Crowley claimed his religion (and one law) were provided by a demon named Aiwass who spoke through his wife. (24a) "God" = An eternal, intelligent, deliberate designer, created everything - including us (24-26) = Seeing that God is our Creator means that He is our legal “Lord” (Owner/Authority/Master) not the other way around .We need Him He doesn’t need us (“does not live in temples made by man nor is He served by human hands as though He needed anything”; Psa 119:91; Psa 50:10-12). The origin of the universe is therefore not eternal matter but eternal mind.3.1. One of the greatest disservices of our atheistic, evolution-based scientific community is its deployment of the con-man’s favorite tool (for conning poor thinkers): the fallacy of the excluded middle: the option(s) are communicated as though they are the only viable option(s) available when there is/are more. What this looks like among atheistic, evolution-based scientists = Commonality among different species indicates common ancestor. IOW: that is the only viable option/explanation for the commonality that exists between us and other species. There however is a second option, one (like the con-man) they fail to share: commonality indicates not common ancestor, but author (e.g., the artwork of Van Gogh = We recognize it b/c every piece possesses the same unique signature/style; Gen 2:7 w/19 “formed” [Hb. yatsar = to artistically form/leave His unique signature/design]).3.2. The good news: B/C of the advances in DNA study as well as quantum physics, many former atheist scientists are now embracing the eternal mind/intelligent design position. What are those advances? The discovery that molecular information does not exist (in its smallest/irreducible form) as matter/material elements (e.g., atoms/atomic theory). The building blocks of the universe are not made up of matter/material but instead measurements (think ripples on the water without the water). These measurements are strings of information (more accurately command code) much like the command codes used by a programmer to create things on a computer screen and they come from/exist in dimension outside our own. Where there such programming/information exists, there must also be a programmer/sentient mind (For further study see: string theory/digital physics/information realism/the universe as consciousness).3.3. Paul knew this to be true before any quantum physicist ever existed (Gen 1:1-3 = Information/command code are the building blocks of Creation). Consider again of Paul’s words in Act 17:26 (“having determined” [horizo = Establish a set of events through deliberate command/programming).3.4. The meaning of the word (horizo) tells us a lot about why the ancients chose it as the word for horizon (Psa 19:1-10 “tent” = horizon; Notice how the author connects the laws governing the events of Creation to God’s moral law; Moral Physics/God’s Words created/run the universe. It’s all His program).3.5. Why then (again) it is important we know our Owner/Creator is an eternal mind not eternal matter? B/C it means we have the solution to our moral dilemma! B/C there is a God (an intelligent being Who created and owns us), we as humans can possess a system of morality/right and wrong that is truly unbiased, fair, equitable, and ultimately just b/c it is coming from a Creator-Owner who can not only determine such things (He is again intelligent versus unintelligent, unthinking, lifeless matter), but also has the legal right determine to such things (since again He owns us). Nobody else has that right b/c nobody else own us (including ourselves – Psa119:91; He made us, we did not make ourselves. Hence the reason the new “gender-identity/choosing” stuff is so rebellious. God decided our gender when we were conceived).3.6. To possess therefore a morality that is unbiased and fair requires we are getting that morality from our rightful Owner/Authority, God. Anyone who opposes God is therefore not only rebellious to their Owner/Authority, but a hypocrite since every human being believes that if you own something, then you have the right to determine how it functions (e.g. if you own a car, you alone possess the authority to determine what is right/wrong for it). (27-28) "Offspring" = Paul continues his argument for God by speaking to the issue that most naturally follows such a discussion: our purpose. If there is a God who deliberately created and owns everything, then what did He create me to do? The answer: to be His image-bearers/reflectors (Gen 1:27-28).4.1. Image-bearing is what Paul is getting at by the words “offspring and “seek God”. We were created to reflect His image (or character) through the way we live.4.2. Notice Paul scolds those who would be so stupid as to think God is like things in creation/what we dream up in our minds (29).4.3. What (then) is important not to miss about this image-bearing purpose we have been given: 1) It is to be defined by God not the world around us or the spirit of the age (“art and imagination of man” = man’s self-expression; e.g., the current sexual revolution). Who God is (and how we accurately bear His image) is defined by Him (not us). Hence the need for His instruction on morality. According to the Bible, all of God’s rules regarding right and wrong are the manifestation of His character (to know the rules is to know how to act like God). 2) Studying God’s Word should not, therefore, be viewed as some tedious, boring task that has no real benefit to our lives. It is the key to our purpose for existing. Our ability to be accurate reflectors will always be proportionate to what we know/don’t know about God. (30) "Overlooked" = Not let people get away with their sin but rather: 1) For thousands of years God allowed people to damn themselves through their false beliefs about Him and their unrighteous, ignorant forms of morality. God rarely (if ever) stepped in to show them they were wrong. 2) For the majority of human history only a very small group of people (less than 10% of the population) knew the truth about God and possessed His rules/laws for morality and proper image-bearing. The rest were in total darkness.5.1. Why does Paul tell us this? B/C it is crucial that we understand what God is doing by commanding “all people to repent” (i.e., calling all races of people to turn from their darkness/rebellion and listen to His revealed words in the Bible). It is not something God was ever obligated to do. Hence the reason for not calling people to repentance in the past (or even now). God’s command to repent is instead, always based on His mercy.5.2. One of the biggest problems people have today with God (or the God of the Bible) is the fact that He hasn’t revealed Himself to everyone or given everyone a chance to be saved. The piece however they miss is that the only reason such darkness and damnation exists is b/c of us (b/c humanity has for those same thousands of years, chosen to walk away from God and their created purpose and live instead for self). Who among us are not guilty of that very thing? What obligation does God, therefore, have to humans who have not only rebelled against their purpose but slandered His Name and destroyed His creation (once a paradise) in the process? What obligation would we have to a person who not only rejects our care and counsel but destroys our property and slanders our name? Only one obligation, the obligation to see that they serve justice. Hence the reason the majority of humanity will end up in Hell, because God is first and foremost, a just God.5.3. Mercy is not something God (or anyone is obligated to). It is the thing we don’t expect but are glad of when we get it – which again is what God’s command to repent is, it is Him extending mercy to us – people who were at one time without hope/without mercy (Eph 2:12).5.4. What we need to get right (then): God is not the One at fault for the way things are in the world or how lost people are. That is solely on us. The only thing we should be saying about God (in this respect) is that He is incredibly merciful to give those who don’t deserve it, a chance to turn from their rebellion, get right with Him and live for the purpose He created them. (31) "Judge" = Why we need to repent, why we don’t’ want to be the atheist, why we need to live as accurate image-bearers: B/C how we lived our lives (and what system of morality we lived for, what God we followed and what purpose we fulfilled) is going to be assessed by the “man whom He has appointed” (meaning Jesus the King)6.1. What that tells us: this life is not the end. This life is instead the test to determine where we deserve to spend eternity: in paradise: the reboot of heaven and earth only this time without the possibility of pain and suffering and death (Rev 21:1-4), or in the pit of hell: a lake of fire fit for those who chose to reject God and His purpose (Rev 20:15).6.2. Why we can be assured that this life is not the end for us: b/c Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection proves that there is something beyond this life, that this life is NOT THE LIFE (but again the test). This is also what makes Easter so important: b/c for the Christian (those following God, His rules/morality, and purpose for living), their deeds will be rewarded, what they do is gaining them something better (they are not missing out in this world).6.3. Putting then all that we have learned into perspective means this: for the Christian, there is truly no bad news. It is all good news since everything we do is gaining us eternity. Whereas for the atheist, this life is as good as it gets (then it gets even worse- incomprehensibly so). The Christian message is therefore the best message there is (a message of hope). The atheist message, is a message of hopelessness, the most depressing message there is. CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: SHARE THIS BREAD WITH THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW IT. USE IT TO CHANGE THE WAY THEY LOOK AT THE WORLD. BASED ON WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED, CHRISTIANITY IS THE ONLY PATH THAT WORKS IN THIS WORLD (for producing a morality that is truly just) AND QUALIFIES US FOR THE WORLD TO COME (our resurrection to paradise).

1. The King’s math1.1. Christ = King (Luk 23:1-2)1.2. Love = Loyalty (Joh 14:15)1.3. Upgrade = Sacrifice (Phi 2:5-11)1.4. Holiness = Intolerance (of sin) (2Co 7:1)1.5. My King is King > All other Kings (gods included) (Mat 28:18).1.6. My King’s reboot > than your best life now. (Rev 21:1-5).1.7. Serve the King = savor the Kingdom (Phi 1:21-23)2. The King’s inquiry2.1. Do you serve the King? (or, I serve the King, who do you serve?) (1Jo 5:19)2.2. Why would anyone be so stupid not to serve the King? Only the King can offer a life free from pain (Rev 21:4 versus the Atheist/religions of the world = Free from pain at death – not during life. The reality for the Atheist/religions of the world = Rev 20:15).2.3. What happens to you if the King returns in 2046? (2Th 1:7b-10)3. The King’s speech3.1. The King is not your holy toilet.3.1.1. As long as I confess my sin to King Jesus, I don’t have to worry about consequences b/c He takes care of it. He is my holy toilet. Text often used to support this kind of thinking (1Jo 1:9).3.1.2. You continue to practice sin (thinking yourself to be immune to its eternal consequences) and you will be guilty of treating the King’s blood as an unclean thing and declared apostate by God (Heb 10:26-30; Deu 29:18-20).3.2. The King requires more than faith alone.3.2.1. The mantra of the modern-day church, is “nobody is perfect” (e.g., “We are a church who likes to say, ‘we are not perfect and don’t pretend be.’” – Easter postcard from a church in Centennial, CO)3.2.2. If God expected perfection, then why did He send His Son to die for our sins?3.2.3. Though God does not expect perfection, He does expect faithful obedience. IOW: you won’t get to heaven on just faith alone (1Jo 2:4, 3:5-10; Mat 13:41; Jam 2:24).3.2.4. No excuses. We can be faithful (Deu 30:11-20).3.2.5. So then, you may not be perfect, but you’d better be faithful.3.3. To have faith in Jesus means you have pledged your complete allegiance to Jesus as the King.3.3.1. To put faith in Christ or believe upon Christ for salvation means more than trust or mental ascent to Who He is (the Son of God/fully God/Deity, the son of David/fully man/the Messiah or King) or what He has done (lived a sinless life so as to qualify as our atoning sacrifice and rose again in the third day as proof of God’s acceptance and our justification through Him – Rom 4:25; 1Co 15:1-4) (e.g. faith as trust or mental ascent – 1Co 13:2).3.3.2. Putting faith/believing upon Christ for salvation also means swearing our complete allegiance to Jesus as our King IOW: We are now loyal to the precepts of our King, not the preferences of people (including self).3.3.3. Allegiance was the 1st century understanding of the term pistus translated as “faith” and the idea behind belief. It referred to more than mental ascent or trust. It implied also loyalty to that thing/person (Rom 3:3 and Mat 23:23 pistus is translated as “faithfulness” [a synonym for allegiance]).3.3.4. Examples where translating pistus as “allegiance” makes more sense given the context (Act 24:24-25 [τῆς εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν πίστεως] = allegiance to King Jesus [v25 all about allegiance]; Tit 2:9-10 “submissive in everything, well-pleasing not argumentative, not pilfering but showing all good faith [pistus]= allegiance; Rom 1:3, 5, 16:25-26 = Paul’s gospel goal is to bring about “the obedience [pistus] of faith” – i.e. the obedience consistent with our sworn allegiance).3.3.5. Examples from the 1st century Jewish historian, Josephus: 1) “The inhabitants of this city determined to continue in their allegiance [pistus] to the Romans (The Life 104), 2) “Bacchides troubled not himself with the oaths he had taken, but slew threescore of [the people], although, by not keeping his faith [pistus] with [them] (i.e., by failing to show allegiance to his prior oaths) he deterred the rest who had intentions to go over to him.” (Antiquities 12.396). 62% of the time [pistus] in Josephus refers to allegiance or a pledge of loyalty3.3.6. Our faith-sworn allegiance/loyalty is viewed as a sacred and binding pledge or vow by God (1Pe 3:21 “pledge” = sacred/binding vow).3.4. The King’s gift of grace expects reciprocation in the form of allegiance.3.4.1. Evangelicals are famous for their insistence that our salvation is a gift of grace which means there are no obligatory strings attached. This (however) is a modern understanding of the term grace and gift.3.4.2. In ancient times (including the time of Jesus and Paul), the ideas of gift and grace – especially when given by dignitaries, always expected reciprocation in the form of allegiance/loyalty (See, Paul & The Gift, John M.G. Barclay).3.4.3. (e.g. Eph 2:8-10) = The gracious gift was not conditioned on prior acts (“not your own doing, not a result of works”), but does expect future performance (“good works prepared beforehand” – i.e. the Law) in return (“A gift can be unconditioned [free from prior conditions] without also being unconditional [free of expectations of some return].” – John Barclay ibid, p. 562)3.4.4. This understanding of grace/gift is not a violation of (Rom 4:1-4).3.5. A Christian not suffering persecution is not a disciple of the King.3.5.1 When we swear allegiance to the King (i.e., put faith in Jesus) we also commit to suffer persecution from others as we take a stand for His unpopular gospel (Phi 1:27-29; 2Th 1:3-5; Mat 10:34 w/Luk 2:34-35; Joh 15:18-19).3.5.2. Those who are living in faithful obedience to their former pledge of allegiance are guaranteed to be persecuted (2Ti 3:12).3.5.3. You are therefore not a true disciple of the King if you avoid such persecution (Heb 10:35-39).3.5.4. We should count it a good thing when we suffer for our King since this points to us being genuine Christians (Mat 5:10-11; Jam 1:2-4; e.g., of persecution – family/world condemning us for our loyalty to the King over them).3.6. A Christian without a church is not a disciple of the King.3.6.1. Evangelicals think it is possible to get to heaven without the earthly covenant community established by our King.3.6.2. How does a person do that when the key for loosing was given to the church (not individuals)? (Mat 16:18-19 w/Joh 21:21-23).3.6.3. In Scripture, baptism – where a person is loosed from their sins/saved (1Pe 3:21; Mar 16:16), is never recognized [as saving] when practiced by individuals not authorized by the church (e.g., Act 19:1-7).3.6.4. The early church believed baptism (as well as the sacrament of the LT) to be given only to the Church and those they approved: 1) “baptism cannot profit a heretic (i.e., individual claiming to be a Christian not recognized by the Church) unto salvation, because there is no salvation outside the Church.” – Cyprian (Bishop of Carthage, 3rd cent.), 2) “Let no one do anything touching the Church, apart from the bishop. Let that celebration of the Eucharist be considered valid which is held under the bishop or anyone to whom he has committed it. Where the bishop appears, there let the people be, just as where Jesus Christ is, there is the Church. It is not permitted without authorization from the bishop either to baptize or to hold an agape (LT); but whatever he approves is also pleasing to God. Thus, everything you do will be proof against danger and valid. “– Ignatius (Bishop of Antioch, 2nd cent.)3.6.5. If a person (therefore) claims to be saved yet was not saved in – and continues to belong to a legitimate church, then they are claiming a salvation outside that of King Jesus. (Good luck with that)3.7. A church without the King’s authority is a church overrun by Satan.3.7.1. (Mat 16:13-19): 1) the church has been given the authority and power of Jesus’ Kingship (13-17) “You are the Christ/King” w/ Jesus’ response (18a) “on this rock” = On this authoritative and powerful foundation of my Kingship, “I will build (establish) my church”, 2) b/c of the church’s kingly authority and power, the satanic forces that rule this world will not extend into her midst (18b) “the gates of hell” = Idiomatic reference to the jurisdiction of one’s rule. In this case, the rule of Satan; “shall not prevail against it” = Satan’s rule will not be able to overrun the church, 3) Jesus calls that kingly authority and power given to His church, the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (18a -“I will build my church w/19a – I will give you the keys…”) = The “you” refers to the “church”, 4) what those keys/the King’s authority and power looks like is the ability to determine who receives forgiveness from God and who is no longer able – i.e. who is now apostate (19b w/Joh 21:21-23 [“Holy Spirit” = Jesus’ promised authority/power – see Mat 12:31-32] w/Mat 18:15-20 [two strikes w/witnesses] w/Tit 3:7-10 [an allusion to Mat 18:15-20]) = By the time the judgment has reached the authority of the church, that person is considered to have reached their third strike and are now no longer to be recognized as a Christian but (once more) of the world (e.g., tax-collector). They are “self-condemned” or apostate. Hence the reason we are to “have nothing more to do with them.”).3.7.2. A church therefore w/o such authority and power (who denies they possess the ability to bind and loose) is a church where the gates of hell can prevail – i.e., they are a church overrun by Satan. In contrast church possessing the King’s authority and power is therefore the safest place on planet earth. What kind of a church do you want to attend?3.8. A church not practicing excommunication or declaring unrepentant people apostate is a church without the King’s salvation.3.8.1. With respect to excommunication: (1Co 5:1-7) = All forms of sexual immorality are a capital crime. Hence the reason for no further detail in relation to what the man in question has done with “his father’s wife.” Under the New Covenant capital crimes are now punished by excommunication – or by temporarily removing them from their place of salvation and protection from God w/ the hopes that this discipline will deliver them from the practice of such heinous sins, ensuring again their place on the path of salvation (v2 -“Let him who has done this be removed from among you” v5 – “you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”).3.8.2. This however is not the only reason Paul demands such action be taken by the Corinthian church. It is also for their protection. Those covenant communities who refuse to take such disciplinary measures will be found guilty of the same sins (2Jo 1:9-11). Hence the reason Paul quotes God’s oft-repeated command to “purge the evil person from among (us)” (1Co 5:13; Deu 13:5, 17:7, 12, 21:21, 22:21, 24).3.8.3. How (then) to respond to those who question our church’s practice of excommunication, “We practice excommunication because we want to give our people the best chance of being delivered from their sin and getting to heaven without jeopardizing the salvation of the rest of the church.” (possibly followed by) “Does your church not care about its people?”With respect to declaring unrepentant people apostate (2Ti 2:15-21“swerved from the truth”) = Gone apostate. Hymenaeus was already excommunicated for prior blasphemy (1Ti 1:19-20). His continued actions (or refusal to repent) sealed his fate (Heb 10:26-30; Deu 29:18-20). As a result, he and his new partner, “Philetus” (as for Alexander, see 2Ti 4:14-15) were to be permanently avoided so as to stop their apostasy (in this case, their blasphemous talk) from spreading like “gangrene” and infecting (or damning) the rest of the church. Only through cleansing ourselves from such people can we remain “useful to the master” and “ready for every good work.” (As already) mentioned, those covenant communities who refuse to take such disciplinary measures (i.e., to purge the evil person from among them”) will be found guilty of the same sins (2Jo 1:9-11). IOW: they become a church no longer able to offer salvation to its members (Rev 2:4-5) “abandoned the love you had at first” = Abandoned your loyalty to the King (i.e., refusing to do what He says); “repent…if not I will come…and remove your lampstand = You ability to offer salvation (to loose people from their sins) (“lampstand” = Temple/tabernacle lampstand which was symbolic of God’s presence in the temple/tabernacle – or among Israel, for the purpose of salvation).3.8.4. How (then) to respond to those who question our church’s practice of declaring unrepentant persons apostate, “Why would we jeopardize the salvation of those who have hope for those who no longer have any hope?”3.9. Not welcome to the King, not welcome to us.3.9.1. Not everyone is welcome to God and therefore worthy to receive His gospel offer. With respect to those people, we are not to waste our time (Mat 7:6, 10:1-7, 14; Luk 3:4-7).3.9.2. More than that, to waste our time with such people will wreck our relationship with God: 1) (2Co 6:14-18) = It makes no sense to Paul (and should make no sense to us) that anyone who truly loves their King (“Christ”) would want to be “yoked,” have a “portion” in or “fellowship” with an “unbeliever” seeing that they exist in “partnership” or “accord” (i.e., loving relationship) with “Belial” (aka, Satan). If we don’t want to wreck our relationship with God, then we must “go out from their midst” and “be separate from them.” Only then will God “be (our) God and (us)…His people” (16). Notice, it is indeed conditional (17- “Therefore go out…then I will welcome you.”). Does this mean we don’t want to reach unbelievers for Christ or can’t associate w/them? No. 2) (1Co 5:9-11) = We can (and should) associate with unbelievers as the means to evangelism and seeing whether God is calling them to Himself. In respect, to false Christians (i.e., those claiming to be a “brother” or follower of our God yet living in sinful rebellion and darkness), not even association is allowed. Like the excommunicated and apostate, we are to “judge” them and “purge” them from our life since by their spiritual idolatry (in serving a false King) they are second in line to the apostate (vv12-13).“Why would we want to wreck our relationship with God by spending time with people who hate him and are in a loving relationship with Satan, darkness and idolatry?”

Nobody gets to heaven by themselves. Why? Because Christianity is a team sport. We need to be on the King’s team, the church. More than that, we need to be doing our part to see that the King’s team is a success. Here then is what you need to know about the King’s team and your place on it:Every church member is important to the team’s success.(1Pe 1:18-19) = The King purchased you for the team at the incredibly high price of His own blood. What does that mean? Jesus believes you are important to the team’s success (e.g. The Browns recent acquisition of Deshaun Watson for a guaranteed $230m [most guaranteed money in NFL history] = The Browns believe Watson is important to their success). Jesus would not have done given His precious blood for someone He didn’t believe could have a major impact for His team. Hence why Peters says (1:13a “prepare your minds for action”) = Get ready to make an impact for the team you were purchased at a high price to pay for – to show you are worth the price that was paid versus being a bust. Those who are a bust will be declared apostate and go to hell (Heb 10:29 “profaned the blood” = Wasted the price that was paid [Mat 5:13 – made useless]; Consider also Luk 20:35).When King Jesus purchased the church, He promised to build a winning team.(Mat 16:18) = The team Jesus has assembled cannot be defeated by the opposing team (“the gates of hell” [Satan and his evil forces – including this world under his control] cannot “prevail against [us]”). Why? B/C He has empowered us (you and me, the members who collectively make up the church, the King’s team) with the keys to heaven’s nuclear weapons (v19 “bind” = weapon of eternal damnation; “loose” = weapon of eternal salvation). What does Satan or the world possess that can thwart or stand against those weapons/powers? Nothing. What that means: only the church can beat the church. IOW: We beat ourselves by refusing/failing to do what it takes to win.Winning requires that the church function as a team, and fight for their King.“Great things are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve JobsJesus needed the church to complete His mission on earth. The kingdom our King established, we have been left to grow and defend (Joh 14:12-13 w/Mat 28:18-20 w/Mat 27:11, 29, 37) = BC of Jesus’ upgrade to “King of Kings” (or king of everyone versus simply, “king of the Jews”), the church would do the greater (or more expansive) work of advancing the kingdom beyond the borders of Israel. However, for the church to finish what Jesus started, requires we function as a team and fight for our King.3.1. What it means to function as a team:3.1.1. We stop acting like fans and get in the game.(Luk 10:1-2) = Notice, Jesus needed the team to get the win. He needs players who will get in the game and help out (“laborers” not spectators/fans). As stated in the previous point, we are all important to the team’s success. But that means getting in the game/getting involved with what our team is currently learning or doing. Even the best player cannot benefit the team if all they do is sit on the sidelines or refuse to learn the plays (e.g. How many of you have taken the time to learn the play assigned last week? How many of you could argue persuasively for Jesus’ return in next 25yrs? What about the Marriage Covenant Gospel? How many of you could present and defend it from the Scriptures? How do you expect to make a play if you don’t learn the plays and get in the game?). Like Jesus, pastor needs the team to get the win.3.1.2. We are fully committed to the team in our thinking, our loyalty, and gospel strategy decided by the team’s leaders/coaches.(Phi 2:1-2 “same mind, having the same love, being in full accord”) = Fully committed thinking and loyalty to the team; (“and of one mind”) = Fully committed to the strategy called by the team’s leaders/coaches (See Phi 1:5 w/1:25-27 = I am coming back as coach. Until then, stay committed to the gospel strategy I gave you before [“your partnership in the gospel” w/me]; BTW: strategies change all the time – which means we need to change and fully commit to the new strategy decided by our coaches [versus viewing it as a flaw/failure]- See 2Co 1:12-23; e.g. In the “Man In The Arena” series [ep. 1], former NE Patriot LB Willie McGinest comments on how the team expected Drew Bledsoe to be declared the starter for SB 36 given his experience taking them to a previous SB. Coach Belichick however changed the strategy and decided to go w/the young in experienced QB, Tom Brady. What did the team do? They fully committed themselves to the coach’s decision and their new QB. Though hugely disappointed w/coach Belichick’s decision at the time, Drew Bledsoe also fully supported his coach, his team and Tom Brady who went on to beat the “greatest show on turf.”; Jeff Bezos’ view on change/change of strategy, “People who are right a lot listen a lot, and they change their mind a lot.”). Unfortunately, and embarrassingly, the world is often more committed to their coaches and teams than the church is to theirs (e.g. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus: he didn’t like the strategy of his coach – Mar 14:3-11 w/Joh 12:1-8; Consider also, this is why we are warned – Heb 12:14-15 “strive for peace” = unity; Act 20:28-30 [“will arise speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them” = They will act as though they are/sb captains of the team and attempt to recruit people to their team/strategy]; Rom 16:17-18; Gal 5:26 w/13-15 = The recipe for a church that never gets a win for the King: 1) everybody thinks they know better than everybody else -including their coaches [“conceited”], 2) everybody has a chip on their shoulder so can’t get along w/their team-mates [“provoking one another”], 3) everybody is jealous of everybody else so quits all the time [“envying one another”]. IOW: They are a team that bites, devours and consumes one another rather commits to one another in their thinking, loyalty and strategy).Our coaches/pastors’ two-pronged gospel strategy that we as a team need to be committed to:1) Covenant Life Groups (starting in May), 2) Marriage Covenant Gospel Book (pastor needs team-mates not fans. He needs team-mates to thoughtfully read and provide feedback to make sure the book is the best it can be for our King. IOW: the team working together is how we get the win – e.g. Luke Kuenning’s suggestion to add Mat 22:32 as biblical support for my argument from grammar in respect to the Adamic, Noahic and Abrahamic covenants as Marriage Covenants. Luke’s contribution may be the difference between someone being convinced or dismissing what is said). What is your commitment to seeing our team’s two-pronged strategy successfully executed – whether it be with the community groups or the book? How committed are you to the team?“The team with the best players committed only to themselves is no match for the team with average players fully committed to their team” – Anonymous3.1.3. We put the needs of the team above our individual needs.(Phi 2:3-4; Joh 15:12; Luk 22:28-30) = Those who put the team first – even when things are tough, are those who go to heaven).“No man is more important than The Team. No coach is more important than The Team. The Team, The Team, The Team.” – Bo Schembechler3.1.4. We are willing to play whatever role is necessary – and sacrifice whatever is necessary, to guarantee the team’s success on the field.(Phi 2:5-8) = Jesus sacrificed His high position of God to fill the necessary role of an obedient human slave to guarantee His team’s success. Paul says we are to follow His example/possess His mindset. B/C Jesus had this mindset, God upgraded His position on the team (vv9-11 = Jesus became the G.O.A.T. King because of His willingness and sacrifice– i.e., because He proved to be the ultimate team-player; Mat 28:18). Everybody wants to be the team’s superstar. However, the only way to be the superstar is to be the best, most dedicated team player. The one who makes everyone else on the team look good (not yourself) (Mar 10:43-44). Very few ministries can be given to others in this church, because very few of our members want to do what it takes to be superstars for our King. Very few people are willing to sacrifice to make sure the ministry they are a part of is a success. This doesn’t btw require you be a leader, just – once more, a great team-mate or team player. This btw are how leaders get recognized. They are superstar team-mates/team players, people the rest of us can count on to make sure whatever ministry they are a part of, wb a success. People who are not fighting for themselves (i.e. their glory), but the glory of their King.3.2. What it means to fight for the King = We stop making excuses or settling for mediocracy. Any time Christians make excuses for failure or serve up mediocracy in their service to the King (i.e., anything related to the church or ministry), they are not fighting for the King. Excellence is the only standard acceptable to our King. Hence why Paul prays this way for the Philippians (Phi 1:9-10). Excellence (however) is never an accident. It takes perseverance (i.e., not quitting after two weeks), meticulous planning or preparation, attention to detail, and sweating the small stuff. If you suffer at being excellent, start by asking how much of the activities in your life are planned? Most people plan only one thing: to get to their job (or church on Sunday). Everything after that is just “gas out and pass out”, which means you never have time to be excellent because your time (after work or church) is wasted. The story of your life and what they will write on your tombstone (if you do not change and start fighting for the King): “They played a mediocre game, filled with excuses and failure that accomplished little for the team or your King. There were water-boys better than them.” INSTEAD of THIS: “They fought the good fight for their King. For them, this was life: serve the King, savor His kingdom.”CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE = How successful will our Covenant Life Groups be? How successful will the book be? What part will you play to guarantee they are successful? What about the kind of team-mate you are today? What needs to change so you can be the superstar your King deserves?

Though we cannot know the exact day or hour (Mat 24:36), the evidence strongly suggests that we be prepared for our King to return in approximately 25 years.Year 6000 will mark the end of human history and the return of our King.(2Pe 3:1-10):1.1. We need to remember that Jesus and the apostles predicted His return (1-2).1.2. Sinful people ignorant that God has already made good on His promise to destroy this world will laugh at our claims of the King’s return and the final destruction of this world in fiery judgment (3-7, 10).1.3. God wants us to have some sense of when Jesus will return so as to be ready versus eternally perish (9; Mat 24:32-36 = Though [once more] we cannot know the exact day and hour, we can know when we are “near” – i.e. within 40 years, “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” = The King’s first return in 70 A.D. [~40 yrs later]).1.4. We must not overlook the “one fact” most important to determining when our King’s final return is near [~40 yrs?]: the ancient Jewish and early Christian belief that each day of Creation represents 1,000 years of human history – or 6,000 years of human history to be immediately followed by the return of the King and eternal rest in the new heavens and earth (as represented by God’s Sabbath or seventh-day rest) (8; The main source of this belief: Non-canonical books containing ancient Jewish/Christian tradition, history and beliefs; Though never on par with Scripture itself, Jesus and the church saw these non-canonical books as important. Hence why we see them referenced in Scripture- e.g., Num 21:14; Jos 10:13; 2Sa 1:18; 1Ki 11:41; 2Chr 9:29, 12:15, 13:22; Mat 27:9-10; 2Ti 3:8; Jud 1:9, 14-15).1.4.1. Ancient Jewish non-canonical sources:1.4.1.1. Jewish Talmud (1st – 7th century collection of rabbinical writings meant to preserve ancient Jewish beliefs and oral tradition after the destruction of the Temple):“Six thousand years the world will exist and for one thousand, [the seventh], it shall be desolate [no longer exist], as it is written, ‘And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day” (Sanhedrin 97a)“The world will exist for six thousand years: two millennia of void (i.e. without Torah) [covs: AC/NC/AbC]; Two millennia of Torah [cov: OC]; and then two millennia of the age of Moshiach (i.e. Messiah)[cov: NC].” (Tractate Avodah Zarah [9a])1.4.1.2. The writings of 2nd century, Jewish rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus:“Six eons for going in and coming out, for war and peace. The seventh eon is entirely Shabbat and rest for life everlasting.”1.4.2. Early Christian non-canonical sources:1.4.2.1. The writings of Irenaeus (Early Church Father, a disciple of Polycarp who was a direct disciple of the apostle John; 130-202 AD)“For the day of the Lord is as a thousand years (2Pe 3:8); and in six days created things were completed; it is evident, therefore, that they will come to an end at the sixth thousandth year.”1.4.2.2. The epistle of Barnabas[1] (75 AD; The epistle of Barnabas was considered so important to early Christianity that it was included as an addendum in the back of early bibles until the 4th century – e.g. Codex Sinaiticus [Sinai Bible])“Give heed, children, what this means; ‘He ended in six days’ (Gen 1:2): He means this, that in six thousand years the Lord shall bring all things to an end; for the day with Him signifies a thousand years; and this He himself bears me witness, saying; “Behold, the day of the Lord shall be as a thousand years” (2Pe 3:8). Therefore, children, in six days, that is in six thousand years, everything shall come to an end.”1.4.2.3. The writings of Hippolytus (Early Church Father, 170-235 AD)“And 6,000 years must needs be accomplished, in order that the Sabbath may come, the rest, the holy day on which God rested from all His works. For the Sabbath is the type and emblem of the future kingdom of the saints, when they shall reign with Christ, when He comes from heaven, for ‘a day with the Lord is as a thousand years’ (2Pe 3:8). Since, then, in six days God made all things, it follows that 6,000 years must be fulfilled.”Adding up the biblical record puts the current age of the world at around 5976.2.1. 5782 is the current date of the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar (Seder Olam Rabbah) (3760 yrs from creation to Christ plus the current year of 2022).2.2. Adjustments for discrepancies/errors in the H/JC: 1) add 165 yrs (conventional/scholarly date for the destruction of the first Temple = 586 BC[2] versus incorrect date of 421 BC), 2) add 29 yrs (430 yrs captivity clock starting when Abe is 99 yrs old [Exo 12:40-41; Gal 3:16-17] versus 400 yrs captivity clock starting when Abe is 100 yrs old/birth of Isaac [Gen 15:13]) = 5976.The Bible confirms the 7th day of earthly rest (the Sabbath) to be symbolic of the eternal rest in the new world at the end of human history.(Heb 4:4-11) = The Sabbath rest the author calls us to strive to enter is the eternal rest of the new world to come.THE POINT NOT TO MISS: the Bible confirms all seven days related to Creation to be symbolic and important indicators of when this world will end and the new world will begin.Jesus predicted He would return before the date predicted by the Jews.(Mat 24:43-51) = Jesus’ primary/first audience are the Jews (v34 -“this generation”). Jesus’ warning is therefore first to the Jew, “The Son of Man is coming in an hour when you do not expect.” What the Jews currently expect: Messiah is not coming from another 218 yrs. They believe it is 5782, when in reality it is 5976. They believe there is more time than there really is (“My master is delayed”) which means when Jesus comes, He will surprise them like a “thief” in the night.The church is beset with apostasy and the world filled with false prophets preaching an antinomian gospel that produces a disloyal faith just as Jesus predicted would be true when the end is near.(Mat 24:1-8) = These are NOT the things we are to consider when determining the end of the world; (9-14) = These are the things truly indicating the end of the world.Additional considerations/ or possible evidence? 6.1. (Ecc 1:9) = Based on the pattern of redemptive history recorded in the Bible, we serve a God whose future plans always have precedent in the past (e.g. Isa 7:14 w/Mat 1:23; Num 14:34; Mat 12:40). Why would it be any different with one of history’s most important events? Believing the end of the world to be arbitrary – or without a basis in something similar that God has already done (i.e. the days of Creation and the day of Rest), is to believe in a different god.6.2. (Joh 18:37-38) = Christians are to be people of truth (those always in agreement w/reality versus fantasy) (Joh 18:37-38). To be people of truth now requires that we address as reality what at one time was considered fantasy/science fiction: the existence of UFOs (i.e. US Dept of Defense, Navy and Pentagon have all released statements [and some video footage from the cockpits of Navy fighter pilots] confirming 144 sightings since 2004; “Every day for at least a couple of years” – Navy fighter pilot, Ryan Graves; Navy ships have been swarmed by UFOs off the Pacific coast and caught on radar [3]). Biblical analysis (Rev 20:1-9) = UFOs may be a sign that Satan and his armies are coming out of the Abyss, an even that must take place before our King’s return. How this event possibly relates to UFOs: the demons have created bio-suits technology/vessels allowing them to escape the 4th dimension. They will soon permanently invade our space – the 3rd dimension. Hence the reason for the increase in frequency of sightings and number of vessels encountered[4]. Opinion: Satan will reveal himself and his demons as mankind’s original freedom fighters and unite the world (“deceive the nations that are on the four corners of the earth” = The entire world) against our King and what little remains of His church on earth (“surround the camp of the saints” = God’s people wb small in number). It will be the “tower of Babel” PART 2 (“Gog and Magog” = Babylon = Babel; Eze 38-39; Gen 11).OUR EXPECTED RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE EVIDENCE1) Stand Firm: Don’t be shaken from your position when the people, events, and beliefs of this world become even more crazy, polarized, and opposed to God/God’s Word/God’s people (Joh 15:18-16:4).2) Stay Focused: See the next 25 years as the time to complete your given mission from Mat 25:14-30. What will you accomplish in each year for our King?3) Sound Forth: Our witness to others should start w/what we believe about the imminent return of the King (e.g. “We believe our King/King Jesus is returning within the next 25 years to destroy His enemies and this world. In His mercy, He has sent His messengers to proclaim peace to those who will swear allegiance to Him and His church now.”). BTW: last days are the theme common to all past revivals/church growth movements (e.g. Dispensationalism’s Left Behind movement; the Big Tent Revivals/meetings). Why? b/c people are curious about the end. Hence the reason the book of Revelation remains the number one most popular book in the Bible. (Curiosity is the first/greatest key of all persuasion; convincing/building confidence thru information-sharing/education is the next).[1] Early Church Fathers Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) and Origen (184-253 AD) attributed the epistle of Barnabas to the apostle and traveling companion of Paul mentioned in the book of Acts (Act 14:14).[2] The 586 BC date is corroborated by several ancient documents from Babylon, Egypt, Persia, and Greece. Early Jewish historian Josephus likewise confirms this date.[3] See “For some Navy pilots, UFO sightings were an ordinary event: ‘Every day for at least a couple years’” (washingtonpost.com); “UFOs, the Channel Islands and the Navy’s ‘drone swarm’ mystery” (thehill.com)[4] From a military perspective, these could be viewed as test flights and the sign of coming invasion (e.g. troop/tank buildup on the border of Ukraine in November of 2021 before the invasion in March of 2022).

 (Act 5:42) = Notice there are two different venues where the apostles met with the church for teaching and preaching: 1) “Temple” = larger venue (Act 5:12 – “Solomon’s Portico” = Court area outside the Temple): On the Lord’s Day, the entire church came together for corporate worship (~15k people), 2) “house to house” = smaller venue: During the week, church members wb divided into smaller groups and meet in different houses. Hence the reason the text says this was taking place “every day.” Every day of the week was devoted to some form of meeting. Either corporate worship or a community group. The large number of church members, the small size of the 1st century house and the fact that everyone relied on the apostle’s direct teaching (nothing had yet been written down), meant different community groups “every day” of the week just to get through all the people. Here then is the biblical basis for community groups: the practice of the early church: Temple court for church on Sundays - and every other day of the week, different community groups to accommodate all the people. This practice is also mentioned in (Act 2:46: Temple-church and community groups meeting in homes). (Act 2:42) = Most believe this verse is in reference to the community groups (esp. since as we saw, v46 mentions the breaking of bread being connected to the meeting in the home – versus as part of their Sunday worship – Act 20:7: this ML refers to the LT [“breaking of bread”: generic reference to hospitality: eating/enjoying food together]). As such, there are four things that are to be taking place in these community groups: 1) apostles’ teaching (or sermon), 2) fellowship (the word means “to share” as in share our lives w/each other), 3) breaking of bread (i.e. hospitality), 4) prayer. What then community groups/Covenant Life Groups will look like for us = Small groups of church family meeting mid-week in a host home to: 1) discuss questions related to the most recent sermon, 2) share our lives with one another (including our backstories), 3) experience the hospitality of enjoying good food together, 4) pray for one another.  Reasons you should be excited about being part of our community groups (Covenant Life Groups) (this new addition to our church: 5.1. Retainage: Community groups will promote better retainage of those biblical truths established each week during the sermon 1) Rediscussion = Retainage (2Pe 1:12-15) “stir you up by way of reminder” = Rediscuss what was already discussed causes it to be “stir[red] up” [thoroughly mixed it into) your brain “so that…[we] may be able at any time to recall these things” = The result of such stirring/mixing thru rediscussion: retainage. The average adult retains ~5% of what they hear in an hour-long sermon (90% is gone after the first ten minutes). That number increases to 50% or more if the material is rediscussed. Though that may still seem disappointing, consider it from the perspective of pages. 50% means 5 full pages of information. The average hour-long sermon covers about ten pages of material (sheet filled front and back = 2500-3500 words which is 10 plus pages in a standard book). From that perspective, 50% is a lot!2) Anticipation of rediscussion = Retainage. Knowing that I need to participate in the rediscussion of the sermon in my community group, encourages more focus (and better retention of the material) on Sunday (e.g. take more handwritten notes = better listening and cognitive function = increase in initial retention [“A Learning Secret: Don’t Take Notes On A Laptop”, Scientific American]). 5.2. Growth: Community groups will give you the ability to fulfill your obligation to grow the kingdom (Eph 4:11-16) = Based on these verses, there are two things God’s pastors/teachers are to “equip the saints for [to do]”: 1) “the work of ministry” = External growth/Evangelism (vv11-12a), 2) “building up the body of Christ” = Internal Growth in maturity and loyalty (vv12b-16). We should view the church as the ammunition depot: the place we go each week to get refueled and restocked for the work we wb doing during the week to advance our King’s kingdom (externally and internally). It sb mentioned that community groups are a far more conducive environment for evangelism than the “alien” and often intimidating world of the church service. IOW: it is much easier to invite people to our community group than church. (Hence Act 2:47). Community groups are therefore a great way to make sure we are not the last guy in Jesus’ parable of the talents (in Mat 25). On that note, community groups only work (esp. as it re: to evangelism) if we are all committed to attending and participating. No one wb encouraged to join our ranks if the community group they attend is sparse and filled with awkward silence. Your presence and participation can make the difference in bringing someone to Christ (i.e. God gives points for assists when it comes to evangelism – Joh 4:35-38). 5.3. Identity: Community groups also help us get rid of the sinful self-oriented identity given at our birth and possessed by Satan and gain the team-oriented identity possessed by our King (the one needed also to get to heaven) (Mar 10:42-45) “rulers” = Though the Greek word can refer to any ruler good or bad, when coupled with the idea of lording it over, it refers to the latter. It is the kind of ruler whose decisions or actions only serve self-interest rather than what is good/fair for everyone. It is the kind of ruler who leads by position and power and never by example. This is the kind of ruler Jesus is referring to when He uses this word in relation to Satan in (Joh 12:31).The point then NOT to miss: though Jesus was a leader/ruler, He did not lead by power or position, but by example and decisions that established equity - i.e. what was good and fair/served everyone (versus just Himself). IOW: Jesus’ identity was team-oriented: His approval of self –or how He determined whether self was successful was determined by His sacrifice/contribution to the success of the team/group. Hence why then [again], He says what He does in (v45). In contrast, then, the person whose identity is self-oriented determines their success [or approval of self] based on getting what they want irrespective of whether what they want benefits the team/group. This is the identity tied to our fallen feelings given at birth (and what therefore those who operate according to their feelings have as their identity – a self-oriented identity). This is also what Jesus is referring to when He speaks of dying to SELF as necessary to follow Him and get to heaven. Why then community groups will help us get rid of this sinful self-orientation and make us care more about the success of the team = B/C their success/failure will be determined by its members (IOW: pastor will not be a part of them: they are YOUR MINISTRY. His part is merely to equip you to do it. And nothing gives you the team spirit like realizing its success is on your shoulders (e.g. Kids becoming parents. All of sudden they are no longer selfish – Why? b/c for the first time, they are responsible for the success [or survival] of someone other than themselves). The same thing once more with the community groups – daddy pastor is not going to be the one making sure it thrives or dies. That’s going to be on you. 5.4. Zeal: Given what we just discussed; community groups have the benefit of establishing/re-establishing zeal for our King. That is often the fruit associated with something becoming more than theoretical – we gain a passion or zeal for doing it. Rather than learning about ministry and watching me do it, you (now) wb in the driver’s seat. Analogy: watching athletes or soldiers competing/fighting or hearing their stories versus actually being the one out there catching the ball or firing the bullets. Passion or zeal is born through hands-on action. Getting to actually use what you have been learning to lead others to our King or grow them in their walk; realizing that what you do/ your participation actually determines the success of something changes you. All of sudden you also are “burdened” to see our King and His kingdom be successful (b/c you now play a real part in that). This is the reason for so many people becoming fired up for Jesus in college. Those kids are usually a part of some para-church ministry that relies on them to be successful and that burden – or that kind of “hands-on” involvement ignites passion and zeal. This BTW is what community groups are: they are essentially para-church ministries (“along-side” the church ministries), but the kind Jesus approves of. 5.5. Priorities: Community groups will likewise help you get your priorities are in the right place. They will require you to carve out time to be a part of them which means that time is no longer filled with things that were potentially doing nothing for the kingdom. This is something that Jesus warns us will happen if we are not careful (Luk 21:34; Rev 2:1-7 “first love/love you had at first” = Loyalty to Jesus and His agenda – the advancement of His kingdom. Though the Ephesians did have some things that were praiseworthy, their priorities had ultimately gotten screwed up. Easy to do in a world always vying for the extra time and energy we possess. Many a person who started out with the right priorities will end up going to hell simply b/c they progressively let more and more of their time be filled with things that do nothing for the King or His Kingdom [the meaning of dissipation]). Community groups therefore can help in that department. The excuse, “I’m too busy training at the gym to be a ninja” or whatever other stupid stuff people preoccupy themselves with (that obviously possess no value to the kingdom) will no longer fly in light of this more worthy and more eternally important commitment. 5.6. Hospitality: The “breaking of bread” mentioned as a part of community groups means that this important practice is something we will also learn since groups will be responsible for seeing that they are “stocked” with good and enjoyable food. More to come in the near future on that. For now however, understand that God cares (and uses this aspect of ministry) to reach others according to Luk 16:9 and the examples of Jesus feeding those who listened to His teaching. We need to be seen as hospitable and that (biblically defined) does not look like a bowl of whatever is left over in the pantry or I can scrounge together. Community groups are not to feel like a hobo’s convention.

Jesus was the perfect man. But what kind of man (or human) was He? What things did He care about? What things did He not care about? Where or with whom did He spend His time? How did He respond or react to others? How did He come across to others? How did people view His words or the way He spoke?Our investigation into the (human) person of Jesus has as its purpose not simply the gaining of knowledge, but more importantly, its application through imitation. We are commanded (in 1Co 15:1) to imitate our King. The reason? b/c imitation is the greatest expression of worship and adoration/love. IOW: we show our loyalty to Jesus best by our imitation of His humanity. It is in this way also that we imitate (and show loyalty) to God since, through His humanity, Jesus perfectly pictured or explained the character of God (Joh 1:18).As a human, King Jesus:Was careful to receive or act on anything as truth that could not be sufficiently supported in God’s court.Didn’t care about the evil going on in government only the evil going on in the covenant community.Had zero tolerance for sin in God’s house (Psa 45:1, 6-7 = One of the reasons God the Father has eternally installed Jesus as King over is b/c He has zero-tolerance for wickedness/sin in the kingdom).Only fellowshipped with – or treated as family, those willing to do God’s will (Psa 45:9-11).Caused division within families b/c of His beliefs (loyalty to God and the church family over physical family).Never questioned God’s love for Him b/c of what He had to suffer.Loved (i.e. was loyal to/love = loyalty) God and His people more than anything else.Suffered for righteousness despite His feelings and fear.Was not an accurate reflection of how He felt (Luk 22:42 w/Joh 18:1-3; Mat 16:21-27 [not how that person felt]; It’s all for the King until I don’t feel like it and then it’s “to hell w/the King”; BTW: speaking based on how we feel leads to acting on how we feel—all actions are the result of words; Gen 1:1-3; Joh 1:1-3 w/Mat 15:19 w/Jam 1:13-15; Jam 3:1-6; Hence the reason “freedom of speech” is not only the first sign of dissent from God, but a recipe for human destruction).Understood the priority of the team (Joh 15:12-13; Mar 9:33-35 w/10:35-45; 1Co 9:14-19; Hence why 1Co 1:10; Phi 1:27 w/2:2 = We can’t win for the King unless the church operates as a team! What that looks like [according to what we just read]: Personal agendas are gone. We live [and are willing to give anything] to be aligned with the teaching/direction/strategy of the team and its leaders. It means also [as we saw] we are even willing to die/suffer for the sake of the team [e.g. Phi 2:12-18 = Paul lived for the team. Which BTW/once more – there is no win w/o the team operating as a team]. This principle [btw] is at the center of all military and team-sports training. Winning and losing are – the vast majority of the time, determined by how well the group did in operating as a team – Ecc 4:12; The secret to the early church’s global impact was not their size [they were small in numbers], but their unity/operation as a team -rogue/maverick elements were not tolerated [e.g. Act 8:14-25]; The writings of the early church fathers also reflect this. Most were written to maintain orthodoxy among all the churches; Hence why then Rom 16:17-18).Submitted to God (or God’s Word) as the Author of morality not consensus, circumstance or the individual (Mat 19:1-6 [God trumps popular consensus: divorce for any reason is okay], 7-8 [God trumps circumstance or the individual – in this case, the spiritual leader Moses], 9-12 [another example of God trumps circumstance or the desire of the individual]; Joh 17:17; Isa 8:20; Psa 119:160; e.g. Our nation’s downward spiral w/respect to who determines morality: consensus = homosexuality as an acceptable sexual orientation [once considered deviant/perverted behavior and a form of mental illness now celebrated as good simply b/c enough people changed their opinion]; circumstance = juvenile justice system [different punishment for kids/minors was est’d in 1899 as the result of mass immigration in late 1800’s and lots of indigent kids roaming the streets and committing serious crimes. Before that time, not many kids committed serious crimes, but when they did, were treated the same as adults]; individual = gender identity).Offended others by His knowledge and the words He used (Mat 13:53-58 = Insurrection is often the result of people being jealous of their shepherd’s knowledge – Psa 106:16 w/Mat 27:18; Mat 15:1-14 = Notice included as part of His offensive words, was the use of “colorful language” when the occasion called for it [“hypocrites”, “blind guides”; other examples – Mat 12:34 “brood of vipers”//All of these are the equivalent of our modern day swear words; when the occasion calls for such words = when less colorful words prove ineffective]; Why Jesus said hard/offensive things = B/C: 1) He refused to lie about/to people [Pro 27:6], 2) He knew that the uncomfortableness that comes with such speech is not a valid excuse or optional to getting to heaven [Mat 10:26-27, 32-33], 3) He cared more about making God happy than men knowing He could not please both and still get to heaven – Joh 4:34 [“My will is to do the will of Him who sent Me”], Joh 8:29 [“I do the things that are leasing to the Father”], Joh 10:17 [“for this reason the Father loves the Son b/c I lay down my life]; Luk 6:26 [“Woe to you if all men speak well of you, for so they did to the false prophets”], Jam 4:4 [“Anyone who is a friend of the world is not a friend of God”]; 2Ti 4:2 {‘reprove, rebuke and exhort with great patience”]; Tit 1:9-11 “silenced” = Shut their mouths thru strong reproving [proving them wrong] and rebuke).Was not wooed away from heaven by the pleasures of this world (Mat 4:8-10 w/Heb 4:15 w/Mat 17:17 = Jesus’ complete inability to be wooed away by the pleasures of this world [or gaining the entire world] indicates just how large the disparity is between the value/quality/beauty of this world and heaven –something Jesus knew firsthand, having been there before coming to this world. The same was true for Paul. He had seen heaven [2Co 12:2] and this was his comparison – 2Co 4:17; Hence why Paul says Col 3:2 = IOW: Serve the King and savor the kingdom, spend time visualizing the world to come and using the good and beautiful things of this world as your inspiration and motivation versus spending your time worrying about NOT MISSING OUT on all the fun in this world/serving this world and savoring its rewards. Only a fool would trade Paradise for the Podunk thrills of this world).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: God saved us to make us imitators of our King. What we have learned therefore is to be modelled in our lives. When people see how we act or the things we are concerned about or how we speak, it should reflect our King. Two final thoughts: 1) If what we have covered is not the Jesus you know, then the Jesus [you know] is not the King 2) If who your life reminds others of is NOT King Jesus, good luck getting to heaven.

Jesus was the perfect man. But what kind of man (or human) was He? What things did He care about? What things did He not care about? Where or with whom did He spend His time? How did He respond or react to others? How did He come across to others? How did people view His words or the way He spoke?Our investigation into the (human) person of Jesus has as its purpose not simply the gaining of knowledge, but more importantly, its application through imitation. We are commanded (in 1Co 15:1) to imitate our King. The reason? b/c imitation is the greatest expression of worship and adoration/love. IOW: we show our loyalty to Jesus best by our imitation of His humanity. It is in this way also that we imitate (and show loyalty) to God since, through His humanity, Jesus perfectly pictured or explained the character of God (Joh 1:18).As a human, King Jesus:Was careful to receive or act on anything as truth that could not be sufficiently supported in God’s court of Law (* correction to last week*Luk 18:18-19; Joh 5:31* sufficient evidence: evidence that agrees with Scripture and is beyond a reasonable doubt [no other reasonable explanation can be given]; Psa 19:13-14; Joh 5:31).Didn’t care about the evil going on in government only the evil going on in the covenant community (Luk 13:1-3; Christians are often duped into thinking that if the government/organization/person shares some of our values then we should attempt to work w/them or push their agenda for in so doing we can accomplish our own – especially those forms of govt or organizations or persons who have power/influence/money. Such co-belligerence is not only unnecessary to advance God’s kingdom but is explicitly forbidden by God. It makes us guilty of idolatry – e.g. ECT; Deu 7:1-6 w/2Co 6:14-7:1 = Holiness means intolerance for sinful people [govts, organizations, schools] – including those sinful people who could help us in the advance God’s kingdom b/c of what they believe/practice).Had zero tolerance for sin in God’s house (Joh 2:14-17; Mat 21:12-13).Only fellowshipped with – or treated as family, those willing to do God’s will (Mar 3:31-35 w/20-21).Caused division within families b/c of His beliefs (Luk 12:49-53; Mat 10:5-14, 21 [“kick the dust off” = No more association w/those individuals. Separation must be our response when they reject Jesus’ teaching).Never questioned God’s love for Him b/c of what He had to suffer (Joh 17:25-26 = Part of Jesus’ high priestly prayer: spoken only hours before His betrayal, torture, and crucifixion. The coming suffering in no way affected His confidence in the Father’s love. Suffering does not indicate a lack of love but the discipline of a loving Father Who understands that without such discipline/training we will not be fit for heaven. Our souls will instead become corrupted and fit for this world and hell [Jer 17:13 – their names “written in the earth” versus “written in heaven”]. Example from pottery: clay is soft and porous. Only when it is heated in the kiln does it transform into something watertight and strong. If that clay cracks in the fire, it is discarded. In the same way, we must go thru the fires of trials/training to become vessels strong enough to hold the holiness and obedience God requires to get to heaven. If we crack, we too wb discarded. The good news – we have God’s power to get thru if we will submit/accept the trial [2Co 4:7-9 = We w/stand the trials w/o breaking thru the power of God given in submission to His will during those times – v13; also 1Co 10:13]; Heb 5:7-9, 12:5-14; Hence Pro 23:12-14 = Notice both forms of discipline/training [positive and negative]. Neither can be neglected. If we do, we are leaving our children weak and vulnerable to corruption. Hence Pro 19:18)Loved (i.e. was loyal to/love = loyalty) God and His people more than anything else (For Jesus it was all about love. But love meant loyalty; Hence Joh 5:19, 30, Luk 9:51 [Isa 50:4-7]; Joh 13:1; Phi 2:5-8 = Jesus as our example, was loyal to God and us to the point of death. This means that Christianity really is all about love. But once more love means/equals loyalty [not some emotionally charged thing that changes like the wind]; Mat 22:37-39; Joh 13:34-35, 14:15, 21, 15:12-13 [loyalty to death]; 1Jo 5:1-2; Joh 21:15-19 = Peter understood why Jesus was asking him about love: b/c of his prior lack of loyalty [i.e. his denial of Jesus – ch.18] demonstrated that he did not love Jesus [above all else]. Jesus and Peter understood love = loyalty).Suffered for righteousness despite His feelings and fear (Luk 22:39-44; This righteous suffering includes suffering through the feelings of temptation versus giving into them – Heb 2:16-18 w/4:15; Feelings/Fear are not an excuse to give up or back out of doing the right thing [BTW: Courage is not the opposite of fear. Courage is the term we use for those who remain loyal in the face of fear]; Heb 12:1-4; 1Pe 4:1-2 = Easy way to spot someone who is living for SELF = They stop being obedient the moment such obedience causes them to suffer or puts their life in danger. You are not truly living for Jesus/heaven until you are willing to suffer and die for Jesus/heaven.).

Jesus was the perfect man. But what kind of man (or human) was He? What things did He care about? What things did He not care about? Where or with whom did He spend His time? How did He respond or react to others? How did HE come across to others? How did people view His words or the way He spoke?Our investigation into the (human) person of Jesus has as its purpose not simply the gaining of knowledge, but more importantly, its application through imitation. We are commanded (in 1Co 15:1) to imitate our King. The reason? b/c imitation is the greatest expression of worship and adoration/love. IOW: we show our loyalty to Jesus best by our imitation of His humanity. It is in this way also that we imitate (and show loyalty) to God since, through His humanity, Jesus perfectly pictured or explained to us the character of God (Joh 1:18).As a human, King Jesus:Was careful to receive or act on anything as truth that could not be sufficiently supported in God’s court of Law (Mat 19:16-17; Joh 8:2-11; Jam 4:11-12 w/5:9 = Our judgment of others needs to hold up in the king’s court – otherwise we are guilty of condemning the law/Lawgiver; Mat 18:15-16 = Sufficient evidence eliminates sinful presumption/assumption; Jud 1:9 = Satan judged Moses based on presumption versus sufficient evidence. When we judge/accuse others of sin based on our assumptions we are imitating Satan not Jesus; sufficient evidence: evidence that agrees with Scripture and is beyond a reasonable doubt [no other reasonable explanation can be given]). Did not care about the evil going on in the government only the evil going on in the covenant community (Luk 13:1-9; Luk 20:22-25 [“Caesar” = A king by force/foreign invasion versus election/choice now requiring those conquered pay honor/”tribute”]; Mat 17:24-27 = Jesus recognized the injustice in the earthly government of His day but didn’t resist it or let it bother Him; Rom 13:1-7 [“honor” = This includes those in power we don’t approve of]; e.g. Dan 6:21; 1Pe 2:17; Luk 21:34; 1Ti 2:1-3). Had zero tolerance for sin in God’s house (Joh 2:14-17; Mat 21:12-13; Rev 2:1-5 = The church’s many acts of loyalty to Jesus did not cause him to overlook those things that were sin. Tolerance of sin in any area – no matter their intolerance in others, would result in their “lampstand” being removed -i.e. they would cease to be a community where Jesus’ saving presence and power dwelt; 1Ti 3:14-15 w/: 1) heresy [1:3-5], 2) capital crime [1:18-20], 3) sovereign citizenship [2:8], 4) feminazis and female pastors [2:9-13], 5) unqualified leaders [3:1-12]). Only fellowshipped with – or treated as family, those willing to do God’s will (Mar 3:31-35; What His family thought about this behavior – Mar 3:20-21; Luk 10:25-37 = We treat as family only those who keep the Law [Exo 23:5]; 2Co 6:14-18). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: How are you doing in your imitation of our King? If the answer is “no so good”, then good news! Today is the day of salvation! IOW: today is the day to repent of that and (again) make things right w/God.

Having finished our discussion on Jesus’ radical view on family, it is important that we (now) consider its application to our everyday lives. In other words, that we understand what doing family according to Jesus it looks like.With regard to the world’s values or expectations, conversations with outsiders, and fellowship with those not welcomed to God.You reject the family values or expectations established by the world.Your conversations with outsiders are to be focused on family talk: God and His Word/gospel/our church family.You have no fellowship with anyone who does not welcome conversation about God and His gospel or refuses to act on what they have heard (including biological family and friends) (the exclusions: 1Co 7:12-14; Mat 15:3-6).With regard to your major life decisions, personal life, and attitude toward your brothers and sistersAll major life decisions- or in the lives of those in your care, are under the oversight of your church family (most especially your ordained pastor) (Heb 13:17).“It is fitting that you should run together in accordance with the will of the bishop [i.e. the ordained pastor] who by God’s appointment rules over you…He that refuses to assemble with the church (for the judgment of the bishop) has condemned himself. Let us be careful then not to set ourselves in opposition to the bishop, in order that we may be subject to God…It is becoming therefore, that you also should be obedient to your bishop, and contradict him in nothing; for it is a fearful thing to contradict any such person. – St. Ignatius (direct disciple of the Apostle John)Your life is an open book to your church family and you welcome their correction (versus you hide your life and get angry or pout when others call out your sin).5.1. (Isa 44:9-20) = Fallen feelings fueled by pooled ignorance produces a deluded heart that cannot deliver itself.5.2. The only way to be delivered from self-delusion is letting others into your day-to-day life to assess and exhort/correct where necessary (Heb 3:12-13; Consider also Psa 141:5; Jam 5:19-20; Pro 18:1-2 w/2Co 6:11-12; Pro 12:15; Pro 15:12; btw Mat 18:15 ≠ go to your bro 1st before talking to others).5.3. What welcoming the correction of your church family looks like (false humility versus true humility) (Isa 58:1-9)Excluding a pattern of untrustworthiness and lying, or possessing sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, you always give your brothers and sisters the benefit of the doubt and think the best of them.6.1. (1Ti 6:3-4 “evil suspicions”) = Notice the internal engine producing such feelings: 1) They are a person who is “puffed up w/conceit and understands nothing”[ἐπίσταμαι = epistemology; μηδείς = no one; Luk 5:14] = A person whose confidence (in their ability to read people) is not based on comprehension of the facts/truth (e.g., Sixth sense = Reality determined through physiology/body versus psychology/brain), 2) They have an “unhealthy craving for controversy and quarrels about words” = They are addicted to questioning/distrusting people (or the words of people) they should trust (e.g., Conspiracy theorists = People [esp. those in authority] are secretly/sinfully plotting against them).6.2. The way (therefore) to avoid evil suspicions is to: 1) STOP letting your trust in others be based on the feeling that other person gives you (e.g., “they seem nice or friendly”; e.g. “they seem harsh or mean”) versus the facts about that other person (e.g. they have a history of lying and untrustworthiness; e.g.; they have a history of always speaking the truth no matter how difficult or unpopular). 2) STOP thinking everyone is out to get you!6.3. Does this mean we should never be suspicious or untrusting? NO. Scripture (most especially the Proverbs) are filled with commands to be suspicious (and untrusting) of certain people, but it is to be based on facts, not feelings – i.e. they have a pattern of lying or untrustworthiness (Pro 26: 6, 8, 10; Jer 7:4 and 9:4; Rom 16:17-18 even Mat 7:6 and also Joh 2:24-25 “them…a man” = Those currently believing in Jesus were those who would later betray Him).6.4. The POINT NOT TO MISS: Unless there is fact-based and sufficient evidence, we must always give others the benefit of the doubt (no matter how we feel). We cannot act on how we feel. If we do, we may become guilty of serious sin – i.e. a malicious witness (Deu 19:15-21; Pro 25:8-10). It can also send us to Hell (Rev 21:27 [“does what is false”] and 22:15 [“practices falsehood”] = Same words for both phrases. Literally those “who make-up/create false realities in respect to God” [e.g. false religions/false gospels], history [e.g. revisionist history] or people [e.g. caricatures]).You stand up for your church family and pastors, by strongly opposing those who speak against them.7.1. We do not tolerate anyone (inside or out) who speaks against our church family and pastors. That includes biological family (Remember: blood is thicker than water). We are to take personal anytime someone dares to speak against our church family and pastors. IOW: those are fighting words. And that b/c to speak against them is the equivalent of speaking against our Savior (Mat 10:40; Luk 10:16).7.2. Such individuals are encouraging dissension and are to be reported to the elders (Rom 16:17-19)7.3. One of the keys to effectively advancing God’s kingdom against the false forms of Christianity that exist in the world is through our unity in this respect: that all of us are committed to standing up for our church family – including her pastors, by strongly opposing those who speak against them. It is also a sign of our salvation (Phi 1:27-28) = Our unified and bold witness presents a “clear sign” to those who oppose us that we are the ones truly “saved” and they are the ones on the road to “destruction”.7.4. Given the overall context of 1st Timothy, this act of strongly opposing those who oppose Christ’s church and people is the key function of those selected as ruling (non-ordained) elders (1Ti 1:18 w/3:8-12) = Appoint righteous men as your security team on the battlefield, men who will boldly fight for God’s house: His people and pastors (1Ti 3:15). As such, this is the mindset we should have when considering elders. Not only must they be righteous (according to the criteria of 3:8-12), but also the bold protectors of God’s people and pastors. They are the NC Levites (Isa 66:21 w/Exo 32:26-29; Num 1:53; Lev 18:1-6 = Levites guard the priests and God’s house [they are the police/protectors]; priests guard the holy things in the house – God’s laws and sacraments [they are the judges]). Once more then, this is how we should be choosing men to fill this role in our church. They must be men who have already demonstrated loyalty and boldness in fighting for god’s people and pastors – i.e., for their church family. Cowards and the limp-wristed men need not apply.CLOSING CHALLENGE: We need more ruling elders. Think about who among the men, have already demonstrated themselves to be not only righteous but bold against those who oppose Christ’s people and pastors.

Having finished our discussion on Jesus’ radical view on family, it is important that we (now) consider its application to our everyday lives. In other words, that we understand what doing family according to Jesus it looks like.With regard to the world’s values or expectations, conversations with outsiders, and fellowship with those not welcomed to God.You reject the family values or expectations established by the world.Your conversations with outsiders are to be focused on family talk: God and His Word/gospel/our church family.You have no fellowship with anyone who does not welcome conversation about God and His gospel or refuses to act on what they have heard (including biological family and friends).With regard to your major life decisions, personal life, and attitude toward your brothers and sistersAll major life decisions – or in the lives of those in your care, are under the oversight of your church family (most especially your ordained pastor).4.1. (1Co 1:10; Phi 1:27, 2:2)4.2. Some practical examples:4.2.1. Discipleship/discipline of your kids (Eph 6:4) = Notice Paul (their ordained pastor) is telling them what to do with their kids. IOW: he had jurisdiction over the parents in respect to how they raised their children. And based on the scope of the two terms used by Paul (“discipline” and “instruction of the Lord”), this would include jurisdiction over their education and extracurricular commitments since these two terms (discipline and instruction) encompass the entirety of the child’s spiritual and/or character formation. This means if parents don’t know what the church understands to be God’s prescription (in respect to these two terms) and their application to the different areas of their children’s lives (education etc), then they need to go to the church (or its ordained pastors) and ask. Your children are not your own to do whatever you want with (especially if they are covenant children – i.e. a part of the church family).4.2.2. Where to live, what to do for work (Jam 4:13-17) = According to James it is “evil” and sin” to make decisions as to where to live (“Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there”) or what to do for work (“we will …trade and make a profit”- i.e. career choices) without determining (first) the will of God (15).4.3. According to Scripture, the will of God is determined by the church family (or her anointed pastors) (Act 15:1-3 = Notice it is the church who decides what should be done; 15:6 “apostles [anointed men] and elders [meaning anointed elders such as James] w/19-28; Gal 2:1-2; 1Co 14:29 [w/28 “church”] = Who is determining the will of God in this matter is the church [Hence Mat 18:17 “tell it to the church”] = The church [or her ordained leaders] possess the HS for discerning God’s will [Joh 16:13] = Verse 16 reveals which of the two HS events Jesus is referring to. It is the one after His resurrection [versus after His ascension] [v16]. It is, therefore, the anointing of the HS that Jesus is referring to, that portion of the Spirit given to pastors for discerning God’s will for His people [Joh 21] – versus the baptism of the HS [Acts 2] that which helps all Christians live in obedience to God and His appointed leaders.4.4. Does this mean that ordained pastors are infallible (or cannot be wrong) – or that we cannot disagree with him? (emphatically) NO. But it does mean that if we think they are wrong, then we have an obligation to go to them and reason from Scripture (following the protocol of Mat 18:15-17 when necessary) (e.g. our view regarding the excommunicated being able to pray – Psa 51). If we can’t demonstrate our position to be correct (to them or the church) then we must continue to submit to them understanding this to be God’s (current) will for our lives (Rom 13:2; Eph 6:5-7; 1Pe 2:13-18) = Notice, neither Paul nor Peter give exceptions based on foolishness, error or even danger. God never excuses disobedience to His established authorities for such things. Why? Because it is God’s will that His appointed leaders not always be correct as a means of testing our trust and submission to Him (1Pe 2:19-23). In this respect consider (1Pe 3:1; Eph 6:1-3) = Does God’s Word teach that wives or children have the right to disobey if they believe what they are being told to be foolish, in error, or even dangerous? Is not sin the only exception? (Notice, Peter applies the prior established principle as his reasoning – 1Pe 3:5-6). If God expects this kind of behavior in relation to wives and children (those under God’s appointed authorities of husband and parents) why would we think different rules apply to God’s ordained pastors in the church who have been given His highest authority on earth, the authority to bind and loose (Mat 16:17-19)? When are we out of God’s will for obeying God’s leaders? Only when it can be proven (through God’s protocol – Mat 18) that what we are being commanded to do is sin.4.5. POINT (then) NOT TO MISS = Gospel accuracy and enforcement aside, your assessment before God will not be based on whether your pastor always got it right, or made the wisest decisions, but whether or not you happily submitted to his decisions (Heb 13:17). Once more, will not the same be true with respect to wives and their husbands or children and their parents?4.6. That our major life decisions be (specifically) in agreement/submission to the church’s ordained pastors is confirmed by St. Ignatius (a direct disciple of the Apostle John who also had correspondence w/Jesus’ mother Mary). Consider his words to the early church: “It is fitting that you should run together in accordance with the will of the bishop [i.e. the ordained pastor] who by God’s appointment rules over you…He that refuses to assemble with the church (for the judgment of the bishop) has condemned himself. Let us be careful then not to set ourselves in opposition to the bishop, in order that we may be subject to God…It is becoming, therefore, that you also should be obedient to your bishop, and contradict him in nothing; for it is a fearful thing to contradict any such person. For no one does [by such conduct] deceive him that is visible but does, in reality, seek to mock Him who is invisible. And every such act has respect not to man, but God…Some indeed give one the title of bishop, but do all things without him. Such persons seem to me not to be possessed by a good conscience, seeing they are not steadfastly gathered together according to the commandment (under and in submission to their bishop)…To those who indeed talk of the bishop, but do all things without him, He who is the true and first Bishop, and only High Priest by nature, will declare ‘Why do you call Me Lord and do not do what I say?’ Such persons are dissemblers and hypocrites.” 4.7. Summing up what the early church thought Joseph Hellerman in his book, When the Church Was A Family (says this)…“The [first century Christian] person perceive[d] himself/herself to be a member of a church and responsible to the church for his or her actions, destiny, career, development and life in general…The individual person is embedded in the life of the church and is free to do what he or she feels right and necessary only if in accord with the church (family’s) norms and only if the action is in the church’s best interest. The church has priority over the individual”.4.8. This (again) is doing family according to Jesus. The world (and wicked people) buck against such constraints, but those who truly love (and are following) Christ welcome it. They know that such things are for their (and their family’s) protection. CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Are you doing church according to Jesus? Just like His laws, God gives the church family as protection (not a prison). Those who fail to do family according to Jesus are therefore putting themselves in grave danger of not being a part of that family in heaven.

Having finished our discussion on Jesus’ radical view on family, it is important that we (now) consider its application to our everyday lives. In other words, that we understand what doing family according to Jesus it looks like.You reject the family values or expectations established by the world.1.1. (Luk 9:57-62) = Given Luke’s decision to group these events together, means that we should assume they possess the same general context from which to discern their intended principle or point. That context is family – or more specifically, the values and expectations possessed by the world’s view of family. There are three presented in these verses. Jesus opposes/rejects all three: 1) your home is where your biological family resides (57-58) = “Holes” (or dens) and “nests” represent not only an animal’s resting place but the place where its biological family resides. Humans in the world identify home – or their resting place, in the same way. It is the place where my biological family resides. Jesus however opposed such thinking (“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” – i.e. My resting place -or home, is not determined by my biological family). What determined Jesus’ home (and the same would be expected of His followers) was wherever He was doing God’s work (Joh 12:26; Luk 17:21 – “the kingdom of God is in the midst of you”). IOW: home will be determined (for the Christian) by the resting place – or home, of God. Which according to Paul is the church or the church family (1Ti 3:15). 2) children must honor their parents in death or their parent’s dying wishes (59-60) = What is communicated by this man could refer to returning home for a funeral or to saying his goodbyes to his father before he dies. In either case, Jesus makes clear that no such expectation of honor toward one’s parents is recognized by God and therefore must never get in the way of any responsibilities we possess in respect to Him or His family (the church). 3) the approval of your biological family is necessary – or something you care about, when it comes to those choices you make in following Christ (61-62) = Most scholars agree the real reason this man wishes to go home and say goodbye to his family is so that while there, he can receive their approval. As before, Jesus makes clear that caring about – or adhering to, such worldly family values disqualify a person from being a part of His family (“No one [is fit for the kingdom of God] who puts his hand to the plow and looks back” = Is concerned about the opinion, approval of those they are leaving behind – e.g. Gen 19:26 w/Luk 17:20-24).1.2. (Mar 3:31-35) = Jesus is both dismissive and disrespectful to His mother’s demands according to the world and its expectations of adult children – no longer living in the home (i.e. that they continue to respect/listen to/obey their parents). He not only refuses to go outside and speak with his mother but also exposes her and her words as foolish by using them as a teaching point w/His disciples. Jesus’ behavior toward his mother may be what the prophet Simeon is referring to when addressing Mary in (Luk 2:34-35).1.3. Another example of Jesus’ rejection of worldly expectations when it came to biological family (or His mother) is (Joh 2:1-4) = Notice how Jesus responds to His mother who is trying to use the fact that she is His mother to manipulate Him into doing her bidding (“Woman what does that have to do w/Me?”) = He doesn’t address her by the title of mother but rather “woman” indicating that she no longer had authority to tell Him what to do.1.5. The POINT NOT TO MISS = Jesus does NOT have the same values or expectations as the world when it comes to our biological family. His are radically different. And we are to imitate Him – not the world if we want to get to heaven.Your conversations with church family and outsiders are to be focused on family talk: God and His Word/gospel.2.1. (Eph 5:15-20) = Spiritual things/God’s Word and gospel (e.g. what we are learning, what we are thankful for, Who God is, and what He has done in our life or is currently doing in our life) are to be the focus of our speech and actions – especially when w/others (Col 3:16-17).2.2. This includes w/unbelievers (Mat 10:27) “proclaim on the rooftops” = To all people –not just those who are believers. Otherwise, we show ourselves to be guilty of two things: 1) we are fearing men rather than fearing God (i.e. caring too much about what they think of us or will do to us) (27-31), 2) we are ashamed of Christ (which means He will be ashamed –and deny us, on J Day) (32-33).2.3. Consider then: If you are hanging out with biological family on the holidays who are not believers, is this what you wb doing? If not, then you show yourself to be a coward who is ashamed of Christ (Rom 1:15-16 = Paul was “eager” [the opposite of reluctant, having a hard time waiting or holding back] to preach the gospel b/c he was “not ashamed” of it).You have no fellowship with anyone who does not welcome conversation about God and His gospel or refuses to act on what they have heard (including biological family and friends).3.1. Such people are a waste of the time God has given you to be advancing His kingdom. This is the point behind Jesus’ parable of the talents (Mat 25). We are not to waste any of the resources that God has given us to advance His kingdom (including time – which once more is what we are doing when we spend time with those not interested in God/gospel conversations – Eph 5:15-16).3.2. Jesus is explicit how we are to handle family/friends who do not want to hear about God or the gospel (Mat 10:1-15) = Notice the phrase, “shake off the dust from your feet” is coupled with the mention of “Sodom and Gomorrah.” That b/c Jesus’ instruction is an allusion to the command given to Lot and his family in (Gen 19:17). Shaking off the dust, therefore, refers to not lingering or hanging around. It means to move quickly away from such people or places (to “escape”) so as not to be caught w/in the impending blast radius. The people that Jesus is referring to (btw) –included biological family. Most of those in these villages (since they were Israelites) were relatives of the disciples. They were going into their hometowns and villages. The majority of these people were also those who professed to already be followers of God (e.g. those already claiming to be Christians). The important question (then) to consider is this, “How are you responding to family (or friends) who don’t want to have God (or gospel) conversations—or continue to linger – or make excuses, as to why they are not responding in repentance and belief? BTW: there is a big difference between the person who says “we want to hear more” and the one who is unresponsive or (in hearing more) continues to linger or make excuses. Our response should be markedly different between these two groups of people. With the former, we stick around (and continue evangelizing them), the other we run from. We stop wasting the borrowed time God has given us. We stop hanging around in the blasting zone lest we be destroyed w/them (Luk 17:21 – “Remember Lot’s wife”). Why would God cause us to perish w/such people? B/C we are now guilty (of their same crimes) by our fellowship w/them (2Jo 1:19-21).3.3. (2Co 6:14-16a) = To not be “unequally yoked” w/“unbelievers”(which btw includes unbelieving family) means (according to what Paul says in the rest of verse 14) no “partnership”, no “fellowship.” IOW: No relationship, no hanging out or spending time w/them, no recreating with them or calling them your “best friends” or “favorite people”. We have (as v15 says) no “share with an unbeliever” (any more than Christ does with “Belial” or Satan). We can have association w/them (according to 1Co 5:9-10). But never fellowship – or relationship, that is intentional –unless that intention is to introduce them to our world w/God and to share the gospel. This means this is what is happening when they are with us. They are hearing about and observing our relationship w/God. We are shining our light among them –not hiding it in shame (Mat 5:16). Notice Paul says that such lack of fellowship w/them is necessary to possessing (or continuing to possess) fellowship or a relationship w/God. (16b-18) = No covenant fellowship/relationship w/God if you have fellowship/relationship w/them. Hence why (7:1) = “Holiness” refers to what we no longer tolerate. In this case, fellowship/relationship with unbelievers or false believers – biological family (or otherwise). The world is on the opposite end of the spectrum and on their way to hell because of it. In the world, it is all about toleration whereas following God is all about holiness (no toleration). Coming to Christ and being in saving relationship with Him requires we be on the side of holiness.3.4. Consider (then) WWJD? Do you think He would hang out at family reunions or get together with biological family on the holidays – unless it was to speak about God? Yet Jesus and His disciples were instrumental in seeing a lot of people get saved. How? B/C they took that (otherwise waste of time) and focused it on those welcomed to God.

Why (at 24 years old) did I make such a decision and continue to follow Him today (no matter what the world does or how difficult it might be at times)?(3 reasons): 1) what I knew about myself, 2) what I knew about the world, 3) what I knew about the future. What I knew (and continue to know) about myself = It didn’t take me long to realize that I was (and would continue to be without Christ) a slave to my feelings/emotions with very little (if any) power or ability to free myself from them.1.1.I hated being controlled by them because I saw how depraved, deceitful, and destructive they were.1.2. I saw how they affected my ability to determine truth, make wise decisions, or have right relationships with others. I was a deaf, dumb, and blind crazy person that operated no differently (if not worse) than an animal.1.3. I observed that this was true of others as well. Even the best pagan people were selfish animals being driven to do what they did by how they felt. And most of what they felt (or what drove them) was shameful and disgusting (e.g., 98% of men and 73% of women watch pornography – a habit that not only promotes the worst of crimes – the sexual abuse and exploitation of others [including rape and child molestation] but also destroys the most important relationship on the planet- marriage).1.4. In short, what I realized about myself (and still know to be true to this day) is that self (myself as well as every other human) is out of control if left to themselves.1.5. Contrary to popular belief, human beings are not naturally good. They are naturally selfish and self-serving (and that to a fault). And by “self-serving” I mean serving the desires of their flesh (no matter how shameful or destructive that may be to others).1.6. I realized THAT. And (once more) that I possessed very little power to fight it. And that scared me b/c it meant I was capable of the worst of things.1.7. BTW: it didn’t take being in the world or experiencing sin or the sinful world to REALIZE THAT. All it took was being honest about myself –what I knew was inside me and what I knew was inside others (e.g., psychological research now suggests that everyone either has some form of a mental disorder or will develop one later in life).1.8. God’s Word confirms this to be true (of me as well as every other human being) (Deu 28:28; Ecc 9:3; Jer 17:9; Rom 7:18-19; Joh 8:34; Eph 2:3, 4:17-19; 1Pe 3:3, 4:3; 2Pe 2:12; Jud 1:10)1.9. SO THAT is the FIRST REASON I chose (and continue) to follow Jesus. B/C of what I knew about myself.1.10. This means that WHAT Jesus saved me (first and foremost from) was myself – from being controlled by my flesh- my feelings/emotions. As I gave (and continue to give full control of my life) to Him, He continues to give me power over my flesh so that I am no longer its SLAVE.1.11. As a result, He saved me also from the shameful, foolish decisions I would make without Him and from the damage I would do to myself, others (and most importantly, God) if I were still in control.1.12. Hence the reason it has NEVER been a problem to let Him be the BOSS and run my life.1.13. I am afraid of myself. I don’t trust myself with my life. I know the narcissist I WAS —AND would be if I were running things. I also know how stupid I am. I can’t think straight.1.14. Left to myself (or my feelings/emotions) I will deceive myself into thinking something is right when it is wrong, that something is safe when it is dangerous. I am (therefore-AGAIN) deathly afraid of myself (my thinking, my desires, my heart).1.15. And so, I let GO of ME twenty-seven years ago and GAVE full authority (and all decisions) to Jesus because HE is the only One who truly knows what’s true, what’s best, and what path will keep me from destroying me (both now and for eternity).1.16. I have put my hand to His plow and will never look back (especially seeing how great it has been since I did that. It is the best decision I ever made).1.17. God’s Word also confirms this to be true for me as well as every other human being who follows Jesus – who gives Him full control of their lives (Joh 8:36; Col 2:3; Rom 8:1-4; God’s Word also teaches me how to properly view my emotions/feelings: not as my guide in this life [feelings don’t think and are often sinfully wrong – Jer 17:9] but as my “check your brain” light –or better yet, “what would OT JESUS do?” light). What I knew (and continue to know) about the world = The world I grew up in seemed to have a better sense of reality and morality than the one we are living in now. But even back (then) I could see that putting my hopes in this world would be a losing decision. Not simply because it was filled with crazy narcissistic, perverted people, but b/c of what a world filled with those kinds of people creates.2.1. It creates a world where lying, manipulation, greed, and selfishness are commonplace. A world where the idea of two people getting married and staying faithful to each other for the rest of their lives was already becoming unpopular.2.2. Today, such thinking (or faithfulness to anything for the sake of faithfulness) is now viewed as weakness or (even) “sin” since the one thing now considered most important is that a person be “always happy.” Nothing can be pursued (or sacrificed) unless there is an immediate reward (or happiness).2.3. And if lying, manipulation, greed, and (an utter selfish attitude) is what is required to achieve such happiness, then so be it (“the ends justify the means”).2.4. Self-fulfillment or self-happiness are the chief goal of every human being (according to the world), and nothing should ever trump.2.5. The irony in all this is THAT this SAME WORLD (where this is the chief goal) is ALSO a world filled w/very unhappy, unfulfilled people—PEOPLE who are disturbed, depressed, and stressed.2.5. AND if you don’t see that, then you either haven’t been looking –or very honest about what you are looking at.2.4. Allow me to provide some data that might help: 1) the divorce rate for new couples is almost 70% (IOW: the most sacred of all human relationships, is more likely to fail than succeed. Every 13 seconds there is one divorce in America), 2) more than 40% of those in marriages will have a physical sexual relationship w/a person who is not their spouse (so beyond just watching porn –which includes 98% of the men in the world and 73% of the women, one or both spouses will also have an adulterous affair), 3) therapists now counsel people to consider divorcing their spouses for reasons other than infidelity, the biggest reason: you believe your spouse is keeping you from achieving all of your happiness or self-fulfillment goals, 4) ethics/morality (right and wrong) are now considered a sociological construct –meaning what determines those things is what the majority of people (or culture) thinks at any given time. Hence the reason homosexuality that was at one time viewed as a mental illness is now considered acceptable (because this is now what the majority of people think), 5) Every day 132 Americans commit suicide (most of those doing it are from the middle to upper class) IOW: these are not poor people killing themselves because they are poor. It is people who live comfortable lives in this world but are so unhappy w/their lives in this world, they would rather die, 6) 37 million Americans are on anti-depressants and 40 million see psychotherapists (because this world is so great), 7) 37% of all managers in American companies tell at least one lie a week to bosses or their employees for the purpose of getting ahead or getting someone to do something they otherwise would not do if told the truth.2.5. So that’s the world (and Evangelicalism. Believe or not, but the numbers among their group are not much different than those of the world). And as I said, I saw that early on and knew there had to be something better.2.6. God’s Word confirms this to be true (2Ti 3:1-5; here’s what else the Bible says about the world – 1Jo 5:19 w/Joh 8:44 – Satan is the “father of lies”).2.7. Following Jesus meant I could leave all the world (and its evil untrustworthiness behind) for a better community or world – a heavenly one, b/c through Him I would gain citizenship in His Body and heavenly outpost on earth –the church:2.7.1. A place where things operate according to the objective truth. Not something that changes based on how people feel or what they want to be truth, BUT something I could build my life on, something that would withstand the trials and temptations to come.2.7.2. A place where there will be justice/equity—which means wrongs are made right, the guilty are punished and the innocent protected (versus the world, where people are constantly taken advantage of, and people get away with it).2.7.3. A place where I would have the best kind of family: people loyal not only to Christ and one another but also WHO can speak real truth and wisdom into my life (because its coming again from God’s Word and not their feelings or personal biases).2.7.4. A place where there is faithfulness and fidelity (no matter the cost)2.7.5. A place (lastly) where I could expect to find something better than happiness. A place possessing joy — a much deeper and persevering feeling than happiness –one that doesn’t leave when things get tough because it is not dependent on circumstances. It is instead rooted in the relationship we have with God and knowing that He loves us and is bringing only what is good for us into our lives.2.8. Following Jesus gave me what the world never can (or could) – a righteous community of people I could trust my life w/.2.9. Which is the second reason (then) I chose to follow (and continue to choose to) Jesus. In His BODY (the church) I found my forever home (a home safe from the wiles of the devil and the wickedness of the world).2.10. As before God’s Word confirms what I just said (Eph 2:6; Phi 3:20; Rom 8:28, 14:17). What I knew (and continue to know) about the future = I knew life had to be ABOUT MORE than just looking for fun and wasting time.3.1. I knew we (as humans) had a purpose and that whatever the future held (both in this life and the one to come) it would be directly tied to (or determined) by what I did in the present.3.2. The world (especially today) does not have a plan past this life (and in many cases doesn’t even recommend a plan for anything past the present).3.3. It’s all about living in the now (and having as many experiences as possible).3.4. Which really begs the question, WHY do anything more than just party all the time and make sure I am getting this biggest bang out of this body bag I am tied to? (A depressing picture of life if YOU ask me)3.5. NO REAL purpose to live other than TO LIVE (again no different than the animals). NOTHING special, NOTHING bigger than just this pathetic existence.3.6. God confirms this to be HOW humans in this world think (1Co 15:32b – no concern for the future, life IS the present and this present world ONLY—which MEANS the only purpose for living is “eat, drink and be merry”)3.7. Following Jesus gave me REAL purpose AND a future worth working toward (one that extended beyond this life).3.8. I learned that THIS LIFE was a test (for THAT next life).3.9. Which meant that part of my PURPOSE was making sure that I was holy –or removing from my life those things that would corrupt my soul (and keep me from getting to heaven – or the next life).3.10. That’s why people go to hell—b/c they have allowed their flesh and the world to corrupt their souls and cannot (as a result) reside in heaven.3.11. My other purpose (I learned) was being His image-bearer (or an image-reflector of God) –which is what Jesus showed us HOW to do (and what it looks like). Hence the reason He came to earth and took on human flesh (Joh 1:18 – “No one has ever seen God, H who is at the Father’s side, He has made Him known [literally, Jesus has shown us what it looks like to be image-bearers of God as humans]”).3.12. And being image-bearers/reflectors is an incredibly awesome thing to live for (a wonderful privilege) b/c it is thru being IMAGE-bearers THAT God’s glory and kingdom are advanced on earth.3.13. It IS how we become what else we were created for (to be conquerors). We conquer thru taking every area of OUR life and living it the way Jesus (or God) would (which is why that question WWJD? Is so important). My purpose is to be like HIM.3.14. That awesome purpose is ALSO what gives me great hope for the future—since THIS (too) is HOW we enter heaven.3.15. We do it by BEING faithful image-bearers—by being like JESUS, in the present world.3.16. And God’s WORD confirms to those who live this way THAT THEY HAVE a great hope and a great future (Jer 29:11 – “I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a future and a hope; 1Jo 4:17 – “we have confidence on the day of judgment – because as He is, so we are also in the world”)So (then) those are my reasons (and they are still my reasons).AND following Christ all these years has only made my commitment and love for Him stronger –B/C I see all the more His FAITHFULNESS and GOODNESS and HOW what He says in His WORD is TRUE.

Proper biblical interpretation requires two steps: 1) discovering WGO? (what’s going on?), 2) discerning WTP? (what’s the point?).WTP (what’s the point)? = What timeless, universal principles of wisdom are established based on WGO (what’s going on)? Many preachers today discount (or outright reject) the need to discover WTP? believing it to be the Holy Spirit’s job (e.g. John MacArthur believes this and those who graduate from Master’s seminary are taught this – i.e. it is the Holy Spirit’s job [not the pastor] to apply the principles established by the text).The most obvious reason for people not pursuing WTP? in their study of the Bible is that it takes more time and mental energy than people are willing to give.2.1. Discerning WTP? will often require as much – if not more, time than discovering WGO?2.2. Hence the reason David says what he does in (Psa 119:97-99 “understanding” [Heb. Sawkal/Biyn– wisdom/principles of wisdom]) = Notice what David he does to gain this (“your law…is my meditation all the day…your testimonies are my meditation” = David spent lots of mental energy and time thinking about what is being communicated in God’s word). See also (v130 “unfolding of your words” = The discernment of WTP?; “gives light” –i.e. it “impart” [gives] understanding [principles of wisdom] to the “simple” [the unwise/fool/stupid – Pro 30:2-5])The reason discerning WTP? takes so much time and mental energy is b/c of the way God chose to write the Bible.God chose to write in such a way that most of those timeless/universal principles in the bible are not obvious or apparent. This is what makes the Bible different than other books. It remains (for the most part) undigested as to its principles whereas other books are the digested thoughts/principles of the author (e.g. Over 70% of the OT is either narrative or prophetic in its genre —e.g. Gen 33:1-3).*(In my opinion) a big help to discerning WTP? (or figuring out the timeless, universal principles of wisdom) whether it be w/the Bible or life is done through reading (digested) books (or books where you can see how the author is working thru and establishing principles).Harry S. Truman (“not all readers are leaders, but all leaders, read”)That being said, discerning WTP? is not optional.4.1. This is a part of what it means to seek God with all of our hearts (the key to finding Him – i.e. seeing the value in following Him) (Jer 29:13)4.2. It is what we must do if we want the wisdom to avoid temporal and eternal pitfalls and the ability to truly help others (Pro 2:1-20, 3:13, 23:23, 24:3)4.3. It is also what pastors are commanded to do in their ministries (2Ti 2:7) “think(ing) over” what has been said (i.e. putting the extra time and mental energy into discerning WTP?) is what is required if we want the Lord to give us (His pastors) “understanding in everything”.Discerning WTP? is exemplified in the teaching of Jesus.(Mat 19:1-3, 4-5 w/6 [WTP?])Discerning WTP? is (also) imitated by Jesus’ Old and New Testament teachers/shepherds.(Neh 8:7-8; 1Co 9:9 w/1-8 and 10-11 [WTP?]; Consider also Rom 15:4 “whatever was written in former days” = The OT; “was written for our instruction” = It contains the timeless/universal principles we need for “endurance” and “encouragement” and so we can have eternal “hope”)Jesus and the prophets reveal justice, mercy, and faithfulness to be the foundation of most principles communicated in the bible, therefore, providing a helpful guide in our process of discernment.7.1. In regard to Jesus (Mat 23:23) “weightier matters of the law” = Where the focus in God’s Word resides. One or more of these three moral categories (justice, faithfulness, or mercy) will be undergirding the majority of principles communicated in the Scriptures; “neglecting the others” = Those principles not associated with justice, faithfulness, and mercy. Those that represent the minority of God’s Word (are also not to be ignored). BUT AGAIN, the majority wb associated with faithfulness, justice, and mercy. Which means this is where we should start/what we should assume when discerning WTP?7.2. In regard to the prophets we see these same three moral categories coming up as the focus of all God’s instruction and (and therefore) expectations for us (Mic 6:8; Zec 7:9-10; Isa 1:17)7.3. That justice, mercy, and faithfulness are the foundation of the majority of God’s instruction/principles should come as no surprise since they are at the heart of God’s character (and the bible is His self-disclosure) (Psa 35:5-6)So again, when we are attempting to discern WTP?, we should think in terms of these three moral categories (justice, faithfulness, or mercy) since (once more) this is the main focus –or the main foundation for the majority of principles established in the Bible.Examples8.1. (Gen 1:1) = The universe is not eternal (what evolution teaches) but created by the One Who is (Heb 11:3) [category: faithfulness]8.2. (Deu 19:21) = The punishment must fit the crime [category: justice]8.3. (Deu 20:19-20) = Environmental stewardship is a moral obligation (our assessment on j-day will include how we treated the earth and its other creatures (Pro 12:10) [category: faithfulness/justice/mercy]8.4. (Jer 44:16-18) = What a fool believes, he sees (versus what God calls us to: what you see, you believe; Doobie bros song; confirmation bias) [category: faithfulness]8.5. (Hag 2:11-14) = We can be guilty of sin by our association w/sinful people or things (2Jo 1:9-11) [category: faithfulness/justice]8.6 (Zec 7:13) = God responds in kind [category: justice]8.7. (Mat 11:1-6 w/Isa 8:14-15) = Doubts are shored up by facts not feelings [category: faithfulness]8.8. (Phi 1:27-28) = Letting those who oppose the sound gospel know that we (as the church) stand as a firm, unified and fearless front is a clear sign that we are worthy of salvation and they of destruction [category: faithfulness]8.9. (Phm 1:10) = Christians always stand up for their brothers’ welfare or reputation (Gen 14:1-14) [category: faithfulness]8.10. (1 Jo 4:1) = Might does not make right [category: faithfulness]

The goal of all biblical interpretation is to discover the timeless, moral principle being established (“What’s the point?” [WTP]). The reason every Christian should be striving to do this is because this is how we grow in our relationship with God. We do it by discovering Who He is through the principles He has established in His Word (by discovering WTP?). The bible is God’s self-disclosure: the means to understanding Him – or getting to know Him, so that we will trust Him, obey Him – and be passionate about following Him. Learning how to interpret the bible is therefore not a hobby –or something that only those who like reading books or studying grammar and history do for fun. It is again, essential to every Christian to grow in their relationship w/God. Hence the reason a person’s lack of trust (or obedience) to God is often (if not always) proportional to their neglect in attempting to discover WTP? (e.g. Mat 22:29 = Sadducees’ distrust/disobedience directly tied to their failure to “understand” WTP? when it came to Scripture – and in turn, “the power of God”). To discover WTP? (however), first, requires the mental effort (and work) of understanding WGO? [“What’s going on?”]. The following represents what must be among our most basic considerations if we are to understand WGO?:Biblical Interpretation: What’s Going On? – Part 1Biblical Interpretation: What’s Going On? – Part 2Biblical Interpretation: What’s Going On? – Part 3Who was the original audience? (it’s not you or me – e.g. Jer 29:11)What was the culture or their cultural biases? (e.g. their view of children [as cheap labor and security] – e.g. Psa 127)How is the word/phrase being used (or what is it associated w/) in the book? (“works of the law” [a reference to the OT clean laws versus earning our way to heaven]- e.g. Rom 3:28)How is this action or idea used elsewhere that might give additional insight into its meaning? (e.g. faith [baptism] – e.g. 1Pe 3:21 – “baptism now saves you”; Act 2:38 – “repent and be baptized”; Gal 3:27 – “as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ”)Am I dealing with an ancient idiom? (“him who has an ear let him hear” – those who are seeking righteousness and welcome to God – e.g. Mat 11:15)Have I practiced attention to the details? (Gal 6:2 = “gentleness” in restoration – not discipline)Have I vetted my conclusions based on their consequences? (Gen 6:1-4 = If “sons of God” refer to fallen angels then God is guilty of sin since He gave them sexual organs and desires w/no ability to fulfill their purpose – Mat 22:30)Is this an allusion to something in the OT? (Joh 8:20-24 an allusion to Zec 8:23 and Christianity as a very Jewish religion in how it functions)9. Have I looked for parallels or parallel versions for additional information? (OT and NT)(For example)9.1. In the OT (1Ch 21:1 w/Jam 1:13 [?] w/2Sa 24:1 = 1Ch 21:1 is not teaching that God tempted David to sin. God does not tempt anyone (Jam 1:13). He instead allowed Satan to entice (or temp) David to rely on the strength/number of his troops rather than God (bc of David’s prior sins and God’s subsequent anger – Pro 22:14 “the mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he w/whom the Lord is angry will fall into it – i.e. God will not protect those who continue to covet a particular sin but allow it to come and capture you. IOW: God gives us what we desire – good or evil).9.2. In the NT (Mar 10:1-12 w/Mat 19:1-9 = Divorce for any reason is not prohibited. Sexual immorality is the exception.)I am familiar with the genre (or how it works)?(For example) prophecy10.1. Big on signs, symbols and metaphor (Rev 1:1 “made it known” = σημαίνω) = To reveal by way of signs, symbols or metaphor (LXX – Dan 2:30 of 28-44 [σημαίνω])(e.g.) the day of the Lord/the Lord coming on the clouds =The actual day of Christ’s return or final judgment (1Th 5:2; 2Pe 3:10-12) is often used as a metaphor to refer to God’s temporal judgment against dignitaries or nations in the form of human or (even) insect invasion (Isa 13:1-16 = Invasion by the Medes/Persians (vv17-19); Joe 2:1-11 = Locust invasion; Amo 5:18-20 = The Assyrian invasion and exile of Israel//Psa 104:3; Isa 19:1 = Coming civil war, corrupt princes and [eventually] invasion by the Babylonians and Persians [vv2-3]; Psa 18:10-11 = David’s deliverance from king Saul; Psa 104:3; Mat 24:29-31, 26:64 and Rev 1:7 = 70 A.D.).10.2. Multiple and diverse fulfilments w/majority of relevancy to original audience (Rev 1:1-3 “soon take place…the time is near”; Mat 24:34 “this generation will not pass away”; Isa 7:10-16 w/8:3-4 then [700 yrs to Mat 1:23]).What many Evangelicals do w/the prophetic book of Revelation (bc they do not recognize/follow what the genre prescribes or demands in order to interpret correctly) : They fail to acknowledge the earlier “day of the Lord/the Lord coming on the clouds” language (in the OT) and apply a strictly futurist-literal interpretation w/no relevance to the original audience to those passages found in the NT (i.e. all prophecy in the book takes place thousands of years after its original audience – which means no real relevancy to them). They also fail to treat the rest of the things mentioned in the book from the prescribed symbolic (and OT allusory) viewpoint. As a result, the locusts w/power like scorpions in Rev 9:3 become Apache helicopters and the bloody sea of Rev 16:3 becomes the overgrowth of algae known as a red tide).Do I understand the backstory?11.1 (Mat 5:48)The backstory = (Mat 5:43-47) = Jesus is demanding that we treat all people –including our enemies righteously (i.e. that we “love” them also) since this is how God functions. He too treats all people righteously (the “evil” and “good”) as demonstrated by His provision of the “sun” and “rain” for their crops.How this helps us understand the text = We are to be perfect in who we love/treat righteously (which is all people, good or bad) not how we love. IOW: it is perfection in scope not behavior – -how Evangelicals misinterpret this passage (“God calls us to be perfect in our behavior/obedience.”)11.2 (Mat 19:16-17)The backstory = Jesus’ ministry was to the Jews (Mat 15:24). This means unless otherwise indicated, we are to assume those Jesus interacts with are Jews –or those already in covenant relationship with God (i.e. not needing to gain a relationship w/God)How this helps us understand the text = Jesus is reinforcing that if this Jewish man (already in covenant w/God) wants to get to heaven, he needs to maintain what he has gained (i.e. be faithful to “keep the commandments”) – Jesus is playing a cruel joke by setting up (or reinforcing) a standard of earning your way to heaven He knows this man cannot achieve (The Evangelical interpretation)11.3. (Act 15:19-21, 28)The backstory = In the first century (and in most cities) Gentiles bought their meat from pagan temples. The meat came from animals that were killed in a cruel way, their blood not fully drained and their deaths often in front of temple prostitutes performing sexual acts to their false god.How this helps us understand the text = The apostles on not prohibiting several things – just one, the purchase of meat from pagan temples (something common among Gentiles living in the cities). Why? Though it was still only a piece of meat (there are no gods beside true God, 1Co 8:4), it would be an immediate hindrance to Jews receiving the gospel. As such, we need to place a colon after “by” in verse 20 and “sacrifice” in verse 29).11.4. (Psa 51:1-19)The backstory = (See the [inspired] intro to the Psalm)How this helps us understand the text = David is out of covenant w/God bc of his capital crime with Bathsheba (Hence v 12). As a result, God will NOT receive his “burnt offering” (v16) (i.e. will not grant atonement/forgiveness) until David does repentance in attitude and action (vv17-18). Then God will accept such atoning sacrifices from David and grant him forgiveness and restoration to the covenant (v19) versus casting David away in apostasy (v11). The fact that David is praying for such forgiveness (vv1-2, 7-10), confessing his sin and God’s justice for his sin (vv3-6), also TEACHES US that THIS IS WHAT GOD ALLOWS for those out of covenant IF THEY are indeed seeking to be right again w/God through repentance in attitude and action (IOW: Pro 28:9 and “those who have turned their ear away from listening to the law” [or the “wicked” in Pro 15:8 and 29] does not include those out of covenant if they are seeking righteousness and repentance).

The goal of all biblical interpretation is to discover the timeless, moral principle being established (“What’s the point?” [WTP]). The reason every Christian should be striving to do this is that this is how we gain or grow in our relationship with God. We do it by discovering Who He is through the principles He has established in His Word (by discovering WTP?). The bible is God’s self-disclosure: the means to understanding Him – or getting to know Him, so that we will trust Him, obey Him – and be passionate about following Him). Learning how to interpret the bible is therefore not a hobby –or something that only those who like reading books or studying grammar and history do for fun. It is again, essential to every Christian to gain and grow in their relationship w/God. Hence the reason a person’s lack of trust (or obedience) to God is often (if not always) proportional to their neglect in attempting to discover WTP? (e.g. Mat 22:29 = Sadducees’ distrust/disobedience directly tied to their failure to “understand” WTP? when it came to Scripture – and in turn, “the power of God”). To discover WTP? (however), first, requires the mental effort (and work) of understanding WGO? [“What’s going on?”]. The following represents what must be among our most basic considerations if we are to understand WGO?:Biblical Interpretation: What’s Going On? – Part 1Biblical Interpretation: What’s Going On? – Part 2Who was the original audience? (it’s not you or me)What was the culture or their cultural biases? (e.g. their view of children [as cheap labor and security] or women working outside of the home [not acceptable])How is the word/phrase being used (or what is it associated w/) in the book? (“works of the law” [a reference to the OT clean laws versus earning our way to heaven])How is this action or idea used elsewhere that might give additional insight into its meaning? (e.g. belief [baptism] and love [loyalty], holiness [what you tolerate]) (another example)4.5. The idea of prophecy existing today (i.e. that the supernatural/sign gifts continue today) (e.g. Act 2:17-18). If we allow our study of this phenomenon to extend to the OT (as it should), we would realize that any person claiming to prophesy or be a prophet after 70 A.D. is false and therefore guilty of a capital crime (Deu 13) (Zec 12:2 w/13:1-3).Am I dealing with an ancient idiom? (a stiff-necked person who urinates against the wall = a stubborn person who is male [versus female]) (another example)(Mat 11:15) “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” = A reference to those who are welcome to God – i.e. those whose hearts are teachable and ready to submit to God’s truth (irrespective of how many “sacred cows” may have to die to do so) [sacred cows = modern idiom referring to beliefs we hold as not only true but vital to our current identity, way of life or expectations for the future. As a Christian, the only “sacred cow” we should possess are the principles established in God’s Word —since to do that means that the only sacred cow you ultimately possess is God Himself. Remember, the bible is His self-disclosure. So to understand and follow it correctly [which is what interpreting it correctly accomplishes], is to understand and follow God correctly (i.e. to possess the kind of relationship w/Him that is faithful, fruitful, satisfying, and saving).Have I practiced attention to the details? (last week we looked at 1Ti 6:10 “love of money” versus “money” as evil, and Gal 6:2 “gentleness” in restoration, not discipline). (ANOTHER EXAMPLE in this respect)6.3. (Mat 9:9-13): 1) Lack of attention to the details yields this interpretation = Jesus liked to hang out/have fellowship with unfaithful/flaky Christians (v10 – “many tax collectors and sinners were reclining at the table with Jesus…v11 – ‘your teaches eats with tax collectors and sinners’”). 2) Applying proper attention to the details (however) shows this to be the correct understanding = Jesus’ reason for having interaction was to “call” them (the “sinners”) back to righteousness. His purpose, therefore, was corrective – not comfort, penal – not pleasure.Have I vetted my conclusions based on their consequences? (last week we looked at Act 2:38-39 on baptism and Gen 6:1-4 in re: to the sons of God)(ANOTHER COUPLE OF EXAMPLES worth mentioning here – these I would distinguish from the others as “contextual vetting – meaning that the larger context of the book – or what is said later in the book [or text] is something that we need to be aware of as possible support – OR “squash factor” to what we are initially considering as our conclusion to a given text)7.5. (Mat 7:1) = Jesus is prohibiting all forms of judgment (or condemnation) of other people.The consequence of this understanding = I have no ability to put into practice the instruction Jesus gives 5 verses later (in verse 6 “Do not give to dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn and attack you”) since to do so requires that I judge (or identify) people as fitting in this (very condemning) category of “dogs” and “pigs”.The correct understanding = Jesus’ injunction on judgment in verse 1 is to be understood in light of what is said in the remainder of His instruction on the subject (which extends through verse 6). This means that Jesus is not prohibiting all judgment, just wrong forms of judgment (such as hypocrisy).7.6. (1Th 1:4 w/Eph 1:3-4) = Each individual Christian was chosen by God to be saved –and that before God even created them, which means there is no way they can lose their salvation.The consequence of this understanding = Paul is abusing people by scaring them about things that could never happen to them (1Th 3:1-4; Eph 5:1-7).The correct understanding = Being chosen (or saved) by God (even if it were true that this happened for every single Christian before God created everything – which is not who Paul is referring to when he says that [the “you” refers to the church – not individuals])… NONE of that (being chosen by God etc) negates the possibility of losing it through our actions. Such choosing and saving on the part of God simply heightens that responsibility seeing how gracious it is. IOW: Paul’s words are meant to motivate us in our efforts to faithfulness (“don’t screw up the amazing and merciful gift that has been afforded to you”).Is this an allusion to something in the OT?Allusion (def.) = A reference to previous words or actions whose meaning has bearing on what’s currently being communicated.A large part of what is said in the New is an allusion to something in the Old (there are over 4K OT allusions in the NT. That’s over 50% of everything said in the NT). Some of those allusions are obvious but many are not. This means anytime we are reading the NT, we need to ask the question, “Is this particular set of verses (or chapters) alluding to something in the OT? And when that is the case, going back to that OT text since WGO in that OT will determine WGO in our NT text.So many hack-job interpretations of the New Testament (think evangelicals) are the result of ignorance in this respect –or an outright refusal to believe there is any connection between what is said (or happening) in the New Testament and what has been said or happened in the Old Testament. Such is the case with evangelical pastor Charles Stanley’s evangelical pastor-son, Andy Stanley- who recently called for Christians to do away with the Old Testament. He said (and I quote)“Jesus’ new covenant, His covenant with the nations, His covenant with you, His covenant with us, can stand on its own two nail-scarred resurrection feet. It does not need propping up by the Jewish (i.e. OT) scriptures.The Bible (meaning again, the OT) did not create Christianity. The resurrection of Jesus created and launched Christianity. Your whole house of Old Testament cards can come tumbling down. The question is, did Jesus rise from the dead? And the eyewitnesses said he did.” (And you thought I was just making this stuff up! “The evangelicals aren’t really THAT bad”)(Some examples then of OT allusion we need to understand to properly determine WGO in the NT): 8.1. Mat 3 and 4: Jesus’ baptism and wilderness temptations. They are an allusion to Israel’s baptism in the Red Sea and wilderness wandering/testing (in Exo 14 -17 and Num 20-21).This means that we are to interpret these actions/events as Jesus establishing the new covenant Israel (in fulfillment of Jer 31).8.2. Mat 5: Jesus ascending the mountain/hill to give the people God’s law. These events are an allusion to Moses ascending mt. Sinai (in Exo 24) to give Israel God’s law.This means we are to identify Jesus as the New Moses (in fulfillment of Deu 18).8.3. (Mat 21:12-13) “house of prayer”: The fact that we are dealing w/an OT allusion sb obvious given the words, “it is written”. The words that follow come from (Isa 56:6-7) = God promises a time when the Gentiles will be allowed to come into His temple and make supplication and sacrifice (IOW: they wb received as His people).Plugging that back into then our understanding of our text means = What Jesus is doing through His actions (of cleansing the Temple) and words about God’s house being a “house of prayer” is not a concern that there be enough quiet space in God’s house so that people can pray, but that there be space in the Temple for the Gentiles (who – like the Jews, would soon have their prayers heard by God since God was opening the way for them to become His people). Why that directly related to Jesus’ actions with the moneychangers? BC the place where they had set up shop was in the court of the Gentiles. Their actions, therefore, were a communication of just the opposite (the Gentiles are not – or will not be, welcome to God).8.4. (Luk 5:1-9) “catching men”: An allusion to (Jer 16:16-17) = The “many fishers” (like the “many hunters”) refer to the Babylonians – who through their actions of killing and capture, would be bringing unfaithful Israel to judgment.Plugging that back into then our understanding of our text means = Jesus is calling Peter (and the other disciples) to a ministry of judgment: of confronting and condemning unfaithful Christians/Christianity (versus winning people to Christ – which is how these Jesus words regarding “catching men” are most often translated). Paul calls us (as Christians today) to the same ministry (Eph 5:11). Notice (btw) what qualified Peter for such (an important ministry: he (first) recognized his own sin.8.5. John 4:20-24 “neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father…for salvation is from the Jews”: An allusion to (Zec 8:23) = In the future (or under the NC to come), many Gentiles will realize that the Jewish God (the “lord of hosts in Jerusalem”) is true God and will therefore establish their own places of worship (“ten men from the nations of every tongue” – Gen 18) in accordance with – or consistent w/the religion (or salvation) of the Jews (“shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you’”).Plugging that back into then our understanding of our text means = Jesus is not only announcing that the time of the Gentiles seeking and setting up their own places of worship to God has come (“neither on this mountain nor that mountain”), but that (if they are legitimate), their religion (or salvation) will be consistent w/the already existing Jewish religion (most especially as it relates to salvation [“salvation is from the Jews”]) –versus something new—or the antithesis of what God established for the Jews (e.g. evangelicals and Andy Stanley [“Christianity does not need propping up by the Jewish (i.e. OT) scriptures. The Bible (meaning again, the OT) did not create Christianity. The resurrection of Jesus created and launched Christianity. Your whole house of Old Testament cards can come tumbling down.”]; God has changed His moral requirements for salvation – our obedience is no longer necessary).

The goal of all biblical interpretation is to discover the timeless, moral principle being established (“What’s the point?”) (1Co 9:7-11). To do that, however, requires we (first) determine the context (“What’s going on?”). The following represents what must be among our most basic considerations:Who was the original audience? (it’s not you or me)What was the culture or their cultural biases? (e.g. their view of children [as cheap labor and security] or women working outside of the home [not acceptable])How is the word/phrase being used (or what is it associated w/) in the book? (“works of the law” [a reference to the OT clean laws versus earning our way to heaven])How is this action or idea used elsewhere that might give additional insight into its meaning? (e.g. belief [baptism] and love [loyalty])4.3. Wisdom in contrast to trusting one’s own mind (Pro 28:26) = According to Pro 2:1-7, “wisdom” is the product of two things (or God gives it to the person who): 1) patiently and consistently seeking to understand God’s laws/ways (i.e. the principles established by what is communicated in God’s Word versus simply knowing what is communicated, 2) is upright (i.e. actively submitting and changing according to God’s ways/laws). This means that the person who “trusts in his own mind” is not just a person who is confident in what he knows or his ability to think –but who is confident in such things yet not patiently seeking to understand God’s laws/way and submit (or change) in accordance with them.4.4. Holiness (or set apart to God) (Heb 12:14) = When considered through the rest of Scripture, what becomes clear is that this term (or command) has more to do with what we tolerate than what we preach (e.g. 2Co 6:17-7:1). Both are important (but again), holiness is a term communicating – or concentrated on the former, what we tolerate. And since this is (according to the writer of Hebrews) a crucial component to salvation (or seeing the Lord), this must also be what defines our lives (or the church we attend). So many people miss this when assessing the legitimacy of a particular church. They assess them only by what they preach when they should also (and more importantly) be assessing them by what they tolerate. This was Jesus’ concern in regard to the churches found in Revelation. Who makes the list as acceptable to Christ drastically changes (or is reduced) based not so much on what they preach, but what/who they tolerate (e.g. Rev 2:18-20). Applying this new insight in regard to holiness to the churches of today, “How many are tolerating sexual sin among their members – i.e. not disciplining such individuals for their actions? How many who claim to be biblical churches are actually NOT (or in deep trouble of having their lampstand removed) because of such toleration?”Am I dealing with an ancient idiom?Idiom = An expression common and known to a particular culture at a particular time whose meaning cannot often be deduced literally or logically (“it’s raining cats and dogs” = it raining really hard!). The people in biblical times had idiomatic ways of speaking about things (as part of their culture) just as we do (in our culture) today(Examples from Scripture)5.1. A less obvious example: the communication of “hate” = This term doesn’t always refer to abhorring, despising or desiring that person be dead (Gen 27:41 or 37:4-8). It can also be used idiomatically to refer to loving someone less (Gen 29:30-34 w/Luk 14:26 or Rom 9:13 w/v12).5.2. The more obvious examples: 1) “beginning of his strength” (Deu 21:17) = firstborn child, 2) “one who urinates against a wall” (1Sa 25:22) = A male, 3) “gird up the loins” (2Ki 4:29; 1Pe 1:13) = prepare for action; 4) “stiffens his neck” or “stiff-necked (Pro 29:1; Exo 32:9 w/Act 7:51) = stubborn/unteachable/resistive to change or instruction/unrepentant (the same is being communicated when someone is depicted as having a “hard forehead – e.g. Eze 3:7), 5) your eye is good/evil (Mat 6:22-23) = you are generous/stingy.Have I practiced attention to the details?(For example)6.1. (1Ti 6:10) 1) Lack of attention to the details yields this interpretation = Money is evil and therefore we should not desire to have it.2) Applying proper attention to the details (however) shows this to be the correct understanding = It is the “love of money” that is evil – or the “root of all evil” (notice again the text).This means there is nothing wrong w/ money in and of itself. As a matter of fact, money (according to Solomon in Ecc 10:19) is “the answer to everything” (i.e. the solution to many of life’s problems).6.2. (Gal 6:2): 1) Lack of attention to the details yields this interpretation = Don’t be harsh with those caught in sin. Instead, show “gentleness” in your discipline no matter the crime.2) Applying proper attention to the details (however) shows this to be the correct understanding = We are to show “gentleness” in how we “restore” people – not discipline them (notice again the text).Have I vetted my conclusions based on their consequences?(For example)7.1. (Gal 6:2): We are to show “gentleness” in our discipline of those people who get busted –no matter the crimeThe consequence of this understanding = We are to act contrary to the behavior of God or refuse to be image-bearers in this respect since this is not how God responds to those in sin.It is also not how we are commanded to respond – or what is found in the examples of others in Scripture (In re: to God: Deu 28:15-22, 28-32, 45-47, 53, 56-57, 58, 63; In re: to us: Deu 19:21; e.g. Deu 21:18-21; Pro 22:15, 23:13-14).7.2. (Gen 6:1-4 “sons of men” = Giants/“Nephilim”): Giants are the offspring of an angelic father and human mother.The consequence of this understanding = God is sinful for giving angels sexual organs and sexual desire yet providing no way to see it fulfilled (Mat 22:30 – angels are not given in marriage).The correct understanding = These verses are the prelude to the flood and are meant to establish just how catastrophic it would be. How? By indicating that the earth (at that time – or the time of the flood) was filled with people – i.e. human men (or the “sons of God”) were making lots of babies with women (the “daughters of men”) (1Co 11:7 – men created in the image of God = sons of God; women created in the image of man = the daughters of men).The fact that these verses tell us that mighty men and giants (“Nephilim”) also existed at this time simply indicates that such people were also the offspring of normal human parents. Hence the reason we find them popping up again after the flood – though the only kind of people that existed after that point were the purely human descendants of Noah and his kids.7.3. (Act 2:38-39) The NC can only be entered by those who can express/demonstrate repentance. Peter’s reference to children (in v39) is therefore signaling their need to also demonstrate repentance if they are to be baptized and receive the promises of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit (i.e. They teach believers’ baptism).The consequence of this understanding = God is reneging on His former covenant promises as it regards those who were already in covenant (but infants at the time of the New Covenant’s inauguration) since they could not demonstrate repentance for baptism.Imagine what this would have looked like for those families listening to the preaching of Peter if this was what he was saying (“Under the OC, junior is God’s kid and safe, under the New –all such benefits will be taken away, until such time that he can choose to re-apply for them”).How many Jews that had little ones at home would sign up for a deal like that? How many wb attracted to the NC if that were the case? (“God is reneging on His former promises” – but you should sign up [since the benefits outweigh the risks]”) (???). NO JEW wb good w/that –yet the text says many joined (Act 2:41).The correct understanding = The reason Peter mentions the “promise” being available to children (in v39) is to confirm that the special circumstances afforded to children (or infants) under the OC for covenant entrance still applied under the NC.IOW: these verses are teaching paedo-baptism.It is worth mentioning, that the call for adults to “repent” is also congruent w/OC entrance requirements (i.e. the adults were always called to demonstrate such repentance for entrance or ratification), whereas for infants (or those unable) this was never required.7.4. The (evangelical) belief that our obedience was a condition to salvation under the OC but is no longer is under the NC (since Jesus or the Holy Spirit did – or does it, for us).The consequence of this understanding = God has compromised His own moral code/law. His code/law went from us needing to be obedient to letting someone be obedient for us. (e.g. Johnny can obey for Sally and keep Sally from getting in trouble when she is bad). God’s law not only condemns and prohibits such a concept, but so does every legal system on the planet. Our reputations and records are determined by our own actions never the actions of another (i.e. no one can be our substitute in those things). To claim God has now made such a change means therefore that God has corrupted Himself (or is now corrupt) since He has compromised in relation to His own moral code/law (our obedience was once part of His definition of righteousness, now it no longer is (as long as someone else does it for us).The correct understanding = Our obedience is still a condition of salvation under the NC (just as it was under the OC) that we must faithfully fulfill to be saved (and no one – including Jesus or the Holy Spirit can do it for us. They can help us – but the responsibility of carrying out such obedience is our responsibility – not theirs). 7.5. EXAMPLE IS ON SCREEN (“Jesus took my place on the cross to give me a place in heaven”)The consequence of this understanding = God is the cosmic child-abuser (punishing His innocent Son for someone else’s sin). The subsequent consequence to this kind of thinking is the destruction of justice (or the need to serve justice among those who are Christians) since Jesus was already punished for our sins (double jeopardy is not only an untenable position in our human courts but also in the divine courts of God – i.e. you can’t be punished twice for the same crime).The correct understanding (of Christ’s death) = Jesus made propitiation – or cleansed away the moral stain associated w/ our sin – something that can only take place after justice has been embraced by the guilty individual. Hence the pre-requisite of repentance for salvation (i.e. cleansing and forgiveness) (e.g. Luk 19 and Zac). Jesus’ act of going to the cross was related to justice only as it related to mercy – never punishment. IOW: He fulfilled what God’s justice ultimately required to make propitiation (not punishment) –which was never animals (Rom 3:25-26/Heb 9-10 = The animals were a temporary fix – a pass over, until the time when God would send His perfect son to make propitiation –making God [then] “just and the justifier” – i.e. A God in compliance w/His law [regarding propitiation] and the One who thru such compliance has truly justified [or made righteous] His people).

The goal of all biblical interpretation is to discover the timeless, moral principle being established (“What’s the point?”) (1Co 9:7-11). To do that, however, first requires we determine the context (“What’s going on?”). The following represents what must be among our most basic considerations:Who was the original audience?(For example)1.1. The word, “you”The “you” in Scripture refers to the original recipients/audience (not the current reader) (e.g. Jer 29:11)1.2. The Jew and JesusUnless otherwise indicated, Jesus’ audience was always Jewish and already in covenant relationship w/God. This means the issue He is most concerned with addressing is covenant maintenance (not entrance) (Mat 15:24 w/Mat 19:16-17; Luk 10:25-28).What Evangelicals do bc they miss this: they interpret Mat 19 and Luk 10 as men trying to earn their way to heaven and Jesus is playing along [as the means to discouraging them] and so that they will eventually look to Him in faith).What was the culture or their cultural biases?(For example)2.1. In re: to culture: The culture during biblical times (or in the ancient Middle East) was essentially agrarian and archaic – i.e. sustenance farming w/o the governmental resources/infrastructure to protect personal property.How this impacts interpretation (or WGO?)(Psa 127:3-5) = In the aforementioned culture, where there was also the frequent threat of bandits, children provided not only the cheapest form of labor but also security.As such, the author is not making some blanket statement like “the more children you have, the more blessed you are” (the homer-cult interpretation). Rather, he speaks this way for practical reasons. They were instead to be viewed as the Lord’s blessing because of their ability to provide extra (and cheap) hands in labor and security.2.2. In re: to cultural biases: Employment outside of the home for women was limited to prostitution or begging.How this impacts interpretation (or WGO?) (e.g. Tit 2:5) = Given what we know about employment for women in the ancient Middle East, the emphasis (in this verse) sb on what the women are doing not where they are doing it. They are to be “working at home” versus “idlers” and “busybodies” (1Ti 5:13).The summary distinction then is this: God wants women to not be lazy while at home, but productive contributors to the family (e.g. Pro 31) — versus God wants women to be housewives and not pursue work or a career outside of the home (the homer- cult interpretation).Again, based on what we know about the culture (or its biases), the emphasis in this verse is to be placed on what the women are doing NOT where they are doing it.How is the word/phrase being used (or what is it associated with) in the book?3.1. “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5)Interpretative options: 1) Paul’s mission is to get people to obey God’s command to have faith, [OR] 2) Paul’s mission is to get those who have faith to obey God’s commands.Answer based on usage: Option 2 since Paul is including the Roman Christians (those already possessing faith) in those who he intends to “bring about the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:6-8 “including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints…your faith is proclaimed in all the world”, See also 11-13a “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith both yours and mine…brothers”).3.2. “the works of the law” (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16)Interpretative options: 1) A reference to people attempting to earn their salvation through their good deeds (or obedience to the law) [OR] 2) A reference to circumcision and its corollaries, the OC atoning sacrifices or prescriptions regarding separation.Answer based on usage: Option 2. The phrase is always and only used in relation to discussions about the need or value of these OC cleansing practices continuing in the future (Rom 3:1 w/20 w/28 w/29-30; Gal 2:1-16).3.3. “heavenly places” (Eph 1:3)Interpretative options: 1) Heaven, the home of God, good angels, and the dead saints, [OR] 2) Those places that exist or are a part of the spiritual realm.Answer based on usage: Option 2 given that this word is also used to refer to demonic forces (Eph 6:12).How is this action or idea used elsewhere that might give additional insight into its meaning?(For example)4.1. The action/idea of love. We often think of love only as it regards affection/attraction (Jug 16:1 w/4). However, when studied throughout the whole of Scripture, we find that the thing most often communicated by this word is “loyalty”.This means that whatever else is being communicated about it (such as affection), this (too) must be included in our understanding (e.g. Joh 13:34-35).4.2 The action/idea of belief. The NT reveals the sacrament of baptism to be synonymous with belief — at least from God’s perspective. IOW: He views your baptism as your belief (1Pe 3:21; Act 2:38 w/Mar 1:15).Hence when we think of belief, we are to think of baptism (or better yet, when someone claims to be a believer/Christian, our first question sb, “When and where were you baptized?”)

The common denominator between hospitality and charity (and the reason I am discussing them together) is that both refer to the generous sharing of our wealth w/others: hospitality is what it is called when it is in regard to entertaining others – most especially God’s people, and charity it is what I am calling it when such sharing is in relation to the God (i.e. His church). God expects His people to practice both: hospitality and charity (Rom 12:13; 1Pe 4:9; Luk 12:21 – we are to be “rich toward God” – most specifically, His church/covenant community or house – Deu 16:9-17 = At the center of two of Israel’s most important Sabbatical Feasts was the giving of a free-will offering from each family’s wealth to the church/covenant community. This is the context of 2Co 8-9. As it re: to God’s house, see Hag 1:3-4, 9; 2Sa 24:24). The word to describe those who fail to be generous w/their wealth (who are neither hospitable or charitable) is “stingy” (Pro 23:6 = Literally, “evil eye”. Hebrew idiom referring to a person who is characterized by stinginess or lack of generosity when it comes to sharing their wealth w/God or others). The greatest temptations we will face in life are those related to three areas: sex (e.g. temptations toward immorality), family (temptation toward idolatry or putting our “water family” above our “blood/covenant family” and God – i.e. “the blood of the covenant is to be thicker than the water of the womb”) and money (being stingy w/our wealth). The area that is most dangerous or difficult is money – i.e. being hospitable and charitable (Mat 19:23-24 “easier for a camel to go thru the eye of a needle”) = Hyperbole indicating the level of difficulty Jesus is associating w/those who are rich and getting into heaven. On a scale from 1 to 10, the difficulty is a 10. Jesus reveals that possessing an “evil/bad eye” (i.e. being characterized by stinginess) indicates that you are filled w/spiritual “darkness” and serve the false god of “mammon” (Mat 6:24 “money”) = Mammon – which is more than just our money. It refers to earthly riches or resources. A person serving mammon as their god, is a person who does not generously share those resources (e.g. food, clothing, lodging, money). Both Jesus and Paul reveal that what causes a person to be stingy is lack of trust/refusal to trust in God for their future (i.e. they don’t believe God will take care of them; they look to their wealth as their security rather than God) (1Ti 6:17-18; Luk 12:16-19 “tear down my barns and build larger ones…you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax” = Rather than view his present windfall as the God ordained opportunity to be “rich toward God” [v21], he instead uses it to remove his dependence upon God in the future). What stingy people (those not practicing hospitality or charity) fail to realize: 6.1. The source of all their wealth is not themselves (i.e. their effort or ability) but God (Deu 8:18). 6.2. One of the biggest reasons God gives wealth is so that we can use it to get to heaven: as the means to “buying a place in heaven” (1Ti 6:19 w/Mat 6:19-21) = Where we invest our wealth will determine where our affections/loyalty/future ultimately resides (heaven or earth, heaven or hell?). 6.3. Being poor is often God’s merciful judgment of those who are stingy since such stinginess is a sign of what such people would be if they had more money resulting in greater (or more serious judgment) (Jam 4:2-3; 2Co 9:6; Pro 11:24, 28:22; Luk 12:42-48). What (then) is required/what it looks like to be hospitable and charitable:7.1. Hospitable (or generous in the entertainment of others – most esp. God’s people) (Mat 14-21, 15:32-38) = What do we see in both accounts? There was lots of food leftover. Jesus knew exactly how much food needed to be made to satisfy the hunger of every single person, yet each time purposely made more. And since they lacked the technology to preserve such items (they didn’t have fridges), that meant much of it would go to waste (the amounts listed were more than Jesus and the disciples could have eaten before some of it went bad). So Jesus not only made more than enough, He deliberately knew that much of what was left would rot (or go to waste). The point (then) not to miss = This is how we are to practice hospitality. Never should anyone leave hungry or there be so little left that everyone feels awkward (e.g. the chip bowl is empty, there is only one piece of meat left, there is only enough for everyone to have one cookie for dessert). To be hospitable means to have plenty of leftovers (waste!). If you have a problem w/that then it’s b/c your view of what it means to be responsible w/your resources, or the money God gives you is not biblical and needs to change. What you think is prudence is stinginess and lack of trust in God. God wants us to be “wasteful” when it comes to hospitality. Also, in respect to hospitality consider (Heb 13:2 w/Gen 18:1-8) = We should not be feeding our guests the leftovers or what we had lying around in the pantry – or even the cheap crap we may like to eat during the week. We are instead to give them the kind of food they consider to be among the best and/or a delicious feast.7.2. Charitable (or generous toward God/God’s church/covenant community) (Luk 12:13-21) “rich man” = Person possessing most of what he gains (hence the reason he even has some/a little for the future – or enough to build “barns” [small storage units]); “land…produced plentifully” = His income that year was far beyond its normal yield (i.e. a windfall). He was like a person receiving an “inheritance” (v13). How then we are to view such situations of abundance: 1) consistent w/the theme of the free-will offering (e.g. those made during the Feast of Weeks and Booths), we are to interpret all such yields as God wanting us to give above and beyond our normal tithe – i.e. we are also to provide a free-will offering (to His church/covenant community) in respect to that abundance, 2) God expects that free-will offering to be the majority of our windfall (it is God who is supposed to get “rich” – i.e. be the one possessing most of the gain/abundance, in this scenario – not us. Consider again the definition of “rich” in respect to the man in this example [see italics]), 3) such windfalls/abundance are a test from God since “one’s life (one’s judgment before God) does not consist in (will not be determined based on) the abundance of his possessions” (or laying “up treasure” for self) but in being “rich toward God.” Like the rich man (and as discussed earlier), many people will end up condemned by God (i.e. go to hell) b/c they failed this most important test: when they received an abundance, they failed to practice charity (toward God) and were instead stingy – keeping the majority (or all) of the money for themselves.

1. Image bearing was God’s PURPOSE in creating us.2. Image bearing is, therefore, how we WORSHIP God.3. Being God’s image-bearers is an immense and rare PRIVILEGE.4. Image bearing is why God SAVES people.5. Image bearing is, therefore, what will determine where we spend ETERNITY.6. To be made in the image of God is to reflect, imitate, and copy Him in FUNCTION, not form.7. Attempts to reflect God in FORM are the basis of history’s first two sins.What being an image-bearer of God looks like:1. Like God, we put all things under our care, in their proper order.2. Like God, we develop or cultivate the raw materials we possess.3. Like God, be most committed to the church.4. Like God, we respond in kind.5. Like God, mercy/forgiveness/grace never negates justice.6. Like God, we view the apostate as a spouse who left for another lover and murdered our children.7. Like God, we are only willing to have relationships with those who seek Him.8. Like God, we don’t care what the wicked thinks of us.9. Like God, we make his Law our highest authority.10. Like God, we view all truth, even the smallest, as most essential.

In Mark 8:33-38, Jesus gives us an ultimatum: die to self – or being controlled by our feelings/emotions or we cannot “come after [Him]” for salvation[1]. The reason Jesus possessed such a negative view in relation to self or our feelings, is because He knew them to be severely compromised by sin and easily manipulated by Satan and the world. To be controlled by them will therefore result in us becoming no better than Satan, led astray by the world, denied by Jesus, and losing our souls in hell forever (Pro 25:28). Self – or once more, being controlled by our feelings/emotions is, therefore, sin and humanity’s biggest problem (not Satan, not God, but self). The end of history will see humanity divided into two categories: 1) those who lived controlled by their feelings (and are now in hell), (and) 2) those who crucified their feelings and were instead controlled by God/Christ (and are now in heaven) (2Co 5:15 [“for themselves” = Self/the flesh/controlled by their feelings]; Gal 5:24).The power to do that (to live crucified to our feelings and follow Christ) was granted at our baptism. In those waters, we were set free from slavery to our flesh (feelings controlling us) (Rom 6:1-7). However, we must still do the work of applying that power if such freedom is to be realized. And to this task we are obligated as part of our covenant vows to follow and give full control to Christ (Rom 6:8-13 w/8:12-13).How to be free/take control away from your feelings (and give full control to Jesus):REPENTThe number one reason people will not deny or die to self/their feelings and (as a result) fail to follow Christ is because they refuse to truly repent when they sin (and that includes the sin of being controlled by their feelings).What that looks like (according to 2Co 7:10-11) = Ownership (no excuses, no victim mentality, no feeling sorry for yourself), a declaration of war against self (you no longer trust self) and the mindset that failure is not an option (we must win, being in the fight is not enough; not winning is sinning; not winning means going to hell; Eph 5:5-9 “Let no one deceive you” = Let no one cause you to think that salvation wb granted even to those who do not conquer their sins [“disobedience]; who do not take control away from their sinful feelings. We must win the war and “walk as children of light” [i.e. live in obedience to the truth – not our fallen/sinful feelings]).RISK ADVERSIFY YOUR LIFEAnother major reason so many people fail to have victory over their feelings is that they are under the impression that such success can be realized while still practicing, possessing, participating in – or living in close proximity to those things that most encourage or entice self (or our flesh) to indulge in its cravings (e.g. going on a diet with an ice-cream filled fridge and a cookie filled pantry). The secret to success is not becoming more self-disciplined, but more risk-averse. “If you are overweight, a smoker, or an addict, you’ve been told your whole life that it is because you lack self-control. The idea that a little more self-discipline would solve all our problems is deeply embedded in our culture. Recent research however, shows something different. When scientists analyze people who appear to have tremendous self-control, it turns out those individuals aren’t all that different from those who are struggling. Instead ‘disciplined’ people are better at structuring their lives in a way that does not require heroic will power and self-control. In other words, they spend less time in tempting situations. The people with the best self-control are those who have to use it the least.” – James Clear (Atomic Habits) The irony of risk-aversion = Many who view themselves as risk-averse are actually the most reckless. The problem is that they are risk-averse in relation to the wrong things. They are so concerned with minimizing loss in the present (or in relation to temporal things/relationships), that they become reckless in relation to the loss of future (or eternal) things (i.e. their soul). This is true of too many in this church (e.g. fail to act boldly w/your family to stop the rebellion because you are afraid of losing the relationship and as a result, you are losing all credibility with Jesus come judgment day – Mat 10:32-38). Being controlled by one’s feelings makes a person susceptible to this awful irony. Why? Because the future (or future risk) cannot be felt (only the present). If therefore you are a person operating and making decisions based on your feelings, then you are person who can only risk-adversify in relation to the present (since once more, it is the only thing you can feel). This means you are (in reality) living a very reckless life (spiritually), one that will most likely end in eternal hell. The feeling most hostile to risk-aversion (and repentance) = Complacency (laziness/lack of urgency in relation to needed change).What complacency communicates about our view of God and how He responds = (Zep 1:12)What those who are truly risk-averse do: (They…)2.1. Find the wise and hang with them 1) How wisdom helps me be truly risk-averse/conquer my feelings = Wisdom gives me the ability to discern what are the situations posing the greatest risk to my relationship w/Christ and eternal destiny and the desire to avoid them. It makes me careful and cautious to fear the Lord in or w/all things (Pro 14:16; Pro 22:3; Pro 9:10; Eph 5:15-17), 2) Why seeking and hanging w/the wise helps to accomplish that goal = We are the product of who we hang out with – who we are spending the most with (Pro 13:20, 24:6; Act 4:13 = Jesus’ wisdom rubbed off on the apostles because of the time they had spent w/Him).Example(s) of what this looks like: Identifying the wise in the Body of Christ and making a point to spend the majority of your free or fellowshipping time with them (in person, on the phone, through social media, etc.). This means being proactive to reach out and set up times to talk and hang out. 2.2. Forget those who are self-serving (2Co 6:14-7:1 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers…lawlessness… darkness… Belial…idols” = Do not have relationships with people who are not seeking to be righteous or serve God [who are instead serving self/their flesh and feelings]. We must “separate” ourselves from such people not only to have God as a “father” who will “welcome” us as His children, but also to “cleanse” ourselves from the “defilement” it will bring to our bodies – i.e. because it opens us up to the temptations of our feelings/flesh [the self/flesh serving attitude/behavior/thinking seeps into us – 2Pe 1:4 = The “world” – a reference to unbelievers who are unwilling to seek God or righteousness, is the people we must “escape” from if we are to avoid the “corruption…because of sinful desire” – i.e. the soul/spirit becoming infected by the sin of our flesh/feelings]. How then do we evangelize such people? 1Co 5:9-10 = Through “association” not relationship [and for the apostate, no association or evangelism at all = v11]). We cannot have relationship until people are those welcomed by/ “acceptable to” God (i.e. we are to be imitators of God in our behavior w/them – Act 10:34-35).Example(s) of what this looks like = No relationship w/unbelieving (non-apostate) relatives/children who are not seeking righteousness and open to listening to the gospel (no hanging out, no inviting them to parties, going to their parties, camping w/them, etc). 2.3. Flee from even the appearance of evil or anything illicitly sexual/romantic (Pro 4:25-27 “do not swerve to the right or to the left…straight ahead” = No consideration of anything that is questionable; a pursuit of only those things that I am positive are righteous; 1Th 5:22 “abstain from every form of evil” = Literally, “keep far away from the appearance of evil” – i.e. from anything that gives the impression to others that something sinful might be happening [See Mat 15:8; Luk 9:29]; 1Co 6:18 “flee” = hasty/urgent retreat; 2Ti 2:22 “youthful lusts” = The cravings/passions/desires of young adults [e.g. sexual pleasure]; Eph 5:3 “not even named among you” = No one would ever accuse or be suspicious of you in relation to such things; How this makes me risk-averse/helps conquer my feelings = Anything that appears like sin or sex wb an encouragement/enticement to those very things – even though they themselves may not be [sin or sex]. Hence the reason for the careful language [“abstain”, “flee”]).Example(s) of what this looks like: 1) In relation to the appearance of evil = Attending most rap or rock concerts (since most are known for lewd behavior, drug use, etc. Not only that, but when you can’t pick the song set, you will inevitably hear songs which are sinful that you now appear to be celebrating with everyone else who is there), 2) In relation to the appearance of anything illicitly sexual/romantic = Dinner or drinks w/a co-worker of the opposite sex when you are married. 2.4. Filter what they watch and listen to (Mat 5:22-23 “your eye” = Idiom referring to what your spirit chooses to watch or listen to; “whole body” = Our physical bodies – including our feelings; “healthy…full of light” = If what you watch or listen to is morally good, then your flesh/feelings will be desirous of morally good/God-glorifying things [as the sinful part of our flesh is diminished]; “bad…great is the darkness!” = If what you watch or listen to is morally wicked, then your flesh/feelings will be desirous of morally wicked things [and your sinful flesh empowered! “Garbage in, garbage out”]).Example(s) of what this looks like: 1) In relation to what you watch: No movies or tv shows with sexual nudity, filled with sexual situations or language (e.g. tv shows: Friends, Grey’s Anatomy, Game Of Thrones, True Detective, Black Sails, Vikings, Westworld, Peaky Blinders, Love Craft Country, Narcos, Orange is the New Black, Altered Carbon, Outlander, All soap operas) or promoting/glorifying crime (Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C.), 2) In relation to what you listen to: Most rap music (all about drugs, sex, and crime). 2.5. Forfeit those things which they already know to be temptations to their flesh (or cause sinful feelings to rise up in them) (Heb 12:1 “lay aside = Get rid of, throw out, remove; “the weight…the sin that clings so closely” = Those things in our life that can cause us to easily fall prey to our sinful flesh/feelings).Example(s) of what this looks like = Quitting social media sites such as Fb, TikTok or YouTube because they tempt you to folly and dissipation; Quitting the gym which doubles as a soft-porn club for men. CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: In May of 1971, two congressman Robert Steele from Connecticut and Morgan Murphy from Illinois, went to Vietnam and returned with this news: almost half of the soldiers had used heroin, and at least 15% were addicted. This was extremely disturbing, given that heroin was (at that time) considered the most addictive drug in the world (once addicted, it was nearly impossible to escape, relapse ~ 100%). In response to this report, President Nixon appointed Dr. Jerome Jaffe and researcher Lee Robins to determine what happened to these addicted soldiers when they came back to the states. Their research yielded unexpected findings: 95% of those soldiers once addicted to the most addictive drug on the planet were no longer using or addicted. Returning to the states had allowed them to kick the habit. Why? The answer was also unexpected. Their environment had changed. They were no longer in the place associated w/their former use. Which meant the feelings triggered by that environment (i.e. the desire to use heroin) were no longer active – or greatly diminished. The radical change in environment – the drug-filled jungles of Vietnam, to the lawful and ordered world of America, gave them the power needed to win in their war on drugs. Risk-adversifying our lives to win the war over self/feelings is based on the same principle. Consider each of the discussed points. They are all (some more than others) about changing our environment – from one that fuels our flesh to one that doesn’t. From one that encourages flesh/feelings to be king, to one that starves those feelings and instead makes Christ our king.CLOSING CHALLENGE: (Rom 13:14) “put on the Lord Jesus Christ (His environment, His people, His ways) and (through that) make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (i.e. get out of that environment).” [1] Paul gives the same ultimatum in Rom 8:12-13 using the word “flesh” to identify what Jesus means by “self”. The Scripture uses several terms (e.g. when used in the negative sense: self, flesh, body, passions, heart) to refer to the fallen physical person – i.e. our sinful or selfish feelings, which are constantly soliciting us to live according to their desires, to essentially become their slave (2Ti 3:6; 2Pe 2:18-19; Hence 1Co 9:27).

God’s exhaustive sovereignty (rule/control) and supreme power is experienced by all creatures in heaven and on earth (25:1-3). God’s transcendence has caused some to believe that God’s view of things is different (qualitatively) to ours (even Scripture presents a condescension of what is actually true or accurate) (25:4-6; “One of the fundamental postulates of [liberal] theory, is the claim that God cannot reveal truth to us. And even if God could speak, humans are considered incapable of understanding whatever God might be attempting to say. [According to Protestant Liberalism], God’s inability to speak is [due to] His transcendence. This radical otherness of God means, among other things, that the human mind is incapable of comprehending the divine mind. Once this point is granted, it follows that the word of God can never be the communication of truth; divine revelation can never contain a cognitive content that can be apprehended by the human mind [qualitatively]. [As such] no revelation is propositional [or establishing accurate, reliable truth. The Bible is instead nothing more than divine condescension; e.g. Friedrich Schleiermacher[1]].” – Ronald Nash, The Word Of God And The Mind Of Man). The value of our “counsel” (or verbal “help”) of the needy (those w/ “no power” or “no strength” or “no wisdom”) will always be determined by: 1) the source of that help/counsel (“with whose help have [we] uttered words, and whose breath has come out from [us]?”) (26:1-4; 2Co 10:5; Col 1:28, 3:16 “warning/admonishing” = To give strong counsel for the cessation of inappropriate behavior), 2) its ability to give comfort in light of God’s exhaustive sovereignty and power (26:1-4 w/5-10 [exhaustive sovereign rule/control], 6-14 [supreme power; “Rahab” = The proud one, Satan – see v13, “the fleeing serpent”; See also 9:13-14]). The Bible presents accurate astronomical facts thousands of years (3k?) before such facts could be known scientifically (26:7 “He stretches the north [the stars in the space above/to the “true north” of us] over the void [literally, “nothing” = The stars hang in space with nothing holding them up- Isa 40:22] and hangs the earth on nothing” = Like the stars, the earth also hangs on “nothing”; 26:10 “He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters” = The earth is a “circle” or sphere [versus flat which was the view of ancient people], when viewed from space – or “the boundary between light and darkness”; Science only confirmed this in 1957 through the soviet launch and orbit of Sputnik). The righteous are as bold as a lion and as revealing as the light when it comes to maintaining and defending their “integrity” or “righteousness” (27:1-6 [“my heart does not reproach me for any of my days”] = I know of nothing against me; Pro 28:1; Joh 3:20-21). It is not wrong for us to: 1) desire that God stand against those who continue to stand against us (i.e. those who are “oppressors” – v13) when our actions or lives are righteous (27:7-8), 2) warn those who are currently standing against us (though we are righteous) as to what God promises will be their “portion” or “heritage…from the Almighty” if they continue (27:9-23). The precious possession of true wisdom and understanding: 1) cannot be arduously mined out of the earth as other “precious thing(s)” (28:1-12), 2) cannot be purchased by the earth’s other “precious thing(s)” (28:15-19), 3) is otherworldly or not found in General Revelation (28:13-14, 20-22; Jam 3:17), 4) resides with God as demonstrated by His control and care over Creation (28:23-27; Pro 8), 5) is found in the “fear of the Lord” and “turn(ing) away from evil.” (28:28; Pro 1:7, 3:7; Ecc 12:13). [1] Considered the “Father of Modern Liberalism”, Friedrich Schleiermacher was also a “Father or Modern Evangelicalism” based on his views of the Old Testament. He regarded them as: 1) promoting legalism, 2) of no use to Christians (denying Jesus and the apostles’ use as setting any precedent), 3) being replaced by the New Testament (rather than the NT being viewed as an upgrade). In the words of Gregg Allison, “Friedrich Schleiermacher relegated the Old Testament to secondary status. He noted the common consensus among Christians that a great difference exists between the Old and New Testaments, and he denied that Christian maturity could be helped even by the Prophets and the Psalms. He asserted that when Christians give heed to the Old Testament, their Christianity is infected by legalism and they can find little support for Christian doctrines. Furthermore, Schleiermacher denied that the use of the Old Testament by Christ and the apostles was a precedent set by them for Christians to follow; indeed he spoke of the ‘gradual retirement’ of the Old Testament as the New Testament appeared and proposed that the ‘real meaning’ of the facts would be clearer if the Old Testament followed the New as an appendix.” (Historical Theology).

Righteous arguments allow all parties involved to respond/be heard (21:1-3 = Allow for my response, then you can continue with your mocking of me; Consider this applies even to God – 38:1-2, 40:1-2, 6-8). It is “empty nothings” (“delusion” = A belief that contradicts reality; Jer 10:3 [NAS]) or “falsehood” to counsel or “comfort” (21:34) those who follow God (most especially those who are suffering – 21:5-6) with the idea that “the wicked” or “evil man”(21:7, 16-17, 28, 30; i.e. those who “say to God” [21:14-15]) : 1) never experiences health, happiness, safety and prosperity (21:7, 9-10, 12-13, 17-18, 20-21 = When they do suffer, they don’t seem to mind or be bothered by it; 21:16, 22 “the counsel of the wicked is far from me…Will any teach God knowledge seeing that He judges those who are on high?” = I do not understand God’s knowledge/wisdom it is beyond me -especially as it relates to the wicked), 2) never produces offspring or descendants who are healthy, happy, safe and prospering (21:8, 11, 19), 3) can be readily identified simply by the state or end of their earthly life (21:23-26 w/27-34, 24:18-25 = Their lives end the same as everybody else) (See also [Pro 10:2-3, 7, 9, 24-25, 27-31; Psa 37:1-38; Ecc 8:12-14, 9:2-3; Psa 73:1-15] w/Psa 73:16-26 and Ecc 12:13-14 = The perennial distinction between the righteous and the wicked is in regard to their eternal futures). God doesn’t need us to be righteous, we need us to be righteous (22:1-3 = God does not profit or “gain” anything from us, even when we are “wise” or “make [our] ways blameless”; “pleasure” = Even in this respect, there is no gain/profit to God. He was perfectly happy before He created us. To believe otherwise is to believe that God was/is imperfect, incomplete – or needs us [or our good] for His own good; Psa 8:4). God brings temporal judgments on people as a means of promoting fear (of Him) and wisdom/righteousness (in us) (22:1-4; Isa 26:9; Pro 1:7). Evil, reckless slander (22:6-9, 15-20; 22:18 “the counsel of the wicked is far from me” = Eliphaz is accusing Job of denying that he has been receiving/believing wicked counsel even though God had “filled his house with good things”) is the result of the Evangelical/Calvinist (Eliphaz is the insufferable Evangelical-Calvinist – 4:17-21, 15:14-016) assumption that: 1) we are totally depraved and therefore incapable of even faithfulness (we instead sin/commit idolatry a million times a day [e.g. John Calvin]) (22:5), 2) our refusal to acknowledge our total depravity or God’s knowledge of our uncontrollable idolatry/sinning is the reason so many “snares”, “terror” and “darkness” surround us (22:10-14), 3) humbling ourselves to and agreeing that we are totally depraved/possessing no righteousness in ourselves is the key to God blessing us, answering our prayers or delivering us (22:21-30; 22:23-24 “if you remove injustice far from your tents, if you lay gold in the dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed, then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver…For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride; but He saves the lowly. He delivers even the one who is not innocent’” = Thinking you are “innocent” or you possess any moral value [“gold”] is the problem. God delivers/saves those who condemn themselves [who are “humbled”] as no better than anybody else and view Him as their only moral value [“gold”]). When the righteous experience extreme suffering their righteous complaints can: 1) become impatient – even defiant (21:4 “Is my complaint against man? [IOW: Am I complaining as a guilty man? No], Why should I not [then] be impatient?” = I am desperately seeking for God to give me an answer as to why I am suffering so much though I am righteous; See notes/discussion on chapter 9; Also see Psa 55:17, 64:1, 23:1-3, 16-17), 2) seem overly confident or arrogant (23:4-10), 3) communicate that they are starting to lose hope that being righteous changes anything in relation to what God does (21:5-6 “I am dismayed”, 23:11-15, 24:1 = Why are the wicked not immediately judged [“Why are not times of judgment kept by the Almighty?”] and the righteous not immediately delivered [“Why do those who know Him never see His days?”] w/24:2-17 [“poor” = The righteous]).

In Mark 8:33-38, Jesus gives us an ultimatum: die to self – or being controlled by our feelings/emotions or we cannot “come after [Him]” for salvation. The reason is that self – or again our feelings/emotions, are severely compromised by sin and easily manipulated by Satan and the world. To be controlled by them will therefore result in us becoming no better than Satan, being led astray by the world, denied by Jesus, and losing our souls in hell forever. Self – or once more, being controlled by our feelings/emotions is, therefore, our greatest enemy and humanity’s biggest problem. All people can be separated into two categories: 1) the lost = those living according to their feelings, 2) the saved = those who have crucified their feelings and are living for Christ (2Co 5:15 [“for themselves” = Self/the flesh/controlled by their feelings]; Gal 5:24). The power to do that (to live crucified to our feelings as that which controls us and follow Christ) was granted at our baptism. In those waters, we were set free from slavery to our flesh (feelings controlling us) (Rom 6:1-7). However, we must still do the work of applying the power or using those tools if such freedom is to be realized. And to this task we are obligated as part of our covenant vows to follow and give full control to Christ (Rom 6:8-13 w/8:12-13).How to be free/take control away from your feelings (and give full control to Jesus):REPENTThe number one reason people will not deny or die to self/their feelings and (as a result) fail to follow Christ is because they refuse to truly repent when they sin. And being controlled by your feelings is sin. Unrepentance is also the reason so many professing Christians lack passion in living for Christ. Unresolved sin kills passion. Repentance is therefore the first solution or step to taking control away from your feelings and living passionate lives for Christ. Hence the reason the pre-requisite to the gospel – or “take up your cross and follow Me” is always “repent” (Mar 1:15 “repent and believe the gospel” = “take up your cross”/die to self w/ Act 24:24-25 = The gospel includes/is about “self-control”).Through his discussion on “godly grief” in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11, the apostle Paul reveals what true/legit repentance (i.e. “repentance that leads to salvation without regret”) looks like. This means, if we are to possess or practice the kind of repentance that frees us from the tyranny of our feelings, then it must be defined by what is mentioned in these verses. That each is absolutely necessary to our success in this respect is confirmed by Paul’s final statement (11 “At every point you proved yourself to be innocent [i.e. right again w/God] in the matter” = Accomplishing true/legit repentance requires conformity to all points that define it).1.1. No pain no gain (or change) (10) = True/legit repentance is produced by (or requires) “godly grief” (or pain) – the pain associated with change and taking control away from one’s feelings. It is the opposite of “worldly grief” (or pain) – the emotional pain associated with feeling sorry for oneself self. Godly pain brings change and life (or “salvation”) whereas worldly pain brings “death” and “regret”. Christian gain, therefore, requires godly pain – the pain associated with change (“no pain no gain”) (def. of insanity = expecting a change in the results without change in the actions).1.2. Extreme ownership(11 “what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves”) = In contrast to the person feeling sorry for themselves, playing the victim or making excuses, the person who is truly repentant takes extreme ownership of their situation, they call it for what it is and embrace the “godly pain” of change that it will require – no matter the cost (the first steps in all recovery programs are admitting you have a problem and possessing a willingness to do whatever it takes to change).1.3. War(11 “what indignation”) = Fierce opposition toward who/what is wrong. In this case, your feelings that are controlling you. They are no longer to be viewed as the friend you can trust (“follow your heart”), but the enemy within that deceives and can never be trusted. To truly repent and turn from our feelings therefore also requires that we go to war to self/our feelings (the f**k cancer campaign).(what else defines true/legit repentance – the kind that frees us from the tyranny of our feelings/emotions)…1.4. Phobic Fear(11 “what fear” [φόβος; phobia]) = Different than momentary (or “casual”) fear (the fear of fight or flight), phobia is the kind of fear that stays with you. It is fear that ultimately determines what you do (it is causal, not casual). All creatures (including humans) have this causal/phobic fear as their main mode of operation (modus operandi). We are hardwired to fear as the key to survive and thrive. We are creatures controlled by fear. What then determines whether it is healthy (or unhealthy) is what fear it specifically is.The causal/phobic fear that Paul is referring to here (the kind necessary to true/legit repentance) = The fear of the Lord. The Bible says this phobic/controlling/causal fear is “the beginning of wisdom” (Pro 9:10) [1].What the fear of the Lord exactly is = Constant awareness of a coming judgment where every deed (including every careless thought and word) will be assessed w/o the ability to excuse it away, manipulate (e.g. cry) or play dumb (Pro 24:12; Heb 4:12).Why fear of the Lord/constant awareness of a coming judgment breaks us free from being controlled by our feelings (or the sinful flesh) = We can’t serve two masters (or two forms of phobic/causal fear). Fear of the Lord will always be stronger than FOMO (fear of missing out) – the main reason people obey their feelings. So when we have fear of the Lord, those feelings get suppressed and neglected (Pro 23:17) = The key to not letting our feelings (“heart”) move us to “envy sinners” (to worry that what they have we don’t or what they are experiencing, we aren’t) is to “continue in the fear of the Lord.”[2]Why (else) fear of the Lord/constant awareness of a coming judgment is an important piece of true/legit repentance = Because it also causes us to not only live for God but also love/care about others (the goal of repentance) – including their moral/spiritual state (Lev 19:14 [“fear your God”: “I am the Lord”] – 17) = Verse 14 shows an appositional relationship between how God is using the phrase “fear your God” and “I am the Lord” (i.e. that the latter signals or communicates the former). As such every command that follows and carries this phrase (“I am the Lord”) is meant to communicate this as it cause – or means for carrying it out (“fear your God”). In light of what these specific commands are about, what we are being told is this: fear of God is what will cause us to not only live for God, but also love/care about others – including their moral/spiritual state (to not “curse” or be “partial”, nor be a “slanderer” but instead “reason w/him frankly” [regarding his moral/spiritual state], to “love him as [ourself]”); (2Co 5:9-11) = Notice three things: 1) Paul identifies “fear of the Lord” as the coming judgment where all deeds (good and bad) wb repaid (11 “Therefore knowing the fear of Lord” – i.e. knowing of this coming judgment [10“before the judgment seat of Christ”]), 2) this fear (or knowledge of this coming judgment) motivates (controls/causes) Paul to “please (Christ)” as his goal in living versus fulfilling the desires of his flesh of feelings (9 w/14-15 = What Paul called “the fear of the Lord” in v11, he now equates w/ or identifies as “the love of Christ” that “controls us” (i.e. causes us to do what we do). In this case, “live no longer for [self] but for him…who died and was raised.” (See also 7:1 = fear of the Lord is once more the motivation/cause to “holiness” or living for God), 3) this fear also causes Paul to “persuade others” – i.e. to convince others of their need to turn from being controlled by their feelings and (instead) live for Christ (since they too will face His judgment) – i.e. it made him care about the spiritual/moral state of others! In summary, then, the question to ask ourselves, is what do we fear most (or what fear controls us)? Is it God (and His coming judgment) or missing out on the cheap, temporal pleasures of the flesh? Is it fear of God or FOMO/the fear of death? There are only two masters (God or Satan), two causal fears (fear of God or FOMO/fear of death). Who and which one controls you? Who are you listening to – God or our feelings and Satan? As discussed, the answer to that question is the key determiner to whether we are truly repentant and following Christ. A great way to discern on which side you are currently standing is to consider Paul’s words in (Phi 2:12 “fear and trembling” = Anxious distrust of your flesh and its ability to bring you spiritual harm). Is this your Christian walk (how you “work out your salvation”)? Does the fear you claim to possess for God cause you to operate with anxious distrust of your flesh and its ability to cause you spiritual harm? IOW: are you careful – or do you just go wherever your feelings are taking you in the moment (and say your “sorry” later?). 1.5. Failure or quitting is not an option(11 “what longing [strong desire], what zeal [strong commitment to see one’s desire fulfilled], what punishment [tough treatment of the guilty ” – 1Pe 2:14) = When taken together these three refer to a person who possesses the mindset that failure or quitting is not an option. Which in this case refers to the mission of wresting control away from our feelings/emotions. The person who is truly repentant (in relation to being controlled by their feelings/emotions) is, therefore, more than just willing to go to war with self or the flesh, they are more than just embracing or taking extreme ownership in respect to what that will mean – or the cost involved. They have also removed from their “personal menu” of decisions, the decision to quit or (once more) fail. Success over their feelings/emotions is the only acceptable and available choice. And as mentioned with the other qualities defining true or legitimate repentance, this (too) is absolutely necessary. IOW: you will neither be recognized (by God) as repentant – or gain control over your feelings unless this is your mindset: you will never quit, never give in (again) to your feelings/emotions as that which determines your behavior.Why this mindset (never quitting) is so critical to true/legit repentance = It is the prescribed punishment that fits the crime. In Mark 8, Jesus identifies our sinful flesh, our feelings/emotions as deserving of death, as guilty of capital punishment. And that is the kind of punishment we are exercising against our feelings/emotions when we choose to never quit in our fight against them, to never (again) give them a voice, to never (again) let them call the shots, to never (again) acquiesce to their temptations. By such actions we are suffocating them, banishing them, beating them down, and executing them! We are putting self to death (1Co 9:24-27 = Paul’s “never quit” mindset for gaining the “prize” involved “discipline” – or punishment [NAS – “beating”] his “body”. Such punishment/discipline however was psychological – not physical. It was discipline/punishment in relation to his feelings/emotions – the refusal to give in to their temptations and desires. To make them his “slave”, to do his bidding [versus him doing theirs]. This we can be certain of. Why? Because Paul already knew that “severity to the body” was of “no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” [Col 2:23]. IOW: focusing on getting strong physically as the cure to your moral issues does nothing more than make you a “strong quitter”. Our world is filled with such people: they look tough on the outside, but their souls are soft and sick.Why this mindset (of never quitting/failure is not an option) is so critical to taking control away from our feelings = We are self-programmed robots: your brain/body are listening to what you tell it through your thoughts and words (Pro 23:7 “for as a [man] thinks within himself, so is he” [NAS]). This means if you go in with the option to fail or quit, you will more than likely fail versus if you go in w/o that option – success will be realized (especially since God has already given us the power and promise we can do it – 2Pe 1:3). Multiple studies have shown that people program themselves for defeat before they even start because their mindset going in is negative/defeatist (e.g. “I can’t do this, I don’t know if I can do this, this is too hard”) or because they give themselves the option to fail (e.g. The factor most determining whether 100-mile endurance runners finish the race is their mindset before the race even starts. If they go in thinking, they have the option to quit when things get difficult/painful, they end up quitting. If they go with the mindset that failure/quitting is not an option, they complete the race]; In a 2008 study, researchers found that subjects who were given a placebo but told it was caffeine were able to lift significantly more weight than those who were really given caffeine; Seals 40% rule works on the principle of mindset: when your feelings tell you that you are done, you have only expended 40%, which means you still have 60% left in the tank. IOW: Most people convince themselves to fail or quit long before their bodies ever will). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = Based on the biblical definition of repentance, have you repented of being controlled by your feelings/emotions? You won’t gain victory over them until you do. You aren’t following Christ until you do.[1] “Fear is hardwired in your brain, and for good reason [our survival]. Neuroscientists have identified distinct networks that run from the depths of the limbic system all the way to the prefrontal cortex and back. When these networks are electrically or chemically stimulated, they produce fear, even in the absence of a fearful stimulus [i.e. this fear is different/separate from casual fear]. Feeling fear is [therefore] neither abnormal nor a sign of weakness: The capacity to be afraid is part of normal brain function. In fact, a lack of fear may be a sign of serious brain damage [Psa 36:1 w/Deu 28:28 w/Ecc 9:3 w/Eph 4:17-19 = The choice to listen to the wickedness in our flesh/feelings leads to brain damage – the “callous” inability to fear God, to giving ourselves a spiritual lobotomy].” – Dr. Theo Tsaousides, Ph.D. (neuropsychologist)[2] The basis of FOMO (or fear of missing out) is another fear, the fear of death (or possessing only one life). This fear however is alleviated by embracing the salvation gained by Christ and living faithfully for God (i.e. living in the fear of God) (Heb 2:14-16) = Christ granted us freedom from the phobic fear of FOMO/the “fear of death” which the “devil” uses to enslave the world. Anyone therefore driven by this (bad) phobic/causal fear is not only being controlled by their sinful feelings/emotions but the world’s grand puppeteer, Satan (1Jo 5:19 = People of the world are the willing puppets of Satan – the destroyer of souls – whereas the church, the willing sheep of God the great and loving Shepherd).

In Mark 8:33-38, Jesus gives us an ultimatum: die to self (i.e. being controlled by/listening to our feelings) or we cannot “come after [Him]” for salvation[1]. This ultimatum is based on both loyalty (we can’t serve two masters) and ability: self – or again our feelings, are severely compromised by sin and easily manipulated by Satan and the world. To be controlled by them will therefore result in not only failing to live for Christ but also behaving no better than Satan and being led astray by the world. It will guarantee losing our souls in hell forever[2]. Self – or once more, being controlled by our feelings is, therefore, our greatest enemy and humanity’s biggest problem.The good news, however, is that for genuine Christians (those baptized in a legit/biblical church), the tools (or power) to be free, to take control away from our feelings has already been granted to us. We no longer must function as its slaves (Rom 6:1-7). That being said, we must still do the work of applying that power or using those tools if such freedom is to be realized. And to this task we are obligated as part of our covenant vows to follow and give full control to Christ (Rom 6:8-13 w/8:12-13).How to be free/stop listening to/take control away from your feelings (and give full control to Jesus -i.e. live according to truth):REPENTThe number one reason people will not die to self/their feelings and (as a result) fail to follow Christ is because they are unrepentant in relation to their sin. And being controlled by/listening to your feelings is sin. Unrepentance is also the reason so many professing Christians lack passion in living for Christ. Unresolved sin kills passion. Repentance is therefore the first solution or step to take control away from your feelings and living passionate lives for Christ. Hence the reason that the pre-requisite to the gospel – or “take up your cross and follow Me” is always “repent” (Mar 1:15 “repent and believe the gospel” = “take up your cross”/die to self w/ Act 24:24-25 = The gospel includes/is about “self-control”).Through his discussion on “godly grief” in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11, the apostle Paul reveals what true/biblical repentance (i.e. “repentance that leads to salvation without regret”) looks like. Which means, if we are to possess or practice the kind of repentance that frees us from the tyranny of our feelings, then it must be defined by what is mentioned in these verses:1.1. No pain no gain (or change) (10) = True/legit repentance is produced by (or requires) “godly grief” = Literally, godly pain ([λύπη] = Same word translated as “painful” in Heb 12:11). It is the pain associated with change and taking control away from one’s feelings. What else is true about this “godly pain” that produces true/legitimate repentance = It is the opposite of “worldly grief” (or again, “pain”). Godly pain brings change and life (or “salvation”) whereas worldly pain brings “death” and “regret”.What Paul is referring to by “worldly grief/pain” = The emotional pain associated with feeling sorry for oneself (i.e. “your feelings are hurt”). This, therefore, is what defines fake/illegitimate repentance. It is a person who thinks they are repenting b/c they feel bad (again, sorry for themselves) when they sin (or more accurately, get caught in their sin). Prisons are filled w/such people (people whose only reason for feeling bad is because they got caught). What fake/illegitimate/worldly repentance (feeling sorry for yourself) looks like = Acting like a martyr, making excuses (“I did do the crime, but I am a good person)[3], playing the victim (“I can’t help what I do/think”)[4] or crying when sin is discovered in their life. People who respond in any of these ways (to their sin) show that they are unrepentant – or not willing to put self/their feelings to death. They have rejected the pain that will always come when one attempts to take control away from self/their feelings and put in its place the counterfeit pain of self-pity (or again, “worldly grief”)[5].How (then) you need to view godly pain = Not as something bad – or an indication that we need to stop our current course of action, but rather as a good thing, as an indication that sin/self/feelings are leaving (or beginning to die) as that which controls us (“pain is weakness leaving/dying in the body”). The Christian life is not butterfly kisses and anyone who attempts to make it that will fail to get to heaven. Godly pain is necessary and something we should run to—rather than away from. It is the place that change or improvement begins. It is how we get stronger and what (therefore) we should expect when truly repenting. Christian gain requires godly pain – the pain associated w/change (“no pain no gain” – or change).1.2. Extreme ownership(11 “what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves”) = The fact that a person wants to “clear” themselves means they not only know they are guilty – but willing to admit it (i.e. confess it) and accept the pain. In contrast (then) to the person feeling sorry for themselves, playing the victim or making excuses (the person possessing only worldly grief/repentance), the person who is truly repentant takes extreme ownership of their situation, they call it for what it is and embrace the “godly pain” of change that it will require – no matter the cost (Mat 18:7-9 = Do whatever it takes to get your feelings [those things affected by “the temptations to sin”] under control). What this word “earnestness” also reveals about the kind of ownership we are to have when it comes to our repentance – or taking control away from our feelings = It is to be immediate (earnestness [σπουδή] = W/speed or haste/immediate action – Mar 6:25; Psa 119:59-60). This means that the excuse “I need time to process” is (again) unrepentance or sin! Parents, do you allow your children time to “process” your commands or to stop their sinful behavior (e.g. tell them to brush their teeth and go to bed, you find them still watching tv w/this excuse, “I needed time to process your command”)? Why then the partiality/hypocrisy when it comes to the immediate ownership/change God calls you to demonstrate as part of your repentance and getting control over your feelings/sin? Again, the immediate and right response to an apostate child provides a good example where several have failed in this respect. The apostate child refused to immediately repent/die to their feelings and follow Christ. As a result, they are now apostate. Though condemning such behavior, the parents respond (in like behavior), by “needing time to process” and crying (i.e. giving in to their feelings by feeling sorry for themselves and their apostate child – rather than Christ). In summary, then, you will never get control over your feelings and truly follow Christ until you legitimately take ownership by admitting that you are controlled by your feelings and commit to immediately doing whatever it takes to change it – to embracing the pain that brings real gain! 1.3. War(11 “what indignation” [ἀγανάκτησις]) = Fierce opposition toward who/what is wrong. In this case, your feelings that are controlling you. They are no longer to be viewed as the friend you can trust (e.g. “follow your heart”), but the enemy within that deceives and can never be trusted (Jer 17:9 “heart”[לֵב] = The seat of man’s emotions). As such, to repent is to declare war on self. If that is not your stance in relation to your feelings, then you are not truly repentant and will never gain control over them. What feelings/emotions are from a scientific perspective and how it reinforces why you shouldn’t trust them = Feelings/emotions are nothing more than guesses that your brain constructs in the moment. Those experiences (the experiences of feelings/emotions) are the experience of “speculation without sufficient information to be confirmed as correct” (the definition of a guess). As such, there is zero correspondence between how powerful the emotion/feeling is—and its ability to be right (See How Emotions Are Made by neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett). This means this: if you are trusting your feelings/emotions, to determine what to do (or not do) in life – or what is right and wrong in life, then you are literally “guessing your way through life”. You are making decisions (some w/eternal consequences) without sufficient information to be confirmed as correct (again, the definition of a guess). And because of what the Bible tells us about sin (and its corruption of our feelings/emotions), that means that a large portion of those guesses are horribly wrong (e.g. COVID related anger/attacks on Asian Americans[6]; Patriotism = “Buy American”[7]).Hence the reason (then) we must die to feelings/emotions controlling our lives. And that starts through repentance – which includes declaring war on them. They are not our trusty friends. They are instead (once more) our greatest enemy, the ignorant deceiver living inside of us who tries very hard to get us to listen. “Trusting your feelings is like trusting a two-year-old with your money. What he chooses to do with it is bound to change and hardly will it ever be in your best interest.” – Anonymous What happens when you continue to feel sorry yourself or play the victim refusing to embrace the pain of change, take ownership and go to war with self (i.e. when you refuse to repent of being controlled by – or listening to your emotions/feelings) = You change your gospel to accommodate your unrepentance (i.e. and eventually apostasize). Why? Because the tension between what Christ requires and how you are choosing to live (w/your emotions/feelings remaining in control) is unsustainable. Something will eventually give. And if it is not on the side of your feelings, then it will be on the side of the gospel. CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = Having I truly repented of listening to my feelings and letting them control my life? Am I embracing the pain of change, taking ownership of my failure and going to war with self? [1] To come after Jesus – or follow Him, for salvation means to live always submitting to what we learn to be the truth (Joh 17:17, 18:37). This includes not only the truth as revealed in God’s Word (i.e. special revelation), but those things in the world revealed to also be true by their agreement with God’s Word (i.e. general revelation). In the words, of the ancient church theologian, Thomas Aquinas, “all truth is God’s truth” (e.g. Act 17:28).[2] According to the apostle Peter, being controlled by our feelings also reduces us to “irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed” (2Pe 2:12). Like animals whose only tool of discernment is their instincts – or feelings, we become the vulnerable prey of every trick and trap devised by demons and men.[3] I have had people in my office who – after confessing their guilt in relation to a crime have then said, “but that’s not me!” According to Scripture however, it is. You are what you do, not what you feel. Another reason so much of repentance has to do with feelings (or repenting of being controlled by our feelings): because they are what deceive us into believing we are good – or okay, when in reality we are not (Heb 3:12-13).[4] Deu 30:11[5] [As it re: to crying]. Anytime a person cries over themselves or another person who is guilty of sin, they are pitying the wicked – a direct violation of Deu 19:21 (“your eye shall not pity”). As such, never in Scripture do we see repentant people crying for themselves or other guilty people. Tears are only shed in relation to those who are the innocent victims of their (the guilty party’s) crimes (e.g. God, the spouses of those committing adultery, the next generation who suffer the economic or ethical consequences of their parents’ actions; e.g. Jer 8:21-9:3; Lam 2:11, 18-19, 3:48-51 [“daughter of my people” = The innocent children of the guilty who are suffering bc of their sin – see 5:7; See also Isa 22:4] versus 3:39 [in re: to the guilty]). Consider also: (2Sa 12:1-13) = Notice David’s response after the news of his son’s death. He doesn’t weep but rather worships. The only weeping he did was for the child/innocent party – never for the guilty party (himself). Hence once more, he rises and eats (or ends his time of sadness) after God has made the decision to take the child’s life. There was nothing more that could be done for his son and he wasn’t going to feel sinfully sorry for himself; (Luk 22:61-62) = Peter’s tears were for Jesus not himself; God’s response to those who feel sorry for the wicked (Jos 7:10-11; Lev 10:1-6). Parents therefore who cry for their apostate children or children who cry before they are punished for their sin are displaying the clear evidence of an unrepentant heart, an unwillingness to die to self/their sinful feelings and live for Christ. The question therefore that must be asked when such crying takes place is not, “why are you crying?” but “who are you crying for?”[6] Such attacks are believed to be the result of the COVD-19 pandemic and the (supposed) Asian origin of the disease. How this justifies attacking Asian-Americans who bear no culpability for the pandemic or its place of origin, demonstrate these actions to be fueled by nothing more than irrational and sinful emotion (e.g. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 and began rapidly spreading around the globe throughout the spring months of 2020. As COVID-19 proliferated across the United States, Asian Americans reported a surge in racially motivated hate crimes involving physical violence and harassment.” – Angela Grover, “Anti-Asian Hate Crime During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Reproduction of Inequality”)[7] The belief (and often accompanying animosity toward those who buy foreign cars) that it is bad for America – or takes away from American business (and therefore a sign of disloyalty to America or a person lacking Patriotism) is likewise a sinful emotional response (Mat 12:36-37) given the facts that “international trade has historically provided more resources and jobs than it has taken” – Steve Forbes (Forbes.com). For example: 1) More than one in five American jobs depend on international trade, 2) companies exporting goods increase employment 2 to 4 percent faster than those that do not, 3) to export goods [a business producing over 1.6 trillion in revenue to American businesses] requires that we also import – i.e. international trade is a two-way street, 4) imported goods (incl. foreign cars) and foreign companies create jobs for over 6 million people in America, 5) foreign goods also create competition which lowers prices and improves quality (e.g. The impact of the 80’s foreign car surge in America on its domestic brands: better quality and prices) (Source: Business Roundtable, “How The Us Economy Benefits From International Trade And Investment”). In this light, it sb also be mentioned that Jesus and His people do not fight for/against the policies/politics of earthly kingdoms/nations since their loyalty belongs to another kingdom/nation (Joh 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would be fighting…”; Phi 3:20)

Slander (Def. = false accusations that damage another’s reputation): 1) can cause its victim to lose hope for living (if he “dwells” on it) (17:1-2, 11-16), 2) can retard/inhibit justice (17:3-4), 3) will bring a curse on the children of those who do it (17:5), 4) can make other people despise us (17:6), 5) can severely affect the physical health of its victims (17:7), 6) will incite the “upright” (or “righteous”) to take action (17:8-9), 7) reveals the stupidity/foolishness of those who do it (17:10 w/18:3). The curse of stupidity is: 1) you don’t think you are stupid (18:1-4), 2) you lack precision or the ability to see other possible explanations (18:5-10, 20 [“west…east” = Everybody sees you are guilty/evil], 21 = No other explanation than you are unrighteous/do not know God), 3) you think you know what you don’t have the evidence/witnesses to know/prove (19:4 “my error remains with myself” = No witnesses; Bildad’s evidence is circumstantial yet he remains confident in his condemnation – 18:11-19 [All part of Job’s experiences] w/19:5 “you…make my disgrace an argument against me” = “B/C I have been disgraced, you think I must therefore be guilty of sin”),. Suffering disgrace, abandonment from friends and loved ones – even deficiency and disaster: 1) is not reason enough to condemn that person as wicked without ourselves being condemned (19:1-5, 28 [“the root of the matter is found in him” = We can judge what we cannot see or without proof in the actions], 29), 2) is one of the ways God can test the righteous (19:6-12 = Disgrace, 13-19 = Abandonment, 20 = Deficiency and disaster; 2Ti 3:12; 1Co 4:9-13; Mat 27:27-44 w/Phi 2:5-8), 3) should illicit mercy and compassion from our friends when there is no evidence of wrongdoing (19:21-22), 4) never causes the (truly) righteous to doubt God’s righteousness and salvation (19:23-27). Job believed in a future: 1) salvation/savior for the righteous (19:25), 2) resurrection (19:26-27). Only the fool thinks the wicked never enjoy long-lasting: 1) happiness or “joy” (20:1-9), 2) financial or physical prosperity (20:10-21), 3) security or safety (20:22-29 in contrast to the wise observance of Job – 21:1-13 w/34).

These verses are some of the most important in all of Scripture. That because they make clear that our greatest enemy is not Satan and the world, or God and His laws. It is instead ourselves (or self). Learning then what that means, why it is so dangerous and how to conquer it, should be of first importance.WHAT THESE VERSES (31-34) TEACH US ABOUT SELF = Living for self (or “setting your mind on the things of man”) means you are a person controlled by your feelings. Being controlled by feelings is a big problem for many people. Hence the reason Jesus expanded His words to Peter to include the rest of the “disciples” and the “crowd” (vv33-34 “seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter… And calling the crowd to him with his disciples he said to them” in contrast to v32 “And Peter took him aside…”). Modern advertising knows this to still be a problem today and exploits it on a regular basis. (e.g. 1) FOMO; Displaying “low stock” or “limited supplies” is a part of most/all marketing strategies, 2) Fb “likes”; Whenever someone likes a comment or post, “we give you a little dopamine hit.” – Fb founder, Sean Parker).Jesus demands that we go to war with this part of our person no longer allowing ourselves to be controlled by it. [1]WHAT BEING CHARACTERIZED/CONTROLLED BY YOUR FEELINGS LOOKS LIKE (signs that this is you): 1) You are characterized by rash decisions, big talk/promises/commitments and no follow thru/perseverance/loyalty, 2) Truth and error, good and bad, right and wrong, are determined by how you feel, 3) What decides what you do or don’t do most days is pleasure, 4) You make it a point to avoid anything that would cause controversy, conflict and/or tension w/another person (Controversy/chaos is a big part of how God accomplishes his purposes [e.g. Act 13:17-30 = Israel’s chaotic/controversial history up to Christ including His death and resurrection], which means if you avoid rather than embrace the controversy/chaos God brings then you not only possess a very unbiblical worldview, but also are an incredibly rebellious person who is very much controlled by your feelings), 5) You choose what to do or not do based on its potential to cause pain and/or discomfort regardless of the benefit it may afford you, 6) You always seek the path of least resistance, 7) You fantasize about “checking out” of life or your responsibilities, 8) You fear the future or missing out, 9) You cry easily (A sign of addiction to negative emotions. Fear, sadness, feeling sorry for yourself are some of the strongest emotions – eliciting the same dopamine receptors as cocaine in the brain).WHY WE MUST DIE TO SELF/BEING CONTROLLED BY OUR FEELINGS (33-38)3.1. You are no better than Satan if you do not.(v33 – “Get behind Me, Satan!”) = Why Jesus identifies Peter this way is because when he was controlled by his emotions (i.e. “setting his mind on… the things of man” rather than “the things of God”) this is who he was acting like.The connection between being controlled by our feelings (“setting our mind on the things of man”) and Satan = Satan’s fall was due to the fact that he was controlled/deceived by his feelings (Evidence for this is found in Eze 28:17 w/2 and 5).3.2. It is impossible to follow Jesus if you do not.(34) = Jesus juxtaposes coming after or following Him with denying or dying to self (i.e. taking up one’s cross) – which again, refers to our feelings (or being controlled by them). As such, the point He is making is this: that it is impossible to follow Him – and at the same time, be controlled by your feelings. IOW: Jesus must have complete control of you or it won’t work (your attempts at coming after/following Him will fail). Hence the reason “self” (or our feelings) are the greatest enemy (not God or His laws, not Satan or the world).The reason (then) you are getting nowhere or there seems to be so much tension in trying to live the Christian life or living the Christian life seems so hard = Because your feelings are still running the show. Until you take the control away from them and give it all to Jesus, it will continue to be that way. Following Jesus will be an impossible mission and your Christian life, temporary (Rom 7:24-8:8). Giving control of your life to Jesus is something that must happen every day – or daily (Luk 9:23; Consider also Mat 6:10). This (then) is also what it means to live by faith: I am trusting Jesus with the control/decisions of my life (versus what my feelings are telling me).Being controlled by feelings (rather than faith and following Christ) is the reason for the temporary status and failure of the seed thrown on the rocky and thorny soils in Jesus’ parable of the soils (Mar 4:16-19 “they have no root” = In all three gospels this is the description applied to – and to be assumed, of the rocky and thorny soil alike. It refers to a person whose current faith/following of Jesus is not the basis [or “root”] of their behavior [they again have no such root]. As a result, when their feelings are ignited – through trials or temptation, they leave their Christianity behind).3.3. Attempting to navigate life by your feelings will mean losing your soul.(35) = This verse makes crystal clear that attempting to follow Jesus while at the same time being controlled by your feelings, will end in utter failure. That is what Jesus is referring to when He speaks of someone attempting to “save (their) life”. He is talking about a person who continues to operate according to the old/existing way of doing things (i.e. running things by way of the emotions/feelings – the “old self”, Eph 4:20-23). The result will be losing their life – or more literally, their soul (See Fn 1 – the word translated “life” can be translated “soul”). Jesus’ warning is therefore in relation to more than just this life. It has eternal implications. Losing your soul means going to hell. And (as before), the only way around this is to (instead), “(lose) your life for (Christ’s) sake and the gospel’s”. IOW: You must give complete control of your life to Jesus and His mission for you. Every day (or again “daily”) your life – and its every decision, needs to be consistent with what He wants you to do (irrespective of how you feel).The reason Jesus demands that we remove all such control from our feelings and give it all to Him is not because He has some power trip. It is in every respect because He wants to save us. And the enemy (once more) that we need to be saved from –the one wrecking everything, is self (or our feelings).Why we don’t recognize that our feelings are deceiving us (thinking everything is okay when in reality, we are in grave danger) is similar to the plight suffered by flight pilots known as “spatial disorientation”: the physical senses (sight, sound, balance) of the pilot fail to discern the actual angle, altitude or speed of the plane. This often happens during the night or in bad weather. The pilot (based on such physical senses) believes they are flying at a safe angle, distance from the ground, and speed when in reality they are not. The only solution to such situations is to stop trusting one’s physical senses and fly instead solely by the plane’s instruments. Pilots failing to fly by their instruments have caused the death of many people – most recently the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter. The helicopter pilot encountered fog, became visually disoriented, and ran the helicopter into the side of a hill at 184 mph.Anyone “flying by their feelings” are suffering from “spiritual disorientation”: Like spatial disorientation, you are a person looking to the wrong things to determine what’s up and what’s down, what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s safe, and what’s not. Your flesh/feelings (severely depraved or damaged by the corruption of sin) are sending you false signals. You think you are okay when in reality you are about to crash and burn (forever). And the only way to pull your life out of this spiritual tailspin is to completely turn off your emotions/feelings and listen instead to Jesus (or His Word) since He is the only One who truly knows what’s going on and can navigate your way safely to heaven.[2]This is why in college, I (pastor) gave my entire life/the controls to Christ because I knew if I tried to save my life (i.e. trust myself/my feelings), I would shipwreck/corrupt my soul. I knew I needed to give all decisions/all discernment to Him and never look back (30 years later = no regret).3.4. Attempting not to miss out will mean missing out (for eternity).(36) = To not miss out on what your feelings desire in the world (to “gain” even “the whole world” in this respect) will mean eternally missing out since the trade-off will be the loss of your soul in hell. And to Jesus that is not trading up (but down, way down!). Hence why He says what he does in (v37) = IOW: what (in the world) is worth losing your soul for all eternity? (Answer: nothing!)Here (then) is the grand irony of letting feelings run the show. People do it because of the (feeling) or “fear of missing out” (FOMO). Yet if we follow those feelings/fear, that is the very thing we will do! We will miss out in the biggest way possible. We will miss out on heaven and the new creation.According to Paul, nothing that we give up in this world (or miss out on) compares to what will be gained in heaven and the new creation (2Co 4:17-18).What (then) Jesus is not saying: Jesus is not saying that by gaining the whole world – or living for the world you won’t be happy. As discussed in Practicum, there are plenty of people in the world (even in false religions) who are extremely happy. Hence the reason it is foolish to say they are all faking it – or Christianity is the only thing that will make you happy in this world. NEWSFLASH: there are just as many happy people in the world as there are in the church – and likewise, just as many unhappy people in the church as there are people in the world (Act 14:16-17 = Happiness is the result of realizing/possessing whatever you deem to be important/worthy/valuable – e.g. scoring a touchdown, having a family, eating bugs; your feelings will calibrate to whatever you believe is important/worthy/valuable. Hence the reason people can be happy doing whatever or believing whatever. Happiness is just what happens when you get/achieve what you believe to be important/worthy/valuable –that’s it. Hence the reason for unhappy Christians – they are failing to achieve what they believe to be most valuable).Additionally, Jesus is not saying that you won’t miss out if you live for Him. Living for Jesus will cause you to miss out on certain things in this life (that’s a fact). This means the issue is not about happiness – or whether or not there are things to be missed, but rather which path will lead to regret (that’s the issue). And in that respect, the path that puts self (or our feelings) to death and follows Jesus is the only one that avoids that. Every other path leads to regret – eternal regret.3.5. If you don’t trust Jesus, He won’t trust you.(38) = The final reason Jesus gives for why you need to die to your feelings as that which controls your life (i.e. that which determines what you do/what you pursue) and (instead) trust Him to call the shots in your life, is because if you don’t (and that’s what you are doing by not giving up on your feelings – you are choosing not to trust Him with your life), then He won’t trust you (on the day of His return). That’s what He is getting at when He says He will be “ashamed” of you – just as you were of Him. The cause (or reason) behind being ashamed of someone is a lack of trust. When you don’t fully trust someone, you won’t stand up for them –or suffer for them. You will instead “be ashamed”. Which means Jesus will do the same to you.Though this is the last verse, it is the place where it all starts. You won’t give up on your feelings (i.e. die to them as that which controls you) unless you first make the decision to trust (and that is exactly what it is – a decision or choice – nothing more/nothing less).So the closing question is this, are you going to trust Jesus with your life (and get to heaven and the new creation) – or are you going to remain enslaved to your feelings (to self) and spend all eternity regretting it?The choice is yours. Your future is totally up to you. What is it going to be? Go to war with God (the One Who is trying to save you from what is killing you)—or go to war with self (your feelings) the true enemy and thing that will kill you and send you to hell?Again, the choice is in your power to make. Make the choice to go to war with self/with your feelings and to listen only to Christ. That is the only way to get to heaven. That is the only way to live a life you won’t regret.“He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” – Jim Elliott[1] Several texts view our spirit/soul as different from that physical portion of our person that embodies our emotions and feelings corrupted by sin (i.e. self). Equally supported is the fact that we are to be at war against this fleshly part of our person (Rom 8:18-26 w/2Co 5:1-10 = Paul’s groaning while in this life/earthly tent is related to the flesh’s emotional torments/temptations [or “sufferings” – Rom 8:18] – something he determines [through the Spirit’s help] to bring under control as necessary to passing the final test before God [again v2Co 5:9-10; See also 1Co 9:24-27]; Gal 5:16 “desires” = Feelings; Rom 7:5, 15-23, 8:12-13; Eph 2:3; 1Pe 2:11; 2Pe 2:18). That there are essentially “two persons” (or two parts to our one person) is a concept that has been believed throughout human history going back to ancient times – even among pagan philosophers (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle). Most importantly it is the view purported in Scripture.[2] The spiritual plane crash that Jesus is attempting to save us from is depicted in the rest of Scripture as the corruption of our spirit/soul (i.e. the corruption of our physical bodies/feelings leaches into and corrupts our spirits/souls). Like Satan and the demons, allowing our physical bodies/feelings to control us will eventually mean the corruption of our eternal spirits/souls. Hence the reason God cannot allow such spirits to enter heaven or the new creation. To do so would mean a repeat of this corrupted world (Gal 6:8; 2Pe 1:4, 2:19; In re: to the demons – Mat 10:1; Act 8:7).

These verses are some of the most important in all of Scripture. That because they make clear that our greatest enemy is not Satan and the world, or God and His laws. It is instead ourselves (or self). Learning then what that means, why it is so dangerous and how to conquer it, should be of first importance.WHAT THESE VERSES (31-34) TEACH US ABOUT SELF:1.1. “Setting your mind on (i.e. being committed to) the things of man” (v33) is the same thing as living for self (hence v34).1.2. Living for self (or “setting you mind on the things of man”) means YOU ARE A PERSON CONTROLLED BY YOUR FEELINGS. What you are committed to – or what determines what you do, are those things which are agreeable to your feelings, those things that make a man feel good (v34 – the “things of man”).(Support):1.2.1. The context of Jesus’ chastisement of Peter (vv31-32) = Peter’s “rebuke” of Jesus is an emotional response – a response based on how Jesus’ prediction of coming suffering and rejection made him feel. As a person controlled by his feelings, Peter wanted safety and pleasure (not suffering and pain), approval and praise (not rejection and condemnation).[1]1.2.2. Feelings are what the apostle Paul is referring to when he speaks about “self-control” or “the old self” or “selfish ambition” (1Co 7:5, 9:24-27 “self-control” = Control over feelings/desires. This does not mean the absence of feelings, but feelings as servant rather than master. I control my feelings, they don’t control me//Eph 4:20-23//Phi 2:3).1.2.3. Feelings are what apostles Peter and Paul are referring to when speaking negatively about “the flesh” (1Pe 2:11; 2Pe 2:18// Eph 2:3; 1Co 3:1-3 “infants” = A person controlled by their feelings and lacking self-control; Rom 7:5, 8:1-8, 12-14).1.3. Jesus is therefore demanding that everyone who would be His disciple (or “come after [Him]”) not only deny, but put to death their feelings as that which controls (or determines) what they do (Again v34).1.4. Being controlled by feelings is a big problem for many people (Hence v33 [“seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said”], v34 [And calling the crowd to him with his disciples he said to them”] in contrast to v32 [“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him”]) = Jesus makes sure His words are heard by everyone since He knew that Peter was not the only one w/this problem. It encompassed the majority of humanity. Modern marketing/advertising knows this and exploits it on a regular basis. For example: 1) FOMO (Behavioral scientists have demonstrated that appealing to people’s emotions has a far greater impact than rational appeals. Scarcity – or creating the feeling of scarcity, has proven to be the most effective. Displaying the words, “low stock” or indicating that only a “limited number” of the product is available is employed by almost every marketing/advertising campaign as part of their sales strategy). 2)Fb “likes” (Studies show that receiving “likes” or “hearts” or “smiley faces” activates the brain’s dopamine receptors giving us the emotional sensation of pleasure no different from that found in drugs or sex. Sean Parker, Fb’s founding president admitted that exploiting this “vulnerability in human psychology” was part of their strategy. Whenever someone likes a comment or post, “we give you a little dopamine hit.” All of it is meant to appeal to your emotions/feelings and keep you always checking/going to their app).WHAT BEING CHARACTERIZED/CONTROLLED BY YOUR FEELINGS LOOKS LIKE (the signs that this is you):2.1. You are characterized by rash decisions [“ghetto thinking”] (i.e. decisions based on feelings in the moment or short-term gratification w/no thought of how it will affect the future) (e.g. The average household has over $15k in credit card, much of it due to impulse/rash purchases – purchases made based on emotions in the moment – HSN!; Studies show that inability to control the emotions related to stress/exhaustion often leads to rash decisions – e.g. Because he was “exhausted”, Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup – Gen 25:29-34; Many an unwanted pregnancy was the result of emotions out of control leading to rash sexual decisions).2.2. You are characterized by big talk/promises/commitments and no follow thru/perseverance/loyalty (e.g. Many people’s New Year’s resolutions; Many people’s decisions to exercise or go on a diet; Many American marriages – 42.6% divorce rate).2.3. Truth and error, good and bad, right and wrong, are determined by how you feel (e.g. How most people determine what religion they follow or what church they attend [Beth Moore: you know a church has the Holy Spirit by the feeling of affirmation you get when you attend]; e.g. Most Evangelicals in what they believe to be the gospel/Christianity; e.g. The reason many people end up in adulterous affairs – “how could something so wrong feel so right?”).2.4. What decides what you do or don’t do most days is pleasure (rather than the accomplishment of more noble tasks or goals) (e.g. Most kids – Pro 22:15).2.5. You make it a point to avoid anything that would cause controversy, conflict, and/or tension with another person (e.g. Husbands or parents who rarely raise their voice; Christians who have never had to separate from false Christian family or friends – Luk 2:34-35; Mat 10:34-38 – Notice Jesus brings up killing our feelings [taking up our cross] as key to such separation).2.6. You choose what to do or not do based on its potential to cause pain and/or discomfort regardless of the benefit it may afford you (e.g. Exercise, dieting, change!).2.7. You always seek the path of least resistance (e.g. Career choice).2.8. You fantasize about “checking out” of life or your responsibilities (e.g. Alcohol/drug addiction often associated with this emotional crutch).2.9. You fear the future or missing out (e.g. Most teenagers/young adults).2.10. You cry easily (A sign of addiction to negative emotions. Fear, sadness, feeling sorry for yourself are some of the strongest emotions – eliciting the same dopamine receptors as cocaine in the brain). [1] That Jesus would accuse Peter of being an individual committed to/controlled by his feelings is confirmed by his later rash-actions, big-talk, and lack of follow-thru/perseverance/loyalty (Joh 18:10; Joh 13:36-38 w/18:17, 25-27).

How can we be certain that what we believe as Christians is correct? How can we know that we have interpreted the Scriptures in a way that will lead to salvation? What assurance do we have that we possess the truth? The answer according to the author of Hebrews is consistency. That the ministry of Jesus we subscribe to (or practice) today, is consistent (or the “same”) with what Jesus established in the past (or “yesterday”) – i.e. in the Old Testament (Jud 1:5) (v8). This most especially as it relates to salvation. We should expect continuity (or again consistency) between the system of salvation in the past and the system of salvation in the present (2Ti 3:15 = Paul can’t say this unless consistency existed between the system of salvation in the past and the present). Equally important in our quest for certainty is the rejection of those teachings that pose as Christian but are “diverse” (i.e. different and inconsistent) or “strange” (i.e. unknown to what has already been established) (v9a). This then is the litmus test for discerning truth: is what I believe to be the Christian Faith consistent with the entirety of what God has established in His Word? Or is it different and strange to what has gone before it? Is what I believe a new religion or simply the upgrade to what has already existed (i.e. Judaism 2.0)? [1]Atonement, Circumcision, and Anointed Priests for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires atonement, circumcision, a High Priest – and anointed priests (shepherd-teachers – Eph 1:11), for salvation.Marriage, Faith, Faithful Obedience to the Law and Judgment According to Works for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires that we pass a final judgment that will determine whether (or not) we as His people possessed not only faith during our time in covenant, but also faithful obedience to His covenant laws (1Co 3:10-17).Apostasy and Separation for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, believers can still go apostate and God still requires that we separate from such people as well as those who claim to follow Him but are idolators.Judges, Courts of Justice and Jurisprudence for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires that we use the judges, courts, and jurisprudence He has established in His church when seeking justice.House of God, Gateway of Heaven or Church for Salvation.5.1. In the beginning, God possessed a house on earth that not only represented the place where His special presence and salvation resided, but also the gateway (or entrance) to heaven.For example:5.1.1. The Garden of Eden: 1) The word used to describe God’s presence in Eden is the same word used to describe His presence in His OC houses: the tabernacle and temple (Gen 3:8 “walking” [הלך – halak] w/Lev 26:11-12; 2Sa 7:6 [“moved about”]), 2) Satan is portrayed as wearing the garments of the high priest while in Eden also identifying it as the first house of God (Eze 28:13 w/Exo 28:17-21 = The jewelry is the same), 3) Jesus refers to heaven (or God’s heavenly abode) as “paradise” which is the same Greek word used in the LXX to refer to the “garden” (of Eden) (Luk 23:43 w/Gen 2:8; See also Rev 2:7, 22:2 = Eden is equated w/the new heaven and earth/the place where God is the temple/house – Rev 21:22), 4) The two guarding cherubs to the entrance of Eden (or gateway to heaven) (Gen 3:24) are memorialized on the mercy seat -or lid of the ark of the covenant, the centerpiece of the OC houses of God and place of God’s special presence and salvation (Exo 25:8, 21-22 w/Lev 16:15-16, 30-34, Exo 29:43-46, 40:34; Num 7:89)[2], 5) The interior design of the OC house of God (i.e. the temple) was meant to depict the garden of Eden (1Ki 6:18, 32, 35, 7:18-20), 6) Eden was on a mountain facing East, the same as God’s house in Ezekiel (Eze 40:2, 6, 43:1-6, 12 w/Gen 3:24 and Eze 28:14, 16)[3].5.1.2. Bethel [Literally, “house of God”] (Gen 28:10-19).5.2. Under the Old Covenant, God commanded His people to build Him a house (first the tabernacle, then the temple) that not only represented the place of His special presence and salvation, but also the gateway to heaven. As it relates to the tabernacle/temple as:5.2.1. God’s houses (Exo 23:19, 31:1-5; Deu 23:18; 1Ch 28:6; Isa 56:7; Psa 26:8, 84:4, 92:12-13).5.2.2. The place of God’s special presence and salvation (discussed – e.g. The ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies/Most Holy Place = The place where God meets and grants salvation – again Exo 25:21-22 w/Lev 16:15-16, 30-34).5.2.3. The gateway/entrance to heaven (Rev 21:16-17) = The new heavens and earth are depicted in terms of the tabernacle/temple’s most holy place (the Holy of Holies)[4].5.3. Under the New Covenant, the church is identified as the house of God that likewise represents not only the place where His special presence and salvation resides but also the gateway (or entrance) to heaven.As it relates to the church as:5.3.1. God’s house, the place of His special presence and salvific promises (1Ti 3:14-15 “pillar” – See again Gen 28:18 w/31:13 w/31:45) = Place where we make covenant and receiving the promises. Notice God identifies Himself w/the place of the sacred (or “anointed”) pillar. He is the “God of Bethel” – i.e. this is now the place of His special presence. 5.3.1.1. Additional support for the church as the place of God – or Christ’s special presence (Mat 18:20) = Jesus is “there…among (us) in when we are “gathered in (His name)” – i.e. gathered as “the church” (v17 – the context); (Eph 1:22-23 “Who fills all in all”) = Christ fills the church w/His presence); (Eph 2:19-22 “household of God…a dwelling place for God by the Spirit”) = The church is where God’s Spirit resides. 5.3.1.2. Additional support for the church as the place for receiving God’s salvific promises (Eph 5:22, 25-32 w/Rev 19:6-8) = It is the “church” for whom Christ is “Savior”. She is His “Bride” – or He marries at the end of the age – not the individual Christian (we are to be her beautiful – “without spot or wrinkle”, “fine linen” wedding dress – Eph 5:27 w/Rev 19:8). Which means if we are not “members” of her, then we are not going to be wed (or saved) by Christ; Act 20:28 = Christ “obtained” the “church of God” by “His own blood” – not the individual. Which means to possess it for salvation, we must go thru/be a part of her; (Mat 18:18 w/Joh 20:21-23) = Forgiveness – or loosing unto salvation has been given to the church (or her officers), most clearly seen in the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Table – both propitiatory acts (1Pe 3:21 and Joh 13:1-10).[5]5.3.2. The gateway/entrance to heaven (Mat 16:19 “keys to the kingdom of heaven”) = The keys to the gates of heaven exist within the church (the contest of this verse – see v17); (Heb 10:19-27) = The “holy places” (i.e. the Holy place and Most Holy Place – or the gateway to heaven) now resides in the new “house of God” (the church) where Jesus is the “great (or High) priest” (v21, Heb 4:14) and we must not neglect to “meet together” (συναγωγή – same word to describe the congregation of Israel in LXX – e.g. Lev 8:4). “For if” we neglect this “house of God” (i.e. go on sinning deliberately”), there “no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (vv25-26); (Heb 12:18-24) = Notice that by coming to the “assembly” (or “church” – v23 see Fn), we are also connected to “the heavenly Jerusalem” – or God’s heavenly abode (v22). IOW: the church is our gateway to heaven. This truth is picked up also by the fact that when we are a part of the “church” we are identified as “the firstborn [i.e. sons/daughters of the inheritance] enrolled in heaven” (v23; Phi 3:30; See also Eph 2:6).CONCLUSION: Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still possesses a house on earth (His church), that not only represents the place where His special presence and salvation reside, but also the gateway (or entrance to heaven). As such, a person must be a part of (or enter through) this house (i.e. the church), if they are to be saved and get to heaven.[1] The importance of consistency goes beyond being confident that what we believe and practice is indeed the truth. It is the basis of all understanding and certainty in the universe. Nothing can be known, anticipated, or planned without the principle of consistency (e.g. mathematics). Thankfully, our God is a God of redundancy – or consistency. He has built consistency into the system (e.g. Gen 8:22). To say therefore that you believe something to be true without the ability to demonstrate consistency is not only the highest form of arrogance but reckless delusion. Even Jesus and the apostle Paul demonstrated consistency (to the OT scriptures) as the proof of their legitimacy as ministers of God’s Word (e.g. Joh 5:39; Luk 24:27; Rom 3:28-31).[2] In Talmudic literature, the garden of Eden is depicted as the entrance or gateway to God’s heavenly abode (e.g. “Gan [the garden of] Eden and heaven were created by one Word [of God], and the chambers of the Gan [garden of] Eden are constructed as those of heaven…” – Aggadat Shir ha-Shirim)[3] For additional discussion on Eden as the first house of God see The Temple And the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale or A New Heaven And A New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology by J. Richard Middleton[4] Scholars view the Holy of Holies as the place where heaven meets earth and the Day of Atonement, the time when that portal and its subsequent blessings are opened to God’s people. For further study see Who Shall Ascend the Mountain Of the Lord? by J. Michael Morales.[5] “There is no salvation outside the church…He who does not have the church as his Mother, cannot have God as his Father.” These oft-repeated slogans by some of church history’s earliest leaders (e.g. Cyprian) not only lends additional support to the church’s necessity to salvation but also how far modern Christianity has drifted from the truth.

How can we be certain that what we believe as Christians is correct? How can we know that we have interpreted the Scriptures in a way that will lead to salvation? What assurance do we have that we possess the truth? The answer according to the author of Hebrews is consistency. That the ministry of Jesus we subscribe to (or practice) today, is consistent (or the “same”) with what Jesus established in the past (or “yesterday”) – i.e. in the Old Testament (Jud 1:5) (v8). This most especially as it relates to salvation. We should expect continuity (or again consistency) between the system of salvation in the past and the system of salvation in the present (2Ti 3:15 = Paul can’t say this unless consistency existed between the system of salvation in the past and the present). Equally important in our quest for certainty is the rejection of those teachings that pose as Christian but are “diverse” (i.e. different and inconsistent) or “strange” (i.e. unknown to what has already been established) (v9a). This then is the litmus test for discerning truth: is what I believe to be the Christian Faith consistent with the entirety of what God has established in His Word? Or is it different and strange to what has gone before it? Is what I believe a new religion or simply the upgrade to what has already existed (i.e. Judaism 2.0)? [1]The goal of this study is, therefore, three-fold: 1) apologetic: to defend – as well as give the members of Christ Covenant Church absolute assurance, that what we believe is consistent with the entirety of God’s Word – or what was established by Jesus in the past. In this church, Jesus is the same “today” as He was “yesterday” and will be “forever”; 2) evangelistic: to provide you with the most powerful tool for not only defending what you believe but also convincing others of this fact as well (i.e. the fact that we are consistent!). The reason the Jews called the Christians a “sect” or cult was bc they believed them to be inconsistent w/the OT (Act 21:20-24 w/24:14; Evangelicalism’s gospel [of faith alone] is horribly inconsistent w/the rest of Scripture), 3) discipleship: to (re)introduce you to what we believe and practice – but with the (new) appreciation of knowing that what we do is consistent.CONSISTENT CHRISTIANITYAtonement, Circumcision, and Anointed Priests for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires atonement, circumcision, a High Priest – and anointed priests (shepherd-teachers – Eph 1:11), for salvation.Marriage, Faith, Faithful Obedience to the Law and Judgment According to Works for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires that we pass a final judgment that will determine whether (or not) we as His people possessed not only faith during our time in covenant, but also faithful obedience to His covenant laws (1Co 3:10-17).Apostasy and Separation for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, believers can still go apostate and God still requires that we separate from such people as well as those who claim to follow Him but are idolators.Judges, Courts of Justice and Jurisprudence for Salvation.4.1. Under the Old Covenant, God established judges, courts of justice, and jurisprudence for dealing with complaints and crimes in the covenant community.In relation to:4.1.1. Judges = God gave the Levites and the anointed priests the authority to investigate complaints or crimes and – in accordance w/His Law and the will of the High Priest, to determine justice for the covenant community (Deu 16:18-20 w/17:2-5, 8-12, 19:18, 21:5; 2Ch 19:8-11; Act 23:5). 4.1.2. Courts of justice = The congregation assisted the judges in determining justice. Though these members possessed no authority, the decision of the judges (those with authority) required their affirmation/agreement for justice to be served. Together they formed the court of justice (or judicial council) for the covenant community (Deu 17:6-7, 13, 19:20; Lev 24:16; Num 35:12/Jos 20:6 = The congregation was a part of the judicial council – or court, affirming and carrying out its judgments). 4.1.3. Jurisprudence (philosophy of law or how justice works): 1) evidence = No one was to be charged with wrongdoing w/o sufficient evidence that God’s law had been broken (Deu 17:6; Num 35:30;Deu 19:15-21 = The penalty is severe for those who accuse w/o sufficient evidence)[2], 2) trial = When there was difficulty/dispute in relation to a complaint or crime, both parties were to appear before the court (consisting of the judges and congregation) to determine the final judgment (Deu 17:9-13 = Notice, the court’s “decision” was final – i.e. any deviation would mean apostasy; Deu 25:1)[3], 3) equity = There was to be no partiality. It was “one law for all” “the punishment shall fit the crime” (Deu 16:19; Num 15:15-16; Deu 19:21). 4.2. Under the New Covenant, God also established judges, courts of justice and jurisprudence for dealing with complaints and crimes in the covenant community.In relation to:4.2.1. Judges = God has given the NC Levites (or ruling elders/shepherds) and priests (ordained elders/shepherd-teachers) the authority to investigate complaints or crimes and -in accordance w/His Law and the will of the High Priest (Jesus), to determine justice for the covenant community (Mat 16:16-19 and Joh 20:21-23 w/Mat 18:18-20 = Notice, Jesus [the High Priest] – as well as God the Father, are backing the NC Levites and priests in their binding and loosing (or judgments) [vv19-20 “if two of you agree…it will be done by My Father…for where two or three are gathered…there I am”]; 1Co 5:1-3; Heb 13:17; e.g. Act 15:1-6, 7-21 = Notice it is the judges [v6 – “the apostles and elders” = NC priests and Levites] who are speaking and determining what is just/right as it regards God’s law for that particular situation; The restoration of such judges was prophesied to be a part of the NC church – Isa 1:26-27 w/Isa 66:21). 4.2.2. Courts of justice = The congregation is to assist the judges in determining justice. Though these members possess no authority, the decision of the judges (those with authority) require their affirmation for justice to be served[4]. Together they form the court of justice (or judicial council) for the covenant community (1Co 5:4-5, 6:1-4; 1Ti 5:20; Mat 18:20 = Jesus and Father’s support is given to the elders’ ruling [their binding and loosing – v18] when they are gathered w/the congregation [“gathered in My Name” – See Eph 3:10-11 w/15]; e.g. Gal 2:1-2; Act 15:12 [congregation/“assembly” in attendance]; Act 15:22 [congregation affirming the judgment])[5]. 4.2.3. Jurisprudence (philosophy of law or how justice ): 1) evidence = No one shall be charged with wrongdoing w/o sufficient evidence (“beyond a reasonable doubt”) that God’s law has been broken (Mat 18:15-16; Joh 5:31 w/39; 1Co 5:1 “reported” = Confirmed by testimony; 2Co 13:1; 1Ti 5:19; Heb 10:28), 2) trial = When there is difficulty/dispute in relation to a complaint or crime, both parties are to appear before the court (consisting of the judges and congregation) to determine the final judgment (Mat 18:15-17 = Notice once more, the judgment is final. If the guilty “refuses to listen”, then they are apostate [“let them be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”]; Joh 7:51 w/40-43; Act 15:1-3; Act 22:30-23:1), 3) equity = No partiality – or one law for all and the punishment shall fit the crime (1Ti 5:21; 2Co 13:1-2 “I will not spare them” = The punishment will fit their crimes)[6]. CONCLUSION = The church and her elders are the new court of justice and judges whom the congregation assists to protect the innocent and punish the guilty (Deu 25:1). [1] The importance of consistency goes beyond being confident that what we believe and practice is indeed the truth. It is the basis of all understanding and certainty in the universe. Nothing can be known, anticipated, or planned without the principle of consistency (e.g. mathematics). Thankfully, our God is a God of redundancy – or consistency. He has built consistency into the system (e.g. Gen 8:22). To say therefore that you believe something to be true without the ability to demonstrate consistency is not only the highest form of arrogance but reckless delusion. Even Jesus and the apostle Paul demonstrated consistency (to the OT scriptures) as the proof of their legitimacy as ministers of God’s Word (e.g. Joh 5:39; Luk 24:27; Rom 3:28-31).[2] “two or three witnesses” – or sufficient evidence, is the equivalent to what our American justice system requires in criminal cases which is evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt” (i.e. no other logical explanation) versus that used in civil suits, a “preponderance of evidence” (i.e. we are fairly certain).[3] The one exception to this rule would be in the case of new evidence – or evidence that could change the verdict. In such situations, an appeal would need to be made for another trial. Only after the prior judgment had been overturned, could the guilty party cease to follow it.[4] The early church knew the importance of not only the judgment of NC Levites and priests in judicial matters but also the congregation’s affirmation. For example, consider the words of early Church Father, Cyprian (210-258 A.D.): “From the commencement of my bishopric [See 1Ti 3:2 “bishop” = anointed/ordained priests], I determined to do nothing without the advice of the clergy [or Levites], nothing without the consent of the people [or congregation].”[5] Even the Reformers recognized the authority and importance of the church’s courts. Consider: “The church cannot dispense with the spiritual jurisdiction which existed from the beginning. This has been confirmed by consent of all times. First, that this spiritual power be altogether distinct from the power of the sword; secondly, that it be not administered at the will of the individual, but by a lawful consistory (1Co 5:4). Both were observed in the purer times of the church.” – John Calvin[6] Though a little far afield from the current discussion, consider the following as historical support for the church’s work in excommunication -or its consistency to the OC in putting to death (spiritual death) those who commit capital crimes: “The severest punishment of the church, and, as it were, her last thunderbolt, is excommunication. Those who profess to be the household of faith ought to be judged according to the doctrine which is taught. Now this cannot be done without connecting with the office of the ministry a right…of keeping back from the communion of the Lord’s Supper (1Co 5:12). Paul makes the members of the church subject to censures for the correction of their vices and intimates the existence of tribunals from which no believer is exempted. This power, as we have already stated, did not belong to an individual who could exercise it as he pleased, but belonged to the consistory of elders, which was in the church what a council is in a city. If no society, or no house with even a moderate family can be kept in a right state without discipline, much more necessary is it in the church, whose state ought to be the best ordered as possible. Hence as the saving doctrine of Christ is the life of the church, so discipline is, as it were, its sinews; for to it is owing that the members of the body adhere together, each in its own place. Wherefore, all who either wish that discipline were abolished, or who impede the restoration of it, whether they do this by design or through thoughtlessness, certainly aim at the complete devastation of the church. Paul…punishes the incestuous Corinthian with excommunication as soon as he was informed of his crime (1Co 5:4). Therefore, when the church banishes from its fellowship open adulterers, fornicators, the perjured, false witnesses, etc., it exercises a jurisdiction which it has received from the Lord. Moreover, lest anyone should despise the judgment of the church, or count it a small matter, the Lord has declared that it is nothing else than a promulgation of his own sentence, and that that which they do on earth is ratified in heaven. For they act by the word of the Lord in condemning the perverse (Joh 20:23). Those, I say, who trust that churches can long stand without the bond of discipline are mistaken, unless, indeed, we can with impunity dispense with a help which the Lord foresaw would be necessary. Those whose turpitude might throw infamy on the name must be expelled from the family. And here, also, regard must be had to the Lord’s Supper, which might be profaned by (their) admission. This was the method observed by the ancient church when legitimate government was in vigor…to abstain from participation in the sacred Supper, and thereafter to humble himself before God, and testify his penitence before the church. There were, moreover, solemn rites, which, as indications of repentance, were wont to be prescribed to those who had lapsed. When the penitent had thus mad satisfaction to the church, he was received into favor by the laying on of hands. The legitimate course to be taken in excommunication, as shown by Paul is not for the elders alone to act apart from others, but with the knowledge and approbation of the church, so that the body of people, without regulating the procedure, may, as witnesses and guardians, observe it, and prevent the few from doing anything capriciously. Our Savior confines the power of binding, the censure of the church, which does not consign those who are excommunicated to perpetual ruin and damnation, but assures them that perpetual damnation will follow if they do not repent. Excommunication [therefore] differs from anathema [apostasy] in this, that the latter completely excluding pardon, dooms and devotes the individual to eternal destruction, whereas the former rather forewarns of his future doom.” – John Calvin

How can we be certain that what we believe as Christians is correct? How can we know that we have interpreted the Scriptures in a way that will lead to salvation? What assurance do we have that we possess the truth? The answer according to the author of Hebrews is consistency. That the ministry of Jesus we subscribe to (or practice) today, is consistent (or the “same”) with what Jesus established in the past (or “yesterday”) – i.e. in the Old Testament (Jud 1:5) (v8). This most especially as it relates to salvation. We should expect continuity (or again consistency) between the system of salvation in the past and the system of salvation in the present (2Ti 3:15 = Paul can’t say this unless consistency existed between the system of salvation in the past and the present). Equally important in our quest for certainty is the rejection of those teachings that pose as Christian but are “diverse” (i.e. different and inconsistent) or “strange” (i.e. unknown to what has already been established) (v9a). This then is the litmus test for discerning truth: is what I believe to be the Christian Faith consistent with the entirety of what God has established in His Word? Or is it different and strange to what has gone before it? Is what I believe a new religion or simply the upgrade to what has already existed (i.e. Judaism 2.0)? [1]The goal of this study is, therefore, three-fold: 1) apologetic: to defend – as well as give the members of Christ Covenant Church absolute assurance, that what we believe is consistent with the entirety of God’s Word – or what was established by Jesus in the past. In this church, Jesus is the same “today” as He was “yesterday” and will be “forever”; 2) evangelistic: to provide you with the most powerful tool for not only defending what you believe but also convincing others of this fact as well (i.e. the fact that we are consistent!). The reason the Jews called the Christians a “sect” or cult was bc they believed them to be inconsistent w/the OT (Act 21:20-24 w/24:14; Evangelicalism’s gospel [of faith alone] is horribly inconsistent w/the rest of Scripture), 3) discipleship: to (re)introduce you to what we believe and practice – but with the (new) appreciation of knowing that what we do is consistent.Atonement, Circumcision, and Anointed Priests for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires atonement, circumcision, a High Priest – and anointed priests (shepherd-teachers – Eph 1:11), for salvation.Marriage, Faith, Faithful Obedience to the Law and Judgment According to Works for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires that we pass a final judgment that will determine whether (or not) we as His people possessed not only faith during our time in covenant, but also faithful obedience to His covenant laws (2Co 11:15).Apostasy and Separation for Salvation. [2]3.1. Under the Old Covenant, apostasy happened whenever individuals deserted Christ for other gods (or gospels) or refused to obey or acknowledge the authority of Christ or His (anointed) priests and Levites.[3]As it relates to:3.1.1. deserting Christ for other gods (or gospels) or refusing to obey/acknowledge the authority of Christ (Deu 29:18-20) = All three are present in these verses: 1) deserting Christ for other gods (v18), 2) deserting Christ for other gospels (v19 = By this person’s belief that he “shall be safe” [i.e. saved] though continuing to “walk in the stubbornness of [his] heart”, he is [by such actions] embracing a different gospel – i.e. the gospel of antinomianism/evangelicalism), 3) refusing to obey/acknowledge the authority of Christ (also v19 = He “hears” the words of the “covenant” and knows the obligation he possesses to obey Christ’s authority yet ignores it and instead “blesses himself in his heart”).3.1.2. refusing to obey/acknowledge the authority of Christ’s anointed priests and Levites (Num 15:28-31 “but the person who does anything [against the priest – v28] with a high hand…reviles the Lord [Literally, blasphemes the HS – i.e. refuses to acknowledge God’s authority thru that person]…that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him”) = The person guilty of this crime will be apostate; (Deu 17:9-13) = Anyone who refuses to obey the “decision” or “instructions” of God’s “Levitical priests” (the Levites – See Jos 3:3) and “the judge who is in office” (the anointed priest) acts “presumptuously” (Same word translated as “sins w/a high hand” in Num 15:30 referring to blasphemy of the HS). They are therefore apostate. Hence the reason “all the people shall hear and fear and not act” this way (bc such disregard for Christ’s officers will again, mean apostasy).3.2. Under the New Covenant, apostasy happens whenever individuals leave Christ for other gods (or gospels) or refuse to obey or acknowledge the authority of Christ or His (anointed) priests and Levites.As it relates to:3.2.1. deserting Christ for other gods (or gospels) (Heb 6:1-6) = Based on the description of the individuals in these verses, they are baptized believers who have also received the washing of regeneration by the Holy Spirit (v2 “washings” [baptism] w/v4 “shared in the HS” [regeneration] w/Tit 3:5 “washing of regeneration by the HS” [baptismal regeneration]). Yet because they have “fallen away”, they cannot come back (Christ will not be re-crucified nor dishonored [held “up to contempt”]). Though the reason is not given specifically, desertion for other gods or gospels would qualify (Gal 1:6-9 “accursed/anathema” [damned forever]); See also (Heb 12:15) = This verse is a direct allusion to (Deu 29:18-20) where such actions are the result of seeking other gods or gospels. Notice also, no amount of “tears” (of repentance or remorse) will change things once this line has been crossed (vv16-17).3.2.2. refusing to obey or acknowledge the authority of Christ (Heb 10:26-31 “sinning deliberately”) = Refusing to obey or comply w/all of Christ’s laws – including those of the OT (Mat 5:17-19 w/Act 21:21 – “forsake Moses” [ἀποστασίαν= apostasy… from the Law]); In regard to refusing to acknowledge Christ’s authority, see (Mat 12:22-32) = Speaking against the person of Jesus was forgivable. However, rejecting the authority by which He spoke (i.e. the Holy Spirit) was not. Attributing Jesus’ ability to cast out demons to the devil (versus God) made the Pharisees guilty of this crime and therefore unable to be forgiven (or apostate). Such blasphemy was the “eternal sin” (Mar 3:22-30). Examples of this form of apostasy would include: refusing Christ’s authority (jurisdiction/control) over a certain area in your life – i.e. how you parent (discipline and disciple) your kids, gender or sexual issues, how you handle your money, what you choose to do w/your life or as your career, what you choose to think about, believe – or entertain w/your mind, etc. Any Christian who says, “Christ doesn’t have authority over that aspect of my life”, they are committing blasphemy of the HS.3.2.2. refusing to obey or acknowledge the authority of Christ’s anointed priests and Levites[4] (Mat 16:16-19 “‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God [the Davidic king w/divine authority]’… on this [rock of authority] I will build my church [which is why] I will give you [my church] the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”) =Like the previous covenant community/assembly (what the word “church” refers to [ἐκκλησία]), Jesus’ NC community would also possess priests and Levites w/divine authority that could not be refused w/o committing blasphemy of the HS (Mat 12:32 w/Joh 20:21-23 “Receive the Holy Spirit”) = As promised, the mantle of divine authority was passed to the church. Hence, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” – i.e. they remain permanently bound in their sins – or apostate); See also (Mat 18:15-17) = Like Deu 17:9-13, any infraction (signaling unrepentance or a refusal to obey) after the injunction (ruling by the judges) is immediate grounds for declaring that person apostate (“let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” = A reprobate or apostate person; e.g. Eph 4:17-19; Hence the reason we declare apostate those who commit cap crimes under excommunication). Notice, Jesus supports the church’s declaration of apostasy (vv18-20).[5] 3.3. Under the Old Covenant, God required His people (under threat of destruction) to separate not only from those who were apostate but also those who claimed to be followers of God who were instead, idolators.[6]Consider:3.3.1. (Exo 23:31-33 [vv31-32 “You shall make no covenant w/them…They shall not dwell in your land”]) = You must separate yourself from the idolators (See also 34:12-16).3.3.2. (Deu 7:1-10 [v2 – “You shall make no covenant w/them and show no mercy to them”] = You must separate from the idolators; [v10 – “repays to their face those who hate Him, by destroying them”]) = God destroys those who will not separate from idolators.3.3.3. (Deu 13:1-18 [v5 – “you shall purge the evil from your midst” w/v9 – “you shall kill him” w/v17 – “none of the devoted things shall stick to your hand”]) = You must separate yourself from the apostate.3.3.4. (Jos 6:17-18 w/7:1-26 [v18]) = Separate or else be destroyed. 3.4. Under the New Covenant, God requires His people (under threat of destruction) to separate not only from those who are apostate but also those who claim to be Christian who are instead, idolators.Consider:3.4.1. (2Jo 1:7-11) = These verses teach guilt by association (v8 – “watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for…v11 – for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works”). And we are guilty of such association (according to John) anytime we unnecessarily communicate or associate ourselves (v10 – “do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting”) w/those who do “not abide in the teaching of Christ” (v9 – i.e. claims Christ but disobeys Him as an idolator).[7]3.4.2. (1Co 5:10-11) = In contrast to those who are repenting of capital crimes and excommunicated (or “removed” – v2), Paul calls for more extreme measures w/those who claim to be Christian (v11 –“bears the name brother”) yet live in defiance through the practice of sin. Our attitude toward these individuals is to be the same as w/the apostate – no association, even to the point of refusing to share a meal with them. CONCLUSION = Believers can still go apostate and God still requires that we separate from such people as well as those who claim to follow Him but are idolators. [1] The importance of consistency goes beyond being confident that what we believe and practice is indeed the truth. It is the basis of all understanding and certainty in the universe. Nothing can be known, anticipated or planned without the principle of consistency (e.g. mathematics). Thankfully, our God is a God of redundancy – or consistency. He has built consistency into the system (e.g. Gen 8:22). To say therefore that you believe something to be true without the ability to demonstrate consistency, is not only the highest form of arrogance, but reckless delusion. Even Jesus and the apostle Paul demonstrated consistency (to the OT scriptures) as the proof of their legitimacy as ministers of God’s Word (e.g. Joh 5:39; Luk 24:27; Rom 3:28-31).[2] Definitions: 1) Separate = The refusal or removal of relationship w/that person which includes the avoidance of all unnecessary communication, contact, collaboration, cooperation, association, assistance or support of them. 2) Apostasy = The permanent loss of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, justification, covenant relationship and salvation in relation to those who once possessed it, while they are still living, with no hope of regaining those things – regardless of present or future remorse or repentance, having been blotted out of God’s book of life (or covenant) and forever sealed in an unrepentant and damned state. In the words of B.J. Oropeza, “God forsakes those who forsake Him, and those who forsake Him may never return.” (Paul and Apostasy, p.24) In response to those embracing a “once saved always saved” viewpoint or the doctrine of eternal security (i.e. evangelicals) consider also, “[D.A.] Carson asserts that arguing for a hypothetical warning or loss of service or rewards as opposed to a [permanent] loss of salvation…in certain New Testament passages…[is] ‘desperate expedients that responsible exegesis will avoid.’ Such views cannot be sustained without torturing [i.e. being dishonest to] the texts.” (ibid, p.21-25).[3] Jesus is the One in marriage covenant relationship w/the Israelites under the Old Covenant (Jud 1:5). He is the specific member of the Godhead being most violated by Israel’s unfaithfulness. Their chronic desertion of Christ eventually leads to His divorce (permanent separation) and (therefore) apostasy of the nation (Deu 24:1-4 [Notice, no chance for reconciliation] w/Jer 3:1 w/Rev 5:1-5).[4] See study number one in the series (Isa 66:21 w/Eph 4:11) = NC Levites are the ruling elders or “shepherds” and the anointed priests are the ordained elder or “shepherd-teachers”.[5] That the anointed priests and Levites are who Jesus is specifically referring to when he sees “tell it to the church” is confirmed by the fact that they are the only ones given the keys for binding and loosing (See again Mat16:19). Jesus’ mention of the “church” however is no doubt deliberate, emphasizing that what the elders (or priests and Levites) decide is not to be without the congregation’s involvement and affirmation (e.g. Act 15:1-22). As an example of this understanding in th early church, consider 1st century bishop Clement’s letter to Corinthian congregation. Clement warns certain instigators to repent and submit to the ruling of the elders lest they be cast out w/ “no hope of God” (2 Clement 6:7)[6] Those identified as idolators in Scripture include not only those who follow false religions (or gods), but also those who claim they are followers of the true God (or religion), yet knowingly live in disobedience to His commands (e.g. 1Sa 15:22-23).[7] As an example of how serious the command to separate is – including to what extremes we may need to go, consider the story of the apostle John. According to Irenaeus, the moment John discovered the false Christian and idolator Cerinthus was in the same bath-house, he rushed out exclaiming, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is inside!”

How can we be certain that what we believe as Christians is correct? How can we know that we have interpreted the Scriptures in a way that will lead to salvation? What assurance do we have that we possess the truth? The answer according to the author of Hebrews is consistency. That the ministry of Jesus we subscribe to (or practice) today, is consistent (or the “same”) with what Jesus established in the past (or “yesterday”) – i.e. in the Old Testament (Jud 1:5) (v8). This most especially as it relates to salvation. We should expect continuity (or again consistency) between the system of salvation in the past and the system of salvation in the present (2Ti 3:15 = Paul can’t say this unless consistency existed between the system of salvation in the past and the present). Equally important in our quest for certainty is the rejection of those teachings that pose as Christian but are “diverse” (i.e. different and inconsistent) or “strange” (i.e. unknown to what has already been established) (v9a). This then is the litmus test for discerning truth: is what I believe to be the Christian Faith consistent with the entirety of what God has established in His Word? Or is it different and strange to what has gone before it? Is what I believe a new religion or simply the upgrade to what has already existed (i.e. Judaism 2.0)? [1]The goal of this study is, therefore, three-fold: 1) apologetic: to defend – as well as give the members of Christ Covenant Church absolute assurance, that what we believe is consistent with the entirety of God’s Word – or what was established by Jesus in the past. In this church, Jesus is the same “today” as He was “yesterday” and will be “forever”; 2) evangelistic: to provide you with the most powerful tool for not only defending what you believe but also convincing others of this fact as well (i.e. the fact that we are consistent!). The reason the Jews called the Christians a “sect” or cult was bc they believed them to be inconsistent w/the OT (Act 21:20-24 w/24:14; Evangelicalism’s gospel [of faith alone] is horribly inconsistent w/the rest of Scripture), 3) discipleship: to (re)introduce you to what we believe and practice – but with the (new) appreciation of knowing that what we do is consistent.Atonement, Circumcision, and Anointed Priests for Salvation. [DISCUSSED]Consistent with the rest of redemptive history, God still requires atonement, circumcision, a High Priest – and anointed priests (shepherd-teachers – Eph 1:11), for salvation (Mal 2:7 w/2Ti 1:13-14).Marriage, Faith, Faithful Obedience to the Law and Judgment According to Works for Salvation.2.1. Since the beginning, God has required that we enter into a marriage covenant relationship w/Jesus to be saved.2.1.1. Salvation by covenant: 1) Adamic (Hos 6:7), 2) Noahic (Gen 6:18), 3) Abrahamic (Gen 17:2), 4) Mosaic or Old (Exo 19:5) and 5) New (Luk 22:20; Heb 8:8-13, 9:15, 10:16).2.1.2. These covenants were marriage covenants (or betrothal) (In re: to the Old and New: Jer 31:31-32; Isa 54:15; Eze 16:1-32; Hos 2:16-20; 2Co 11:1-2; Eph 5:22-25; Rev 19:6-7).2.1.3. Why we can be confident that the former (Adamic, Noahic, and Abrahamic) were also marital: 1) The nature of redemptive history’s two most prominent covenants (the Old and New). If this is true of the greater, we should assume it was true of the lesser (i.e. the greater is an indicator of what is true in the lesser – Luk 16:10; Mat 25:21), 2) The nature of God Himself as redundant. If this is the way He did it with the Old and New, why would expect it to be any different with the prior covenants? 3) Marriage is one of the bible’s most dominant motifs. The bible begins with a marriage (Gen 2:18-25) as well as ends with a marriage (Rev 19:6-7, 21:9, 22:7). Indeed, the vast majority of communication between God and His people, is marital – or conducive to marriage, as its context. This includes the language of the prior covenants (e.g. Gen 3:21 – Besides indicating atonement, covering Adam and Eve’s nakedness may also be an allusion to the ancient tradition indicating betrothal or marriage – see Ruth 3:8-9; Eze 16:8).2.1.4. Why is knowing that salvation operates according to marriage so important: Because it means what 619 million people claiming to be Christians (evangelicals) believe about how a person gets saved is wrong! Evangelicals believe salvation is works-based (i.e. you earn your way to heaven by what you do). This, however, is not how a marriage functions. Marriage is never merit.2.1.5. What is the (huge) difference between the way a marriage operates and merit theology (works-based salvation)?2.1.5.1. Marriage = you gain the marriage relationship and all its promises/benefits by faith (e.g. abundant life, salvation), and continue to possess those promises/blessings as long as you maintain that relationship through faithful obedience to the laws of that covenant.2.1.5.2. Merit = You earn enough credit to purchase salvation (or heaven) by your actions and/or the actions of another (in the case of Evangelicalism, the actions of Christ alone [which we access by faith alone]; in the case of Roman Catholicism, your actions plus Christ and the treasury of merit).[2]2.2. Since the beginning, God has required faith (belief or trust) as well as faithful obedience to all His covenant laws to be saved.2.2.1. Because of their merit theology and faith alone gospel (i.e. we are saved only by faith – or faith in Christ is the only basis of our salvation before God), Evangelicals are unable to reconcile the relationship of faith and faithful obedience (i.e. they believe them to be diametrically opposed).[3] The obligation to obedience established by Scripture is instead believed to be fulfilled by Christ. In other words, Christ obeyed for us.[4]2.2.2. Understood biblically, however (i.e. within the construct of marriage), faith and faithfulness have been the functional pillars of salvation throughout redemptive history:2.2.2.1. Adam (Gen 2:16-17) = IOW: Trust that what God has provided is enough – no need to take what was prohibited. If you don’t trust and disobey, then you will forfeit your current state/relationship with God. Hence (3:16-24)2.2.2.2. Noah (Gen 6:8-9 w/2Pe 2:5; Heb 11:7)2.2.2.3. Abraham (Gen 15:6, 18:9 w/Heb 11:8-10, 17-19)2.2.2.4. Moses (Old Covenant) (Deu 7:9 [“know” = believe/trust; “keep” = faithfulness] w/ Heb 3:16-4:7)2.2.2.5. Jesus (New Covenant) (Mat 7:21-27 [“I never knew you” = A reference to marital/sexual intimacy that consummates or confirms a prior betrothal – e.g. Gen 4:1]; Jam 2:20-26).2.2.3. That such faith (or trust) and faithful obedience were to be in relation to all those covenant laws established by God up to – and at that time, is also the consistent theme present in the pages of Scriptures:2.2.3.1. Adam, Noah and Abraham = The period before Sinai (the place where God gave the written law to Moses) bears witness to people’s culpability to [and therefore knowledge of] all ten commandments of the decalogue including several of its variegated forms: 1) Right doctrine/theology (Exo 20:1-3 w/Gen 2:17 w/3:1-5), 2. Right worship (Exo 20:4-6 w/Gen 4:1-7, 8:20, 14:20), 3) Proper representation (Exo 20:7 w/Gen 11:1-9), 4) Consecration (Exo 8-10 w/Gen 2:2), 5) Sacred offices (Exo 20:12 w/Gen 14:17-20) , 6) Sanctity of life (Exo 20:13 w/Gen 4:8-12), 7) Sexual purity (Exo 20:14 w/Gen 19:1-13), 8) Personal property (Exo 20:15 w/Exo 31:30-32), 9)Truth in reporting (Exo 20:16 w/Gen 20:1-9), 10) Proper disposition toward others (Exo 20:17 w/Gen 37:1-11 w/42:21-22)2.2.3.2. Moses (Old Covenant) (Deu 12:32)2.2.3.3. Jesus (New Covenant) (Mat 5:17-19 w/1Co 7:19 = OC laws w/new covenant application –e.g. circumcision = baptism; This is sometimes referred to as the “law of Christ” – 1Co 9:21; Consider also Rom 3:31 w/Rom 13:8-10 w/Mat 22:37-40 and Mal 4:4-5).2.3. Since the beginning, salvation has required that we pass a final judgment based on our works (or deeds).2.3.1. The Old Testament is replete with references that make clear that a person’s eternal salvation (or damnation) would ultimately be determined by a future and final judgment where their thoughts, intentions, decisions, words, and actions will be impartially (or objectively) assessed and equitably rewarded or punished (Psa 62:12, 75:1-10, 96:10-13; Pro 24:12; Ecc 3:17, 11:9; Isa 66:15-16)2.3.2. Consistent with the prior witness, the New Testament also contains many references to a coming final judgment that people -including Christians, must pass in order to be saved.[5] And like the former references, these too make clear that our behavior will matter – i.e. our salvation will not be based on our faith alone (Mal 4:1-4; Mat 7:21-28, 12:33-37, 16:27, 25:14-46; Joh 5:28-29; Rom 2:6-8, 14:10-12; 1Co 3:10-17; 2Co 5:9-10; Gal 6:7-10; 1Pe 1:13-17; Heb 4:6-13; Rev 20:11-15).2.3.3. Salvation has (therefore) always been:2.3.3.1. Synergistic, never monergistic[6]2.3.3.2. A marriage not consummated until we pass the final judgment according to our deeds (Rev 19:8). [1] The importance of consistency goes beyond being confident that what we believe and practice is indeed the truth. It is the basis of all understanding and certainty in the universe. Nothing can be known, anticipated or planned without the principle of consistency (e.g. mathematics). Thankfully, our God is a God of redundancy – or consistency. He has built consistency into the system (e.g. Gen 8:22). To say therefore that you believe something to be true without the ability to demonstrate consistency, is not only the highest form of arrogance, but reckless delusion. Even Jesus and the apostle Paul demonstrated consistency (to the OT scriptures) as the proof of their legitimacy as ministers of God’s Word (e.g. Joh 5:39; Luk 24:27; Rom 3:28-31).[2] “Man’s relationship to God in creation was based on works. What Adam failed to achieve, Christ, the second Adam, succeeded in achieving. Ultimately the only way one can be justified is by works. We indeed are justified by works, but the works that justify us are the works of Christ” – R.C. Sproul (Getting The Gospel Right, p.160); The origin of merit theology is not Scripture but Roman Catholicism – and for Protestants, Martin Luther (a former Roman Catholic monk).[3] Faith as the only basis (or grounds) of salvation is considered “the heart of Christian doctrine” and the doctrine on which “the church stands or falls” (Martin Luther). As such, there is be no place for faithful obedience in evangelical theology when discussing what accomplishes our salvation.[4] Christ obeying for us is picked up not only in the spurious evangelical doctrine of “The Active Obedience of Christ”, but also the belief that when we practice obedience, it is actually Christ (or the Spirit) doing it for us. Consider: “The Spirit, not self- effort, produces obedience. [It is] the Spirit’s work in a person [that] produces obedience to the law. – Tom Schreiner; “Paul understands the gospel to work true obedience to the Law in those who believe. The Spirit and the Spirit alone, effects real obedience…Christ-the new person-is present within faith, performing his works”” – M.A. Seifrid; “Christ does the good works of the Christians.” – A. Stuhlmacher; “The Christian’s loving obedience to God is nothing other than the extension to him of the loving righteousness of Christ himself.” – D.B. Garlington[5]“Approximately three-fourths of Paul’s judgment sayings refer to the judgment of Christians.” – R. Snodgrass[6] It is here that we see a major point of digression or discontinuity in the beliefs of Evangelicals from how people were saved in the Old Testament versus how they are saved under the New Covenant. According to them, the latter was synergistic (we must work w/God), whereas the former is (now) monergistic (Christ works for us): “Paul abandoned the synergism of Jewish soteriology for the monergism of total dependence upon the grace of God in Christ.” – D.A. Hagner; “[Paul] no longer viewed God as cooperating with human effort within the framework of the covenant with Israel. Now for Paul, God’s act in Christ effected salvation in itself.” – M.A. Seifrid; In contrast: “Those who want to play down Paul’s emphasis on judgment according to works do so by claiming that Paul opposed the Jewish scheme of salvation because it was ‘synergistic,’ that is, solely and wholly dependent on God’s doing. Paul [however] did lay responsibility on his converts, in language that reads far more synergistically than monergistically” – James D.G. Dunn

How can we be certain that what we believe as Christians is correct? How can we know that we have interpreted the Scriptures in a way that will lead to salvation? What assurance do we have that we possess the truth? The answer according to the author of Hebrews is consistency. That the ministry of Jesus we subscribe to (or practice) today, is consistent (or the “same”) with what Jesus established in the past (or “yesterday”) – i.e. in the Old Testament (Jud 1:5) (v8). This most especially as it relates to salvation. We should expect continuity (or again consistency) between the system of salvation in the past and the system of salvation in the present (2Ti 3:15 = Paul can’t say this unless consistency existed between the system of salvation in the past and the present). Equally important in our quest for certainty is the rejection of those teachings that pose as Christian but are “diverse” (i.e. different and inconsistent) or “strange” (i.e. unknown to what has already been established) (v9a). This then is the litmus test for discerning truth: is what I believe to be the Christian Faith consistent with the entirety of what God has established in His Word? Or is it different and strange to what has gone before it? Is what I believe a new religion or simply the upgrade to what has already existed (i.e. Judaism 2.0)? [1]The goal of this study is, therefore, three-fold: 1) apologetic: to defend – as well as give the members of Christ Covenant Church absolute assurance, that what we believe is consistent with the entirety of God’s Word – or what was established by Jesus in the past. In this church, Jesus is the same “today” as He was “yesterday” and will be “forever”, 2) evangelistic: to provide you with the most powerful tool for not only defending what you believe but also convincing others of this fact as well (i.e. the fact that we are consistent!), 3) discipleship: to (re)introduce you to what we believe and practice – but with the (new) appreciation of knowing that what we do is consistent.CONSISTENT CHRISTIANITYAtonement, Circumcision, and Anointed Priests for Salvation.1.1. Since the beginning, God has required an atoning sacrifice to be saved.Adam (Gen 3:21) “clothed” = Metaphor for atonement (e.g. Isa 61:10); Noah (Gen 8:20); Job (Job 1:5) = Job most likely lived after the flood but before Abe since there is mention of the former but not the latter (e.g. Job 22:16); Abraham (Gen 22:1-3 w/12-13); Moses (Old Covenant) (e.g. Lev 1:1-4); Jesus (New Covenant) (1Jo 4:10) “propitiation” = Atoning sacrifice (See also Gal 1:4 and Rom 5:9). 1.2. Under the Old Covenant, God established an anointed high priest, anointed priests and Levites.Though not always explicit, there were two types of priests (or priestly offices): high priest and chief priests (Mat 26:3-4; Heb 5:1-4 = Aaron was the first high priest; Est’g of anointed priests and Levites – Exo 28:1, 29:44-45; Num 3:1-10 w/32, 18:1-7). Hence the distinction in garments – Exo 31:10; See also Num 35:25 -1st place here distinction of high priest is used). Only the priests were anointed (Exo 28:40-41 “anoint” = “ordain” = Lit. fill their hand w/ divine authority as Christ’s representatives on earth). Only the high priest could enter the holy of holies on Yom Kippur (Heb 9:6-7). 1.3. Under the New Covenant God has also established an anointed high priest, anointed priests and Levites.Jesus is our anointed High Priest (Heb 2:16-17, 3:1, 4:14, 5:1-6, 7:1-9:14 w/Gen 14:17-20; Yom Kippur = Heb 9:11-12). God also promised that the new covenant community would possess anointed (chief) priests and Levites (Isa 66:21 w/Eph 4:11 w/Jer 2:8 [“The priests…did not know me” = “The shepherds transgressed against me”] w/3:15 [“I will give you shepherds” = anointed priests and Levites] w/Eph 4:8) = Christ gave the NC community the promised offices of Shepherd-teachers and shepherds – or anointed priests and Levites. See also (Jer 23:1-6) = Jesus is the “Righteous Branch” of David (or “king”) Who is therefore separate from those identified as “shepherds…who will care for (the flock)”- i.e. the NC anointed priests and Levites. What it takes to be anointed/ordained under the NC = It requires training and testing (1Ti 4:14 w/4:6 and 6:12; Hence why Paul did not immediately ordain/anoint men when planting churches – e.g. Tit 1:5 “appoint”= Anoint/ordain – fill their hand w/divine authority as Christ’s reps on earth – Tit 2:15).Historical support for anointed priests under the NC: This was the unchallenged practice for the first 1500 years of the church’s history. The earliest of the church fathers were all anointed priests (e.g. Polycarp [69-115 A.D.; disciple of the apostle John; bishop/priest of Smyrna]; Ignatius [35-110 A.D.; disciple of the apostle John; bishop/priest of Antioch], Papias [birth and death date unknown; companion to Polycarp and hearer of the apostle John; bishop/priest of Hierapolis]).1.4. Under the Old Covenant, God required circumcision (of all males) by the anointed priests in order to be saved.(Lev 12:1-3 w/Gen 17:9-14) = Being circumcised meant that person (as a representative of his household) had removed the curse of God’s wrath against his household that would otherwise be there. Hence the reason Moses and his family almost died for having an uncircumcised son (Exo 4:24-26). 1.5. Under the New Covenant, the sacrament of baptism represents circumcision and is also applied by the anointed priests for salvation.(Col 2:11-15) = Baptism is where we receive Christ’s cross-work (by faith) as the new circumcision. Without circumcision, we would remain under a curse (Gal 3:1-14) = Christ removes the Abrahamic curse (of Gen 17) by becoming a “curse” on our behalf so that we (too) can become Abraham’s children. Baptism is therefore where we must express faith if we want God to save us (1Pe 3:21) “Baptism…now saves you” = This is the place where God accepts our faith (our “appeal to God for a good conscience”) and justifies/saves as well as regenerates us – i.e. causes us to be born again (Tit 3:5; Hence this is the immediate response to those repentant and seeking salvation – Act 2:41, 8:12, 36-38, 16:15, 33). Like circumcision, it must be administered by an anointed priest (Joh 20:21-23) = Only the anointed leaders have the authority to apply the forgiveness of Christ (i.e. justification/salvation) to a person (See also Mat 16:19). Hence the reason baptism is a sacrament (i.e. a sacred symbol imparting divine promises/power to those who correctly observe it) versus an ordinance (i.e. a symbol of one’s faith or for the purpose of remembrance – how most evangelical churches view it)[2]. 1.6. Under the Old Covenant, the Passover sacrifice was applied by the anointed priests and eaten by the people as the means to gaining and maintaining their right standing with God (justification).(Exo 12:1-2) “beginning of months…first month of the year” = Passover represented the beginning (or gaining) of the Israelite’s new life (i.e. a new creation), free from slavery (literally – Egyptian slavery/metaphorically – slavery to sin), and married to God/Christ (Jer 31:31-32). Passover was therefore the foundation for the rest of those atoning sacrifices and redemptive events in Israel’s liturgical calendar[3]. Hence the reason the Jews made the trip to Jerusalem every year to observe the Passover since this was the place chosen by God (i.e the place where God’s house existed and the priests did their work in making sacrifice) (Deu 16:16; e.g. Luk 2:41; Joh 11:55). That the Passover was indeed atoning/redemptive as well as performed by the priests and (then) given to the people to eat is confirmed by (Exo 12:14-18, 24-25, 43-48 w/2Chr 30:1-21).Historical support for Passover as atoning:“I see the Paschal blood and propitiate you. . . . I mercifully take pity on you by means of the Paschal blood and the blood of circumcision, and I propitiate your souls” – Rabbi Rashi (Ex. R. 15, 35b, 35a).“The mark of blood was designed as an atonement for those within the house who partook of the paschal offering, and was also a sign for the destroying angel to pass by the house”- Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra (Soncino Chumash, 388). 1.7. Under the New Covenant, Jesus became our Passover sacrifice which is applied by the anointed priests through the sacrament of baptism and eaten by the people in the sacrament of the Lord’s Table as the means to gaining and maintaining their right standing with God (justification).(Col 2:11-15; Rom 6:1-6 w/1Co 5:7 w/2Co 5:17 w/Luk 22:20 w/Jer 31:32-34 and 2Co 11:1-2) = Baptism represents the new life/creation/marriage gained with Christ as our Passover whereas the Lord’s Table, the maintaining of that new life/creation/marriage (Joh 6:53-58, 13:1-15; Act 20:7). Hence the reason we are to continue doing/proclaiming it until He returns (1Co 11:26). CONCLUSION: Though the application between the two is different, both the Old and New Covenant require not only a High Priest but also an anointed priest for salvation.(Psa 132:9, 16) Hence the good news of becoming a kingdom of (or possessing) priests (plural – i.e. a high priest and an anointed priest or priests) (Exo 19:6 w/Rev 1:6, 5:10, 20:4-6; Consider also 2Chr 26:16-21)[4]. [1] The importance of consistency goes beyond being confident that what we believe and practice is indeed the truth. It is the basis of all understanding and certainty in the universe. Nothing can be known without the principle of consistency (e.g. mathematics). Our Thankfully, our God is a God of redundancy – or consistency. He has built consistency into the system (e.g. Gen 8:22). To say therefore that you believe something to be true without the ability to demonstrate consistency, is not only the highest form of arrogance, but reckless delusion. Even Jesus and the apostle Paul demonstrated consistency (to the OT scriptures) as the proof of their legitimacy as ministers of God’s Word (e.g. Joh 5:39; Luk 24:27; Rom 3:28-31).[2] As should be obvious, circumcision and the animal sacrifices were also sacraments given the divine promises or power associated w/them.[3] As such, the repeated observance of Passover – as well as those regular sacrifices made throughout the year, also functioned as a means of covenant maintenance.[4] Though I have limited the scope of my conclusion to the Old and New Covenants, the need for anointed persons on earth to be saved was true under the Abrahamic covenant also. Melchizedek was the high priest of Abraham (according to Hebrews 7). Hence the reason for paying Him tithe. And Abraham was the anointed prophet (or priest. Hence the reason he had to pray for Abimelech (Gen 20:7 w/17).

If we want to “speak” as God’s “physicians” or counselors to others then we need: 1) to understand more of God’s truth than them (13:1-3), 2) a right application of God’s truth and a right diagnosis of the person we are dealing w/ (13:4), 3) to realize the wisdom of silence (or saying nothing when we are not sure what to say) (13:5), 4) to avoid speaking false or deceitful words (13:6-7), 5) to never be partial in our judgment (13:8-11; how Job’s friends were being partial = They were accusing him of wrong w/o the necessary evidence. It was instead based on assumption), 6) to present legitimate support for what we say (13:12; Deu 19:15). If we are going to complain to God then: 1) we need to be ready to accept the possibility of his rebuke and additional consequences (13:13), 2) we had better be sure we are not the “godless” but those “in the right” (13:14-18), 3) that means we have already successfully defended our position (or had our position vetted) w/others (13:19), 4) we should seek not only a reprieve from the pain and suffering (13:20-21) but “to know” whether our current pain and suffering is due to sin or something else (13:22-28). A person who is unsure about the reality of life after death (14:11-14a) can see: 1) no point to judgment in this life given not only the shortness and troubles already inherent to life, but also the inevitability of sin (14:1-6), 2) more hope in being a tree (14:7-10), 3) that life after death gives not only purpose to their suffering in the present (i.e. paying for their sin), but also something to look forward to in the future (i.e. a new life – or “number[ing] [of their] steps” free of their former sins and troubles) (14:14b-17; *CONSIDER the motivation of the resurrection in Scripture and its evangelistic edge – e.g. Act 23:6; contra 1Co 15:32; Phi 3:11; 1Pe 1:3), 4) their current situation as a reason to feel sorry for themselves (14:18-22). Considering a person’s place in redemptive history is important to correctly interpreting their words or God’s message through them (e.g. 14:11-14a; Job most likely lived after the Noahic flood but before Abraham or the Old Covenant. Hence no mention of them or things related to them; In re: to the Noahic flood see 22:16 – “swept away by the flood”). The difference between the “wise man” and the fool is the former has words backed by evidence and able to make a difference whereas the latter possesses only “windy knowledge” (i.e. sounds good/smart but bears no support; speculation) and “unprofitable talk” (or “words that do no good”) (15:1-3). The reason people make a practice of slandering and lying (5b- “the tongue of the crafty”) is because they: 1) do not truly “fear…God” (i.e. seek to respect and obey Him) or spend time attempting to understand what He says (i.e. “meditation before God”) (15:4-6), 2) are unteachable, believing they already know what they need to know or know more than those who are attempting to teach them (15:7-11), 3) are not truly thankful for God’s existing mercies to them (15:11-13), 4) think too highly of their existing moral state (15:14-16; “a man who drinks injustice like water”). Wise observation from the past (15:17-19), teaches us that the very likely path of those who are antinomians (who have “stretched out [their] hand against God”, “running stubbornly against Him”) and anarchists (who live in “desolate cities, in houses none should inhabit, which were ready to become heaps of ruins” = People who hate society and conforming to society’s expectations; who would rather live in shacks on the prairie than in the city) (15:25-28) wb filled with: 1) pain (15:20), 2) inability to prosper (15:21, 29, 31-34), 3) lack of provision and protection from spiritual darkness or impending doom (15:22-24, 30), 4) evil and deceit (15:35). Giving “answers” which are according to (or “provoke[d]” by) evidence (and facts) versus assumptions (and feelings) is what determines whether we are “miserable comforters” with “windy (useless) words” or those who actually “strengthen” others and “assuage [their] pain.” (16:1-5; see again 13:8-12). There are two things that can only be provided by the friends of the righteous – never the righteous themselves: 1) comfort and encouragement when they are in pain (16:6), weak (16:7-8), under attack or being persecuted (16:9-14), depressed and losing hope (16:15-17), 2) advocacy for seeing justice, recompense or relief before they die (16:18-22).

(Added to Job 1-4): 1. Righteous parents are daily doing those things that prove their children’s spiritual state is a priority (1:5).Job 5-8Those who choose to be foolish (“stupid” as in refusing to be teachable or gain understanding; Jer 4:22) and simple (naïve or lacking sense as to how things really work; Hos 7:11) (5:2): 1) are to find no support or sympathy among those seeking to live holy lives (5:1; e.g. 2Th 3:10-15), 2) are dominated and destroyed by anger and jealousy (5:2), 3) are never able to get ahead enjoying only temporary success or stability (5:3), 4) produce ill-fated and idiot children (5:4), 5) are always being taken advantage of by other needy people (5:5), 6) possess lives full of “affliction” and “trouble” not by accident (it does not “come from the dust” or “sprout from the ground”) but as the guaranteed result of their own choices to be (foolish and simple) (5:6-7; “but a man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” = Just as sparks always go up, so those “born” to be fools/simple are guaranteed to suffer affliction and trouble). Those who “seek” and commit [their] “cause” to God (who have dedicated their lives to learning and practicing His ways) (5:8): 1) experience God’s power, provision and protection (5:9-11), 2) witness His deliverance from the unjust and those attempting to oppress or take advantage of them (5:12-16). We should never “despise” (hate or see as a negative thing) God’s “discipline” of us (correction through trials/suffering) since it: 1) indicates we are “blessed” or loved by God and viewed as His children (5:17; Heb 12:5-7; Pro 3:11), 2) is not meant to kill or destroy us (5:18-20), 3) is meant to make us rock-solid – or more confident, when facing hardship or adversaries (5:21 [“hidden” = not affected]-23), 4) promises a life of peace, stability, prosperity and longevity to those who respond appropriately (5:24-26), 5) is God’s tried and true method for making us better (5:27). We are “treacherous” and “disappoint(ing)” friends who offer “nothing” of value to our covenant brother or sister when they face calamity so great that they lose their appetite, ability to persevere, hope for living or belief that God will hear their complaint (6:1-21a) and our first response is 1) fear they are guilty of serious sin versus giving them the benefit of the doubt (6:21b), 2) based on speculation versus actual evidence (6:22-26), 3) knee-jerked versus the product of patient listening and diligent investigation (6:27-30). You are completely naïve if you think being righteous will cause you to completely escape: 1) “hard service” or being “allotted months of emptiness and nights of misery” in this life (7:1-4), 2) the decay of your flesh and future death (7:5-10). Great and unceasing calamity or suffering (“anguish of…spirit” and “bitterness of…soul”) can cause us to: 1) “complain” (vocalize our unhappiness) to God about living and want to die (7:11-16), 2) be confused about God’s ways and purpose w/our life (7:17-21). There is a huge difference between confusion (resulting in asking questions) and condemnation (resulting in questioning) (Job’s was the former and never the latter, 6:11-21 w/42:7-9 = If Job had condemned God’s actions then he too wb charged w/sin like his friends [the greater sin of blasphemy: accusing God of wrongdoing/blasphemy -Lev 24:10-16]). The value of accusing God of perverting justice (or doing evil) is equivalent to the value of letting a giant fart come out of your mouth (8:1-3; “the words of your mouth [are] a great wind” = A great fart). God’s justice includes making sure that the punishment fits the crime (8:4; “delivered them into the hand of their transgression” = God gives people over to what their sin deserves). Seeking God and being “pure and upright” is what repentance that leads to forgiveness (“mercy”) and restoration looks like (8:5-7; “beginning was small” = Life after sin and punishment; “latter days will be very great” = God’s restoration). If we want the wisdom to correctly and safely navigate our way through this world then it will mean considering: 1) the testimony of those who have already lived (8:8-10), 2) the testimony of God in nature (8:11-13). The difference between the saved and damned person is not that one believes things will be okay and the other doesn’t, but that the damned person’s expectation: 1) will one day “perish” (8:13; Pro 10:28; e.g. Joh 6:66 versus 67-68), 2) is “severed” or not rooted in reality (8:14-17), 3) is nothing more than blissful ignorance that attracts many to live in the moment (versus seeking the wisdom that comes from those in the past and God in nature) (8:18-19). God promises to: 1) never reject the “blameless” but to (instead) “fill [their] mouth with laughter and [their] lips with shouting” and put to “shame” those who hate them (8:20-21, 22a), 2) never support or help (“take the hand”) of “evildoers” or the “wicked” but to eventually destroy their lives forever (“their tent”) (8:20,22).

Even the best among the righteous and blessed by God (1:1-5) can experience: 1) persecution (or testing) at the hands of Satan (1:6-19, 2:1-8; Luk 22:31-32; 1Pe 5:8-10; Rev 2:10), 2) condemnation at the hands of stupid men (2:11 w/4:1-5:27, 8:1-22, 11:1-20, 15:1-35, 22:1-30 w/42:7-9). Assumptions can cause you to: 1) condemn the wrong person/hurt the ones who are truly righteous (4:1-21, 5:1-27, 8:1-22, 11:1-20, 15:1-35, 22:1-30 w/42:7-9; e.g. you condemn the faithful pastor bc he tells you the truth about who you really are – Gal 4:16), 2) become very confused and disheartened about life and your walk w/God (3:1-26, 6:1-7:21, 9:1-10:22, 12:1-14:22, 16:1-17:16, 19:1-29, 21:1-34, 23:1-24:25, 26:1-31:40; e.g. you assumed only a few would go apostate – Mat 7:13-14; Luk 13:22-24). Celebrating birthdays has Scriptural precedent (1:4). There is a difference between cursing God in the heart (a reference to sin in general), and cursing God to His face (the capital crime of blasphemy) (1:5 w/11, 2:5 and 9; “sinned and cursed God in their hearts” = Appositional phrase. Cursing God in our hearts is what we are doing when we sin against God; “curse you to your face…Curse God and die” = Condemnation of God, to “charge God with wrong” – 1:22, blasphemy – Lev 24:10-16). Satan (like the rest of the angels or “sons of God”) is still under God’s control (employment?) (1:6 w/12, 2:1 w/7). God allows Satan to roam all over the earth for the purpose of exposing (through persecution/suffering) those who possess a “genie-in-the-bottle” relationship w/Him (whose love or loyalty to God and His Law is conditioned upon Him giving them what they want) (1:6-11, 2:1-5; 2:9-10a = Job’s wife possessed a “genie-in-the-bottle” relationship w/God; 1Pe 5:8). Satan can walk longer and much faster than us (1:7 and 2:2). We can face immense tragedy or suffering in a way that glorifies God if we have the right perspective (1:13-22, 2:7-10). Sharing our emotions – not our thoughts/opinions, is the best way to show “sympathy and comfort” to those facing tragedy or suffering (2:11-13). Regretting one’s life because of great tragedy and suffering is not the same as ending one’s life because of great tragedy and suffering (2:9-10 w/3:1-26). Truth misapplied is untruth (and possibly even sin) (4:1-5 w/6-21 w/42:7-9 = Our sin is not the only reason we can suffer in this life). The best chance we have of possessing a good life now (and heaven later) is through putting our trust (or “confidence”) in God through living a life of “integrity”: one that fears/obeys Him and does not practice (“sow” or “plow”) “iniquity” (or sin) or the “trouble” it brings (4:6, 8). God uses suffering in this life (even death) to punish us for our sins (4:17-21; 1Pe 4:17-18). Unlike the present, God used to communicate w/people through dreams (4:12-21; e.g. Gen 20:3-7, 28:10-16, 31:10-13, 37:5-9; Dan 2:1-45, 4:1-27, 7:1-28; not so anymore – 1Co 13:8-10)

Imagine someone calling you a “Pharisee”. You would likely be offended by this association. It is understandable, but do you know why? Popular culture – especially Christian culture, has made “Pharisee” a derogatory term. Most people, however – including Christians, don’t know very much about the Pharisees. And what they claim to know, is frequently wrong. The Pharisees deserve their derogatory status, but not for the reasons often heard. Discovering their true identity – that established in the pages of Scripture will be the focus of this study.RELEVANCE: Why study them?Through the discovery of their beliefs, we find answers to our own poor thinking as well as the reason so many (today) have embraced a false and damning version of Christianity. It is because our/their religion is no different than that of the Pharisees.RELIGION: What were the main tenets/beliefs of the Pharisees?2.1. Traditionalism (Mat 12:1-14, 15:1-14)Giving human tradition (the teachings, doctrine, beliefs, practices, principles, policies, commands, laws, justice, and religion established by mankind) more authority than God’s Word (the teachings, doctrine, beliefs, practices, principles, policies, commands, laws, justice and religion established by the writers of Scripture). In other words, putting human reason above the revelation of God (Mat 12:1-14, 15:1-14; e.g. discipline as situational ethics in the church).2.2. NarcissismLiving to experience praise, approval, love, neediness and respect from others or promote self (fulfillment, enjoyment, status and power) at the expense of others– including God. In other words, putting self-love (or loyalty) above love (or loyalty) to God (Mat 23:5-7; e.g. you care what people think of you more than you care what God thinks of you).2.3. AntinomianismBelieving that faithfulness to all of God’s laws and established authorities is not required to be saved. Obedience is optional (nice but not necessary) and selective[1]. In other words, putting personal freedom and autonomy (self-rule/law; αὐτοῦ = self, νόμος = law) above God’s established laws and authorities. Antinomian is therefore just another word for anarchist[2].2.3.1. The fact that the Pharisees were devoted practitioners of both traditionalism and narcissism meant that they were (by default) also antinomians (Mat 23:25-28) = Notice Jesus mentions both the Pharisees’ traditionalism (vv25-26) and narcissism (vv27-28a) in His condemnation of them as not only hypocrites but antinomians (“full of lawlessness”).2.3.2. The Pharisees viewed God’s law as optional (or not necessary to be saved) (Mat 3:7-10; Joh 8:31-39).2.3.3. The Pharisees were selective in their obedience (Mat 23:1-4) = The Pharisees preached the tough stuff from God’s law (what Jesus means by “they tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear and lay them on people’s shoulders”). This however wasn’t the problem (Jesus calls for the people to “observe whatever they [the Pharisees] tell you”). It was the fact that the Pharisees made no attempt to practice those tougher laws themselves (“they preach, but do not practice…they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger”). IOW: as far it concerned their own obedience, it was selective. They did the easy stuff but ignored the tough stuff. Jesus accuses them of the same thing in (Mat 23:23-24) = The Pharisees chose to obey what was easy and ignored or “neglected” what was tougher yet more important (the “weightier matters of the law”). Notice Jesus says “these you ought to have done without neglecting the others – i.e. no selective obedience; (Luk 16:16-17) = The Pharisees were attempting to be a part of God’s kingdom while being selective in what laws they chose to obey. Jesus makes it clear that such selectiveness will never be a part of salvation (v17 = Snowflake in hell); Hence the reason Jesus mentions them in His teaching on the importance of keeping all of the Law to salvation in (Mat 5:17-20).2.3.4. The Pharisees were also anarchists. They were against (or chronically suspicious) of all authority (Mat 21:23 = The Pharisees were always questioning whether Jesus possessed legitimate authority even though the fruit of his labors testified to it. Jesus showed that those truly doing the Father’s will are those who submit to His established authorities versus standing around always questioning it or asking for a sign – Mat 16:1-4)[3].2.3.5. As with their other beliefs, antinomianism was another reason the Pharisees could not understand the Scriptures (i.e. were poor thinkers) and missed Jesus (as their Messiah) (Joh 7:17-19).2.3.6. The combination of these three: traditionalism (tradition over truth), narcissism (self over others/God), and antinomianism (freedom over authority and laws) is essentially what it means to be an American today (and one of the reasons we have become such poor thinkers).2.3.7. The same is true in the American church. Like the Pharisees, evangelical Christians are devoted practitioners of antinomianism.“Since the time of the Reformation, evangelicalism has proven powerless to check repeated outbreaks of antinomianism in churches… resulting in large fringes of congregants today imbued with the heresy. One prominent Lutheran theologian has dubbed antinomianism ‘the heresy of the American church.’”[4]2.3.8. Why evangelicalism is so steeped in antinomianism:2.3.8.1. Its gospel is antinomian (salvation is by faith alone )2.3.8.2. Its view on Paul and the law (“Paul preached Christ as the end of the law in Romans 10:4”; See Act 21:17-24; also Rom 3:31 and again Jesus in Mat 5:17-20)2.3.8.3. Its doctrines regarding the work of Christ (e.g. Active Obedience and Penal Substitution)2.3.8.4. Its failure to understand what general revelation teaches us about God’s justice and righteousness (Psa 19:1-8; Rom 1:18-20 w/Psa 33:5 = The earth is full of what God loves and is His central attribute: justice [Psa 9:7, 89:14] = The laws of nature are absolute, consistent and w/o discrimination or bias [e.g. The temperature snow melts/water freezes 32 degrees F]; Hence Deu 16:20 and Num 15:15-16; Because they don’t understand that, they practice situational ethics, discipline based on emotions – and ultimately antinomianism [they subvert the law]).2.3.9. How you know that you (in step with the Pharisees) will also be viewed by Jesus as an antinomian:2.3.9.1. You are an evangelical/hold to the evangelical gospel (of faith alone)2.3.9.2. You refuse to excommunicate all those guilty of what the OT identifies as capital crimes (limiting it simply to what you find in the NT – 1Co 5:1-5)2.3.9.3. You tell people something similar to “that’s OT law and it no longer applies to God’s people under the NT” (Mat 5:17-20)2.3.9.4. You tell people something similar to, “don’t sweat the small stuff, focus on the big stuff” (Mat 23:23-24)2.3.9.5. You believe tithing is optional (2Co 9:7)2.3.9.6. You think that by your obedience or good works in one area you can get rid of your neglect or disobedience in others (Mat 7:21-23)2.3.9.7. You are constantly questioning or condemning or refusing to submit to those authorities God places over you – including those in the church (Mat 18:17-18 w/1Co 6:1-3; Rom 13:1-2).2.3.9.8. You are characterized as a disobedient person or continue to practice (“struggle”) with certain sins (1Jo 3:4).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE = RUN FROM THE RELIGION OF THE PHARISEES.[1] The word antinomian comes from the Greek word, ἀνομoς; (ἀ/anti = against, νομoς/nomos = law//against the law; “antinomian”) which is translated in the bible as “lawlessness”. You do not however have to be against all of God’s law/authorities to be identified by this term. The term is also used to refer to those who are selective in their obedience. Essentially anyone not adhering to all of God’s laws/authorities is antinomian (Mat 24:12; Rom 6:19; Act 21:21-22).[2] The definition of anarchy includes opposition to the law (def. the absence of authority and law).[3] According to Josephus, the anarchist influence of the Pharisees was instrumental in starting the Jewish-Roman war that ultimately led to the destruction of the Temple – and their nation, in 70 A.D.[4] Rainbow (The Way Of Salvation, p. xvii, xx).

1 Peter 5Those functioning as anointed/teaching elders in the church possess authority that must be listened to by those under their care – including the ruling/subordinate elders (5:1; “fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ [an apostle]” = Peter’s apostleship meant that he was an anointed/teaching elder; See also 5:5a – “Likewise [in light of the point previously established regarding the authority of the anointed elders over the ruling/subordinate elders], you who are younger [the subordinate elders in your congregation] be subject to [submit to/listen to] the elders [the anointed elders]. Clothe yourselves, all of you [the entire congregation], with humility [with submission and teachableness]”). To be an elder a man must have no problem: 1) exercising disciplinary oversight in relation to the congregation (5:2 – “not under compulsion [only able when pressured] but willingly as God would have you; not for shameful gain [only able when bribed], but eagerly”), 2) being the example of what He demands from the flock (5:3 – “not domineering…but being an example” = No hypocrisy allowed), 3) waiting to receive his reward until he sees Jesus (5:4). God only helps/delivers those who: 1) submit/listen to Him – including established authorities in the church (5:5b-6), 2) believe He can help and does care about them (5:7), 3) do not give in to the temptations of Satan during their time of suffering – most especially the thought that what they are facing is abnormal/something God’s people have not faced before or know how to deal w/ (5:8-9), 4) are patient to wait for Him, viewing their situation as a test of their loyalty to Him (5:10-11). Maintaining what we have gained by faithfulness to Christ and His commands in the time of testing and trials, through our submission to authority, loyalty to the church and our bros/sis along with baptismal regeneration is the “true” gospel (or “grace of God”) that we must wholeheartedly believe and practice (“stand firm in”) since it is the gospel of the apostles (or the first NT church) (5:12-14).2 Peter 1-3We gain (or “obtain”) our Christian “standing” (or Christian “Faith”) “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (1:1). The way to have God’s favor (or “grace”) and “peace” “multiplied” (or continued) to us – as well as receive “His divine power” for living a “life” that agrees w/true religion (“godliness”), is by maintaining or growing “in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (or “Him who called us into His own glory and excellence”) (1:2-3 w/3:18). Our salvation is conditioned upon our behavior hence: 1) it is only by living a life that agrees w/true religion (or the right gospel) that we are guaranteed heaven and a divine nature in the future (God’s “precious and very great promises …become partakers of the divine nature”), as well as escape “from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” (1:4; “by which” = By living a life that agrees w/true religion-See previous verse), 2) the “reason” we must “make every effort to supplement our faith” (or to maintain what we have gained) w/certain behavior or character “qualities” that “are increasing” or becoming more and more what characterizes our life (1:5-8), 3) this is how we grow – or keep from being “ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8 w/1:2-3, 3:18), 4) those who fail to have increased frequency in relation to God’s prescribed “qualities” will lose their salvation (They wb considered “so nearsighted” that they are now “blind” in relation to salvation; those who have “forgotten” they were “cleansed from [their] former sins”) (1:9), 5) the charge to “be all the more diligent to confirm (our) calling and election” (1:10a), 6) the promise that if we “practice these qualities (we) will never fall” and the “entrance into the eternal kingdom” wb “richly provided” to us (1:10b-11). The fact that Peter intended to constantly remind people of what they already knew in regard to the gospel’s requirement (of maintaining what you gain) and see to it that these reminders continued after his death, reveals: 1) the importance of such maintaining to the salvation of God’s people as well as their propensity to be forgotten (1:12 w/1:10-11, 13-15; As it re: to being forgotten consider these verses w/1:9), 2) their connection to what else Peter saw and heard when with Jesus “on the holy mountain” (1:16-18 w/Mat 17:1-5), 3) their congruency w/the OT Scriptures or former prophecy (1:19-21; e.g. Isa 2:1-3, 18:7, 19:18-25, 66:18-21, 42:1-7, 21). Just as there were “false prophets” under the OT who denied the gain and maintain gospel so there wb “false teachers” under the NT who will: 1) also deny this gospel (Hence the reason for the constant reminders as to what constitutes the true gospel) (2:1), 2) promote a “feel good” false gospel that will be popular among the majority of those claiming to follow God (2:2a; “sensuality” = Appealing to the feelings/emotions), 3) cause people to condemn (or “blaspheme”) the true gospel (or “way of truth”) (2:2b), 4) speak false words (or “exploit”; Grk. “plastos” = Plastic or fake) against those who preach/embrace the true gospel (2:3a), 5) face the same eternal “condemnation” or “destruction” as their predecessors – (“Their condemnation from long ago is not idle” – i.e. the damnation faced by others in the past for committing the crime remains the same today) (2:3, 4-9), 6) by their denial, also promote antinomianism/anarchism (no law, no authority) (2:10-13a; “blaspheme the glorious ones” = God’s leaders; “do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them” = E.G. Moses – see Jud 1:9; e.g. The Evangelical church’s denial/condemnation of the church’s authority), 7) because of their “feel good” message, be able to easily convince those who live by their emotions (2:14 – “entice unsteady souls”, 2:18 – “entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error [those addicted to their feelings/emotions and as a result have a hard time separating from sinful pleasures and people]”), 8) be very confident (or “reveling” or “loud” or “boast[ful]”) and aggressive in their evangelistic efforts (they love “gain from wrongdoing and possess “hearts trained in greed”) (2:13b-18 ; “eyes full of adultery” = Adultery to the marriage covenant bc of their promotion of lawlessness – see Mat 12:39), 9) promise people freedom from sin (thru their view that faithfulness is simply the result of faith – not its obligation) that ironically (bc of their “nice but necessary” view of obedience to God’s law) will make them “slaves of corruption” and recipients of the worst damnation (2:19-22). Like the gospel message (of gain and maintain), it is important to remember that the world itself will also contain those opposed to or “scoffing” at the idea of Jesus coming to judge and eternally condemn those who “follow their own sinful desires” because they are ignorant of: 1) the predictions by the prophets and Jesus Himself (3:1-4), 2) the certainty of God’s Word regarding such judgment as demonstrated through ancient history (3:5-7), 3) God’s timetable and agenda (3:8-10 = Both God’s patience and judgment are on a very strict and predetermined timetable). Knowing the scope and severity of destruction which will define God’s coming judgment – as well as the scope of glory and perfection associated with God’s new creation, should: 1) make us “diligent” to live “lives of holiness and godliness (true religion)” and to be “found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace [w/one another]” (3:11-14), 2) cause us not to waste whatever time we have in this life but rather view it as His “patience” toward us – i.e. time to get it right so we can receive “salvation” (3:15-16a w/Eph 5:15-17). People who are living in their sin/flesh or by their emotions/feelings (the “unstable”) and those who don’t know the bible – or how to properly interpret it (the “untaught”), will believe the apostle Paul preached a gospel not requiring obedience to God to be saved (3:16; e.g. Evangelicals and “Pauline scholars”). Important to not being “carried away” (tricked or duped) by the “error of lawless people” and losing our salvation (or “los[ing] our own stability”) is: 1) knowing that such people will use Paul to support their lawless gospel (3:17), 2) growing in our Lord’s favor through obedience and the knowledge of His will (as previously prescribed – 1:5-11) (3:18).

Imagine someone calling you a “Pharisee”. You would likely be offended by this association. It is understandable, but do you know why? Popular culture – especially Christian culture, has made “Pharisee” a derogatory term. Most people, however – including Christians, don’t know very much about the Pharisees. And what they claim to know, is frequently wrong. The Pharisees deserve their derogatory status, but not for the reasons often heard. Discovering their true identity – that established in the pages of Scripture will be the focus of this study.RELEVANCE: Why study them?Because understanding the Pharisees helps us to stay away from the teachings of Martin Luther, understand the teachings of Jesus, avoid becoming a member of the Dunning Kruger club—and ultimately, hell. Through the discovery of their beliefs, we find answers to our own poor thinking as well as the reason so many (today) have embraced a false and damning version of Christianity. It is because our/their religion is no different than that of the Pharisees.RELIGION: What were the main tenets/beliefs of the Pharisees?2.1. TraditionalismGiving human tradition (the teachings, doctrine, beliefs, practices, principles, policies, commands, laws, justice, and religion established by mankind) more authority than God’s Word (the teachings, doctrine, beliefs, practices, principles, policies, commands, laws, justice and religion established by the writers of Scripture). In other words, putting human reason above the revelation of God. Traditionalism made the Pharisees poor thinkers and false teachers (Mat 12:1-14, 15:1-14; Mar 7:4). Examples of this Pharisaical practice in the Christian church today: 1) swear words are inherently sinful, 2) “little-house-on-the-prairie theology” [Doug Wilson video]: a home manifesting mature godliness and devotion to Jesus is a place where the kids are home-schooled, the food home-grown or home-made [especially the cookies!] and all the maintenance or home-improvements are done by the family, 3) Luther’s gospel in the evangelical church, 4) the practice of situational ethics in the majority of churches (e.g. masturbation not disciplined as a capital crime though this is the only penalty assigned to sins related to sexual immorality in the bible). *THE POINT NOT TO MISS: CHECK YOURSELF! Christianity is filled w/Pharisees – people practicing their religion, at least as it relates to the belief/practice of traditionalism. And that traditionalism will not only make us poor thinkers – but could also keep us from going to heaven – to miss Jesus as the Pharisees did (Joh 9:16; this is clearly the case with the Evangelical church’s embrace of Luther’s gospel). Hence the reason for Paul’s warning in (Col 2:8). 2.2. NarcissismLiving to experience praise, approval, love, neediness, and respect from others or promote self (fulfillment, enjoyment, status, and power) at the expense of others– including God. In other words, putting self-love (or loyalty) above love (or loyalty) to God.2.2.1. The Pharisees were not only traditionalists, they were also narcissists. The reason they did what they did was for the purpose of receiving the praise of others and promoting self (Mat 23:5-7; Joh 12:43; Joh 5:44; Luk 16:14 = What causes people to become “lovers of money” [to be loyal to money] is they are narcissists – i.e. living to promote self or gain power, since money is number one way to do that in this world. Notice they were also seeking to justify themselves by others [versus God] – Luk 16:15).2.2.2. The narcissism of the Pharisees likewise contributed to their poor thinking and failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Joh 5:15-17; “Jews” = Specifically, the Pharisees- those most seeking to kill Jesus – Mat 12:14)2.2.3. Narcissism has a long history among human beings, a history going all the way back to the Fall. Satan, then Adam and Eve were the first narcissists in their attempts to be God (or take His throne) (Isa 14:13-14; Gen 3:5-6).2.2.4. Narcissism is also at the heart of most (if not all) homosexual behavior. It is the epitome – or extreme version of narcissism (or self-love). Hence the designation “homo”(sexual) (i.e. of the same in sexual love; sexual desire for oneself or one like self). Even the world understands this association.“According to orthodox psychoanalytical theory, narcissism and homosexuality are strongly associated. This association played a major role in pathologizing homosexuality. The hypothesis, which is based on the Freudian connection between narcissism and homosexuality, is [also] supported by the results in [psychological study].” – Gidi Rubinstein (“Narcissism and self-esteem among homosexual and heterosexual male students”; Pub-med.gov)2.2.5. According to Paul, however, this association has even deeper roots. Homosexuality (along w/a “debased [insane] mind”) is the punishment for those whose narcissism (or self-love) causes them to hold God in contempt (to judge Him and His truth as unrighteous) and establish themselves as the proper object of worship (Rom 1:18-28).2.2.6. You don’t (however) have to be pursuing homosexual perversion to be a narcissist. Again, the Pharisees were narcissists (but probably not homosexuals). As a matter of fact, many of those who claim to be Christians are narcissists.2.2.7. Signs you are (more than likely) a narcissist:2.2.7.1. you care what other people think about you (Luk 6:26):2.2.7.1.1. your primary motivation to do certain things/right thing is so that people will praise, respect, think highly or approve of you (versus seeking the praise/respect of God – Rom 2:7-8 “self-seeking” = Narcissistic).2.2.7.1.2. you constantly need the praise or recognition of others to be faithful or keep doing the right thing (e.g. faux leaders – how women end up w/effeminate [pansy, emotional, soft] husbands they thought were real men) (Gal 1:10).2.2.7.1.3. you make sure others know what you have, who you are, who you know or when you do certain things so as to get their praise, respect or approval of you (Mat 23:5-7; e.g. always posting your achievements on social media; wear clothing advertising where you work/what you do when it is not necessary; you are always name-dropping or telling people what you do, how much you make or where you work).2.2.7.1.4. you fantasize about others giving you respect or listening to you, or thinking you are smart or wise or cool.2.2.7.1.5. you show partiality when it comes to your family (e.g. you cover up or discount their sin so as to keep receiving their praise/love/approval of you – Mat 10:32-33 “denies Me before men” = Inhibits Christ’s Lordship over their life by covering up/discounting their sin. This is what Jesus is getting at when He then talks about loving one’s family more than Him [in vv34-37]; Jos 7:24-25).2.2.7.2. you are a kiss-up or yes-man or coward or two-faced e.g. (rarely ever are you frank w/people – telling them the truth about who they are – or how you view them; you refuse to talk tough, use harsh words or use swear words when necessary; you shy away from tough conversations – even w/your kids or spouse; you agree outwardly w/others though inwardly you are opposed; you are all about praise and little about dealing w/sin; Pro 27:6; 2Ti 4:3).2.2.7.3. you refuse to take the necessary time to disciple your wife and kids which means understanding why they do what they do (i.e. getting to the specific cause[s] of their actions and never settling for “I don’t know”)2.2.7.4. you are always making excuses, playing the victim, or feeling sorry for yourself (self-preservation – Mat 16:25).2.2.7.5. you need others to need you and so will manipulate them to get it (e.g. parents trying to keep their kids at home as long as possible and giving them a guilt trip for wanting to be independent).2.2.7.6. you are loyal to money and infatuated with making lots of money (it is the primary determiner of what you do).2.2.7.7. you are guilty of immoral sexual behavior – most especially homosexual behavior (Rom 1:21-27 = Narcissism [“exchanged the glory of God for man” = self-worship] causes God to “g[i]ve them up” to the perversion of homosexuality).2.2.7.8. you don’t have many close friends in the church because you refuse to be a friend (e.g. you have no interest in going to them or learning about them; you want everyone to come to you and like what you like; Phi 2:3-4 w/5-8).2.2.7.9. you get offended, don’t handle or honestly listen to the criticism of your brothers and sisters (e.g. when you or your family are criticized, you think about leaving the church – once more, self-love/preservation, Mat 19:16-22 = The RYR was a narcissist – hence his love of money. He didn’t come to Jesus for honest criticism, but approval, and when he didn’t get it, he split).2.2.7.10. you consider the consequences that may be associated with doing the right thing before doing it (i.e. you do not practice blind righteousness) (again, self-love or preservation is the issue).2.2.7.11. you always think it’s about you (even now – that pastor is picking on you specifically) (e.g. you are never genuinely happy for others in the church if they have something you don’t have – but want, relationships, money, careers, houses, spouses, health, brains, etc. – Jam 3:14-16).2.2.7.12. Like Satan and the homosexual, you hold all in authority in contempt (self-love makes me believe I sb king) (e.g. you question anyone in authority, their competency, integrity, their right to be over you; you always believe you know better than those over you).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE: Jesus makes it abundantly clear that the narcissist and person truly following Him are on separate eternal paths. If we want to get to heaven, we must take up our cross and crucify the narcissist in us (Mat 16:24 -“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself [deny self-love/narcissism], take up his cross and follow Me”).

Because of man’s free-will, God knew before He created there was a chance mankind could rebel and so (“according to His foreknowledge”) put in place a plan to graciously give those who were repentant and seeking Him: 1) a new identity – i.e. to choose (“elect”) them to become “exiles” on earth and have heaven as their new home (exile [def.] a person who has is no longer welcomed in their place of origin) (1:1), 2) a new purpose – i.e. to set them apart from the world as those living in obedience to and receiving forgiveness from His Son (“Jesus Christ”) (1:2, See also 1:19-20 – Notice, forgiveness thru the sending and sacrifice of Jesus was a part of God’s pre-Creation contingency plan [“He was foreknown before the foundation of the world”]). The components of the gospel that are the same in the New Testament as they were in the Old Testament are: 1) the paradigm of maintaining what you gain through faithfulness in testing and loyalty through time (1:2a w/Exo 24:7-8; 1:5-[7]-9 “pistis” = faithfulness), 2) the promise of God’s favor (“grace”), peace and future inheritance to those who do (1:2b w/Num 6:22-24; 1:4 w/), 3) the prerequisite of being born into God’s family to receive the “inheritance” (1:3-4 w/Gen 17:7). The “prophesied” or “predicted” difference between the Old Covenant and New Covenant gospel was christological not soteriological (1:10-12; As further support consider: “Angels” here clearly refers to holy angels whose interest, therefore, can only be christological [how the world and their battle against the powers of darkness wb changed through “the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories” – i.e. His past victory, present rule and future return]). Just like the holy angels, we (too) should be motivated and more focused because of Christ’s past victory, present rule, and future return (1:13). Holy conduct is the obligation established by the knowledge of: 1) our calling to be like God (1:14-16), 2) the fearful final judgment that will be impartial and according to our deeds (17), 3) how precious, merciful and glorious is the person and ransom of Christ on our behalf (1:18-21). “Earnestly” (putting much effort into) loving (showing affection for/being loyal to/spending time w/) our Christian bros/sis with a “sincere” (not fake) love from a “pure heart” (not possessing wrong motives) (1:22; 1Jo 3:11-20): 1) is the kind of faithful obedience to “the truth” (or “holy conduct” – 1:15) that maintains the purification gained through the blood of Christ (1:22 w/18-19), 2) is congruent w/the message (the “living and abiding word of God” that “remains forever”) that was preached to us as a requirement of the gospel (or “good news”) and our new birth (1:23-25), 3) means getting rid/repenting of (“put[ting] away”) all “malice” (intent to harm/penalize w/o righteous reason), “deceit” (intent to manipulate), “hypocrisy” (appearing to be something you are not), “envy” (being jealous of someone or of what they have) and “slander” (speaking/thinking untruths about another) (2:1). Committing to sincerely love our Christian bros/sis is how we are born (1:22-2:1) and seeking after (“long[ing] for”) spiritual things (the “good” things of “the Lord”) is how we grow up (2:2-3). Coming to Christ means also becoming a part of His church (“spiritual house”, “holy priesthood”), the place: 1) where acceptable service (or “sacrifices” to) God can be offered (2:4-5), 2) of “honor” for true Christians but a stumbling block for those who are false (or those who “disobey the word”) (2:6-8; It is not Christ as the stone in an of Himself that causes them to stumble but the fact that they are required to be a part of the spiritual house this “cornerstone” supports and was established to build; they have “rejected” being “builders”), 3) that changes our identity from people w/o God (those who were “not a people”, who lived in “darkness” and were w/o “mercy”) to God’s people (a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession”, those “called into His marvelous light” and receiving His “mercy”) (2:9-10). As a means of promoting evangelism and justice – as well as reducing the number of idiots in the world, our holy or “honorable” conduct is to be evident to unbelievers (2:12-15) through our: 1) submission to “every human institution” including those who are unjust in their exercise of authority (2:13-15, 18; Notice that God does not limit our submission only to divine institutions such as the church), 2) sacrifice of freedom for the sake of God (or as “servants of God”) (2:16), 3) unwavering loyalty to: God (“fear”), those in authority (“honor”) and our bros/sis in the covenant community (“love”) (2:17). In our continued and respectful submission to human authorities who are unjust we are to remember (or be “mindful”) that this is an important: 1) way we return the favor of God’s favor (or “grace”) to us (2:19-20), 2) aspect of our calling (or obligation to God) and imitation of Christ (2:21), 3) part of how we demonstrate our trust in God to care for us (2:23), 4) piece in our fight to be free from the practice of sin (2:24-25 w/4:1-2). The evangelism that happens when Christians submit to human authorities – especially those who are unjust, (“likewise”) includes the respectful submission of wives to unjust husbands (3:1-2). A wife’s ability to attract both the heart of her husband and God is not found in the “external” adornments of this world, but the “imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” that accompanies full submission to her husband and trust in God (3:3-6). Husbands are to (“likewise”) respond to the unjust behavior of their wives by seeking to understand and disciple/deliver her from her “weaker” emotional state/way of thinking (This is how they show “honor to the woman” as “heirs…of the grace of life”) (3:7a; Women are [in general] emotional thinkers and need help in learning how to leave that behind so as to think/make decisions more like God – i.e. w/o their emotions). It is a waste of time for husbands to pray who avoid seeking to understand, discipling and delivering their wives’ from their emotional weakness/way of thinking (3:7b). A person who is “righteous” (3:12) or “zealous for good” (3:13) is: 1) characterized by mental agreement (“unity of mind”), sympathy and loyalty (“brotherly love”), forgiveness (“a tender heart”), teachableness (“a humble mind”), justice/righteousness, truth and “peace” (3:8-11), 2) on the path that leads to a blessed and long life (3:10 w/Psa 34:12-16), 3) receiving what they request from the Lord (3:12), 4) receiving a blessing from God even when they suffer (3:13-14a). The way to “honor Christ the Lord as holy” w/those authorities who persecute us (causes us to suffer bc of our Faith) is through: 1) never being fearful or troubled (3:14), 2) always being prepared to proclaim Christ’s victory and bring them to God (3:14b-15a), 3) remaining submissive, respectful and in possession of a good conscience (3:15b-17), 4) constantly remembering Christ as our example: He suffered the ultimate persecution, submitted to the point of death, brought us to God and proclaimed His victory (to His enemies – the demons bound in Tartarus since the days of Noah) (3:19-20 w/2Pe 2:4 – “Tartarus”; Considered together, these texts seem to indicate that a massive demonic campaign was in play among humanity at the time of Noah. The Fall had gained global momentum necessitating a massive Flood in order to save humanity from spiritual suicide. Christ’s victory at the cross and subsequent resurrection indicated that the God’s war against the powers of evil was over. The days of Stan’s kingdom were numbered. The salvation of God’s people and the future were secure). That we receive Christ’s salvation through the waters of baptism (i.e. baptismal regeneration) is proven by the fact that it corresponds to what God did in saving Noah and his family through water (3:20-21a). The waters of baptism do not remove the “dirt of the body” (i.e. the death of the flesh) but rather the dirt/death of our soul since this is the place that God accepts our faith and grants our plea for the forgiveness of sins through the victorious work of Christ (our “appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”) (3:21-22; BC of sin we like Christ are “put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” – see again v18). The right perspective on persecution (suffering in the flesh for righteousness): this is what God wants since it will cause us to no longer live for sin or this world (4:1-2). Six lifestyle choices, practices or pursuits that allow us to easily identify who is living for the world versus living for God (4:3): 1) hedonism (“sensuality” = focused on pleasing the flesh; pleasure-seeker; focused on fun; e.g. most kids), 2) secularism (“passion” = caught up in the excitement of the world or committed to what the world finds worthy; e.g. girls crazy over music, guys crazy over a sports or cars; people caring about what’s going on in Hollywood or crazy about movies and social media; people caught up in having lots of money or status symbols), 3) gluttony (“drunkenness” = overindulgence or excessiveness; not functioning in moderation; not living or operating within your means or according to what is respectable or healthy; e.g. going overboard or overdoing it w/your adornment, diet, money or time), 4) bacchanalism (“orgies [NAS = carousing], drinking parties” = wild, celebratory events promoting illicit sexual behavior and hard drinking; e.g. rock concerts, keg parties, nightclubs), 5) antinomianism/anarchism (“lawless idolatry” = viewing and operating in relation to authority and laws/rules w/disdain, distrust and opposition; e.g. America today). Those who pressure us with worldly or sinful things should be pressured w/: 1) the scary truth that God will judge them for such behavior (4:4-5), 2) their need to receive the gospel and live for God so that the judgment in regard to their sin will only take place in this life (their spirits being delivered/saved from such punishment in the next) (4:6). As Christians we (too) need to keep the end-game in mind as that which most determines our: 1) daily disposition (4:7), 2) relationships w/those in the church (4:8-11). As previously discussed, we should not, therefore “our fitness for heaven (4:12 w/19), 2) they signal a future blessing when in the form of persecution (4:13-16), 3) they represent God’s justice for our sins in this life so that we can go to heaven later (4:17-18; This is the area where we should be pursuing the least amount of suffering – see again v15).be surprised” or think “something strange” is happening to us when the trials come since: 1) they are necessary as a means of testing

Imagine someone calling you a “Pharisee”. You would likely be offended by this association. It is understandable, but do you know why? Popular culture – especially Christian culture, has made “Pharisee” a derogatory term. Most people, however – including Christians, don’t know very much about the Pharisees. And what they claim to know, is frequently wrong. The Pharisees deserve their derogatory status, but not for the reasons often heard. Discovering their true identity – that established in the pages of Scripture will be the focus of this study.RELEVANCE: Why study them?Because understanding the Pharisees helps us to stay away from the teachings of Martin Luther, understand the teachings of Jesus, avoid becoming a member of the Dunning Kruger club—and ultimately, hell.To the point, understanding the Pharisees can help us to become better thinkers and discerners of truth – most importantly, the truth w/respect to salvation (e.g. we have embraced the right version of Christianity or are attending the right church, what we believe or live for will get us to heaven). The Pharisees were convinced they were teaching (or practicing) the right version of Judaism – that what they believed would get them and their followers to heaven. And the multitudes agreed. But they were self-deluded and dead wrong. According to Jesus, they were not on their way to heaven, but hell (Mat 23:13-15, 33). Their religion (though claiming to be true religion/true Judaism) was false religion. Their beliefs (or doctrine) was damning. An this affected their thinking. Though claiming to be experts in the Law, their beliefs (or religion) made them incredibly poor thinkers/interpreters of God’s Word. Which is yet another reason we should be excited about studying the Pharisees (or their beliefs). Through the discovery of their beliefs, we find answers to our own poor thinking as well as the reason so many (today) have embraced a false and damning version of Christianity. It is because our/their religion is no different than that of the Pharisees.RELIGION: What were the main tenets/beliefs of the Pharisees?2.1. TraditionalismGiving human tradition (the teachings, doctrine, beliefs, practices, principles, policies, commands, laws, justice, and religion established by mankind) more authority than God’s Word (the teachings, doctrine, beliefs, practices, principles, policies, commands, laws, justice and religion established by the writers of Scripture)[1].2.1.1. The Pharisees were traditionalists. They possessed many traditions which they used to trump (or negate) the commands of God (Mat 15:1-9; Mar 7:1-5 “many other traditions that they observe”)2.1.2. Embracing traditionalism made the Pharisees poor thinkers/poor interpreters of Scripture (2Pe 3:16):2.1.2.1. it caused them to confuse and conflate the Scripture w/their tradition (Mat 12:1-5 “your disciples are doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath…Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” = The Pharisees’ tradition went beyond the Law’s prohibitions for the Sabbath. The confusion created by their traditionalism eventually caused them to conflate the two viewing them as synonymous. IOW: it clouded their view or blurred the line between what was personal preference and what was God’s will).2.1.2.2. they became “blind” in relation to the Scriptures/spiritual issues/salvation (e.g. Mat 15:10-20; “blind guides” = Unable to discern spiritual truth or see what the Scriptures were teaching so as to point people in that direction; Joh 9:39-41 = The Pharisees were unable to recognize the saving gospel message being communicated by Jesus; See also Joh 7:14-19 “Jews”= Jewish religious leaders including the Pharisees – See Joh 1:19 and 3:1 also Fn on 5:10; “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will” versus “the one who speaks on his own authority” = As discussed, the Pharisees represented the latter [they used their authority/will/tradition to trump God’s authority/will]. As a result they did not “know” that Jesus – or His “teaching [was] from God” – i.e. their traditionalism [in this case, their tradition regarding the Sabbath – see v19b-24 w/Mat 12:9-14] caused them to miss Jesus as the Christ).2.1.2. It is for these reasons that Paul warns the Colossians about traditionalism (Col 2:8) “takes you captive” = Tricks you into loving what is erroneous/false; “according to human tradition, according to the elementary spirits (principles) of this world = The second phrase is functioning epexegetically. It is the principles (or perception) of the world that form the foundation of human tradition. As such, though it seems wise or profitable, it possesses no ability to improve our spiritual state/standing before God or over sin (2:20-23).“Traditionalism is a powerful force perfectly calibrated to play on our emotions, please our senses and promote our personal preferences while at the same time convincing us that it will not only make us better Christians but that its doctrine stems from will of God Himself.” – Anonymous2.1.3. Traditionalism is alive and well today and clouding the beliefs/practices of many claiming to be Christians/Christian churches:2.1.3.1. What they consider to be taught in God’s Word/promote as Christian culture:2.1.3.1.1. money is the root of all evil and loans are bad (1Ti 6:10 w/Ecc 10:19; Rom 13:8 w/Mat 25:14-30)2.1.3.1.2. swear words/vulgar language are inherently sinful (Eph 5:4 w/3 w/Eze 23:17-21; 1Sa 20:30; 1Ki 18:27; Luk 13:32; Phi 3:2, 8; Mat 3:7, 23:33; Mat 16:23)2.1.3.1.3. forgiveness means you don’t pursue justice/sue people (1Co 6:1-11 w/Exo 34:7)2.1.3.1.4. God prefers that a home/family where the food is home-made or home-grown and maintenance on the property, house and cars is done by the family (1Th 4:11-12 w/2Th 3:6-15 w/Col 2:20-23 w/Heb 13:9)2.1.3.1.5. God prefers that women stay at home and the children be home-schooled (Tit 2:5 w/1Ti 5:11-14/Dan 1:4 w/17).2.1.3.2. The last three (2.1.3.1.4 – 2.1.3.1.6.) can be summed up under the titles of “homerism” or “little-house-on-the-prairie theology” (e.g. Doug Wilson “shanty” video = NOTICE how all the “homer” events presented in the video are wrapped in the garb of spiritual song. The message: this is what Christian culture looks like when its people are mature or truly living for the Lord; this is God’s preference; What it really is: propaganda pushing traditionalism).2.1.3.3. How they view the role of the pastor (To be a fun/nice-guy w/a positive and encouraging message versus Col 1:28-29; 1Ti 1:3, 4:7 w/13-15, 6:20; 2Ti 2:3-4, 15, 22, 4:2; Tit 10-11)2.1.3.4. What they consider to be the saving gospel (The Evangelical gospel is the gospel according to Martin Luther not the gospel according to Jesus)2.1.3.5. How they carry out church discipline (Consider: 1) every pastor/church who claims to be biblical would condemn traditionalism and situational ethics, 2) everyone of those pastors/churches would also agree that masturbation is sexual immorality, 3) additionally, these same people would agree that the only penalty ever associated w/sexual immorality in the bible is capital in nature, 4) how many of these pastors/churches are excommunicating people guilty of masturbation? None. Which means whether they admit it or not, they are all guilty of traditionalism as well as situational ethics. Can a church be the right place [i.e. truly Christian] and practice situational ethics?).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE = Based on our discussion today, how much of your religion is steeped in traditionalism? To the degree that it is, is the degree to which you can expect your thinking to be diminished when it comes to those things in life which are the most important (i.e. there is direct correlation between a person’s wisdom and the false beliefs they possess/practice).[1] Not all tradition is bad. Paul even praises and exhorts churches toward certain traditions (2Th 2:15, 3:6; 1Co 11:2). Where they become a problem, is when they are used to diminish, restrict or override God’s Word. To do this is what it means to give them “more authority”.

Imagine someone calling you a Pharisee. You would likely be offended by this association. It is understandable, but do you know why? Popular culture – especially Christian culture, has made Pharisee a derogatory term. Most people, however – including Christians, don’t know very much about the Pharisees. And what they claim to know, is frequently wrong. The Pharisees deserve their derogatory status, but not for the reasons often heard. Discovering their true identity – that established in the pages of Scripture will be the focus of this study.RELEVANCE: Why should every Christian be excited about a bible study on the Pharisees[1]? 1.1. Because it will reveal yet another reason Christians should be leery of listening to or following the teachings of Reformation – most especially Martin Luther.It is no secret among biblical and historical scholars that Martin Luther foisted upon the Pharisees – the protagonists of Jesus, the identity of his protagonists – the Roman Catholics, in his attempts to justify his new religion. As a result, the Pharisees became the worst among those peddling a works-based salvation. Viewing them however in the light of Scripture, reveals just how far afield this portrayal is and why Luther should not be considered a reliable Christian teacher[2]. 1.2. Because it is necessary to understanding the teachings of Jesus.The Scriptures record no less than 12 different confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees. They represented Jesus’ main theological opponents[3]. So much of what He taught was purposed to be in sharp contrast to them or their teachings. Failing therefore to understand what they taught/believed, means also failing to understand the teachings of Jesus. The perfect example of such a failure is (as discussed) Martin Luther. Because he embraced a false view of the Pharisees and their beliefs, he failed to possess a right understanding of Jesus and His gospel.1.3. Because it is helpful to avoid becoming platinum members of the Dunning-Kruger club.Because of their extensive training in the Law, the Pharisees viewed themselves (and were viewed by others) as wise, yet they were horribly poor thinkers (a phenomenon that exists even today: lots of data, little capacity to draw right conclusions from it – Pro 26:12) (Mat 12:1-12, 22:15-22, 23:16-22). It was the Pharisees’ poor thinking that equally contributed to their reputation as hypocrites (i.e. claiming to be guides/teachers of others yet “blind” to the truth – Mat 23:23-24; See also Mat 15:7-9, 23:25-31; Luk 18:9-14). In modern terms, they were platinum members of the Dunning-Kruger club[4] . Learning therefore what they believed (the source/cause of such poor thinking or inability to rightly process the data) can help us avoid also becoming members of this infamous club and the hypocrites it produces.1.4. Because it reinforces the truth that false/damning religion can masquerade as – and be more popular than, the real thing.That what the Pharisees taught was the most popular – or the received form of Judaism among the people, is made evident by the following facts: 1) The term used most often to identify a teacher in Jesus’ day (“rabbi”) originated w/the Pharisees. 2) According to Josephus, the Pharisees were the dominant religious party in Jerusalem and well received by the people. Even the Sadducees (the religious party of the high priests) were forced to submit to and abide by their teachings since otherwise “the masses would not tolerate them” (Antiquities, 18) (e.g. the Sanhedrin’s acceptance of Gamaliel’s recommendation in Acts 5: 34ff). 3) In addition, Josephus records that any aspirations to Jewish political life also required acquiescence to the religion of the Pharisees (Life, 12). In short, there was no religious group among the Jews more popular or viewed as truth-bearers by the people, than the Pharisees. Yet according to Jesus, their religion was false and damning (Mat 23:13-15, 33; Mat 16:5-12; Luk 7:30). Jesus wasn’t the only One Who condemned their teaching/beliefs. John the Baptist expressed the same condemnation while baptizing in the Jordan (Mat 3:7). In this light, consider how Jesus and the apostles must have felt (kind of like we do today?)1.5. Because it will demonstrate that what masquerades as Christianity in most American churches is the religion of the Pharisees.What the bible reveals to be true religion (main tenets/beliefs) of the Pharisees are (as we shall see) in large part, the religion (main tenets/beliefs) of Evangelicalism (the religion of Martin Luther)[5]. Not only did Martin Luther get his understanding of the Pharisees wrong, but he inadvertently placed himself (and those who follow him) into the actual religion of the Pharisees. Irony (or poetic justice) at its best.1.6. Because it is key to avoiding Hell.Want to be sure you are not in the wrong Christianity or church? Studying what the Pharisees taught/believed is a great place to start. Especially since the main tenets/beliefs of their religion are (once more) those embraced by Evangelical Christianity.NEXT WEEK: RELIGION: what were the main tenets/beliefs of the Pharisees? [1] The Pharisees under consideration in this study are those opposed to and condemned by Jesus. As such, it does not represent or speak in respect to all Pharisees since they were those who supported and followed Jesus (e.g. Nicodemus) – or based on their testimony, did not share the beliefs of the Pharisees that will be discussed in this study (e.g. Saul/Paul).[2] “One must note in particular the projection onto Judaism of the view which Protestants find most objectionable in Roman Catholicism: the existence of a treasury of merits established by works. We have here the retrojection of the Protestant-Catholic debate into ancient history, with Judaism taking the role of Catholicism and Christianity the role of Lutheranism.” – E.P. Sanders (Paul and Palestinian Judaism); “Scholarly study has been undergoing a decisive shift in approach and understanding. Older approaches, especially those stemming from the Reformation, have been increasingly perceived as inadequate, their frameworks of interpretation having been forced upon central elements [of the Scripture] with greater and greater difficulty. What was taken as axiomatic in the older approaches now appears as something in need of explanation. [There is] increasing recognition that lenses polished on the grinding wheel of the Reformation do not provide us with a clear picture. How [then] are we to understand [the Scriptures] now that we know Luther misunderstood [them]?” – Terrence Donaldson (Paul And The Gentiles)[3] By comparison, the Scriptures record only two such confrontations in regard to the Sadducees.[4] According to Dunning and Kruger’s famous study, people who are poor thinkers tend to grossly overestimate their abilities. The hypocrisy and frequent failures created by such overestimations are also well documented (e.g. man robbing banks w/lemon juice on his face).[5] According to the Pew Forum, those holding to evangelical beliefs represent 70.4 percent of the nation’s population (229 million people or seven out of every ten people) and are its single largest religious group. That Evangelicalism is the religion of Martin Luther is supported by the fact that not only did he invent the term, but the gospel they embrace.

Right interpretation requires recognizing ellipsis (“shorthand” understood by prior context) (18:1a and 19:1a w/17:6 and 21:25). Other ways people prove they do not have God as their king (besides 17:6-13 = starting your own church) is they: 1) refuse to do the hard work necessary to be successful (18:1b w/1:34-35), 2) look to leach off of or benefit from what belongs to others (18:2 w/7 w/1Ch 5:23 = The location of Laish was just below Mt. Hermon in the territory of Manasseh); (18:3-6 w/13-20, 30-31 = The Danite tribe took Micah’s religion and priest for themselves), 3) will fight to possess what is not theirs (18:21-26), 4) are only interested in or pursue those things that can be easily acquired (18:8-12, 27-29), 5) are selfish in their pursuit of justice (19:1-2 [“was unfaithful” = Committed adultery ] w/3 [“to speak kindly to her and bring her back” = The Levite is not outraged/not pursuing justice -i.e. the death penalty for what she had done, bc she was still valuable to him] w/19:22-20:10, 5-6 [“they violated my concubine and she is dead…they have committed abomination and outrage in Israel” = The Levite is now outraged/pursuing justice – i.e. death penalty for the Benjaminites, bc his value w/the concubine had now been lost. Demonstrates his view of justice to be selfish – i.e. you only pursue justice when it serves your interest]). Attempts at obstructing justice have been known to produce worse consequences (19:3-9 w/10-28 = The concubine’s father’s pressing the priest to stay longer was no doubt to win his favor and ensure his daughter did not receive justice for her sexual immorality. His plan however pushed their departure to a late hour which contributed to their stop in Gibeah and the horrific death of his daughter). Homosexuality is worse than (heterosexual) rape (19:22-24, “outrageous thing” = Excessively wicked act worse than the abomination of rape – 20:6; Hence the reason homosexuality is associated w/national destruction – Lev 18:27-30; 2Pe 2:6; Jud 1:7; e.g. S&G – Gen 19:1-29; Israel – Rom 1:18-27 w/2:1-3 w/11:7-25). Right interpretation rejects coincidence (19:14-24 w/Gen 19:1-9; What’s going on? 1] tribal land-grabbing leads to suspicion of outsiders as spies [18:1-10, 27-29], 2] since ancient times, gang rape has been practiced as a means of demoralizing and punishing those suspected as spies). If God’s justice is to be secured against those guilty in the covenant community then it will mean: 1) making her aware of the gravity of their sins (19:29-30), 2) sharing the dirty details (20:1-6), 3) seeking the support of her members (20:1-11), 4) seeking the help of those closest to the guilty party (20:12-13a), 5) never allowing our commitment to be de-railed by the sacrifice or suffering it may cost (20:14-23a, 24-26a, 29-36a), 6) seeking God’s guidance/direction through His prescribed leaders and prayer (20:23, 26-28; Jam 5:14-18 = The prayer of God’s leaders possess great power), 7) being able to outsmart them in their attempts to continue getting away with evil or defend/justify their (indefensible/unjustifiable) positions (20:36a-48). God expects His people to sacrifice for the sake of restoration (21:1-12; Gal 6:1-2). Not all forms of plausible deniability (the ability of leaders to deny any wrong associated w/ actions approved by them) are wrong (21:13-24). Not all forms of dancing are innocent (Jug 21:21 w/Exo 32:6 and Gen 26:8 = Erotic/sexual dancing to attract a husband).

Two of the most debated questions in the history of the Church have been, “What does God’s sovereignty over us and the future look like?” and, “How does that control affect His promises and prophecies?” This series has exposed the error of the two most popular theories in the Church today (the Evangelical views of Theistic Determinism and Open Theism) and will now present the correct view. This view is called, “God the Great Shepherd” since (in the author’s opinion) this biblical metaphor best captures the truths it espouses.God reacts, responds – and at times, changes His intentions or plans based on the actions or responses of people which means we are (at least in part) free[1] (Gen 6:7, 11:1-9, 22:12; Exo 32:7-14; Num 14:1-23, 16:20-26; Jug 2:18, 10:16; 2Chr 7:13-14; Psa 106:21-23; Jer 15:1,18:20; Jer 18:7-10; Jon 3:1-10; Amo 7:1-6; e.g. The length/quality of our lives – Pro 3:1-2, 9:10-11; 1Pe 4:9-12 w/Psa 34:12-16; Jesus’ death by betrayal – Mat 23:37 w/Luk 22:42 w/Act 2:23, 4:23-28 = God’s “definite plan”/“foreknowledge” after the Jews’ rejection[2]).God doesn’t always know what we will do in the future which means the future is also (at least in part) unknown.2.1. God responding/reacting to our actions/decisions strongly implies He doesn’t always know what we are going to do (Jer 18:7-10).2.2. This however is confirmed by passages such as (Exo 13:17; Isa 63:7-10; Jer 3:6-7, 19-20, 26:1-6, 36:1-3; Eze 12:3; Mat 8:10).2.3. It should be noted that if God does know everything about the future then the future is fixed according to what He knows. Which means the same is true for our decisions or actions in the present (they too are fixed rather than free) since it is the present that determines the future. This (once more) is not what the Bible teaches but instead Greek mythology (Fatalism).2.4. If this were true, it would also mean that we are not responsible for our actions. We are instead victims. Such thinking makes a mockery of Scripture which establishes our responsibility (and therefore free will) through God’s commands, the conditions and consequences of those commands and the pleading of God and His prophets to keep those commands. Why plead for something we have no control over fulfilling? This kind of thinking also impinges on God’s most important attribute, His justice (Gen 18:19; Deu 16:20, 32:4).God’s justice dictates that the majority of our actions and the events that make up the future be free and unknown.3.1. If God is to be just in His judgment of us at the end of time, then it requires that the majority of our wills and the future be free and unknown since, “How can God commend/condemn us if the majority of what we did/did not do was out of our control because the future was pre-determined or fixed?”3.2. The only time things could/would ever be fixed (rather than free) is if they have a direct bearing on God’s promises or prophecies (e.g. Joh 11:47-53 = Seeing the rejection of the Jews, God now moves Caiaphas to prophesy what will cause the Sanhedrin to seek His death).3.3. What about God’s omniscience? How can God be said to be omniscient (all-knowing and all-wise) if the majority of the future is free and unknown? God’s omniscience doesn’t require He know all the future, only those aspects related to His future promises and prophecies.God’s knowledge of the future is only in respect to His promises/prophecies and therefore a reflection of His omnipotence – not His omniscience.4.1. Isaiah 40-48, that portion of Scripture dealing w/God’s knowledge of the future as proof that He is the true God of heaven and earth is not about His omniscience, but rather His omnipotence – i.e. that He has the power to declare what will be in the future and see that it comes to pass exactly as He declared it (e.g. Isa 46:8-11).4.2. The above understanding of knowing the future (i.e. you only know what you have the power to guarantee will exist or come to pass) is the correct way to speak about the future since the term (“the future”) does not refer to something already realized or currently being realized as do the constructs we refer to as past and present. IOW: it is not about what is real (or realized) but what may (or will be). Which once more points not to omniscience, but again omnipotence: what God by His power will bring into existence/make real when that period of time becomes the present (e.g. Rom 4:17; Isa 42:8-9; Isa 48:3 = God’s knowledge of the future is the knowledge of His power to do in the future [or cause to come “to pass”] whatever He chooses).4.3. Such omnipotence includes (once more) the ability to control/direct people when necessary (e.g. Gen 50:20; Pro 21:1 w/Isa 10:5-15; Also 2Ch 36:22-23 w/Ezr 1:1-2 w/Isa 44:24-28; Notice that God’s control/direction over the aforementioned individuals requires little – if any, of their free-will to be violated. They are influenced not coerced).God’s ability to accomplish His promises and prophecies in the future does not require He know all things in respect to the future.5.1. Theistic determinists (Calvinists) and Open Theists share one belief in common: if God doesn’t know everything about the future, then He cannot be counted on to accomplish His various promises prophecies.5.2. This belief is not only alleviated but exposed as unintelligent once we consider:5.2.1. God knows our present thoughts, intentions, and inclinations which means He can accurately predict/anticipate our actions and decisions before they are carried out (Pro 5:21; Gen 6:5; 2Ch 16:9; Mat 12:34b; 1Co 4:5; Isa 48:8; Isa 65:24; e.g. Deu 31:16 w/21).5.2.2. God’s infinite knowledge and perfect wisdom in relation to all things in the present guarantee that all necessary contingencies are in place since the future cannot exist outside the events of the present (e.g. Exo 13:17; control present = control the future).5.2.3. God’s infinite knowledge and perfect wisdom in relation to all things in the present guarantee that there is nothing we (or any other free-will creature) could do to thwart or trick God since the disparity between the creature and His Creator is immeasurable (Isa 55:8-9; Imagine a 300 qubit [quantum] computer [A computer theoretically able to possess more information than there are atoms in the universe] playing chess w/a three-year-old [The age a child is able to grasp the basics of chess; Computers btw have been beating chess grandmasters since the 90’s]. Is there any real chance that baby could ever do anything that would catch the quantum computer off guard or cause the baby to win? How much more would this be true in relation to God? The greatest computer ever built would still only be finite in what it knows and therefore imperfect in its wisdom. Which means in comparison to God it [the quantum computer] now takes the place of the baby).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Like a great shepherd, God possesses more than enough power, knowledge, and wisdom in the present to lead His simple (by comparison) flock (of Creation) to the future He desires – one where His promises and prophecies are perfectly accomplished and realized. And this He does, without needing to violate the freedom of our wills. Our response? (Psa 23:1“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not worry.”).[1] We have unimpeded control over what we do and the choices we make. They are not the result of coercion or causation – including God’s decree or pre-determination.[2] One must be careful not to view those passages which employ the words “predestined” or “foreknowledge” as always referring to the fulfillment of something planned in the distant past. The same can be said about those references to OT passages in the NT that seem to indicate the fulfillment of former prophecy. In many cases, they did not exist (as prophetic) until they were realized (or used for such purposes) in their present or given context. As such, their main function is more confirmation that a person’s actions are consistent (or congruent) w/God’s established principles, prior workings, or history than the realization of ancient predictions (Mat 2:17, 4:14-16, 13:13-15, 27:9; Joh 12:37-38 w/Isa 53:1 w/Mat 23:37; e.g. Psa 41:4 w/9 w/Joh 13:18-19; e.g. Excerpt from my wife’s biography, “So that the Scripture would be fulfilled, my wife submitted to me in all things”. Is this not how Jam 2:21-23 views God’s prophetic words regarding Abraham?).

Two of the most debated questions in the history of the Church have been, “What does God’s sovereignty over us and the future look like?” and, “How does that control affect His promises and prophecies?” This series has exposed the error of the two most popular theories in the Church today (the Evangelical views of Theistic Determinism and Open Theism) and will now present the correct view. This view is called, “God the Great Shepherd” since (in the author’s opinion) this biblical metaphor best captures the truths it espouses.God reacts, responds – and at times, changes His intentions or plans based on the actions or responses of people which means that we are (at least in part) free[1].(Gen 6:7, 11:1-9, 22:12; Exo 32:7-14; Num 14:1-23, 16:20-26; Jug 2:18, 10:16; 2Chr 7:13-14 Psa 106:21-23 Jon 3:1-10; Jer 15:1 & 18:20; Jer 18:7-10; Jon 3:1-10; Amo 7:1-6; e.g. The length/quality of our lives – Pro 3:1-2, 9:10-11; 1Pe 4:9-12 w/Psa 34:12-16; Jesus’ death by betrayal – Mat 23:37 and Luk 22:42 w/Act 2:23, 4:23-28 = God’s “definite plan” and “foreknowledge” after the Jews’ rejection[2]).God doesn’t always know what we will do in the future which means the future is also (at least in part) unknown.2.1. The fact that God is responding (or reacting) to our actions or decisions strongly implies that He doesn’t always know what we are going to do (again Jer 18:7-10; Luk 22:42).2.2. This however is confirmed by passages such as (Exo 13:17; Isa 63:7-10; Jer 3:6-7, 19-20, 26:1-6, 36:1-3; Eze 12:3; Consider also Mat 8:10).2.3. It should be noted that if God does know everything about the future then the future is fixed according to what He knows. Which means the same is true for our decisions or actions in the present (they too are fixed rather than free) since it is the present that determines the future. This (once more) is not what the Bible teaches but instead Greek mythology (Fatalism).2.4. If this were true, it would also mean that we are not responsible for our actions. We are instead victims. Such thinking makes a mockery of Scripture which establishes our responsibility (and therefore free will) through God’s commands, the conditions and consequences of those commands and the pleading of God and His prophets to keep those commands. Why plead for something we have no control over fulfilling? This kind of thinking also impinges on God’s most important attribute, His justice (Gen 18:19; Deu 16:20, 32:4).God’s justice dictates that the majority of our actions and the events that make up the future be free and unknown.3.1. If God is to be just in His judgment of us at the end of time, then it requires that the majority of our wills and the future be free and unknown since, “How can God commend/condemn us if the majority of what we did/did not do was out of our control because the future was pre-determined or fixed?”3.2. The only time things could/would ever be fixed (rather than free) is if they have a direct bearing on God’s promises or prophecies. Scripture records certain occasions where God’s direct intervention in the actions or decisions of free-will creatures such as ourselves seems to have been necessary to the accomplishment of His purposes (e.g. Joh 11:47-53 = Seeing the rejection of the Jews, God now moves Caiaphas to prophesy what will cause the Sanhedrin to seek His death).3.3. What about God’s omniscience? How can God be said to be omniscient (all knowing and all wise) if the majority of the future is free and unknown? God’s omniscience does not require God to know all of the future – only those aspects related to His future promises and prophecies.God’s knowledge of the future is only in respect to His promises and prophecies and therefore a reflection of His omnipotence not His omniscience.4.1. Isaiah 40-48, that portion of Scripture dealing w/God’s knowledge of the future as proof that He is true God is not about His omniscience, but rather His omnipotence – i.e. that He has the power to declare what will be in the future and see that it comes to pass exactly as He declared (e.g. Isa 46:8-11).4.2. The above understanding of knowing the future (i.e. you know only what you have determined will happen – which means you are stating what power/control you have to guarantee what has yet to exist) is the only way to speak about the future that is correct since the term (“the future”) does not refer to something already realized or currently being realized as do the constructs we refer to as past and present. IOW: it is not about what is real (or realized) but what may (or will be). Which once more points not to omniscience, but again omnipotence: what God by His power will bring into existence/make real when that time becomes present (e.g. Rom 4:17; Isa 42:8-9, 48:3 “then suddenly [meaning in the present] I did them, and they came to pass” = God’s knowledge of the future is the knowledge of His omnipotence to do those things.).God’s lack of knowledge regarding the future will never keep Him from perfectly accomplishing His promises and prophecies since He has planned for every possible outcome and knows our hearts (our thoughts, inclinations and intentions), the source of our every action in the present.5.1. God is (again) omniscient and omnipotent means that He already put all the necessary contingency plans in place based on what possibilities/choices/scenarios could exist (again Exo 13:17).5.2. And He knows our hearts (our thoughts, inclinations and intentions), the source of our every action in the present. Which means He is always one step/move ahead of us (Gen 6:5; 2Ch 16:9; Mat 12:34b; 1Co 4:5; Deu 31:16 w/21; Gen 25:23 w/Isa 48:8 and Pro 5:21; Isa 65:24).5.3. Like a great shepherd, God is using whatever elements or influence He needs in the present to move His flock (all of Creation) in the direction He desires in order to guarantee His outcome be achieved in the future. And this once more He does, while rarely ever having to violate our free-wills (e.g. Isa 10:5-15; Gen 50:20; Pro 21:1 w/2Ch 36:22-23w/Ezr 1:1-2w/ Isa 44:24-28).5.4. How difficult is this for God? Though not even close to the disparity that exists between His wisdom and power and our own, imagine a 200 q-bit quantum computer (scientists claim that if we are able to build one this size, it will possess more information than exists in the universe) playing chess w/a three year old (the age at which the basics of chess can be grasped). Is there a move that baby could make that would catch the computer off guard and mess it up? Could not a computer like that also anticipate (and therefore plan) w/great accuracy, the baby’s every move? And (going back to the fact that God already knows [in the present] what move we will make based on our thoughts/intentions in the present, means it is impossible for that baby to ever win (as if that was a question to begin w/!).5.5. In summary, God doesn’t need to know the future to control the future – only the present, since as already mentioned, it is the actions of the present which determine the future.[1] We have unimpeded control over what we do and the choices we make. They are not the result of coercion or causation – including God’s decree or pre-determination.[2] One must be careful not to view those passages which employ the words “predestined” or “foreknowledge” as always referring to the fulfillment of something planned in the distant past. The same can be said about those references to OT passages in the NT that seem to indicate the fulfillment of former prophecy. In many cases, they did not exist (as prophetic) until they were realized (or used for such purposes) in their present or given context. As such, their main function is more confirmation that a person’s actions are consistent (or congruent) w/God’s established principles, prior workings or history than the realization of ancient predictions (Mat 2:17, 4:14-16, 13:13-15, 27:9; Joh 12:37-38 w/Isa 53:1 w/Mat 23:37; e.g. Psa 41:4 w/9 w/Joh 13:18-19; e.g. Excerpt from my wife’s biography, “So that the Scripture would be fulfilled, my wife submitted to me in all things”. Is this not how Jam 2:21-23 views God’s prophetic words regarding Abraham?).

One would be hard pressed to find in the history of the Church – or the pages of Scripture, any notion that God – as the rightful Creator and Owner of all that exists, does not exercise sovereignty (rule/governance/control) over His Creation as the means to seeing that His plans, promises and prophecies are accomplished. How exactly God does that – or what level of success He is able to achieve in regard to His plans, promises and prophecies, does not (however) enjoy the same consensus. Within the Evangelical Church there exists two opposing views. Because they are so popular, it behooves us to not only understand them, but also reject them, as neither represents the view presented in Scripture (the view I call, “God the Great Shepherd”).Theistic DeterminismAll things – including the decisions, actions and paths of humans and angels, are predetermined to the degree that free-will cannot exist. Our lives are instead fixed in eternity past versus being the result of our free choices in the present. As such, our future fates – or eternal states, are also fixed or predetermined (e.g. Calvinistic election: those going to heaven or hell were decided before we were created). The reasoning behind such thinking is that by allowing any level of free-will you are inviting the possibility of God failing to accomplish His will in all things. He must therefore preprogram all things in His Creation to secure His intended outcome[1].1.1. Who is crazy enough to believe this heresy?Anyone claiming to be Reformed or Calvinistic since this was the view of many of the Protestant Reformers (e.g. John Calvin, Martin Luther[2]). This is also the view of John MacArthur, John Piper, Al Mohler, the late R.C. Sproul, the Gospel Coalition and Ligonier Ministries, denominations such as the PCA, OPC, CREC, and ARBCA or seminaries such as The Master’s Seminary, Westminster Seminaries, Reformed Theological Seminaries and The Southern Baptist Seminary.1.2. Why you should view it as crazy and heretical:1.2.1. B/C it makes God the author of sin and evil (Jer 7:30-34).1.2.2. B/C it would mean that we are not responsible for our actions (Rom 1:19-20 – “without excuse”).1.2.3. B/C if that were true, then justice would not be just (1Pe 1:17; 2Co 5:9-10).1.2.4. B/C in Scripture, God reacts and plans according to the actions and potential actions of people (Gen 6:7, 22:12; Exo 13:17, 32:7-14; Jon 3:1-10; Jer 18:7-10; *Theistic determinism is incompatible w/God reacting. Thus, to prove God does react is to equally prove determinism is wrong).1.2.5. B/C the early church also viewed theistic determinism as heresy (e.g. Augustine[3]; Deu 8:2[4]).1.2.6. B/C theistic determinism is not much different than the view held by many popular atheists (e.g. Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins).1.2.7. B/C God’s plans, promises or prophecies do not require determinism to be successful/fulfilled (Consider the ability/expectations of finite humans -e.g. 1Ti 3:3-4).1.2.8. B/C it denies the important doctrine of the Perspicuity of Scripture.What the doctrine of Perspicuity teaches: Those teachings or truths of greatest importance in Scripture are made plain or clear and are meant to be discerned through literal interpretation and simple deduction (e.g. God reacting to the actions of people – Gen 11:1-9; Eze 6:9, 12:3; Jam 4:2).Open TheismAll things – including the decisions, actions and paths of humans and angels, are free to the degree that the future is not only unknown but open to the possibility of God being wrong about what He planned, promised or prophesied would take place.[5] The reasoning behind such thinking is that this (the future is so unknown that God can be wrong about it) is the only way to preserve the freedom of humans and angels while at the same time protecting God’s innocence in relation to sin and evil in the world.2.1. Who is crazy enough to believe this heresy?Evangelicals such as Richard Rice, the late Clark Pinnock, John Sanders, David Basinger, William Hasker, Greg Boyd, local “Christian” radio hosts and pastors Bob Enyart and Gino Geraci, theological groups such as the Evangelical Theological Society, or denominations such as the Baptist General Conference, Calvary Chapel churches, or Christian colleges such as Bethel University, Messiah University, McMasters Divinity College.2.2. Why you should view it as crazy and heretical:2.2.1. B/C it would mean that God is – at best, incompetent, at worst, a liar.If God can be wrong, then the only question left to answer is, was His error a mistake or a lie? Did He intend to mislead -or was He Himself misled? The god of the open theist is either a well-meaning but incompetent fool or a bold-face, manipulative liar. Neither option/scenario gives us good reason to trust Him. Such conclusions (thankfully) do not square w/God’s self-disclosure in Scripture (Deu 32:4; Num 23:19; Job 37:16; Pro 18:30 – “This God, His way is perfect” = God is perfect/infallible in all He does).2.2.2. B/C it would mean a lot of legitimate prophets dying as false prophets.If God can be wrong, then the same would be true of those who speak for Him, His prophets. According to Scripture, this would result in a lot of legitimate prophets (men who truly heard from God) dying as false prophets (Deu 18:20-22[6]).2.2.3. B/C it denies the important doctrine of the Inerrancy of Scripture.What the doctrine of Inerrancy teaches: that the original manuscripts of Scripture possess no error (intentional or intentional) but are instead perfect and infallible in what they intend to communicate since they are the product (not of fallible men) but of a perfect and infallible God.The logical conclusion to a fallible God who makes false prophetic statements, is that the doctrine of inerrancy is false. The Bible (the book filled w/God’s former prophecies) is a book filled w/error.[7] As before, the biblical witness says otherwise (Pro 18:30, 30:5; 2Sa 7:28; Mat 22:29; Joh 10:35 [“broken” = wrong]; Joh 17:17; Consider also 2Ti 3:16 = How can the Scriptures be said to be profitable if not all of them are true? How do we determine what is not?; Mat 7:24-27 = Wouldn’t it be dangerous to build my life on something that is not entirely true?).2.2.4. B/C the early church was unanimous in their view of Scripture as inerrant.“It would be pointless to call into question that Biblical inerrancy in a rather absolute form was a common persuasion from the beginning of Christian times, and from Jewish times before that. For both the Fathers and the rabbis generally, the ascription of any error to the Bible was unthinkable . . . . If the word was God’s it must be true, regardless of whether it made known a mystery of divine revelation or commented on a datum of natural science, whether it derived from human observation or chronicled an event of history.” – Bruce Vawter (Biblical Inspiration, 1972)“There can be no mistaking that [the early church] held to divine, inerrant inspiration.” – Geoffrey W. Bromily (Historical Theology: An Introduction, 1978)[8]2.2.5. B/C God’s ability to perfectly accomplish His plans, promises and prophecies is what He claims distinguishes Him from the false gods of the world. (Isa 41:21-29, 22-23, 26, 29, 42:8-9, 44:6-8, 9-20, 45:5-17, 18-25, 21, 46:1-7, 8-13, 48:3-8, 3, 5-6; Joh 13:19).2.2.6. B/C humans, angels and the future can be truly free and unknown w/o the possibility of God being wrong or guilty of sin and evil. [1] “If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled.” – RC Sproul[2] “This is my absolute opinion: he that will maintain that a man’s free-will is able to do or work anything in spiritual cases, be they never so small, denies Christ. This I have always maintained in my writings.” – Martin Luther[3] “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” [4] “Church history helps to illuminate and clarify what we believe, providing a context for evaluating our beliefs and practices [as] a safeguard against error.” – Sinclair Ferguson (Church History 101: The Highlights Of Twenty Centuries)[5] 1) “God forecasts what he thinks will happen. In this regard God is the consummate social scientist predicting what will happen. God’s ability to predict the future in this way is far more accurate than any human forecasters, however, since God has exhaustive access to all past and present knowledge. This would explain God’s foretelling Moses that Pharoah would refuse to grant his request. Nonetheless, this does leave open the possibility that God might be ‘mistaken’ about some points…” – John Sanders; 2) “…it is always possible that even that which God in his unparalleled wisdom believes to be the best course of action at any given time may [in the end] not produce the anticipated results…” – David Basinger[6] “We may not want to admit it but prophecies often go unfulfilled… God, who is free in the manner of fulfilling prophecy, is not bound to a script, even his own. The world is a project and God works on it creatively; he is free to strike out in new directions. We cannot pin the free God down.” – Clark Pinnock[7] “Does the New Testament, did Jesus, teach the perfect errorlessness of the Scriptures? No, not in plain terms… What the Scriptures do is to present a sound and reliable testimony [not an inerrant one] to who he is and what God has done for us.” – Clark Pinnock[8] 1)“Look carefully into the Scriptures, which are the true utterances of the Holy Spirit. Observe that nothing of an unjust or counterfeit character is written in them” – Clement of Rome (Bishop of Rome, 35-99 A.D.), 2) “Since I am entirely convinced that no Scripture contradicts another, I shall strive to persuade those who imagine that the Scriptures are contradictory, to be rather of the same opinion of myself” – Justin Martyr (Christian Apologist, 100-165 A.D.), 3) “We must believe God who has given us the right understanding, for the Holy Scriptures are perfect, because they are uttered by the Word of God and the Spirit of God… We should leave things [of an unknowable] nature to God who creates us, being most assured that the Scriptures are indeed perfect, since they were spoken by the Word of God and His Spirit” – Irenaeus of Lyons (Bishop of Lyons and friend of Polycarp, direct disciple of the Apostle John; 130-202 A.D.), 4) [The Scriptures are] an infallible criterion of faith.” – Clement of Alexandria (Christian Theologian and teacher of the famous Origen, 150-215 A.D.), 5) “The statements of Holy Scripture will never be discordant with truth” – Tertullian (Christian Apologist, 160-240 A.D.), 6) “Now it is the opinion of some, that the Scriptures do not agree together, or that God, Who gave the commandment, is false. But there is no disagreement whatever, far from it, neither can the Father, Who is truth, lie.” – Athanasius (Bishop of Alexandria, 293-373 A.D.), 7) “The Scripture does not lie.” – Gregory of Nyssa (Bishop of Nyssa, 330-393 A.D.), 8) “For it seems to me that most disastrous consequences must follow upon our believing that anything false is found in the sacred books; that is to say, that the men by whom the Scripture has been given to us, and committed to writing, did put down in these books anything false. It is one question whether it may be at any time the duty of a good man to deceive; but it is another question whether it can have been the duty of a writer of Holy Scripture to deceive. I have learned to yield this [total] respect and honor only to the canonical books of Scripture. Of these alone do I most firmly believe that their authors were completely free from error” – Augustine (Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.).

Future blessings are not determined by long periods of peace and prosperity in the past – or a stockpile of potential leaders in the present, but whether we will continue to be obedient to God (10:1-7, 12:7-13:1). Not being severe in our treatment of those who blaspheme God will mean severe treatment from God (i.e. God takes separation from blasphemers seriously) (10:6-7 w/ Eze 20:27-28; blasphemer = Someone who curses God; e.g. apostate people, false Christians, false gods; Hence 2Jo 1:9-11; Lev 24:16). God uses time as a means of punishment (10:6-8 w/3:8, 14, 4:3, 6:1, 9:22; Jer 25:11; Eze 29:13; 1Co 5:5 [1Ti 1:19-20] w/2Co 2:6-8). God uses the oppression of others as a means of punishment (10:7-8). God refuses to keep delivering people from their problems when they refuse to learn from their past (10:9-13). God is affected by the suffering of His people (10:16 – “He became impatient” = Literally, His soul was shortened/vexed to death/suffering in their suffering; Jug 16:16). God responds (mercifully) to ownership (10:15-16 w/2:18; 2Chr 7:13-16). God has been known to make the outcast the leader/deliverer/savior of His people (10:17-11:11; e.g. Moses and Jesus – Heb 11:24-26, 13:11-13). God has been known to transfer the blessings of those people who unrighteously attack His people to His people (11:12-28, 27). Right interpretation requires righteous thinking (11:29-40 = Jephthah set apart his daughter to serving God which meant remaining celibate for the rest of her life [v39; e.g. Samuel – 1Sa 1:11 w/21-22 = Samuel was Hannah’s burnt offering to the Lord] VERSUS Jephthah committed the abomination of sacrificing his daughter to God [God wb no different than Molech if He allowed it – Lev 18:21, 20:1-4; Jer 32:35; Why would God allow such a sacrifice w/Jephthah’s daughter but not Isaac?]; “burnt offering” = Offering signifying complete devotion to God or commitment to God’s plan – Lev 1:1-17; 13:15-20 . Hence the reason it was completely burned up versus only a portion being consumed by the flames and the other by the worshipper or priest. Humans – like unclean animals could not be a literal burnt offering and so needed tb ransomed/replaced w/the appropriate animal – Exo 30:12-15 w/Num 31:50; * This principle [right interpretation requires righteous thinking] applies also to Gideon in 6:36-40 = If God let Gideon test him and get away w/it, then God is unrighteous/possesses a double standard – i.e. He is capricious in justice). It is God’s will that His people root out and destroy all those in the covenant community who constantly take offense, find wrong, want to fight or make trouble for God’s appointed or anointed leaders (12:1-6 w/8:1-3; Rom 16:17-18; Tit 1:10-16, 3:9-11). Unpopular women who love God often end up being the mothers of God’s most popular people (13:2-5, 24-25 – Manoah’s wife w/Samson; 1Sa 2:21 – Hannah w/Samuel; Luk 1:13-17 – Elizabeth w/John; Luk 1:26-48 – Mary w/Jesus). It is the job of covenant parents to: 1) determine the “mission” assigned to every one of their covenant children (13:12), 2) do everything they can to support the “manner of life” that will ensure he/she accomplishes that mission (13:1-14), 3) be fully committed to God’s plan/agenda for their children (versus their own) (13:15-20). Sometimes women must help their husbands be rational thinkers versus thinking according to their feelings (13:21-23).

Being God’s people guarantees that we wb punished if we live in disobedience to His commands (6:1; Heb 12:5-6; 1Pe 4:12-18; Pro 11:31; Lam 3:39; Deu 28:15-68). Living in a cave, never being able to get ahead in life or possess enough sustenance, always being taken advantage of by others, having all your effort come to waste, becoming very discouraged or depressed; these are some of the things God does to His people when they live in disobedience to His commands (6:2-6a). God uses His ministers to tell His people, “I told you so” (6:6b-10). Even the courageous and loyal among God’s people (6:12 – “mighty man of valor” = Gideon was a courageous and loyal man to God and His people; Jos 1:14, 10:7) can at times be guilty of: 1) missing the forest for the trees (6:10-13), 2) doubting themselves and seeking assurance from God (6:14-21, 36-40, 7:9-15), 3) fearing men (6:25-27). Plenty of problems could be avoided if we learned to listen/respect words (What God said was, “w/you” [6:12]; what Gideon heard was, “w/us” [6:13]). There is a big difference between doubting oneself and doubting (testing) God (6:15 – “Please Lord, how can I save Israel?”, 36– “save Israel by my hand” versus Deu 6:16 w/Exo 17:1-7 – “Is God among us or not?”). Outside of a few exceptions, the first time most people will see God is on the day of their death or Judgment Day (6:22-24; Heb 9:27; Rev 20:11-15). A good sign that people have drifted away from faithfulness to God is that they demonstrate more willingness to fight for their own interests than the interests of their God (6:28-35). Being the severe underdog can be a sign that God is going to give His people a great victory over their enemies (7:1-9; 300 versus 135,000 – 8:10). God uses belief to not only save but also destroy (7:13-25; 2Th 2:11; Hence Col 2:4). Wrong perspective equals wrong emotions (or) change perspective, change emotions (8:1-3). Severe discipline or death is reserved for those who refuse to support God’s commissioned men or their mission – especially when they are “exhausted” (8:4-17, 5 and 15 – “exhausted”). Courage and loyalty to God and the (covenant) family is what: 1) causes a person to seek justice in re: to their bros/sis (8:18-19), 2) separates the boys from the men (8:20), 3) determines a person’s strength in the midst of adversity (8:21). The godly intentions of God’s men are thwarted by gold, glory and girls (8:22-35; Top three reasons good pastors go bad). Those who gain authority, power or loyalty by partiality (9:1-3, 18b) and collusion (9:4-6, 18a), have been known to be cursed by God (9:7-21 w/56-57) with: 1) short reigns/careers (9:22; Pro 29:14), 2) treachery/mutiny/anarchy within their leadership (9:23-29 w/20), 3) bloody civil wars and horrible atrocities (9:30-49), 4) a disgraceful death (9:50-55). Besides medicinal use (Pro 31:6; 1Ti 5:23), the only other permissible use of alcohol is sacred celebration: happy celebration to God for His abundant provision to us (9:13 – “cheers God and men” = God becomes happy as we use wine to make ourselves happy over His goodness to us – e.g. Psa 104:15; Ecc 9:7, 10:19; Mic 2:11; Joh 2:1-12).

The consequence of claiming life is too difficult God’s way is that God makes things more difficult in an effort to wake us up (2:1-5 w/11-15, 20-23; Pro 11:31, 13:15, 15:10; What it means if life gets easier = Heb 12:5-8). The prior generations’ faithfulness to God does not guarantee the faithfulness of the next generation (2:6-10 – “know” = Trust; e.g. Jug 2:22; Psa 140:12). Each new generation must make its own choice to follow and be faithful to God (2:6-10). Children becoming idolators and going apostate is the cost of allowing bad influences/theology to remain around your family (2:2:13 w/10-13). As long as a divinely appointed priest and covenant exists, so also there exists a divinely appointed community offering salvation – or deliverance, irrespective of how many sinful or rebellious members there may be in her midst (2:1, 16-18 w/20:27-28). In one generation the covenant community can go from being a place w/strong spiritual leaders and people committed to obediently serving the Lord, to a place w/weak spiritual leaders, idolators, apostates and anarchists (2:6-19; 17:6 & 21:25). Like kings, military leaders are not leaders in the church and therefore possess power to defeat physical enemies but not spiritual enemies (2:16 -17; “judges” = Military leaders [e.g. 3:7-11]; “they did not listen to their judges” = These military leaders had no power to curb the spiritual enemy of sin; This is true even of Jesus and why His role of priest and prophet is so important to His reign as king; Consider Deu 18:18-20 w/Act 3:22-23 and Heb 4:14-16 w/Heb 10:12-13). Obeying God’s commands includes going to war w/His enemies – not shacking up w/them (3:1-6; 2Co 6:14-7:1; Eph 5:5-11). Those God considers His and our enemies include any person whose proximity to us could influence us to serve a false god (2:3, 3:6; Hence 2Jo 1:9-11). Being unconventional in your ways is not a disqualifier to God using you to accomplish great things for His kingdom and people (e.g. Ehud – 3:12-30, 15; Shamgar – 3:31). Though never functioning as spiritual or military leaders, women: 1) have been used by God to give important spiritual counsel to others in the covenant community (4:1-16, 22-24, 5:6-7 = Deborah w/Barak; vv4-5 “judge…judging” = Deb was a prophetess rec’g God’s judgment for the people but neither a spiritual leader or a military leader [or judge]. Barak was the designated judge/military leader), 2) can make important contributions in the battle against God and His people’s enemies (4:9, 17-21, 5:24-27 = Jael against Sisera). Women have been known to know what it means to act like men, more than the men around them (4:6-9, 17-22; 1Co 16:13 = Be courageous). Willingness and participation in the covenant community’s battles is not only expected of her leaders (the “commanders of Israel” -5:9), but every member: 1) no matter how small or insignificant (5:1-2, 8-15a, 18; 5:11 -“villagers in Israel” = Common people), 2) who wb cursed by God if they shrink like cowards (5:15b-17, 23; Consider 2Ti 4:16 = Pastors often need the help of their people to win the spiritual battles raging in the church. People however tend tb cowards to not only the detriment of those they should have helped, but their own detriment as well). What God does in helping His people often requires His people’s help (5:1-5 w/23b – “to the help of the Lord…to the help of the Lord against the mighty”; God helps those who help themselves Him). Looking to past and present providence can be the key to future progress and blessings from God (5:24-26; “tent-dwelling…milk…curds in a noble’s bowl” = All related to her past and present and what gave Jael the ability and skill to kill God’s enemy and receive His blessing. She knew how to drive a “tent peg” and what warm milk and curds would do in making one sleepy [Hence the reason she gives that instead of “water”]). The fact that God’s enemies have mothers who love them must never cause us to pity them – or desire something less than death for them, if we desire to continue as God’s “friends” (5:28-31; *Remember there is a difference between God’s enemies and those now welcomed to God).

One would be hard pressed to find in the history of the Church – or the pages of Scripture, any notion that God – as the rightful Creator and Owner of all that exists, does not exercise sovereignty (rule/governance/control) over His Creation as the means to seeing that His plans, promises and prophecies are accomplished. How exactly God does that – or what level of success He is able to achieve in regard to His plans, promises and prophecies, does not enjoy the same consensus. Within the Evangelical Church there exists two opposing views. Because they are so popular, it behooves us to not only understand them, but also reject them, as neither represents the view presented in Scripture (the view I call, “God the Great Shepherd”).Theistic DeterminismAll things – including the decisions, actions and paths of humans and angels, are predetermined to the degree that free-will cannot exist. Our lives are instead fixed in eternity past versus being the result of our free choices in the present. As such, our future fates – or eternal states, are also fixed or predetermined (e.g. Calvinistic election: those going to heaven or hell were decided before we were created). The reasoning behind such thinking is that by allowing any level of free-will you are inviting the possibility of God failing to accomplish His will in all things. He must therefore preprogram all things in His Creation to secure His intended outcome[1].1.1. Who is crazy enough to believe this heresy (besides RC Sproul)?Anyone claiming to be Reformed or Calvinistic since this was the view of many of the Protestant Reformers (e.g. John Calvin, Martin Luther[2]). This is also the view of John MacArthur, John Piper, Al Mohler, The Gospel Coalition and Ligonier Ministries, denominations such as the PCA, OPC, CREC, and ARBCA or seminaries such as Master Seminary, Westminster Seminaries, Reformed Theological Seminaries and The Southern Baptist Seminary. This was our view for over 10 years (I went to Reformed Theological Seminary where RC Sproul was a professor!).1.2. Why should you view it as crazy and heretical?1.2.1. B/C it makes God the author of sin and evil.(Gen 6:5-7; Jer 7:30-34; Eze 18:23, 33:11; Mat 23:37-38; Rom 1:18; Rom 2:4 w/1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9).1.2.2. B/C it would mean that we are not responsible for our actions.We are not victims of fate, but instead the makers of our own destiny. We have free-wills/choices and are therefore culpable/responsible for our actions. No one made us sin. We are without excuse. (Gen 3:12-18; Deu 30:19; Lam 3:37-39; Eze 18:20; Rom 1:19-20; Joh 15:22, 24-25; Jam 1:13-15).1.2.3. B/C if that were true, then justice would not be just.God’s judgment of us as just, righteous or impartial is dependent on us possessing free-wills (Eze 18:30-32; 1Pe 1:17; Rom 2:5b-11; Ecc 12:14; Isa 59:18; Zec 1:4; Joh 5:28-29; Co 5:9-10, 11:5; Rev 20:11-15. This [btw] is also the reason for God’s instruction in Deu 17:6 and 24:16).1.2.4. B/C in Scripture, God reacts and plans according to the actions and potential actions of people.(Ex 32:7-14; Jon 3:1-10; Jer 18:7-10; Exo 13:17; In this respect, God also genuinely rewards and gives praise to people – e.g. Gen 6:7, 22:12; Mat 25:21-23, 31-40; Rev 3:4; btw – Num 23:19).1.2.5. B/C the early church also viewed theistic determinism as heresy[3].1.2.6. B/C theistic determinism is not much different than the view held by many popular atheists.(e.g. the “Four Horsemen Of Atheism”: Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett all believe in determinism: free will is an illusion. Everything instead functions only on the basis of causality[4]).1.2.7. B/C God’s plans, promises or prophecies do not require it to be accomplished.To assume that God (whose knowledge and power is unlimited) cannot achieve His purposes (what He has “predestined” to do) without taking away our free-wills is to view Him as inferior to humans beings since we can (and are oftentimes required) to achieve a particular outcome in relation to other human beings though both our power and knowledge is extremely limited (e.g. Parents in re: to their children – 1Ti 3:3-4 = If such requirements/expectations were not possible [due to free-wills remaining intact], then the requirement itself becomes unjust). Those believing that God must pre-order/preprogram all things before they take place (i.e. remove any possibility of free-will choices) in order to accomplish His plans, promises and prophecies, are therefore believing in a god much smaller than the One presented in the pages of Scripture.CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Determinism (the regarding view of Calvinists and Atheists alike) is not the view presented in Scripture. And neither is the other view held by Evangelicals. What other heresy God’s sovereignty do they embrace?[1] “If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled.” – RC Sproul2“This is my absolute opinion: he that will maintain that a man’s free-will is able to do or work anything in spiritual cases, be they never so small, denies Christ. This I have always maintained in my writings.” – Martin Luther[3] 1)“Let some suppose, from what has been said by us, that we say that whatever occurs happens by a fatal necessity, because it is foretold as known beforehand, this too we explain. We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions. Now, if this is not so, but all things happen by fate, then neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed. And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions…We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and rewards are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions. Otherwise, if all things happen by fate, then nothing is in our own power. For if it be predestinated that one man be good and another man evil, then the first is not deserving of praise or the other to be blamed. Unless humans have the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions—whatever they may be.” – Justin Martyr (Christian apologist, 100-165 A.D.) ; 2)“Neither praise nor condemnation, neither rewards nor punishments, are right if the soul does not have the power of choice and avoidance, if evil is involuntary.” – Clement (Bishop of Alexandria, 150-200 A.D.) ; 3)“We were not created to die. Rather, we die by our own fault. Our free will has destroyed us. We who were free have become slaves. We have been sold through sin. Nothing evil has been created by God [He is not its author]. We ourselves have manifested wickedness. But we, who have manifested it, are able again to reject it.” – Tatian (Christian apologist, 120-180 A.D.); 4)“This expression, ‘How often would I have gathered my children together, and you would not,’ set forth the ancient law of human liberty, because God made man a free (agent) from the beginning, possessing his own soul to obey the precepts of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God…And in man as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice…If then it were not in our power to do or not to do these things, what reason had the apostle, and much more the Lord Himself, to give us counsel to do some things and to abstain from others?…But man, being endowed with reason, and in this respect similar to God, having been made free in his will, and with power over himself, is himself his own cause that sometimes he becomes wheat, and sometimes chaff.” – Irenaeus (Bishop of Lyon, 130-200 A.D.); 5)“Men…have freedom of choice as to both virtue and vice for you would not either honor the good or punish the bad; unless vice and virtue were in their own power, and some are diligent in the matters entrusted to them, and others faithless…” – Athenagoras (Christian apologist, 150-190 A.D.); 6)“There is, therefore, nothing to hinder you from changing your evil manner to life, because you are a free man.” – Melito (Bishop of Smyrna, 100- 180 A.D.); 7)“I find, then, that man was by God constituted free, master of his own will and power; indicating the presence of God’s image and likeness in him by nothing so well as by this constitution of his nature. For a law would not be imposed upon one who did not have it in his power to render that obedience which is due to law. Nor again, would the penalty of death be threatened against sin, if a contempt of the law were impossible to man in the liberty of his will…Man is free, with a will either for obedience or resistance.” – Tertullian (Christian apologist, 155-225 A.D.); 8)“This also is clearly defined in the teaching of the church that every rational soul is possessed of free-will and volition…There are, indeed, innumerable passages in the Scriptures which establish with exceeding clearness the existence of freedom of will.” – Origin (Christian theologian, 185-254 A.D.) ; 9)“Those [pagans] who decide that man does not have free will, but say that he is governed by the unavoidable necessities of fate, are guilty of impiety toward God Himself, making Him out to be the cause and author of human evils.” – Methodius (Slavic missionary, 260-315 A.D.); 10)“The soul is self-governed: and though the Devil can suggest, he has not the power to compel against the will. He pictures to us the thought of fornication, if you will, you can reject it. For if you were a fornicator by necessity then for what cause did God prepare hell? If you were a doer of righteousness by nature and not by will, wherefore did God prepare crowns of ineffable glory? The sheep is gentle, but never was it crowned for its gentleness; since its gentle quality belongs to it not from choice but by nature.” – Cyril of Jerusalem (Christian theologian, 312-386 A.D.); 11)“All is in God’s power, but so that our free-will is not lost…it depends therefore on us and on Him. We must first choose the good, and then He adds what belongs to Him. He does not precede our willing, that our free-will may not suffer. But when we have chosen, then He affords us much help…It is ours to choose beforehand and to will, but God’s to perfect and bring to the end.” – John Chrysostom (Archbishop of Constantinople, 347-407 A.D.); 12)“He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine (Bishop of Hippo and adopted saint of the Evangelical/Calvinistic Reformers, 354-430 A.D.).[4] “The moment we catch sight of the stream of causes that precede [the criminal’s] conscious decisions, reaching back into their childhood and beyond, their culpability begins to disappear.” – Sam Harris (Freewill)

Joshua 22-24Receiving God’s blessing and an inheritance of great wealth and real estate (22:6-9) is the result of: 1) not forsaking the covenant community (22:1-3a), 2) obeying God’s commands (22:3b).Continuing to be faithful in the present and future is necessary to keeping the promises and blessings afforded through our faithfulness in the past (22:1-5; 23:1-16; Eze 18:24; Heb 10:36-39).Selective obedience doesn’t count (22:5 “Only be very careful to…walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments”; Compare also 22:2-3 w/10-12; Mat 7:21-23).Going to “war” against members of the covenant family: 1) is something we must be prepared to do when there is evidence of major sin (22:10-12), 2) requires due diligence in inquiry and investigation by her leaders to confirm (22:13-16; Deu 17:4), 3) is the commitment we all make when there is rebellion in the camp (22:16 “Thus says the whole congregation”), 4) includes attempts to reason and save not only them – but all of us, from God’s curse and coming destruction (22:17-20; Phi 4:4-5; Jam 5:19-20), 5) is only cancelled when those in question can sufficiently explain, demonstrate or defend themselves to be innocent to the leaders and covenant community (22:21-34; Act 21:17-24; Act 15:22).God forbids us to identify with, have loyalties to – or be united religiously with, those of false religions (including Christian false religion) (23:7, 12; Hence the reason we cannot work for “Christian” organizations; 2Jo 1:9-11; 2Co 6:14-18).Having wicked friends/influences can cause us to go apostate (23:13; 1Co 15:33).Not one good thing that the Lord has promised to give His people will fail to be fulfilled (23:14).The only thing God’s promises are conditioned upon is the one thing we can control: our choices (23:15-16, 24:19-20).The history of God and His people that He clearly wants us to remember (and reflect on as it relates to our own) is one of constant protection, mighty deliverance (24:1-12) and generous provision (24:13) (Hence the reason we are to confidently pray/ask for these things – Mat 6:9-13).Faithful shepherds: 1) constantly remind their people of the need to be sincere, faithful and free of idolatry in serving the Lord (24:14; 2Ti 4:2), 2) realize that serving the Lord is something we must recommit to everyday (24:15), 3) warn their people of the consequences of not taking their walk seriously (24:19-20), 4) call out/expose those sins that will keep their people from being saved (24:19-23), 5) bear witness and hold their people accountable to their covenant commitment (24:24-28), 6) must establish covenant w/anyone who understands and is willing to make the commitment regardless of their suspicions (24:19 w/21, 24-27).As the leaders go, so goes the congregation (24:29-33).Judges 1Just because something is: 1) God’s plan doesn’t mean we don’t need help (1:1-11, 12-16, 17-18) 2) hard doesn’t mean God is not in it or doesn’t want us to do it (1:19).What comes around, goes around (1:6-7; Gal 6:7-10).When we don’t finish the work God has called us to do – in the way – and to the degree that God calls us to do it, we are being rebellious to God irrespective of how hard the work is – or the sacrifice it may require (1:19-36 w/2:1-2; i.e. selective obedience is full disobedience – Mat 7:21-23)Selective obedience is what happens when we limit our commitment to what is easy (1:19 “because they had chariots of iron”).

Following Christ requires that you daily submit every single area of your life (your mind or heart, your decisions and desires, your worries and cares, your past, present and future) to His Lordship (His Word, will and way) and justice (His penalty for sin), so that it will count for His Kingdom (Mat 16:21-24; Luk 14:25-35; Luk 9:23 and 62). In short, you choose to only be concerned with gaining Christ and His approval and nothing or nobody else (2Co 5:9-17; 2Ti 2:4; Phi 1:21; Col 3:2; 1Co 4:1-4) . Anything less than that is not following Christ according to how He defines it will not only fail to be effective in dealing w/sin, but manifest itself in a lack of boldness, interest, passion or loyalty for Christ in comparison to other things (Mat 6:21; Exo 20:3; *passion is what happens when you invest everything [when you give your whole life/everything you are/your present and future/all your hopes over to the Lordship of Christ]*).With that in mind, consider further, these truths as to what Following Christ is not:It is not confusing.If living in this world as a Christian is constantly confusing to you, then there is a good chance you are not (yet) (or are no longer) following Christ the way He calls you too (total surrender to His Lordship and justice).It is not going to make temptation/trials go away.We will continue to face other temptations/trials – including new ones (e.g. persecution associated w/being a Christian. Our faithfulness thru such trials/temptations are the test proving our worthiness/fitness for heaven.It is not separate from loyalty to the church.There is no such thing as a person who follows Christ yet remains disloyal to His church (their covenant brothers and sisters) – especially when things get tough (or trials come or they fall into sin).It is not rehab or gradual.Jesus demands that we be immediately be all in. Which means when it comes to our obedience and turning from sin, there is no stalling or dragging our feet.It is not a hamster on a wheel.We are NOT missing out on all the fun and exciting stuff this world has to offer by following Christ. What we are doing in being faithful to Him is adding up to something eternal.It is not the path most of those who claim to be follow Christ will take or continue on.In our lifetime we will encounter many people whose path to following Christ is not the one He defines –or b/c of what He demands, will eventually leave the path and no longer follow Him –though many of those people wb deluded into thinking they still are following Christ. This is especially true of those who are “wise in their own eyes” – Pro 26:12. This leads to their apostasy while at the same time convincing them they are still on the path.It is not meant to accommodate our lifestyle or loyalties.When we think of people going apostate, we tend to (I would assume) attribute their cause of death to the something inherently sinful that they refuse to stop practicing (e.g. sexual immorality), but many times, what people actually go apostate over, are things that are not (in and of themselves – or inherently) evil/sinful. They are instead good things (or things at least at one time we believed to be good) that God now wants those people to give up –or change in relation to– and they refuse.What I am talking about are certain lifestyles or loyalties that Jesus has now revealed to no longer be acceptable. And that happens! As we grow in our understanding and maturity, there are things Jesus expects to change (or go away). Our lifestyles and loyalties change (or progressively grow in the direction of holiness or further faithfulness) as we continue to follow Jesus and listen to His Word. That is (at least) what happens for those who continue to follow Christ and ultimately make it heaven.For others, these changes represent the roadblocks -or points of departure from following Christ.Which means IF WE ARE GOING TO MAKE it to the end, THEN we need to be AWARE of that—AND GOOD w/that SINCE this (too) is what it means to follow CHRIST.It was NEVER about accommodation. RATHER it is about assimilation –US becoming more like HIM.Examples of lifestyles and loyalties that Jesus will demand change to continue following Him:7.1. Habits, hobbies, people, practices and preferences in our Christian walk that we were unaware are actually sinful(Luk 18:18-23; e.g. playing games that involve you doing sinful things [Among Us] – 1Th 5:22; association w/sorcery thru games, movies or tv shows; association w/people who claim Christ but hold to a false gospel – 2Jo 1:9-11; possessing evil suspicions and always grumbling and complaining or condemning members of the church [including the pastor] – 1Ti 6:4; Col 3:13-14; Jam 4:11-12, 5:9; Jud 1:14-16; being disrespectful/disobedient to your boss or the president/govt when you don’t have a biblical reason to do so – Eph 6:1-8; Rom 13:1-2; playing the victim card [your problems are always somebody else’s fault/no ownership] – Jam 1:13-15, 19-21; Jud 1:16 “malcontents”; LIVING IN FEAR versus trusting GOD [distancing yourself, not building deep relationships or being transparent w/your church family bc you fear being rejected or hurt – 2Co 6:11-13]; NOT being bold w/your bros/sis when you see they are on a dangerous path bc you care more about what they will think rather than what Jesus will think if you don’t – Jam 5:19-20 “multitude of sins” is our own that would have been true for being selfish, unloving cowards).7.2. False views of reality or failures to recognize (and conform to) how God has presently made the world (in order to succeed in it and glorify Him(Deu 32:39; Psa 33:11; Pro 16:4, 33, 19:21, 21:1; Isa 10:15, 14:27, 43:13; Isa 46:8-11; Lam 3:37; Rom 8:28 = The way things work in the world today are the way God purposed that they would exist and work. To therefore fight and be contrary to those things rather than conforming to them so as to get ahead/be successful and have influence thru them for Christ is rebellion; e.g. not getting a bachelor’s degree after high school if you have the aptitude/ability; getting visible tattoos; acting like/looking like a gang-banger, goth, redneck or social recluse/retard/reject [2Co 8:20]; not being inspired/pursuing the self-discipline espoused by the military [not their gun-play – but their self-discipline] or sports as motivation to personal self-discipline and spiritual achievement 1Co 9:23-27; 2Ti 4-5 “entangled in civilian pursuits” = Involvement in/fretting over the affairs of this world [e.g. fretting over who won the election and whether or not there was fraud – or where this nation might be heading; fretting over our company – whether or not we think they are smart or just – Luk 21:34]).7.3. Any and all theological beliefs/religious practices that no longer square w/what He is requiring of us now(Phi 3:1-9 = For Paul following Christ required a major change to his theology [justification by faith versus works of the law]. It also therefore meant jettisoning a huge part of his former lifestyle and loyalties [Hence the reason he was accused of antinomianism is Act 21:21]. Such changes to lifestyle and loyalties brought w/them no shortage of persecution. Paul would spend the rest of his earthly days fighting and suffering for them. Notice however Paul’s commitment to the changes Christ required – the former ways now considered “rubbish” [he could have easily kept clinging to them or been offended in having to give them up as many people are today when told the old ways will no longer do. Such attitudes come only from rebellious pride which is not congruent w/following Christ. Our life is now His life – which means it is His prerogative to change it anytime He pleases – 1Co 13:11]; e.g. our former view of baptism or the LT; our former belief in penal substitution or Calvinism; our view on waste – Jos 6-12).It is not weighted the same for all things.There are some sins that God views worst than others: two in particular. Which means if this is where you struggle, you are definitely NOT on in hot pursuit of Christ (you are not following Him). These two areas should (iow) be the things furthest from being identified w/you.What are they? Sexual sin and disloyalty to God’s church/people. There are (to be sure) a multitude of verses to support what I just said—but for sake of remaining time, I have selected on NT book where we find both in close proximity: 1Th 4:1-6, 9-10).It is not constantly being guilty of the same sins.If I (as your pastor) am constantly having to deal with same sin problems or you have been characterized by others as possessing the same sinful characteristics then that is a good sign you are not following Christ. Why? BC when we follow Christ, being characterized by any sin goes away. We are instead characterized by righteousness (1Jo 3:7-10). The person who is constantly plagued by the same sin/sinful actions is a person that has not truly submitted their life to Christ’s Lordship (His Word/will and way) and/or justice. IOW: They are not doers of His Word (only hearers) —AND they are not bearing the necessary fruit of repentance (Jam 1:22-25; Luk 3:8-9 = Bearing fruit means that we possess the proof that our life has changed—we are no longer practicing those sins confessed).

To be united w/God and receive His forgiveness (justification/salvation) we must go to His house (18:1 “tent of meeting” = Literally, “tent of reunion” Deu 12:11; Jer 7:12; Joh 4:21 = God’s house of salvation/reunion wb all over the Gentile world).“Let no man deceive himself. Outside of this house, that is, outside of the Church no one is saved.” – Origen (184 -253 A.D.) What God has promised to His people: 1) is ready to be taken by His people (18:1 “lay subdued” = Conquered and ready to be possessed; 2Co 1:20 w/Heb 10:12-13), 2) will remain largely unrealized until we strive to take possession of it (18:2-3; 2Ti 2:5-6), 3) is incongruent w/laziness or procrastination (18:3 “How long will you put off” = How long will you be lazy? Pro 18:9; Heb 12:1; 2Pe 1:10 w/19; Eph 5:14-16), 4) will oftentimes require that we grow in knowledge and discernment to see what He specifically has for us (18:4-10; Phi 1:9-11; Heb 5:11-14; e.g. Mar 8:17). All God’s people receive an inheritance (18:2-19:51; Act 20:32; Eph 1:11-18; 1Pe 1:4). God gave Benjamin a place of spiritual stability, strength and support (18:11-28 w/Deu 33:12 “shoulders” = The place of stability, strength and support). The sins of the fathers wb visited on the children unless the children do something to stop the curse (18:7a w/19:1-9 w/Gen 49:5-7 w/Exo 20:5 w/Exo 32:26-29). God follows former prophecy (18:7, 11, 19:9, 11 w/Deu 33:12, 188-19 and Gen 49:5-7, 13). “The tribe of Zebulon’s lot included the land which lay as far as the Lake of Genesareth, [Sea of Galilee] and that which belonged to Carmel and the [Mediterranean] sea” – Josephus (Antiquities) No prosecution (no deprivation of life, liberty or property) without due process (20:1-6; The 5th Amendment is based on the God’s Law). The elders and congregation are: 1) tasked w/protecting other members of the covenant community from wrongful accusations and punishment (20:1-3, 5, 9), 2) to establish and participate in a judicial system for God’s people (20:4, 6-9; 1Co 6:1-6), 3) to determine guilt based on intent and evidence (20:3a, 5b, 9a; Num 35:30 and Deu 19:15; 2Co 13:1-5). Like the act itself, the punishment for manslaughter is also determined by God (20:6 “until the death of him who is the high priest at the time”; Exo 21:12-14). Proximity to His Levites/pastors is one of the ways God blesses His people (21:1-4, 9-19 in comparison to 21:5-8, 20-41; The territory of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin were the only to survive the later apostasy – 1Ki 12:16). What is to be given to God’s Levites/pastors includes what they need to do their job (21:42). God’s word and good promises to us include a permanent (or eternal): 1) dwelling place (21:43; 2Co 5:1), 2) victory over all our enemies (21:44; Most esp. the enemy of sin and death – 1Co 15:50-58). God has already proven that He will bring “to pass” every single “word” and “all the good promises” that He has made to those who belong to “house of Israel” (21:45).

Following Christ requires that you daily submit every single area of your life (your mind or heart, your decisions and desires, your worries and cares, your past, present and future) to His Lordship (His Word, will and way) and justice (His penalty for sin), so that it will count for His Kingdom (Mat 16:21-24; Luk 14:25-35; Luk 9:32 and 62). In short, you choose to only be concerned with gaining Christ and His approval and nothing or nobody else (2Co 5:9-17; 2Ti 2:4; Phi 1:21; 1Co 4:1-4) . Anything less than that will not only fail to be effective in dealing w/sin, but manifest itself in a lack of boldness, interest, passion or loyalty to Christ in comparison to other things (Mat 6:21; Exo 20:3; *passion is what happens when you invest everything [when you give your whole life/everything you are/your present and future/all your hopes over to the Lordship of Christ]*).With that in mind, consider further, these truths as to what Following Christ is not:It is not confusing.If living in this world as a Christian is constantly confusing to you, then there is a good chance you are not (yet) (or are no longer) following Christ the way He calls you to (total surrender to His Lordship and justice) (e.g. confusion in re: to men leading their wives, wives submitting to their husbands, parents raising their children, people submitting to their bosses or pastors!).It is not going to make temptation/trials go away.Following Christ will alleviate those temptations/trials associated w/running after sin and the world, but we will continue to face other temptations/trials – including new ones (e.g. persecution associated w/being a Christian – 2T 3:12; discipline for/bc of our sin – 1Pe 4:12-18 w/Lam 3:39). Our faithfulness thru such trials/temptations are the test proving our worthiness/fitness for heaven (1Pe 4:1-2; Act 5:41; Rev 3:4).It is not separate from loyalty to the church.There is no such thing as a person who follows Christ yet remains disloyal to His church (their covenant brothers and sisters) – especially when things get tough (or trials come or they fall into sin) (Pro 17:17 w/24:10; Col 3:13-14 – “above all”; 1Jo 3:10 = loyalty to the church is how we know we are the children of God/followers of Christ – Joh 13:34-35).It is not rehab or gradual.Jesus demands that we be immediately be “all in”. Which means when it comes to our obedience and turning from sin, there is no stalling, stewing and brewing or dragging our feet. If we do approach following Christ that way – as though it were some form of rehabilitation that takes time – or a process that is gradual where we work up to such commitment or faithfulness, then we have grossly misunderstood His demands and will be identified as false followers/Christians on J-DAY.(Mat 4:20-22- “immediately”; Luk 9:57-62 = The problem with the last two persons encountered by Jesus is the same. Both viewed following Him – or giving their lives fully to Him, as something they could put off until others things were pursued/taken care of. Jesus however, makes it clear that such a view was unacceptable/unsaving. Following Christ [which once more requires full commitment] is immediate – not gradual or something we do little by little/more and more over time. It is not again, rehab. This includes our repentance; Psa 119:57- 60 = Part of what it means to have the Lord as our portion [i.e. to fully follow Christ] is we immediately: 1) “turn” from sin to His “testimonies”, 2) “keep” in obedience His “commandments”; Again – Luk 14:33; In re: to stewing and brewing: Gal 4:16 w/Luk 10:16).It is not a hamster on a wheel.Some people look at the Christian life as not much different than a hamster on a wheel: they are putting all this effort into making sure they are obedient to Christ and saying “no” to the sinful temptations and things of this world but their life (as a result) is going nowhere. Instead, they are missing out on all the fun and exciting stuff this world has to offer. This however is not the view of Jesus, John or Paul. They saw all such effort (i.e. they saw following Christ) as adding up to something eternally better.(Mat 6:19-20; Joh 5:28-29; 1Jo 3:21-22; 2Jo 1:8; Phi 3:14; 1Co 9:23-27; 2Co 5:10; 2Ti 4:7-8)It is not the path most of those who claim to follow Christ will take or continue on.In our lifetime we will encounter many people whose path to following Christ is not the one He defines –or b/c of what He demands, will eventually leave the path (and no longer follow Him). We need to accept that as reality (b/c that is what Jesus tells us will happen). What we also need to accept, is that many (if not all of those people) will be convinced they are still going to heaven (following Christ) – though (once more) that is not the case. What they are doing is no longer in line/agreement w/the testimony of Scripture (or Jesus). Hence the reason when people leave this church, they refuse to meet w/me (or the church) to prove from God’s Word that what they are doing is acceptable or still following Christ (that never has that been the case). I (and everyone else) immediately become “persona non grata”. They don’t meet b/c they have decided they no longer want to follow Jesus according to His terms (they want the lifestyle or things He says that can’t have or be)—AND they (therefore) also know their decision to pursue such things won’t stand up to the scrutiny of God’s church and Word. Again, this is the sad reality we must understand. Following Christ is not something that will be true for everyone who claims –or continue to be true for all those who genuinely did (at one time). Many will leave the path.(Luk 13:22-24; Mat 13:18-23, 25:14-15, 19-25, 26-30; Though there are many different sinful reasons people go apostate [stop following Christ], in my experience they all share one thing in common: they are “wise in their own eyes”; Pro 26:12).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = NOW is the time to make things right in your walk w/Christ. If what has been said over the past weeks has revealed areas that need to be shored up then do it the way God’s Word prescribes – REPENT (confess it, change/turn from those former behaviors and conform to what Jesus requires as the new pattern of your life).

As discussed (in Part 1), following Christ requires that you daily submit every single area of your life (your mind or heart, your decisions and desires, your worries and cares, your past, present and future) to His Lordship (His Word, will and way) and justice (His penalty for sin), so that it will count for His Kingdom. Anything less than that is not following Christ according to how He defines it in (Mat 16:21-24, Luk 14:25-35, Luk 9:32 and 62) and will not only fail to be effective in dealing w/sin, but manifest itself in a lack of boldness, interest, passion or loyalty for Christ in comparison to other things (Mat 6:21; Exo 20:3; *passion is what happens when you invest everything [when you give your whole life/everything you are/your present and future/all your hopes over to the Lordship of Christ].With that in mind, consider further, these truths as to what Following Christ is not:It is not confusing.It is not going to make temptation/trials go away.It is not separate from loyalty to the church.CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: REMEMBER what we learned (two weeks ago) regarding HOW WE FIX the problem of NOT FOLLOWING CHRIST (the way He defines it and demands it be done): WE do it by REPENTING (which means confessing where we have missed it, committing to change that and then conforming every area of our life to that new way).

Following Christ requires that you daily submit every single area of your life (your mind or heart, your decisions and desires, your worries and cares, your past, present and future) to His Lordship (His Word, will and way) and the justice He requires for your sin, so that it will count for His Kingdom (Mat 16:24 -“deny himself” = The removal of ourselves as the authority/boss over our lives ;“take up his cross” = The execution of ourselves upon our personal cross [Notice, “his cross”] is also necessary to following Jesus. Crosses were devices used by the Romans to punish law-breakers and rebels. As such, this phrase refers to a person’s actions in removing the sin and rebellion in our lives – through the justice required per God’s Law; Mat 6:19-34 = Investment, Loyalty and Focus; Mat 13:44-46; Mat 25:14-34; For “non-refundable” see Luk 9:62; “daily” see Luk 9:23).Following Christ is the only way to be saved and live without regret (Mat 16:25-27; Jos 23:14) .Those who only submit a portion of their life to following Christ (His Lordship and justice), will be damned as though they gave nothing at all (Mat 16:25 – “Whoever would save his life…will lose it”; Luk 14:33; all in or not in at all).Following Christ is a nonrefundable commitment (Luk 9:62).Clear indicators that you are not following Christ but still a rebel/law-breaker:5.1. You continue to practice, hide or justify your sin (A denial of Mat 16:24 – “take up his cross”; Mat 7:23; Mat 13:41 – “gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and law-breakers”)5.2. You have selective obedience (Mat 7)5.3. Jesus’ commands are burdensome to you (1Jo 5:3; Obedience, evangelism and shepherding are done primarily for the purpose of plausible deniability versus real desire and joy)5.4. You demonstrate greater boldness, interest, passion and loyalty for something other than the things of God, people of God or for God Himself (i.e. you have given your life to something else/above God – you are guilty of idolatry or breaking of the first commandment [Exo 20:3] – All Jesus is requiring OF those who would follow Him is the fulfillment of this command: that they have no other gods before Him [god = where you go/what you look to for life to be good- Deu 30:20]; Jos 24:19-25; e.g. Rock-stars or Rock bands, Professional athletes or sports, Cars or Comics, Money or Career; Mat 16:21-23; Mat 6:24; 1Jo 2:19; Col 3:1-6; 2Co 10:5).The are no valid excuses for not following Christ – only admissions of rebellious unbelief (Rom 1:20, 4:20; Heb 3:19).Count the cost, otherwise you will only be under the delusion you are following Christ and fail to reach heaven (Luk 14:25-35; e.g. Mat 7:21-23).Repentance (confession, change, conformity) and belief is how you fix a life that doesn’t follow Christ (Mar 1:15).

Coveting happens whenever we choose to indulge the temptation to pleasure our minds with thoughts of possessing or experiencing what God says is presently prohibited or forever forbidden (Jos 7:21 = pleasured/afflicting himself thinking about the forbidden fame and fortune, power and prestige of those things could bring; e.g. Exo 20:17/Deu 5:21 = pleasuring/afflicting ourselves thinking about us living in someone’s house, sleeping w/their wife or having their life). *when you choose to pleasure your mind w/thoughts of something/someone, you are (now in a very real way) desiring that something/someone (that is how God sees it)Examples:1.1. choosing to pleasure myself by thinking about my life as some pagan movie star or rock star;1.2. choosing to pleasure myself by thinking/looking at someone sexually that is not my God-given spouse;1.3. choosing to pleasure myself by imagining myself in a career that God will never give me;1.4. choosing to pleasure myself by imagining life as something other than what the truth/reality says it is (tons of people are in a perpetual covetous state b/c they refuse to live according to the world as God has made it and is currently guiding it and instead live in their fantasy world –the one they are most pleasured by – e.g. a world where I don’t have to have work hard and sharpen my mind to be successful; a world where I get to be king and everybody will listen to my ideas; a world where Jedi are not sorcerers [iow: fantasy can also be coveting]– see trailer for the Mandalorian season 2).Coveting is the sin that put mankind and this world on the path away from God toward the devil, death and destruction (Gen 3:1-6). Coveting is a form of idolatry (Eph 5:3-5; Col 3:5; e.g. God is incompetent or corrupt – not giving me what I need to be happy or complete).Example: B/C I am not immediately punished for the sins of my mind/coveting –or the longer I go on doing it and nothing happens, I am emboldened to keep doing it, thinking I am safe/okay IOW: The god I now serve is a false god who doesn’t see or care about what goes on in my head – only in my actions (Psa 10:11, 13; See also Psa 73:1-20, 21-22 = When I gave in to the temptation to covet; Heb 3:12-13). Coveting makes us adulterers before God (Jam 4:1-2 = Coveting means you are now cheating on Christ and an enemy of God).Coveting is the gateway to every other sin and what makes faithfulness impossible (Jam 1:3-5 [“desire” = coveting; “lured” = drawn away from the safety of self-control/restraint; “enticed” = baited; “conceived” = impregnated/seized us as prisoner; “sin” = sinful physical actions] = Sinful thoughts/coveting leads to sinful actions; Hence the reason coveting is the last of the ten commandments [mentioning something last was an ancient way of indicating the source/cause of those items previously listed – e.g. Eph 5:3-5 and Col 3:5; See also Rom 13:8-10; Hence the reason also Jesus gives a stern warning in Luk 12:15).Continuing to covet will lead to apostasy or your day of grace being done (Heb 10:26; Eph 4:17-22 v19 – “become callous”] = Hardening of the mind/spiritual lobotomy, no longer able to receive/submit to spiritual truth [Exo 7-11 = Pharaoh hardened his heart so God permanently hardened him to repentance/spiritual truth and obedience]; 2Th 2:11-12).Saying no to coveting is easy and the key to a life of faithfulness that is easy to accomplish (Jam 3:2 w/Mat 12:34; e.g. saying no to buying a box of donuts versus saying to a box of donuts that is sitting right in front of you 2 versus a 10 on a scale of 1-10 in re: to temptation; Keep in mind also – Mat 6:9-20 w/1Co 10:12-13 = The way to “take heed” so as not to fall, is not allow temptation to go beyond that which comes from coveting since this is the only temptation w/in your “ability” and God provides a way of “escape” for [this IOW is the kind of temptation Paul is referring to here in v13 – it is the temptation that comes in re: to coveting. If you rebel and break thru that, all bets and promises of deliverance are off]).Making Jesus the Lord of our minds is how we stop coveting (2Co 10:5; Job 31:1; Heb 11:6; Phi 4:8; Stupid Christians think that their minds are their own—that what they do there is off limits to God. Here however is what they miss/refuse to understand: if Jesus doesn’t have Lordship over your mind, He will not be your Savior). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: WHO IS THE LORD OF YOUR MIND? Who determines what you do and don’t spend your time thinking about? Jesus or you? If it’s not Jesus, then it’s game over. Jos 24:15 – choose this day whom you will serve.

God-ordained and effective strategies for defeating our enemies include: 1) psychological warfare (6:1-16 w/20; 4-5 -“march around the city…blow the trumpets” = Sign that battle is beginning; 10-11 – “you shall not shout or make your voice heard…spent the night in the camp” = Sign that they are withdrawing from battle; 14-16, 20 – “marched around the city once…so they did for six days…on the seventh day…they marched around the city seven times…And at the seventh time…the people shouted” = Jericho’s citizens were mentally frazzled and emotionally drained by the time “the wall fell down flat” making them an easy target), 2) subterfuge/military deception (8:1-22, 3-8). The first of our success (given by God) is to be “devoted” (or given back to God) as “first-fruits” (6:1-2 w/17-21, 24; 2- “See I have given to you…” w/17 w/5:10 and Lev 23:5-11 = Feast of Firstfruits [day after the sabbath of Passover] – e.g. Sunday = The day/sabbath of Firstfruits in Christ – 1Co 15:20; e.g. first-fruits given back to God = our tithe – Num 18:12 w/21-32). When we take what God says is to be “devoted” to Him, we: 1) make the covenant community a “thing for destruction and bring trouble on it” (6:17-18), 2) lose the ability to be successful or overcome life’s obstacles (7:10-13; e.g. of devoted thing other than our tithe = Our sexual purity – 1Co 6:12-20). What God devotes to destruction can never be rebuilt/redeemed/ransomed/rekindled and will result in great personal penalty to those who try (6:18 w/26 w/1Ki 16:34; e.g. someone devoted to destruction today = The apostate and the wicked who fight against God’s people – Lev 27:28-29; Jer 7:16-29, 14:11-12 w/44:27; Isa 34:5). The wicked of this world welcomed to God (versus being “devoted to destruction”) would include those who help His people (6:22-23, 25). The only kind of “fame” we should pursue is the kind that comes when we are “very strong and courageous” to do exactly what God says (6:27). A good indicator that there may be sin in the camp (e.g. covenant community, our homes, our personal lives) is the inability to have success even in the little things (7:1-13, 3 – “Do not make the whole people go up…for they are few”; 4-5 – “they fled before the men of Ai and the men of Ai killed thirty-six of their men”; 11, 13 – “Israel has sinned…you cannot stand before your enemies”; Jam 4:1-10). To “consecrate (our)selves” (7:13) – or make things right w/God again (7:26) requires: 1) discovering the root cause of our sin (7:14-18), 2) confessing our sin – including its accomplices, w/a heart that gives “glory” and “praise” to God (for it being found out) (7:19-24; Consider Deu 24:16 = At the very least, the children knew of their father’s sin and did not report it), 3) paying for our sins (no matter the cost) (7:25). When you think that nobody will find your sin, remember God knows and will make sure your sin finds you (7:11 w/14-15; Num 32:23; Luk 12:2-3). Sin always begins in the mind (7:21 –“coveted”; Jam 1:13-15; Mat 12:34). Coveting to be a “V.I.P.” or “B.M.O.C.” in the eyes of others could cost the lives of your loved ones (7:21- “cloak from Shinar” = Robe of a Babylonian king [literally “glory cloak”; same as Jon 3:6]). Everyone who chooses to engage in capital crimes, continue practicing sin – or cover up sin (theirs/others), selfishly chooses to “bring trouble” on the rest of the covenant community (7:25). Children have an obligation (like anyone else) to report those sins they see being hidden by others – including their parents, lest they too be considered guilty of those sins (7:24-25; See 24:14-15 and Pro 24:10-12; IOW: Kids – don’t go to Hell for your parents). After we give first-fruits, God lets us have the rest as “plunder” – or as our share, from battle (8:1-2 versus 6:17). Patience is often the difference between blessing and curse (8:1-2 versus 7:21). God never wants us to possess those things that will lead us astray from Him (8:2, 18-29 w/Deu 20:16-18; e.g. the reason some don’t yet possess a potential spouse/spouse – b/c you wb led astray from Christ versus leading that person to Christ; 1Co 10:14; Heb 12:1). God’s OT altar was associated w/curse whereas the NT altar is associated w/blessing (8:30-31 w/Heb 10:1-18). Being careful to do all that God says requires seeing and hearing all that God says (8:32-35 w/Deu 11:29-32). To “bless the people of Israel” – including New Israel (i.e. the Church), requires the receiving of God’s Law (8:32-35; Deu 4:1-8; Isa 42:21). The enemy – including the enemy of bad decisions or major burdens, often comes as an “angel of light” (or bearing all the marks of legitimacy) (9:1-16; 2Co 11:14-15). Not seeking “counsel from the Lord” has been a major reason certain saints are perpetually making bad decisions and carrying major burdens (9:14-27; 17 = The amount of people in the Gibeonite cities would have created a large economic burden on the nation of Israel [i.e. less real estate and resources for God’s people]; e.g. seeking the counsel of the Lord today = The Church – e.g. Act 15).

Civil disobedience to protect the innocent among God’s people from being destroyed by the evil governments of this world wb: 1) viewed as faithfulness/loyalty to God/covenant community (2:1-16, 12 – “dealt kindly” = Literally, acted w/ faithfulness/loyalty [Heb. hesed]; Pro 24:11), 2) rewarded – even if that person is a pagan (2:17-21; Mar 9:41; See also Mat 1:5 = Rahab was welcomed into the covenant community). Spreading the news about Who God is and what He has done has proven to be a powerful tool for evangelism and advancing His kingdom (2:8-11, 22-24; Act 2:5-11; Psa 71:15-19, 145:1-12). Redundancy is one of the means God gives to us for discerning His ways/deliverance (3:1-13, 9-10 w/Exo 14:1, 14-16, 21-22 w/Exo 19:9-15; See 4:21-24). God’s love for His people is such that He is willing to “cut off” the resources of others, to prosper them (3:14-17; Rom 8:32). God gives “sign(s)” as a means to remember His deliverance/salvation (4:1-8, 19-24; Luk 22:19-20; 1Co 11:23-25). Great men are known by the power of their instruction (3:7-4:14). When we forget what God has done, we forget to fear Him (4:23-24). God and His people have been known to leave behind evidence (or “many convincing proofs”) of His miraculous events (Jos 4:9-18 = Stopping the Jordan to accommodate the passage of 2 million+ people [Num 26 = 600,000 men + women and children] would have been impossible given the technology of the day, the width [>100ft]and depth [>10ft] of the river and strength of current [~5-7mph during flood season = tornado force winds]. Hence the reason – 5:1; e.g. the flood = Gen 7:11-23; S&G = Gen 19:23-29). Believing that some men can have two foreskins is what happens when you attempt to understand things without their context (5:2 w/o 3-5). Being faithful and patient to do the little things is key to being successful in the big things of life (5:2-10 = They had to faithfully take care of their spiritual state [“circumcision”, “Passover”] – as well as be patient as they “healed” and observed God’s prescribed holiday , before God would view them as above “reproach” or fit to be wealthy land-owners. Hence the reason 5:11-12 = The “land of Canaan” and its “fruit” was now theirs). Joshua saw Jesus Who: 1) is a mighty warrior (5:13-15; If it would have been an angel then – Rev 19:9-10, then 11-16; Jer 20:11 – “dread warrior” = warrior causing panic), 2) serves the “LORD”, not men (5:13-14), 3) requires we be holy to stand before Him (5:15; The same wb true on J-Day). Jesus teaches us that caring for people means not caring about people (5:13-14 w/2Ti 1:7, 2:4; 1Jo 2:15).

Deuteronomy 32-34It is important that we “ascribe greatness to our God” (32:1-3) thru “words” that affirm His “perfection”, “justice”, “faithfulness” and sinlessness (32:4), and attribute any failure to our own propensity to act “corruptly”, be “blemished”, or “crooked and twisted”, or “foolish and senseless” (32:5-6). IOW: God is not the One to blame. We are no longer God’s children when we are “blemished” – which is the consequence of: 1) dealing “corruptly” w/God (32:5a; “dealt corruptly” = acted w/o loyalty – see 32:16, 21; Exo 32), 2) “crooked and twisted” behavior (32:5c; “crooked and twisted” = acting w/o justice/faithfulness to God’s Law – see 32:19-20). Children are to act like their father (or) wb associated w/the father they act most like (32:5-6; 1Jo 3:7-10; Joh 8:44). Remembering God’s care for His people (us) in the past is a powerful deterrent against sin in the present (32:7-18). Affluency can be a curse that causes us to forsake God (32:15). False gods (or religion) are demons disguised as the real thing (32:16-17). The issue that causes God to “spurn” His “sons and daughters” is not lack of perfection but “faithfulness” (32:19-20). God responds in kind or “what comes around, goes around” (32:21). Idolatry – or the sin of showing ultimate loyalty to something other than God, will invite the worst of God’s wrath against us (32:15-25, 22-25). When God causes His people harm, the world and false religion are often deluded into thinking: 1) they have been “triumphant” (when in reality they “misunderstand”) (32:26-30), 2) they possess true God/religion (when in reality they are “by themselves”) (32:31-33) (e.g. Psa 22:7-8 w/Mat 27:39-43). God (or Jesus) makes His people pay for their sins (penal atonement) (32:34-43 w/Heb 10:30 and Heb 13:8-9a). Our “very li(ves)” will be determined by what (or whose) “words” we choose to “take to heart” (i.e. to take seriously and seriously commit to doing) (32:44-47). One of the curses associated w/not treating God as holy (e.g. not being careful in how we listen to Him) is seeing blessings that could have been ours, but never being able to realize them (32:48-52 w/34:1-6a). The Law is the precious “possession” given by God to His “people”: 1) b/c He “love(s)” them (33:1-4), 2) as the confirmation that He is their King (33:5). God does visit the faithfulness – and sins, of the fathers on their children (33:6-25; e.g. no mention of Simeon [vv6-7 = Reuben, then Judah]. God “divided” and “scattered” [Simeon] “in Jacob…Israel” [Gen 49:5-7] by making his tribe so small and insignificant that they are absorbed into Judah – Jos 19:1, 9; Num 26:14 = Simeon the smallest of the 12 tribes). The privilege of serving as one of God’s priests is granted to those who have proven their loyalty to God (and His Law) over family (33:8-11; e.g. Exo 32; Num 25). There is no God like the “eternal God” and no nation like the one who has Him as their “Help”, “Dwelling place”, Protector, Provider and Savior (33:26-29). So important is the secrecy of Moses’ burial site that not even the angels know where it is (34:6b w/Jud 9). God transfers His “spirit of wisdom” and authority from one leader to another in His covenant community through ordination (34:9a; “laid his hands on him” = ordination; Joh 20:22; 1Ti 4:14; *Ordination and proven loyalty [pt.16] – see Exo 32:29) and expects His people to obey them and follow their lead (34:9b w/Jos 1:16-18; Heb 13:17). God’s ability to safely and successfully lead His people through His ordained leaders does not require that He grant them the same gifts and abilities as their predecessors (34:7-12). Jos 1God’s promise to be w/Joshua and give him success in his mission is the same promise God has given to every member of the New Covenant (1-5 w/Heb 13:5). God expects His leaders to be “very strong and courageous” in their leadership (versus impish, wimpish and whiney) (6-9, 18). The secret to “success” for God’s people is understanding and doing all of God’s Law (7-8). Godly leaders will remind their people of the correlation between their commitment to the covenant community and the Lord’s blessing and protection of their families (10-15; Num 32:16-30).

Paul’s words in 1Corinthians fifteen make it clear that how we understand Christ’s death directly affects whether the “gospel” we believe is “in accordance with the Scriptures” (and saving) – or false (and damning). It is therefore (as Paul states) of “first importance”; a doctrine the Church cannot afford to get wrong. This unfortunately has been the plight of many within Evangelical or Reformed Christianity who espouse the false doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement, a theory which states that Jesus in His death was punished for our sins (penal), in our place (substitute), so that God could extend forgiveness (or justification) to us[1].What those embracing the false doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement fail to understand:The Bible communicates not one (penal only) – but two types of atonement – or means of satisfying justice, removing guilt or spiritual uncleanness and turning back God’s wrath[2]:Penal = atonement accomplished through the punishment of those guilty of sin establishing justice (e.g. Num 25:1-13; Isa 27:8-9; re: justice – Psa 106:30 – KJV, “he executed judgment or justice”; 2Th 1:6-9 = God is just – or a God of justice b/c he punishes sin) Penal atonement or justice is always the prerequisite to God receiving the blood sacrifice – or the second type of atonement (propitiatory). Hence the reason repentance must precede faith/belief for it to be effectual since repentance is doing justice (Mat 5:23-24; Lev 5:1-6:7; Amo 5:21-24; Exo 34:7; Luk 3:7-14; Mar 1:14-15; Joh 3:36; Pro 16:6 = steadfast love [loyalty] and faithfulness [to God’s LAW/just system or system of justice] is how “iniquity is atoned for” by us so that we can receive God’s propitiatory sacrifice and justification; Pro 20:30 – “blows…strokes” = punishment; “cleanse away evil…make clean the innermost parts” = accomplish [penal] atonement)[3].1.1. Penal atonement is our responsibility/what we must do/we must bear the punishment and establish justice.1.2. Propitiatory = atonement accomplished through a blood sacrifice/sacred application establishing justification. Hence the reason justification is only used in relation to propitiation (e.g. Lev 17:11; Isa 6:1-7; Rom 3:23-25; Lev 19:22)[4].1.3. Propitiatory atonement is God’s responsibility/what only He can do/He bears our sin/spiritual uncleanness and establishes justification.1.4. Old and New Testament witness to the order and necessity of both forms of atonement to satisfying justice/securing salvation (Isa 1:11-20; Luk 3:3-6 = Thru repentance people prepare themselves to receive the Lord’s propitiatory sacrifice [and salvation]; Notice in each text, who is responsible for the penal aspect – us!).1.5. Helpful (?) analogy:A person refuses to pay their electric bill. As a result, the electric company places a debt on their record (including penalties) which in turn “stains” their credit and hurts their good standing or status w/the company. The only way this changes, is if that person (first) “repents” by making arrangements to pay their bill, or pays their bill – including the penalties (justice/penal atonement; Luk 13:1-5 “If you do not repent you will likewise perish”).Once the arrangement has been made – or the debt has been paid, that person can (now) appeal to the electric company to “forgive” them and restore their good standing (1Pe 3:21 – “an appeal to God for a good conscience [standing]”). The electric company then “bears – or carries the burden” of removing the “stain” and changing their status w/the company (justification; propitiatory atonement; Col 2:14 – “canceling the record of debt that stood against us”).Jesus’ death is only identified as propitiatory (never as penal) (Rom 3:25 w/4:25; Heb 2:17; 1Jo 2:2, 4:10; Isa 53:1-6 = Consider how Peter understands verses 5 and 6 [1Pe 2:20-25] = Jesus’ “chastisement” and “stripes” were not punishment, but persecution [v4 – “smitten by God” = Literally, “allowed to be persecuted by God” – See Psa 69:26]. It was God’s will that Jesus be persecuted [not punished] in His role as our propitiatory sacrifice – Isa 53:7-10 “offering for guilt” = OT propitiatory blood sacrifice, Lev 1, 4-7). Jesus is only revealed to be our sin-bearer (never our punishment/penalty-taker) (1Pe 2:24; 2Co 5:21; Gal 3:13; Isa 53:6, 12). The scapegoat was also a sin-bearer not a punishment/penalty-taker (Lev 16:5, 8-10, 21-22) = Part of the “atonement” process on the Day of Atonement was choosing a (scape)goat to bear or carry the sins (not the punishment) of the people back to their author “Azazel” – or Satan, who dwelt in the “wilderness”. Jesus fulfilled the role of the scapegoat – or sin-bearer, by being baptized in the water where the people of Israel had – through a baptism of repentance, committed to leaving their sins behind (i.e. to do penal justice). Hence the reason, the place He immediately goes after this event is to the wilderness of Satan (Mat 3:13-4:11). To finish making propitiation however, required more than just bearing them. The people’s spiritual uncleanness still needed to be cleansed by blood sacrifice. Hence the reason for the second goat and Jesus’ death on the cross (Lev 16:15-16). Jesus’ role as substitutionary scapegoat and sin offering from the Day of Atonement is why the writer of Hebrews identifies Him as not only our “high priest” – but the one who made “propitiation for the sins of the people” – a direct allusion to the events and Day of Atonement since this was the only time such a sacrifice was made on behalf of the entire covenant community [or again “people”]). Jesus’ substitution is only in relation to the OT blood (or animal) sacrifices (never us) (Mat 20:28; Mar 10:45 – “ransom” = substitute; “for many” = on behalf of the many – see Mat 26:28 for same idea. Jesus’ blood – as the substitute for blood of the OT sacrifices, would accomplish forgiveness “for [on behalf of] the many”. IOW: His substitution wb in re: to them not us. Jesus’ words [“ransom for many”] is an allusion to Isa 53:7-11 = As God’s substitute lamb He would “make many to be accounted righteous” as he “bear(s) their iniquities”) . It is b/c Christ’s death was only propitiatory that justice (incl. penal atonement/punishment for sin) remains our responsibility (Mat 5:18-20; Rom 8:12-13 – “So then brothers, we are debtors… to put to death the deeds of the body”; e.g. Luk 19:1-10 = “salvation has come to this house!”). What therefore the Bible teaches in relation to Christ’s death in not Penal Substitution but Propitiatory SubstitutionPropitiatory Substitutionary Atonement = Jesus in His death became our propitiatory sacrifice (i.e. He accomplished His role as our propitiatory atonement/He provided what only God could provide) in place of the blood sacrifices of the OT so that God could extend forgiveness (or justification) to us. However, Jesus’ role as our propitiatory atonement is only available us if we accept our responsibility to faithfully seek/serve justice or God’s Law (to repent) – which includes acknowledging and humbly receiving the punishment and suffering due our sins (i.e. if we accept our role in penal atonement). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: It is Christ’s “already finished forever” propitiation that proves God’s love to us (Rom 5:6-11) = God proved His “love” for mankind by sending Christ to make propitiation/justification on our behalf before we had accomplished its pre-requisite: justice or becoming “good” and “righteous” people. We were instead “ungodly” and “sinners”. CLOSING CHALLENGE: Realizing God’s great love for us in (already) doing what only He can do (securing justification thru the propitiation of Christ), will we do (and continue to do) what only we can do (penal justice and just living) to receive it? [1] Why the theory of Penal Substitution must be rejected as false: 1. It is the invention of the Protestant Reformers to support their false gospel of Sola Fide.Though several of the Early Church Fathers did preach Christ’s cross-work as substitutionary (e.g. Justin Martyr, Athanasius, Ambrose, Gregory the Great), they did not view it as penal (i.e. Christ taking our place in punishment). It isn’t until the Reformation – 1,500 years after the inception of Christianity, that such teaching emerges. And this to support their other invention: the Sola Fide gospel – or the notion that all a person needs to do in order to be saved is put faith in the person and work of Jesus. For such a gospel to be taken seriously, required that Jesus not only be the substitution for the sacrificial lamb, but also our substitution in relation to justice – to satisfy our obligation to serve the justice established by God’s Law (“… Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Melanchthon and their reforming contemporaries were the pioneers in stating it [i.e. the penal substitutionary theory]…” – J.I. Packer [What Did The Cross Achieve? The Logic Of Penal Substitution]).2. Neither Christ’s sacrifice nor His predecessors – the OT sacrifices (for atonement), are ever identified as penal, the penalty for sins, the punishment for sins or as paying for sins.It is not uncommon to hear people refer to Christ’s death as paying for our sins – or that He was punished for our sins, yet the Scripture never speaks this way when referring to the sacrifice of Christ or His predecessors – the animal sacrifices of the OT. 3. God doesn’t punish His food or abandon His sacrifice for atonement.Based on their penal understanding of Jesus’ cross-work, Evangelical/Reformed Protestants therefore must also conclude that what the OT priests were doing in slaying the animal sacrifices was actually to punish them. As such, penal substitution creates a picture of God that is sadistic and twisted. He must abuse His food before He can eat it. According to Scripture however, God comes near and receives such sacrifices as good or precious food possessing a pleasing aroma. Hence the reason so much care is to be taken when considering the animals to be sacrificed and preparing them (Num 28:1-4).4. Identifying the atoning sacrifices of the Bible as penal in nature (i.e. punishment for sin) violates the Bible’s definition of sin. If the sacrifices were meant to function as punishment for sin, then this implies that even good things (Mary giving birth to Jesus) need to be viewed as sinful since atoning sacrifices were required after such an event (Lev 12:1-8 w/Luk 2:22-24). This thinking stands in direct opposition to what the Scripture defines as sin or sinful (1Jo 3:4). 5. Jesus’ substitution is in relation to the sacrificial lamb not us with respect to justice. The Bible identifies Christ as “the lamb who takes away the sin of the world” (Joh 1:29) not “the patsy who paid our penalty.” 6. If God allowed another person to receive our punishment – or pay the penalty due to us in order to serve justice, it would not only violate His Law, but make Him a corrupt judge. The Evangelical/Reformed view of Christ’s death as penal confirms the world’s criticisms of God as the “Cosmic Child-Abuser” and their religion as the West’s most unethical or immoral (e.g. Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins on scapegoating and Christ). According to Scripture, allowing somebody to take our place in punishment or pay the penalty for our sins is strictly and explicitly prohibited (Num 35:31-34; Deu 24:16). For God to allow Jesus to function in that way would therefore make Him a corrupt judge (Deu 27:25; Pro 17:15). 7. If Christ is our penal substitute, then the Christian’s obligation to seek and serve justice is destroyed.The reason there is so much confusion within Evangelical/Reformed Christianity regarding the issues of discipline, punishment for crime (or sin), forgiveness and repentance is b/c each of these are grounded in a robust obligation to seek and serve justice which is removed the moment one views Christ’s cross-work as penal.If Christ is our penal substitute, then the Christian’s suffering and eventual death are not only unnecessary but also unjust. If Jesus’ death was penal, then why do we still suffer and die? This makes God guilty of double jeopardy (1Pe 4:16-19; Deu 17:11; Mat 20:23). Given the aforementioned problems, it is safe to assume that ignorance and religious zeal for Evangelical/Reformed Protestantism are the chief causes behind the continuing popularity of Penal Substitution. A contributing factor may also be related to modern Christendom’s lack of appreciation for testing (or experiment) as a means for establishing truth. In the words of late, great quantum physicist, Richard Feynman, “If it disagrees with experiment, it is wrong.” [2] All three components (satisfying justice, removing guilt or spiritual uncleanness and turning back God’s wrath) are a part of the biblical definition of atonement based on its usage within the context of salvation (e.g. Rom 3:21-26; Lev 12:1-8; Num 25:11-13)[3] The only time penal atonement or punishment/serving justice/repentance is not the necessary pre-requisite is when spiritual uncleanness is not the result of sin (e.g. Lev 12:1-8).[4] Those in the penal substitution camp tend to conflate propitiation w/atonement viewing them as synonymous. This however is highly unlikely given the fact that the OT word for “propitiation” is used only to refer to the place sacrifices were to be made on the Day of Atonement (translated “mercy seat”; Literally, “propitiation seat”). Why would the NT writers choose such an exclusive term (versus the more general term of “atonement”) if not to indicate an existing distinction important to our understanding of Christ’s cross-work?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians fifteen make it clear that how we understand Christ’s death directly affects whether the “gospel” we believe is “in accordance with the Scriptures” (and saving) – or false (and damning). It is therefore (as Paul states) of “first importance”; a doctrine the Church cannot afford to get wrong. This unfortunately has been the plight of many within Evangelical or Reformed Christianity who espouse the false doctrine of Penal Substitution.Penal Substitution = A theory which states that Jesus in His death was punished for our sins (penal) in our place (substitute) so that God could extend forgiveness (or justification) to us.Why the theory of Penal Substitution must be rejected as false:1.1. It is was invention of the Protestant Reformers to support their false gospel of Sola Fide.Though several of the Early Church Fathers did preach Christ’s cross-work as substitutionary (e.g. Justin Martyr, Athanasius, Ambrose, Gregory the Great), they did not view it as penal (i.e. Christ taking our place in punishment). It isn’t until the Reformation – 1,500 years after the inception of Christianity, that such teaching emerges. And this to support their other invention: the Sola Fide gospel – or the notion that all a person needs to do in order to be saved is put faith in the person and work of Jesus. For such a gospel to be taken seriously, required that Jesus not only be the substitution for the sacrificial lamb, but also our substitution in relation to justice – to satisfy our obligation to serve the justice established by God’s Law.“… Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Melanchthon and their reforming contemporaries were the pioneers in stating it [i.e. the penal substitutionary theory]…” – J.I. Packer (What Did The Cross Achieve? The Logic Of Penal Substitution)“We may pause to sum up briefly the main points of teaching on Christ’s work of redemption to be gathered from the patristic literature of the first three centuries as a whole. And first, as to what it does not contain. There is no trace, as we have seen, of the notions of vicarious satisfaction, in the sense of our sins being imputed to Christ and His obedience imputed to us, which some of the Reformers made the very essence of Christianity; or, again, of the kindred notion that God was angry with His Son for our sakes, and inflicted on Him the punishment due to us ; nor is Isaiah’s prophecy [Isa 53] interpreted in this sense, as afterwards by Luther; on the contrary, there is much which expressly negates this line of thought. There is no mention of the justice of God, in the forensic sense of the word.” – H.N. Oxenham (The Catholic Doctrine of the atonement)“The Early Church had no concept of God imputing the guilt of our sins to Christ, and he, in our place, bearing the punishment we deserve. Christ making payment for our sins, which satisfies the wrath and the righteousness of God so that He could forgive sinners without compromising his holiness, is a late addition to Christian thought.” -Dn. Thom (Live Orthodoxy)“The question of historical pedigree has acquired a further significance in recent years, for increasing numbers of people are suggesting penal substitution is a novel doctrine, invented around the time of the Reformation by a church that was (it is alleged) drifting ever further from the biblical faith of the early church Fathers. This is a serious challenge. To put the matter bluntly, we ought to be worried if what we believe to be a foundational biblical truth remained entirely undiscovered from the days of the apostles right up until the middle of the sixteenth century. At the very least, such a discovery would undermine the idea that penal substitution is clearly taught in the Bible.” – Steve Jeffery, (Pierced for Our Transgressions)1.2. Neither Christ’s sacrifice nor His predecessors – the OT sacrifices (for atonement), are ever identified as penal, the penalty for sins, the punishment for sins or as paying for sins.It is not uncommon to hear people refer to Christ’s death as paying for our sins – or that He was punished for our sins, yet the Scripture never speaks this way when referring to the sacrifice of Christ or His predecessors – the animal sacrifices of the OT. This includes using words which communicate these ideas. How disappointing it is then, to discover the translators of the ESV using words that imply these sacrifices to be penal or compensatory – though once more, the original language doesn’t allow for it (e.g. Lev 5:6-7, 15, 6:6, 19:21; “compensation” [אָשָׁם = “guilt”]; See it usage/translation in Gen 26:10)[1].1.3. God doesn’t punish His food or abandon His sacrifice for atonement.Based on their penal understanding of Jesus’ cross-work, Evangelical/Reformed Protestants therefore must also conclude that what the OT priests were doing in slaying the animal sacrifices was actually to punish and abandon them[2]. As such, penal substitution creates a picture of God that is sadistic and twisted. He must abuse His food before He can eat it. He loves what must be abandoned as vile. According to Scripture however, God comes near and receives such sacrifices as good or precious food possessing a pleasing aroma. Hence the reason so much care is to be taken when considering the animals to be sacrificed and preparing them (Num 28:1-4 = Notice God’s attitude toward the sacrifice. It is one of care, concern for quality and holy pleasure. Notice also His concern for when the sacrifice take place. Animals are less alert in the morning and evening and therefore under less stress at the time of God’s appointed slaughter [See for example, How Cattle Stress Affects Tenderness and Flavor]. God desired His sacrifices to be treated humanely. Hence the reason Jesus was not pleased w/betrayal and murder as the method to accomplishing His sacrifice [Luk 22:42]; Pro 12:10; Lev 22:28; Deu 14:21 = kosher killing; Lev 16:1-16 = God doesn’t run from the sacrifice but just the opposite. It instead allows Him to come [again] into close proximity [to “meet”] w/His priest/people. Through it, He “breaks bread” or feasts in fellowship w/His people. Is this not the way Jesus communicates His Passover for us [Luk 22:15]?; Mat 27:46 w/Psa 22:1-31 = Jesus’ reference to the first verse of Psalm 22 is to be understood according to rest of what it says. Given the author’s current plight, it would seem as though God had abandoned him. However as the author reveals, such conclusions can only be drawn based on appearances. In reality, God is close at hand and accomplishing His servant’s deliverance. The author as a result, rejoices and calls for His people to do the same).1.4. Identifying the atoning sacrifices of the Bible as penal in nature (i.e. punishment for sin) violates the Bible’s definition of sin.In the OT, atoning sacrifices were required whenever a woman gave birth, or a person touched a dead body, had an emission or suffered certain illnesses (e.g. leprosy) (Lev 12:1-8 w/Luk 2:22-24 = Mary was a sinner for having Jesus if the sacrifice was penal; Num 31:48-50; Lev 15:16-32; Lev 14:1-20). If the sacrifices were meant to function as punishment for sin, then this implies that even good things – or events beyond of our control, can be sinful. Such thinking stands in direct opposition to what the Scripture defines as sin or sinful (1Jo 3:4).1.5. Jesus’ substitution is in relation to the sacrificial lamb not us with respect to justice.The Bible identifies Christ as “the lamb who takes away the sin of the world” (Joh 1:29) not “the patsy who paid our penalty.”[3] If Jesus had intended to be our substitute for justice, then why did He continue to enforce the long-standing OT obligation of serving justice before presenting God w/our sacrifice for atonement (Mat 5:23-24)?1.6. If God allowed another person to receive our punishment – or pay the penalty due to us in order to serve justice, it would not only violate His Law, but make Him a corrupt judge. The Evangelical/Reformed view of Christ’s death as penal confirms the world’s criticisms of God as the “Cosmic Child-Abuser” and their religion as the West’s most unethical or immoral (e.g. Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins on scapegoating and Christ). According to Scripture, allowing somebody to take our place in punishment or pay the penalty for our sins is strictly and explicitly prohibited (Num 35:31-34; Deu 24:16). For God to allow Jesus to function in that way would therefore make Him a corrupt judge (Deu 27:25).1.7. If Christ is our penal substitute, then the Christian’s obligation to seek and serve justice is destroyed.The reason there is so much confusion within Evangelical/Reformed Christianity regarding the issues of discipline, punishment for crime (or sin), forgiveness and repentance is b/c each of these are grounded in a robust obligation to seek and serve justice which is removed the moment one views Christ’s cross-work as penal. True Christianity however – the one defined by the pages of Scripture, knows no such problem. Jesus’ reaffirming of the Law’s continuing authority means that justice remains the foundation of not only God’s throne but also the practice of His people (Psa 89:14; Deu 16:20; Luk 13:1-5 w/Luk 3:8-14 and 18 = Repentance means seeking and serving justice and is at the core of the biblical gospel; Hence Luk 19:1-9 “salvation has come to this house!”).1.8. If Christ is our penal substitute, then the Christian’s suffering and eventual death are not only unnecessary but also unjust.The Bible teaches that we suffer (and die) b/c of our sins. In other words, those things represent (one of) the ways God punishes – or makes humanity serve justice, for what they have done (1Pe 4:16-19). This (then) also proves that Jesus’ did not serve as our penal substitute. If so, then all suffering – and even death, in relation to Christians is not only unnecessary but the injustice of double jeopardy (Deu 17:11; Mat 20:23).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: If Jesus’ death – or sacrifice for our sins, is not penal, how then does the Bible teach us to understand – or view it?[1] The ESV is the only literal translation guilty of this (KJV –“trespass offering”; NAS – “guilt offering”). The closest comparison to the ESV in this respect is the very non-literal translation of the NIV (“penalty”) – a poor choice to follow.[2] This is especially true as it relates to the issue of abandonment. Evangelical/Reformed Christianity teaches that the Father had to momentarily abandon (or “forsake”) the Son while on the cross. This reveals an incredibly poor (embarrassing?) understanding of Jesus’ words in Mat 27:46.[3] Consider this statement by Matt Slick of CARM.org, “Jesus did what we could not. He took our place (emphasis mine) and bore our sins in his body on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree”).” Notice however, Peter doesn’t say Jesus took our place on the cross (or “tree”), only our sins. There is a big difference.

Faithful and “careful” obedience – not perfection, is: 1) what God expects in relation to His commands (28:1), 2) a condition of our salvation (28:1 – “If you faithfully obey…”; Evangelical view = There are no conditions other than faith). If we “faithfully obey the voice of the LORD (our) God” and are “careful to do all His commandments” then He promises to cause “all these blessings to overtake (us)” (28:2): 1) prosperity: we will prosper in our work, endeavors and investments (28:3-6, 8, 11-14), 2) protection: our enemies will be “defeated” and unable to unify/gain strength against us. They will also be “afraid” of us (28:7, 10; “flee before you seven ways” = A strategy in war. You route/scatter the enemy so that they cannot unify their forces against you.), 3) pardon: we will be made “holy” which implies the forgiveness of our sins (28: 9) (See Mat 6:9-13; 2Co 1:20). If we do not (faithfully) “obey the voice of the LORD (our) God” and are not “careful to do all His commandments and His statutes”, then He promises to cause “all these curses to come upon (us) and overtake (us)” (28:15): 1) poverty: we will experience “confusion and frustration” – and ultimately failure, in our work, endeavors and investments (28:16-20, 22b-24, 38-46), 2) sickness: we will be “consumed” with “pestilence”, “extraordinary afflictions” “sicknesses grievous and lasting”, “every sickness and every affliction”, “diseases…of which (we) are afraid”, diseases of the brain and mind (28:21-22a, 27-29a, 35, 58-61), 3) tragedy: we will be constantly distressed, doubting dreading and deceived as we are given over to defeat, oppression, robbery, false religion, enslavement, rape and other ruinous acts or atrocities (28:25-26, 29b-34, 41, 47-57, 62-68) (Consider again 2Co 1:20 w/Heb 13:8 and Heb 10:30-31; In re: to false religion see 2Th 2:11-12). If we are being cursed by God then: 1) we need to realize there is unfaithfulness in some area of our life (28:46 = Curses are a “sign” of unfaithfulness), 2) we have no right to complain or treat Him as unjust since this is what we agreed to as part of our covenant relationship w/Him. He is simply being “faithful” (to our agreement and His promise) (27:11-26 = our agreement [“Amen”] w/ch.28 = His promise w/2Ti 2:13 = He wb faithful to our agreement and His promise). To receive God’s blessings (or “abundance of all things”) yet not “serve (Him) with joyfulness and gladness of heart” will also invite His curse upon us. IOW: Our attitude in obedience also matters! (28:47). Unfaithfulness – not forgetfulness, is what creates lack of assurance (28:66; Evangelical view = You forgot what Christ did for you on the cross; See 2Pe 1:8-11 = Assurance gained thru faithfulness). Maintaining our covenant relationship w/God (or Christ) requires: 1) regular/repeated remembrance of God’s former acts of deliverance – especially in times of insecurity (29:1-3, 6-9 = The events listed in these verses are repeated multiple times in the book of Deuteronomy – see chs 1-3 and 29. Moses also commands that they be taught to the future generations – ch.6), 2) recognizing that God’s power (to deliver) is so great that it defies human comprehension (29:4; Consider Mat 19:26; Psa 145:3; Job 26:12-14). God believes in family-integrated salvation (29:10-15; In accordance w/God’s promise to “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”, His covenant of salvation [29:13 = Covenant formulary/Bundesformel] is something He expects all members of the believer’s household to enter into – including their “little ones” [i.e. babies and small children]; Gen 17:9-13 w/Act 2:38-39). Those who have “abandoned the covenant of the LORD” (29:25) are: 1) identified as those whose “heart is turning away from the LORD” in loyalty to the false “gods” or things of this world (the “nations”) (29:18a), 2) often possessing the “poisonous” belief that they can live in unfaithfulness/disobedience to God and still receive His blessings (29:18b-19), 3) apostate, under God’s “great wrath” and cursed w/ “calamity” (29:20-28). We are not to worry about what remains concealed, only what has been “revealed” (Deu 29:29). God’s offer of salvation and blessing is available to the children of those who go apostate (Deu 30:1-10). God gives the ability to faithfully obey His commands to His covenant people (30:6, 8 w/11-14). The paths of life and good, death and evil sb so clear to those in covenant w/God that they are w/o excuse (30:15-20). Those anointed by God sb “strong and courageous” (versus in “fear or dismayed”) since they have been picked by God and are being led by God (31:1-3, 7-8, 14 – “commission” = anoint; 1Ti 1:18, 4:14; 2Ti 2:6-7).Those faithfully following God’s anointed leaders should also be “strong and courageous” (versus “in fear or dread”) since God is leading His covenant people thru them (31:1-6 w/7 “you shall put them in possession of it”, 23 – “you shall bring the people of Israel into the land”; Heb 13:17). God’s paradigm/prescription for discipleship/learning is corporate not personal (31:11 w/29:10-11; e.g. Never do we see Jesus taking one of the twelve off to do personal discipleship. The biblical paradigm is corporate bc that is how God created us to learn. IOW: personalized discipleship/education models are unbiblical). God commands His priests/pastors to regularly read and teach His Law as one of the ways to produce fear and faithful obedience (31:9-13; 1Ti 4:13). The absence of strong godly leaders and an abundance of blessings (or affluency) has proven to be a recipe for idolatry and apostasy (31:15-18, 20, 24-30). Giving glory to God and warding off unfaithfulness happens as much thru songs about our potential for rebellion as it does thru songs of praise (31:19 w/Psa 51:4; Rom 3:4-8). God’s knowledge of people’s future action (e.g. rebellion) is b/c He knew the present condition (or “inclination”) of their heart (31:20-21). One of the ways God perfectly, justly and lovingly shepherds His people is by writing songs about their rebellion and putting it in their face (31:19-21, 30).

Condescension (i.e. allowing divorce for “indecency” – things other than sexual immorality – Deu 22:1-24; e.g. Gen 21:10-12) – versus Holy Spirit possession, was God’s way of helping His people obey Him under the OC. Hence the reason divorce under the NC [the covenant providing the HS as helper] is only permissible where there has been a breach of the covenant – i.e. sexual immorality/adultery (24:1 w/Mat 19:1-9, Mat 5:31-32; Definition of condescension = concession/accommodation due to an inferior state; e.g. sippy cups for kids; Other examples of condescension: polygamy, OC clean laws for justification, Gen 29:30-31; Heb 10:1-4). The marriage covenant cannot be recovered for those divorced who have (again) joined sexually/spiritually to another (24:1-4; This includes our marriage covenant w/Christ – Isa 50:1 w/Jer 3:1 = Notice God sees spiritual/sexual union to another the same as marriage to another; According to the Bible, sexual union equates to spiritual union – 1Co 6:15-17). A person’s prosperity is never to be at the expense of another’s livelihood (24:5-22; Definition of livelihood = means of securing the necessities of life; 24:5 = expense of children, 24:6 = expense of food, 24:7 = expense of freedom, 24:8-9 = expense of health, 24:10-13 = expense of shelter/rest, 24:14-15 = expense of money, 24:16-18 = expense of justice, 24:19-22 = expense of charity). Kidnapping is a capital crime (24:7). God’s Law never allows a person to be punished for the crimes of another (24:16 w/Lev 27:29 w/Num 35:31). Justice is about: 1) protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty (25:1), 2) equity (25:2-3, 4 w/1Co 9:9 = Paul’s use of Deu 25:4 reveals the W[h]GO?/WT[t]P? interpretation of Scripture to be the correct hermeneutic; see also Rom 15:4), 3) the preservation of future generations (25:5-10, 11-12; Levirate marriage was for the purpose of preserving the tribes of Israel unto Messiah – verse 6 w/Mal 2:15; sandal and spitting – see Rut 4:8-10), 4) honesty in practice/fair trade (25:13-16), 5) vengeance (25:17-19; see Rom 12:19-13:4). Those who prey on God’s people will face strict judgment by God (25:17-19; Psa 105:12-15). Tithing is: 1) to consist of “the first of all the fruit…that the Lord is giving (us)” – i.e. a tenth (or “tithe”) of all personal revenue accumulated by us in a given year (26:1-2a [“first of all the fruit” – Exo 23:19 – “firstfruit”]w/12 [“tithe”] w/Lev 19:23 = Literally, “at the end of the third year” which represented the first year of producing personal revenue in the land), 2) to be given in “the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make His Name dwell there.” – i.e. His house (or church) (26:2b), 3) a part of how we “rejoice” for what God has done in our lives (26:3-11), 4) our required “sacred” payment to God for His provision (26:12-13a), 5) how we provide for the needy in the covenant community (26:13b), 6) not to be altered or diminished bc of former sinful decisions/practice (26:14; e.g. spent my tithe on something so give less than total tithe that month), 7) tied to our marriage to Christ and our covenant commitments (26:15-19; “you are a people for His treasured possession” = I will be their God and they wb my people). An important part of “keep(ing) the whole commandment” – or all of God’s commands is making sure that they are memorialized in a place that is easily accessible/visible (27:1-8; Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim wb a popular east-west trade route. Ebal also represented the place of Abe’s and Jacob’s altars to God – Gen 12:6-7, 33:18-20). What we give to God in worship is not to be influenced by/dependent upon the power/abilities/desires/ways of the world (27:5-6; At this time in Israel’s history, she was dependent upon other nations for iron – 1Sa 13:19-23; e.g. using certain worship songs bc they are popular in the world; looking to market research from the world to determine what we do in church, etc). God’s grace in making us His people (thru covenant) always establishes our obligation to obey His Law (27:9-10 w/26:18; Exo 19:5-6, 24:1-8; 1Pe 1:1-2). When we commit (“Amen”) to keeping/obeying all of God’s Laws we equally commit to receiving His curses if we disobey (27:11-26). The only way to remove the curse brought by the Law is thru the forgiveness brought by repentance/justice and the faith/forgiveness in Christ (Deu 27:11-26 w/Gal 3:10-13). God and His pastors (or “levites”) separate/shepherd their people based on their tendency toward curse and blessing (27:12-13, 14 w/Gen 49:1-27 w/Exo 32:26-29 and Num 25:11-13); e.g. Rom 16:17-18).

When contemplating “war” against the enemies of the church we must remember that victory : 1) is not determined by our opponent’s size or power since it is God who promises to fight w/ and for us (20:1-4), 2) mandates we fight (versus leaving it all up to God) and are ready to receive (the possibility of) pain/suffering (20:3 -“drawing near for battle” = we must still fight; 20:5-7 – “lest he die in battle” [3x]) 3) means enlisting/involving only the mature, brave and tough (20:5-7 = mature, 20:8 = brave and tough), 4) requires delegation (20:9). The only people the church can ever live “peaceably” w/ are those who are not : 1) fighting against the advancement of God’s kingdom (20:10-15), 2) trespassing on and threatening our “inheritance” (i.e. the Christian Faith and its blessings) (20:16-18; e.g. false Christians). God’s people are to be conservationists (20:19-20). 4.God’s instruction for dealing w/an unsolved crime in the covenant community means : 1) God does not always give us the evidence necessary to carry out justice (21:1), 2) there are times when sin (and those guilty of capital offenses) may remain outstanding among us and God’s wrath/curse not be upon us (21:2-4, 8-9 w/16:19-20 – “that you may live and inherit the land”), 3) this is what we are to accept when diligent investigation by the “elders” is unable to produce the necessary evidence to identify the guilty party (21:5-7). God expects “every dispute and every assault” to be “settled” by the “word” (or judgment) of His anointed priests/pastors (21:5). The fact that God teaches women and children are the personal property of men, does not mean they possess no rights or can be treated immorally: 1) women have the right to not be taken as a wife – i.e. to forego (an arranged) marriage (21:10-14; “you no longer delight in her”= She has not reciprocated his desire for marriage; “you shall let her go wherever she wants” = he cannot marry her or sexually consummate the marriage [by going in to her”] but instead must free her [versus continuing to keep her as his personal property] since he has “humiliated her” thru shaving her head, paring her nails and removing her from her former culture and home – see again verses 12-13 ), 2) “firstborn” children who continue in covenant are entitled to 2/3 of the inheritance regardless of their parents’ affection for them (21:15-17). Parent abuse is a capital crime (21:18-20). Jesus was hanged on a tree as a sign that He bore God’s “curse” for sin – not punishment, for us (21:22-23; Gal 3:13). We have an obligation to protect: 1) the lost/damaged property of our covenant bros/sis (22:1-3), 2) our God-given gender distinction through the clothes we wear (22:5), 3) the potential for future productivity of things (22:6-7, 9), 4) the safety of our covenant bros/sis when in our homes (22:8), 5) sacred things from becoming defiled (22:10-11 – “ox and donkey” = clean and unclean; “wool and linen mixed together” = tb worn only by the priests), 6) God’s prescribed covenant signs/symbols (22:12). Sexual immorality in all forms is a capital crime (22:13-24; 13- “goes in to her” [sexual intercourse], 22 – “lying w/the wife” = sexual activity; 24 – “she did not cry for help” = the sex activity was consensual). Rape is a capital crime (22:25-27 – “the betrothed woman cried for help [but] there was no one to rescue her”). When the father agrees, a shotgun wedding is what God prescribes for those unbetrothed/unmarried women still living at home who have engaged in sexual activity w/another covenant member (of the opposite sex) (22:28-29 w/Exo 22:16-17; Num 30:3 – “while in her father’s house”). Mother-son incest is strictly prohibited (22:30; Gen 9:22; 1Co 5:1). One of the biggest reasons the gospel under the New Covenant is considered such provocative and good news is b/c the way of salvation is now available to all people – including those once permanently or temporarily forbidden (e.g. people who had sex changes, were prostitutes or people of certain races) (23:1-8; Joh 3:16; e.g. Mat 21:31 – “prostitutes”). God’s camp (i.e. the place where God’s people dwell: our homes, the church, etc.) must remain spiritually clean if we want Him to “deliver” us from our enemies (23:9-14; Rom 14:14 w/Joh 15:3 yet 1Co 5:3 w/2Co 7:1). We are to protect and provide for those who are now refugees or in danger b/c of their choice to follow God (23:15-16). God hates any career that requires sinful practice to make money (e.g. prostitution) – as well as the money earned from it (23:17-18; e.g. many sales jobs today). It is sinful for the church to loan her members money with interest, but it is not sinful for such interest to applied to loans in (or to) the world (23:19-20). Anything we voluntarily promise (or “vow”) to another person – including verbal oaths/commitments (what has “passed our lips”), we equally promise (or “vow”) to God and must do – otherwise we are “guilty of sin” (23:21-23). The needy in the covenant community are to be sustained by what we possess but never profit from what we possess – or cause hardship to us by what they receive (23:24-25).

Acceptable worship requires more than good intentions (i.e. it also requires careful observance of God’s instructions)(16:1-17, 12).The Lord’s Table (NC Passover) is to be observed only in the place where God’s Name dwells (i.e. the covenant community w/her anointed priests) (16:5-6).Though the “works of the law” (which included the three Sabbath holidays) have been superseded through faith in Christ (Gal 4:10), the principles which remain intact would include: 1) we must remove the sin or “leaven” from our life (i.e. we must seek and serve justice/repent) if we want God to remove His wrath for our sins (Passover) (16:1-8; 1Co 5:6-8), 2) we must acknowledge God’s yearly provision and blessings through freewill offerings and rejoicing w/the covenant community if we want His provisional blessings to continue (Feast of Weeks and Booths)(16:9-17, 10-11, 14, 16b-17).Every covenant community is to “appoint [its own] judges and officers” for the purpose of “judg(ing) the people w/righteous judgment” (16:18; 1Co 6:1-3; NC = ordained teaching elders are the “judges”, ruling elders are the “officers”; e.g. Act 14:23).Righteous judgment requires that there be no perversion of justice which includes any and all forms of partiality. IOW: justice is on God’s terms and not ours (16:19).To follow God and receive His blessings means following the path of “justice and only justice” (or “blind righteousness”) in all things (16:20).God hates even subtle forms of idolatry (16:21-17:1; e.g. men w/long hair /women w/short hair– see 1Co 11:13-16 = Paul associates hair w/proper worship of God [short hair: verse 6 – “shorn” = hair cut short on top, sides and back – or “above the collar & above the ears”; “shave” = hair shaved on top, sides and back]; shorn/shaved has been the honorable standard for men for thousands of years – 2Co 8:21; See also Lev 10:6, 13:45, 21:10 – “hang loose” = let grow long and become unclean; General rule: if a man’s hair can hang, then it is too long).All wrongdoing among those in the covenant community – most especially capital crimes, must be: 1) reported to the leaders – including those that are only suspicions (17:2-4a, “it is told you and you hear it” = hearsay), 2) diligently investigated (17:4b), 3) proven by sufficient evidence and punished according to what fits the crime (17:4c-6), 4) pursued/supported by the entire covenant community as the sign of their commitment to justice and holiness (17:7).All capital crimes. (e.g. sexual immorality, murder, etc), violations of one’s legal rights (e.g. slander, stealing, fraud, etc) assault or other complex cases requiring the judgment of the elders is to be: 1) submitted to the elders for their decision (17:8-9), 2) obeyed exactly according to their direction/verdict (17:10-11).Rejecting the judgment of the elders through questioning or disobedience (i.e. acting “presumptuously”): 1) makes that person guilty of insurrection/insubordination apostasy (17:12 w/Num 15:30-31 w/Mat 12:32, 18:17), 2) is something the covenant community sb fearful of doing (17:13).The one leading God’s people must be: 1) a covenant brother (not sister) (17:14-15; 1Ti 2:12-15), 2) risk adverse (17:16-17), 3) biblically-immersed and God-fearing (17:18-19), 4) loyal and just in his treatment of his covenant family (17:20).A large portion of what God’s people give to the Lord as their tithes/offerings is to be designated as the “inheritance” of/compensation for His “priests” (e.g. anointed/ordained elders) (18:1-8; 1Ti 5:17-18).Participation in rituals associated w/anything spiritual or supernatural that is not directly prescribed, in agreement and associated w/God is a pagan “abomination” and not allowed before Him (18:9-14; e.g. witchcraft, necromancy, false religion).Moses preached that a (new) law-giving prophet: 1) would again arise and have authority over God’s people (18:18-19; this is Jesus – Act 3:22-23), 2) is to be deemed suspicious, never feared and ultimately condemned unless their message can be validated through biblical integrity and prophetic fulfillment (18:20-22).Covenant members: 1) must be protected from those wanting to exact a justice beyond what the Law prescribes (19:1-10), 2) must not be protected when the crimes they have committed are capital in nature (19:11-13).Intentional misrepresentation of all forms of property (including intellectual property) is explicitly prohibited by God (19:14; e.g. embellishment/sinful manipulation of the facts/story to persuade the actions of another in a particular direction).Any accusation against a covenant member that is propagated as truth before it has been established as such by the necessary evidence of more than a “single witness”: 1) makes the accuser guilty as a “malicious witness” whose punishment shall be according to the accused crime (19:15-19a; Joh 5:31; 2Co 13:1), 2) shall never be tolerated, nor should those who do it be pitied (19:19b-21).The severe punishment imposed on a malicious witness tells us that God demands we practice, “innocent until proven guilty” (19:15-21).

Included in those “statutes and rules” that we are to “be careful to do” (or “obey”) “all the days that (we) live on the earth” that it may “go well w/(us) and (our) children after (us) forever” (12:1, 28) are: 1) the eradication of any and all traces of false religion/theology from our church/homes/lives (“the land the Lord has given us to possess”) (12:2-3, 28-31; e.g. worship songs w/wrong theology), 2) the establishment of worship (or liturgy) that is exactly according to God’s prescription (12:4-27), 3) the preservation of “everything” God has said w/o addition or subtraction (12:32).Meat is considered a blessing from God (12:15).The only blood we can ever “eat” is the blood of Christ (12:16, 23-25, 15:23; Gen 9:4; Lev 17:10-14 w/Joh 6:53-57 = Our lives are associated w/the life of the one whose blood we consume [we become “blood brothers”]. To possess blood association w/a dead animal is a curse whereas to be associated w/a dead Christ yields a blessing [since He rose again taking the curse only to Himself – Gal 3:13 w/Rom 4:25 versus Heb 10:3).The “holy things” – which includes our “tithe” is “due” from us (12:26).If we are to fully obey God, receive His “mercy” and blessings, and avoid being “devoted” to destruction (i.e. under the “fierceness of His anger”), we must never “pity”, “spare” or “conceal” – but rather condemn (as apostate) and completely distance ourselves, from the lives of those who attempt to draw us into idolatry (insurrection) or insubordination – even if they are our close relatives or friends (13:1-18).When individuals in the covenant community are suspected of evil/sin – especially the sins of insurrection or insubordination, it is the obligation of: 1) God’s people to reveal it to the elders (13:8, 12 w/17:4a), 2) the elders to investigate (13:14 w/17:4).God’s people are considered His “sons” (and daughters) (14:1).If we want to continue being God’s people as well as viewed as His “holy” and “treasured possession”, then religious syncretism is completely forbidden (14:1-21; syncretism = Adding the liturgy [signs, rituals, diets, etc.] or theology of false religions to God’s religion).The total amount of tithe a person owes to God shall be: 1) required at the end of the year (14:22, 15:20), 2) offered at the place where God has designated His Name to dwell (14:23-25, e.g. the church), 3) used to feast before the Lord w/the covenant community (14:26, 15:19-20), 4) used to support God’s Levites (14:27, 29, e.g. pastors), 5) used to support the poor in the covenant community (14:28-29).Financial loans given to covenant members (15:7 – “If among you, one of your brothers…”): 1) must not exceed six years (15:1-2, 12, 18), 2) are to be liberally and lovingly given to those in need sufficient to cover their needs (15:3-8, 11), 3) are to forgive all monies the borrower is legitimately unable to repay in the six years (15:9-10; “legitimately” = Laws regarding fraud or negligence would still apply to those who fail to repay for these reasons – Exo 22:9), 4) can be repaid or supplemented w/indentured servant contracts when those in need lack the ability/maturity/integrity to repay the loan (15:12).Sufficiently providing for the financial needs of the poor/needy in the covenant community is an important part of our obedience to God and receiving His abundant financial blessings (15:4-6, 11).One of the most important purposes of indentured servant contracts is not only to change irresponsible/immature people into responsible, mature and productive covenant members, but also to provide them with the capital necessary to start a new life (15:13-15).To condemn all forms of human slavery is to call God wicked since: 1) He condones certain forms of human slavery (15:12-18; See also Exo 21:1-6), 2) He owns human slaves (us!) (15:15; Lev 25:42; Exo 21:7 w/Eph 5:22-27 and 2Co 11:2; Christians are called “doulos”[slave] in the NT – e.g. Rom 6:20-22; 1Ti 2:24).As in our “forever” slavery to Christ, it requires our: 1) choice/decision (15:16a), 2) love (15:16b), 3) recognition that things are far better as a slave (15:16c), 4) reception of the covenant sign (15:17 – “take an awl and put it through his ear”), 5) identification as our master’s property (15:17 – “door”), 6) permanent association w/our master’s house (15:17 – “door” [of the master’s house]).The firstborn males w/o blemish among the OC sacred animals that were to be sacrificed to God and feasted on by the people before God (15:19-22) are symbolic of Christ since: 1) He is God’s firstborn male (Heb 1:6), 2) He is w/o blemish (1Pe 1:19), 3) He was sacrificed to God (Heb 9:12, 10:12, 4) We feast on Him before God (Joh 6:53; Mt 26:26-28).

Abundant life is the result of careful and complete obedience to God’s commands (8:1).God humbles us – i.e. tests us w/difficult situations to: 1) reveal the genuineness of our loyalty (love and obedience) to Him (8:2 – “to know what was in your heart”), 2) reinforce the fact that our physical bread/provision in life is fully dependent on our receiving of God’s spiritual bread/provision (i.e. His Word) (8:3), 3) demonstrate His ability to care for us during those times (8:4), 4) discipline us (positively and negatively) and make us stronger (8:5).If you get mad at God when things are difficult, then you have not taken to “heart” that God is treating you like a good parent either b/c you do not approve of good parenting or do – but are a giant hypocrite (8:5).Being faithful to God (“keep[ing] His commandments”) not only means “walking in His ways” (obeying Him) but also “fearing Him” (being afraid to disobey Him) (8:6).Constantly thanking God for all the good things He has given and done for you is important to: 1) keeping God’s commands and not forgetting how important He is to your life (8:7-11), 2) not becoming haughty by thinking such things (including your successes in life) are simply the result of your own power or efforts (8:12-18).God’s whole purpose in testing us is to “do (us) good in the end” (8:16b).One of the reasons we tithe to God is to acknowledge that He is the reason (His power and promise to the Patriarchs) we are able to “get (or possess) wealth” (8:18).Forgetting to constantly thank God for the good things we receive will result in: 1) serving or worshipping (being loyal to) things other than God (“other gods”) (8:19a), 2) our destruction (8:19b-20).No matter their greatness, might, size or strength, God’s pattern in the past is to be a “consuming fire” that destroys, subdues – or drives from their countries, those nations or peoples who practice overt (sexual) wickedness, (9:1-5 w/Lev 18:1-30 and 20:10-23).God keeps His former promises to the righteous by blessing even their “stubborn” children (9:6-29 w/27; Gen 50:24 w/Gen 15:16; As it re: to all of God’s people, see Deu 5:10 w/2Co 1:20 w/Gal 3:29).God gets extremely angry w/His people when they are fickle (9:7-19 – “turned aside quickly”) or fearful (9:22-25), and His ministers when they are flunkeys (people-pleasers) (9:20).Anything identified as idolatrous in our lives should be removed in such a way from our lives that it can never return (9:21).God can change from His original intentions/plans based on our actions or the actions of the righteous on our behalf (9:19, 10:10; Exo 32:14, 33:17; see also Gen 20:7 w/Jer 15:1).God’s Law and appointed/anointed ministers must be established and leading His people if they are to realize His blessings (10:1-11; Mat 28:18-20).What God requires of His people is more than fair/equitable based on Who He is and what He has done for us (10:12-13 w/14-15, 16 w/17-19, 20-21a w/21b-22).There is no other God than the Lord our God (10:14).Loving God and no longer being stubborn to His ways is not only a command but a choice (10:16).When God’s people make promises, give oaths, agree to covenants or contracts, they are always swearing in His name and therefore wb guilty of taking His name in vain if they renege (10:20).The frequency or duration of time that we need to remain loyal to God (“love the Lord”) and obey His commands (“keep His charge”) is “always” (11:1).We are to consider how God handles the enemies of His people – and the enemies among His people: 1) as additional motivation to keeping all His commands (“the whole commandment”) (11:2-8a), 2) so that we may be “strong” and possess His promised blessings for the rest of our lives (11:8b-9).Blessing far greater than what was forfeited, are what God gives to those who “obey”, “love” and “serve” Him (11:10-15; Mat 19:29).Not being “deceived” into thinking alternative ways are better than God’s ways: 1) also requires being careful (“take care”) (11:16-17), 2) is another reason we are to be constantly thinking and talking about God’s Word w/our families and in our homes (11:18-20).Giving yourself and your children a promising future of prosperity, perseverance and protection is all dependent on your commitment to God and His commands (11:21-28).Vital to maintaining the covenant and blessings we have gained from God is the establishment of mountain-sized reminders of both God’s blessings and curses (11:29-32).

Possessing the right gospel is the key to: 1) being effective in ministry/evangelism (2:1-10), 2) identifying Christian fakes and flakes (2:11-14), 3) defending your Christian Faith (2:15-21).We can be confident that faith (in Jesus’ death) is enough to gain justification by considering: 1) it is the key to receiving the Holy Spirit (3:1-3), 2) It is why the early Christians were persecuted and experienced miracles (3:4-5), 3) It was the basis of Abe’s justification (3:6), 4) It was part of the gospel preached to Abe (3:7-9), 5) justice is the purpose of the Law not justification (3:10), 6) it was prophesied beforehand as coming after the OC/Law (3:11-12), 7) Christ is the only One who has cleansed away the curse (i.e. God’s wrath – Eph 2:11-13) that comes upon all people (Jew and Gentile) when they violate the Law (3:13-14), 8) you can’t annul God’s prior & promised benefactor transfer (from Abe to Jesus – the singular “offspring” referring to Gen 22:17) (3:15-18), 9) the OC was only meant tb temporary as the way to save people (3:19-26), 10) this is the purpose of baptism (to make us Abe’s “offspring” and the “heirs” or beneficiaries of justification thru the new benefactor, Christ) (3:27-29), 11) being a Jewish “heir” (i.e. physical descendant of Abe – the old benefactor) only makes you eligible; you need tb connected (as a spiritual heir) to Jesus (the new benefactor) to realize the promises of God (4:1-7), 12) observing anything extra/other than faith for justification wb like going back to wearing diapers, needing a binkie – or worshipping false “gods” (4:8-10), 13) it is based on facts not feelings (4:12-16), 14) it is based on identity not identity markers (4:17-20), 15) this is what is being communicated through the story of Isaac and Ishmael (4:21-31), 16) the way of salvation is a closed system (5:1-12; “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” = The whole system is connected and affected”; “severed…bear the penalty…offense of the cross removed…emasculate” = Something/someone has to be removed if something/someone has been added), 17) it passes the human flourishing test/it does not negate the need to maintain through faithfulness to the rest of the Law/moral commands (5:13-15).You can lose your salvation (5:4).Just (or righteous) living requires living that focuses on producing the fruit/fulfilling the desires of the Spirit versus producing the fruit/fulfilling the desires of our flesh (5:16-26).

Luke 22-24Satan: 1) answers the prayers of the wicked (22:1-6), 2) possesses the insubordinate among Christians (and) uses them to destroy God’s King/Kingdom (22:3-6), 3) advances his kingdom thru betrayal (22:6; Gen 3), 4) knows us better than we often know ourselves (22:31-34) and 5) is listening to our words and actions to find weakness (e.g. Mat 16:22).Jesus provides His people w/everything they need to prepare and perform proper worship to God (22:7-13).Jesus changed the Passover meal into a remembrance of: 1) His sacrifice to establish the New Covenant (22:19-20), 2) His longing to celebrate w/us in the Kingdom of heaven (22:14-18).Though Jesus had “determined” to lay down his life as our atoning sacrifice for sin, it did not need to happen thru being “betrayed” (22:21-23).True leaders serve those they lead since being the boss doesn’t mean you get to be the biggest baby (22:24-27).Those who Jesus picks to be His leaders in heaven (22:30; “eat & drink at my table” = A statement also implying leadership in heaven. You sit at the officer’s table) are: 1) those willing to go thru “trials” w/for Him (22:28), 2) assigned His Kingdom on earth as the test (of their fitness) (22:29).Big talk can express (even encourage) big weakness (22:31-34).The biblical basis for armed protection in the church (22:35-38).Our feelings/emotions are not to determine what we do/don’t do, what is right/what is wrong (22:39-42).During difficult times, we must pray to God for strength: 1) to do the right thing (22:39-43), 2) until we are strong enough to handle it (22:44-45), 3) viewing it as more important than sleep (22:46).The danger of presumptive zeal: 1) when realized, the embarrassment will challenge one’s loyalty to the course (22:47-60), 2) will lead to bitter regret (22:61-62).Bad theology and the support/pressure of big crowds make people bold in their blasphemy and bad behavior (22:63-23:25).Those who want to get rid of Jesus (or Christianity) don’t realize the evil nightmare that will be released upon this world (23:26-31).There are 3 kinds of rebels against God. Those who are: 1) ignorant opportunists (23:32-34), 2) opposing mockers/blasphemers (23:35-39), 3) embracing justice in repentance (23:40-42). Only the last kind get to heaven (23:43).What may look like a great mistake or failure may actually be the greatest victory (23:44-49).The bodies of the righteous are to be interred in an honorable way (23:50-56).To see Jesus for who He claims to be (24:50-53) – and avoid becoming an eternally damned and doubting “fool”, you must seek to know: 1) the circumstantial evidence (24:1-12, 13-21), 2) the historical eyewitnesses (24:22-24, 33-43, 48), 3) the biblical explanation (24:25-32, 44-47, 49).Galatians 11) Paul – like the original 12, was appointed directly by Jesus to be His apostle (1:1-2).2) God’s will is to: 1) bless His people (1:3), 2) forgive His people (1:4a), 3) deliver us from sin (1:4b), 4) be glorified thru our lives (1:5).3) When you should be concerned about the Gospel you embrace: 1) when it has changed (1:6-9), 2) when it’s not from Jesus (but man) (1:11-12), 3) when it’s about pleasing people/self (1:10, 13-18), 4) when it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny/cost you anything (1:18-24).4) There is one saving gospel message. To possess the wrong gospel is to possess God’s damnation (1:6-9; “let him be accursed” = Let him be damned).

Jesus doesn’t want faithful Christians to become lazy or discouraged in continuing to ask God to mete out justice against false Christians who persecute them since such prayers will lead to a speedy fulfillment (18:1-8a; See context in 17:22-25 = Faithful Christians are the audience).Jesus suggests that there will not be many faithful Christians in existence at the time of His return (18:8b; Mat 24:12).No one wb justified before God who does not confess and repent of their sins and submit themselves in full obedience to God and His justice (18:9-14 = The Pharisees were lawless hypocrites – Mat 23:28; “twice a week” [δις του σαββατου] = twice on the Sabbath; “humbles himself” = Confesses, repents and obediently submits – Jam 4:6-10).Children of covenant members belong to (and are valuable to) Jesus. Hence the reason special provision is made for their baptism/early entrance into the “kingdom of God” (18:15-16).Child-like trust in God – not experience in the world or wickedness, is the key to appreciating Him and His kingdom (18:17; “receive” = Welcome or appreciate – Mar 6:11; Joh 4:45).Salvation/eternal life requires maintaining the salvation/covenant relationship we gained, thru faithful obedience to ALL of God’s commands (18:18-23 = Though this covenant Jew kept most of God’s commands, he ignored/refused to obey God’s command to care for the covenant poor [Deu 15:7-8], and therefore would not being inheriting eternal life).Being wealthy is a curse since few wealthy people get to heaven outside of God’s exceptional mercy (18:23-27).Those who submit their entire lives (including their loyalties to family and possessions) to the Lordship (control/will) of Jesus will: 1) lose (or forego) things in this life (18:28), 2) receive back – both in this life and the life to come, things much more valuable than what they gave up (18:29-30; 2Co 4:17-18).Living your life for God will oftentimes get you mistreated and not be immediately understood by others – especially those who don’t know God’s Word (18:31-34; 2Ti 3:12; Mat 22:29).Believing that Jesus is Who He claimed to be (“Jesus, Son of David” versus “Jesus of Nazareth”) is key to receiving His earthly blessings and following Him (18:35-43; Act 9:1-5 w/2Co 4:13).Repentance unto salvation requires confession and doing what God’s Law requires in relation to justice (19:1-10).In fulfilment of OT prophecy, Jesus as Messiah came to earth to restore to covenant the lost sheep of Israel (19:9-10; Jer 31:1-37; Eze 34:11-16; Mat 15:24).Our reward in heaven (or the “kingdom” of God in heaven) wb: 1) realized only after we have spent a lifetime working for it (11-12; “far country” = It wb a long-time before the slaves see their Master and receive a reward), 2) infinitely more valuable and yet proportionate to the investment of our gifts, abilities and opportunities for the kingdom here on earth (19:17 w/13, 15-19; Mat 16:27; again 2Co 4:17-19).We wb condemned to Hell if we don’t invest the gifts, abilities and opportunities for the advancement of Jesus’ kingdom (19:20-26).We don’t have a say as to Jesus’ reign as King, only whether He slaughters or saves us (19:14 w/27).Jesus taught the loss of salvation (19:24-27).Jesus declared himself God’s Savior King and those who are truly His disciples are not ashamed to be loud in their proclamation of it to others (19:28-39; Rom 1:16).Those who are ashamed of Jesus are dumber than rocks (19:40).God destroys His house and those within it (its people and children) when His leaders no longer: 1) know the gospel of “peace” (19:41-44), 2) uphold justice (19:45-46; Isa 56:7; Jer 7:11), 3) listen to the “teaching” of Jesus (19:47-48).Moral rebellion is often disguised as ignorance (20:1-8).When Jesus’ heavenly authorities (on earth) act as though they have authority over Him, His Law and kingdom, then Jesus removes them and gives His authority, Law and kingdom (on earth) to others (20:1-19; e.g. Satan and then the Jews; See Col 2:15 and Eph 2:19-3:12 w/Mat 16:19).Truth loves an appeal (20:20-40).Truth exposes and condemns the ignorance and hypocrisy of flaky people and false teachers who act as those they possess the truth (20:41-47).How much we sacrifice for God reveals how much we trust Him with our lives (21:1-4; The rich sacrificed nothing, the widow everything).Jesus’ first advent (after His resurrection) took place at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. (21:5-7 = Their question is in relation to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem; 21:8-19 = Its destruction wb pre-empted by false rumors of Jesus’ return, trouble in the world, tragedies and Christian persecution; 21:20-24 = Its destruction and God’s vengeance against her wb immanent only when Gentile armies are surrounding her walls; 21:25-31 = Jerusalem’s destruction will shake the heavens and represent Christ’s first advent for the purpose judging/divorcing OC Israel and granting justice/“redemption”/the transfer of God’s kingdom to NC Israel; 21:32-33 = The proof that this is about the destruction of Jerusalem/divorce of Jesus from OC Israel; See also Mat 24:15-35 and Rev 5-19; Why I say first advent after His resurrection = B/C there have been prior “days of the Lord” or Jesus coming in national judgment – e.g. Joe 2:1-11).The most deadly form of heart disease is a heart consumed w/the cares and pleasures of this world (21:34-36).God’s house cannot be preserved by the preaching of Jesus if her leaders are corrupt (21:5-6, 20-24 w/37-38).

he abundance of biblical and extrabiblical evidence regarding demons and demon possession should leave no doubt of their existence.The religious (or Christian) community is not the only one who acknowledges the existence of demons and demon possession. Demons and demon possession are also confirmed in the research and observation of many within the scientific community including those in the fields of philosophy, social science, psychiatry and physics.(Who then are the demons?)The Bible seems to indicate that demons are cherubs or priestly angels, who because of their rebellion, forfeited not only their position as anointed guardians of God’s throne, earthly kingdom and people, but also the privilege of possessing third-dimensional, material or physical bodies.The loss of these bodies is among the main contributing factors to the demons becoming “body-snatchers” (i.e. seeking to possess the bodies of other sentient/reasoning beings – humans) (In re: to possessing their physical bodies – Gen 3:1-15; In re: to their physical bodies and role as priests – Eze 28:12-18).“[This figure] is portrayed as wearing priestly attire in Ezekiel 28:13…some identify this figure as Satan [v14]… The jewels that are said to be his “covering” in Ezekiel 28:13 are uniquely listed in Exodus 28:17-21, which describe the jewels on the ephod of Israel’s high priest… Like the cherubim, Israel’s priests were also to “keep watch” (same word as “guard” in Gen 2:15) over the temple (Neh 12:45) as “gatekeepers” (2 Chron 23:19; Neh. 12:45).” – G.K. Beale (“Adam as the First Priest in Eden as the Garden Temple”)The combination of losing their physical bodies (in Eden) along with their (later) defeat by Christ (in a heavenly war), has intensified the demons’ efforts in destroying God’s kingdom and people on earth.(Rev 12:1-17 – “the devil has come to you in great wrath, because he knows his time is short.”)The best way to accomplish the demons’ mission of destruction against the church (God’s kingdom and people) is through bewitching and possessing Christians.IOW: Christians can be 1) bewitched = under a demon’s persuasive power/listening to them and 2) possessed = under a demon’s persuasive power and physical control. We are Satan and the demonic realm’s number one target for bewitching/possession (1Pe 5:8). How can we be demon possessed if we are already “possessed” by the Holy Spirit? We can “quench the spirit” (1Th 5:19).Since possession affords demons respite from incarceration in Hades, they will also possess non-Christians.(Zec 9:11 w/Luk 11:14 = Place without rest; Luk 16:22-23/2Pe 2:3 = Place of fiery torment).Demon possession usually manifests itself through mental illness.God promised to strike people w/mental illness as punishment for their rebellion. The source of such mental illness however can be demon possession (Deu 28:28 w/Rev 18:2 w/Mat 12:43-45; e.g. 1Sa 16:14 w/18:10); e.g. Mar 5:1-9; Luk 4:31-35).Demonic bewitching is most likely the cause of demon possession.Bewitching is the means used by the demonic realm to take full possession. The longer a person listens, is persuaded by or carries out those sins associated with bewitching in Scripture, the more control the demon is assuming of their person (1Sa 15:22-23 w/16:14 w/18:10; Joh 13:2 w/27).Demonic bewitching is the result of practicing the sin of idolatry, sorcery or insurrection.When a person practices the sin of idolatry, sorcery or insurrection they are listening to/being bewitched by demons – which means they are on the path/vulnerable to demon possession. These sins are likewise (also) the cause of such bewitching.8.1. Idolatry (What is idolatry?)8.1.1. (DEF): 1) Serving/worshipping/possessing/tolerating a false god/religion because of what you believe or do (Exo 32:1-8 w/1Co 10:7, 14//Deu 32:16-17, 21 and Psa 106:36-38; Psa 135:15-18; 1Co 10:16-21), 2) Embracing a false gospel (Gal 1:6; 1Pe 4:3//Ga 3:1; 1Ti 4:1), 3) Being sexually active/intimate with someone outside the covenant community of God’s people (sexual idolatry) (1Co 6:13-20, 10:8 w/14 w/Num 25:1-2, 9//2Co 6:14-16).8.1.2. Idolatry’s connection to the demonic realm = (Exo 32:1-8 w/Lev 17:7 and Deu 32:16-17, 21a and Psa 106:36-38; Psa 135:15-18 – “become like them” = demon-possessed; 1Co 10:16-21)8.2. Sorcery (What is sorcery?)8.2.1. (DEF): Directly practicing, possessing or being involved with those who practice or possess methods/means for accessing power or knowledge from the spiritual/metaphysical/supernatural realm outside those methods/means prescribed by God and given exclusively to His covenant community (e.g. witches, witch-doctors, wiccans, warlocks, wizards, shamans, sorcerers, diviners, alchemists, necromancers, spiritists, psychics, mediums, palm-readers, card-readers, fortune-tellers, modern day prophets and miracle-workers VERSUS Christians using faith, prayer, the Bible, the sacraments, the keys and God’s house// Re: possessing sorcery materials – Act 19:17-20 = Their actions show that they knew that even possessing material promoting the practice of sorcery was sinful – e.g. possessing/playing the Diablo video game, possessing/reading/viewing the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe books/movies – Rev 2:24; Rom 16:19 – “wise…good, innocent…evil” = Avoid sins of ignorance or looking for loopholes in relation to what you know to be evil [since this is what identifies the false teachers] – vv17-18).8.2.2. Sorcery’s connection to the demonic realm = Its source is the demonic realm (e.g. Act 16:16-18 – “unclean spirit”= Demonic spirit producing the special knowledge/clairvoyance). 8.3. Insurrection (What is insurrection?)8.3.1. (DEF): A deliberate attempt by a covenant member to do harm to the reputation, moral character, or overall competency of those functioning in God’s appointed and anointed sacred offices (e.g. kings, priests, Levites, prophets, teaching pastors and ruling pastors) through actions that condemn or call into question their authority, practice or person while fulfilling their sacred duties without the necessary biblical evidence/support (e.g. Pastor Collier is falsely accused/accused without the necessary evidence of being drunk while at someone’s BBQ versus Pastor Collier is falsely accused/accused without the necessary evidence of being drunk while conducting the LT; Pastor Jarrett is falsely accused/accused without the necessary evidence of mishandling his finances versus Pastor Jarrett is falsely accused/accused without the necessary evidence of mishandling God’s Word/preaching unrighteousness)(Mat 12:22-32) = The Pharisees are accusing Jesus’ ministry to be operating unrighteously/under the authority of Satan (versus the Holy Spirit). They are therefore not speaking against Him personally, but against the function/fulfillment of His sacred office/duties. Hence the reason they are said to be speaking “against the Holy Spirit” (the mantel of authority given to the those God anoints/appoints to His sacred offices for the purpose of carrying out His prescribed sacred duties – See Joh 20:21-23). They are therefore guilty of insurrection.8.3.2. Whereas idolatry and sorcery are capital crimes, insurrection is a form of apostasy[1] and is immediate – i.e. a person is considered apostate the moment they are found guilty of the crime w/no chance to repent (Mat 12:32) “whoever speaks a word against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, in this age or the age to come” = Immediately apostate w/no chance of repentance = Those speaking against Christ’s ministry [accusing Him of operating according to Satan] are not able to be forgiven – i.e. immediately deemed apostate;(Num 15:30-31) “Does anything” = As in against the priest (See context – verse 28); “with a high hand” = Acts presumptuously – i.e. accuses/condemns w/o the proper evidence (See Deu 17:12); “[he] reviles the Lord…despised the word of the Lord… that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him” = All statements instructing us to identify that person as apostate and immediately remove them from the covenant community w/no chance of repentance (again, “utterly cut off” = Forever);(e.g. Num 16:1-3, 30) = Korah & Co. were falsely accusing Moses and Aaron of possessing their authority/functioning in their sacred office in an unrighteous way i.e. they were guilty of insurrection; “If…they go down alive into Sheol…” = If while living they are placed in Hades (“Sheol”) “then…these men have despised the Lord” = OT phrase referring to apostasy (Num 15:31);(1Ti 5:19-20) “rebuke” = Literally, expose them (Eph 5:11, 13; Joh 3:20) – most likely referring to expulsion from the church (exposure to life outside the covenant community/demonic realm) given the crime; “so that the rest stand in fear” = OT phrase used in conjunction w/the punishment inflicted on those committing capital crimes or apostasy (Deu 17:30, 19:20).8.3.3. Insurrection’s connection to demonic realm = Insurrection was Satan’s original sin against God (Isa 14:12-14). It is also the sin that led to corruption of one-third of the angelic population (Rev 12:4). Given its ability for maximum destruction, it has been Satan’s go-to sin when attempting to bewitch/possess the saints and destroy God’s kingdom on earth:Korah and Co. (Psa 106:16 w/Jam 3:1-15) = Don’t covet being a teacher given the stricter judgment that wb placed on their speech (1); Those whose lives are filled w/jealousy or envy toward their leaders are those whose tongues are being controlled by the demonic realm (2-15, “set on fire by hell itself…demonic”)Judas (Joh 13:2, 27) = Judas was bewitched into betraying/insurrecting against Jesus which lead to his possession and carrying it out;The Jews (Mat 12:43-45) = The Jews’ rejection and coming insurrection in relation to Jesus was directly connected to demonic realm.8.3.4. The kinds of lies Satan and the demonic realm use to bewitch the those committing insurrection: 1) any ordained pastor/priest not approved/appointed by you is suspect/illegitimate (16:12-14), 2) your despising of the ordained pastors/priests will not affect your relationship w/God (16:14b-35, 42-50), 3) you possess the same authority/authorization as the ordained pastors/priests (16:1-11, 36-40).The are certain (other sins) that seem to “breed” the gateway sins of idolatry, sorcery and insurrection.9.1. Idolatry = Coveting [Def. = being upset about you don’t have; Cause = you believe that God hasn’t given/will not give you what you need to be happy] (Col 3:5; Eph 5:5).9.2. Sorcery = Coveting (since as we saw it is also a form of idolatry/false religion). In this case, the person believes they need something more from/more involvement w/the spiritual realm than what God has promised or can provide thru His prescribed means to make them happy.9.3. Insurrection = Envy/Jealousy [Def. = being upset w/what others have; Cause = you believe that God has given to someone else what should have been given to you] (Mat 27:18; Ecc 4:4; Psa 106:16; e.g. Eze 28:1, 17a).9.4. It should (then) be concluded that these are the sins Satan is looking for when determining who to “devour” in bewitching (unto) possession – those whose lives show signs of coveting and envy (1Pe 5:8).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = As long as you keep your life as far as you can away from the sins of idolatry, sorcery and insurrection – as well as those sins that breed them, you will never have to worry about being demon-bewitched or possessed.[1] The other form taught in Scripture is insubordination apostasy. A person becomes guilty of this form of apostasy only after refusing to repent by submitting to the official judgment of the elders/church (Mat 18:17-20 w/Deu 17:8-13 w/Deu 29:18-20).

The abundance of biblical and extrabiblical evidence regarding demons and demon possession should leave no doubt of their existence.The religious (or Christian) community is not the only one who acknowledges the existence of demons and demon possession. Demons and demon possession are also confirmed in the research and observation of many within the scientific community including those in the fields of philosophy, social science, psychiatry and physics.(Who then are the demons?)The Bible seems to indicate that demons are cherubs or priestly angels, who because of their rebellion, forfeited not only their position as anointed guardians of God’s throne, earthly kingdom and people, but also the privilege of possessing third-dimensional, material or physical bodies.The loss of these bodies is among the main contributing factors to the demons becoming “body-snatchers” (i.e. seeking to possess the bodies of other sentient/reasoning beings – humans).An ancient Jewish source teaches that God killed the original serpent and gave its skin as a covering to the man and woman before their banishment from the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:21),“The Holy One, blessed be He, took the skin which the snake sloughed off and made it into garments of skins and clothed them.” – Rabbi Ilai (Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer)If this is true, then it is reasonable to conclude:1) the serpent (Satan’s) skin was a priestly garment (Eze 28:13 w/Exo 28:1-41),2) Satan and the other cherubim in the garden (possessing physical bodies) represented the first priesthood – Satan being the high priest (Eze 28:14 – “anointed…cherub” = Term used in relation to the priest; Eze 28:14, 16 – “guardian cherub” = This too can only refer to priesthood (guarding/preserving the truth, instructing A&E in holiness in the garden sanctuary – see vv17-18) since at this point, there was no sin and therefore no need for a military),3) clothing Adam and Eve w/the serpent’s skin represented not only their atonement (through the death of their high priest), but also the transfer of the priesthood to the human race (Gen 3:15b – “he [imperfect verb, present/future – bruises] your head [fatal blow/death], you [imperfect verb, present/future – bruise] his heel [non-fatal – referring to Satan’s deception of A&E] = Could this be referring to Gen 3:21?; Replacing a serpent was a part of Christ’s atonement for us – Num 21:9 w/Joh 3:14; Consider also Num 35:25; Heb 7:23-28),4) this is among the reasons such enmity exists between humans and the demonic realm (Gen 3:15a),5) the woman’s excuse to God is less of a cop-out and possibly the basis for God’s leniency in sentencing when compared to Satan (Gen 3:13 = A&E were deceived by the one they should have been able to trust w/God’s word, their high priest – Jam 3:1).The combination of losing of their physical bodies (in Eden) along with their (later) defeat by Christ (in a heavenly war), has intensified the demons’ efforts in destroying God’s kingdom and people on earth.Correction to last week’s guesstimate as to the number of demons (Rev 12:4-12 w/Rev 5:11 –“myriads upon myriads” > 10k x 10k = 100m) = (.67x = 100m) ~ 150m/3.33 = 44.7 million demons (~1 demon per 175 people).The best way to accomplish the demons’ mission of destruction against the church (God’s kingdom and people) is through bewitching and possessing Christians.IOW: Christians can be 1) bewitched = under a demon’s persuasive power/listening to them and 2) possessed = under a demon’s persuasive power and physical control.IMPORTANT POINT NOT TO MISS = We are Satan and the demonic realm’s number one target for bewitching/possession (1Pe 5:8).How can we be demon possessed if we are already “possessed” by the Holy Spirit? B/C we can “quench the spirit” (1Th 5:19).Since possession affords demons respite from incarceration in Hades, they will also possess non-Christians.(Zec 9:11 w/Luk 11:14 = Place without rest; Luk 16:22-23/2Pe 2:3 = Place of fiery torment).Demon possession usually manifests itself through mental illness.God promised to strike people w/mental illness as punishment for their rebellion. The source of such mental illness however can be demon possession (Deu 28:28 w/Rev 18:2 w/Mat 12:43-45; e.g. 1Sa 16:14 w/18:10); e.g. Mar 5:1-9; Luk 4:31-35).Demonic bewitching is most likely the cause of demon possession.Bewitching is the means used by the demonic realm to take full possession. The longer a person listens, is persuaded by or carries out those sins associated with bewitching, the more control the demon is assuming of their person (1Sa 15:22-23 w/16:14 w/18:10; Joh 13:2 w/27).Demonic bewitching is the result of practicing the sin of idolatry, sorcery or apostasy.When a person practices the sin of idolatry, sorcery or apostasy, they are listening to/being bewitched by demons – which means they are on the path/vulnerable to demon possession. How (then) to avoid being bewitched (and ultimately demon-possessed) is by never being guilty of practicing these sins (Act 26:19 –“turn…from the power of Satan to God” = We can avoid/resist Satan’s power. To do this however means being extra vigilant to never practice those sins he uses most to place people in bondage to him – the sins of idolatry, sorcery and apostasy).8.1. Idolatry (What is idolatry?)8.1.1. Serving, worshipping, possessing or tolerating a false god/religion based on what you believe or do (Exo 32:1-8 w/1Co 10:7) = The Jews were guilty of idolatry either b/c: 1) they were attempting to worship the true God in a false/prohibited way (false religion = Using a carved image to represent God – Exo 20:1-5; Deu 4:15-19, 23-28; Consider also 1Sa 15:3 w/13-23 = Not following God’s exact instructions regarding worship) or 2) they were asking for a new/false god to lead them (Many pagan nations viewed cows as divine; Deu 7:25-26) (Exo 32:1 – “make for us [literally] a god” [Elohim] = Intensive plural/plural persons spoken of as one –commonly used to refer to God [Gen 1:1], but also used in Scripture to refer to false gods [Exo 20:3]).“Since God has prescribed to us how He would be worshipped by us, whenever we turn away in the very smallest degree from this rule, we make to ourselves other gods and degrade Him from His rightful place.” – G.K. Beale (What Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology Of Idolatry)Its connection to the demonic realm (Prt 1): (Exo 32:1-8 w/Lev 17:7 and Deu 32:16-17, 21a and Psa 106:36-38; Psa 135:15-18 – “become like them” = demon-possessed).Ancient Jewish tradition teaches that when Aaron was crafting the people’s gold into an image for the people, “Satan entered it, and the likeness of [a] calf came out of it.” (Targum, Ps.-J., Exo 32:24). Additionally, Satan is portrayed as “in the middle” of the idol, “leaping and jumping before the people” (Targum, Ps.-J, Exo 32:18-19) as the basis for their (imitative) sporting before it (Exo 32:6, 19 – “the people…rose up to play…they were dancing”). Within this same tradition, there is also evidence pointing to demon possession as the consequence of such idolatrous actions. Two other ancient sources add the words, “they shall be afflicted by evil spirits” (Targum Onqelos), and “they will be possessed by evil spirits” (Targum Neofiti), to the Deuteronomy 32:17 statement (“they sacrificed to demons”).Commenting on this, G.K. Beale writes,“The link would appear to be that those who worshipped and committed themselves to demons would be possessed by those demonic spirits, and such possession would change their very beings [Psa 135:18]…This is a paramount example of the lex talionis notion of the Old Testament – an eye for an eye. People are punished by means of their own sin [they worship the demonic and so become demonic]…The principle for them and for us is [then]: we resemble what we revere, either for ruin or for restoration.” (ibid)Its connection to the demonic realm (Prt 2): (1Co 10:16-21)“Paul interprets sacrifices to idols to also be sacrifices to demons, which necessarily entails ‘becoming a sharer in demons,’ who indwell the idol. This is true not only of Gentile idolatry but also of Israel’s idolatry in the wilderness [Exo 32], since he had the latter in mind only a few verses earlier (10:5-11), which, in fact, serves as part of the basis for making the deduction about not falling into the temptation of idolatry and ‘fleeing from idolatry’. Paul’s discussion here is parallel with [ancient Jewish] traditions that see the activity of Satan working through the golden calf idol to influence [think bewitch] Israel.” – G.K. Beale (ibid)Modern examples: All false religions (Buddhism, Mormonism, Islam, Hinduism, Atheism, Evangelicalism, etc.)Many Christians believe that humanity’s idolatrous attempt with regard to the Tower of Babel and God’s dispersing judgment in Genesis 11 is ultimately what led to the various different demonic and false religions of the earth:“At the Tower of Babel, the concept of the unity and absoluteness of God had begun to be lost. When the people were dispersed at Babel, they would have taken with them a hybrid truth of the living God mixed with the twisted and distorted truth of that revelation about him. The loss of a unified language led to the loss of unified religion; every people and nation now deviated to worship its own national god. At Babel monotheism degenerated into animism, sorcery, magic, and polytheism. The pure revelation of God had been generally lost, corrupted, and perverted by sin, leading to religious idolatry and giving rise to religious pluralism.” – Simon Turpin (“Religion: What Is It, Where Did It Come from and How Does the Bible View It?”, AIG)BTW: Ancient Jewish tradition also teaches that Nimrod (the architect and GC of the Tower of Babel) inherited Adam’s serpent suit. If this is true, it would lend further support to Babel as an idolatrous event since it strongly implies Nimrod’s oversight to be priestly in nature.8.1.2. Embracing a false gospel (Gal 1:6 = Notice you are “deserting God” [meaning for a different god] when you adhere to a “different gospel” – i.e. you are committing idolatry; See also 1Pe 4:3)Its connection to the demonic realm: (Gal 1:6 w/Gal 3:1; 1Ti 4:1-2).Modern examples: The evangelical gospel of obedience as nice but not ultimately necessary (Gen 3:1-4 = Notice, the false gospel used by Satan and the demonic realm to bewitch Adam and Eve was also a gospel promising life without the need for obedience).8.1.3. Being sexually active/intimate with someone outside the covenant community of God’s people (sexual idolatry) (1Co 6:13-20, 10:8 w/14 w/Num 25:1-2, 9).Its connection to the demonic realm: (2Co 6:14-16)Modern examples: Christians kissing, having sex w/ or marrying pagans (false Christians [Roman Catholics, evangelicals, etc], atheists, agnostics, Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Number one reason to flee idolatry (false gods/religion, gospel or sexual activity w/pagans) = demonic possession

The abundance of biblical and extrabiblical evidence regarding demons and demon possession should leave no doubt of their existence.The religious (or Christian) community is not the only one who acknowledges the existence of demons and demon possession. Demons and demon possession are also confirmed in the research and observation of many within the scientific community including those in the fields of philosophy, social science, psychiatry and physics.(Who then are the demons?)The Bible seems to indicate that demons are cherubs or military-grade angels, who because of their rebellion, forfeited not only their position as guardians of God’s throne, earthly kingdom and people, but also the privilege of possessing third-dimensional, material or physical bodies.(Eze 28:13-18; Gen 3:1-6, 13-15) = Both texts contain evidence that strongly suggests Satan and the other cherubim at one time possessed third-dimensional, material or physical bodies. The loss of these bodies is among the main contributing factors to the demons becoming “body-snatchers” (i.e. seeking to possess the bodies of other sentient/reasoning beings – humans).The combination of losing of their physical bodies (in Eden) along with their (later) defeat by Christ (in a heavenly war), has intensified the demons’ efforts in destroying God’s kingdom and people on earth.(Rev 12:4-12 w/Rev 5:11) = 100,000,000/3.333 = 30 million demons have been quarantined to the same fourth dimensional space occupied by earth in the third dimension – the place Scripture refers to as “Sheol”, “Hades”, “the pit”, “Abaddon” or “the abyss”. And their mission? – To take as many people to Hell with them as they can.The best way to accomplish the demons’ mission of destruction against the church (God’s kingdom and people) is through bewitching and possessing Christians.IOW: Christians can be:1) bewitched = under a demon’s persuasive power/listening to them (Gal 3:1; Joh 13:1-2; 1Ti 4:1; 2Co 11:3 w/13-15)2) possessed = under a demon’s persuasive power and physical control (Joh 13:26-27 w/Luk 22:3).IMPORTANT POINT NOT TO MISS = We are Satan and the demonic realm’s number one target for bewitching/possession (1Pe 5:8).What about the indwelling Spirit? How can a Christian be possessed by a demon when he is already “possessed” by the Holy Spirit?(Gal 3:5; Act 2:38; 2Co 6:14-16; 1Joh 4:4; 5:18; Col 1:13) = These texts only prove that we are possessed by the Spirit (and therefore protected from the demonic realm) when we are listening to/being led by the Spirit (Hence Gal 5:16). If we however, choose to listen to the demonic realm – which means also, no longer listening to the will of the Spirit, He (and Christ) will leave us (i.e. their presence) will depart – leaving us open to the possibility of demonic possession (1Sa 16:14; Psa 51:11; Eph 4:30).Since possession affords demons respite from incarceration in Hades, they will also possess non-Christians.(Zec 9:11 w/Luk 11:14 = Place without rest; Luk 16:22-23/2Pe 2:3 = Place of fiery torment).Excerpt from an eighteenth century pastor’s account of an exorcism of a demon-possessed woman offers some anecdotal support,“In the morning, towards 11 o’clock this possessed woman came at my request, but not willingly, into the church of the place….When I addressed him in the name of Jesus, [the demon] cried out, ‘Oh, I burn, I burn! Oh, what torture! What torture!”The demon’s response seems to intimate leaving the woman would mean going back to a place of burning or torture (Luk 8:31).Demon possession can manifest itself through mental illness.God promised to strike people w/mental illness as punishment for their rebellion. The source of such mental illness however can be demon possession (Deu 28:28 w/Rev 18:2 w/Mat 12:43-45 = Jerusalem is filled w/mentally ill/demon-possessed people; e.g. 1Sa 16:14 w/18:10).Much of what is diagnosed as a “disorder” within the psychological community today, should be identified as demon possession.“The book affording to us …our earliest glimpse of the states called ‘possession’ is the New Testament. Bible stories often give, in fact, an accurate picture of these states…Comparing these [NT] stories with accounts of the phenomena of possession in later times, we find what may be described as the perfect similarity of the facts so exactly with what we know of these states from the point of view of present-day psychology, that it is impossible to avoid the impression that we are dealing with a tradition that is veracious (or accurate) – OesterreichThough not limited to these cases, the following biblical examples make this clear based on their agreement w/the diagnostic criteria as presented in the DSM-V (Diagnostic Statistical Manual – 5th edition):6.1. (Mar 5:1-9) = Given the criteria, such persons today would be diagnosed as suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (or Multiple Personality Disorder). Biblical analysis of relevant criteria(DSM-V): “Over 70% of outpatients with [DID] have attempted suicide; multiple attempts are common, and other injurious behavior is frequent (3 – “He lived among the tombs” = The place of the dead; 5 – “he was always…cutting himself with stones” = Attempting suicide or frequently injuring himself)…[There is a] disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states (The demon-possessed man refers to himself in both the singular [9a – “My name is”] and the plural [9b – “we are many”]), which may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession.The disruption in identity involves marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency , accompanied by related alterations in behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning (4 – “he had often been bound in shackles and chains but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke shackles in pieces” = his behavior is out of control versus post-exorcism he is “sitting…clothed and in his right mind” [verse 15]).These signs or symptoms may be observed by others or reported by the individual (3, 4 – “And no one could bind him anymore…for he had often been bound = Implies people were aware of/had observed this man’s adverse behavior).The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (3 –“He lived among the tombs”, 5- “Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself”; Luk 8:27 adds that he wore no clothes nor lived in a house = Significant impairment/distress in re: to social functioning).The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition (1 – “Jesus met a man with an unclean spirit” = The man’s symptoms [mental illness] is the attributable to demon possession).”“Reviewing the series of cases [of demon possession]…their first and most striking characteristic (or external sign) is that the patient’s organism appears to be invaded by a new personality; it is governed by a strange soul. [These] classic cases of double (or dual) personality also attest to a change in countenance.” – Oesterreich6.2. (Luk 4:31-35) = Given the criteria, such persons today would be diagnosed as Bipolar Disorder (or Manic Depression Disorder)Biblical analysis of relevant criteria(DSM-V): “A distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by grandiose behavior (34 – “Ha!” [Grk. “eh- ah”] = Interjection denoting major offense – e.g. “how dare you!”),excessive or excessively loud talk (33b, 34 – “And he cried out with a loud voice [He screamed], ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”),distracted and racing thoughts of danger (24 – “’Have you come to destroy us?”),uncharacteristic of the individual and observable to others (The demon-possessed man was silent or exhibiting behavior very different from what follows Jesus’ teaching. It is safe to assume that this behavior was not normal or expected in relation to this individual given that had it been, he most certainly would not been allowed in the synagogue),not attributed to the physiological effects of a substance or medical condition (33a – “In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon” = The man’s symptoms [mental illness] is the attributable to demon possession).”Consider the striking similarities between the demon-possessed man of Mark 1 and a present day case of bipolarism/manic -depressive person:“Mary had been diagnosed by psychiatrists as a manic-depressive. As soon as counselors began to put their finger on the real issue (which turned out to be adultery with her next-door neighbor), Mary began to howl and cry and scream at the top of her lungs. Besides inarticulate sobbing, she cried, ‘Leave me alone; leave me alone!’. In the past Mary had successfully warded off all attempts by her parents and others to discover the reasons for her distress by driving them away.”“The invasion of the organism [in demon possession] is [also] manifested [in a] new voice [that] does not speak to the spirit of the normal… individual. Even if [this person] is described as good and irreproachable (consider again the quiet and faithful synagogue-attending man of Luke’s Gospel), the words uttered…generally betray a coarse…attitude, fundamentally opposed to all accepted ethical and religious ideas (consider it is Jesus’ religious teaching that sparks the synagogue man’s outrage).” – OesterreichSo then, the evidence/symptoms surrounding at least some forms of mental illness suggest demon possession as the likely cause. As such, mental illness also functions as possible identity marker for this diagnosis: people suffering from mental illness may be demon-possessed people.Demonic bewitching is most likely the cause of demon possession.Bewitching is the means used by the demonic realm to take full possession. The longer a person listens, is persuaded by or carries out those sins associated with bewitching in Scripture, the more control the demon is assuming of their person (1Sa 15:22-23 – idolatry – listening to demons w/1Sa 16:14 w/18:10; Joh 13:2 w/27).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = What specific sins do the Scriptures associate with demonic bewitching?

God’s law is what determines: 1) right and wrong (not miracles) (14:1-6; Deu 13:1-3; 2Th 2:9-12), 2) greatness (not self-promotion)(14:7-11; v11 – “humbles himself” = Submits to God’s law), 3) who your friends sb (14:12-24, v14 w/vv21-23 = The “poor and crippled and blind and lame” represent those whose only endearing quality is the fact that they will listen/submit to God’s law; Jam 2:5). B/C of the difficult challenges we will face, being a disciple of Jesus requires the complete and total renouncing of: 1) loyalty to anyone over Jesus (including self) (14:25-26), 2) our life being controlled by anyone other than Jesus (14:27-32 = Full commitment/surrender of our life to Jesus), 3) the lie that perseverance in goodness (or righteousness) is not necessary (14:33-35; v34 – “salt” = Persevering goodness; Lev 2:13; Num 18:19; 2Chr 13:5; Mat 5:13; Mar 9:49-50; Col 4:6). Restoring to faithfulness those in the covenant community who are stumbling in sin or have been excommunicated is the way to become a rock-star in heaven (15:1-31, most esp. vv7, 10, 22-24 w/32). To avoid being condemned to Hell for wasting the money God gives us requires spending it on those people who matter the most to God – not us (i.e. people in the church, people seeking righteousness – Act 10:34-35) (16:1-9). God will not give us the riches of heaven if we have been unfaithful with His riches on earth (16:10-12). You reveal yourself to be a servant of money when you don’t spend your money on those people who matter to God (16:13). Christian posers (or make-believers): 1) persecute real Christians (16:14), 2) are all about appearances (i.e. the superficial versus what really matters) (16:15a), 3) are people God hates more than others (16:15b), 4) jump on the bandwagon of salvation while losing the Law and looking for loopholes (16:16-18). People who go to Hades/Hell: 1) include Christians who loved their money and (as a result) ignored their responsibility to the covenant poor (16:19-25), 2) wb tortured every by flames of fire immediately after their death (16:22-24), 3) will be able to see those who reside in eternal comfort yet forever unable to reach them or get relief (16:23-26), 4) are all people who doubted the witness of God’s Word (16:27-31). We must be extra careful to fully forgive those who repent: 1) lest we become a stumbling block to others (17:1-2), 2) no matter how many times they commit the same sin (17:3-4), 3) realizing it is not an issue of faith but “death-to-self” obedience and our position before God (17:5-10). Lord.Before.Savior (or obedience is the key to receiving God’s mercy) (17:11-14). Entitlement is incongruent w/thankfulness and faith (17:15-19). The Kingdom of God is not a physical building or place, but the physical assembly of God’s people in a building or place (17:20-21 – “in the midst of you” = In the midst of your assembly together; The same is true in re: to God’s house – 1Ti 3:15 w/1Co 3:16-17; Eph 2:22; 1Pe 2:5). Jesus’ return: 1) wb witnessed by everyone (17:22-24), 2) wb an awful surprise to many – especially to the Jews who have rejected Him (17:25-30), 3) wb survived only by those who heed the warning now, flee this world and give their lives to Him (17:31-33), 4) will result in the division of many homes and churches where false Christians hide among those who are legitimate (17:34-37; Mat 13:36-43).

The abundance of biblical and extrabiblical evidence regarding demons and demon possession should leave no doubt of their existence.The religious (or Christian) community is not the only one who acknowledges the existence of demons and demon possession. Demons and demon possession are also confirmed in the research and observation of many within the scientific community including those in the fields of philosophy, social science, psychiatry and physics. Thousands of cases of demon possession have been recorded going back to antiquity including almost every known human culture citing this supernatural phenomenon as the only possible diagnosis (philosopher and social scientist, Dr. Traugott Oesterreich, psychiatrist, Dr. Richard Gallagher). The (relatively) recent “discovery” of the fourth dimension has caused many physicists to reject their former materialist religion (i.e. only the material realm or third dimension exists), positing that the fourth dimension (a very non-material realm) may be the place consciousness (or the spirit) enters upon death (theoretical physicist, Dr. Michio Kaku). Additionally, they believe there is a causal relationship between this dimension/realm and our own (e.g. theoretical physicist, Dr. Albert Einstein).(Who then are the demons?)The Bible seems to indicate that demons are cherubs or military-grade angels, who because of their rebellion, forfeited not only their position as guardians of God’s throne, earthly kingdom and people, but also the privilege of possessing third-dimensional, material or physical bodies.(Eze 28:13-18; Gen 3:1-6, 13-15) = Both texts contain evidence that strongly suggests Satan and the other cherubim at one time possessed third-dimensional, material or physical bodies. The loss of these bodies is among the main contributing factors to the demons becoming “body-snatchers” (i.e. seeking to possess the bodies of other sentient/reasoning beings – humans).The combination of losing of their physical bodies (in Eden) along with their (later) defeat by Christ (in a heavenly war), has intensified the demons’ efforts in destroying God’s kingdom and people on earth.3.1. The demon population (i.e. those cherubim who supported Satan in his rebellion against God in Eden – or at the historic Fall of mankind, and therefore were among those who lost their physical or material bodies in this world/the third-dimension), represent one-third of the total angels.(Rev 12:1-4) = The “woman” in John’s vision refers to Israel. Hence the mention of “a crown of twelve stars.” The “great dragon” is Satan who – along w/a “third of the stars” are waiting to “devour”/destroy the woman’s child at his birth – a reference to Christ’s birth or first advent and earthly ministry. The reason the “third of the stars” is mentioned as having been “swept down” by the dragon/Satan’s tail is b/c they represent the number of angels in support of Satan at the time of his rebellion against God in the garden of Eden. “Stars” as a metaphor for Israel and angels is used elsewhere in Scripture (Gen 37:9; Job 38:7)3.2. Satan along w/his fellow fallen angels (or demons) would later be defeated in a heavenly war w/Christ’s armies that would not only quarantine them to the same fourth dimensional space occupied by the earth (in the third dimension), but intensify their efforts to destroy God’s kingdom and people.(Rev 12:7-12) = Based on the details included in this portion of John’s vision (most esp. those found in verses 10 and 11), the “war [that] arose in heaven” took place sometime after Christ’s ascension back to heaven. Christ’s victory at the cross was precipitated by a bold and desperate attempt by “the dragon and his angels” against the citadel of heaven itself. However, Christ’s armies – led by “Michael and his angels”, were too powerful and the demons “defeated” yet again (According to DSS11Q13, Jesus/Melchizedek was also in the fight – Luk 10:18). The resulting penalty was permanent quarantine on the earth (again verse 9). Seeing that Satan and the demons now reside only in the spiritual realm, means that what is being communicated by “thrown down to the earth”, is rather “thrown down [to the same fourth dimensional space occupied by]… the earth [in the third dimension]” – the place Scripture refers to as “Sheol”, “Hades”, “the pit”, “Abaddon” or “the abyss” (Gen 37:35; Job 26:6; Job 28:22; Job 33:28-30; Psa 16:10; Psa 28:1; Psa 30:3, 9; Psa 49:9; Psa 88:11; Pro 15:11; Pro 27:20; Isa 14:13-15; Isa 38:18; Eze 26:20; Eze 32:18, 23-25, 29-30; Jon 2:1-6; Mat 11:23 w/Luk 10:15; Luk 8:31; Act 2:27 [Psa 16:10]; Rev 1:8 w/6:8 w/20:13-14; Rev 9:1-11; Rev 20:3//Dan 10:13 w/Gen 28:12; This is also the dwelling place of the wicked dead – Luk 16:22-23) . Prior to this, Satan/demons did enjoy at least limited access to heaven (e.g. Job 1:6; 2Ch 18:18-21). Such geographical sanctions – along w/what their prior defeats communicate regarding their future, has intensified Satan and the demonic realm’s efforts to destroy God’s kingdom (on earth) and people. In other words, to take as many to Hell with them as they can (again verse 12).The best way to accomplish the demons’ mission of destruction against the church (God’s kingdom and people) is through bewitching and possessing Christians.IOW: Christians can be 1) bewitched = under a demon’s persuasive power/listening to them (Gal 3:1 – “bewitched” w/Gal 1:8 [also Peter and Barnabas, 2:11-13]; Joh 13:1-2; 1Ti 4:1; 1Th 3:5; Consider also Joh 8:43-44; 1Jo 3:7-10; 2Co 11:3 w/13-15) and 2) possessed = under a demon’s persuasive power and physical control (Joh 13:26-27 w/Luk 22:3; Consider also Joh 6:70; Mat 16:21-23). IMPORTANT POINT NOT TO MISS = We are Satan and the demonic realm’s number one target for bewitching/possession (1Pe 5:8) = The “someone” is a Christian according to verse (9).Since possession affords demons respite from incarceration in Hades, they will also possess non-Christians.According to Scripture, the fourth dimension of “Sheol”, “the pit” –or “Hades” is not a comfortable realm to exist in. It therefore makes sense that the demons would attempt to remove themselves from there through commandeering the bodies of any human being who is vulnerable and the space is available (Zec 9:11 w/Luk 11:24 w/2Co 5:1-4 = The physical bodies we possess [and the demons once possessed] are a “home” that is desired over “being found naked” or dwelling in the “waterless place/pit” of Sheol/Hades. This most likely b/c it is a place of torment – again Luk 16:22-23; Hence the reason – Luk 8:31; Consider also 2Pe 2:3 – “Tartarus” = Fiery mythological prison for wicked spirits – including demons).

Reaching people for Christ requires: 1) the efforts/labor of more than just the church’s pastors (10:1-2 w/6:12-16 w/9:1-6), 2) realizing you will meet many people whose motives for listening to you/following Christ wb selfish/nefarious (10:3), 3) only spending time w/those people who are teachable and truly seeking God’s truth (10:4-6), 4) staying committed to those who are teachable though the conditions may be less than ideal (10:7-9; e.g. the person doesn’t have a sense of urgency/puts little effort into learning or moving forward).We are to warn people that when we share the gospel w/them they wb under God‘s most severe wrath if they reject it since God takes such rejection personally (10:10-16).Like Jesus, those Jesus gives His authority to, have power over the devil and the demons (10:17-19).Being good w/God is far more important than gaining power over the demonic realm (10:20).Jesus knows that the truth about the Father or Himself is too good to be given to anyone who is not willing to totally submit their minds to God and His wisdom and reject the world’s wisdom as absolute foolishness (10:21-24; 1Co 1:18-31).Besides those in the covenant community, we are to recognize as our neighbor (i.e. those worthy of our mercy – most especially for sharing the gospel), anyone who shows us mercy (10:32-37).The most important thing to be accomplished in any given day (among all the tasks we may possess or have planned) is listening to Jesus (10:38-42).Prayer is to be: 1) focused on our purpose: God’s glory and kingdom (not our own) being advanced through our lives (11:1-2), 2) asking God to give us what we need to accomplish our purpose – including His forgiveness and protection (11:3-5), 3) reminding God (and ourselves) of our promise to forgive others (11:4b), 4) persistent in asking for the extras (11:5-8), 5) confident that God truly cares and will provide if we are faithful and faithful to pray (11:10-13 – “give the Holy Spirit” = give His help; Jam 4:3; Psa 34:1-8; The HS is the Person of the Godhead tasked w/communicating the Father and Christ’s will to the church and leading/helping God’s people on the earth -e.g. Joh 14:24-26; Hence the reason the church’s leaders are given the authority of the HS, God’s people are given the HS as helper, we are told to walk according to the HS, listen to the HS, pray according to the HS, etc.).Demon possession can be behind mutism (11:14; e.g. psychogenic mutism).You are destroying the work of Jesus (and therefore are also the arch-enemy of Jesus) if you question or condemn His diagnoses or prescriptions (11:14-23).Jesus’ deliverance of the demons in your life (literal/figurative) will eventually leave you worse off if you don’t submit to and serve Him w/your life (11:24-26 w/Mat 12:43-45; 2Pe 20:20-22; Lev 26:14-28; “waterless places” = waterless pit – see Zec 9:11).Being close to somebody who knows God gets you no favors with God (11:27-28).A sign that you are evil is that you seek for answers, wisdom and fulfillment (or deliverance) in everything other than Jesus (11:29-32).Good in, good out, garbage in, garbage out (11:33-41).Unless you want to die an absolute damned-to-hell hypocrite, send-me-to-the-pit spiritual pansy or an asking-for-an-eternal- beating apostate: 1) stop worrying about what others think of you (11:37-44, 45, 47-48, 12:1-3), 2) worry about what Jesus thinks of you (12:4-9), 3) make the center of your life: “justice and the love of God” (11:42), 4) get busy lifting the spiritual weights (11:46), 5) start hanging around the spiritual tough-guys (11:49-51), 6) stop being lazy and learn your bible (11:52), 7) never turn your back on the church (12:10).Hypocrites, pansies and apostates look for ways to destroy those who truly follow God so expect: 1) to be persecuted (11:53-54), and 2) to be protected by God (12:6-7, 11-12).Making lots of money will only be an asset to us if we were rich toward God (12:13-21, 15; 1Ti 6:9-10, 17-19).The key to having a worry-free life is living a life focused on advancing God’s kingdom (12:22-34).Being found a faithful Christian on Judgment Day means accepting your Christianity as: 1) a 24-7 job (12:35-46, 35 – “Stay dressed for action, and keep your lamps burning”), 2) that which has now put you under a stricter judgment (12:47-48), 3) something that will cause stress and division among (biological) family (12:49-53), 4) the priority that requires a sense of urgency (12:54-59).Hell is: 1) a place where there are degrees of punishment (or levels) based on what a person knew (12:47-48), 2) what Jesus plans to turn this world into as part of His overall mission (12:49).UNLESS YOU REPENT, YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH (no exceptions including for Evangelicals) (13:1-4).Repentance means your life will stop being a waste of God’s time and resources, and will instead produce the fruit of obedience God intended (most especially in those areas where you keep sinning), otherwise He will permanently (and eternally) “cut (you) down” (13:6-9).Those who truly follow God not only expose those who are hypocrites, but also the stupidity of what they believe (13:10-17; e.g. penal substitution, Calvinistic determinism, demon-possessed snakes who talk).A good sign that you are in the kingdom of God (i.e. a legitimate covenant community) is that your life will progressively become more and more informed by God’s law until everything is defined and controlled by Him (13:18-21).Many people wb surprised on Judgment Day to find out they were not saved simply because they wanted to be (13:22-24; e.g. they said the prayer), or because they hung around Jesus (13:25-26; e.g. they went to “Christian” schools/churches/conferences, read “Christian” books, listened to “Christian” music or preachers, taught or read the bible, had Christian friends), since it also takes not being characterized as “workers of evil” (13:22-30 -i.e. it takes being characterized by obedience to all that Jesus says).Jesus liked to be sarcastic (13:31-33 w/34; See also 7:28).Jesus’ divorce from and murder by the Jews didn’t have to happen as the way to accomplishing His mission of establishing the New Covenant and atoning for sin (13:34-35).

The abundance of biblical and extrabiblical evidence regarding demons and demon possession should leave no doubt of their existence.1.1. Scripture refers to demons or demon possession more than 100 times as a supernatural phenomenon existing in – and experienced by, humans all over the world since its creation (e.g. Luk 8:26-30; Job 1:6-9 = Job is considered to be one of the earliest books in the Bible, the events therein taking place shortly after the flood [Job 22:16] possibly before Abraham based on how long Job lived [Job 42:10-17]. Satan’s intel and influence is however already global [“going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it” = Satan had already travelled the entire planet and was keenly aware of who and where its humans were – including Job]. Hence the reason God can ask the question [“Have you considered my servant Job?”] and receive such a provocative answer [“Does Job fear God for no reason?”]).1.2. The evidence supporting not only the existence of the demonic realm, but also their activity was so well-known by the time of the apostle Paul that he viewed them and their actions as no mystery (2Co 2:11).1.3. Dr. Oesterreich’s seminal work, Possession And Exorcism Among Primitive Races, In Antiquity, The Middle Ages And Modern Times is a vast repository of such evidence. Though himself not a Christian, the late Berlin professor (early 20th century) catalogues not only the reports of demons and their possession on practically every continent, in every country and across every known human culture, but also how these cases perfectly align with the biblical accounts – most especially those in relation to Jesus and the Gospels.Commenting on this connection, Causeway Books editor, Charles Sans states,“For good or ill, every one of us, whether a professing Christian or not, because we live in a civilization founded on Christianity, must come to terms with the indubitable fact, which cannot be gainsaid or interpreted away, that the Jesus of the Gospels is an Exorcist.”It is worth mentioning that Oesterreich’s book was also the basis for William Blatty’s highly provocative novel and film, The Exorcist (1973).1.4. Former ministers and missionaries have also bore witness to personal experience w/spiritual beings from another realm of existence – one inhabited by demons. The late American pastor and writer, Arthur Pink was a spiritist (19th century cult committed to communication w/the spirit realm) before his conversion and spoke extensively of his experiences during that time,“Many were attracted to the occult simply by curiosity and then by a desire to investigate the proof it offered of the existence of the spirit world. Nearly every spiritist I have met, began being a blank unbeliever in its phenomena. Then when they see its phenomena is real, they accept the explanation given…The whole phenomenon cannot be accounted for on natural grounds. Many of the spirit-communicated messages were real, but they came not from the dead but from demons impersonating the departed.”The biography of the late missionary G. Whitfield Guinness, records what he and others witnessed when attending a seance as students at Cambridge,“For about twenty minutes nothing in particular happened. The table round which they were seated gave no response to the questions put to it and they were getting distinctly tired. [Then] the table began to move a little, round and round, then rolled right over and across the room. Aroused to interest, the group began to ply it with questions – two bangs on the floor meant ‘No’, and three, ‘Yes’. One asked whether his brother had passed an examination. The table gave the right answer. Another wanted to know the number of books on a bookshelf over which a curtain was hanging. The table said forty-nine, which proved to be exactly right. For almost an hour they went on showering questions, all of which were correctly answered. [Later] as a medical missionary in China, Guinness would have more abundant evidence of the [existence] of evil spirits.”1.5. Recent discoveries and developments within the area of quantum physics and the existence of a 4th dimension has also caused the scientific community to begin seriously questioning their Enlightenment-based religion of Materialism (i.e. There is no existence outside the material universe/3rd dimensional realm). A good example of this would be Harvard trained physicist and professor of theoretical physics at City College in New York, Dr. Michio Kaku. Dr. Kaku has written extensively about the 4th dimension as the place of heaven – or what religion refers to as the spiritual realm, since: 1) this is a realm whose inhabitants wb invisible to those in the 3rd dimension (think spirits) though existing in the same space (e.g. Dr. Kaku’s book, The Future Of Humanity; Also see Edwin’s Abbott’s fictional novel Flatland or Carl Sagan’s 4th dimensional explanation inspired by it- https://youtu.be/UnURElCzGc0), 2) things in this realm have the ability to pass through solid objects in the 3rd dimension (e.g. anti-electrons passing through lead; See also Joh 20:19, 26). 1.6. Modern Psychiatry/Psychology is also (begrudgingly) beginning to admit the existence of the demonic as the source of some people’s problems. Spearheading this current change in opinion, is another Ivy-League trained doctor, psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at both New York Medical College and Columbia University, Dr. Richard Gallagher. Gallagher is considered by many in his field, its first “Demon Inquisitor”. This because of the hundreds of cases where in his professional and medical opinion, demon possession was the most accurate diagnosis. He has even written a book, Demonic Foes, A Psychiatrist Investigates Demonic Possession In The Modern United States.CNN’s recent op-ed on Gallagher states that,“Fighting Satan’s minions wasn’t part of Gallagher’s career plan while he was studying medicine at Yale. He knew about biblical accounts of demonic possession but thought they were an ancient culture’s attempt to grapple with mental disorders like epilepsy. He proudly calls himself a ‘man of science.’ Yet today, Gallagher has become something else: the go-to guy for a sprawling network of exorcists in the United States. He says demonic possession is real. He’s seen the evidence: victims suddenly speaking perfect Latin; sacred objects flying off shelves; people displaying ‘hidden knowledge’ or secrets about people that they could not have possibly have known. ‘There was one woman who was like 90 pounds soaking wet. She threw a Lutheran deacon who was about 200 pounds across the room,’ he says. ‘That’s not psychiatry. That’s beyond psychiatry.’ Gallagher calls himself a ‘consultant’ on demonic possessions. For the past 25 years, he has helped clergy distinguish between mental illness and what he calls ‘the real thing.’ He estimates that he’s seen more cases of possession than any other physician in the world.”As a fitting capstone quote to the previous two points, the “Father Of American Psychology” and famous Harvard professor, Dr. William James prophetically stated at the end of the 19th century,“The refusal of modern ‘enlightenment’ to treat ‘possession’ as a hypothesis to be spoken of as even possible, in spite of the massive human tradition based on concrete experience in its favor, has always seemed to me a curious example of the power of fashion in things scientific [i.e. science is often skewed in the direction of what is popular/fashionable at the time versus what is actually true – e.g. evolution, global warming, Whole Foods]. That the demon theory will have its innings again is to my mind absolutely certain.”(Who then are these malevolent spirits?)The Bible seems to indicate that demons are cherubs or military-grade angels, who because of their rebellion, forfeited not only their position as guardians of God’s throne, earthly kingdom and people, but also the privilege of possessing third-dimensional, material or physical bodies.2.1. Cherubim are the name given to those angels associated w/warfare and the protection of God’s most precious possessions: His throne in Heaven, Zion (His kingdom on earth) and those inheriting salvation (Psa 18:1-10 w/2Sa 22:11, 80:1, 90:1; Consider also Exo 25:18-19, 26:31; Cherubs are also the sword-bearing guardians of Eden after the Fall – Gen 3:24; The archangel Michael is most likely a cherub given his activity of protecting God’s people – Jud 1:9; Dan 8:16 w/9:21-23 w/10:11-13, 21, 12:1; The “watchers” of Daniel’s prophecy are likewise cherubim given what this term implies [those “watching” or protecting God’s kingdom and people] – See the context of Dan 4:17; Satan and his angels/demons are described as going to war– something once more associated w/cherubim – Rev 12:7; Satan himself is identified as the supreme “guardian cherub” – Eze 28:14; In this light consider also Mat 18:10).2.2. As a means to helping them accomplish their mission, it stands to reason that they may have also been furnished w/their own third-dimensional, material or physical bodies. At the very least, this seems to be the case w/Satan based on what else we are told about his time in the Garden of Eden (Eze 28:13-18) = Satan appears to possess a physical form until he is put to death/his physical form is destroyed because of his rebellion. If this is not the case, then what does God mean when He says, “I destroyed you, O guardian cherub”? or “I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you and I turned you to ashes on the earth”? Since spiritual beings are eternal, what else could it be referring to except a prior physical form he possessed – as described in verse 13. If Satan once possessed a third-dimensional/physical form as part of his guardian role/station, then it is only logical to conclude all cherubs at one time did as well. It is also logical – and biblical, to conclude that like Adam, Satan as the “anointed (or representative) guardian cherub”- and first of his kind (See Isa 14:12-14 – “O Day Star, son of Dawn” = Literally the beginning of something new – 2Pe 1:17-19; Rev 2:26-28, 22:16; Job 38:6-7), was (therefore) the federal head of his race whose fall into sin meant the death/forfeiture of physical bodies for the rest of his race (cherubim) – most especially those who followed him in his rebellion (i.e. the other angels/demons).2.3. The record of the Fall in Genesis also presents a compelling case for cherubim at one time possessing third-dimensional, material or physical bodies (Gen 3:1-6, 13-15) = Scripture later identifies the “serpent” in this account w/Satan (Rev 12:9, 14-15, 20:2). Satan as the antagonist is also alluded to in the prophecy of verse 15 (“enmity between you and the woman” = Israel/people of God; “her offspring” = Christ/people of God; “your offspring” = The demons [Rev 12:4]; “he shall bruise the head” = Jesus’ fatal blow to Satan and his kingdom accomplished thru his earthly ministry [Luk 10:18; Heb 2:14]; “you shall bruise his heel” = Satan’s ability to hurt Christ but not defeat Him [Joh 13:27]). Notice however, that the “serpent” in Genesis 3 is a third-dimensional, material or physical creature that Adam and Eve can see (versus a 4th dimensional, spiritual creature invisible to them). He is a “beast of the field… that the Lord God had made” – v1). Notice also, that this serpent is referred to as “he” (v2) versus “it” – which implies personhood/sentience (versus being simply an animal which wb referred to as “it”). Lastly, notice that such sentience or rational capabilities are confirmed by the fact that this “serpent” is having a conversation w/the woman (even convincing her to sin!). This is further supported by the word that is used to describe the “serpent” in verse 1 (“crafty” = able to reason/discern, shrewd or wise – e.g. LXX Mat 7:24). It is only after the Fall (as punishment), that this rational creature becomes the snake we know today (“on your belly you shall go”; “livestock” driven by instinct, no longer possessing sentient/rational abilities). Such evidence makes a compelling case for the following: the “serpent” of Genesis 3 is (or was) the description of cherubim when they possessed third-dimensional, material or physical bodies. This may imply they resembled a humanoid form of a snake/dragon/lizard (Think Sleestak from Land Of The Lost, or the Gorn from Star Trek). Due however to Satan’s rebellion, such bodies were lost (i.e. the spirit of the angels in them were permanently separated from them; they “died” in re: to third dimension existence). God then took that physical form and created a “cursed” (or “crooked” – Isa 27:1) version (one crawling on its belly) as a perpetual reminder of what they had done. This seems to be the only logical conclusion given that: 1) outside of God performing a miracle (e.g. Balaam’s donkey), animals cannot be possessed for the purpose of communication, 2) the serpents created by God are (once more) sentient (something only possible if possessed by a spiritual being – i.e. it takes a spirit to have sentience. Hence the reason Scripture teaches that animals do not have spirits but simply souls/“life-force” [ruah versus nephesh]; Job 12:7-10). Finally, it sb mentioned that one of the Hebrew words for angel is the word “seraph”, which can also be translated as “serpent” (Deu 8:15 w/Isa 6:2; See also Luk 10:17-19). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = The loss of the cherubim’s third-dimensional, material or physical bodies is among the contributing factors to these malevolent spirits becoming “body-snatchers” (i.e. possessing the bodies of other sentient beings – humans).

The misinterpretation of Scripture: happens when we fail to: 1) exercise precision in regard to its application (6:1-5; See 1Sa 21:1-6 = David and his men were innocent [or “guiltless” – see Mat 12:1-8]; Jesus’ role as “lord of the Sabbath” [or master of the holy day] meant that like David and his men –or the priests [Mat 12:5], He and the “disciples” were holy/set apart to a holy mission [See Joh 15:3 – “clean” = Consecrated as holy] and therefore able to do what others could not [e.g. work for their food] on the Sabbath), 2) understand the spirit of God’s laws – i.e. the principle being established by their instruction (6:6-11 = the Sabbath was meant to bring a blessing to men/animals – not increase/prolong suffering).Though thoroughly Jewish at its foundation (Jewish “apostles” and a Jewish Messiah – Eph 2:20), the New (Covenant) Israel would no longer be tribal (or represented by 12 tribes)(6:12-14b- “Peter and Andrew his brother, James and John” his brother).Potential does not guarantee success (6:12-16 = No doubt what Jesus is attempting to gain thru “prayer to God” is who possesses the most potential among “his disciples” to have the greatest impact as “apostles”. “Peter” and most especially the “traitor” of “Judas Iscariot”, demonstrate that such potential does not guarantee success).We possess free-wills (6:16 – “Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor” = Such language implies culpability. He wasn’t made a traitor by God, but chose this course of his own volition; See also 7:30 – “The Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves” = This is only possible if our wills are truly free).Jesus was only popular when it wasn’t about obeying God’s laws (6:17-19 w/6:46).Those who wb: 1) “blessed” with “reward” that is “great in heaven” are those whose form of Christianity (love/loyalty to the “Son of Man”/Jesus) has caused them to suffer in some way (financially/physically/emotionally/relationally) (6:20-23), 2) cursed w/ eternal poverty and pain are those whose form of Christianity has not caused them to suffer (but rather “all people speak well of [them]” like “the false prophets” before them)(6:24-26).Even though people will persecute us (i.e. treat us unrighteously) b/c of our faith (if we are being faithful), we must continue to: 1) treat all people righteously (6:27-28, 31-33), 2) submit to the “demands” of those God has established as authorities over us in the world (6:29-30), 3) show mercy to those in the world who qualify (including lending to such individual w/o demanding interest as we would those in the covenant community – 6:34-36).Our judgment of others: 1) must include forgiveness/restoration if we expect forgiveness/restoration w/God (IOW: if we don’t work toward forgiveness/restoration, then the same wb true w/God – 6:37-38; Mat 6:14-15), 2) will only be as accurate as those we spend the most time with/listening to (6:39-40) and the time we have taken to deal w/such issues in our own lives (6:41-42), 3) reveals the state of our own hearts (6:43-45).LORD.BEFORE.SAVIOR. (6:46-49, 7:1-10).The special promotional deals indicating not only the beginning of something new, but also our ability to be a part of its blessings, should not be construed as meaning there are no obligations (7:11-23; e.g. Promo ads for a new gym in town or promo deals for joining a certain branch of the military).False Christians: 1) think they are more legitimate (in their Faith) than the greatest true Christians (7:24-28), 2) reject the practice of justice as necessary to salvation (7:29-30), 3) possess a Faith filled w/theological contradictions and failures to the human flourishing test (7:31-34, 35; e.g. penal substitution).Those who are loving Jesus the most (thru living the most faithful to Him), are also those who will possess the most loving affection for Him (since they are those most forgiven) (7:36-50; 47 w/50//42-43).One of the ways that Christians – especially those who can’t be in full-time ministry (e.g. women), can still have great impact for God’s glory and kingdom is by contributing to the financial needs of men who are in/pursuing full-time ministry (8:1-3; e.g. Financially helping the young men in our pastoral apprentice program).Seeking a deep understanding of the things of God (or God’s Word) in the present is the essential key to possessing eternal life in the future (or staying the path of salvation) (8:4-18).Jesus wants us to immediately stop identifying and fixing our loyalty to those the world calls our family and instead give such identity and loyalty to the church – i.e. “those who hear the word of God and do it.” (8:19-21; Hence Mat 10:34-39 = This is one of the signs that we lost our lives for Christ).Jesus saw the benefits in adults taking naps (8:22-23a).Though never deficient in their gospel (or soteriology), legitimate Christians can (and most likely will at times) possess deficient theology – including in relation to the nature of Jesus (or Christology) (8:22-25).Possession by multiple demons: 1) may be the reason behind many who are driven to suicide (8:26-27, 30 w/Mar 5:5 = Being among the tombs and cutting himself seems to imply he desires to be dead/take his own life; A phenomenon associated w/those who commit suicide is stripping naked before attempting the act (See “Naked Suicide” in The Journal Of The American Academy Of Psychiatry And The Law), 2) requires the power of Jesus in that person’s life to put them back in their “right mind” (31-39).Even demons: 1) are afraid of Hades and Hell (8:28-29, 31; “abyss” = Hades and Hell), 2) need to possess a living biological entity in order interact w/this world (8:32-33).Wicked people would rather live in a world run by Satan and filled w/demon-possessed people than one w/Jesus and people in their right minds (8:34-37).The proper response to Jesus changing your life is to tell others (8:38-39).Unlike the (so-called) Christian ministers/ministries today, Jesus was only willing to help those who trusted Him and/or were a part of the covenant community (8:40-56).Those Jesus has called into ministry are given the authority/power necessary to accomplish their mission (9:1-6; Phi 4:13; 2Co 2:14-3:6).Not all those seeking Jesus/Christianity do so for the right reasons (9:7-9; Confusion and curiosity were Herod’s reasons).Going on vacations to reflect and recharge from prior ministry is necessary to continued fruitfulness for the kingdom (9:10).The leaders of Christ’s covenant community have the promise – and ability, to more than meet all the spiritual needs of its people. As such, never should the leaders or their people “send (their people) away” to outsiders to solve their problems/care for their needs (e.g. outsourcing our spiritual care/counseling to those who don’t have Jesus since He resides and distributes His spiritual bread in the covenant community thru its leaders) (9:11-17; Mat 14:15-21 w/Joh 6:1-14, 26-35 = The reason for making real bread in abundance was to point to His role as “the Prophet” or spiritual “bread” that (like the physical bread) is more than enough to satisfy their needs – i.e. grant them eternal life).Truth is not determined by majority vote (9:18-20).Following Jesus means you don’t control: 1) the narrative (He does) (9:21-22 w/Mat 16:21-23), 2) your life (HE does) (9:23-25, 27), 3) the message (HE DOES!) (9:26)The appearance of Moses and Elijah at Jesus’ transfiguration proved that He was the new Moses (Deu 18:18-20) and that the “day of the Lord” had come (9:28-36; Mat 17:1-3; Mal 3:1-3 w/4:5).Jesus is the only One God wants us to listen to now (9:35; Mat 17:4-8).The reason there was so much sickness/disease among the Jews was due to their unfaithfulness (9:41; See Mal 2:10-16; Psa 119:58).Jesus did not let His majestic mountain-top experiences as God’s Son keep Him from patiently and powerfully helping even the most pathetic people in the covenant community (even though He too became irritated/exhausted w/them) (9:37-43a).Jesus predicted His death and resurrection multiple times before it took place (9:43b-45 w/9:21-22).Receiving (giving ourselves to the serious discipleship and encouragement) of our children in the covenant community is one of the ways we show submission to Jesus and our greatness in the kingdom of God (9:46-48).Though it is necessary to be a part of a legitimate church in order to be saved, people do not need to be a part of our church to be our brothers and sisters in Christ (9:49-50).It is sin to become angry at those who do not share (or wish to help w/) our personal (spiritual) burdens (9:51-56; e.g. Evangelism on college campuses)Jesus must be our first priority irrespective of: 1) safety/comfort (9:57-58), 2) society’s approval (9:59-60), 3) our family’s approval (61-62).

All world events – even the decisions of its highest human officials/authorities, are being used by God to accomplish His purposes in relation to His people (2:1-6 w/Mat 2:6 and Mic 5:2; See also Pro 21:1).Following the medical wisdom of our day is a part of how we trust God and recognize His sovereignty in our present world (2:7 – “swaddling cloths” = strips of cloth wrapped around the baby’s body to ensure proper growth/sleep).The gospel (or “good news”) of salvation through Jesus Christ “the Lord” – or “peace” w/God is something those legitimately seeking to be right w/God: 1) never run away from in “fear”(2:8-14), 2) immediately make “haste” to discover, treating everything else as secondary (e.g. the shepherds’ flock) (2:15-16), 3) impactfully share w/others (2:17-19), 4) receive w/great joy and thankfulness (2:20).God’s peace is only “among those with whom He is pleased” (2:14).Dedicating/raising your child unto the Lord means by being obedient to “do for Him (or “perform everything”) according to the custom of the Law (“of the Lord”)” (2:21-24, 27, 39, 41).“Jesus grew up in a family that meticulously observed the law of Moses . No fewer than five times…Luke tells the reader that they did everything required in the Law…The firstborn son dedicated to God could be redeemed for five shekels (Num 18:15-16). Nothing is said by Luke about the family redeeming the child from his ‘belongs to God’ status. Jesus is therefore like Samuel, who was dedicated to God…” – F.B. CraddockIf penal substitution is true (atonement = punishment), then Mary was punished for giving birth to Jesus (2:24 w/Lev 12:8).An important key to growing in spiritual “wisdom” and “favor with God” is spending time in God’s “temple” among her “teachers” (2:22-39 w/40; 2:41-51 w/52).“Jesus’ own nurture in His tradition prepared Him to oppose flawed and hollow practices in the name of the law of Moses.” – F.B. CraddockGod’s plan thru Jesus has always: 1) been primarily for “His servant Israel…in remembrance of His mercy…to Abraham and to his offspring forever” (1:54-55)… “to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins” (1:77)…“for glory to (His) people Israel”(2:32b) – i.e. it is Judaism 2.0, 2) included the Gentiles (non-Jews) (2:32a w/ w/Isa 42:6, 49:6, 52:10, 60:3) – i.e. they are encouraged to become a part of this new Judaism (Eph 2:11-13), 3) anticipated it would cause major tension/division w/in the (so-called) covenant community and between family members (2:33-35; Mat 10:34-37).Like Jesus: 1) Our attitude sb “Did you not know I must be in My Father’s house?” (when it comes to going to church) (2:49).Like Jesus, it sb harder to leave church than go to church (2:51a).Godly mothers treasure their kids spiritual accomplishments far more than other accomplishments in life (2:19, 51b).John the Baptist preached repentance as: 1) the prerequisite to seeing “the salvation of God” (3:1-6), 2) a warning to those embracing easy-believism (3:7-9), 3) a commitment to mercy (3:10-11), justice (3:12-13), faithfulness (3:14) (Mat 23:23), 4) easy in comparison to what wb demanded by Jesus (3:15-17; Act 2:38 and Gal 5:16 w/Mar 9:49-50), 5) part of His gospel (“good news”) message (3:18).Those who Jesus considers His best preachers boldly confront those who consider themselves Christians yet live in sin (3:19-20).Like all God’s legitimate priests/teaching-pastors, Jesus’ ministry included: 1) bearing the sins of His people (3:21 w/Lev 16:21; Isa 53:4, 11), 2) being anointed/ordained with the authority of the Holy Spirit (3:22 w/Exo 29 and Lev 8 and Isa 66:21), 3) being the proper age (i.e. age at which He had completed His theological training) (3:23a), 4) being in the family of God (3:23b-38; for us, this means making sure those serving as our teaching-pastors are truly Christians and not just men who have received theological training – e.g. MDiv).Like the goat of Azazel, Jesus bore/took our sins to the dumping ground in the “wilderness” (i.e. domain of Satan) (3:21 w/4:1-2 w/Lev 16:10, 21-22; 1Jo 5:19; Mar 9:47-48).Fasting (“eating nothing” or little) makes you “hungry”. That’s the point (we grow in self-control – i.e. in our ability to resist temptation, only when there is pain involved). Hence the statement, “no pain, no gain”(4:2).The godly desires of: 1) provision (4:1-4), 2) protection (4:5-8) and 3) purpose (4:9-12) are often the things Satan attempts to use to destroy our walk w/God by tempting us to possess them on our terms (or in our timing) rather than God’s (4:3, 6-7, 9-11).Jesus triumphed over Satan in the same way we can: by demonstrating our greatest desire to be obedience to God/God’s way (4:13; 1Pe 5:9).Enduring and passing the painful tests God puts in your life is the way to gain Holy Spirit power for living and great respect from others (4:14-15).Lord.Before.Savior (4:16-30 = Jesus was unwilling to grant the deliverance/promises of Isaiah 61 [17-21] to His own people. Though they spoke “gracious words” about Him [22], Their hearts were rebellious to Him. Hence the reason Jesus states, “no prophet is acceptable in His hometown” and His mention of passing such deliverance/promises on to the Gentiles [vv25-27] is met w/murderous “wrath” [28-29]).Flattery ≠ Faithfulness (4:22-24).People in the covenant community can be demon possessed (4:31-37).When a man possesses the “authority” of God’s Holy Spirit and Word, he possesses the “power” to purge/protect God’s people from the forces of evil (4:31-41; 39 – “rebuked the fever” = Implies its origins were demonic).The primary “purpose” (or focus) of the pastor’s time must be protected from becoming something other than gospel/kingdom oriented “preach(ing)” in (and to) the covenant community (4:42-44; Act 6:1-4).The intimidation that comes from exposure to God’s power (in His Word/work/servants) is meant to cause us to: 1) confess our sins/unfaithfulness (5:1-10a), 2) commit ourselves more fully to Christ than ever before (10b-11).Atonement has to do w/justification/spiritual cleansing (i.e. making someone spiritually “clean” before God) not justice (punishing someone for what they have done) (5:12-16).Those “Pharisees…teachers of the law…and scribes” condemned by Jesus: 1) did not believe in a works-based salvation. Rather they condemned it (5:17-26), 2) were hypocrites practicing sin yet acting as though they were holy/practicing righteousness (5:27-32; Mat 23:28), 3) cared nothing about reaching the lost (5:30-32; Mat 9:13).The rule, “context determines usage and meaning” is vital to discerning literature and life (5:33-39).

WHO is God? WHAT was God’s purpose in creating us? WHY is there suffering in the world? HOW do we determine truth? When are we most happy? WHERE is the endgame of life?The endgame for every person is standing before god in judgment of all our deeds to determine whether we were faithful or unfaithful, whether we are fit for heaven or fit for hell.

LUKE 8:9-10, 16-18 WHO is God? WHAT was God’s purpose in creating us? WHY is there suffering in the world? HOW do we determine truth?Truth is found by submitting all things to the interpretation and judgment of God’s written Word, the Bible. HAPPINESS: WHEN are we most happy?We are most happy when we are seeking to know God, gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible.

Numbers 34-36The “inheritance” (or realization) of God’s b-haps (big, happy, awesome promises) requires: 1) great attention to God’s definitions/details (34:1-15 -the land of Canaan defined by its “borders”), 2) following the assigned path given to you by your appointed leaders (34:16-29 – “men who shall divide the land to you”; Heb 13:17).God commands His people to live in areas where there are Levitical cities (today this wb the church) for the purpose of receiving: 1) spiritual influence (35:1-5, 7-8; These cities/dwelling places of the Levites became the centers for biblical education; Heb 13:7), 2) justice (35:6, 9-34; These cities/dwelling places of the Levites also become the courts for protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty; 1Co 6:1-6).The congregation of God’s people (in each Levitical city) are to serve as witnesses and judges when determining the protection or punishment of those accused of a capital crime (35:9, 24-29; Lev 5:1).Intentionality, use of a lethal weapon, enmity or hatred are the criteria when determining what makes a person guilty of murder in the wrongful death of another (35:9-24).Justice (or equity) does not allow for: 1) speculation (35:30), 2) exceptions (35:31-32), 3) penal substitutes (35:33-34) (How then could Jesus be our penal substitute since this would mean God is a corrupt judge?).Marrying w/in your clan is also necessary to protecting your inheritance from God (36:1-13 w/1Co 7:39; 2Co 6:14-18).Luke 1“Certainty” is the result of thorough investigation and sufficient evidence (1:1-4; “having followed all things closely for some time”, “many have undertaken to compile…from the beginning were eyewitnesses”).Being “righteous before God”: 1) means “walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (1:5-6), 2) is a very real possibility for imperfect people (“Zechariah” and “Elizabeth” were not perfect – e.g. 1:7-22; e.g. Heb 11).Being a great man or woman of God includes turning (or returning) many Christians who are currently falling away, back to the path of faithfulness “to the Lord their God” – i.e. to being (once more) “a people prepared… ready for the Lord”(‘s) arrival (1:13-17).Ministry to the Lord is a valid reason for extended periods of time away from your family (1:8 w/23 w/1Ch 24; In this light consider Num 35 w/Jos 21 = Levites/Priests lived in cities throughout the nation of Israel yet were required to travel to Shiloh/Jerusalem [up to 120 miles] for duty when it was the time appointed by lot for the “division”).God cares about how the faithful are viewed by those in the covenant community (not the world) and therefore gives to them what they need to be perceived as above approach (1:13-14, 23-25).The announcement of Jesus’ coming birth also revealed His identity as the fully God and fully human Messiah (1:26-33).There is a difference between asking a question and questioning in re: to God (or God’s Word) (1:18-20 versus 1:34-38).Jesus’ conception/birth to a virgin mother made sure that He circumvented original sin and could be our sacrifice for sin (i.e. a lamb w/o blemish) (1:35; Rom 5:12).History bears witness to God giving greater blessings to those among His people who trust Him w/the difficult (or “impossible things”) rather than those who choose to doubt Him (1:37 w/39-45).History bears witness to God using His people’s children to do great things for Him and the covenant community (1:46-55, 68-79) when they submit their wills to His design (1:57-66), and form of discipline/discipleship (1:80; see also Mar 1:6 = ML this was his prescribed adornment and diet while living in the “wilderness”).What makes us great is what we know/do/say in re: to God (that we are “strong in spirit” – 1:80) versus what we look like (again Mar 1:6 versus 1:15, 76-77).

God expects us to keep our vows of celibacy (e.g. during betrothal, special fasts of celibacy, remain a virgin/unmarried/become a eunuch): 1) even if they are a “thoughtless utterance” of our lips (i.e. we weren’t thinking when we made them – 30:1-2 w/6), 2) unless they are made by women w/o consent of their betrothed/husbands or fathers (in the case of un-betrothed younger women still at home; e.g. daughter in the home vows to God to never get married but remain financially dependent on her father/parents) (30:3-16, 5 and 13; 1Co 7:5, 36-38).Like prostitution, female celibacy can encourage (rather than remove) sexual immorality (25:1-3 w/30:3-16).Overreactions are not remedies (25:1-3 w/30:6-16).The removal of sinful influences – not good things (used sinfully), is the prescribed way to get rid of sin (30:3-16 w/31:1-20, 16-18; e.g. taking a kid’s cell phone b/c they are guilty of doing sinful things w/it).God’s anointed (or ordained) pastors/priests (i.e. the pastor-teachers – Eph 4:11b) are to receive the lion’s share of compensation in comparison to those serving as Levites/full-time ruling elders (i.e. pastors – Eph 4:11a) (31:21-47 [1 clan] w/26:57-58 [8 clans] = about 1/3 less per Levite clan versus Eleazar the priest; See Num 18; 1Ti 5:17-18 – “double honor” = two-parts price [which can mean 2/3 – or 2 out of 3 equal parts]; 1Co 6:20).Great deliverance or blessings (31:48-49) should prompt us to give generous free-will offerings to God (i.e. giving that is above/beyond our tithe)(31:50-54).Great leaders never allow their people to put other things before their primary obligations to God and His people (32:1-42, 28-30).God expects us to make the accommodations necessary to fulfill our obligations to God and His people w/o burdening or complaining to the covenant community (32:16-27).Cowardliness is contagious and has been known to create great collateral damage (32:6-15).Your sin will find you out (32:23).Remembering our failures are as important to staying the course as remembering God’s faithfulness to staying the course (33:1-49 = The significance of the various locations mentioned: they are the places of Israel rebellion; 1Co 10:1-11).Taking possession of God’s promises means: 1) removing compromise in all areas of our lives (33:50-53; 2Ti 2:19-21; Heb 12:1), 2) practicing equity toward those in the covenant community (33:54).Compromise – especially when it comes to those we choose to associate with, means: 1) we will experience “trouble” from them (33:55), 2) we will experience God’s trouble against them (33:56; 2Jo 1:9-11).

1 Timothy 4:7-11 GODWHO is God?God is the only eternal and perfectly just, faithful, loving, wise and all-powerful Creator, Sustainer, Judge and savior of everything that exists, Who has made Himself obvious through what He has created and what he has written in his word, the Bible. PurposeWHAT was God’s purpose in creating us?We exist to know God, gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible. ProblemsWhy is there suffering in the world?All suffering is the result of our failure to know God, gain his glory and advance his kingdom through trusting and obeying his design, gospel or written word, the bible. truthHow do we determine truth?Truth is determined by submitting all things to the interpretation and judgment of god’s written word, the bible.

God can restore to future generations what was taken from their ancestors due to sin (26:1-51, 57-65; Compare: Num 1:23, 27, 46 w/26:14, 22, 51).God’s justice does not negate His personal preference (26:52-56; Pro 16:33).Death is part of how we serve justice for our sin and the proof that what Jesus did on our behalf did not fulfill all the requirements of justice (27:1-3 w/Gen 2:17; Exo 34:7; 1Pe 4:17-18). The two parts of justice needed to be right w/God: 1) active justice/removal of corruption in re: to our behavior (what we must do) = obedience to the Law/righteous practice/repentance/cleansing thru punishment – Pro 20:30, 2) passive justice/removal of contamination in re: to our spirit (what God must do) = sacrifice according to the Law/atonement/forgiveness/pardon/propitiation/cleansing thru substitution – Eph 2:13-14).God doesn’t punish His food (28:1 – “My food for my food offerings, my pleasing aroma” = He w/happiness becomes our sin-eater so that our position before Him can become clean and His disposition toward us that of Friend). In this light then consider: Is Christ’s death penal? Did Jesus in His death pay the penalty for our sin OR like the OT sacrificial animals, become the vessel to carry/destroy the stain/contamination our sins thru death – after we repented/paid the penalty/did justice (Luk 19:1-10; Lev 6:1-7 w/Mat 5:23-24 w/Exo 34:7 = God doesn’t give pardon/passive justice w/o active justice being served by us. Hence the reason we must repent to receive forgiveness).Equity: 1) means that God’s inheritance is the same for both men and women (27:4-11; 1Pe 3:7), 2) does not mean the same thing as equality (These verses establish equity [everyone is treated fairly], but not equality [everyone is treated the same]; e.g. women cannot be pastors – though they are equal heirs of the grace of life; 1Ti 2:12-15).Though applications change, the principal established by God’s Word (i.e. the “spirit of the law”) must be preserved (27:1-11).An anointed (“appoint[ed]”)/ordained (“commissioned”) pastor (i.e. a “shepherd” w/ “authority” “over the congregation”): 1) must “uphold” God as holy before His people or risk serious consequences (27:12-14; Jam 3:1), 2) is the paradigm established (and later promised) for the covenant community of God’s people (which means if that is not the case, then they are not God’s people)(27:15-23; Joh 21:21-23; e.g. 1Co 7:40; NC promise – Jer 2:8 w/3:15, 23:1-6).The Pentateuch (or Law) wb the other (or highest) authority and primary governing tool for all God’s leaders after Moses (27:20 – “some authority” [the other existing in God’s written words] versus Moses who possessed all authority – Num 12:8 w/Exo 4:16; Jos 1:7-8; Deu 17:14-20; Mal 2:7 w/4:4; Mat 5:17-20).Like physical maturity, spiritual maturity moves from learning faithfulness to your designation and duties, to learning faithfulness w/your time (28:1-29:40 w/2:1-4:49; 28:1, 29:39– “offer to Me/the LORD at its/your appointed time/feasts”; Eph 5:15-20; 1Pe 4:1-3).Like physical maturity, spiritual maturity requires: 1) prioritizing our calendars according to spiritual events/activities/holidays (versus those of the world) (28:1-8 = Everyday, 29:9-10 = Every Lord’s Day, 29:11-15 = Every month, 28:16-29:40 = Taking time off for spiritual holidays/covenant community vacations – e.g. camping trip), 2) never forgetting/frequently recognizing and celebrating God’s increasing provision (28:16-29:40; Passover/Unleavened Bread = Birth/Beginning of our life w/God/Initial blessings; Pentecost/Weeks = Realizing the first-fruits of our life w/God; Trumpets/Yom Kippur/Booths = Acknowledging the bountiful provision that is now coming from God as we continue through time and trials to walk in faithfulness to Him).The descending order of sacrifices per day over the course of the Feast of Booths – a festival representing God’s special dwelling with Israel while on their journey to the Promise Land, may have been meant to communicate God’s expectation that there wb progressively less sin in the camp/our lives the longer we walk w/Him (29:12-38 = Day one: 30 animals, Day two: 29 animals, Day three: 28 animals, Day four: 27 animals, Day five: 26 animals, Day six: 25 animals, Day seven: 24 animals, Day eight: 10 animals).The fact that worshiping/pleasing God involved so much animal death (28:1-29:40 – 730 animals day/evening + 132 1st of month + 11 Passover + 11 Weeks + 11 Trumpets + 11 Atonement + 199 Booths = 1,105 animals per yr not counting personal sacs) should radically change the way we kill animals (it is to be kosher/humane –they are not to suffer/we should not wait until they are suffering – Pro 12:10) and view killing animals (when kosher/humane) (it is not sadistic or sad, but happy: 1) service to God’s glory and kingdom, 2) service to us [in providing food], 3) retirement from their service to us).

1 Timothy 4:7-11 GODWHO is God?God is the eternal and perfectly just, faithful, loving, wise and all-powerful Creator, Sustainer, Judge and savior of everything that exists, Who has made Himself obvious through what He has created and what he has written in his word, the Bible. PurposeWHAT was God’s purpose in creating us?We exist to know god, gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible. ProblemsWhy is there suffering in the world?All suffering is the result of our failure to know god, gain his glory and advance his kingdom through trusting and obeying his design, gospel or written word, the bible.

False teachers/prophets have power too (22:1-7; Deu 13:1-3; 2Th 2:9-10; e.g. Exo 7:11, 22, 8:7; Act 8:9-11).Many of those who end up in hell did mighty works in God’s name, claimed Him to be their Lord/God, counted themselves among the upright – even occasionally feared Him and repented of their sins (22:8-21, 31-41 and 23:1-30 and 24:1-24, w/24:25 [notice Balaam “went back to his place” versus becoming a proselyte = Refused to become a part of the covenant community yet claimed God to be “His God”] and 25:1-3 and 31:16 and Rev 2:14; Mat 7:21-23).You are no different than Balaam (i.e. a person who thinks too highly of themselves) if you cannot be loyal/commit yourself to those you did not create and/or cannot control (24:25 – “his place” = ML his family [loyal to those he created] w/25:1-3 and 31:16 [loyal to those he could control; he may have lost his ability to control thru blessing/cursing, but he still yielded the power of corruption and by this would retain his power/control over people like the Midianites/Moabites. Hence his reason for still hanging around/being committed to them – despite what his own mouth had spoken in prophecy against them from God! In this light consider Heb 6:5 = People can “taste the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come” and yet still choose to follow the path of their own glory/gain; Consider also Simon in Act 8:9-24]).People doing God’s work w/wicked motives (e.g. for personal gain) remain under His wrath (22:22-33, 32 w/Jud 1:11; 2Pe 2:15).Even donkeys know that effective/persuasive reasoning requires: 1) never assuming you know the context or actions of another (23-29, 28-29; 1Ti 6:4) and 2) a Socratic approach (i.e. reasoning thru thought-provoking questions) (22:30; e.g. Mat 12:22-32, 36-37 = Even God on J-Day will “reason” w/us using the Socratic approach as His means of establishing justice).God never lies, period (23:19a).God never changes His mind: 1) simply b/c somebody wants Him to (23:11-12 w/19b, 25-30), 2) based on people’s incessant/repetitious pleading/persuasive efforts (23:1-6, 27-30; Mat 6:7; Lev 19:31; Deu 18:9-14), 3) when what He has said is unconditional (23:7-10, 22-24 w/20 – “He has blessed and I cannot revoke it = God has already unconditionally decreed that Israel wb blessed), 4) unless what He has spoken was conditional and those conditions are met (e.g. Exo 32:9-14; Jon 3:10; Jer 18:6-10, 26:1-13; Joe 2:1-14).No power – supernatural or otherwise, can harm those God has promised to protect (23:21-23a; Deu 11:25).As a demonstration of their divine inspiration, Balaam’s final prophecies carry forward the key evangelistic elements of God’s promise to Abraham and prophetic vision to Jacob (fulfillment to begin 1500 yrs later): 1) Nations blessed thru Israel (24:1-7; Gen 12:3), 2) Israel w/a conquering, eternal king from the tribe of Judah (24:15-17; Gen 17:6, 49:9-10a; 2Sa 8:2, 11-14; Rev 5:5), 3) Israel as the kingdom that shall reign supreme over all others (24:7b-8, 18-24; Gen 12:1-2, 49:10b).Just b/c you haven’t heard from God (e.g. in answering prayer), doesn’t mean He has forgotten you or stopped working on your behalf (chs 22-24 = God was working but Israel didn’t know; ch 25 = Israel’s lack of trust that God was still working for them [albeit “behind the scenes”] led them to again resort to idolatry; See Exo 32; Consider also Joh 5:17).Collateral damage (25:9): 1) happens when leaders know of sin but do nothing about it/move too slow (25:4 = The leaders became part of the collateral damage), 2) can be avoided if we seek justice the moment we become aware of sin in the congregation (25:5-8).The best pastors turn back God’s wrath from His people by: 1) caring far more about God’s glory/name than the comfort or happiness of their people (25:11-13), 2) killing (i.e. excommunicating) w/o hesitation or pity any among God’s people who “yoke themselves” to another (thru committing capital crimes) (25:6-8).Bugs Bunny and Satan have this in common: both follow the principle of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join em” (25:14-18; This was a popular tactic among pagan nations when conquering others. Hence one of the reasons the Babylonians carried the Israelite captives back to their country).The epitaph on the tombstone of Israel’s first generation reads like the lives of many Christians: “Though they had time and plenty of opportunities, nothing really changed.” (25:9 w/26:1ff = The last of the first generation is now all dead [23k = sex immorality and idolatry, 1k = idolatry only – 1Co 10:8]; Exo 32 w/Num 25).“The significant parallels between the golden calf and the Baal Peor stories suggest the old generation of Israelites have made little or no progress in their commitment to God’s covenant.” – D. T. OlsonGod does not lie and He also doesn’t forget – especially those He promised to curse (25:14 – “Zimri…belonging to the Simeonites” = Tribe of Simeon w/Num 16:1 = Tribes of Levi and Rueben w/Gen 49:1-7; e.g. Those who go apostate).“Levi, Reuben, and Simeon in Numbers [are) a reflection of the curses these three sons received in Jacob’s deathbed ‘blessing’ of his twelve sons.” – M. Douglas

1 Timothy 4:7-11 GODQ - WHO is God? A - He is the perfectly just, faithful, loving, wise and all-powerful Creator, Sustainer, King and Judge of everything that exists, Who has made Himself obvious through what He has created and what He has written, the Bible. PurposeQ - WHAT was God’s purpose in creating us?A - To gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible.

The ordained priests/pastors shall: 1) be responsible for any unlawful use of God’s house or violations committed in relation to their office(18:1; e.g. fencing the pulpit and table; See Mal 1:6-2:9), 2) (therefore) guard their office and what takes place in God’s house (18:5, 7), 3) be fully sustained (financially) from the holy contributions of God’s people (18:8-20 – most esp. 19-20; See 1Co 9:13-14 w/Mat 10:10), 4) be given a double portion (i.e. receive more compensation than the Levites/ruling elders)(18:25-28; See 1Ti 5:17 – “double honor” = double portion).The Levites’ (or ruling elders’) primary ministry is to the ordained priests/pastors through : 1) helping them (18:2), 2) guarding them (18:3-4), 3) being a gift to them rather than a burden (18:6).Levites (or ruling elders) shall also be: 1) fully sustained (financially) from the holy contributions of God’s people if they are full-time. If they are not then they should be viewed as “lay-elders” and not compensated (18:21-22,24), 2) responsible for any unlawful use of God’s house (18:23).God’s people who work/live in environments w/greater levels of spiritual contamination must commit themselves to greater spiritual measures in order to be/remain pure (Num 19:1-22 = Due to all the recent deaths, [See Num 11, 14 and 16 = Over 15k people] the camp had suffered great spiritual contamination. Red heifers were rare and therefore costly [9 in 850 years]; e.g. Working in the financial/investment industry or being wealthy – Mat 19:23-24).“Nine red heifers were offered from the time that they were commanded to fulfill this mitzvah [command] until the time when the Temple was destroyed a second time. The first was brought by Moses, our teacher. The second was brought by Ezra. Seven others were offered until the destruction of the Second Temple.”– Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (famous 13th century Jewish historian, Maimonides)Tragedy coupled w/an unpleasant working environment or family problems has been known to create just of enough distraction and personal pressure, to ignite uncharacteristic outbursts of angry rebellion in the best of God’s people (20:1 w/2-12).Tragedy can beget further tragedy, if we are not careful to listen and respect the LORD (i.e. treat Him as holy) during those times (20:6-9 w/10-12).God’s compassion never negates His holiness (20:1 w/12-13).Though a fine line, there is a distinction between grumbling and insurrection, between claims of incompetency and claims of nefarious activity, between questioning and usurping (20:2-6, 21:4-9 versus 14:4, 10 and 16:1-3, 30).Being a good witness to world around us requires respecting their property and refusing to be a burden to them (14-17, 19; 1Th 4:11-12).Refusing to show pity/mercy to outsiders with legitimate needs is a request for God’s judgments against us (18, 20-21; Amo 1:11).God punishes those who are guilty by association (20:10-12 w/22-29).Jesus was lifted up like the bronze serpent so that we could look on Him and be healed from /forgiven for our rebellion (21:4-9; Joh 3:14-15).Those who get in the way of where God is intending to lead His people will be devoted to His destruction (21:1-3, 10-35; Act 5:30-39).God decrees detours and expects us to be patient (21:4-5 w/20:17-21).Public shame and pain can be a required piece in confession and repentance, especially when former confession and repentance failed to deliver (Num 21:6-9 w/20:39-45).

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION THE EUSEBIAN METHOD(7-8) - “godliness” = eusebian2.1. Why “true religion” is a better translation of the word (eusebian):2.1.1. This is how the word was understood in ancient times.2.1.2. “Godliness” (literally, behavior that is like God) is too vague.2.1.3. This translation is more consistent with Paul’s primary purpose for writing the pastorals (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) which is catechizing people in truth/sound doctrine/correct religious confession.2.1.4. This translation makes other passages in the pastorals (where we find this word) clearer as to their meaning.2.2. E-Method versus B-ModificationEMBM2.2.1. Focused on: changing the mind thru meditation on the answers to life’s ultimate questions (Who is God? What purpose were we created for? Why do we suffer and bad things happen in the world? When are we most happy? How do we discern/discover truth? Where is everything heading?)Focused on: changing behavior through positive and negative reinforcement of the rules.2.2.2. Results: Conviction (soul change/l-t behavior/operate by beliefs/identity based on what I believe/perseverance)Results: Conformity: (superficial change/s-t behavior/ghetto mindset/operate by instinct or desires/identity based on what I possess/fickleness)2.2.3. (e.g. 2Co 4:8-14)(e.g. Mat 13:5-6 w/20-21)

It only takes a few disobedient minutes to destroy years’ worth of progress and promises (14:1-45; 2Jo 1:8).Wrong expectations in relation to God’s promises can lead to mutiny against God and His current elders believing them to be incompetent and nefarious (14:1-3, 4-10a).Crying/whining about what God gives us often indicates that we think we know better than God what is best for our life (14:1; What they didn’t realize about their wilderness years and lack of abundance = It was meant to protect/prepare them for entering the land of plenty – Consider Deu 8:2-3 w/Pro 30:8-9).Though justice must always be equitable, different situations can demand different applications (14:10b-16).When possible, apply justice that is also evangelistic (14:10b-16).Mercy does not negate justice (14:17-23; See also Exo 34:6-7).God’s forgiveness (or “pardon”): 1) does not mean that all consequences for our sin have been removed (14:18-23 w/Pro 11:31 and Heb 12:6), 2) stops being granted to those who continue to practice sin – regardless of their repentance (Psa 103:11-18 w/Heb 10:26-30).God’s glory is His justice (14:21 w/22-23; Glorifying God therefore means to seek/serve His justice or to be just).God gives what He promises to those who trust His promises (14:24).God gives what we fear when we fear He won’t keep His promises (14:25-38 w/13:25 and 14:1-3; See also Pro 10:24; Isa 66:4).“The reader is left with the sense that God’s condemnation of the entire wilderness generation to a gradual forty year death in the desert is a punishment that fits the crime. In poetic justice, the old generation gets precisely what it asked for and deserved.”Some sins do irreparable damage (14:39-45; Heb 12:17).Because God is fair, He establishes the same expectations for everyone (15:1-29).Those who knowingly commit insurrection by condemning/coming against God’s ordained priests/pastors – or their sound teaching, are immediately apostate (i.e. they have committed “insurrection apostasy”) (15:30-31 “Does anything” = As in against the priest [See context – verse 28; Consider also v31 –“despised the word of the Lord” = It is the ordained priest who is speaking God’s words/judgment that are now being despised]; “with a high hand” = Literally, “presumptuously” [see Deu 17:12] “reviles the Lord” = Blasphemes the LORD/GOD, the unforgiveable sin [see Mat 12:22-32]).Considering the message of Numbers 15 in light of Numbers 14 should remind us that: 1) Revelation establishes (new) obligation (15:30-31 w/14:1-10 = Though incurring severe penalties, insurrection committed before God established the law of insurrection does not result in apostasy [the severest penalty]. This however will now be the case should someone else cross that line [e.g. Num 16:1-50]), 2) Losing a battle isn’t the same as losing the war (15:1-29 w/14:11-45 = Though incurring severe penalties, there was still the promise of forgiveness and covenant relationship unto heaven. Hence the reason God brings them back to the basics for remaining in covenant).Sabbath violations are to be treated as capital crimes no matter how small the infraction may seem (15:32-36; e.g. Missed more than my allotted Sundays by not being responsible).God expects us to possess things that will daily remind us to ask yourselves: 1) “How has the LORD commanded me to behave in this situation?”(15:37-39a), 2) “What is more important than full obedience and holiness? (15:39b-41).Any covenant community acting as though her ordained priests/pastors have real authority runs the risk of being told they “have gone too far!” (16:1-10, 11 w/15:30-31; e.g. recent insurrection/apostasy of a certain individual).Those most rebellious to God often make the fatal mistake of thinking that: 1) any ordained pastor/priest not approved/appointed by them is suspect/illegitimate (16:12-13), 2) the ones to blame when bad things happen to them or others because of their sin, are the ordained pastors/priests since they were the ones communicating and enforcing God’s judgment (16:14a, 41), 3) their despising of the ordained pastors/priests will not affect their relationship w/God (16:14b-35, 42-50), 4) they possess the same authority/authorization as the ordain pastors/priests (16:36-40).Fear for your life is the proper response to realizing God has given real authority and power to His ordain pastors/priests (17:1-13 w/Mat 12:22-32 w/16:19 w/Joh 20:21-23 w/Isa 66:21 w/Psa 132:5 w/1Ti 3:1-7 and 14-15 w/Tit 2:15).

1 Timothy 4:7-11 BEHAVIOR MODIFICATIONDesirable behavior created through focusing on what to do (and what NOT to do) coupled with positive and negative reinforcement (e.g. rules resulting in reward and punishment depending on our response).1.1. Why we can be confident that what Paul is talking about when he uses the phrase “bodily training” is indeed behavior modification (versus) some form of physical fitness:1.1.1. Physical fitness IS NOT a component/factor of spiritual fitness (Col 2:20-23).1.1.2. Spiritual fitness is Paul’s concern in our verses.1.2. SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE MADE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION your primary training in living the Christian life:1.2.1. you think LIFE is just a giant maze built on conformity.1.2.2. your parenting creates the idea that life is nothing more than a giant maze of conformity.1.2.3. YOU are driven by experience1.2.4. you have a hard time staying the course.1.3. What this means/does NOT mean:1.3.1. It does NOT mean that if you have spent time teaching/reinforcing god’s rules to yourself/your children, you have failed/should stop.1.3.2. It does mean that if you have made behavior modification your primary focus in training yourself or your children, then you and them are most likely at risk (spiritually).

God has provided ways for His people to show their dedication to Him thru special vows of separation (6:1-21; Rom 14:4-17, 5).We are still responsible for those sins that are the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (6:9-12, 11).There is no such thing as a Nazirite today since: 1) the prescription requires the OC sacrificial system (6:14-18; Heb 9:10), 2) abstaining altogether from wine would be a violation of the NC prescription regarding the LT (since it requires grapes/wine) (Luk 22:18; 1Co 11:21).The (ordained/anointed) priests are commanded – and possess the ability, to place God’s blessing on His people (Num 6:22-27; Consider w/Act 6:4 w/Jam 5:14-18 = Ordained/Anointed elders equated w/anointed prophets and able to request/place God’s blessing on people; Also Gen 20:7 – “prophet” – i.e. anointed person w/17-18; Consider NT epistles: “grace and peace to you”[Rom 1:7; 1Co 1:3; 2Co 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phi 1:2; Col 1:2; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:2; 1Ti 1:2; 2Ti 1:2; Tit 1:4; 1Pe 1:2; 2Pe 1:2]= Num 6:24-26; “grace” = saving favor – Psa 67:1-2, “peace” = life w/God – Psa 4:6-8).“[The priest] it is that must put up prayers for you to God, who will readily hear them, because God will receive them as offered by one that he hath himself chosen to this office.” – JosephusLike the priests, God’s house and holy things are also “anointed” signifying their ability to confer salvation (7:1; Think: no salvation outside of God’s house and his sacraments; Gen 28:17 w/Mat 16:19).The responsibility of providing for the priests and Levites what is necessary to fulfill their duties to God and His house is to be shared equally among the members of the covenant community (7:2-88, 84 = The silver plates, basins and golden dishes were ml part of the bounty given by God during Israel’s earlier plundering of the Egyptians – Exo 12:36; e.g. Sharing equally the resp. = The tithe [going back to the Adam and Eve – e.g. Gen 4:3-5] was the first to establish this principle and would again become the exclusive means to its fulfillment).God’s (or Christ’s) abiding presence and blessing on His people (8:1-4) is the direct result of their: 1) willingness to serve/go to war/guard His house (1:1-54), 2) obedience to God’s order and offices (2:1-4:49), 3) commitment to holiness and justice (5:1-31), 4) dedication to His house and holy duties (7:1-88).The Levites: 1) occupy a sacred office to God/in God’s house (8:5-8), 2) are representatives of the people to God (8:9-18), 3) serve the (high) priests (8:19-22), 4) have restrictions as to the years they can serve (8:23-26).God’s (or Christ’s) Passover/LT is to be observed by those professing to be God’s people: 1) exactly according to its covenant prescription w/o exception or modification (9:1-5, 14 ; 1Co 11:17-26), 2) only when they are qualified to do so (9:6-12; 1Co 11:27-28; Joh 19:36), 3) lest they be guilty of serious sin and face God’s divine judgment (9:13; 1Co 11:29-30).Unless we are sure God has left His house, we don’t leave the “camp” (i.e. the covenant community) where we and His house currently reside (9:15-23 = We don’t leave unless we are confident God has left first).Our sin can mean the only time we exist in God’s presence (or under His protection), is when we are in His house (9:17 w/Exo 13:21-22, 14:19-20 w/Exo 33:7-11 = Though God had promised them victory in their conquest – or that the land of Canaan wb theirs, this would now come w/its share of casualties. Their future wars would therefore be very different than their battle against Egypt where God’s presence/protection had gone before and behind them).

Not all families in God’s family hold the same rank or standing: 1) Judah and his “better” brothers (2:1-9 w/10-17, 18-32 = Judah’s group resided on the “east side” – or the neighborhood closest to the entrance to the tabernacle and was considered “first” versus Rueben’s group – though he was the firstborn – see Gen 49:1-12, 22-26), 2) The priests and Levites (1:51-53 w/2:33 = Priests/Levites were exempt from war and resided in neighborhood closest to the tabernacle; Eph 4:7 – “grace was given” = unmerited gifts based on what each person/family’s actions deserved; e.g. 1Ti 1:12-13).“The structure of the camp represents a geographical configuration which combines levels of relative holiness and prominence with ultimate inclusion of all the tribes within the camp. Everyone belongs somewhere, but some are more equal than others.” – Dennis T. OlsonTo advance God’s kingdom on earth requires the covenant community obediently submit to and operate by clearly defined lines of order and structure (2:34; 1Co 12:7-28, 14:26-40).God shows NO partiality (3:1-4; 1Pe 1:14-17).The priests are : 1) the ordained sacred office in God’s house given God’s authority to guard the office, holy things, covenant and Law – i.e. to bind and loose (3:10 – “guard the priesthood”, 3:38 – “guarding the sanctuary”, 4:5-20 – “covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings…the holy things” w/18:5,7 w/Joh 20:21-23; 1Ti 5:21-25, 6:20; e.g. baptism and the LT), 2) never to be guilty of narcissism (3:10 – “guard the priesthood” = their focus is not the people but God and holiness).Like the priests, the Levites also represent the people before God (3:11-20, 39-51) but: 1) are a non-ordained sacred office separate from the priests (3:5-6, 9), 2) are appointed to oversee/care for (“guard”) the physical safety and upkeep of all physical things related to the house of God and its ministry including its priests, people and property (3:7-8 – “guard over him and over the whole congregation” = This includes the role of bouncer/enforcer – See v10, 21-31, 33-37, 4:1-4, 21- See also 18:1-4), 3) are under the authority and direction of the priests (3:9, 32, 4:27-28, 33 and 18:6), 4) are eligible to serve between the ages of 25 and 50 and then after that in a limited capacity – i.e. oversight and security roles only (4:3, 23, 30, 35, 39, 43, 47 w/8:24-26). Reconciling “thirty years old and up” to “twenty five years old and up”= The latter represents the age at which Levite men would begin their training versus the former which was the time when they were eligible for service in the tabernacle (4:3 – “come on duty for service in the tent” = Serve as priests at the tabernacle; 8:24 -“come to do duty in the service of the tent” = Do manual labor/be trained to be Levitical priests; See also Ezr 3:8 – “twenty years old and up” = Labor in building the Temple not serving as priests; See also 1Ch 23:3 w/24).The two sacred offices of priest and Levite still exist in the New Covenant house of God – i.e. the church (Isa 66:20-21 w/Exo 19 :6 w/Rev 1:6, 5:10).God will not dwell in the covenant community if those who deserve to be “put out of the camp” are tolerated (5:1-4).There is no statute of limitations – nor exceptions, for making full restitution plus a penalty of 20% when a person realizes they are/were guilty of possessing property or services thru sinful means/measures while in the covenant community (5:5-9 w/6:1-5; e.g. rec’d an internet order of greater value than what was ordered and decided to keep it; e.g. rec’d more change back at the store than you should have and decided to keep it).God expects husbands and wives to: 1) be jealous for each other’s sexual purity/fidelity (5:11-14), 2) investigate w/the promise of consequences if their spouse is found guilty of immorality (5:15-30).Those husbands or wives who do not investigate or seek consequences in relation to their cheating spouse share in their guilt (5:31).You cannot escape God’s justice (5:11-31 = Escaping the covenant community’s ability to prosecute does not mean we have escaped God’s finding other ways to punish those who are guilty).Suspicion is enough to begin an investigation, but never enough to convict/accuse/condemn a person for a particular sin/crime (5:11-31; Num 35:30; Deu 17:6).God is for the abortion of babies conceived through adultery (5:21-27 – “her womb shall swell, and her thigh shall fall away” = Literally, “Her womb shall discharge and her uterus shall drop out”; See NIV; “fall away” [Heb.“nephel”] = miscarriage/abortion – Psa 58:9; Job 3:16; Ecc 6:3; See also Hos 9:14-16).“The consequence would be a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage of a fetus conceived by the illicit sexual activity.” – Dennis T. Olson“The priests are authorized in these cases to concoct a medical potion and administer it as an abortifacient.” – Jon L. Berquist “It is reasonable to conclude that at times, if not quite often, pregnancy [“her womb shall swell”] was material to the implementation of the ordeal. If this conclusion is correct, a pregnant woman who was “found out” by the ordeal would in fact lose her fetus; the ordeal would terminate her pregnancy.” – Baruch Levine

Leviticus 25-27We can trust God will continue to provide during those times He appoints rest or removes from our lives those things once appointed to provide for our needs (25:1-22; 2- “When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the Lord” = The Sabbath/jubilee laws of release were tied to the tribal [or “clan”] land of Israel inherited from God during the time they possessed it. Hence the reason such laws did not apply before or after their inheritance was no longer theirs)God provides no redemption if we permanently sell-off (or forfeit) His inheritance (25:23-34; e.g. forfeit our spiritual birthright thru apostasy – Gen 25:33 w/Heb 12:16-17).It is the responsibility of those in the covenant community to see that the needs (i.e. nourishment and covering: food, clothing and shelter – 1Ti 6:8) of their poor (i.e. those unable to financially maintain their needs) are met (Deu 15:4, 8). There are two options for accomplishing this: 1) 6 yr interest/profit free loans with credit/collateral (25:35-38 – “becomes poor with you …that you brother may live [w/you] beside you” = still possesses credit/collateral to cover the loan – e.g. land; Deu 15:1-2, 7-11), 2) 6 yr interest/profit free loans w/indentured servitude for those w/no credit/collateral (Lev 25:39-46 – “becomes poor beside you sells himself…as hired” = not enough credit/collateral to cover the loan so becomes indentured servant versus slave = the former has rights; “jubilee” = [literally] release; Deu 15:12; Exo 21:1-2).Though unbelievers can be slaves (personal property of owner w/no rights or contract) (25:43-46a), covenant bros/sis can only serve as indentured servants (hired under a 6 yr contract w/rights and the right of redemption) b/c they are already God’s slaves (25:42, 46a, 55, 25:47-54; ). In this respect, both the Christians in the North and the Christians in the South were wrong in their views at the time of the Civil War (the North viewed all slavery as wrong; the South possessed slaves who were Christians making the issue truly one of race [and therefore sinful] rather than God’s distinction – which is religion).God’s OT instruction regarding covenant members as slaves informs our interpretation of such NT passages as (1Ti 6:2) and the book of Philemon.There are two types of apostasy: 1) insubordination apostasy = apostasy due to unrepentance (26:18-39 – “sevenfold for your sins”; Mat 18:17; see Rev 6-11, 15-16), 2) insurrection apostasy = apostasy due to blasphemy of those serving in God’s sacred office (Num 15:30-31 16:1-50; Mat 12:22-32).Keeping (or maintaining) the covenant of salvation and receiving God’s blessing/promises (26:1-13 versus 14-39) requires: 1) sound theology (proper) (26:1), 2) keeping the covenant sign(s) (26:2a [OC = Sabbaths] w/9, 15, 25, 42, 44-45; Under the NC = Baptism and the LT; Gal 3:27 w/Col 2:11-12 and Luk 22:19-20 w/1Co 11:26), 3) reverence for God’s house (26:2b), 4) walking in faithfulness to God’s laws (26:3), 5) confession and real repentance (i.e. making our wrongs right by seeking/serving justice) when guilty of sin (26:40-46, esp. 40 and 43).LORD BEFORE SAVIOR (26:1-46).God responds in kind (26:15 w/30, 18, 21, 23-24, 27-28, 40-41).Like NC Christians today, the OC Israelites enjoyed the blessing of covenant legacy (i.e. certain descendants gaining salvation/covenant relationship w/God upon their creation). The difference was that theirs was based on the forefathers whereas ours (is based) on our parents (26:44-45; Act 2:38-39).Whenever we promise to give God something in exchange for His special help with specific people or things, it is important that we give exactly what we promised (according to its biblical value – 27:1-12, 14-25), when we promised it (Deu 23:21-23; Mal 1:14; Psa 22:25, 50:14, 61:5, 8, 116:4 w/14, 18; e.g. Gen 28:20-22; Num 21:2; Jug 11:30-31; 1Sa 1:11; Jon 1:16) since : 1) giving something in its place (a substitute of ) does not get us off the hook (i.e. we will still owe what we originally promised) (27:10, 33), 2) any portion redeemed (or not given) will be owed w/an additional 20% interest (27:13, 15, 19, 27), 3) failure will mean God becoming angry and destroy our efforts to get ahead in life (Ecc 5:4-6; Pro 20:25).God owns our tithe which means anytime we fail to give it, we are borrowing from Him and must pay an additional 20% interest (27:30-32).Anything God identifies as “devoted to destruction” cannot be ransomed/redeemed (27:28-29; e.g. those committing capital crimes or apostate).Numbers 1God views the men of the covenant community ( any male “from twenty years old and upward”) as either: 1) the warriors advancing His kingdom (1:1-46), OR 2) the guardians protecting His house (1:47-54).It is righteous for a country to establish a mandatory military draft among its eligible male population to supply troops for necessary and just wars (1:1-46).

Those that God calls to be His ministers (priests/pastors) are held to a higher standard (21:1-22:9; Jam 3:1).The priests and pastors represent Christ as husband (or lord or owner – “ba’al”; Exo 21:3, 34 ) to the congregation (21:4; For pastors as the equivalent to the OT priests – see Isa 66:21. Hence the reason – Deu 17:9-13 w/1Ti 5:19 and Heb 13:17).What we give as “holy things” to the Lord (in ministry/worship) is held to a higher standard (22:10-33; Consider what this means as it re: to our service on Sundays: singing, listening to God’s Word, as ushers or nursery attendants, meals we make for members in the congregation, gifts given, how we prepare for church the night before, personal hygiene and adornment on Sunday, ministry in general throughout the week).What God gives to sanctify (or cleanse) us will prove to be a deadly curse if presented (or approached) the wrong way (22:9, 32 w/1Co 11:26-34).Based on when they took place, the six “appointed feasts” or “holy convocations” or “Sabbath(s) to the Lord” established under the Old Covenant can be condensed into the three mandatory feasts or high Sabbaths (Deu 16:16) which all find their substance in (and) are fulfilled by our possession and proclamation (23:1-4 – “you shall proclaim”) of Christ in baptism and the LT: 1) Passover (w/Feast of Firstfruits or Unleavened Bread = 23:5-8, 9-15; 1Co 5:7,11b, 11:26//LT), 2) Feast of Weeks (or Pentecost -“fifty days” = 23:15-22; Act 2:1 and Rom 8:23; 2Th 2:13; Holy Spirit = the Spirit on behalf of Christ– see Joh 16:12-15//baptism), 3) Yom Kippur (w/Feast of Trumpets and Booths = 23:23-25, 26-32, 33-44; Heb 9-10//baptism-LT). That our possession/proclamation of Christ – or His ministry, is the substance/our fulfillment of these feasts is confirmed by (Col 2:16-17).The arrangement of the lampstand shining its light on the 12 loaves stacked on the table of pure gold before the Lord every Sabbath by priests was meant to communicate Israel’s position before God as a result of their covenant relationship with Him: as people continually basking in the light of His divine Presence. Hence the reason: 1) it is called the “bread of the Presence” (Exo 25:30), 2) for the arrangement within the tent of meeting which moved (west to east) from God’s throne room in the Holy of Holies to the “veil of the testimony” to the lamps to bread (24:1-4, 5-9; see also Exo 25:37 and Num 8:1-4), 3) there are “two piles, six in a pile”for the bread (same order as stones on priest’s breastpiece representing Israel – Exo 28;9-12; Deu 27:11-13), 4) it is the only offering designated as “an eternal covenant” (24:6), 5) the lampstand contains seven lamps (or lights) symbolizing God’s continual presence through the cycle of time – or 7 sabbatical seasons, as indicated His heavenly lights: the sun, moon and stars (Gen 1:14 w/Gen 2:1-3 [seventh day = regular sabbath]; Lev 16:29 [seventh month = Yom Kippur]; Deu 15 [seventh year = release from debts and slavery]; Lev 25 [seventh of the seven year cycles = jubilee]), 6) the blessing of the priest (Num 6:22-27). Our NC connection (2Co 4:6 – “face” = presence [Act 2:28]).The bread of the Presence’s renewal every Sabbath is (ml) meant to communicate the renewal that happens for God’s covenant people each Sabbath (or Lord’s Day) as they enter His presence (24:8; Rom 12:1-2 = The context of these verses is worship on the Lord’s Day in the church – see vv3-8).Blaspheming (i.e. cursing/condemning) God (“the Name” = person of God – incl. Jesus) is a capital crime not to be confused w/blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which is “insurrection apostasy” (24:10-16 w/Mat 12:32a versus Mat 12:32b = blaspheming/condemning those functioning in God’s holy/anointed office of authority [e.g. Num 16]. BTW: this is different than “insubordination apostasy [Mat 18:17 or Deu 17:11-13, 29:18-20; Num 15:30-31]).Unjust killing of a human being is a capital crime (24:17 – notice it doesn’t say another human life but simply “a human life” – which would therefore include our own; e.g. murder, unjust suicides – see Jug ).It is sinful to deliberately injure/kill animals without a justifiable/righteous reason for doing so (24:18).For justice to be served, the punishment must fit (or be equivalent) to the crime (“lex talionis”) according to how God views the crime (24:17-23; see also Exo 21:23-27 and Deu 19:21; e.g. v21 = killing of a human being versus an animal are not viewed the same by God – though they are by PETA).

Leviticus is divided according to the two types of Laws to be taught by the Levites (or priests) (Lev 10:10-11): 1) (chs 1-16) clean laws/{covenant signs} (sacrifices {Adamic/Noahic}, circumcision {Abrahamic}, sabbaths {Old} and separation {Old: diet, diseases, death, decay and discharges: birth, bodily, blood}), 2) (chs 17-27) moral commands.Seeking God outside of His prescribed protocol and/or place is playing w/demons and idolatry (17:1-9; 2Ch 11:14-15).Demons are real (17:7; Isa 34:14 – “Lillith” = night demon w/Pro 2:13-14; Joh 3:19; Col 1:13; 1Th 5:7; 1Pe 2:9; Jud 1:6).Blood is: 1) not to be consumed in any form (17:10, 12-14) 2) sacred since it is used to make atonement (17:11), 3) representative of our life (17:11a, 14).Vampires and gypsies/fortune-tellers are considered sinful by God and need to repent (17:10b, 14b, 20:6).The phrase “cut off” refers to being unclean and unable to receive God’s covenant blessings (e.g. 18:29-30 w/Num 19:13, 16-20). Since it is God doing the cutting off, it also does not (by itself) indicate the committing of a capital crime which requires the act of man (not God) (e.g. 20:1-5 = Our neglect to carry out death against those committing cap crimes does not stop God from still cutting them off demonstrating the two acts to not be synonymous).We are to listen/look to God and not (listen/look to) the unbelieving (pagan) culture around us to determine what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable (18:1-5), since: 1) God views their form of morality as “abominations” (18:26-27, 29-30), 2) they represent those “detested” by God (20:23), 3) they are the reason our planet suffers (ecologically and economically) (18:24-25, 28, 20:22).Sexual acts/looking at someone’s nude parts for sexual arousal (i.e. uncovering their nakedness) is “depravity” (18:17, 20:14) and “perversion” (20:12) and therefore prohibited/sinful in relation to: 1) blood/step relatives (18:6 – “close relative” = your flesh and blood – which would include sons and daughters , 7-8 = mother and step-mother, 9-18, 20:11-12, 14, 17, 19-21), 2) another person’s spouse (18:20, 20:10), 3) someone of the same sex (20:13), 4) a woman during her menstrual flow (sexual acts involving her “fountain” – 18:19, 20:18), 4) animals (18:23, 20:15-16). In some cases, such actions are also capital crimes (adultery-20:10, homosexuality – 18:22, 20:13, bestiality – 18:23, 20:15-16; Exo 22:19, certain forms of incest- 20:11-12, 14, 20-21 – “die childless” = put to death since it is not speaking to adultery or levirate obligations – Deu 25:5-10).Leviticus demonstrates both the evolution of the human race and maturity in the relationship between God and humanity since what was once prescribed/tolerated by God is now strictly prohibited (e.g. Cain and Abel = their wives were their sisters, Abraham = married his half-sister, Sarah, Lot = sex w/his daughters, Jacob = married to sisters, Leah and Rachel, Judah = sex w/his daughter-in-law, Tamar).Child abuse (i.e. actions that dedicate or commit your children to physical harm, the violation of their sexuality/sexual purity or the worship of false gods/religion)(18:21, 20:1-5), parent abuse (cursing/striking your father or mother) (20:9; Exo 21:15, 17; Deu 21:18-21) and involvement w/sorcery (19:31, 20:6 w/27) are also capital crimes.Loving our neighbor (i.e. covenant brothers/sisters) as ourselves (19:18) requires: 1) keeping the ten commandments (18:1-20, 18:22-23 [coveting and adultery], 18:21, 19:1-8 [parents, Sabbaths, idolatry, proper worship], 19:11-13 [stealing, lying, broken sacred oaths], 19:16-17 [murder]), 2) caring for the needs of the poor (19:9-10), 3) not oppressing or taking advantage of others (19:13, 33-34), 4) accommodating the handicapped (19:14), 5) never showing partiality or practicing slander, unforgiveness or revenge (unprescribed vengeance) but instead always seeking truth and justice (prescribed vengeance) through the covenant courts (19:15-18), 6) never allowing expediency or our personal benefit in the present to forfeit the benefits/honor due or promised to others in the future (19:19 [cross-breeding, cross- dressing-like the priests, see also Exo 28:5-40, Deu 22:11], 19:20-22 [taking back your promises], 19:23-25 [stressing the land]), 7) adorning ourselves to please God (19:27-28), 8) not allowing our daughters to become promiscuous women (19:29), 9) honoring the elderly (32), 10) not cheating (36), 11) being faithful in our observance of God’s holy days and respectful while in His house (19:30), 12) not seeking supernatural knowledge through anyone/anything other than God (19:26, 31).Damaging personal property promised to another requires some form of restitution be paid to the other party (19:20-22).To Christ, being under His Lordship (“I am the Lord” -18:4-5, 30, 19:1, 3, 12, 14, 16, 18, 30, 37, 20:7-8, 24) means: 1) listening to/walking faithfully according to all His rules (18:18:4-5, 19:37, 20:8, 22), 2) steering clear of those things identified as abominations and unclean (18:29-30, 20:25), 3) perfecting holiness in all things (19:1-2, 20:7, 26; 2Co 7:1).

Giving birth, certain animals, leprous diseases and decay as well as death and bodily discharges all possess the physical pollution of sin that continues to “defile” both body and spirit (i.e. they make us “unclean”, 11:44) and therefore must also be atoned for (5:6, 10, 13 w/11:1-47; 12:1-7 w/8; 13:1-14:32 w/14:18-19; 14:33-57 w/14:53; 15:1-33 w/15:15, 30) IF: 1) we are to approach God and not die (15:31), 2) we want to remain in covenant w/God (IOW: being unclean and out of covenant are NOT THE SAME THING).“The unclean are those who in some way have the aura of death about them in that they manifest less than physical wholeness” – G.J. Wenham“Many of the discharges of bodily fluids (such as blood or semen), along with the womb shortly after childbirth, may be correlated with the loss of life…Uncleanness is not flatly or immediately equated with particular sinful acts, it is nevertheless treated as being generally or ultimately the result of sin: uncleanness represents the pollution of sin…Pollution if not expiated and cleansed, would eventually lead to…permanent exile away from [God’s] presence.” – J.M. MoralesThe inclusion of the guilt offering along w/the anointing of the right ear, right thumb and right big toe in the cleansing of a person healed of their leprous disease ml infers this particular form of uncleanness to be direct punishment for former acts of sin (14:12 w/Lev 5:18 and 6:6; 14:14-17 w/Exo 29:19-20 and Lev 8:22-24 = promise to never hear, do or run in the direction of evil; e.g. Miriam – Num 12:1-16).B/C of Christ’s ministry and our baptismal faith and regeneration (i.e. being made a new creation spiritually): 1) we are to view no one or nothing as unclean (in and of themselves) (e.g. 13:1-3 w/Luk 5:12-13 w/Joh 13:10, 15:3 w/1Ti 4:4-5; Mat 8:17 w/Isa 53:4; Rom 14:14; Act 10:1-48; Mar 7:19; 1Co 11:1-12, 10:23, 2Co 5:16-17; Tit 3:5), 2) we are freed from the Levitical works of the law prescribed for cleansing (Act 13:38-39, 15:7-11 w/10:28, 47-11:18; Gal 2:15-16), 3) the physical pollution associated w/sin no longer (directly) affects our souls (only our bodies) (1Co 6:11; 1Pe 3:21; Jud 23), 4) the only things defiling both body and soul are those things involved in/associated w/sinful activity (1Co 6:12-20, 10:14-33; 2Co 6:14-7:1).Maintaining our saving relationship w/Christ therefore requires not only turning from sin but also those things/people associated w/sin that defile us (i.e. those defilements which can be avoided – OC: 11:1-47, 14:33-57; Isa 1:16; NC: 2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11).God’s ministers are required to be diligent in their investigation and precise in their examination before determining a person’s spiritual state or the state of their home (13:1-59, 14:33-57).Since God’s prescription for dealing different sins or uncleanness is oftentimes different, it wb foolish to think we could adopt a “one size fits all” approach to dealing w/various sins or problems that exist in our lives or those under our oversight (e.g. 14:1-32 vs 15:1-33; Tit 1:10-14, 3:9-11 vs 2Th 3:10-15).The high priest going into the Holy Place (Holy of Holies, Most Holy Place) on the Day of Atonement (16:1-2 w/12-13) represents: 1) Adam’s ministry on the mountain of God (i.e. Garden of Eden; Eze 28:12-16), 2) Moses’ ascension into the cloud-covered holy place of God’s presence on Mount Sinai (Exo 19:19-20, 24:15-18), 3) Adam’s re-entry into the garden of Eden (16:2 – “inside the veil, before the mercy seat” = The veil was stitched w/the picture of cherubim, the mercy seat contained two cherubim facing each other. Both are reminiscent of those cherubim who guarded gate to Eden – Exo 26:31 w/Gen 3:24), 4) what Jesus did thru His atoning ministry (Heb 2:17, 4:14, 9:24-26).The house of God is also the way to God for forgiveness (16:1-34). Hence the reason Christ (the way to God – Joh 14:6) identified the church (or NC house of God – 1Ti 3:15) as “His body” and the “fullness of Him” on earth (Eph 1:22-23).All prior instruction and preparation (commitment to the [Law], construction of the tabernacle [God’s house], ordination of the priests [ordained ministers], instruction on sacrifices and cleansings [separation unto holiness], the necessity of [confession]) has been for the purpose of preparing God’s people to receive the most important salvific element in regard to maintaining their covenant relationship w/God: the Day of Atonement (16:1-34; 16:30-31, 34, 23:32; “sabbath of solemn rest” = sabbath of sabbath).“Without question the Day of Atonement was at the heart of Israel’s calendar and life. It is also the structural and thematic center of the Pentateuch. As such the Day of Atonement is dubbed ‘the Sabbath of Sabbaths’” J.M. MoralesJesus became our Day of Atonement sacrifice and scapegoat which we must continue to make ourselves eligible to receive if we are to maintain our covenant relationship w/God today (16:7-22 w/Mat 3:13-4:1; Heb 10:1-30, 31-39).Excommunication and Apostasy are acts by which the church places a person’s sins back on them (temporarily and permanently) and sends them “into the wilderness to Azazel” (16:10 w/21-22 w/1Ti 1:20 and 1Co 5:5).

Leviticus 9-12The glory of the Lord is associated w/His salvation or salvific intentions (Lev 9:1-6, 23 w/Exo 16:7, 10, 24:16-17, 28:2, 40, 33:12-23, 40:35; also Num 20:4-8; Tit 2:13).Approaching God for salvation requires: 1) a holy place (9:23; Exo 24:16, 29:42-46; 1Ki 8:11; 1Ti 3:15 w/Act 20:28), 2) holy sacrifices (9:7 [“draw near”], 22-24; Heb 10:1-18 = Christ the most holy sacrifice; 1Co 5:7; Rom 12:1; Heb 13:16; 1Pe 2:5), 3) holy fire (9:24; Act 2:3; 2Ti 1:6), 4) a holy mediator (9:1, 5-7, 21, 10:3-7, 11b-12, 11:1, 12:1 = Moses commanded/said; God’s ministers’ approach God thru His mediator = Lev 9:23 [“Moses (as mediator) and Aaron (as minister) went into the tent of meeting…and came out and blessed the people”] w/Lev 16:1-34 [Aaron the minister-mediator of most holy sacrifices]; Heb 3:1-6, 9:11-15a [Christ as the new minister-mediator and the most holy sacrifice]; Act 7:38), 5) holy people (11:1-47, 45; Exo 19:10; Heb 10:22-26; 1Pe 1:14-16), 6) and holy ministers (9:1 w/7-18 = Aaron’s mediator-ministry worked thru his minster sons, 10:8-11, 12:6-8; Joh 20:21-23; Heb 13:7-8 = The mediator still works thru His ministers – Hence v17).People who attempt to approach God outside of His prescription/requirements will end up like Nadab and Abihu (i.e. what once saved now slays) (10:1-2; also Num 14:9-22, 16:18-50; 1Co 11:28-32; Heb 10:27; N&A were ml drunk and in the HoH – consider Lev 10:9 w/16:1-2; Num 1:51-53; “YHWH consumes Nadab and Abihu as he had formerly consumed the sacrifices in 9:24” – Michael Morales [Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? A biblical theology of the book of Leviticus]; Heb 12:29).A person or family’s calamity or death – spiritual or physical, which is the direct result and divine punishment for their sin is never an excuse for: 1) sadness or mourning in relation to them (10:1-6a; Deu 19:21), 2) neglecting our spiritual duties to the Lord (10:7).Congregations/covenant communities w/unholy (or disobedient/compromising) ministers are congregations/covenant communities under God’s holy wrath (10:6b w/16-20; Num 1:51-53; Deu 19:20-21; 2Jo 1:9-11).There are two kinds of laws that make up God’s Law that are to be taught by God ministers to His people: 1) “clean laws” (10:10), 2) moral “statutes”/commands (10:11) (re: the NT ministers as teachers of God’s Law, see 1Ti 1:7-8 w/11).God’s fire is simultaneously associated w/both life and death (Compare 9:24 w/10:1-2 w/10:19 – Both events happened on the same day; Consider once more our salvation w/HS fire that will also destroy us if we fail to approach God the right way – again Heb 12:12 w/10:29).Jewish kids didn’t have aquariums, pet rodents, birds, lizards, snakes – or play w/insects and roadkill (11:1-47).Though people or things can no longer of themselves be unclean/sinful, their context or behavior can still make them unclean/sinful; which means we must still make such distinctions if we are to be holy before God (11:47, 12:4-8; 1Co 8-10; 2Co 6:14-7:1).God still requires circumcision to be clean before Him (12:1-3; Col 2:11-14 w/1Pe 3:21).

Leviticus 5-8Not bearing witness to promote, preserve or protect justice – in relation to yourself or others, is the sin of obstructing justice (5:1).Through Christ all persons/things which were once ceremonially unclean become clean (or lawful) (5:2-3 w/13:1-3 w/Luk 5:12-13 w/Joh 15:1-3 w/1Co 6:12 and 10:23 w/1Ti 4:4-5).It is sin to make promises that you don’t keep (5:4-13; Mat 5:33-37).Confession is an important part of repentance and prerequisite to receiving God’s forgiveness for our sins (5:5, 16:21. 26:40-42; Psa 32:5; Pro 28:13; 1Jo 1:9; Jam 5:16; e.g. Act 19:18).Unintentional sin or sins of ignorance are still sin and therefore something we are responsible for making right when we realize our guilt (5:17-19).Per the guilt offering, restitution must be paid plus 20% penalty (of the cost of restitution/to make it right) for the sins of:1) sacrilege (penalty paid to the church) = treating/making/using what God sees as sacred/holy things for secular/common/ulterior purposes (5:14-16; e.g. 2Chr 26:16-18, 28:19-25, 36:14; e.g. putting a cross, scripture or other sacred things in your business logo or mentioning that you are Christian to promote your business/self).),2) fraud/oppression/theft (restitution and penalty paid to victims) (6:2-7).Confession and making restitution – or seeing that justice is served, are not only the necessary components of true repentance (Mar 1:5; Luk 3:1-14) but also always the necessary prerequisites to seeking/receiving God’s forgiveness (sacrifice of atonement) (5:1-6:7; e.g. Dan 9:1-23; Mar 1:4; Luk 3:3b). Hence the reason for Amos and Jesus’ corrective words (Amo 5:21-24; Mat 5:23-24).We are to be maintaining the “fire” of our salvation – gained (or started) thru the grace and divine power of God (Lev 9:23-24 w/Exo 40:34-38 w/2Ti 1:5-7; 2Pe 1:1-3), by perpetually: 1) committing ourselves to our burnt offering, Jesus Christ (6:8-13, Heb 10:5-24),2) adding to our burnt offering (Jesus Christ), the peace offering (the LT) (6:12 w/3:1-7 w/7:11-21, 29-36 w/1Co 11:24-34 w/Joh 13:1-10a w/Mat 26:26-29).God’s ministers shall be:1) shall be supported thru what is offered by the covenant community they serve (6:16, 26, 29, 7:6-9, 13-14, 28-36; 1Co 9:1-11; 1Ti 5:17-18),2) anointed and ordained by the covenant community they serve (versus some outside group) (6:28-30 – the ordination offering, 8:1-36, 3-5 w/33-35), 3) reveal God’s will/judgment for the covenant community they serve (8:8-9; Tit 2:15; e.g. Col 4:12; 1Th 4:3; 1Pe 2:15; Act 15:19)Eating the peace offering – now the Lord’s Table, when “uncleanness is on” us (i.e. we are living in unrepentant sin) brings a curse (7:11-17 w/18-27; 1Co 11:24-34).God’s disciplinary prescription for fraud, theft or oppression exposes as unjust the practice of church discipline in most churches attempting to be biblical (5:14-6:7 compared to the penalty incurred for adultery in most churches).Bread not given to God or used in a sacred context, can be leavened (Lev 7:13-14).

ADDENDUM to last week (Exodus 37-40):God’s “shekinah glory train” runs from the tabernacle/temple to Jesus to the church (Exo 40; 1Ki 8 w/Joh 1 w/2Co 8:23 and Joh 17:22).Moses’ finished tabernacle work (Exo 40:33) is meant to communicate that God’s new (or redeemed ) creation work is finished (Gen 2:2). As such this is how/where people will again come into God’s presence and receive His guidance.Leviticus 1-4The burnt, grain, peace and sin offering represent (four of the six) kinds of “sacrificial gift(s)” (1:10) a person could/would give to the Lord under the Old Covenant (chs 1-4). Each offering served a specific purpose: 1) the burnt offering was to atone for intentional sin (1:1-17; 1:4 w/16:5; see also Gen 3:20 w/Lev 7:8), 2) the grain offering was a memorial/tribute paid to God acknowledging our loyalty/service to Him as king (2:1-16 “frankincense” w/Mat 2:11; 2:2,9, 16, 12-14; Hebrew term for grain offering = tribute, Jdg 3:15), 3) the peace offering was to express thanksgiving and the continuance of fellowship/relationship/covenant fidelity between God and the donor (3:1-17 w/7:11-25), 4) sin offering was to atone for unintentional sins (sins of ignorance) (4:1-35; 4:1-2, 13-14, 20-23, 26-27, 31, 35 w/5:1-2, 4, 15, 17, 6:4-5, 16:5).The burnt, grain, peace and sin offering are reflected/fulfilled under the New Covenant in/thru: 1) Jesus’ sacrificial death (burnt and sin offering – Lev 16:1-5 = Yom Kippur), 2) Our sacrificial lives for Jesus (grain offering – Rom 12:1 “living sacrifice” = life of sacrifice to our King); 3) The Lord’s Table (peace offering – 1Co 11:24-34 = perpetual sacrament of covenant fidelity).Christ’s comprehensive lordship (i.e. that His way/will is to be implemented in relation to every aspect of our life – including our worship) is demonstrated through the sacrifices when we consider the many details that were to be followed in preparing/offering them (e.g. location of slaughter [1:3-5 versus 1:10-11; 3:1-2 versus 3:7-8, 12-13]; application of oil in the grain offering [2:1-2 versus 2:4 versus 2:5-6 versus 2:7]; distribution of blood in the sin offering [4:6, 17 versus 4:25, 30]; three had portions that were to be eaten by the priests [grain – 2:10, 7:9-10; peace – 7:11-21, 29-36, sin – 6:26, 29, 7:6, 17]; one was to include “salt” [grain – 2:13], none were to be blemished or leavened [burnt – 1:3; grain – 2:11; peace – 3:1; sin – 4:3]).Drawing near to God thru a mountain (or heap) of burning sacrifice w/its rising cloud of smoke must have not only reminded God’s (Old Covenant) people of their first time drawing near to God on a burning mountain w/a rising cloud of smoke, but also afforded additional/new meaning (Exo 19:15, 24:15-18).It is the loins of the animal (its legs and entrails/genitals) that are treated as the most holy part of the burnt offering (1:9 – “wash [cleanse/baptize] w/water”) indicating also the reason God views sexual sin so seriously (b/c we have taken what is most sacred and defiled it; Consider 1Co 12:22-24).We are to give God our best (3:16).

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study has been to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3]. Why this study should matter to you: 1) It demonstrates God’s continuing protection of us (the denial of: [1] free-will with the result of no justice [or unjust justice], a theology similar to that espoused by atheist evolutionists [determinism] = God/universe is the cause of all things as all things [comprehensively/exhaustively] including our actions have been pre-determined by Him/it. Free-will/self-determinism is an illusion. Human beings are robot-victims that are/wb punished as though their actions were self-determined [how is this not unjust since we are now helpless victims? [4]] and the removal of God’s glory [robot worship versus real worship – which gives God glory? People praising him b/c they freely choose to or people doing it b/c they are forced/pre-determined/caused to?]; [2] the denial of apostasy w/the result being God as a manipulative liar and us as bold antinomians[5]), 2) It demonstrates growth in our understanding of God’s Word and therefore also His continual leading of us as His disciples (Christianity is Judaism 2.0 whereas Calvinism/Protestant Reformation is Roman Catholicism 2.0), 3) It demonstrates our trust/commitment to God’s Word as the only sacred cow.TOTAL DEPRAVITY = We are completely unable to repent, believe in Christ and be faithful to God’s commands.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MORAL ABILITY = Though sin has severely affected us, it has not stripped us of our morality – or moral ability before God and others. We can – and therefore are expected to – repent of our sin, respond in faith to the gospel of Christ and live faithfully to God’s commands. Countless texts in the Scripture make clear that mankind’s will is still free enough to establish both his culpability and God’s right to judge him when he fails (we are “w/o excuse” – e.g. Rom 1:18-21 w/2:2, 3:1-8; Joh 9:41). Equally evident from the Bible, is God’s genuine displeasure when people continue in their rebellion and His desire to see them turn and follow Him (Eze 18:23, 33:11; Deu 30:19-20; Rom 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9). Both attributes equally imply our ability to repent, believe and be faithful to His commands. Finally, God confirms this ability by explicitly stating that we can obey His commands (Deu 30:11-14). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of total depravity (e.g. Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Melito, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Methodius, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom – even Augustine, the coveted saint of the Calvinistic Reformers)[6].UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION = Before God created the universe, He chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation based/conditioned upon nothing He saw or knew about those individuals as to their moral value or potential or because He possessed some prior obligation to them, but instead based solely on His free choice and sovereign grace. As part of God’s unconditional election of some to salvation, He also determined to provide those individuals with the necessary repentance, faith and faithfulness thus eliminating the obstacle created by the prior doctrine of Total Depravity (inability to repent, believe and faithfully obey) and guaranteeing their future residence into heaven.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:SEEKER SALVATION = Though the Bible does teach election, it does NOT teach that God chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation before Creation. Nor do the Scriptures teach that such election is unconditional – or that once saved, they are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven. Rather the Scriptures teach that God’s election/choice as to who is worthy to receive salvation is instead always based/conditioned on the past/present actions of people. Furthermore, God has obligated Himself to all who diligently and genuinely seek Him and His righteousness promising that they will not only find Him, but be elected/chosen to receive His offer of salvation thru covenant relationship w/His Son. Those who obey God’s gospel call will be identified as His elect/chosen and those inheriting the blessing of salvation. Such designation however requires that such individuals continue in faithful obedience for the rest of their life. Otherwise such prior election – or identity as the elect, will be forfeited. (Gen 6:5-9, 11-13 w/18a; Gen 6:22 w/7:1; Gen 6:18; 1Pe 3:20-21; Gen 15:1-21; Neh 9:8; Gen 17:1-8 w/21 w/22:16-18 w/26:1-5 w/28:10-15 w/Deu 4:31, 7:6-8; Rom 11:28; Eph 1:1-11; Ezr 8:22; Isa 56:1-8; Rom 2:6-8; Act 10:34-35, 13:47-48, 17:25-26; 1Ti 1:12-13; Act 2:39 w/Gen 17:7-13; 1Co 7:14; Act 8:26-36; Act 16:6-10; Joh 4:23; Mat 9:37-38, 10:12-14; Isa 56:1-5; Act 10:34-35, 16:6; Joh 4:23; Rom 2:6-11; Jer 29:13; 2Pe 1:10-11; Mat 24:22, 24, 31; Luk 18:7; Rom 1:6-7, 33, 11:7; 1Co 1:24, 2:7; Col 3:12; 2Ti 2:10; Tit 1:1; 2Jo 1:1, 13; Jud 1:1; Rev 17:14; Isa 43:20-28; Joe 2:32; 1Th 1:4 w/3:5; Mat 22:1-14; Deu 7:9-12; 2Pe 1:8-11 w/3:20-22; Rom 11:20-24, 28-29). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of unconditional election (e.g. Justin Martyr, Clement, Ireneaus and Hermas).LIMITED ATONEMENT = Christ’s atoning sacrifice or death was not for all people who have or will ever exist, but limited to specific people, those who God has unconditionally guaranteed will end up in heaven (the Calvinist understanding of the elect). Christ’s redemptive work is therefore not only perfectly sufficient and effective for those to whom it is applied, but also perfectly efficient (none was wasted) on those to whom it is applied.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:REDEEMED CHURCH = Though the Bible teaches that Christ’s atoning sacrifice or death was not for all people who have or will ever exist, but limited to specific people, those people are not determined based on whether they end up in heaven. Rather, Christ’s blood (or sacrifice) was for His church – or those people who are part of the redemptive covenant community. As such, it resides in the church. Hence the reason the blood sacraments of baptism and the LT were given exclusively to the church. (Eph 5:25; Act 20:28 w/Joh 10:11, 15 and Mat 1:21 w/Psa 95:7; Regarding the blood sacraments of baptism and the LT – Act 2:41 w/Rom 6:3 and Act 22:16 w/Eph 1:7 and 1Jo 1:7; Joh 13:1-10 w/Mat 26:28). However since people can become members of Christ’s church – only later to fall away (in apostasy), removing them both their former redemption or cleansing (as well as the possibility of its re-application in the future), what is also true, is that Christ’s blood (or sacrifice) does end up (in those circumstances) being wasted since it ultimately does not result in eternal salvation for those people (Heb 10:26-29).IRRESISTABLE GRACE = God causes those He elects/chooses for salvation to be born again/regenerated as the means to providing them w/the necessary repentance/faith for conversion. This spiritual birth cannot be resisted nor the continuing grace that follows unto faithfulness/final salvation (in heaven).What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT = Though the Bible teaches that those identified as the elect are born again/regenerated, it takes place as the result of a person’s ability and choice to repent, exercise faith and vow faithfulness to Christ. The new birth is therefore not the cause of a person’s conversion nor irresistible. Like all of God’s gracious offers and efforts, we can choose to reject it or the gift of spiritual empowerment given at the same time, the Holy Spirit. A correct understanding of this phenomenon would therefore be: We receive God’s gracious gifts of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit at salvation – i.e. when we repent and are baptized/exercising saving faith (Tit 3:5; Eph 2:1-8; Col 2:13-14; Joh 1:13; Act 2:38), as the spiritual empowerment for living faithful Christian lives (Tit 2:12). Such empowerment however does not guarantee faithfulness or continuance in the Christian Faith. As always, we must choose to cooperate w/God’s will (Eph 4:30). (4.2.1. – 4.2.4. DISCUSSED)4.2.5. Historical supportThe Reformers believed that Regeneration/New Birth followed after faith[7]:4.2.5.1. Martin Luther“Paul as a true apostle of faith always has the word ‘faith’ on the tip of his tongue. By faith, says he, we are the children of God. The best the Law can do for us is to prepare us for a new birth through faith in Christ Jesus. Faith in Christ regenerates us into the children of God.[8]4.2.5.2. Philip Melanchthon“This special faith, by which an individual believes that for Christ’s sake his sins are remitted him, regenerates us and brings the Holy Ghost.”[9]4.2.5.3. John CalvinCommenting on John 1:13, Calvin writes, “God regenerates us by faith…. It may be thought that the Evangelist reverses the natural order by making regeneration to precede faith, whereas, on the contrary, it is an effect of faith, and therefore ought to be placed later.”[10]PRESERVATION/PERSEVERENCE OF THE SAINTS = The elect or saints – those genuinely saved, are secure (or will persevere) in their salvation, unable to fall away or become apostate, being preserved (or protected) by God from such loss or the forfeiture of their future in heaven. As such, the two axioms of this view are: “Once saved always saved” and “If you have it, you will never lose it, if you lose it, you never had it.”What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MAINTAIN (to) REMAIN = Though the Bible teaches that God protects His saints (i.e. His elect or saved), such security/preservation does not apply – or override, the wills of those who freely choose to practice sin/unrepentance against Him. These individuals will instead become apostate or permanently sealed in their sin and eternally lost as to their former salvation and future hopes of heaven. A Christian must therefore maintain the salvation they gained (through faithful obedience) if they are to remain saved and continue to receive God’s protection/preservation unto heaven.5.2.1. God never promises to eternally secure/preserve the recipients of salvation without the condition of persevering and faithful obedience.There are three main texts used by Calvinists to support this view. None teach what they presume:5.2.2.1. (Phi 1:6) = The verses surrounding this stmt are all about Paul’s affection and appreciation for the Philippian believers (3-5, 7-8). Additionally, Paul mentions that he is convinced he will soon be re-united w/them for the purpose of their progress in the faith. As such, it sb obvious that who Paul is referring to as completing the “good work” is not God, but himself. Speaking about oneself in the third person is a literary device used several places in the NT – including by Paul in his other letters (Mat 8:20; 2Co 12:2-7; Col 1:28). Additionally it sb mentioned that verse 7 makes no sense unless it is himself that Paul is referring to in verse 6 (7 – “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart”) = Paul’s feelings for the Philippian believers are not a legitimate reason to establish God’s obligation to them – only his own.5.2.2.2. (2Ti 2:10-13) = Paul’s conclusion from the previous verses (signaled by the word “Therefore”) is that one must “endure” to “obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus”. This principle (or “saying”) – i.e. we must persevere/endure to be saved, “is trustworthy” (according to Paul) since it agrees with another saying – or set of couplets, that were most likely familiar/common to Christians in his day, those found in verses 11-13. The purpose (then) of these couplets is to reinforce this principle/truth that a Christian must persevere/endure to be saved. The first couplet does so positively (“if we die…if we endure” = “we live…we reign”), the second – negatively (or by way of antithesis) (“if we deny…if we are faithless = “He will deny…He remains faithful”). As such, what is meant by “He remains faithful” is that God will be faithful/true to His promise as to what will happen if we are unfaithful (“he will” – once more, “deny us”). This has been the case w/all of God’s saving covenants. They (or God’s promises to us) are conditioned upon our faithful obedience (Deu 28:15-68; Neh 1:8, 9:3; 2Chr 15:2; also Mat 24:36-51, 25:1-46; 1Ti 1:12-14).5.2.2.3. (2Ti 1:12) = What Paul is confident God will “guard” is what has been “entrusted to” him – which is the gospel not his salvation (8-11). 5.2.2. God only promises to protect/preserve and save those who Christians who persevere/endure in faithful obedience until the end.Consider (Jud 20-21 w/24) = Notice the commitment to faithfulness precedes (or is the prerequisite) to God’s help/protection in keeping us from “stumbling”; (1Pe 1:5) = Our protection from God happens “thru faithfulness”; (1Pe 5:6-10 w/Jam 4:5-7) = God opposes those who are disobedient (“the proud”)but helps (“gives grace”) to the obedient (“the humble”); (Mat 6:13) = His protection only comes after our commitment to obey – v10; (1Ti 6:20) = The “good deposit” to be guarded by Timothy (not God) is his salvation – which includes his calling, confession and vow of obedience to God’s command to righteousness (11-14)[11].5.2.3. Christians who choose to continue in the practice of sin (i.e. remain unrepentant) will lose their salvation without the possibility of gaining it – or the promise of heaven, back again (i.e. loss of salvation and apostasy are real things happening to real Christians).Consider (Heb 10:24-30 = Notice those God is condemning are “His people” [i.e. Christians] [12]; Understanding salvation as marriage to Christ helps us to see that loss of salvation and apostasy are real since to deny this wb like saying that those who get divorced were never married).5.2.4. The Bible nowhere teaches that those who fall away or go apostate were never real Christians.There are two main texts used by Calvinists to support this view. Neither teach what they presume:5.2.4.1. (Mat 7:23) = Jesus’ words – “I never knew you” are marital in nature. They refer to the act of intimacy associated w/marriage that consummates the covenant initially established at betrothal (e.g. Gen 4:1 – “Adam knew his wife”). Because these individuals were not faithful during this testing period, Jesus refuses to eternally be associated w/such individuals or consummate the marriage/betrothal covenant established at the time of salvation. Jesus words are essentially His call for (eternal) divorce. Jesus’ words are therefore not a reference to them lacking prior salvation, but rather – b/c of their life of unfaithfulness (they were “workers of lawlessness”), their prior betrothal to Him (as saved individuals) was not – nor would be, consummated in the intimate and eternal bliss of heaven.5.2.4.2. (1Jo 2:19) = The fact that John states “they went out from us” signals that they were (at one time) a part of the covenant community and therefore saved individuals. It is their going – or being put out of the covenant community, that reveals (makes “plain”) “they all are” or “were” “not of us” anymore (i.e. no longer – like the rest in the covenant community, willing to “continue” in faithfulness to Christ), but instead choosing to stand against – or in disobedience, to Christ. They had become “antichrists” (18). John’s words are therefore referring to the apostasy of real Christians not people falling away who never were (how do you got “out” of something or fall away from something you were never a part of?)5.2.5. We must therefore maintain our salvation through persevering and faithful obedience if the salvation and hope of heaven we possess is to remain (Mat 10:22, 19:16-17, 24:36-51, 25:1-46; Luk 12:35-46, 13:6-9; Rom 11:22; 1Co 9:23-10:22; Phi 2:12-16, 3:10-14; Col 1:23; Heb 3:6, 14, 5:9, 6:4-12, 10:35-39; 2Jo 1:8). CONCLUSION = Calvinism/Monergism is not the salvation of the Bible. Salvation is instead, synergistic (us cooperating w/God and choosing to follow God of our own ability and free-wills).[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ position and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary). My growth in understanding the Scripture during this time has led me to now reject all five points. Theologians/pastors changing their theology as a result of such growth and understanding is not uncommon (e.g. Augustine’s Retractions) Commenting on Augustine’s published changes, John MacArthur writes, “Near the end of his life, Augustine of Hippo meticulously reviewed everything he had ever published. He wrote an entire catalogue of his own works, a painstakingly annotated bibliography with hundreds of revisions and amendments to correct flaws he saw in his own earlier material. The book, titled Retractationes, is powerful evidence of Augustine’s humility and zeal for truth. Not one of his earlier publications escaped the more mature theologian’s scrutiny. And Augustine was as bold in recanting the errors he perceived in his own work as he had been in refuting the heresies of his theological adversaries. Because he reviewed his works in chronological order, Retractationes is a wonderful memoir of Augustine’s relentless, lifelong pursuit of spiritual maturity and theological precision. His forthrightness in addressing his own shortcomings is a good example of why Augustine is esteemed as a rare model of both godliness and scholarship.” In other words, corrections sb expected where there is growth not only in understanding (the virtue in scholarship) but what it truly looks like to say that you care more about God being right – or looking good, than you do yourself (the essence of godliness).[4] “The moment we catch sight of the stream of causes that precede their conscious decisions [i.e. criminals], reaching back into their childhood and beyond, their culpability begins to disappear.” – Sam Harris (Freewill); “By losing free-will we gain empathy, for we realize that in the end all of us, whether Bernie Madoffs or Nelson Mandelas, are victims of circumstance…” Jerry Coyne (Why We Really Don’t Have Free-Will); “When a computer malfunctions, we do not punish it. We track down the problem and fix it, usually by replacing a damaged component, either in hardware or software. Isn’t the murderer or the rapist just a machine with a defective component? Why is it that we humans find it almost impossible to accept such conclusions? Why do we vent such visceral hatred on child murderers…when we should simply regard them as faulty units that need fixing or replacing? My dangerous idea is that we shall eventually grow out of all this and even learn to laugh at it, just as we laugh at (a man) when he beats his car.” – Richard Dawkins (Let’s All Stop Beating Basil’s Car).[5] In his 1521 letter to Philip Melanchthon, Martin Luther wrote, “Love God and sin boldly”. Luther did not believe apostasy to be a real threat to real Christians.[6] “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine[7] The shift to regeneration preceding faith did not take place until sometime in the seventeenth century—after the original Reformers were dead. Possibly during the time of the Synod of Dort (1618-19) or the Formula of Helvetica (1675)—or through the writings of Stephen Charnock (1628-80) who made it clear that he believed regeneration was antecedent to faith.[8] Luther’s Commentary on Galatians.[9] Book of Concord, Augsburg Confession, Article IV (II): Of Justification.[10] Calvin’s Commentary on John.[11] Statements like the following are common in many evangelical churches, “the security of our salvation is dependent on God’s ability to keep the believer and not the believer’s ability to keep himself” (e.g. Keystone Church, Dayton, OH). Not only does it deny the passages discussed, but also any real need to obey.[12] Some commentators believe that God is only attempting to scare us (into obedience). The danger is not real. If true, then telling your child there is a monster under the bed to keep them from getting up is an appropriate strategy. Put another way, lying and manipulation are appropriate tools for God and man in accomplishing “just” ends. The Bible however does not identify such a person as God, but the devil (Num 23:19; Joh 8:44).

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study has been to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3]. Why this study should matter to you: 1) It demonstrates God’s continuing protection of us (the denial of free-will and justice espoused by the determinism of the atheist evolutionists is the theology and resulting consequence of Calvinism also known as theistic determinism = God is the cause of all things as all things [comprehensively/exhaustively] including our actions have been pre-determined by Him. Free-will/self-determinism is an illusion. Human beings are robot-victims that wb punished as though their actions were self-determined [versus pre-determined/pre-programmed]. Theistic determinism [and its monergistic view of salvation] are said to give God the most glory [?][robot worship versus real worship; e.g. a king whose people praise him b/c they choose to versus a king whose people praise him b/c they are forced to])[4], 2) It demonstrates growth in our understanding of God’s Word and therefore also His continual leading of us as His disciples (Christianity is Judaism 2.0 whereas Calvinism/Protestant Reformation is Roman Catholicism 2.0), 3) It demonstrates our trust/commitment to God’s Word as the only sacred cow.TOTAL DEPRAVITY = We are completely unable to repent, believe in Christ and be faithful to God’s commands.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MORAL ABILITY = Though sin has severely affected us, it has not stripped us of our morality – or moral ability before God and others. We can – and therefore are expected to – repent of our sin, respond in faith to the gospel of Christ and live faithfully to God’s commands. Countless texts in the Scripture make clear that mankind’s will is still free enough to establish both his culpability and God’s right to judge him when he fails (we are “w/o excuse” – e.g. Rom 1:18-21 w/2:2, 3:1-8; Joh 9:41). Equally evident from the Bible, is God’s genuine displeasure when people continue in their rebellion and His desire to see them turn and follow Him (Eze 18:23, 33:11; Deu 30:19-20; Rom 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9). Both attributes equally imply our ability to repent, believe and be faithful to His commands. Finally, God confirms this ability by explicitly stating that we can obey His commands (Deu 30:11-14). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of total depravity (e.g. Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Melito, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Methodius, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom – even Augustine, the coveted saint of the Calvinistic Reformers)[5].UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION = Before God created the universe, He chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation based/conditioned upon nothing He saw or knew about those individuals as to their moral value or potential or because He possessed some prior obligation to them, but instead based solely on His free choice and sovereign grace. As part of God’s unconditional election of some to salvation, He also determined to provide those individuals with the necessary repentance, faith and faithfulness thus eliminating the obstacle created by the prior doctrine of Total Depravity (inability to repent, believe and faithfully obey) and guaranteeing their future residence into heaven.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:SEEKER SALVATION = Though the Bible does teach election, it does NOT teach that God chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation before Creation. Nor do the Scriptures teach that such election is unconditional – or that once saved, they are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven. Rather the Scriptures teach that God’s election/choice as to who is worthy to receive salvation is instead always based/conditioned on the past/present actions of people. Furthermore, God has obligated Himself to all who diligently and genuinely seek Him and His righteousness promising that they will not only find Him, but be elected/chosen to receive His offer of salvation thru covenant relationship w/His Son. Those who obey God’s gospel call will be identified as His elect/chosen and those inheriting the blessing of salvation. Such designation however requires that such individuals continue in faithful obedience for the rest of their life. Otherwise such prior election – or identity as the elect, will be forfeited. (Gen 6:5-9, 11-13 w/18a; Gen 6:22 w/7:1; Gen 6:18; 1Pe 3:20-21; Gen 15:1-21; Neh 9:8; Gen 17:1-8 w/21 w/22:16-18 w/26:1-5 w/28:10-15 w/Deu 4:31, 7:6-8; Rom 11:28; Eph 1:1-11; Ezr 8:22; Isa 56:1-8; Rom 2:6-8; Act 10:34-35, 13:47-48, 17:25-26; 1Ti 1:12-13; Act 2:39 w/Gen 17:7-13; 1Co 7:14; Act 8:26-36; Act 16:6-10; Joh 4:23; Mat 9:37-38, 10:12-14; Isa 56:1-5; Act 10:34-35, 16:6; Joh 4:23; Rom 2:6-11; Jer 29:13; 2Pe 1:10-11; Mat 24:22, 24, 31; Luk 18:7; Rom 1:6-7, 33, 11:7; 1Co 1:24, 2:7; Col 3:12; 2Ti 2:10; Tit 1:1; 2Jo 1:1, 13; Jud 1:1; Rev 17:14; Isa 43:20-28; Joe 2:32; 1Th 1:4 w/3:5; Mat 22:1-14; Deu 7:9-12; 2Pe 1:8-11 w/3:20-22; Rom 11:20-24, 28-29). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of unconditional election (e.g. Justin Martyr, Clement, Ireneaus and Hermas).LIMITED ATONEMENT = Christ’s atoning sacrifice or death was not for all people who have or will ever exist, but limited to specific people, those who God has unconditionally guaranteed will end up in heaven (the Calvinist understanding of the elect). Christ’s redemptive work is therefore not only perfectly sufficient and effective for those to whom it is applied, but also perfectly efficient (none was wasted) on those to whom it is applied.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:REDEEMED CHURCH = Though the Bible teaches that Christ’s atoning sacrifice or death was not for all people who have or will ever exist, but limited to specific people, those people are not determined based on whether they end up in heaven. Rather, Christ’s blood (or sacrifice) was for His church – or those people who are part of the redemptive covenant community. As such, it resides in the church. Hence the reason the blood sacraments of baptism and the LT were given exclusively to the church. (Eph 5:25; Act 20:28 w/Joh 10:11, 15 and Mat 1:21 w/Psa 95:7; Regarding the blood sacraments of baptism and the LT – Act 2:41 w/Rom 6:3 and Act 22:16 w/Eph 1:7 and 1Jo 1:7; Joh 13:1-10 w/Mat 26:28). However since people can become members of Christ’s church – only later to fall away (in apostasy), removing them both their former redemption or cleansing (as well as the possibility of its re-application in the future), what is also true, is that Christ’s blood (or sacrifice) does end up (in those circumstances) being wasted since it ultimately does not result in eternal salvation for those people (Heb 10:26-29).IRRESISTABLE GRACE4.1. What the doctrine teaches: God causes those He elects/chooses for salvation to be born again/regenerated as the means to providing them w/the necessary repentance and faith for conversion. This spiritual birth cannot be resisted nor the continuing grace that follows unto faithfulness and final salvation (in heaven).4.2. The problems with this doctrine: Though the Bible teaches regeneration/the new (spiritual) birth, its place in the order of salvation (Ordo Salutis) – as well as what it does – are both very different from the view taught within Calvinism. Likewise, neither it nor God’s continuing grace are irresistible to those God elects.4.2.1. The new birth/regeneration is the result (not the cause) of our free choice and ability to repent and exercise faith.The order of salvation (Ordo Salutis) presented in Scripture is not regeneration/new birth then repentance/faith but rather repentance/faith, and then regeneration/new birth:4.2.1.1. (Joh 1:13) = Why were the people in verse 11 not given the right to be adopted? Was it because they had not been regenerated? No, it was because they did not receive Christ. In verse 12 John gives God’s condition for adoption: receiving Christ and believing in His name. The obvious flow of the passage is (1) Receiving Christ and believing in His name. (2) God’s granting the right to become His children/to be born of God. According to John, the new birth is the result of faith/belief – not its cause.4.2.1.2. (Eph 2:1-8; Col 2:13-14) = In regard to the phrases “having forgiven” and “by cancelling”, Dr. Paul Rainbow writes, “The past (aorist) participles (which make up these two phrases) indicate that forgiveness and cancellation precede [or come before] the making alive [regeneration/new birth]…”[6] And since, such forgiveness or cancellation of sin’s debt requires repentance and faith, what must then be concluded, is that these acts also precede (or again, come before) the new birth. Paul therefore also believed regeneration to be the result (not the cause) of repentance and faith.4.2.1.3. (Act 2:38) = Like John and Paul, Peter also taught repentance and faith as coming before regeneration/new birth given: 1) his reference to baptism is a reference to faith (since baptism is the place where we exercise saving faith in God, 1Pe 3:21 = baptism saves b/c it is the God-ordained place to “appeal to God for a good conscience” – i.e. the place where God accepts our faith), 2) his reference to receiving the Holy Spirit is a reference to regeneration/new birth (since these two events happen at the time of baptism – Tit 3:5).4.2.2. Many of those God calls by His grace – i.e. offers salvation to through the preaching of His gospel message (the biblical understanding of election), resist and continue in their unbelief and rebellion (thus rejecting also the opportunity to be born again/regenerated) .Jesus teaches that this wb the case w/the majority of those that God graciously offers His saving benefits to (Mat 22:1-6) = This portion of the parable is directed at the Jews, who had received the gospel message and God’s gracious call/offer of salvation through the exhaustive and comprehensive preaching of Jesus and His disciples in the land of Israel during His earthly ministry. The majority however rejected it. They were “invited to the wedding…but they would not come…they paid no attention” (3, 5). “Many (were) called, but few (were) chosen” (14). Some even killed God’s messengers (6). Hence the reason for Jesus’ harsh (yet prophetic) words in (7).[7] Similar words are spoken by Stephen and Paul (Act 7:51-52; Rom 10:18-21). Important in this respect are Luke’s words in (Luk 7:28-30) “the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him” = God’s intention in sending John the Baptist and Jesus to the Jews was their election to salvation. However, His grace was strongly resisted. Though these examples are all in relation to the Jews, the point (nonetheless) is made. God’s grace (or gracious attempts to save people) can be resisted.4.2.3. Our spiritual birth/regeneration is a great help, but it does not guarantee that we will live for God.The purpose of the new birth/our regeneration/receiving of the Holy Spirit is to empower God’s people in living holy/obedient lives to Him. It is the fulfillment of (Eze 36:25-27). The flesh once weakened by sin, has now been given the aid of God’s presence in our hearts motivating us to do those things which are pleasing to Him, to say “no” to those things that don’t and to gain the glory of our Savior (Phi 2:12-13; Tit 3:5 w/2:12; 2Th 2:13-14; Rom 8:3-4). Such help however does not guarantee that we will live for God. We can resist the Holy Spirit by disobeying His leadership and suppressing His power (Eph 4:17-30 = The fact that Paul commands us “not to grieve the Holy Spirit” must mean it is something we can do. IOW: Christians can resist God’s continuing grace in their lives). Hence the reason Paul can warn Christians “not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2Co 6:1; see also Heb 12:15).4.2.4. Many of those who receive God’s grace or gospel call (by repentance and faith), are regenerated or born again and become identified as “the elect” or Christians, will later resist God’s continuing grace – even reject it and permanently fall away.According to Jesus, many of those who become Christians (and are therefore identified as “the elect” or God’s people), will later resist – even reject God’s continuing grace and fall away in apostasy (Mat 13:18-23) = Three of the individuals represented in Jesus’ kingdom parable receive the gospel and become Christians/followers of God. However only one (the person identified as the “good soil”) produces lasting fruit – or continues to follow God for the rest of their life. Due to the various cares/problems/temptations of this world, the other two fall away or are choked out, meaning they apostasize or have permanently forfeited their birthright/righteous standing w/God and its salvation. From Jesus’ perspective then, the majority of those who become Christians (2/3 or 66% based on the parable) will not end up making it to heaven. God’s continuing grace to them wb resisted. That this indeed Jesus’ perspective is confirmed multiple times in His later teaching (Mat 21:42-43, 45 w/Act 4:11 – “the builders” = The Jews, God’s elect people, the builders/recipients of His kingdom, those who have rec’d His initial grace and come into covenant relationship w/Him – b/c of their “rejection” of Jesus or resistance to God’s grace thru Him wb [likewise] rejected and the kingdom given to others. This group represented the majority of the Jews in Jesus’ day; Matt 22:8-14 = Even though many others wb invited and received into the wedding w/Jesus only a few will remain [or possess the wedding garments – see Rev 19:8 = the wedding garment is our righteous deeds/faithfulness]; Mat 24:3, 9-13; Consider also Deu 31:16-17).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE = God’s initial and continuing grace in salvation is RESISTABLE. The responsibility is therefore on us to make sure we are NOT living in such a way that this would happen (i.e. grieving the Holy Spirit). What things are you doing to make sure you are not blocking God’s grace from transforming your life and preparing you for heaven? (Heb 3:12-13; 12:1; 1Co 9:23-27; 2Co 10:5; Rom 12:2-3).[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ position and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary). My growth in understanding the Scripture during this time has led me to now reject all five points. Theologians/pastors changing their theology as a result of such growth and understanding is not uncommon (e.g. Augustine’s Retractions) Commenting on Augustine’s published changes, John MacArthur writes, “Near the end of his life, Augustine of Hippo meticulously reviewed everything he had ever published. He wrote an entire catalogue of his own works, a painstakingly annotated bibliography with hundreds of revisions and amendments to correct flaws he saw in his own earlier material. The book, titled Retractationes, is powerful evidence of Augustine’s humility and zeal for truth. Not one of his earlier publications escaped the more mature theologian’s scrutiny. And Augustine was as bold in recanting the errors he perceived in his own work as he had been in refuting the heresies of his theological adversaries. Because he reviewed his works in chronological order, Retractationes is a wonderful memoir of Augustine’s relentless, lifelong pursuit of spiritual maturity and theological precision. His forthrightness in addressing his own shortcomings is a good example of why Augustine is esteemed as a rare model of both godliness and scholarship.” In other words, corrections sb expected where there is growth not only in understanding (the virtue in scholarship) but what it truly looks like to say that you care more about God being right – or looking good, than you do yourself (the essence of godliness).[4] “The moment we catch sight of the stream of causes that precede their conscious decisions [i.e. criminals], reaching back into their childhood and beyond, their culpability begins to disappear.” – Sam Harris (Freewill); “By losing free-will we gain empathy, for we realize that in the end all of us, whether Bernie Madoffs or Nelson Mandelas, are victims of circumstance…” Jerry Coyne (Why We Really Don’t Have Free-Will); “When a computer malfunctions, we do not punish it. We track down the problem and fix it, usually by replacing a damaged component, either in hardware or software. Isn’t the murderer or the rapist just a machine with a defective component? Why is it that we humans find it almost impossible to accept such conclusions? Why do we vent such visceral hatred on child murderers…when we should simply regard them as faulty units that need fixing or replacing? My dangerous idea is that we shall eventually grow out of all this and even learn to laugh at it, just as we laugh at (a man) when he beats his car.” – Richard Dawkins (Let’s All Stop Beating Basil’s Car).[5] “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine[6] Paul Rainbow, The Way of Salvation, p.235[7] A reference to the destruction of Jerusalem and many Jews in the Jewish-Roman war of 70 A.D. Jesus expands His teaching on this event – including the killing of God’s messengers in His continuing condemnation of the Jewish religious leaders (Mat 23:29 – 24:34).

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study has been to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3]. Why this study should matter to you: 1) It demonstrates God’s continuing protection of us (the denial of free-will and justice espoused by the determinism of the atheist evolutionists is the theology and resulting consequence of Calvinism also known as theistic determinism = God is the cause of all things as all things [comprehensively/exhaustively] including our actions have been pre-determined by Him. Free-will/self-determinism is not an mystery but an illusion. Human beings are robot-victims that wb punished as though their actions were self-determined [versus pre-determined/pre-programmed]. Theistic determinism [and its monergistic view of salvation] are said to give God the most glory [?][robot worship versus real worship; e.g. a king whose people praise him b/c they choose to versus a king whose people praise him b/c they are forced to])[4], 2) It demonstrates growth in our understanding of God’s Word and therefore also His continual leading of us as His disciples (Christianity is Judaism 2.0 whereas Calvinism/Protestant Reformation is Roman Catholicism 2.0), 3) It demonstrates our trust/commitment to God’s Word as the only sacred cow.TOTAL DEPRAVITY = We are completely unable to repent, believe in Christ and be faithful to God’s commands. God must give repentance and faith to us and produce faithfulness for us (thru His work in us – i.e. regeneration/new birth)What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MORAL ABILITY = Though sin has severely affected us, it has not stripped us of our morality – or moral ability before God and others. We can – and therefore are expected to – repent of our sin, respond in faith to the gospel of Christ and live faithfully to God’s commands. Countless texts in the Scripture make clear that mankind’s will is still free enough to establish both his culpability and God’s right to judge him when he fails (we are “w/o excuse” – e.g. Rom 1:18-21 w/2:2, 3:1-8; Joh 9:41). Equally evident from the Bible, is God’s genuine displeasure when people continue in their rebellion and His desire to see them turn and follow Him (Eze 18:23, 33:11; Deu 30:19-20; Rom 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9). Both attributes equally imply our ability to repent, believe and be faithful to His commands. Finally, God confirms this ability by explicitly stating that we can obey His commands (Deu 30:11-14). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of total depravity (e.g. Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Melito, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Methodius, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom – even Augustine, the coveted saint of the Calvinistic Reformers)[5].UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION = God brings about conversion in those He chooses to save by changing their will – against their will, (causing them to repent, have faith and produce faithfulness). Since this choice was before Creation, (and human beings possess no ability to repent, have faith or produce faithfulness on their own), it is based on nothing they or anyone else did to afford such favor. Without this pre-creation election by God, you have no chance of ever coming to Christ and being saved. Those however who are chosen, are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven.What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:SEEKER SALVATION = Though the Bible does teach election, it does NOT teach that God chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation before Creation. Nor do the Scriptures teach that such election is unconditional – or that once saved, they are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven. Rather the Scriptures teach that God’s election/choice as to who will receive salvation is instead always based/conditioned on the past/present actions of people. Furthermore, God has obligated Himself to all who diligently and genuinely seek Him and His righteousness promising that they will not only find Him, but be elected/chosen to receive His offer of salvation thru covenant relationship w/His Son. Those who obey God’s gospel call will be identified as His elect/chosen and those inheriting the blessing of salvation. Such designation however requires that such individuals continue in faithful obedience for the rest of their life. Otherwise such prior election – or identity as the elect, will be forfeited. (Gen 6:5-9, 11-13 w/18a; Gen 6:22 w/7:1; Gen 6:18; 1Pe 3:20-21; Gen 15:1-21; Neh 9:8; Gen 17:1-8 w/21 w/22:16-18 w/26:1-5 w/28:10-15 w/Deu 4:31, 7:6-8; Rom 11:28; Eph 1:1-11; Ezr 8:22; Isa 56:1-8; Rom 2:6-8; Act 10:34-35, 13:47-48, 17:25-26; 1Ti 1:12-13; Act 2:39 w/Gen 17:7-13; 1Co 7:14; Act 8:26-36; Act 16:6-10; Joh 4:23; Mat 9:37-38, 10:12-14; Isa 56:1-5; Act 10:34-35, 16:6; Joh 4:23; Rom 2:6-11; Jer 29:13; 2Pe 1:10-11; Mat 24:22, 24, 31; Luk 18:7; Rom 1:6-7, 33, 11:7; 1Co 1:24, 2:7; Col 3:12; 2Ti 2:10; Tit 1:1; 2Jo 1:1, 13; Jud 1:1; Rev 17:14; Isa 43:20-28; Joe 2:32; 1Th 1:4 w/3:5; Mat 22:1-14; Deu 7:9-12; 2Pe 1:8-11 w/3:20-22; Rom 11:20-24, 28-29). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of unconditional election (e.g. Justin Martyr, Clement, Ireneaus and Hermas).ADDENDUM:Revelation 13:8 and 17:8 refer to Christ’s plan and an ancient book not names of people.Two additional texts considered by Calvinists to support their view of election (as God’s unconditional choice of people before they existed) are found in (Rev 13:8 and 17:8). Each seem to say that before Creation, people were written (or not written) into God’s “book of life” – which according to (Rev 22:15), determines who ends up in heaven and who is “thrown into the lake of fire” (i.e. hell). Upon further analysis however, what comes to light is that the author’s (the apostle John’s) reference to time is actually in relation to Christ’s redemptive plan and the book itself – not people:1) (Rev 13:8) οὐ γέγραπται (was not written) τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (the name of them) ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς (in the book of life) τοῦ ἀρνίου τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου (of the slain lamb) ἀπὸ (from; same as 17:8) καταβολῆς κόσμου (the foundation of the world)[6]. = Based on the original sentence structure, what is “from the foundation of the world” is Jesus (the “slain lamb”), not the names of people (those missing from God’s salvific ledger) (since what is closest is what is most likely being modified). As such, this text is not saying that God chose (or in this case, did not choose) certain people to be saved, before Creation – or irrespective of what they would do once they existed. It is instead communicating something very important about Jesus, that He existed (from the beginning), and that His death as the means to saving and placing people in God’s book of life was planned before anything had yet taken place (1Pe 1:17-20).2) (Rev 17:8) ὧν (whose) οὐ γέγραπται (was not written) τὸ ὄνομα (the name) ἐπὶ (in) τὸ βιβλίον τῆς ζωῆς (the book of life) ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (from the foundation of the world). = Again, what is being modified by the prepositional phrase, “from the foundation of the world” is not the names of people. It is instead “the book of life”. Notice again the sentence structure – what is closest is what is most likely being modified. This ancient book is where God has (from the beginning/”foundation of the world”) been writing down the names of those who were appropriately responding to His gospel call and commands as the record which (along w/our deeds) will be reviewed on Judgment Day (Rev 20:12). As further support, consider the fact that Scripture elsewhere speaks of names being added or blotted out (Exo 32:32-33; Deu 29:20; Rev 3:5 w/Act 5:14, 11:24 – “added to the Lord”= This phrase can mean nothing other than added to God’s book of life given the previous correlation between Jesus confessing His relationship w/a person and their place in this book – i.e. if He is confessing you it is b/c you were added or remain in the book versus being blotted out). These actions of adding and blotting out only make sense if God’s election is conditional and taking place in real-time (versus before time/Creation). In other words, God’s work of inserting them in – or taking people out of His book, is being determined by their actions at the time of their life.LIMITED ATONEMENT3.1. What the doctrine teaches: Christ’s atoning sacrifice or death was not for all people who have or will ever exist, but limited to specific people, those who God has unconditionally guaranteed will end up in heaven (the Calvinist understanding of the elect). Christ’s redemptive work is therefore not only perfectly sufficient, effective for those to whom it is applied, but also perfectly efficient (none was wasted) on those to whom it is applied.3.2. The problem with this doctrine: Though the Bible teaches that Christ’s atoning sacrifice or death was not for all people who have or will ever exist, but limited to specific people, those people are not determined based on whether they end up in heaven. Additionally, though Christ’s redemptive work is perfectly sufficient and effective for those to whom it is applied, it is not perfectly efficient. Much of His work is wasted on those to whom it is applied.3.2.1. Christ’s atoning death was for the Church.(Eph 5:25 – “gave Himself up for her”) = Jesus’ sacrificial death was for the one He loved, the church. Paul communicates the same thing to the Ephesian elders as the reason they were “pay careful attention to …all of the flock” and “care for the church” (Act 20:28 –“obtained with His own blood”) = The church was the object – or people redeemed through Christ’s cross-work. Who then are the church? Those who have become its members (or “flock”) through baptism (Act 2:41) = Baptism is how people are “added” to the church (or as discussed previously, to the Lord’s book of life)[7]. Baptism is also where Christ’s blood is initially applied to our lives (Rom 6:3) = To say that we “were baptized into His death” is the equivalent of saying that we have bathed in His blood (See Act 22:16 w/Eph 1:7 and 1Jo 1:7) That Jesus’ sacrifice (or blood) was for the Church is equally supported by the other sacrament given to the Church, the Lord’s Table. Through it we continue to apply Christ’s blood to our lives (Mat 26:28 – “for the forgiveness of sins” w/Jesus’ instruction before the Table, Joh 13:1-10 = The purpose of the Table is to continue the cleansing by His blood that we initially bathed in at our baptism). So then, those for whom Christ died (and where His blood is applied) are those (specific) people the Bible identifies as the Church.3.2.2. Paul’s use of the term (“flock”) in reference to the church (in Act 20:28) means that we have also de-bunked those key texts used by the Calvinists to support this doctrine (Limited Atonement):Those texts are: 1) (Joh 10:11 and 15 – “my sheep”, 2) (Mat 1:21 – “die for the sins of His people w/Psa 95:7…we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand”).3.2.3. Though those in the Church are the elect, these individuals can – as previously discussed – fall away, not only forfeiting their membership (in the Church) and identity (as the elect), but also causing Christ’s blood to be wasted.Hence the reason, the writer of Hebrews can speak of such individuals as deserving a “worse punishment” come Judgment Day and those who have “outraged the Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:26-29) = The apostasy warned against has as its central offense, the damage done to the “blood of the covenant” (meaning the blood of Christ). That which (once) perfectly “sanctified” (i.e. cleansed of sin and justified) these individuals, has now – because of their willful or unrepentant rebellion, been “profaned”. IOW: it has been wasted. And according to Jesus, the number representing those individuals is more than those who remain faithful (Mat 22:14, 24:10).[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ position and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary).[4] “The moment we catch sight of the stream of causes that precede their conscious decisions [i.e. criminals], reaching back into their childhood and beyond, their culpability begins to disappear.” – Sam Harris (Freewill); “By losing free-will we gain empathy, for we realize that in the end all of us, whether Bernie Madoffs or Nelson Mandelas, are victims of circumstance…” Jerry Coyne (Why We Really Don’t Have Free-Will); “When a computer malfunctions, we do not punish it. We track down the problem and fix it, usually by replacing a damaged component, either in hardware or software. Isn’t the murderer or the rapist just a machine with a defective component? Why is it that we humans find it almost impossible to accept such conclusions? Why do we vent such visceral hatred on child murderers…when we should simply regard them as faulty units that need fixing or replacing? My dangerous idea is that we shall eventually grow out of all this and even learn to laugh at it, just as we laugh at (a man) when he beats his car.” – Richard Dawkins (Let’s All Stop Beating Basil’s Car).[5] “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine[6] This is the sentence structure in both the Majority Text and Textus Receptus compilations of NT Greek manuscripts. The phrase, “from the foundation of the world” is at the end versus in the middle of the sentence. The KJV and others keep it according to the original, whereas the NAS and ESV change the place of the prepositional phrase (I wonder why?). Giving some credit back to the NAS, they do (at least) provide a footnote indicating their change from the original.[7] That this verse is indeed referring to the church as the place where people are being added is confirmed by the rest of the book where this same group is identified as “the church” (e.g. Act 5:11, 8:1, 3) or “the church in Jerusalem” (Act 11:22).

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study has been to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3].Why this study should matter to you: 1) It demonstrates God’s continuing protection of us (the denial of free-will and justice espoused by the determinism of the atheist evolutionists is the theology and resulting consequence of Calvinism also known as theistic determinism)[4], 2) It demonstrates growth in our understanding of God’s Word and therefore also His continual leading of us as His disciples (Christianity is Judaism 2.0 whereas Calvinism is Roman Catholicism 2.0), 3) It demonstrates our trust in God’s Word as our firm foundation and only sacred cow – not our theology (Mat 7:24-27).TOTAL DEPRAVITY = We are completely unable to repent, believe in Christ and be faithful to God’s commands. God must give repentance and faith to us and produce faithfulness for us (thru His work in us – i.e. regeneration/new birth)What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MORAL ABILITY = Though sin has severely affected us, it has not stripped us of our morality – or moral ability before God and others. We can – and therefore are expected to – repent of our sin, respond in faith to the gospel of Christ and live faithfully to God’s commands. Countless texts in the Scripture make clear that mankind’s will is still free enough to establish both his culpability and God’s right to judge him when he fails (we are “w/o excuse” – e.g. Rom 1:18-21 w/2:2, 3:1-8; Joh 9:41). Equally evident from the Bible, is God’s genuine displeasure when people continue in their rebellion and His desire to see them turn and follow Him (Eze 18:23, 33:11; Deu 30:19-20; Rom 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9). Both attributes equally imply our ability to repent, believe and be faithful to His commands. Finally, God confirms this ability by explicitly stating that we can obey His commands (Deu 30:11-14). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of total depravity (e.g. Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Melito, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Methodius, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom – even Augustine, the coveted saint of the Calvinistic Reformers)[5].UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION2.1. What the doctrine teaches:Before God created the universe, He chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation based/conditioned upon nothing He saw or knew about those individuals as to their moral value or potential or because He possessed some prior obligation to them, but instead based solely on His free choice and sovereign grace. As part of God’s unconditional election of some to salvation, He also determined to provide those individuals with the necessary repentance, faith and faithfulness thus eliminating the obstacle created by the prior doctrine of Total Depravity (inability to repent, believe and faithfully obey) and guaranteeing their future residence into heaven.2.2. The problem with this doctrine:Though the Bible does teach election, it does NOT teach that God chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation before Creation. Nor do the Scriptures teach that such election is unconditional – or that once saved, they are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven. In stark contrast, the picture painted by God’ Word reveals the following to be the true doctrine of election:2.2.1. God election is always based/condition upon the behavior He saw in someone. [DISCUSSED]God’s election/choice as to who will receive salvation is instead always based/conditioned on the past/present actions of that individual or the actions of someone else God designates to be their federal head (i.e. personal representative). For example: Noah, Abe, Isaac, Jacob, Israel, the New Covenant church, our personal election or the election of children born to the saints (Gen 6:5 – 9, 11-13 w/18a; Gen 6:22 w/7:1; Gen 6:18; 1Pe 3:20-21; Gen 15:1-21; Neh 9:8; Gen 17:1-8 w/21 w/22:16-18 w/26:1-5 w/28:10-15 w/Deu 4:31, 7:6-8; Rom 11:28; Eph 1:1-11; Ezr 8:22; Rom 2:6-8; Act 10:34-35, 13:47-48; 1Ti 1:12-13; Act 2:39 w/Gen 17:7-13; 1Co 7:14; e.g. Act 8:26-36; Act 16:6-10; See also Joh 4:23; Mat 9:37-38, 10:12-14; Isa 56:1-5).2.2.2. God’s foreknowledge is also a reference to someone’s behavior as the condition of their election. [DISCUSSED]2.2.3. John 1:13 teaches the condition of spiritual birth to be identified as the elect.[DISCUSSED]2.2.4. Romans 9 and 11 teaches that the only time God’s election is unconditional is when it concerns those not seeking Him.At the end of the previous chapter (chapter 8), Paul makes it clear that those who have received God’s love in Christ (or thru putting faith in Christ and coming into a saving, justified state w/God) cannot be separated from that covenant relationship by external means (8:38-39). This then prompts (in Paul’s mind) the question of Israel, whose majority – b/c of their rebellion, were further “hardened” – or pushed deeper into the depths of their self-inflicted blindness so as not to recognize or receive Jesus and instead become those separated (or excommunicated) from God’s love (or covenant of salvation) (Rom 11:7-10; 1Co 2:8 w/Mat 13:10-15 w/Isa 6:9-10). What about them? His answer: though God has obligated Himself to extend the offer of salvation to all who are diligently and genuinely seeking Him and His righteousness (Act 10:34-35, 16:6; Joh 4:23; Rom 2:6-11; Jer 29:13), the same is not true in relation to those not seeking – or who have rejected Him – including Israel, those who had received God’s salvific blessings in the past (Rom 9:1-5). In respect to these individuals, God had no obligation. Any mercy therefore that got extended to them (in terms of the offer of salvation) wb completely up to God’s free, optional (or unconditioned) choice. Just as it was in the case of choosing which brother would serve the other (Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau), so God (in relation to those who were in rebellion/rejecting Him), had the right to decide who would receive mercy and who wb hardened (Rom 9:7-18; see also Jer 18:1-10). In this Paul asserts no failure on the part of God’s past promises (regarding Abe’s descendants or Israel’s deliverance through the coming Messiah and New Covenant) since such promises were meant only for that Israel (or those descendants) who continued to receive God’s favor. Likewise, there was also no injustice on the part of God, since His choice to refuse mercy to the majority of Israel came after incredible patience (waiting for their repentance) and the decision to spare some so as to preserve Israel’s hopes in the future (Rom 9:6, 19-29, 11:1-29). God’s election as taught in Romans chapter 9 is therefore not attempting to deny the very conditional nature of God’s election (as demonstrated throughout redemptive history,) but rather what His obligation is toward those who do not meet those conditions, which (as Paul once more makes clear) is nothing. In such cases, He possesses no obligation, but rather can freely (or unconditionally) choose whether to have mercy on those individuals or harden them in their already rebellious state. Hence the reason Paul can call God’s choice to extend mercy to those who in the past who rebelled, “grace” that is “no longer on the basis of works” (Rom 11:5-6).2.2.5. Election refers to the calling of God not our conversion to Christ.Calvinists’ view God’s work in election as conversion (i.e. choosing to change the state of an individual from unsaved to saved, pagan to Christian) versus what the Bible actually teaches, which is (as) calling (i.e. choosing to extend the offer of salvation thru the preaching of God’s gospel – Rom 10:8-15). Hence the reason Peter can use the two terms (election and calling) synonymously and admonish Christians to pursue lives that will make “sure” their original offer does not prove in vain (2Pe 1:10-11; For similar instruction see Phi 2:16; Heb 12:15; For synonymous usage of calling and election see also Rom 9:11). It sb noted that the only time election is associated w/conversion is when referring to those who have responded appropriately to God’s electing call (by faith in Christ). They are identified as “the elect” or “the called” or “the chosen” (e.g. Mat 24:22, 24, 31; Luk 18:7; Rom 1:6-7, 33, 11:7; 1Co 1:24, 2:7; Col 3:12; 2Ti 2:10; Tit 1:1; 2Jo 1:1, 13; Jud 1:1; Rev 17:14; even Isa 43:20-28; for a combination of these two ideas see Joe 2:32).2.2.6. Election does not guarantee (final) salvation since the elect or chosen (i.e. those who have responded appropriately to God’s electing call by faith in Christ) can (and many do) go apostate and to Hell.Not maintaining what the elect/chosen have gained (by faith) thru faithful, enduring obedience will mean missing heaven (just like the pagan) -only w/worse consequences (1Th 1:4 w/3:5; Mat 22:1-14; Deu 7:9-12; 2Pe 1:8-11 w/3:20-22; Rom 11:20-24, 28-29).2.3. Historical support:2.3.1. Justin Martyr : Christian apologist (100-165 A.D.) “God, wishing men and angels to follow His will, resolved to create them free to do righteousness. But if the word of God foretells that some angels and men shall certainly be punished, it did so because it foreknew that they would be unchangeably (wicked), but not because God created them so. But lest some suppose, from what has been said by us that we say that whatever happens, happens by a fatal necessity, because it is foretold as known beforehand, this too we explain. We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, and chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions. Since if it be not so, but all things happen by fate, neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it be fated that this man, be good, and this other evil, neither is the former meritorious nor the latter to be blamed. And again, unless the human race have the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions, of whatever kind they be. For not like other things, as trees and quadrupeds, which cannot act by choice, did God make man: for neither would he be worthy of reward or praise did he not of himself choose the good, but were created for this end; nor, if he were evil, would he be worthy of punishment, not being evil of himself, but being able to be nothing else than what he was made… We do not affirm that it is by fate that men do what they do, or suffer what they suffer, but that each man by free choice acts rightly or sins. The Stoics, not observing this, maintained that all things take place according to the necessity of fate. But since God in the beginning made the race of angels and men with free-will, they will justly suffer in eternal fire the punishment of whatever sins they have committed. and this is the nature of all that is made, to be capable of vice and virtue. For neither would any of them be praiseworthy unless there were power to turn to both (virtue and vice).”2.3.2. Clement: bishop of Alexandria (150-200 A.D.) “Let us review all the generations in turn, and learn that from generation to generation the Master has given an opportunity for repentance to those who desire to turn to him.”2.3.3. Ireneaus: bishop of Lyon (130-200 A.D.) “If, therefore, in the present time also, God, knowing the number of those who will not believe—since he foreknows everything—has given them over to unbelief and turned his face away from men of this kind, leaving them in the darkness which they have themselves chosen for themselves, then why would it be amazing if he also, in that time, gave Pharaoh—who would never have believed—along with those who were with him, over to their unbelief? As the Word said to Moses from the bush, “I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go except by a mighty hand.”2.3.4. Hermas: author of the Shepherd of Hermas (140-160 A.D.) “To those whose heart he saw would become pure and obedient to him, he gave power to repent with the whole heart. But to those whose deceit and wickedness he perceived, and saw that they intended to repent hypocritically, he did not grant repentance, lest they should again profane His name.”[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ position and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary).[4] “The moment we catch sight of the stream of causes that precede [the criminal’s] conscious decisions, reaching back into their childhood and beyond, their culpability begins to disappear.” – Sam Harris (Freewill); “By losing free-will we gain empathy, for we realize that in the end all of us, whether Bernie Madoffs or Nelson Mandelas, are victims of circumstance…” Jerry Coyne (Why We Really Don’t Have Free-Will); “When a computer malfunctions, we do not punish it. We track down the problem and fix it, usually by replacing a damaged component, either in hardware or software. Isn’t the murderer or the rapist just a machine with a defective component? Why is it that we humans find it almost impossible to accept such conclusions? Why do we vent such visceral hatred on child murderers…when we should simply regard them as faulty units that need fixing or replacing? My dangerous idea is that we shall eventually grow out of all this and even learn to laugh at it, just as we laugh at (a man) when he beats his car [when it breaks down].” – Richard Dawkins (Let’s All Stop Beating Basil’s Car).[5] “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study wb to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3].TOTAL DEPRAVITY = We are completely unable to repent, believe in Christ and be faithful to God’s commands. God must give repentance and faith to us and produce faithfulness for us (thru His work in us – i.e. regeneration/new birth)What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MORAL ABILITYThough sin has severely affected us, it has not stripped us of our morality – or moral ability before God and others. We can – and therefore are expected to – repent of our sin, respond in faith to the gospel of Christ and live faithfully to God’s commands. Countless texts in the Scripture make clear that mankind’s will is still free enough to establish both his culpability and God’s right to judge him when he fails (we are “w/o excuse” – e.g. Rom 1:18-21 w/2:2, 3:1-8). Equally evident from the Bible, is God’s genuine displeasure when people continue in their rebellion and His desire to see them turn and follow Him (Eze 18:23, 33:11; Deu 30:19-20; Rom 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9). Both attributes equally imply our ability to repent, believe and be faithful to His commands. Finally, God confirms this ability by explicitly stating that we can obey His commands (Deu 30:11-14). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of total depravity (e.g. Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Melito, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Methodius, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom – even Augustine, the coveted saint of the Calvinistic Reformers)[4].UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION2.1. What the doctrine teaches:Before God created the universe, He chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation based/conditioned upon nothing He saw or knew about those individuals as to their moral value or potential or because He possessed some prior obligation to them, but instead based solely on His free choice and sovereign grace. As part of God’s unconditional election of some to salvation, He also determined to provide those individuals with the necessary repentance, faith and faithfulness thus eliminating the obstacle created by the prior doctrine of Total Depravity (inability to repent, believe and faithfully obey) and guaranteeing their future residence into heaven.2.2. The problem with this doctrine:The Bible does NOT teach that God – before creating the universe, chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation. Nor do the Scriptures teach that such election is unconditional – or that once saved, they are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven. In stark contrast, the picture painted by God’ Word reveals the following to be the true doctrine of election:2.2.1. God election is always based/condition upon the behavior He saw in someone.God’s election/choice as to who will receive salvation is instead always based/conditioned on the past/present actions of that individual or the actions of someone else God designates to be their federal head (i.e. personal representative).For example:2.2.1.1. God’s election of Noah was conditioned upon the righteous behavior He witnessed in Noah(Gen 6:5 – 9, 11-13 w/18a; Gen 6:22 w/7:1).2.2.1.2. God’s election of Noah’s household was also conditioned upon the righteous behavior of Noah (Gen 6:18; 1Pe 3:20-21). 2.2.1.3. God’s election of Abe was conditioned upon the righteous behavior He witnessed in Abe (Gen 15:1-21; See also Neh 9:8).2.2.1.4. Isaac/Jacob/Israel’s elections were also conditioned upon Abe (Gen 17:1-8 w/21 w/22:16-18 w/26:1-5 w/28:10-15 w/Deu 4:31, 7:6-8; Rom 11:28).2.2.1.5. The election to salvation of New Covenant saints or the Church – most especially Gentiles, is conditioned upon the righteous behavior of Christ (Eph 1:1-11).2.2.1.6. God’s election (personally/individually) was conditioned upon either our parents’ or our own behavior (Ezr 8:22; Rom 2:6-8; Act 10:34-35, 13:47-48; 1Ti 1:12-13; Act 2:39 w/Gen 17:7-13; 1Co 7:14; e.g. Act 8:26-36; Act 16:6-10; See also Joh 4:23; Mat 9:37-38, 10:12-14; Isa 56:1-5).2.2.2. God’s foreknowledge is also a reference to someone’s behavior as the condition of their election.A popular argument w/in Calvinist circles is that the Greek word (προγινώσκω) translated as “foreknew” in (Rom 8:29) refers to God’s prior choice/election of individuals to salvation (meaning before their actions – or even existence, and therefore unconditional) rather than what that word would normally indicate (as demonstrated elsewhere in the New Testament), which is prior knowledge (Act 26:5; 1Pe 1:20; 2Pe 3:17). This however is its meaning in this text as well. It refers to God’s prior knowledge as to our behavior as the basis (or condition) of God’s choice/election. This interpretation not only fits nicely w/the immediate context or Paul’s conversation on God’s guidance and purpose for His elect, but is confirmed when the word is used again in the final chapter of this discussion in chapter 11 (See Rom 11:1-4) = Those God chooses/elects to be the remnant are those who demonstrate acts of faithfulness as it was in the time of Elijah (1Ki 19:10 w/18).2.2.3. John 1:13 teaches the condition of spiritual birth to be identified as the elect.Though often used to support unconditional election, the context surrounding these verses reveal them to be teaching the opposite. (Joh 1:11-13) = Those that God now chooses to become His children or elect, is no longer based (or conditioned) upon bloodline (i.e. you are a Jew – v11), nor the fact that such individuals had received the old covenant signs in their flesh (what he means by “the will of the flesh” – Gen 17:11-13). Such privilege has been removed due to the Jews rejection of Jesus (again v11). Becoming “the children of God” is instead the “right” given by God “to all who did receive Him” (i.e. Christ), to those “who believed in His name.” IOW: The new condition for becoming one of God’s elect sons or daughters is spiritual birth (being “born…of God”) through belief in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Joh 3:1-16). This condition also eliminates the idea that people can be saved simply b/c they desire to be (what Paul means by “the will of man”).[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ position and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary).[4] “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study wb to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3].TOTAL DEPRAVITY = We are completely unable to repent, believe in Christ and be faithful to God’s commands. God must give repentance and faith to us and produce faithfulness for us (thru His work in us – i.e. regeneration/new birth)What the Bible actually teaches/reveals:MORAL ABILITYThough sin has severely affected us, it has not stripped us of our morality – or moral ability before God and others. We can – and therefore are expected to – repent of our sin, respond in faith to the gospel of Christ and live faithfully to God’s commands. Countless texts in the Scripture make clear that mankind’s will is still free enough to establish both his culpability and God’s right to judge him when he fails (we are “w/o excuse” – e.g. Rom 1:18-21 w/2:2, 3:1-8). Equally evident from the Bible, is God’s genuine displeasure when people continue in their rebellion and His desire to see them turn and follow Him (Eze 18:23, 33:11; Deu 30:19-20; Rom 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9). Both attributes equally imply our ability to repent, believe and be faithful to His commands. Finally, God confirms this ability by explicitly stating that we can obey His commands (Deu 30:11-14). As additional support, the early church rejected the thinking promoted by the doctrine of total depravity (e.g. Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Melito, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Methodius, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom).“Neither praise nor condemnation, neither rewards nor punishments, are right if the soul does not have the power of choice and avoidance, if evil is involuntary.” – Clement of Alexandria “He [God] has revealed to us, through His Holy Scriptures, that there is in man a free choice of will… God’s precepts themselves would be of no use to a man unless he had free choice of will, so that by performing them he might obtain the promised rewards.” – Augustine (adopted saint of the Calvinistic Reformers).“Given Calvinism’s long and formative influence on the western world, it would be both irrational and irresponsible not to assume there is a strong causal connection between the doctrine of Total Depravity (or more accurately, “Total Inability”) and the victim mentality so prevalent today. The self-destruction created by these false inabilities are the direct opposite of (and therefore stand opposed to) God’s justice since through its practice (justice), mankind’s ability is acknowledged and empowered. ” – My (RSJ) opinion UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION2.1. What the doctrine teaches:Before God created the universe, He chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation based/conditioned upon nothing He saw or knew about those individuals as to their moral value or potential or because He possessed some prior obligation to them, but instead based solely on His free choice and sovereign grace. As part of God’s unconditional election of some to salvation, He also determined to provide those individuals with the necessary repentance, faith and faithfulness thus eliminating the obstacle created by the prior doctrine of Total Depravity (inability to repent, believe and faithfully obey) and guaranteeing their future residence into heaven.2.2. The problem with this doctrine:The Bible does NOT teach that God – before creating the universe, chose/elected specific persons to be the recipients of His salvation. Nor do the Scriptures teach that such election is unconditional – or that once saved, they are guaranteed to one day reside in heaven. In stark contrast, the picture painted by God’ Word reveals the following to be the true doctrine of election:2.2.1. God election is always based/condition upon the behavior He saw in someone.God’s election/choice as to who will receive salvation is instead always based/conditioned on the past/present actions of that individual or the actions of someone else God designates to be their federal head (i.e. personal representative).For example:2.2.1.1. God’s election of Noah was conditioned upon the righteous behavior He witnessed in Noah.(Gen 6:5 – 9, 11-13 w/18a) = God’s election/choice to extend “favor” or “establish covenant” – i.e. to save Noah from His coming judgment against sin was due to/conditioned upon the fact that Noah was a “righteous man, blameless in his generation”, a man who “walked with God” and “did all that God commanded him.” Should there be any doubt to the conditional nature of the previous statements, the last verse of chapter 6 and first of chapter seven make it abundantly clear (Gen 6:22 w/7:1 – “Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.”)[4].2.2.1.2. God’s election of Noah’s household was also conditioned upon the righteous behavior of Noah.The fact that God chose to save (from the coming flood) not only Noah but his entire household implies that they (too) benefited from Noah’s righteous behavior. IOW: that they were included in the covenant God made w/Noah. It sb noted that the term “ark” used to refer to the boat built by Noah is the same word used when speaking of the ark of the covenant – the place where the Book of the Covenant resided and where the sacrifice for atonement was made. Additionally, the ark was carried into battle ensuring the Israelites’ success. It represented the place of God’s saving power. To be in the presence of one of God’s arks meant you were in the place of salvation – i.e. that you existed in a saving covenant relationship w/Him. Hence the reason God’s instruction to take Noah’s family into the ark (and through it save them from the flood) immediately follows His words regarding the covenant (see again Gen 6:18 = coming into covenant w/God is what gave them access to His ark of salvation). For further support in regard to viewing Noah’s ark as a soteriological sign – or symbol of saving covenant relationship see (1Pe 3:20-21) = Like Noah’s family who were saved thru the waters by the ark which rose above their deathly threat, we too are saved thru the waters by the archetype [literally, ark-type] of Jesus who also rose above/from death. That God makes His salvation available to others in the household when its head (or federal head – i.e. father/husband or parent – 1Co 7:14) is righteous is the consistent practice of Scripture. From a theological perspective, this is sometimes referred to as “household” or “corporate election.”(tbdf)2.2.1.3. God’s election of Abraham was conditioned upon the righteous behavior He witnessed in Abraham.(Gen 15:1-21) = Abram’s righteous behavior here – as well as in the previous chapters (e.g. Gen 12:1-4) become the basis (or condition) for God’s decision to enter into a saving (covenant) relationship w/him (See Neh 9:8)[5].2.2.1.4. Isaac, Jacob and the nation of Israel’s elections to salvation were all conditioned upon the righteous behavior of Abraham.(Gen 17:1-8 w/21 w/26:1-5 w/28:10-15 w/Deu 7:6-8) = God’s election to salvation of the patriarchs (Isaac and Jacob) along w/the twelve tribes (making up the one nation of Israel) were all conditioned upon God’s original promise to Abraham.2.2.1.5. The election to salvation of New Covenant saints or the Church – most especially Gentiles, is conditioned upon the righteous behavior of Christ.(Eph 1:1-11) = The “us” and “we” mentioned in these verses refers to the “saints who are in Ephesus” – or more broadly speaking, all those a part of the New Covenant community or the church – including Gentiles – those (as Paul says in 2:11-12, were once “far from the covenants and promises of God” and “without hope”). As such, they are also who Paul is referring to when speaking of God’s predestination (or choosing before “the foundation of the world”). Not specific persons, but a specific group of people or community. It is again, the saints or New Covenant Church, people whose election to salvation was not baseless but rather conditioned upon the righteous behavior and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hence the reason all such references to predestination or “prior-to-Creation” choosing are qualified w/ the preposition, “in Him” or “through Jesus Christ”. Which means that what is said about predestination has more to do with what was pre-planned concerning Him – not us. IOW: our eventual existence as the people of God was only b/c of what could be made certain before it all began – that Jesus would one day come into the world and establish not only perfect redemption/true atonement for sin, but a covenant through which all peoples of the world could be saved.2.2.1.6. God’s election (personally/individually) was conditioned upon either our parents’ or our own behavior.(Ezr 8:22; Rom 2:6-8; Act 10:35, 13:47-48) = These passages do not teach that God’s decision to choose /elect us (specifically) for salvation was based on nothing in us, but rather that our actions – or those of our federal head (i.e. our parents) afforded us this gracious invitation. IOW: though rebels, God saw that we were desiring/seeking to change things in the direction of righteousness – or that our parents were already in covenant relationship w/Him. And as a result of those things, orchestrated the means necessary to hearing the gospel and coming into a saving relationship w/Him (1Ti 1:12-13; Act 2:39 w/Gen 17:7-13; again 1Co 7:14). No doubt this is the reason God told Philip to go south to Gaza to meet the Ethiopian Eunuch (Act 8:26-36) = The condition prompting God to send Philip to this man’s chariot sb obvious. He was seeking to “worship” God – even attempting to understand His Word! To see this account any other way (i.e. God’s choice of the Eunuch was not conditioned upon his behavior) requires deliberately (or very ignorantly) ignoring a substantial amount of evidence pointing in the opposite direction. In this light consider also (Act 18:5-10) = God told Paul to continue preaching in Corinth b/c there were “many people” there that were ready to turn from their sins/seeking righteous that God therefore had chosen to hear receive the gospel message and be saved. The fact that Paul ends up in Corinth (or Macedonia) is itself, testimony to God’s conditional nature regarding election (Act 16:6-10) = Paul was directed away from his original mission to Asia and told to go to Macedonia. Such change of plans begs a reason on the part of God. Something related to the people in both of those regions and the success Paul would have in attempting to preach the gospel to one versus the other. In this case, it was the Macedonians who would prove to be his best missionary bet. God saw the hearts of the people in Macedonia were ripe for turning from their sins (remember the vision of the man pleading that someone come?) whereas in Asia, they were not. This kind of decision-making as to where or w/whom to share the gospel was at the heart of Jesus’ missiology – including His teaching regarding the Father instruction to His disciples (Joh 4:23; Mat 9:37-38, 10:12-14; see also Isa 56:1-5).[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ position and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary).[4] That the kind of covenant God established w/Noah was salvific or referring to eternal salvation is attested to God’s preparation and appointment of him to the priestly act of making burnt offerings (Gen 7:2-3 w/8:20-21).[5] Jewish tradition equally taught that Abraham was a man exhibiting righteous behavior prior to God’s extension of grace (or offer of salvation), “Abraham, endowed with great sagacity, with a higher knowledge of God and greater virtues than all the rest, was determined to change the erroneous opinions of men. He was the first who had the courage to proclaim God as the sole Creator of the universe, to whose will all the heavenly bodies are subject, for they by their motions show their dependence on Him. His opposition to astrology provoked the wrath of the Chaldeans, and he had to leave their country and go to Canaan. Berosus mentions our father Abram without naming him when he says thus – ‘In the tenth generation after the Flood, there was among the Chaldeans a man righteous and great and skillful in celestial science.” – Josephus (“Antiquities”). Abraham’s revolt against Chaldean idolatry is also spoken of in Philo (“On Abraham”).

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study wb to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3].TOTAL DEPRAVITY (AS INABILITY)1.1. What this doctrine teaches = Because the Bible teaches that we are not only born and enslaved to sin; but also that every aspect of our nature/person (spirit, mind, will and body) has been corrupted by sin, we are completely UNABLE to exercise faith in Christ or faithfully obey God. Our wills are not free to make such choices or commitments, but rather bound against them. For a person, therefore, to turn from their sin and be saved requires divine intervention. God must graciously grant them the necessary faith and faithfulness through regeneration – or causing them to be born again. Speaking of its importance to the Reformation, John Piper states, “The issue of man’s bondage to sin and his moral inability to believe or be holy was the root issue of the Reformation — and the lynchpin of Protestantism.”1.2. The problem w/this doctrine: Though the Bible teaches that we are not only born and enslaved to sin; but also that every aspect of our nature/person (spirit, mind, will and body) has been corrupted by sin, it does NOT teach that such depravity has, therefore, made us completely unable to repent, believe or be faithful. Understanding God’s Word within it given context, reveals mankind to possess a disability (b/c of his sin) but not an inability. In other words, people – though disabled (hampered or hindered) by sin can still make the choice to turn and follow God – or exercise faith in Christ, and commit themselves in faithful (not perfect) obedience to His commands. SUPPORT:1.2.1. Human culpability requires the ability to repent, believe and be faithful.If mankind did not have the ability to follow God then neither can they be deemed culpable (blameworthy/responsible) for their actions. They are instead victims. Yet the Scripture never views anyone in this light. The terms used to describe the wicked as well as the righteous infer culpability for our moral choices that is based on our ability (e.g. Gen 6:5-7; Rom 1:18-21; Rom 10:17-21; Deu 30:11-14 w/Rom 10:6-12).1.2.2. Justice assumes those being judged have the ability to repent, believe and be faithful.The biblical basis of all justice – most especially, the punishing and identification of individuals as guilty, is the assumption that all human beings possess moral ability. Hence the reason no one is ever excluded/excused from the consequences of disobeying God’s Law (Num 15:15-16; Lev 24:22). God’s prescribed jurisprudence is also a reflection of His own (and it too assumes ability).1.2.3. An inability to repent, believe and be faithful would mean that any praise given to the faithful is not genuine.If God is the One doing all the work in those who have faith and are faithful, then any praise given to those persons is not only unwarranted but disingenuous (e.g. Gen 6:7, 22:12; Mat 25:21-23, 31-40; Rev 3:4).1.2.4. An inability to repent, believe and be faithful makes final judgment a complete farce.If – in both categories (good or bad), we possessed no ability, then what exactly is reflected by our deeds? Only that God did or didn’t do something on our behalf. Shouldn’t it then be a judgment based on His deeds? See (Mat 16:27 – “repay each person according to what he has done.”).1.2.5. An inability to repent, believe and be faithful would mean that God’s people (even God!) are preaching to the wrong crowd.The Bible is filled w/examples of God or His people calling people to turn from their sin and follow Him. If however the only way that can happen is through divine intervention, then shouldn’t the preaching (or pleading) be directed at God?1.2.6. God hardening a person (pushing them further in the direction of their rebellion) implies that people have the ability to repent, believe and be faithful.If not then what has been hardened? If people are already completely unable, what does furthering such inability accomplish? (e.g. Exo 7:13-14, 22, 8:15, 19, 32, 9:7, 12, 34-35, 10:1; 1Sa 6:6; Mat 13:10-15).1.2.7. God’s longsuffering or patience w/rebellious people also implies they have the ability to repent, believe and be faithful. The writers of Scripture insist that God is slow to anger or patient w/the sinful or rebellious. Such longsuffering also implies that we have the ability to turn from such behavior (in repentance, belief and faithful obedience) since otherwise, what would be the point of God waiting? (Exo 34:6; Num 14:18; Joe 2:13; Jon 4:2; Nah 1:3; Psa 86:15, 103:8, 145:8; Neh 9:17; Rom 2:4, 9:22; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9, 14-15).1.2.8. An inability to repent, believe and be faithful would mean that God’s expressed desire to see people happy – as well as His displeasure in seeing the wicked perish, are both fake.Without the ability to do those things that God instructs (to obediently follow the design of the universe’s Designer), then the (built -into-its-design) consequences/punishment we face/experience when we violate it (and Him) not only makes Him a twisted torturer (earth becomes the torture chamber we cannot escape), but also a cosmic faker – since God expresses great desire – even pleading that people choose the path of happiness, as well as great displeasure when they don’t and (instead) choose the path leading to death (Deu 30:11-14 w/19-20; Eze 18:23, 33:11; e.g. Gen 4:6-7).1.2.9. Desperately wicked hearts and dead men can still repent, believe and be faithful.(Jer 17:8-10; Eph 2:1-9) = Neither of these texts teach inability, but rather that: 1) (Jer 17) if we are going to follow God we can’t trust our heart, 2) (Eph 2) w/o God’s gracious extension of salvation [this is the “gift” in v8 not faith], we would be condemned – or “dead” in our sins – i.e. damned since regardless of what we can do, there is still the issue of God deciding to extend the offer – which is actually the main reason for Paul’s discussion in (1-9) – we as Gentiles were “without hope and without God” b/c the offer of salvation/forgiveness was not extended to us (11-14). Our deadness then was due to lack of offer NOT lack of ability. Before moving on – notice the order of salvation in (8) = we are “saved thru faith”. IOW: faith precedes salvation – or divine intervention in regeneration/new birth – see again v5 salv. = alive/regen/new birth; also Joh 3:3).1.2.10. God’s help does not imply inability to repent, believe and be faithful.Several texts of Scripture speak to God giving aid to people for the purpose of turning to Him in faith/faithfulness. However, in light of the prior evidence, this cannot mean that w/o such help – these individuals were helpless. To imply such things also demonstrates poor deductive skills (e.g. B/C my wife helped me shovel snow, that means I was helpless to do it w/o her.The only way such a conclusions cb drawn is if prior evidence revealed my inability to do the job by myself. In respect to our current discussion, the evidence once more points in the other direction). The biblical picture reveals God helping people not only w/ability but oftentimes already moving in the direction of His help – whether bad (i.e. hardening) – or good (enlightening) (e.g. 1Ki 8:57-60; Hag 1:4-14 versus 1Ki 11:11-13, 29-39, 12:1ff w/2Chr 10:15, 11:4 or Psa 105:24-25; Act 16:11-14; Rom 7:18 = Lit. “I desire good, but [the OC] gave me no motivation to do it” w/8:3-4 = The NC gift of the HS helps us in our efforts/motivation to do God’s Word. Again however, we must choose to engage His help thru setting our mind on Him/His activity; 2Ti 2:24-26 = Notice, God’s granting of repentance does not guarantee salvation/restoration. Rather it only helps in “leading to a knowledge of the truth” w/the hopes that they “may” ([of their own volition] “come to their senses”; In sum – Ezr 8:22).1.2.11. Coming to Jesus or being drawn by the Father is about discipleship not initial conversion. (Joh 6:35-71) = Jesus discussion about what it takes to come to Him (i.e. being drawn by the Father) in John’s gospel is directed at people who are already disciples – i.e. people who have of their own ability, already exercised faith and come to Him (66). What else is made evident in this discussion, is that: 1) what Jesus means by “come” is remain or “abide” (see 56). IOW: it is about people maintaining what they gained thru enduring discipleship (not initial conversion). Hence the reason He can guarantee that such individuals will “never be cast out” but wb raised up on the last day – b/c they persevered until the end (40, 44). 2) Being drawn by the Father (the pre-requisite to discipleship w/Jesus) requires that we continue to be teachable or submissive to God’s teaching (44-45 = “drawn = taught by God”). Like the previous point then, this is not referring to initial conversion. 3) If this section of verses were referring to initial conversion than Judas is in heaven (70-71 w/37-40, 44 = All those chosen to “come” are granted “eternal life”). Jesus’ teaching in these verses squares nicely w/His parable of the soils in (Mat 13:18-23).1.3. Historical support: the early church believed people had the ability to repent, believe and be faithful:1.3.1. Justin Martyr: Christian apologist (100-165 A.D.)“Let some suppose, from what has been said by us, that we say that whatever occurs happens by a fatal necessity, because it is foretold as known beforehand, this too we explain. We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions. Now, if this is not so, but all things happen by fate, then neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed. And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions—whatever they may be.”1.3.2. Tatian: Christian theologian (120-180 A.D.)“We were not created to die. Rather, we die by our own fault. Our free will has destroyed us. We who were free have become slaves. We have been sold through sin. Nothing evil has been created by God. We ourselves have manifested wickedness. But we, who have manifested it, are able again to reject it.”1.3.3. Irenaeus: bishop of Lyon (130-200 A.D.)“This expression, ‘How often would I have gathered my children together, and you would not,’ set forth the ancient law of human liberty, because God made man a free (agent) from the beginning, possessing his own soul to obey the precepts of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God…And in man as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice…If then it were not in our power to do or not to do these things, what reason had the apostle, and much more the Lord Himself, to give us counsel to do some things and to abstain from others?…But man, being endowed with reason, and in this respect similar to God, having been made free in his will, and with power over himself, is himself his own cause that sometimes he becomes wheat, and sometimes chaff.”1.3.4. Athenagoras: Christian apologist (150-190 A.D.) “men…have freedom of choice as to both virtue and vice (for you would not either honor the good or punish the bad; unless vice and virtue were in their own power, and some are diligent in the matters entrusted to them, and others faithless)…”1.3.5. Melito: bishop of Smyrna (100 -180 A.D.)“There is, therefore, nothing to hinder you from changing your evil manner to life, because you are a free man.”1.3.6. Clement: bishop of Alexandria (150-200 A.D.) “Neither praise nor condemnation, neither rewards nor punishments, are right if the soul does not have the power of choice and avoidance, if evil is involuntary.”1.3.7. Tertullian: Christian apologist (155-225 A.D.) “I find, then, that man was by God constituted free, master of his own will and power; indicating the presence of God’s image and likeness in him by nothing so well as by this constitution of his nature. For a law would not be imposed upon one who did not have it in his power to render that obedience which is due to law. Nor again, would the penalty of death be threatened against sin, if a contempt of the law were impossible to man in the liberty of his will…Man is free, with a will either for obedience or resistance.”1.3.8. Origin: Christian scholar (185-254 A.D.) “This also is clearly defined in the teaching of the church that every rational soul is possessed of free-will and volition…There are, indeed, innumerable passages in the Scriptures which establish with exceeding clearness the existence of freedom of will.”1.3.9. Methodius: Slavic missionary (260-315 A.D.) “Those [pagans] who decide that man does not have free will, but say that he is governed by the unavoidable necessities of fate, are guilty of impiety toward God Himself, making Him out to be the cause and author of human evils.”1.3.10. Cyril of Jerusalem: Christian Theologian (312-386 A.D.) “The soul is self-governed: and though the Devil can suggest, he has not the power to compel against the will. He pictures to us the thought of fornication, if you will, you can reject it. For if you were a fornicator by necessity then for what cause did God prepare hell? If you were a doer of righteousness by nature and not by will, wherefore did God prepare crowns of ineffable glory? The sheep is gentle, but never was it crowned for its gentleness; since its gentle quality belongs to it not from choice but by nature.”1.3.11. John Chrysostom: archbishop of Constantinople (347-407 A.D.)“All is in God’s power, but so that our free-will is not lost…it depends therefore on us and on Him. We must first choose the good, and then He adds what belongs to Him. He does not precede our willing, that our free-will may not suffer. But when we have chosen, then He affords us much help…It is ours to choose beforehand and to will, but God’s to perfect and bring to the end.”[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ positon and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary).

Though not existing until (almost) 100 years after the Protestant Reformation began, the theological system established at the Synod of Dort[1] – otherwise known as the Doctrines of Grace, Calvinism, the five points of Calvinism, or the acronym, T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints) serves as both an accurate summary of arguably the Reformation’s most guarded and novel belief: monergism (God is the only One working/acting in our salvation from its beginning until its end)[2]. The purpose of this study wb to re-consider the 5 Points of Calvinism and the monergistic view of salvation it presents through re-examining those biblical texts used to support it along w/the rest of the biblical witness to determine if this view is indeed the gospel of how God saves sinners[3].Why this study should matter to you: 1) because many of those claiming to be Christians today – especially those claiming to be reformed, biblical or paedo in their view of baptism, will also be Calvinists. 2) because Calvinism/Monergism is not what the Bible teaches and (in my opinion) has done as much to promote a false gospel as the Roman Catholic Church (i.e. the false gospel of the Pharisees – “antinomianism”). 3) because being informed as to the beliefs of Calvinism and the teaching of the Bible on these points is what opens the door to conversations about what Luther and many of the Reformers missed in their creation of an alternate work-based salvation requiring such monergistic thinking (i.e. marriage covenant theology [of gain and maintain]). 4) because many of us are Calvinists and (if I am right in my assessment of the Scriptures), we need to change (to the glory of God).TOTAL DEPRAVITY (AS INABILITY)1.1.What this doctrine teaches = Because the Bible teaches that we are not only born and enslaved to sin; but also that every aspect of our nature/person (spirit, mind, will and body) has been corrupted by sin, we are completely UNABLE to exercise faith in Christ or faithfully obey God. Our wills are not free to make such choices or commitments, but rather bound against them. For a person therefore to turn from their sin and be saved requires divine intervention. God must graciously grant them the necessary faith and faithfulness through regeneration – or causing them to be born again.Martin Luther, the 16th century German monk and progenitor of the Reformation, was also the forerunner to this later doctrine. It was a part of his debates with Roman Catholic theologian Erasmus and the subject of his self-attested proudest effort – his book On Un-Free-will (or On the Bondage of the Will)[4]. More importantly, it was the doctrine he (and the other Reformers) believed was necessary not to the Reformation’s validity, but also a person’s salvation. That because it is this doctrine which most establishes the soteriological position of monergism[5]. Speaking of its importance to Luther and his “reformed theology”, John Piper states,“At the heart of Martin Luther’s theology was the conviction that human beings are totally dependent on God’s omnipotent grace to rescue us from the bondage of the will by creating and decisively fulfilling every inclination to believe and obey God. The debates of the sixteenth century about the freedom of the will versus the bondage of the will were not peripheral to the Reformation. They were at the heart of the issue [emphasis mine]. At least Luther believed they were…For Luther, the issue of man’s bondage to sin and his moral inability to believe or be holy was the root issue of the Reformation — and the lynchpin of Protestantism.”1.2. The problem w/this doctrine: Though the Bible teaches that we are not only born and enslaved to sin; but also that every aspect of our nature/person (spirit, mind, will and body) has been corrupted by sin, it does NOT teach that such depravity has therefore made us completely unable to exercise faith or be faithful to God. Understanding God’s Word within it given context, reveals mankind to possess a disability (b/c of his sin) but not an inability. In other words, people – though disabled (hampered or hindered) by sin can still make the choice to follow God – or put faith in Christ, and commit themselves in faithful (not perfect) obedience to His commands.1.2.1. Culpability requires abilityIf mankind did not have the ability to follow God then neither can they be deemed culpable (blameworthy/responsible) for their actions. They are instead victims. Yet the Scripture never views anyone in this light. The terms used to describe the wicked as well as the righteous infer culpability for our moral choices that is based on our ability:1.2.1.1. (Gen 6:5-7) = If our depravity makes us unable to follow God, then what about Noah? If his righteous living is due to divine intervention, then why is that not disclosed in the text? More importantly, why is God so mad w/everyone else (enough to destroy the entire earth over it) if they really can’t do anything about it? Doesn’t it seem a little silly to speak of Noah “finding favor” for being righteous if in reality, he was like everyone else and the only reason those things were true was due to what God (secretly) did to change him? (e.g. Recent college scam: the reason it is such a big deal is b/c of the inequity it creates – some get in b/c they did the work; others b/c they someone paid their way). If the doctrine of Total Depravity is true, then the same is true in re: to those who go to heaven. It’s not b/c anyone actually was (or could be responsible for their actions), but rather b/c God “got us in”. This btw does not bring more glory to God/Christ. Rather it strips it away (e.g. Which gives more glory to my wife? 1) I make the decision to marry her b/c I recognize her beauty and value 2) I don’t see any beauty and value in marrying her and so her dad casts a love spell on me to make me see those things.).1.2.1.2. (Rom 1:18-21) = If our sin has totally taken away our ability, then we indeed possess an “excuse”. Paul however makes it clear that this is not the case. Jesus says the same about the Jews who rejected Him (Joh 15:22, 24). Excuses remove culpability. That is their purpose. Not possessing them therefore establishes the opposite (e.g. a child missing school b/c they are sick versus a child missing b/c they are playing hooky). Saying therefore that human beings are “without excuse” communicates they possess both ability and culpability for their actions.1.2.1.3. (Rom 10:17-21= The reason the Jews rejected Jesus was not b/c they couldn’t understand spiritual things or possessed some spiritual inability. It is this very ability that causes Paul to call them “disobedient”. Do we call people disobedient who do not possess the ability to be obedient? (e.g. Baby Knox is “disobedient” b/c he never reads the Bible, confesses Jesus with his mouth or fellowships w/the saints).1.2.1.4. (Deu 30:11-14 w/Rom 10:6-12) = Paul uses what is taught in Deuteronomy 30 to reinforce his message of “no excuse” – or that all people [v12 – “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek”] have the ability to respond to God’s gospel/commands and follow Him. Notice also, there is no mention of divine intervention – or the need for God to intervene. Instead, ability and therefore also – culpability, are placed squarely upon our shoulders (“Do not say in your heart” = Do not make an excuse; “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart –that is, the word of faith we proclaim” = You have the ability to respond in faith. Hence once more the reason Paul calls the Jews “disobedient” in vv17-21).1.2.2. Justice assumes abilityThe attribute most communicated and celebrated by the writers of scripture is God’s justice. Can we really say that God is just if people are eternally condemned who possessed no ability to do what was required of them? It is the combination of this argument (along w/the aforementioned implication) that psychologists and criminals today attempt to use to escape justice in our courtrooms (i.e. inability to discern right/wrong). The doctrine of total depravity is the “Christian” version of this justice-destroying kind of thinking. The biblical basis of all justice – most especially, the punishing and identification of individuals as guilty, is the assumption that all human beings possess moral ability. Hence the reason no one is ever excluded/excused from the consequences of disobeying God’s Law (Num 15:15-16; Lev 24:22). God’s prescribed jurisprudence is no doubt a reflection of His own.1.2.3. An inability to believe and be faithful would mean that any praise given to the faithful is not genuine.If God is the One doing all the work in those who have faith and are faithful, then any praise given to those persons is not only unwarranted but disingenuous. It is no different than those today who give out medals to kids who lose the race (e.g. Gen 6:7, 22:12; Mat 25:21-23, 31-40; Rev 3:4).1.2.4. An inability to believe and be faithful makes final judgment a complete farce.In the same vein as the previous point, the final judgment according to our deeds (Rev 20:11-15) becomes a complete farce. If – in both categories (good or bad), we possessed no ability, then what exactly is reflected by our deeds? Only that God did or didn’t do something on our behalf. Shouldn’t it then be a judgment based on His deeds?1.2.5. An inability to repent or believe would mean that God’s people (even God!) are preaching to the wrong crowd.The Bible is filled w/examples of God (Deu 30:15) or His people calling people to turn from their sin and follow Him. If however, the only way that can happen is through divine intervention, then shouldn’t the preaching (or pleading) be directed at God? Likewise, our prayers sb that God would save them. Never does Scripture prescribe such prayers (e.g. Rom 10:1 – “my prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” = Notice Paul doesn’t pray that God intervene to save them, but rather that they “may be saved” – i.e. that their current rebellion would not cause God to harden them – or push them further in the direction of darkness, but rather continue extending His mercy/offer of salvation. Paul has good reason for speaking this way given what he says in the previous and proceeding verses (Rom 9:18 w/11:8-10 = Many of the Jews who rejected Jesus were “hardened”).1.2.6. God hardening a person (pushing them further in the direction of their rebellion) implies prior ability.Think about it. If I already don’t possess the ability for faith or faithfulness, then the idea of hardening a person makes no sense. How do I make a person less responsive to the gospel that they already have no ability to respond to? The same could be said in relation to those passages which speak of a person hardening themselves. How does a person make themselves less able to do something they (supposedly) already have no ability to do? (e.g. Exo 7:13-14, 22, 8:15, 19, 32, 9:7, 12, 34-35, 10:1; 1Sa 6:6 = Notice Pharaoh is considered to be the one hardening his own heart before it is furthered by the hand of God. Yet in both cases, the only way this makes sense is if ability existed.). This idea of hardening – or God no longer revealing/extending Himself to those who continue in disobedience is what Jesus is getting at in (Mat 13:10-15).[1] The Synod of Dort held in Dordrecht, Holland from 1618-1619, consisted of 154 meetings and lasted seven months. Theologians and secular authorities from Germany, Switzerland and England were brought together to examine 5 doctrines made popular by the late seminary professor, Jacobus Arminius. The synod – or council, ultimately disagreed with Arminius’ positon and in response, crafted 5 counter-points or doctrines that later became known as the “five points of Calvinism” in respect to late reformer, John Calvin.[2] Monergism is in contrast to what was held in church history prior to that – i.e. synergism, man cooperating w/God (i.e. working/acting together w/God) in the process of his salvation.[3] The reason I use the words “re-consider” and “re-examine” is b/c Calvinism has been – in whole or part, the conviction of myself and the teaching of our church for over 25 years. I have preached through the 5 points of Calvinism numerous times and received my theological training from Calvinist/Reformed seminaries (e.g. Reformed Theological Seminary).[4] Among all Luther writings, it was only this (and one other) he believed were worth keeping. In 1537, he wrote to a friend, “Regarding [the plan] to collect my writings in volumes, I am quite cool and not at all eager about it… I would rather see them all devoured. For I acknowledge none of them to be really a book of mine, except perhaps the one On the Bondage of the Will and the Catechism.[5] “This is my absolute opinion: he that will maintain that a man’s free-will is able to do or work anything in spiritual cases, be they never so small, denies Christ. This I have always maintained in my writings.” – Martin Luther

The exchange between Jesus and John the Baptist’s disciples found in the above verses present us with a textbook case of spiritual doubt. In it, we find everything we need to know about this malady including its causes and cure.(DEFINITION) spiritual doubt (SD) = To lack confidence or trust in relation to God (His person and ways) or the things of God (Our Christian Faith).What we need to know:Even the best Christians are afflicted (at times) w/(SD)(2-3) = John – as in John the Baptist is exhibiting doubt by his question. How we know that to be the case: b/c of his prior testimony regarding Jesus (Joh 1:29, 34). John’s question is therefore NOT for the purpose of discovery but rather to shore up present doubt. As a means to destroying any thought that John was a lightweight or flake b/c of such doubt, Jesus reminds the crowds as to John’s credentials in the latter verses (7-11a) = John was a prophet (9), the prophesied messenger to Messiah (10-11 w/Mal 3:1) and the greatest follower of God in all of human history (11, better than Noah, Abraham, David, Moses, all the other prophets, etc.) -YET he too suffered (at times) w/doubt. Other examples of saints doubting:1.1. David and the Psalmists (“How long, O’ Lord?” – David = Psa 6:1-3, 13:1-2; the authors of Psalms 74 and 94 = Psa 74:1-10, 94:1-7).1.2. The Apostles (Mat 28:16-17)*Could this be the reason Jude says what he does (Jud 1:22)?(Though it is something that affects/afflicts even the strongest/best Christians),(SD) is something that must be quickly remedied/removed when it comes up – otherwise it will lead to sin (or offenses against Christ).Hence the reason Jesus says what He does in (6 – “offended by Me”) = Resentment leading to rebellion (e.g. Gen 3:1-5) = The serpent accomplishes his mission of getting Eve not only to doubt God’s goodness, but also to resent Him for keeping from her and Adam what she now believes they both need to be happy. The result is rebellion against God.Before we can remedy/remove (SD), we must know what causes it.There are three things that cause spiritual doubt:3.1. Adverse/undesirable circumstances which produce adverse/undesirable feelings(2 – “in prison”) = John had been imprisoned by Herod for speaking against his affair w/his brother’s wife. It would also lead to his death – something he probably suspected given this was Herod’s desire at the time of his imprisonment (Mat 14:3-5). Adverse/Undesirable things happening in our lives (like being thrown in prison), often produce the adverse/undesirable feelings of doubt or ill-confidence in our present course or commitments. Every human being who has lived long enough has experienced this. It is an axiomatic fact. With certainty then, one of the reasons John was doubting was due to this very common phenomena: adverse circumstances producing adverse feelings – including the adverse feeling of doubt – (“Is this the right course? Should I continue in my commitment to this/that?).3.2. Listening to the wrong people or receiving the wrong information (i.e. bad intel)Though the text is not explicit on this point, we can be pretty confident that John was listening to the wrong people – possibly the crowds who were wrestling w/their own doubts (Mat 16:13-14; Mar 6:3), or his disciples. The latter of these two options can (at the very least) be inferred based on Jesus’ most recent correction of them (Mat 9:14-17). They obviously possessed their own doubts in relation to Jesus and His ministry and were the ones most in John’s ear (especially during his confinement). What then John was making his current assessments on (and as a result doubting Jesus) was bad intel. And bad intel (or company) corrupts – or leads to doubting (e.g. 1Co 15:12, 33-34).3.3. Not knowing or reflecting on the facts.(4-5) = It is not clear whether John already knew what Jesus tells him or it was meant to function as a reminder of the facts. What is clear however, is that IF Jesus had to tell him these things (actions all related or pointing to the One Who wb Messiah), THEN it is b/c they were NOT readily being put in the forefront of John’s mind. And the result is again, doubt. This is especially true when we are in the midst of trials (as John was). Not having God’s Word present in our minds – either b/c we don’t know it – or b/c we are just too lazy to take the time to pull it up and reflect on it, is a sure fire way to fester spiritual doubt.The cure or remedy for (SD) (then) is to reverse/remove the above causes.We do this in the following three ways:4.1. Stop listening to your feelings.Feelings cannot think – and therefore have no ability to discern truth. God did not give them for that purpose (i.e. as a means to discern truth). That ability has been given to our minds. People who operate (make decisions as to what is right and what is wrong; what to trust and who to doubt) based on their feelings will suffer the same fate as animals since they are acting just like them. Animals are enslaved, hunted and ultimately destroyed b/c they lack the ability to think, operating instead on only instinct/feelings (Jud 1:10).4.2. Consider your sourcesAnytime we face spiritual doubt, we need to be asking ourselves, “who have I been listening to?” Or, “who have I been hanging out with?” By determining the answer to those two questions, you can tell not only where a person’s doubt is coming from – but (also) predict its presence in the future (again, 1Co 15:33!; also Pro 13:20)4.3. Know and recall the truth about God and the facts found in His Word.We have great examples of this practice w/David and the Psalmists mentioned earlier. Their response to their own doubts was self-counsel in the truth about God and facts from His Word (Psa 6:8-10, 13:3-6; Psa 74:12-17, 94:8-15)This practice is also mentioned in the Psalms as the means to keeping confident and committed (Psa 119:105 = It removes the darkness of doubt and confusion).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Refusing to do the work (prescribed by God’s Word) to remedy (SD) is itself rebellion/sin (Jam 1:5-8 = We are considered by God to be rebellious people – “unstable in all [our] ways”). So shore it up the moment it arises!

As the means to maintaining our new covenant relationship w/Christ, God’s people are called to faithfully obey all those precepts and practices established by God’s Word – including those established in the Old Testament (Mat 5:17-18; 1Co 7:19; 2Ti 3:15-16; 2Th 2:15; 1Co 11:2). Relaxing even the least of these, will ensure (according to our Lord and Savior) that we are found wanting on Judgment Day and condemned as “workers of lawlessness” (Mat 5:19-20, 7:21-23)[1]. It is with this understanding then, that the true Christian becomes teachable to all God’s Word has to say about the practice of tithing:General Knowledge:1.1. The practice of tithing goes back to the beginning of man’s creation and relationship w/God (or Christ) (e.g. Cain and Abel, the children of Adam and Eve – Gen 4:3-4; Abraham – Gen 14:17-20 w/Heb 7:5-9, 20 = Mel was Christ)1.2. Jesus confirmed the continued practice of tithing during His earthly ministry (Mat 23:23).1.3. Faithfulness to pay the tithe is part of the vows a person takes in order to secure God as their God – i.e. Divine Provider, Protector and Savior (Gen 28:20-22; Psa 116:12-14, 18; Psa 50:14; Jon 2:9; Deu 8:11-18; This is no doubt what Paul is referring to in 2Co 8:5).1.4. Failure to tithe is therefore considered robbing God and results in a forfeiture of His blessings (as Provider/Protector/Savior – Mal 3:8-18).1.5. Failure to properly tithe was the initial sin of Cain, the reason God w/held His blessing and Cain became depressed (Gen 4:3-5).“If anyone does not tithe everything, let the curse which God inflicted upon Cain for not rightly tithing be heaped upon him.” – Council of Seville (6th century)1.6. Unfaithfulness in relation to the tithe may be a “gateway sin” to more serious sins (Gen 4:6-7).“Whoever will not give the tithe appropriates property that does not belong to him. If the poor die of hunger, he is guilty of their murder and will have to answer before God’s judgment seat as a murderer; he has taken that which God has set aside for the poor and kept it for himself – 4th century sermon (Tithing In The Early Church, Lukas Vischer)1.7. The largest part of the tithe is to be used to support the teaching pastors who are to (then) tithe on what is given to them (Num 18:21-27).1.8. Part of the tithe, however, is to also be used to care for God’s house and caring for the poor (Deu 14:22-28; Amos 4:4; Neh 10:38-39).1.9. Besides the tithe, God’s people sb setting aside portions of their surplus as gleanings/free-will/thank offerings for special needs in their local covenant community, other covenant communities – or for advancing the kingdom thru missions as further demonstration of their thankfulness to God and submission to the gospel (Exo 35:29, 36:3; Lev 7:11-16, 19:9-11, 23:38; 2Ch 29:31; Psa 50:14, 24, 56:12, 107:22, 116:17; Jer 33:11; 2Co 8:1-13, 9:1-13).“Let him [the pastor] use those tenths and first-fruits, which are given according to the commandment of God, as a man of God; as also let him dispense in a right manner the free-will offerings which are brought in on account of the poor, to the orphans, the widows, the afflicted, and strangers in distress, as having that God for the examiner of his accounts who has committed the disposition to him. Distribute to all those in want with righteousness, and yourselves use the things which belong to the Lord, but do not abuse them.” – Apostolic Constitutions (4th century Christian literature)1.10. To fulfill our obligation to tithe – or give other offerings to God, we must only give them to the covenant community (Deu 12:1-8, 26:1-19; Act 4:34-35, 11:29-30). Once the covenant community is established, never do we see the tithe given to someone/something else; (e.g. parachurch ministers, ministries, missions groups, etc.).1.11. It is up to God’s appointed shepherds/leaders to determine the needs – or what is the most obedient use, of the covenant community’s tithes and offerings (e.g. Act 4:35).Specific Application2.1. To tithe means to give back to God a tenth (or 10%) of all He has given to us as realized income = gross pay for your labor, and/or net profit[2] earned from your business, property, investments (including dividends) or interest-bearing accounts[3] (Pro 3:9 – “firstfruits of all your produce” = tithe on all your pay or profit – 2Ch 31:4-6; Eze 44:30 w/Num 18:21-27; e.g. yield/pay – Exo 23:10 w/2Ki 8:6; e.g. profit – Pro 3:14).2.2. Tithes are not paid on gifts – including inheritance and the money given to people by the church, pre-tithed retirement contributions or any unrealized gains (e.g. appreciation on your home, increase in the value of your stocks or retirement plans not yet distributed).2.3. Scenarios2.3.1. Sale of my home(Calculation for determining net profit on the sale of my home) = Sale Price MINUS Original Purchase Price MINUS Capital Improvements/Expenditures (Definition: the addition of a permanent structural change or restoration of some aspect of a property that does one of the following: 1) increases the property’s total square footage [e.g. popped the top], 2) enhances the property’s overall value or functionality [e.g. added a patio, new windows] , 3) improves the usefulness of its life or the usefulness of a certain space [e.g. expanded the kitchen, finished the basement, added bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.], 4) adapts the property or space to new uses [e.g. installed handicap ramp]) MINUS Selling Expenditures/Any Improvements Made In Order To Sell (new flooring, paint, landscaping, etc.) MINUS Closing Costs/Real Estate Fees[4].I buy my house for 200k and incur capital expenditures of 40k by adding an extra bedroom. Then in order to sell, I incur selling expenditures of 5k thru painting and replacing the carpet. I sell the house for 300k with closing costs/RE fees (of 20k).My net profit (for purposes of tithing) would be $25k making my tithe $2,500:Sale price $300,000Less:OPP (200,000)GROSS Profit $100,000Less:Cap Ex (40,000)Sell Ex (5,000)CC/RE (20,000)NET PROFIT $35,000Total tithe (.10 x 35,000) = $3,5002.3.2. Retirement accountI contribute $200/per paycheck (twice monthly) to my 401k. I also tithe on my gross pay. 15 years later (at retirement) I have $500K (100k personal contributions, 100k employer contributions, 300k increase on portfolio). I decide to take one distribution for the entire amount.My tithe wb $40k (since employer contributions are income – not gifts).Personal Contributions $100,000Employer Contributions 100,000Increase 300,000TOTAL DISTRIBUTION $500,000Less:Pre-tithed dollars (100,000)TOTAL $400,000Total tithe (.10 x 400,000) = $40,0002.4. 20% must be added to any outstanding tithe burden we were aware existed but did not pay at the time the income was realized and could be transported to God’s house (Lev 27:30-31; As it re: to transporting the tithe – see Neh 10:34-37 – “year by year” = Once a year).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Neh 8:1-12 (e.g. 13-18) = God’s people are not responsible for what they didn’t know. IOW: no retroactive action is required. Revelation (in such cases) establishes only obligation to the present and the future. Hence the reason we are to have “joy” in learning new things.[1] They are many who believe the tithe must no longer exist b/c there is no direct command in the New Testament. This reveals a poor understanding of the New Testament’s purpose which was never to replace the Old, but only upgrade certain applications (e.g. clean laws).[2] By net profit is meant gross profit minus costs. See example above.[3] Reinvested income (e.g. un-distributed business profit, rolled-dividends) are realized income and therefore part of our tithe burden. It sb mentioned also that past losses on investment do not offset present gains (e.g. loss on sale of past residence cannot be subtracted from gains made on sale of current residence). God is not penalized in the present for what took place in the past – especially since such losses were (most likely) disciplinary in nature (i.e. God was the One Who decided to give us that loss). Additionally, tithes are always determined/calculated based on present performance (Lev 27:32-33 = Among other things, these verses reveal the “no exception rule” – and present nature, associated w/the tithe.).[4] Interest on your personal mortgage is not deductible since it is a function of determining income (e.g. rental income) not cost basis.

Special Revelation must establish a worldview (where we are at, how we got there, where it is all going) that at the same time, provides answers to all ontological facets of General Revelation (the origin of life, human identity, the purpose of human existence, good and evil, justice, human governance and responsibility, human flourishing and suffering) otherwise it is not special (or divine). The worldview established by the Bible as Special Revelation (SUMMARY):There is a galactic war that has been raging since the beginning of God’s ex-nihilo work of Creation. It is the war between God’s kingdom and loyal servants (the kingdom of light or Christ) and those who have chosen to rebel against Him (the kingdom of darkness or Satan and his loyal followers – i.e. the world) (Col 1:13; 1Jo 5:18). Its theater of battle encompasses the entire Creation – the heavens (all the galaxies and planets in our infinite universe) and most especially, planet earth, the home of God’s special image-bearers. Every human being who has ever lived, is living or will live (in the future) is a soldier at the center of this war regardless of their awareness or agreeableness to it. We are born on the battlefield and will eventually die in its combat. This war is therefore the longest and largest war ever fought. It is however not without purpose. As part of God’s justice, those who fight successfully – who fight for the right side (the side of Christ/God versus Satan and the world) – thus proving their loyalty and worthiness, will inherit eternal life in God’s New Creation (one without the possibility of war or rebellion/sin), whereas those who fight for Satan/world will inherit eternal life in the fiery prisons of Hell. Consistent with God’s original design, those worthy to be a part of the New Creation will function as God’s immortal star travelling explorers and planet-improving engineers, bringing the paradise of Eden/heaven to the rest of the galaxies in this reboot of the old. The above worldview in outline form (EXPANDED AND SUPPORTED):1. God (the Immovable-Mover, the Un-Created Creator) created out of nothing in six literal days, countless numbers of galaxies and planets – including the planet earth and its special immortal image-bearers, mankind (Gen 1:1, 27; Joh 1:1-3; Heb 11:3; Exo 31:15-17; Isa 55:9 w/Psa 147:5).  2. Earth was to be mankind’s home-base and the place where they would start their God glorifying, image-bearing mission of cultivating and conquering the entire universe thru expanding the borders and replicating the life-giving beauty of Eden - their mountain-top, temple-paradise, garden-headquarters on earth, to the other planets in the vast space of God’s infinite universe (regarding Eden as a mtn [Eze 28], temple [Gen 21:5 – “serve”; 1Ki 6, Rev 21-22]). That such edenic terra-forming was our mission not only on earth but the rest of the infinite universe is supported by:2.1. God’s creation mandate (Gen 2:15) “work” = Cultivate and expand. Spreading God’s glory/beauty as represented in Eden until it covered rest of the planet was the mission and expression of mankind as God’s image-bearers. This is how they would fulfill (Gen 1:26-28). 2.2. God’s character: nothing is created w/o purpose (Pro 16:4).  2.3. God’s cosmic design: earth as the prototype for the rest of the universe (Psa 78:67-69 “He built his [earthly] sanctuary [to look] like the heavens [and the heavens] [to look] like the earth [the heavens were made to take the form of the earth – i.e. it is to look like a edenic paradise] [since this is the design of God’s temple/sanctuary - again Gen 2; 1Ki 6; Eze 28; Rev 21-22] which he founded forever [Literally – “to be established in the future” – see Gen 9:12].”). 2.4. God’s confirmed plan for the New Creation (Rom 8:18-23) = The Creation [including the heavens – or galaxies and planets] wb freed from corruption [deadness] and futility [existence w/o purpose] thru our presence [“revealing] on them in the New Creation. Paul’s explanation of the New Creation is contrasted w/the original implying that this was its purpose (as well) before the Fall. 2.5. Mankind’s unceasing drive to reach the heavens(or stars) and conquer/cultivate worlds beyond this one (e.g. Ecc 3:9-11 “Eternity into man’s heart” = Man’s purpose is bigger than just the toil of this world – though there is purpose in it [“everything beautiful/purposeful/meaningful in its time”]. God has wired us to seek our purpose beyond this world in the heavens – a place where we will spend eternity but never run out of new places to cultivate/beautify for His glory as God has made the universe infinite; e.g. The Tower of Babel [Gen 11:1-4] = The problem was not wanting to go to the heavens but to do so before they had completed their mission here; Paraphrasing NASA’s late philosopher Werner von Braun - “We have a duty–in the name of meaning and Being–to spread ourselves out around the cosmos, giving philosophy, virtue, dignity, poetry, and God the longest possible future.”).3. Shortly after creating the universe, Satan, one of God’s highest ranking angels, abandoned his post as guardian cherub of Eden in an attempted coup against God’s heavenly throne(Isa 14:12-14; Eze 28:13-17). A third of the angels followed Satan’s mutiny (Rev 12:4a - “His tail swept down a third of the stars...”) and a heavenly war ensued ( Rev 12:7 - “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back”). 4. Satan and his rogue angelic armies were defeated and pushed backed to the realm of the earth (Rev 12:4b – “[Satan’s] tail swept a third of the stars and cast them to the earth”; Rev 12:8-9). 5. Realizing his heavenly defeat and relegation to earthly quarters, Satan set his sights on the destruction of God’s Creation and image thru the corruption of mankind - most especially those in covenant relationship with God (Rev 12:12-17 = The “woman who gave birth to the male child” is OC Israel/God’s covenant people given her description in verse 1; Gen 37:9-11). Satan’s mission of destroying God’s covenant people also included the One sent to redeem them (Rev 12:4c = The “woman” is again, OC Israel, the “child” to be “devoured” is Christ based on the further description provided in verse 5). 6. Satan’s primary strategy for corrupting mankind = An anti-God propaganda campaign focused on persuading us that God (or His words) cannot be trusted ultimately leading to our own rebellion/disobedience against Him ( Rev 12:9 – “Satan…the deceiver of the whole world”; Joh 8:44; Gen 3:2-6, 3:13). Satan’s strategy includes also disguising himself (or those working for him) as good and committed to mankind’s good (2Co 11:14). 7. How our rebellion/disobedience destroys God’s image and Creation:7.1. As it re: to His image = God’s laws/words are an expression of His character – i.e. He is what He says and does. Hence the reasons: 1) There is no deceit/lies found in Him (Num 23:19; Heb 6:18), 2) The Scriptures assign to Him names associated w/His words and actions (e.g.), 3). God obeys His laws (e.g. Jer 3:1 w/Deu 24:1-4). To preserve God’s image therefore requires that we faithfully obey His words (that His laws/words be the expression of our character; that we imitate Him – Eph 5:1; Mat 22:20 – RENDER TO GOD what is GOD’S [i.e. bears His image/likeness/inscription]) otherwise the image we will portray will be a perversion since what worship/are loyal to is a perversion. Instead of image-bearers we become idolatry-bearers. IOW: we become what we worship/are loyal to (Psa 115:1-8//Rom 1:23-26 VS. Rom 8:29//Jer 25:4-7 w/Eze 12:1 w/Mar 4:9, 23 w/Rev 2-3 -[“ears to hear…let him who has ears hear”] = Only those who desire to bear God’s image rather than a perversion have the ability to listen. All others are like the false gods they worship – w/o ears to hear. Hence why [Act 10:34-35] and no bums on Sunday). 7.2. As it re: to Creation = Our rebellion has negatively affected Creation. Going back to (Rom 8:20-22) “the creation was subjected to futility…[and] corruption…the whole creation has [as a result] been groaning…And not only the creation, but we ourselves…groan inwardly” = Everything that exists (including ourselves) has suffered the effects of corruption (i.e. depravity, depletion, depression, destruction, disease and death) and futility (existence w/o purpose) including again, the planets. 8. This war will always be the reality of our life in this Creation since it will not end until Christ’s return when He judges all of His enemies (those who fought against Him, His kingdom and people) and throws them into an eternal lake of fire (Hell). It is at Christ’s return that He will also completely destroy this Creation and usher in the New Creation - fully establishing His kingdom, which now exists only as outposts (in the form of His churches) (Mar 1:14-15 – “the kingdom of God is at hand” w/ Rev 12:9 – “the kingdom of Christ has come” = the outposts of the kingdom wb/have been established; 2Th 1:7-10; Rev 20:9-15; Rev 20:7-21:8 w/22:15 – “Outside [referring to those outside the New Creation in the lake of fire/Hell] are…everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” - i.e. has chosen to live their life based on the wisdom/knowledge of men/demons over against the wisdom/knowledge of God). The order of God’s kingdom establishment is revealed thru the movement of biblical history (The order is: 1. Covenant ratified [Exo 24/Luk 22], 2. Enemies removed [Exo/Deu/Jos/Act 2:34-35], then 3. Kingdom established. We currently exist in phase 2). 9. The New Creation wb a reboot of the old (before the entrance of sin/rebellion), restoring to us our original purpose as immortal star-travelling explorers and planet-improving engineers expanding the edenic paradise (now covering the entirety of the new earth) to the rest of the galaxies and planets in the infinite (and now permanently righteous and peaceful) universe to the glory of God (Mat 19:28 = Literally, “In the reboot”). 10. How (then) we fight the “good fight”, regain our purpose and show ourselves to be the loyal soldiers and image-bearers of Christ/God so that we can inherit the New Creation to come is by believing/trusting/embracing the words of God/Christ as the truth which informs the practice of every aspect of our life and rejecting (as lies) the constant satanic campaign of propaganda which stands against/in contradiction to it - i.e. the words of men, the world or demons (Joh 17:17; 1Th 2:13; 2Th 2:9-14; 1Co 3:18-23; 2Co 10:1-5, 11:1-3, 13; w/2Ti 2:24-26; Col 1:28-2:8 w/; Eph 5:8-17 w/5:14 and 17; 2Pe 1:19-21 w/2:1-3, 3:1-2, 17-18; 1Ti 4:1-6, 6:20-21; 2Ti 3:5-8, 13, 4:1-4, 7; Tit 1:9-16; Jam 1:18 w/5:19; Rev 14:5; Jer 14:14, 29:8-9; Pro 30:5-6; e.g. the popular gospel of our day). What fighting the good fight therefore requires is that we:10.1. Jump in w/both feet = If we don’t, our Christian identity, worldview and mission wb – at best, a separate and deficient compartment in competition w/every other area/compartment of our life. All in (or jumping in w/both feet) is what Jesus is talking about in (Mat 7:24-27; consider also Mat 16:24-27; 2Ti 2:4). 10.2. Continue to grow in our knowledge of God’s Word (2Pe 3:15-16; Isa 5:13). 10.3. Never stop bringing all things in our lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ (2Co 10:1-5). 10.4. Never cease to be a disciple (or learner) (Mat 28:19-20) = Disciples change their lives in obedience to what they have learned. 10.5. Never trust in our own heart/feelings as an accurate gauge of reality/truth (Jer 17:9). 10.6. Never condemn what God calls good – or vice versa (Isa 5:20). 10.7. Stop operating on what we don’t know/conspiracy (Deu 29:29; Isa 8:12). 10.8. Be always mindful of Satan’s strategy and skeptical of anything mankind identifies as wise or good (question the world NOT God). (2Co 2:11, 11:14). 10.9 Use/experience the imagination, tech and good of this world as a foretaste/reminder/motivator for the New Creation (e.g. Aquaman/Star Trek/Star Wars). CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE = Our world under the control of Satan and his kingdom of darkness (1Jo 5:18; 2Ti 2:26), is constantly bombarding us with false information in relation to all aspects of life. Are we vetting the information we are choosing to embrace as true against the truth of God’s Word and rejecting everything that fails the test? The war we fight today is no different than the one fought by our first parents. It in the end, it still comes down those two age-old questions, “did God really say?” and “is what God said true?”. Like those before us, our entire lives in this world - and the life after, will be determined by the answer of our lives. Do you live like one who believes the words of God – or the words of men/demons?

There is a galactic war that has been raging since the beginning of Creation. It is the war between God’s kingdom and loyal servants (the kingdom of light or Christ) and those who have chosen to rebel against Him (i.e. the kingdom of darkness or Satan and his loyal followers – i.e. the world) (Col 1:13; 1Jo 5:18). Its theater of battle encompasses the entire Creation – the heavens (all the galaxies and planets in our infinite universe) and most especially, planet earth, the home of God’s special image-bearers. Every human being who has ever lived, is living or will live (in the future) is a soldier at the center of this war regardless of their awareness or agreeableness to it. We are born on the battlefield and we will eventually die in its combat. This war is therefore the longest and largest war ever fought. It is however not without purpose. Those who fight successfully – who fight for the right side (the side of God versus Satan and the world) – thus proving their loyalty and worthiness, will inherit life in God’s New Creation (one without the possibility of war or sin) as His immortal star travelling conquerors and planet-improving engineers, bringing the paradise of Eden/heaven to the rest of the galaxies in an infinite universe.1.  God (the Immovable-Mover, the Un-Created Creator) created out of nothing (ex nihilo) in six literal days, countless numbers of galaxies and planets – including the planet earth and its special immortal image-bearers, mankind (Gen 1:1, 27; Joh 1:1-3; Heb 11:3; Exo 31:15-17; Isa 55:9 w/Psa 147:5). 2. Earth was to be mankind’s home-base and the place where they would start their God glorifying, image-bearing mission of cultivating and conquering the entire universe thru expanding the borders and replicating the life-giving beauty of Eden - their mountain-top, temple-paradise, garden-headquarters on earth, to the other planets in the vast space of God’s infinite universe. That such edenic terra-forming was our mission not only on earth but the rest of the infinite universe is supported by:2.1. God’s creation mandate (Gen 2:15 “work” = Cultivate and expand. Spreading God’s glory/beauty as represented in Eden until it covered rest of the planet was the mission and expression of mankind as God’s image-bearers. This is how they would fulfill Gen 1:26-28) 2.2. God’s character (nothing is created w/o purpose - Pro 16:4) and cosmic design (earth as the prototype for the rest of the universe - Psa 78:69). 2.3. God’s confirmed plan for the New Creation (Rom 8:18-23) = Creation here refers to more than the earth. It is the entire universe that is in focus and will “obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” in the New Creation. IOW: it too will be revived or freed from its futility (existence w/o purpose – think about the planets – dead rocks floating around in futility) and made glorious (i.e. given purpose and life) at the time (or in the place) of our redemption (i.e. the New Creation). Paul’s explanation of the New Creation is contrasted w/the original implying that this was its purpose (as well) before the Fall.3. Shortly after creating the universe, Satan, one of God’s highest ranking angels, abandoned his post as guardian cherub of Eden and attempted to supplant God as Creation’s new king (Isa 14:12-14; Eze 28:13-17). A third of the angels followed Satan’s mutiny (Rev 12:4a - “His tail swept down a third of the stars...”) and a heavenly war ensued ( Rev 12:7 - “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back”). 4. Satan and his coup were defeated in their efforts to take God’s heavenly throne and pushed backed to the realm of the earth (Rev 12:4b – “[Satan’s] tail swept a third of the stars and cast them to the earth”; Rev 12:8-9).5. Realizing his heavenly defeat and relegation to earthly quarters, Satan set his sights on the destruction of God’s Creation and image thru the corruption of mankind - most especially those in covenant relationship with God (Rev 12:12-17 = The “woman who gave birth to the male child” is OC Israel/God’s covenant people given her description in verse 1; Gen 37:9-11). Satan’s mission of destroying God’s covenant people also included the One sent to redeem them (Rev 12:4c = The “woman” is again, OC Israel, the “child” to be “devoured” is Christ based on the further description provided in verse 5).6. Satan’s primary strategy for corrupting mankind = An anti-God propaganda campaign focused on persuading us that God (or His words) cannot be trusted ultimately leading to our own rebellion/disobedience against Him ( Rev 12:9 – “Satan…the deceiver of the whole world”; Joh 8:44; Gen 3:2-6, 3:13). Satan’s strategy includes also disguising himself (or those working for him) as good and committed to mankind’s good (2Co 11:14).  CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: How does our rebellion destroy Creation and God’s image?

Repentance is the prerequisite to receiving God’s forgiveness for our sins and His eternal salvation (1Ki 8:48-50; Luk 13:5; Act 3:19-20, 8:22, 11:18; 2Pe 3:9; Hence the reason the gospel is not simply “believe” but “repent and believe” – Mar 1:14-15).Repentance means that:2.1. I acknowledge/confess my specific sins (when committed), am truly sorrowful for my sins (Lev 26:40-42; Psa 32:5, 38:18; Mat 11:20-21; Jam 4:9, 5:6; 1Jo 1:8-10; Job 42:6-7).2.2. I now hate sin (most especially my own) and am therefore genuinely thankful when God’s Word or others reveal its presence in my life (or those I am responsible for – e.g. kids, wives, congregation) so that it can be dealt with (Psa 141:5; Psa 119:128, 163; Jer 3:5 w/2Ti 3:16, 4:2; in re: to kids – Gen 18:19; Eph 6:4; in re: to wives – Eph 5:26; in re: to congregation – 2Ti 4:2).2.3. I am now ashamed of my former sins and therefore do not revel in them, but rather avoid their display or those who like to relive them as happy memories of the past (Rom 6:21-23; Heb 12:2 – “Consider Jesus [as your example] who despised the shame [of sin]; 1Pe 4:2-4; Jam 4:8; 2Co 6:14-18; e.g. Class Reunions?).2.4. I am not fearful of sin being revealed in my life since I am not aware of any sinful practice and genuinely want to deal with hidden sin or sins of ignorance (1Co 4:4; Psa 19:12-14, 139:23-24).Repentance requires that:3.1. I turn from/forsake the practice or approval of any and all things revealed to be sin (Eze 18:21-23; Pro 28:13 – “confesses AND forsakes”; Act 26:17-18 – “turn from darkness” [1Jo 1:6-8 = darkness refers to sin] = forsake sinful practice; Phi 1:9-10).3.2. I accept all of God’s Law as still in force since this is necessary to identifying sin (1Jo 3:4).3.3. I remove all those things/people that are sacrilegious (a profanity of what is sacred – e.g. false Christians) or hinder me from practicing obedience and put in their place whatever and whoever necessary to guarantee that obedience will be the pattern in all areas of my life (Mat 18:7-9; Heb 12:1; Luk 13:23-24; 1Co 9:27-30; 2Co 6:14-18 w/11:1-13; 1Jo 1:9-11; e.g. Act 19:8-9, 19).3.4. Righteousness (obedience to God’s Word/Law) is the new pattern in the area once defined by sin (Joh 5:14; Luk 3:8-14; Act 26:20 – “keeping” = the practice/pattern of your life).3.5. I fulfill justice (according to what God’s Word requires) for my sins – no matter the cost (Lev 26:40-42; Luk 19:1-10; 2Co 7:9-11).Repentance includes rejecting as idolatrous and treasonous all thinking or beliefs that are revealed to be contrary to the teaching of God’s Word (Act 14:11-15 – “turn” = repent of/forsake their idolatrous thinking/beliefs; 2Ti 2:14-19; 2Co 10:3-6; e.g. Theistic Evolution/denial of literal six day creation – idolatry in re: to God/Jesus – Heb 11:3 ; treason in re: to Moses and Jesus – Exo 31:17; Mar 10:6, 13:19 and Luk 11:50-51). Repentance is something I must continue to practice for the rest of my Christian life if God is to continue extending His forgiveness and salvation to me. If I ever refuse to repent, I will forever forfeit both my ability to repent, and any chance of forgiveness or salvation (Eze 18:24; Rev 3:19-21; Deu 29:18-20; Mat 18:15-20; Heb 6:6, 10:26-30, 12:17). Repentance will not happen – nor continue to happen, unless I am a person who is first and foremost committed to God’s glory/name/honor/reputation over my own (Rom 3:1-4 = Paul was aware of the poor light his prior words were casting his fellow people in, but was committed to making sure it was God’s honor/glory/name/reputation that was defended and lifted up rather than his or their own; Mat 6:9 = This is what we commit to in our daily prayer; Rom 1:18 = Defending one’s own name/honor/reputation is why people when confronted w/the possibility of their own unrighteousness “suppress the truth”).

Though verse 42 reveals more than “fellowship” as that which the early church committed themselves to, this particular discipline is clearly the authors’ emphasis given its focus in the remaining verses (vv43-46). As such, it behooves every church (and Christian) to know what God is telling us about it. What (then) these verses teach us about this important discipline:We must be committed to fellowship…(42) “devoted” [προσκαρτεροῦντες] = a constant and frequent loyalty or commitment (Act 1:14, 6:4, 10:7; Col 4:2).The restriction/constriction placed on our freedoms/free-time b/c of our commitment to frequent fellowship should not surprise us since this is how Jesus describes the Christian life (Mat 7:13-14) “hard” [θλίβω] = restrictive/constrictive; to crowd against (Mar 3:9).“The family of God is where I lose my life in order to gain it.” – Joseph Hellerman (When The Church Was A Family)We must be committed to fellowship with our church family…(42-44) “were together” = The members of the early church were not committed to fellowship w/unbelievers but Christians – or more specifically, the other members of their (particular) church.“The [covenant] community must take precedence…for we are born for fellowship, and he who sets its claims above his private interests is specially acceptable to God.” – Josephus (Contra Apion, 2.197)In establishing this truth, 3 implications follow:2.1. It wb the members of the church whom I will seek for wisdom and choose to have the greatest influence over my thinking, decisions and life (Act 4:32 – “one heart and soul”; Rom 12:1-2; Phi 1:27, 2:1-4; 1Co 1:10).“In a church imitating those found in biblical times the person perceives himself or herself to be a member of a group and responsible to the group for his or her actions, destiny, career, development, and life in general. The individual person is embedded in the group and is free to do what he or she feels right and necessary only if in accord with group norms and only if the action is in the group’s best interest. The group has priority over the individual member, and it may use…the members of the group itself to facilitate group oriented goals and objectives.” – B. Malina (Christian Origins And Anthropology)2.2. It wb the members of the church whom I will seek to know best and will choose to open up to in relation to my own life (2Co 5:11-7:1…2 –“Make room for us”).This is where the Corinthian church members struggled and may have caused many of them to forfeit heaven since God views those we are closest to (relationally thru getting to know them and them us) as a sign of our holiness and relationship w/Him (2Co 5:11-7:1 = commitment/closeness to our church family is how we live for Christ, complete holiness and remain the people of God).2.3. It wb the members of the church to whom I choose to give my greatest loyalty (Mar 3:31-35)“The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”“The loyalty conflict [in Scripture] is not about making a choice between God and people. Rather, it is about choosing between one group of people and another – between our natural family and our eternal family.” – Joseph HellermanWe must be committed to fellowship with our church family that includes getting together weekly with limited and varying members in the personal setting of our/their individual homes… 3.1. Whereas “the apostles’ teaching…the breaking of bread and prayers” (v42) refer to those commitments carried out in the context of the Lord’s Day/Sunday assembly (i.e. learning through preaching/teaching, cleansing through the Lord’s Supper/Table [e.g. 20:7; 1Co 11:20] and supplication through corporate prayers), the commitment to “fellowship” (v42) involves a different scope and setting. It was to take place w/limited and varying members in the personal setting of their individual homes (v46 – “breaking bread in their homes”). 3.2. When we consider the frequency of the other disciplines/obligations (as discussed, they occur weekly on Sundays or the Lord’s Day), the exact frequency w/which we are to be getting together (in these limited and special formats as an aspect of fellowship) immediately emerges. IOW: Our fellowship sb weekly.Establishing such as the expected goal for members in the church is justified based on the fact that God’s requires His leaders to establish a clearly defined/specific metric (or standard) for His people in relation to all of His precepts/principles that is objective (based on the biblical evidence/instruction available and respectably relevant to the culture and time of the church’s existence – 1Co 7:25-26; Act 15:19-21; Deu 17:6-13 w/19:15 w/Mat 18:15-20 w/1Ti 5:19-21) and equitable (achieving/requiring the same for all – Num 15:16) versus subjective (based on preference) – including (especially in re: to) those precepts/principles which are deliberately more general (or less specific) in their communication (e.g. Exo 22:1; Heb 10:24-26). In this respect, the existing evidence points in the direction of weekly fellowship given this discipline’s close and integrated grammatical grouping w/the other disciplines and equal association with the unique form of devotion communicated in the text; one whose frequency of commitment we know to be weekly (42). Anything (therefore) other than this position would be presumption (even sin) since we would be acting on what we don’t know (i.e. w/o prescribed/proper evidence – Deu 17:6-13 w/19:15 w/Mat 18:15-20 w/1Ti 5:19-21).We must be committed to fellowship with our church family that includes getting together weekly with limited and varying members in the personal setting of our/their individual homes for the purpose of sharing our resources, God’s Word and how God has worked or has been working in our lives.4.1. As it re: to sharing resources: (43-45) = Rarely (if ever) does the term “fellowship” occur in Scripture w/o evidence of members in covenant community sharing their resources w/other members – most especially those in need. This includes the examples found in verses (43-45) as well as their repeat in (4:32). Indeed so strong is the connection between fellowship and charitable giving, that the word for fellowship (κοινωνίᾳ) is at times translated to reflect it (Rom 15:26; 2Co 9:13; Phi 2:1). It is in this sense that the phrase “had all things in common” is to be understood. IOW: what one member possessed as surplus was viewed as available for use in shoring up the needs in the congregation. This included the liquidation of one’s larger assets or investments (see Act 4:34-37) or the use of one’s gifts/abilities (v43 w/3:6-7; see also 4:33; this is the kind of fellowship prescribed in 1Pe 4:9-10; see also Rom 12:13 w/6-8).4.2. As it re: to sharing God’s Word and how God has worked/has been working in our lives: (46-47a) “breaking bread in their homes, they received their food…” = In ancient times (including the first century), meals shared w/those outside your biological family signaled that the purpose was not (simply) physical nourishment. Food (in such scenarios) was eaten by guests as they reclined on couches and participated in learning or discussing aspects of social life from their theological viewpoint (Mat 9:10, 26:7, 20; Mar 2:15; Luk 7:36, 11:37, 14:15, 22:14)[1]. In the case of Christians, that (of course) would mean discussions on various life issues and relating it to the teaching of the Bible. By mentioning that the early church members received such food “with glad and generous hearts praising God” adds further insight as to what else accompanied these biblical conversations. It included also the sharing of how God had been working or was current working in their lives – as this would be the basis of their praise, gladness and expressions of generosity – God’s goodness to them in everyday life (e.g. Psa 145). The sharing of a meal/food was not then the key to accomplishing fellowship. It merely served as a vehicle to what was – the sharing of God’s Word and works among them (e.g. Luk 14:1-24; Ancient works associated w/such fellowship included the books, Table Talk by Plutarch and Learned Banquet by Athenaeus).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION:*Does food always need to accompany such fellowship times? As already stated, food was not the necessary component to accomplishing fellowship. It again only served as a vehicle to what was- God-centered sharing and conversation. Therefore any personal gathering – including those without food, where God-centered conversation/sharing takes place, should be viewed as the fulfillment of this weekly commitment.** When there is food, does that food need to include “bread”? As w/the previous question, food is not the focus or issue. That being said, bread should never be prohibited, condemned or any way treated as a bad thing – as can be the case among the “keto-Nazis” of our day. The Bible views bread (i.e. carbohydrates) as a blessing from God (Gen 28:20; Exo 16:5, 32, 23:15; Psa 78, 132:15; Ecc 10:19; Neh 9:15, as holy (Lev 21:6-22; Joh 6:35-58), something we are to pray for (Mat 6:11); as good for nourishment or energy (Psa 104:15) and never the cause of disease or death (e.g. cancer). Only sin can cause disease and death (not bread/carbohydrates). Interestingly enough, the only account of God killing people in relation to food was when they despised His provision of bread and instead craved meat (Num 11:1-35). Lastly in relation to bread, it sb mentioned that God warns us to never treat as “evil” (or unhealthy) what He calls “good” (Isa 5:20).*** Does such fellowship need to take place in our homes? Once more, it is the action of sharing God’s Word and work in our lives w/each other that constitutes our time as fellowship – not food or our homes. Nevertheless, our homes play a vital role in others getting to know and love us more – something God also desires (1Th 4:9-10). Additionally, it can serve as a kind of “visual witness” to our submission to Christ in the areas of holiness, beauty and order (Deu 7:26).**** What does this study tell us about the modern Christian view that the dining room table is the “proper place” to consume a meal? Such thinking is ill-informed and not supported by the Bible. Jesus preferred the couch J. [1] “The general custom of the ancient world [was] there were three couches (hence the name for the dining room, triclinium). Food was served from a table in the middle of the room and one ate reclining. These [meals] were made the…setting for antiquarian learning [or] spent in…conversation [on] social [issues]” – Everett Ferguson (Backgrounds of Early Christianity)

Though verse 42 reveals more than “fellowship” as that which the early church committed themselves to, this particular discipline is clearly the authors’ emphasis given its focus in the remaining verses (vv43-47). As such, it behooves every church (and Christian) to know what God is telling us about it. What (then) these verses teach us about this important discipline: We must be committed to fellowship…(42) “devoted” [προσκαρτεροῦντες] = a constant and frequent loyalty or commitment (Act 1:14, 6:4, 10:7; Col 4:2).2 things must be acknowledged based on what the author is communicating to us about the members of the early church’s commitment to fellowship:They had less “free time” for other things since this is the obvious implication of commitment – especially one that is frequent in nature (e.g. web dictionary definition of commitment = an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom).The restriction/constriction placed on the freedoms/free-time of the early Christians by their commitment to frequent fellowship should not surprise us given how Jesus describes the Christian life (Mat 7:13-14) “hard” [θλίβω] = restrictive/constrictive; to crowd against (Mar 3:9).1.2. The paradigm/pattern of frequent fellowship established by the members of the early church is what God expects us to adopt as our paradigm for fellowship (as well).IOW: God expects us to adopt the same pattern of commitment in our own fellowship.(How do we know that?) = B/C such biblical patterns/paradigms are authoritative (or mandatory) versus optional (e.g. Mat 19:3-6 w/Gen 1:27, 2:18, 21-24).So then, we must be committed to fellowship…and the frequency w/which we are to give ourselves to that – will mean less free-time for other things. This, however, is what it means to be a Christian.“The family of God is where I lose my life in order to gain it.” – Joseph Hellerman (When The Church Was A Family)We must be committed to fellowship with our church family…(42-44) “were together” = The members of the early church were not committed to fellowship w/unbelievers but Christians – or more specifically, the other members of their (particular) church.“The [covenant] community must take precedence…for we are born for fellowship, and he who sets its claims above his private interests is specially acceptable to God.” – Josephus (Contra Apion, 2.197)In establishing this truth, 3 implications follow:2.1. It wb the members of the church whom I will seek for wisdom and choose to have the greatest influence over my thinking, decisions and life.This is what Luke is getting at when he says that the early church members were of “one heart and soul” (Act 4:32 = same mind/way of thinking, decisions made in conjunction/conformity w/the community, life centered on the needs of the Body – Act 4:32b w/2:44b-45; Jer 32:39; 2Chr 30:12; 1Co 1:10; Phi 1:27, 2:1-4; Pro 15:22; Gal 2:1-2; 1Co 12:21; CONTRA the concerns/thinking/advice of the world – Rom 12:2; 1Co 3:18-19; Col 2:8).“In a church imitating those found in biblical times the person perceives himself or herself to be a member of a group, and responsible to the group for his or her actions, destiny, career, development, and life in general. The individual person is embedded in the group and is free to do what he or she feels right and necessary only if in accord with group norms and only if the action is in the group’s best interest. The group has priority over the individual member, and it may use…the members of the group itself to facilitate group-oriented goals and objectives.” – B. Malina (Christian Origins And Anthropology)2.2. It wb the members of the church whom I will seek to know best and will choose to open up to in relation to my own life.This is where the Corinthian church members struggled and may have caused many of them to forfeit heaven since God views those we are closest to (relationally thru getting to know them and them us) as a sign of our holiness and relationship w/Him (2Co 5:11-7:1 = commitment/closeness to our church family is how we live for Christ, complete holiness and remain the people of God).2.3. It wb the members of the church to whom I choose to give my greatest loyalty (Mar 3:31-35)“The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”“The loyalty conflict [in Scripture] is not about making a choice between God and people. Rather, it is about choosing between one group of people and another – between our natural family and our eternal family.” – Joseph HellermanWe must be committed to fellowship with our church family that includes getting together weekly with limited and varying members in the personal setting of our/their individual homes… 3.1. Whereas “the apostles’ teaching…the breaking of bread and prayers” (v42) refer to those commitments carried out in the context of the Lord’s Day/Sunday assembly (i.e. learning through preaching/teaching, cleansing through the Lord’s Supper/Table [e.g. 20:7; 1Co 11:20] and supplication through corporate prayers), the commitment to “fellowship” (v42) involves a different scope and setting. It was to take place w/limited and varying members in the personal setting of their individual homes (v46 – “breaking bread in their homes”). Consider the phrase:3.1.1. “breaking of bread…” = This phrase is not a reference to the Lord’s Table (as is the phrase, “the breaking of bread” found in verse 42). It instead refers to the meals shared by the early Christians as they frequented each other’s homes in fellowship. This is evidenced by: 1) its anarthrous construction (κλῶντές…ἄρτον versus τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου)[1]; 2) the specific meaning associated w/the word “food” used to further describe the activity (“they received their food”[τροφῆς] = food for physical nourishment/sustenance (Mat 3:4, 6:25; Luk 12:23; Joh 4:8; Act 9:19, 27:33; Jam 2:15)[2].3.1.2. “…in their homes” = We can be assured that such gatherings in “their homes” required limited numbers and therefore also a rotation of varying members from week to week given the size of the Jerusalem church. At this point in their history, they were over 3,000 people (v41), an impossible number to accommodate all at once given the size of the first century home (850-1800 sf.).[3]3.2. When we consider the frequency of the other disciplines/obligations (as discussed, they occur weekly on Sundays or the Lord’s Day), the exact frequency w/which we are to be getting together (in these limited and special formats as an aspect of fellowship) immediately emerges. IOW: it (too) should be weekly. This we can be confident was the commitment of the early church based on:3.2.1. God’s expectation that His leaders establish a clearly defined/specific metric (or standard) for all of His precepts/principles that is objective (based on the biblical evidence/instruction available and respectably relevant to the culture and time of the church’s existence – 1Co 7:25-26; Act 15:19-21; Deu 17:6-13 w/19:15 w/Mat 18:15-20 w/1Ti 5:19-21) and equitable (achieving/requiring the same for all – Num 15:16) versus subjective (based on preference) – including (especially in re: to ) those precepts/principles which are deliberately more general (or less specific) in their communication (e.g. Exo 22:1; Heb 10:24-26).3.2.2. The discipline of fellowship’s close and integrated grammatical grouping w/the other disciplines and equal association with a unique form of devotion (one whose frequency of commitment we know to be weekly).3.2.3. No mention by the author (Luke) or other writers of Scripture offering an alternative or contesting this view.3.2.4. Anything (therefore) other than this position would be presumption (and sin) (acting on what you don’t know – i.e. w/o prescribed/proper evidence – Deu 17:6-13 w/19:15 w/Mat 18:15-20 w/1Ti 5:19-21).CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE: (1Th 3:12, 4:10; 1Pe 4:8-9) = Getting to heaven/remaining a Christian requires more than simply being on the right path. It requires also that we are running at the right pace – 1Co 9:24 = we must run to win; e.g. Leadville 100 = cut off time of 30 hrs to be “win” – be considered among those who have accomplished such a task; Is your pace/commitment to fellowship where it needs to be to get to heaven?[1] “In Acts 2:42 there is a reference to the disciples ‘breaking the bread.’ Notice the article preceding ‘bread’ (not translated in our common versions, but present in the Greek text). The article indicates that a special ‘bread’ is under consideration, i.e., the Lord supper (cf. Acts 20:7 ‘the breaking of bread’ and 1 Corinthians 10:16 ‘the bread which we break’). However, in Acts 2:46 there is no article in connection with ‘bread,’ hence a distinction seems to be drawn between the ‘bread’ of 2:42 and 46.” – A. Campbell (The Christian System, pp. 272-273). Numerous scholars do not believe that the Lord’s supper is referred to in Acts 2:46 (cf. R.C.H. Lenski, A.T. Robertson, J.W. McGarvey, W. E. Vine, etc.).[2] “The term ‘breaking bread’ in this passage does not refer to the Lord’s Supper rather, it denotes a common meal. This is evidenced by the fact that they are paralleled with “eat their food” in the same clause. The word ‘food’ translates the Greek ‘trophe’, which essentially means nourishment . The term (employed some sixteen times in the Greek New Testament) is never used of the communion, for such was not designed to nourish the physical body – F.W. Danker (Greek-English Lexicon, p. 1017); “Here [‘food’] means all kinds of sustenance; that which nourished them – ‘trophes’ – and the use of this word proves that it does not refer to the Lord’s supper; for that ordinance is nowhere represented as designed for an ordinary meal, or to nourish the body” – Albert Barnes (Commentary on Acts, p. 59).[3] It is not an oversight on this author to make no mention of the phrase “day by day” which begins verse 46 since it has no bearing on the fellowship meal but only as to their daily attendance of the activities at the Jewish temple. This is supported by: 1) the grammar (the phrase modifies only the action of temple attendance); 2) the examples found in chs. 3 and 6; 3) Second temple Jewish history (Herod’s temple was daily attended by the Jews living in Jerusalem).

Trust in God (the confidence you place in God to take care for you as the One Who is perfect in wisdom and understanding, love and power, righteousness and faithfulness to deliver on His promises ):Is a commitment based on the facts of who God is and what He has said or done not how we feel.(Hab 3:16-19; Luk 22:41-44 w/1Pe 2:23; 1Pe 4:19 w/5:6-10 commitment to the facts requires actively recalling those facts (as it re: to who God is and what He has said or done) (e.g. Psa 143:1-12; Psa 9:1-16; Psa 11:1-7).Only benefits us to the degree that we trust.(Mat 13:53-58)Is why He decrees the tough times to come.(2Co 1:8-9)Will be easy or hard based on the depth of our relationship w/God.The less I know someone, the harder it is for me to trust them (e.g. “I don’t really know them that well”). And the only way to know someone better (i.e. to possess a deeper – more trusting relationship w/them) is by spending time learning about each other. This is what I call “reciprocating self-disclosure” and is the basis of all relationships – including our relationship w/God (RS-D = revealing our hearts/persons to one another)[1]. The way to accomplish “reciprocating self-disclosure” w/God and GROW/GO DEEPER in our relationship w/Him so that we find trusting Him easier is by spending time getting to know Him personally (His thoughts/feelings/desires/the facts of Who He is and what He has done) and thru His listening to His Words and (then) communicating back to Him (who we are – our thoughts/feelings/desires/etc) thru prayer. And the most important time to be doing this is when the GOING is good (i.e. you prepare for war in the times of peace) —otherwise when the tough times (and their subsequent distractions) COME, you wb have a hard time trusting God. Unfortunately this is where a lot of Christians seem to be when the going gets tough (they have a hard time trusting God thru the trials – b/c they SLACKED in their relationship when things were good). THEY DON’T KNOW HIM that well (and so) have a HARD TIME (really) trusting HIM when THINGS GET ROCKY —the same way it IS w/trusting anyone else you didn’t that well.In times of CRISIS, OUR GO-TO people will always BE those we have the deepest/closest relationships WITH (even if they are the last people we sb trusting). We are WIRED that way – WE GO BACK to what (or WHO) we know (regardless of the fact that they might be BAD/untrustworthy people).Hence the reason people go back to abusive relationships/unhealthy lifestyles – even though they are the reason things are tough to begin w/. It is b/c that person (in those cases) is the only ONE they ever GREW close enough to TRUST. (Again) WE ALWAYS GO BACK to what/who we know.SO, IF you want to make TRUSTING GOD easier (especially during those tough times), then you need to spend the NECESSARY time getting to know HIM and HIM – you (when things are not tough). Otherwise, the tough time (you are going thru) will include also (the tough time) of putting your trust in a God you don’t know (that well).*The ease (or lack thereof) in trusting God during tough times is, therefore, the best litmus/life test for revealing how deep/good our relationship with Him really is.Is what He wants in relation to those things He has promised.What He has promised:5.1. PURPOSE: All things that happen in our lives will benefit us (Rom 8:28; Mat 6:9-10)5.2. PROVISION: We will possess everything we need to live blessed lives – i.e. happy/joyful, desire-realizing, faithful, God-glorifying lives (Psa 37:1-11, 16-31; Mat 6:11; e.g. desires – Gen 2:18-23 = God promises to provide a helper/spouse customized to you)5.3. PARDON: We will receive forgiveness for our sins, salvation from eternal wrath (Jer 31:34; Eph 1:7; Mat 6:12)5.4. PROTECTION: We will be protected from such blessedness being taken away by evil or evil people (Psa 37:12-15, 35-40; Psa 46:1-11; Mat 6:13; Joh 14:1-3)5.5. PARADISE: We will inherit the blessings of the kingdom (now) and eternal life in the perfect paradise of the world to come (Joh 3:16; Mat 6:13 Fn)Is not what He wants in relation to things He has not promised.(Jam 4:1-4 = Trust in God for sinful things/things that will ultimately bring their destruction and the destruction of others is NEVER what God wants – nor what He promises to give. Hence the reason Jesus calls Peter “Satan” in Mat 16:21-23)Does not negate being responsible.Our trust in God for the above promises does not mean that no effort on our part is required. Instead, such effort in these areas is part of our God-ordained responsibility and the secondary means God uses to deliver on what He has promised. For example as it re: to:7.1. PURPOSE: we are to be committing everything we do to our God-ordained purpose (Col 3:17)7.2. PROVISION: we are to work/labor to realize what we need or want (Mat 6:26, 33; 2Th 3:10 = Paul’s command here is as much about discipline as it is upholding this principle of provision thru labor)7.3. PARDON: we must seek justice/repent if we want to receive God’s forgiveness (Luk 3:3-14)7.4. PROTECTION: we are to mindful of the wicked world we live in and protect ourselves (Luk 22:36)7.5. PARADISE: we must be faithfully obedient to all of God’s laws if we hope to realize the blessings of the kingdom (now) and heaven (later) (Psa 50:16-17, 23; Psa 66:16-20) – Notice the connection between faithfulness and the ability to trust in God (or expect Him to care for you: (Psa 34; Psa 37:3-6, 34-40; Psa 52; Psa 55:22-23; Psa 86:1-2; 2Co 1:8-14; Heb 13:5; 1Jo 3:21-22 – this is why James can say what he does in – Jam 5:16b “the prayer of a righteous man has great power” or “avails much”).Such faithfulness (unto “effectual trust”) includes those who become repentant/compliant (Psa 32:10-11; e.g. Jon 1:17-2:10).Example of unfaithfulness causing your trust to not be effectual (unto provision/protection, etc.) = Something so small and stupid as you won’t put your dog on leash (though that is what the law requires where you live) (Mat 5:17-20).CLOSING CHALLENGE (Pro 3:1-26)[1] In a 2015 Psychology Today article, the writer reports the following based on the studied observations of social/behavioral scientists, “Self-disclosure promotes attraction. People feel a sense of closeness [or trust] to others who reveal their vulnerabilities, innermost thoughts and facts about themselves.”

Trust in God (the confidence you place in God to take care for you):Is a commitment based on the facts of who God is and what He has said or done not how we feel.(Hab 3:16-19; Luk 22:41-44 w/1Pe 2:23; 1Pe 4:19 w/5:6-10 commitment to the facts requires actively recalling those facts (as it re: to who God is and what He has said or done – e.g. Psa 143:1-12; Psa 42:1-11; Psa 5:1-12; Psa 9:1-16; Psa 11:1-7).Only benefits us to the degree that we trust.(Mat 13:53-58; 1Chr 5:18-20)Is why He decrees the tough times to come.(2Co 1:8-9) = Notice Paul’s confidence (even in the midst of such despair). This is only due to the close relationship he already possessed w/the Lord.Will be easy or hard based on the depth of our relationship w/God.This is true of all relationships. The less I know someone, the harder it is for me to trust them (e.g. “I don’t really know them that well”). And the only way to know someone better (i.e. to possess a deeper – more trusting relationship w/them) is by spending time learning about each other. And the same is true w/God.The way to GROW/GO DEEPER in our relationship w/Him so that we find trusting Him easier is (likewise) by spending time getting to know Him and ourselves. What this looks like is two things: 1) Listening and learning about Him, ourselves and the world we live in thru His words – which means attempting to understand what He is telling us about Himself, ourselves and our world thru the Bible’s teachings (Rom 15:4). 2) Talking to Him thru prayer – especially the Lord’s prayer since it is here that we are reminded of our purpose in living and His promises to us (Mat 6:9-15).These TWO disciplines are how to spend time and grow/GO deeper in our relationship w/God. And the most important time to be doing this is when the GOING is good (i.e. you prepare for war in the times of peace) —otherwise, when the tough times (and their subsequent distractions) COME, you wb bankrupt (AND in a BAD WAY).Unfortunately, this is where a lot of Christians seem to be when the going gets tough (they have a hard time trusting God thru the trials – b/c they SLACKED in their relationship when things were good). THEY DON’T KNOW HIM that well (and so) have a HARD TIME (really) trusting HIM when THINGS GET ROCKY —the same way it IS w/trusting anyone else you didn’t that well.In times of CRISIS, OUR GO-TO people will always BE those we have the deepest/closest relationships WITH (even if they are the last people we sb trusting). We are WIRED that way – WE GO BACK to what (or WHO) we know (regardless of the fact that they might be BAD/untrustworthy people).Hence the reason people go back to abusive relationships – even though that is the reason things are tough to begin w/. It is b/c that person (in those cases) is the only ONE they ever GREW close enough to TRUST. (Again) WE ALWAYS GO BACK to what/who we know.SO, IF you want to make TRUSTING GOD easier (especially during those tough times), then you need to spend the NECESSARY time getting to know HIM (when things are not tough). Otherwise, the tough time (you are going thru) will include also (the tough time) of putting your trust in a God you don’t know (that well).In this light, consider David’s words in (Psa 22) = David had known/spent time getting to know God from the time of his birth – and as a result, the trust he had in Gods deliverance remains strong –even though things were incredibly rough. David felt at times as though God had abandoned him.Tying points 2 and 3 together then – what can be said about trust in tough times is this:The ease (or lack thereof) in trusting God during tough times is the best lithmus/life test for revealing how deep/good our relationship with Him really is.CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = HOW MUCH and How EASY do you find it to trust GOD when things GET tough?

3. The unique nature of the husband’s authority (as owner and a type of Christ) in relation to his wife, establishes unique expectations for himself before God (Eph 5:25-33):3.1. Like Christ, the husband’s authority over his wife is given for the purpose of loving her (25a, 28, 33).3.2. The demands or decisions he therefore makes in relation to his wife, himself and his household will never cause her harm, but instead always be lawful or righteous since this is the definition of love (Rom 13:8-10 = love follows the Law or is always righteous toward others).3.3. As such, the rule of the husband must be characterized by those righteous-love (or “wisdom from above”) traits found in (1Co 13:4-7; Jam 3:17)3.4. If the husband’s rule is truly loving, meaning that it is characterized by the righteous and wise traits found in 1Corinthians 13 and James 3, then it will be apparent in the joyful testimony of his household (wife and children). He will be viewed as a wise and righteous king (Pro 29:2).3.5. Like Christ, the husband’s authority over his wife is based on his marital vow to also love her through seeking her emotional and physical well-being as important as his own (25b) - “gave Himself up for her” = Made a vow (or promise) to promote her emotional and physical well-being as necessary to gaining her as his wife. Both the wife’s respectful submission and the husband’s promotion of her emotional and physical well-being represent the promises/vows recognized by God in the ratification of any marriage covenant (Eze 16:8 w/Gen 2:23-24[1] w/Gen 28:13-22 w/Eze 11:20, 14:11, 36:28, 37:23, 27; Rev 21:2-3 w/Eph 5:28-32 - “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies…no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes it [feeds it for physical health] and cherishes it [comforts it for emotional stability], just as Christ does the church” – regarding feeding see Heb 13:5-6; Phi 4:19; Psa 23:5; regarding comfort see 2Th 2:16-17 w/Act 9:31; 2Co 1:3-7; Psa 23:4). Hence the reason the Paul’s marital instruction can be boiled down to the vows each spouse took at the time covenant was being made (Eph 5:33). 3.6. If the husband is keeping his vow to seek his wife’s well-being, then it will be include also the promotion of her moral character thru faithful and frequent encouragement, instruction, correction, admonishment and application from God’s Word in relation to her life and their life together. In short, he will build his house on the rock of God’s Word - causing her to see her life and his leadership thru the lens of God and His Word (Mat 7:24). This too wb apparent based on her personal testimony and the transformation of her moral character – i.e. in her becoming a respectful, submissive, holy and blameless woman of God. He will (as a result) be viewed (by her and the rest of the household) as a faithful priest to their home (26-27) = Christ’s actions in these verses represent one of the most important duties of the priest who through faithful and frequent speaking of God’s Word to the people not only made them mindful or knowledgeable to God’s will and ways, but in so doing, sanctifying or “cleansing” [aorist participle] them from future sin thru both the removal of its practice [i.e. its “spot or wrinkle” in their character] and the establishing of new godly practice [that which made them “holy and without blemish” or “blameless” in their character]. IOW: He/the priest was to maintain the beauty/salvation of God’s people thru the ministry of the Word – Eze 16:8-15 [the beauty referred to in these verses is an allusion to the Temple and its priestly ministry; see 1:3 w/7:26 w/33:7-20 = the priests failed to be the “watchmen” over God’s wife/people – i.e. they failed to maintain their gained beauty or salvation thru continual cleansing or speaking of God’s righteous words/Law to the people]; Hos 4:1-9; Mal 2:5-7; Psa 19:7-14, 23:5 w/Joh 15:3 and 17:17; also 1Ti 4:16[2]; 2Ti 4:1-2). The point not to miss = the husband as household priest must beautify his wife thru frequent washing w/the Word. 3.7. Seeing that God expects the husband to play an important role in his wife’s moral character:3.7.1. Equally means we should expect no first-time Christian wife to enter marriage already spiritual mature (Ecc 7:25-29) 3.7.2. Reveals that the only thing stopping a husband from his divine calling in this respect, is ignorance or idolatry. After today, it is likely to only be idolatry (Jam 4:17) 3.7.3. Agrees with his identity as his wife’s owner, since in Scripture, ownership not only establishes authority – but also responsibility (1Ti 3:4a – “manage his own household well” = Household refers first to the relationship of the husband and the wife. Hence the reason the term husband – which means householder or ruler of the house is a marital designation versus a parental designation [i.e. father], though the children are also under his authority. This is most likely why Paul mentions the man’s role in managing them separately - 4b. The point not to miss = it is the husband who is viewed as responsible for his household’s success or failure)[3]. 3.8. Should a husband’s failure to sufficiently love and provide for his wife emotionally, physically and spiritually/morally, cause her to fail in becoming the respectful, submissive, holy and blameless wife God has called her to be, then he (too) will be condemned to Hell (i.e. the requirement for salvation is faithfulness not improvement/growth – Mat 24:45-25:46; Mat 18:1-10). Understand then that it is a solution-oriented mindset God expects the husband to have in relation to the rule and reform of his wife. Excuses (btw) are not solutions. The importance of the husband’s rule in relation to his wife cannot be over-emphasized given it is not only a crucial key to her spiritual state, but also the husband’s ability to advance the gospel, minister to Christ’s church and withstand the storms of life (In re: to the gospel = Only when we are faithful to our roles in marriage do we accurately preach the gospel of marriage between Christ and His church; In re: to the church - 1Ti 3:5 = Only those faithful in their roles as husbands will be successful managers of their households and therefore qualified to minister to God’s church; In re: to the storms of life – Mat 7:24-27 = Only those building their households on His words – whose husbands are anchored to the “rock” of loving, righteous rule and faithful discipleship - can withstand the inevitable difficulties that will come in life.).[1] Scholars have long agreed that Adam’s vow is the same as God’s to His people (“bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh” versus “I will be their God, they shall be my people”). Both communicate not only the husband’s ownership of his wife, but also their responsibilities. For the husband, it is caring for what is now a part of his body (my bone…my flesh…my people), for the wife, it is supporting the head of the body she is now a part of (bone of…flesh of…their God).[2] It is no accident that the adornment of the priest resembled that of the husband (or bridegroom) on the day of his wedding (Isa 61:10).[3] The only time it is possible for the failure (or success) of the wife’s spiritual state to not have some bearing on the husband is if she is an unbeliever. Even then however, how the husband leads and loves her can have an impact on her spiritually (1Co 7:12-16).

Since God is the rightful Owner of all things (being their Creator), He, therefore, is creation’s rightful Ruler or Authority. The maxim that undergirds or gives support to this truth is, “ownership establishes authority”. In other words, I have the right to do what I want with what I own. In terms of governing, this means that God legitimately possesses the right to govern us (i.e. exercise control over our lives) through giving orders, making decisions, changing plans, establishing rules and enforcing His will. In addition, God’s authority includes the right to appoint other persons to function as His governing representatives. As such, these “deputy rulers” possess real (or legitimate) authority that is not dependent on their character or competency, but rather their appointment by God. Unique among those authorities appointed by God, is the husband. PTS 1-2 [DISCUSSED]3. The unique nature of the husband’s authority (as owner and a type of Christ) in relation to his wife, establishes unique expectations for himself before God (Eph 5:25-33):3.1. Like Christ, the husband’s authority over his wife is given for the purpose of loving her (25a, 28, 33).3.2. Therefore the demands, decisions, vision, and agenda (see prt.2) of the husband in relation to his wife and household will never cause her (or them) harm, but instead always be lawful or righteous since this is the definition of love (Rom 13:8-10 = love follows the Law or is always righteous toward others).3.3. As such, the rule of the husband must be characterized by those righteous-love or “wisdom from above” traits found in (1Co 13:4-7; Jam 3:17):3.3.1. Why I am identifying the love of 1Co 13 as righteous/law-fulfilling: 1) the context is divine instruction (8), 2) like the Law, this love “never ends” (8a w/Mat 5:17-18), 3) also like the Law, this love is considered the “greatest” of spiritual gifts given by God for living as His people (12:31 w/13:13-14:1 w/Deu 4:6-8).3.3.2. Why I believe James’ “wisdom from above” is referring to same things as 1Co 13: 1) it is moral wisdom (i.e. wisdom related to righteousness or love – 13-16, 18) versus general wisdom (e.g. Pro 27:14, 23-27), 2) the traits are essentially identical.3.4. If the husband’s rule is truly loving, meaning that it is characterized by the righteous and wise traits found in 1Corinthians 13 and James 3, then it will be apparent in the joyful testimony of his household (wife and children). He will be viewed as a wise and righteous king (Pro 29:2):3.4.1. Patient/Gentle= A husband who takes the time to disciple his wife understanding and being sympathetic to how God has made her different (1Co 13:4 – “patient and kind”; Jam 3:17 – “gentle”; see 1Th 2:6-7; 1Ti 3:3; see 1Pe 3:7 - “Likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way…showing her honor as the weaker vessel” = Just as your wife is to understand that God has appointed you as her authority and therefore abide in her submission regardless of your character or competency, you too are to recognize that God has made her weaker emotionally, and therefore expects you to be patient and gentle w/her as you attempt to disciple her versus being impatient, blowing up and treating her rough like she is a guy – or should just “get it”. This is how you “show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life” and keep your prayers from being “hindered” – meaning if you refuse to show patience and gentleness in the way you handle your wife in her weakness/when she needs your help, don’t expect God to extend those things to you when you need His help – Mat 7:1-2; Tit 3:2-4; contra: 1Ki 12:1-14; Mic 3:1-4 w/6:8; consider also Pro 14:28-29).3.4.2. Sincere = A husband who has nothing but good intentions in what he demands of his wife/household, genuinely believing it to be what God wants for them (1Co 13:4 – “does not envy or boast” = a love that is genuine, possessing no ill agenda; Jam 3:17 – “sincere”; see 1Ti 1:5 w/1Pe 5:3 – “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples” = Un-hypocritical, I practice what I demand of others as the proof that I sincerely believe this is what God requires of us as His people; contra – Mat 23:1-4)3.4.3. Teachable/Reasonable = A husband who truly appreciates his wife’s advice/input including her concerns, respectful criticisms or appeals, and so carefully listens to her and genuinely considers what she says, ready to acknowledge and change his view – or admit he is wrong when necessary and thank her for her help and faithfulness in this area. (1Co 13:4-5a – “is not arrogant or rude”; Jam 3:17 – “open to reason”; consider Pro 18:1; Ecc 4:13)3.4.4. Selfless/Impartial = A husband whose decisions for his wife/household are never selfish or partial to himself but an attempt to create an environment that benefits and pleases everyone (1Co 13:5b – “does not insist on its own way”; Jam 3:17 – “impartial”)3.4.5. Forgiving = A husband who doesn’t continue to be angry for his wife’s past sins or failures but attempts to help her understand/overcome those sins when they reappear (1Co 13:5c – “not irritable or resentful/counting up wrongs”; Jam 3:17 – “full of mercy and good fruits” = forgiveness is the pre-requisite to the fruit of mercy; Col 3:18 – “embittered” = un-forgiveness is what makes a husband possess a bitter/resentful attitude in the rule/handling of his wife)3.4.6. Truth-Loving = A husband whose judgment is not presumptive, manipulative, subjective, slanderous, speculative, or based on emotions. He instead does his due diligence and provides the objective and sufficient evidence in making his case. He does not allow his household to operate/act on suspicion or assumptions, but only what is fact. This means also, he is not slack in bringing justice/enforcing the Law (1Co 13:6 – “does not rejoice in wrong-doing, but rejoices with the truth”; Jam 3:17 – “pure”; see Psa 19:8-9; Pro 16:10-13, 22:11)3.4.7. Persevering In Peace = A husband who never allows there to be unresolved tension or warring but instead always seeks peace and to make things right w/his wife (1Co 13:7 – “bears…believes…hopes…endures all things”; Jam 3:17 – “peaceable…And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”; see also Eph 4:26 = be quick to make peace [before the next day]).CLOSING QUESTION: Does your wife groan or glorify God for the way you rule over her and the household? Does she view you as a wise and righteous king?

Since God is the rightful Owner of all things (being their Creator), He, therefore, is creation’s rightful Ruler or Authority. The maxim that undergirds or gives support to this truth is, “ownership establishes authority”. In other words, I have the right to do what I want with what I own. In terms of governing, this means that God legitimately possesses the right to govern us (i.e. exercise control over our lives) through giving orders, making decisions, changing plans, establishing rules and enforcing His will. In addition, God’s authority includes the right to appoint other persons to function as His governing representatives. As such, these “deputy rulers” possess real (or legitimate) authority that is not dependent on their character or competency, but rather their appointment by God. Unique[1] among those authorities appointed by God, is the husband.1. There are two things that make the husband’s authority (in relation to his wife) unique:1.1. His authority stems not only from divine proxy (deputation, appointment) but also personal ownership:1.1.1. The Hebrew term for husband (בַּ֫עַל; ba’al] and it’s Greek equivalent (κύριος; kurios) can also be translated as “owner” or “lord/master”, referring to persons whose authority is due to ownership (e.g. Pro 31:23 – “husband”[ בַּ֫עַל] w/Exo 21:28 – “owner” [בַּ֫עַל]; also Isa 1:3 –“owner” [קֹנֵ֔ה] = Lit. the purchasing one; “master” [בַּ֫עַל] based on ownership; Gal 4:1 = Paul’s argument [when an heir is a child, he exists in an ironic state from an authority perspective] only makes sense if what he means by “owner” [κύριος] is the antithesis [the direct/perfect opposite] of “slave” – i.e. the authority/lord/master [see KJV]).1.1.2. God’s prohibition against coveting makes it clear that this is indeed what is to be understood in relation to the husband; his wife and children (i.e. his household) are his personal property (Exo 20:17; Deu 5:21; see also Exo 22:16-17; Deu 22:28-29; e.g. Gen 34:1-12; hence why Paul’s instruction is directed toward the father - 1Co 7:36-37).1.1.3. Etymological studies reveal the term (“husband”) to be a derivation of the ancient term, “householder”, meaning owner of the household.1.2. His authority symbolizes Christ’s authority in relation to His church (Eph 5:22-25).2. The unique nature of the husband’s authority (as owner and a type of Christ) establishes unique expectations for his wife:2.1. Because the husband is the owner of his household, it is husband’s vision and agenda for the household, that is to be realized, not the wife (e.g. Jos 24:15; 1Ti 3:15 – “God’s household” = B/C He [Christ] is the husband/householder it is Him that defines/determines the vision of the church [e.g. her liturgy/worship, etc.] - not us, or the world, or what marketing research tells us “works”).2.2. The wife’s designation as “helper” directly correlates to her identity as the personal property of her husband. Like all personal property, her purpose is to help increase the value (or glory) of her husband through the advancement of his name, his household and his agenda (Gen 2:18 w/23 – “Woman” = “out of man” w/Eph 5:23 – “his body” = the glory of his person on earth – 2Co 8:23; 1Co 15:40; 1Co 11:7-9; Pro 14:1; also Pro 31:10-12, 23 w/27-31 = her “praise”/value to her husband is found in the praise/value she brings to her husband “in the gates” – i.e. his reputation/status w/in the community).2.3. The wife’s value before God is determined by her respectful submission[2] to her husband’s authority in regard to all things not sinful. This is especially true when his leadership is disobedient/harsh/impatient (1Pe 3:1-5 w/7 – “understanding way, showing honor to her as the weaker vessel” = showing her patience due to her emotional frailty).2.4. Because the husband represents Christ, the wife’s salvation is also determined by her respectful submission (Re: salvation: 1Pe 3:6 = Abe/Sarah proverbial parents of the saved – Heb 2:16; 1Ti 2:15 = salvation thru fulfillment of her ordained role; Re: respectful submission: Eph 5:22-24, 33; 1Pe 3:1-2; Col 3:18 – “as is fitting to the Lord” = no submission to sinful things).2.5. The wife’s faithfulness to her husband in the ways discussed, is what she is to teach other women and her children as the means to exemplifying and advancing Christ’s name, household and gospel agenda (Tit 2:3-5; in respect to the children, they are the “fruit of her womb” – i.e. their respectful submission wb determined by her example in the home – think, Mat 7:13-14).[1] By “unique” what is meant is different. In this case, from those other offices of authority appointed by God. This word will retain this as its meaning through its various uses in this document.[2] Respectful submission = 1) obedience that does not possess/obedience that is incompatible w/: anger (expressing irritation; Eph 4:26; Jam 1:19-25), malice (desiring to do their harm; 1Pe 1:22-2:1), contempt (despising their authority; Psa 119:21, 85; Isa 3:5; Rom 1:30), cynicism (distrusting their motives; 1Ti 6:4), skepticism (distrusting their competency; 1Co 4:1-6), captiousness (looking for fault, to be critical or petty; Jud 1:6), contentiousness (looking to fight; Pro 21:9, 25:24), dismissiveness (acting as though they are unworthy, Est 1:10-18 w/1Sa 2:17 = contempt accompanies obedience when only part of what is commanded is done; e.g. 1Sa 1Sa 15:1-11), condescension (acting as though they are inferior to you; Psa 18:27; Isa 3:16; Zep 3:11; Rom 1:30) or self-pity (acting like a martyr or whining; Phi 2:14 w/Exo 16:1-3; e.g. Mal 1:13); 2) obedience that includes careful listening – Num 20:4-12 w/27:12-14).

1. How God’s Word defines “authority” = any person or organization who legitimately possesses the right to govern others through giving orders, making decisions, changing plans, establishing rules, enforcing their will.2. Why it is crucial that we be completely teachable to what God has to say about authority:2.1. Because it is impossible to be a Christian and continually fail in the way that God commands us to respond to the those His Word identifies as legitimate authority (tbd).2.2. Because it is impossible to be a Christian and continually fail in the way that God commands us to carry out our responsibilities when we are someone His Word identifies as a legitimate authority (tbd).2.3. Because this is what Satan and his fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah, false teachers and atheism have in common as their most telling trait: a distrust or outright rejection of what God says regarding authority (Satan/fallen angels – Isa 14:13-14; S&G – Gen 19:9; false teachers – 2Pe 2:1-11, 18-20 w/Jud 1:4-9, 11, 16; atheism – No God = No legitimate authority/All authority is pragmatic or preferential and therefore sb condemned if authoritative in their rule – e.g. President Trump, NE Pats coaching, churches that practice discipline, police that enforce the law. Such distrust and outright rejection of authority is also the reason for child emancipation laws and the rise of those being diagnosed w/Oppositional Defiant Disorder, increase of 43% from 2004-2013, over 200k/year – mostly children).2.4. Because a low/wrong view of authority is the number one reason for failed marriages and dysfunctional homes (tbd).3. What God’s Word teaches us about authority: 3.1. Since God is the Creator and therefore Owner of all that exists, He likewise is their absolute Authority or rightful Ruler (i.e. ownership est’s absolute authority; e.g. your car/house) (Psa 135:5-6; Psa 103:19; Hence why – 20-22 w/Psa 2:10-12; Job 38-41 w/41:11; Psa 24:1, 50:11-12; Jer 33:13; Dan 4:35; Isa 29:16, 45:9, 64:8; Jer 18:6; Rom 9:18-21).“The very word authority has within it the word author. An author is someone who creates and possesses (or owns) a particular work. Insofar as God is the foundation of all authority, He exercises that foundation because He is the author and the owner of His creation. He is the foundation upon which all other authority stands or falls.” ~ R.C. Sproul.3.2. God’s governance, orders, decisions, plans, rules and will is made known through His Word. Refusing therefore to carefully listen and respectfully submit1 to all of God’s Word is equally refusing to acknowledge His authority – or more accurately, to claim for yourself an authority equal to, or above His. Hence the reason all sin is considered serious and an act of high treason (Gen 3:5-6; 1Sa 15:1-23; regarding carefully listening as important – e.g. Num 20:4-12 w/27:12-14).3.3. If there is legitimate human authority, it is only because they have been called (divinely appointed/”anointed”) by God the absolute Authority. IOW: Only God the owner can appoint others as authorities over His possessions. In respect then to those God has appointed, any refusal to carefully listen and respectfully submit to them (when what they demand does not violate God’s Law), is the same as refusing God (e.g. Luk 10:16). Those human authorities appointed by God and existing today are:3.3.1. kings and governments (Dan 4:17, 25, 32, 5:21; Jer 27:1-12; Neh 2:1-5; Dan 2:4, 6:21; Joh 19:10-11; Rom 13:1-5; Tit 3:1-2; 1Pe 2:13-17)3.3.2. masters (employers, managers, etc) (Eph 6:5-7; 1Ti 6:1-2; Tit 2:9-10)3.3.3. God’s spiritual leaders: pastors/elders (Deu 17:9-13; Joh 20:21-23; 2Co 7:15; 1Th 5:12-13; Tit 2:15; Heb 13:17; e.g. Act 23:1-5)1 Respectful submission = obedience that does not possess: anger (expressing irritation), malice (desiring to do their harm), contempt (despising their authority), cynicism (distrusting their motives), skepticism (distrusting their competency), captiousness (looking for fault, to be critical or petty), contentiousness (looking to fight), dismissiveness (acting as though they are unworthy), condescension (acting as though they are inferior to you) or self-pity (acting like a martyr or whining).“Christ has not only ordained that there shall be such officers in his Church – but he calls those thus qualified and by that call givesthem their official authority.” ~ Charles Hodge3.3.4. husbands and parents (Tit 2:4-5; Eph 5:22-24, 6:1-3).4. Our careful listening and respectful submission to God’s human authorities is not based or dependent upon, their character orcompetency, but rather their appointment by God. Hence the reason we are called to carefully listen and respectfully submit tothem even if they are unrighteous or incompetent (1Pe 2:18-21, 3:1-6; e.g. Act 23:1-5; 1Sa 24:1-10, 26:1-25).5. Listening and submitting to God’s human authorities is not only crucial to avoiding serious sin, but also our personal well-being inthis life and the life to come (e.g. Psa 2:1-12; Heb 13:17; 1Pe 3:6 = Abe/Sarah proverbial parents of the saved – Heb 2:16; 1Ti 2:15 =salvation thru fulfillment of ordained role; Eph 6:1-3).6. Those God calls to be His authorities MUST be wise and righteous if they are:6.1. to persevere/flourish (Pro 28:2): The results of a legitimate authority [“rulers…a man”] not acknowledging/properlyacknowledging [“transgresses” v. “understanding and knowledge”] God’s authority in the way they rule = high turnover v. stability[“many rulers” = high turnover v. “stability”] (see also Psa 72:1-3)6.2. to avoid receiving the sentence of eternal damnation on Judgment Day (Mat 18:1-10; Jam 3:1-6).What (then) does it look like to be the wise and righteous authority God expects?NEXT WEEK (Part 2) will answer this question through a focused examination of the role of the husband in relation to his wife andchildren. At this time, the role of the wife will also be expanded on.

Chapter 20 reveals the established kingdom of Christ and the reign of His Church (the NC nation of Israel) over Satan and this world (Mat 16:18) from 70 A.D. until the final war and judgement. It therefore represents the “Church (or New) Age” in contrast to the “Old Age” (Luk 1:70; Heb 9:9) or “the Age to come” (Heb 6:5; Mar 10:30).

Chapter 20 reveals the reign of Christ and His Church (the NC nation of Israel) over Satan and this world before the final war and judgement. It therefore represents what is typically known as the “Church (or New) Age” in contrast to the “Old Age” (Luk 1:70; Heb 9:9) or “The Age to Come” (Heb 6:5; Mar 10:30).

Chapter 19 reveals the final result of God’s 70 A.D. judgement against Jerusalem (and the Old Covenant nation of Israel): The establishing of the New Jerusalem (And the New Covenant Nation of Israel).

III. Preliminary Considerations For Verses 9-17-Chapter 7 represents an interlude (i.e. a reprieve or delay in action) between the events represented in the breaking of the first 6 seals and the events represented by the breaking of the seventh seal/seventrumpets (8:1-6).-The events represented in the breaking of the six seals = The Jewish War from its beginning to w/in 5mos of its end (MAR/67 AD – APR/70 AD).-Chapter 7, therefore, takes place sometime close to APRIL of 70 AD.-What else is going on at this same time: Titus has surrounded Jerusalem ready to siege; Jewish Christians are among those being allowed to leave the city w/o harm; Titus’ father Vespasian is now on the throne of Rome as her new Emperor (Dec 21st, 69 AD) and has canceled the edict against Christians issued by Nero.Historical support:-Both ancient historian Dio Cassius, and early church father Tertullian, identify Vespasian as the one who canceled the edict of persecution against the Christians.“Vespasian sent a dispatch to Rome rescinding the dis-franchisement of Christians as had been condemned by Nero and succeeding rulers. His action included living and dead alike, and he moreover stopped the indictments made upon such complaints of ungodliness or impiety, however, they might be.” –Dio CassiusIV. Contextual Interpretation For Verses 9-17VERSES 9-17 REPRESENT THE FULL NUMBER OF CHRISTIAN MARTYRS DURING THE NERONIC PERSECUTION NOW CELEBRATING IN HEAVEN. THIS ALSO THEN REPRESENTS THE ANSWER TO THESECOND PART OF THE MARTYR’S PLEA IN REVELATION 6:10, AND THE END OF NERO’S EDICT OF PERSECUTION.-Why this is significant/ironic = b/c it means THAT AT The SAME TIME the Jews’ attempts at exterminating the Christian religion failed –their own extermination (as a valid theistic religion) is coming to fruition! Christianity is being relieved while Judaism is being razed/destroyed; Christianity is being vindicated while Judaism is being annihilated.Scriptural witness:(9) Great multitude from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues standing before the throne and before the Lamb clothed in white robes (Rev 5:9, 6:9-11, VERSES 13 and 14 confirm them as Christian martyrs); palm branches in their hands (Lev 23:40 w/Rev 6:11 “rest”—until it is time to celebrate!–*WHICH is what they do in the remaining verses 10-14)(10-17) Crying out w/the angels, four living creatures, and 24 elders in worship…and serving before God night and day in His Temple where every tear is wiped away and the Lamb guides them to the springs of life (Rev 4-5, 21:3-5 confirms the location of this as heaven).*FOOD for ADDITIONAL THOUGHT:IF this is what HEAVEN is for those who arrive there after death, why would anyone want to come back? Yet this is exactly the thinking of those holding to a Premillennial Eschatology!“What shall we say of a supposed divine program which, after glorifying the spirit in heaven, resurrects the body, reunites it to the spirit, and then consigns the now—completely glorified believer to—not another one hundred years, but—one thousand years of life in the same sinful world he longed to leave? Such is not the hope of Scripture. Peter clearly states the Christian expectation in his second epistle: Looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we, according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. There is no room in this simple, glorious hope for the complicated, semi-purgatorial experience of glorified believers which a post-resurrection millennium requires. It is unthinkable that those who experience the heavenly joys described in Revelation 7:15-17 should be torn from them, and demoted to the premillennialist powder-keg millennium!” –Jay Adams

I. Preliminary Considerations-Verses 1-8 represent an interlude (i.e. a reprieve or delay in action) between the events represented in the breaking of the first 6 seals and the events represented by the breaking of the seventh seal/seven trumpets (8:1-6).-The events represented in the breaking of the six seals = The Jewish War from its beginning to w/in 5mos of its end (MAR/67 AD – APR/70 AD).-Where this places Titus and his Roman armies = they have surrounded the city of Jerusalem in anticipation of a full-scale siege on her walls. This is seen most specifically through what is communicated to us in the sixth seal (as discussed in the prev. study). It is the beginning of the end, the abomination of desolation, the prophetic consequence of Israel’s rejection of Christ/Son of God (Luk 21:20 w/Mat 24:15; Luk 19:41-44); regarding Daniel (Dan 12:11)Historical support:Re: Daniel and the regular sacrifice:-According to Josephus, all of the priests (including the High Priest) were slaughtered by the zealots who took the city of Jerusalem and made the Temple their citadel at the beginning of the War (see Wars 4.2-5.2). This would have also meant that the regular sacrifices ceased to be offered (since those commissioned by God to do it were all dead).Re: Prophetic consequence of Israel’s rejection of Christ (the Son of God)“At Rome, Peter and Paul foretold that it would shortly come to pass, that God would send a king who would overcome the Jews and who would lay their city level with the ground. He would besiege themuntil they so pined with hunger and thirst, that they would start eating one another. Finally, they would fall into their enemies’ hands and would see their wives most grievously tormented in their sight andtheir virgins violated and prostituted. Their sons would be torn asunder and their little ones dashed to pieces. Everything would be destroyed by fire and sword and they would forever be banished from theirown lands. All this would happen, because they exalted themselves above the most loving Son of God, who was approved by God Himself.” –Lactantius (Divine Institutions, 4.21.7)-(Deu 28:30, 47-58; Hos 13:12-16 w/Mat 23:32)-However, before the full scale siege actually begins, a moment of divinely ordained reprieve (or delay) is granted. Titus allows those who wish to leave the city to go w/o harm.Historical support:“(Some of) the people had a great inclination to desert to the Romans; accordingly some of them soldwhat they had, and even the most precious things that had been laid up as treasures by them, for a verysmall matter, and swallowed down pieces of gold, that they might not be found by the robbers; andwhen they escaped to the Romans, went to stool, and had wherewithal to provide plentifully forthemselves; for Titus let a great number of them go away into the country, whither they pleased…” – Josephus (Wars, 5.10.1)II. Contextual InterpretationVERSES 1-8 REPRESENT THE ESCAPE OF THE JEWISH CHRISTIANS (i.e. the Jerusalem Church) FROM JERUSALEM WHO UNDERSTOOD AND HEEDED CHRIST’S WARNING OF WHEN TO FLEE THE CITY (LUK 21:20-24).Scriptural witness:(1) four angels, corners and winds..no wind to blow on the earth, sea or tree = God holding back the Romans from immediately destroying Jerusalem ( this is the job of the 4 angels = v2; “teis geis”; Jer 49:36-37; Eze 37:9; Dan 7:2, 8:8; Zec 2:6; Mat 24:31 = God’s decree to action—which means this then is what the blowing winds are carrying out, but now have been restrained). *note regarding the mention of the sea and trees: this (ml) points to its larger trajectory (or greater fulfillment).(2-3) angel ascending from the rising of the sun (Isa 41:1-4, 25, 46:11; Eze 43:1-3); seal of the living God…do not harm…until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads (Eze 9:1-7; Exo 13:9, 16; in contrast Rev 9:4, 13:16-17, 14:9, 20:4; also consider 2Co 1:22; 2Ti 2:19)*In light of these three verses consider “cut short” in (Mat 24:22)“The protective ‘mark’ in Ezekiel 9 is literally the tav, the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The ancient Hebrew form of the tav was ‘+’, a cross, a fact that was not lost on the early Church…Tertullian believed that God had given Ezekiel ‘the very form of the cross’ which he predicted would be the sign on our foreheads in the true Catholic Jerusalem.” –David Chilton(4-8) The Jerusalem Church/Jewish Christians =one hundred forty-four thousand (12 apostlesX12 Jews =Jewish Church (Mat 19:28; Luk 22:30) X 1,000 = completely preserved; Deu 1:11; Psa 105:8; Num 31:4-5; Psa 84:10; Ecc 6:6; SoS 4:4; Rev 20:4; Rom 11:26); STARTS w/Judah and excludes Dan and Ephraim =completely pure (Gen 49:10; Hos 4:17-14:8; cf. Hos 5:9; Judas Iscariot = Dan? Consider Act 1:25 w/Jud 18:1-3 same words used for portion/lot and place in each text– also similar context for both (loss of inheritance and idolatry). In addition: a comparison of the counterclockwise reversal of Ezekiel’s list (Eze 48:31-34) of tribes (as represented in Rev 7) and NT lists of the twelve disciples (Matt 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; and Acts 1:13) shows a startling parallel between Judas and Dan. Interestingly, only Peter, Philip, James of Alphaeus, and Judas Iscariot appear in the same position on all lists.“Ephraim likewise may have been excluded from the Revelation7 list because of its association with idolatry. Ephraim was noted in distinction from the other tribes fro its penchant for idolatry, for which it was exterminated by divine judgment. Some suggest that these two omissions could be a hint that John is conducting a polemic against part of the professing church who are compromising through idolatry. But since these are omissions, they more likely point in the opposite direction, to an attempt to portray the professing church as apparently pure.” –GK Beale“Dan is omitted because (in Christian tradition) it was associated with Judas Iscariot and his forfeiture of apostolic office.” –Ross E. Winkle“The fact that the angel intervenes (in Revelation 7:2-3) before they are destroyed in the land surely indicates the era prior to the final and total devastation of the land in AD 70. Were the land already destroyed (as it was in AD 70), such protection would have been embarrassingly anachronistic.” — Kenneth Gentry“The 144,000 are Jewish Christians. The extreme care with which their ancestry is set forth removes all doubt concerning their Jewish character. Their Hebrew nature is further accentuated by the intended contrast between them and the great Gentile multitude. The former is a small, easily counted group, of one certain racial extraction, who escape persecution…If reasons previously stated, and others yet to be mentioned are sound, and the first section of the Revelation concerns the Judaistic persecution of the church and the fall of Jerusalem, then it is obvious that these 144,000 Christian Jews who are sealed against the destruction ought to be identified with those who escaped to Pella in accordance with Christ’s command (Luke 21:20-24) when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by Roman armies.” –Jay AdamsHistorical support:“The people of the church in Jerusalem had been commanded by a revelation, vouchsafed approved men there before the war, to leave the city and dwell in a certain town of Perea called Pella. And when those that believed in Christ had come thither from Jerusalem, then, as if the royal city of the Jews and the whole land of Judea were entirely destitute of holy men, the judgment of God at length overtook those that had committed such outrages against Christ and his apostles, and totally destroyed that generation of impious men.” –Eusebius (History of the Church, p. 111)-Epiphanius (Heresies 29:7) argues that Revelation was written for the purpose of warning Christians to flee Jerusalem before the coming destruction.

Constantly explaining and reiterating what God has done (the historical context) (1:5-3:29, 4:3-4, 10-14, 20-22, 45-49, 5:2-6, 22-31, 6:20-23, 7:7-8, 17-19), what God requires or promises and Who God is (the theological context) (4:1-2, 5-9, 15-19, 23-40, 5:1, 32-33, 6:1-4, 10-19, 24-25, 7:6, 9-16a, 20-24) is essential to establishing: 1) God’s justice (4:41-43, 6:25, 7:16b) and 2) covenant laws (4:44-45a, 5:7-21, 6:5-9, 7:1-5, 25-26).Obeying God’s “commandments/statutes/rules” is the repeated prerequisite to possessing: 1) abundant life/God’s promises and avoiding God’s wrath (4:1, 3-4, 40, 5:29-33, 6:17-19, 7:9-26), 2) a good reputation with outsiders/evangelizing others (4:6-8).Obeying God’s “commandments/statutes/rules” requires: 1) continual instruction (4:1, 5 – “taught” [perfect participle – continually teaching], 14, 5:1, 6:1), 2) not adding or taking away from the list (4:2, also 5:32 – “You shall not turn to the right hand [add] or the left [take way]”), 3) carefulness & diligence (i.e. investing lots of time and energy) (5:1, 32, 6:3, 17).According to God, we are to “be careful to do” or obey His commands versus what Evangelical Christianity teaches: we are to be careful not to stress obedience to God’s commands (5:1, 32, 6:3).Apostasy will eventually happen to those who are not diligent – i.e. investing lots of time and energy in their spiritual walk (6:17, 4:9a – “lest you forget…lest they depart from your heart” – Heb 3:12-13; “diligently” = “might” – see 6:5; 2Pe 1:5-11; Pro 4:23).Loving and fearing God means you: 1) obey God and teach your kids to obey God (4:9b-10, 6:1-7, 20-25), 2) spend so much time thinking and talking about His commands that it becomes your personal reputation and the reputation of your house (4:9, 6:6-9), 3) are actively thankful (i.e. always remembering and thanking God as the source of good things to you) (4:9 – “lest you forget the things your eyes have seen” = No longer actively thankful; 6:10-12), 4) are actively trusting Him for all things (4:9 – “lest they depart from your heart” = No longer actively trust; 6:13-16).People agree to enter into covenant relationship w/God thru: 1) coming to His mountain (4:11; Heb 12:18-24 = Under the NC, that “mountain” is the church), 2) hearing and agreeing to obey His Law (4:12-13 – “the Ten Commandments”; Notice “covenant” = God’s laws; Exo 24:3, 7).God is very intolerant of all forms of disloyalty (i.e. He is “a consuming fire, a jealous God”) due to idolatry (4:15-28, see also 6:14-16 – “His anger be kindled against you”, 7:1-5, 25-26 – “an abominable thing”; Re: Moses, see Num 20:12 = Serving/worshipping/possessing/tolerating a false god/religion because of what you believe [“you did not believe in Me” = Who I have revealed Myself to be] or do [“you did not treat me as holy”] – e.g. Exo 32:1-8 w/1Co 10:7, 14//Deu 32:16-17, 21 and Psa 106:36-38; Psa 135:15-18; 1Co 10:16-21).There are times when others will also have to answer for our sins (4:21 – “you”).We will only “find” God (welcoming us into a covenant relationship w/Himself) if we “seek” or “search” for Him “with all of (our) heart and with all of (our) soul…and with all of (our) might” – i.e. only if we come w/hearts and souls ready to invest lots of time and energy into knowing and fully submitting to Him and His ways/laws (4:29 w/6:5).God’s promise to each generation of Abraham’s natural descendants (the Jews) is irrevocable (4:29-31 w/Rom 11:29).The accounts of God’s self-disclosure to Israel (4:32-33), and surreal deliverance of Israel (4:34) points to the fact that what we possess as Christians is the true (and only) God of “heaven above” and “earth beneath” since no other religion can attest to such personal encounters or events in relation to their god (4:32-39).B/C God is a “jealous God”: 1) the consequences of our disloyalty (“hate me”) will affect our children for several generations (5:9 – “third and fourth generations”), 2) the blessings of our loyalty (“love me and “keep my commandments”) will affect our children for many generations (5:10 – “thousands”).The Ten Commandments:1) sum up all of God’s covenant expectations found elsewhere (5:7-21 w/22-33 – most esp. 30-33)2) provide the law categories of:2.1) loyalty (sin = treason) (5:7, see also 6:4)2.2) orthodoxy (sin = idolatry/heterodoxy) (5:8-10)2.3) covenant (contract/oath/promise) fidelity (sin = fraud) (5:11, see also 6:13; Lev 19:12; Mat 5:33-37)2.4) orthopraxy (sin = heteropraxy) (5:12-15)2.5) authority/hierarchy (sin = anarchy) (5:16 – “go well with you in the land” w/Rom 13:1-4 and 1Pe 3:13)2.6) image-bearing (sin = murder/unlawful killing/unlawlful unforgiveness/malicious verbal or physical action toward another – Mat 5:21-22) (5:17)2.7) sexual purity (sin = adultery/sexual immorality) (5:18; Consider Deu 24:1-4)2.8) private property (sin = stealing)2.9) truth (sin = false witness/lying) (5:20)2.10) contentment (sin = coveting/envy/greed/living outside of your means/not being the best version of you but instead wanting/attempting to be someone else) (5:21)3) are what it means to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (6:5) – and your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18; Mat 22:36-37). .We are not to pity or show mercy to those who serve false gods/gospels or religions (7:1-5, 16).We must maintain the covenant relationship w/God we gained by His grace through “keep(ing)” (i.e. faithfully obeying) His commands (4:6, 13-14 w/23-26 w/40, 5:29, 6:12 w/17 w/20-25, 7:6-12)

non dispensational interpretation of symbolism in Revelation 6.

What is gained in the breaking of the seals?

3) God will not have relationship with man outside of covenant. 4) Why is Christ worthy to break the seals?

1) What is the book (scroll) and why can no one open it and break the seals? 2) Why is John weeping? 3) Who can break the seals?

What is the Kingdom of God? points 8 & 9 of 9. 8) The Kingdom of God is in this world but not of this world, and 9) The Kingdom of God is always associated with Israel (or David) but it’s ethnic and geographical identity has changed.

What is the Kingdom of God? points 5-7 of 9. 5) The Kingdom of God is what we seek as our first priority. 6) The Kingdom of God of Earth is where God’s salvation is. 7) The Kingdom of God is a covenant community bound be obedience to God’s commands.

Revelation 5; Matthew 13:24-30What Is the Kingdom of God? Points 1 through 4 of 9. 1. The Kingdom of God is the place where God’s Name and Spirit, Throne and House reside. 2. The Kingdom of God often goes by other names in the Bible. 3. The Kingdom of God is on earth while in Heaven. 4. The Kingdom of God on earth determines the Kingdom of God in Heaven.

God’s people are to respond in worshipful acceptance and submission. Our acceptance and submission is demonstrated not just through our words but also our ACTIONS.

1. God is sovereign over all of history. 2. God is concerned for His People. 3. God will judge His enemies and avenge His people. 4. God’s people are to respond in worshipful acceptance and submission. We are believers only to the degree we are still believers when the going gets tough. Worship: to love and to serve without finding fault, uncritically.

Most of Zechariah's prophecies require Christ and the Church to understand.

God portrayed as Judge and Avenger. Elements common to Zechariah and Revelation.

God is sovereign over all of history. God is concerned for His people.

God is sovereign for all history.

1. The PLACE where John goes to receive this heavenly revelation is the 3rd heaven. 2. The TIMING of the heavenly revelation and its fulfillment is soon. 3. The USE of this heavenly revelation by our present day is incredibly erroneous. 4. The REASON John receives this heavenly revelation is to change the churches perspective regarding the coming crisis.

1. The audience in Revelation is primarily seven real churches existing in the first century. 2. The interpretation of Revelation is largely historical and symbolic. 3. The context of Revelation is predominately concerned with two major historical events. 4. The purpose of Revelation is to specifically communicate one crucially important timeless Christian truth.

A review of the previous teachings on Revelation in preparation for chapters 4-22. 1. The audience in Revelation is primarily seven real churches existing in the first century.2. The interpretation of revelation is largely historical and symbolic.

A working outline for Revelation 12-22.

A working outline for Revelation 12-22.

A working outline for Revelation 4-11.

A working outline for Revelation 4-11 .