MATTHEW
MATTHEW (THE MAN'S FORMER NAME WAS LEVI) PRESENTS JESUS AS THE LONG-AWAITED MESSIAH.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME PASSAGES IN MATTHEW. HERE'S ONE ABOUT JUDGING. DOES JESUS SAY YOU ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO LOVE?
Well, consider this: if Jesus meant "don't judge at all, why would He then judge someone in Matthew 7:15-16 in this very same chapter?
To quote Bible scholar David Guzik: "The Christian is called to unconditionally love. But the Christian is not called to unconditional approval."
Jesus allows for us to judge the fruits of what someone is doing, but to beware of trying to guess the inner workings of a man's heart and soul.
He goes on to give the "boundaries" of judging: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.
In other words, you must be fair and unbiased in your judging, just the way you would want others to judge you. Do you judge with no mercy in mind at all? Well, then is that how you want to be judged if you are caught doing wrong?
Don't forget what He also says a few verses later on...
First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Jesus doesn’t say that it is wrong for us to help our brother with the speck in his eye. But think of how this is. If you have a speck in your own eye, it looks like a plank. Kind of hard for you to see someone else's speck when you have a huge problem with your own sight, isn't it?
Is it right for you to confront a fellow Christian about their gossip or lies? Yes, it is... if you are not guilty of that as well...
Is it right to talk to someone about theft of office funds or petty cash? Sure - but have you been stealing by using company work time to play on your iPad or make personal phone calls? That's stealing as well, isn't it?
To quote Bible scholar David Guzik: "The Christian is called to unconditionally love. But the Christian is not called to unconditional approval."
Jesus allows for us to judge the fruits of what someone is doing, but to beware of trying to guess the inner workings of a man's heart and soul.
He goes on to give the "boundaries" of judging: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.
In other words, you must be fair and unbiased in your judging, just the way you would want others to judge you. Do you judge with no mercy in mind at all? Well, then is that how you want to be judged if you are caught doing wrong?
Don't forget what He also says a few verses later on...
First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Jesus doesn’t say that it is wrong for us to help our brother with the speck in his eye. But think of how this is. If you have a speck in your own eye, it looks like a plank. Kind of hard for you to see someone else's speck when you have a huge problem with your own sight, isn't it?
Is it right for you to confront a fellow Christian about their gossip or lies? Yes, it is... if you are not guilty of that as well...
Is it right to talk to someone about theft of office funds or petty cash? Sure - but have you been stealing by using company work time to play on your iPad or make personal phone calls? That's stealing as well, isn't it?
----------------- the book of Matthew ---------------------------------
MATTHEW CHAPTERS 5- 7 MAKE UP THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
It doesn't emphasize politcal takeover or how much "stuff" a Christian gets when he gets to Heaven....
... Jesus is telling what spiritual results will happen when we give our lives over to Him. In other words, how you will act and what will happen if you let Jesus really take over your life.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
- this is talking about the Christian who really knows and confesses that he is sinful and unworthy. This is essential if you are going to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
- mourning about sin and its effects both on us and on others. We will receive a time of comfort from the Lord, but this is part of the path of the serious Christian.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
- "meek" is literally "strength under control", and is given to those who are sober and capable in their daily lives. Could this mean honors on the New Earth? None of these first three sentences are a concenrn for a non-Christian - they want to be happy, self-sufficient and full of self-spirit. But to those who look for the Kingdom of God there is a whole different perspective on life.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."
The Christian gets deep hunger for total righteousness, more than a salve for a troubled conscience. While we are still on earth, there is a puzzling effect on Believers - we get fed yet still want more. We won't get the complete filling until Heaven.
NOW, WHAT ABOUT THIS PASSAGE IN MATTHEW 7 ABOUT JUDGING?
It's extremely popular to use this passage as an excuse to accept any lifestyle or any behavior. Is that what this passage is saying?
It doesn't emphasize politcal takeover or how much "stuff" a Christian gets when he gets to Heaven....
... Jesus is telling what spiritual results will happen when we give our lives over to Him. In other words, how you will act and what will happen if you let Jesus really take over your life.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
- this is talking about the Christian who really knows and confesses that he is sinful and unworthy. This is essential if you are going to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
- mourning about sin and its effects both on us and on others. We will receive a time of comfort from the Lord, but this is part of the path of the serious Christian.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
- "meek" is literally "strength under control", and is given to those who are sober and capable in their daily lives. Could this mean honors on the New Earth? None of these first three sentences are a concenrn for a non-Christian - they want to be happy, self-sufficient and full of self-spirit. But to those who look for the Kingdom of God there is a whole different perspective on life.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."
The Christian gets deep hunger for total righteousness, more than a salve for a troubled conscience. While we are still on earth, there is a puzzling effect on Believers - we get fed yet still want more. We won't get the complete filling until Heaven.
NOW, WHAT ABOUT THIS PASSAGE IN MATTHEW 7 ABOUT JUDGING?
It's extremely popular to use this passage as an excuse to accept any lifestyle or any behavior. Is that what this passage is saying?
KNOW THE FOLLOWING THINGS IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM or you will fall, and great will be your fall...
In Galatians we are told we have freedom in Christ, but this is not freedom to ____________.
Instead, Galatians says that we have the freedom to ___________________________________.
Philippians’ key verse is in 1:21 that says ___________________________________________________________________________.
In Philippians, Paul says that because he was in jail the Gospel was προκοπή (prah-kah-PAY). What does that mean? _____________________________________________________________
In Galatians the danger was that the church had become legalistic. What does that word mean? _________________________________________________________________
THEMES OF THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew – Jesus, King of the Jews
Mark – Jesus, the Suffering Servant
Luke – Jesus, the Son of Man
John – Jesus, the Son of God
Acts - Formation of the Church
Romans – The plan of salvation
1 Corinthians – Correcting the worldly Christians
2 Corinthians – Paul defends his apostleship
Galatians – Justification by faith alone
Ephesians – Jews and Gentiles who believe are united.
Philippians – Joy in Christ.
Colossians – Jesus Christ is colossal.
1 Thessalonians – The return of the Lord; good news for the Believer!
2 Thessalonians – The Day of the Lord; means bad news for the evildoer.
1 Timothy – Leadership in the church of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy – Christian Leaders, be strong and do your job!
Titus – "What do the rest of us church members do?"
Philemon – Forgiveness
Hebrews – Jesus Christ is better than anything
James – You're a Christian? Prove it.
1 Peter – Christians, expect sufferings and persecutions
2 Peter – Guidance, dangers and hope.
1 John – We're in the family of God, so let's show love and truth
2 John – Christian hospitality is not for false teachers
3 John – Christian hospitality is to encourage Christian workers
Jude – Fight for the faith!
Revelation – Christ returns victorious and reveals the New Heaven and New Earth.
Matthew – Jesus, King of the Jews
Mark – Jesus, the Suffering Servant
Luke – Jesus, the Son of Man
John – Jesus, the Son of God
Acts - Formation of the Church
Romans – The plan of salvation
1 Corinthians – Correcting the worldly Christians
2 Corinthians – Paul defends his apostleship
Galatians – Justification by faith alone
Ephesians – Jews and Gentiles who believe are united.
Philippians – Joy in Christ.
Colossians – Jesus Christ is colossal.
1 Thessalonians – The return of the Lord; good news for the Believer!
2 Thessalonians – The Day of the Lord; means bad news for the evildoer.
1 Timothy – Leadership in the church of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy – Christian Leaders, be strong and do your job!
Titus – "What do the rest of us church members do?"
Philemon – Forgiveness
Hebrews – Jesus Christ is better than anything
James – You're a Christian? Prove it.
1 Peter – Christians, expect sufferings and persecutions
2 Peter – Guidance, dangers and hope.
1 John – We're in the family of God, so let's show love and truth
2 John – Christian hospitality is not for false teachers
3 John – Christian hospitality is to encourage Christian workers
Jude – Fight for the faith!
Revelation – Christ returns victorious and reveals the New Heaven and New Earth.
FACTS ABOUT THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. The New Testament is the last 27 books of the 66 books of the Bible.
2. The New Testament consists of 5 history books: the Gospels: (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and the book of Acts.
3. There is one book of prophecy (Revelation).
4. The New Testament consists of 21 letters which are called epistles.
5. The book of Romans, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians are examples of epistles.
6. The entire New Testament was written in Greek. The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language.
7. Matthew and Levi are the names of the same man - one of Jesus' 12 disciples. The name Matthew is used in the Gospels of Matthew and John, while in the Gospels of Mark and Luke his name is Levi.
2. The New Testament consists of 5 history books: the Gospels: (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and the book of Acts.
3. There is one book of prophecy (Revelation).
4. The New Testament consists of 21 letters which are called epistles.
5. The book of Romans, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians are examples of epistles.
6. The entire New Testament was written in Greek. The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language.
7. Matthew and Levi are the names of the same man - one of Jesus' 12 disciples. The name Matthew is used in the Gospels of Matthew and John, while in the Gospels of Mark and Luke his name is Levi.
THE GREAT LINK LIBRARY!
What are each of the NT books about? Click on a link and get a great summary, courtesy of the wisdom of Jay Smith of BibleHub.com, whom we would love to hire for our faculty if we had any money. Click on any of the links below and go directly to that NT book summary.
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF MATTHEW ABOUT?
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF MARK ABOUT?
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF LUKE ABOUT?
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF JOHN ABOUT?
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF ACTS ABOUT?
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS ABOUT?
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS ABOUT?
TELL ME ABOUT THE BOOK OF GALATIANS
Ancient History Encyclopedia (http://www.ancient.eu/galatia/) says:
"Ancient Galatia is located in the central regions of modern-day Turkey...this land was controlled and inhabited by Celtic tribes some time in the 270's BCE. The term 'Galatae' was used by the Greeks to denote these Celtic tribes."
Theopedia.com states: "The churches of Galatia were founded by Paul himself (Acts 16:6; Gal. 1:8; 4:13, 19). They seem to have been composed mainly of converts from paganism (4:8), but partly also of Jewish converts, who probably, under the influence of Jewish teachers, sought to incorporate the rites of Judaism with Christianity."
So, it looks like the people were trying to make Christianity a works-based belief. Bible scholar John MacArthur says "the message of Galatians is the message of liberty. It is the message of freedom. It is the message of release from the bondage of legalism.
We talk and search for true freedom, and Galatians comes through with the answer as to what freedom is all about. There is true freedom. There is. No question about it. The true freedom I just indicated to you when quoting the statement, "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free, indeed." Or, putting it in the words of Jesus Christ, "You shall know the truth, and," what? "the truth shall make you free."
"Now, Galatians just simply takes those two statements and expands them and really pushes it into every possible consideration. It is truth alone that frees. Anything else is bondage. A simple way to illustrate that is, take, for example, the man who has a mathematical problem; and he must come to some decision before he can be free from the problem. In other words, he wants to discover some very important solution to a problem. It's not just a classroom problem; it's a problem that affects humanity.
"So he goes into his laboratory, and he goes into all of his knowledge of mathematics, and he begins to study the problem, and he works, and he works, and he works. And he is never free until he gets the answer. You see? But once he gets the truth and the answer to the problem comes, then he is free. You see, it is only truth that liberates. Until a man comes to truth, he is never free from the search, you see. Galatians expands on the fact that the truth is Jesus Christ. And it offers to men true freedom."
A KEY PASSAGE IS FOUND IN 2:16, "...a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified."
****************************************************************************************************
Ancient History Encyclopedia (http://www.ancient.eu/galatia/) says:
"Ancient Galatia is located in the central regions of modern-day Turkey...this land was controlled and inhabited by Celtic tribes some time in the 270's BCE. The term 'Galatae' was used by the Greeks to denote these Celtic tribes."
Theopedia.com states: "The churches of Galatia were founded by Paul himself (Acts 16:6; Gal. 1:8; 4:13, 19). They seem to have been composed mainly of converts from paganism (4:8), but partly also of Jewish converts, who probably, under the influence of Jewish teachers, sought to incorporate the rites of Judaism with Christianity."
So, it looks like the people were trying to make Christianity a works-based belief. Bible scholar John MacArthur says "the message of Galatians is the message of liberty. It is the message of freedom. It is the message of release from the bondage of legalism.
We talk and search for true freedom, and Galatians comes through with the answer as to what freedom is all about. There is true freedom. There is. No question about it. The true freedom I just indicated to you when quoting the statement, "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free, indeed." Or, putting it in the words of Jesus Christ, "You shall know the truth, and," what? "the truth shall make you free."
"Now, Galatians just simply takes those two statements and expands them and really pushes it into every possible consideration. It is truth alone that frees. Anything else is bondage. A simple way to illustrate that is, take, for example, the man who has a mathematical problem; and he must come to some decision before he can be free from the problem. In other words, he wants to discover some very important solution to a problem. It's not just a classroom problem; it's a problem that affects humanity.
"So he goes into his laboratory, and he goes into all of his knowledge of mathematics, and he begins to study the problem, and he works, and he works, and he works. And he is never free until he gets the answer. You see? But once he gets the truth and the answer to the problem comes, then he is free. You see, it is only truth that liberates. Until a man comes to truth, he is never free from the search, you see. Galatians expands on the fact that the truth is Jesus Christ. And it offers to men true freedom."
A KEY PASSAGE IS FOUND IN 2:16, "...a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified."
****************************************************************************************************
AND NOW WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS!
It's important to know:
1. Paul is writing this from jail.
2. At the time of the Colossians letter, Paul had not visited Colossae.
3. Colossae was a small city, but made its living mainly as a commerce center, known for its shiny black wool.
4. Chapter 2, verse 8, "Beware, lest any man spoil you-through philosophy and empty deceit." Some greeks infiltrating the church felt the Gospel was too simple, so they were starting a cult of "Inner knowledge" which would one day be known as the Gnostics.
5. Part of this "secret knowledge" was that God was too holy to be reached, so angels (sub-gods, actually) ran interference for Him and filtered your prayers and stuff. You actually prayed to them and worshiped them to get your communication through. They were teaching that Jesus was just one of these angels, no more, no less.
6. Colossians 2:18 says that some were pretending to have visions and inflating their ego because of it.
7. Paul states that Jesus (Chapter 1, verse 15) is "the image of the invisible God, the pre-eminent one in creation." Chapter 1, verse 27-28: "Christ is the hope of glory, and in Christ, every man can be perfect."...it means, man needs nothing else.
THEN GO TO THE NEXT SITE BY CLICKING HERE: COLLEGE COFFEE MUG BIBLE STUDY ON COLOSSIANS
****************************************************************************************************
It's important to know:
1. Paul is writing this from jail.
2. At the time of the Colossians letter, Paul had not visited Colossae.
3. Colossae was a small city, but made its living mainly as a commerce center, known for its shiny black wool.
4. Chapter 2, verse 8, "Beware, lest any man spoil you-through philosophy and empty deceit." Some greeks infiltrating the church felt the Gospel was too simple, so they were starting a cult of "Inner knowledge" which would one day be known as the Gnostics.
5. Part of this "secret knowledge" was that God was too holy to be reached, so angels (sub-gods, actually) ran interference for Him and filtered your prayers and stuff. You actually prayed to them and worshiped them to get your communication through. They were teaching that Jesus was just one of these angels, no more, no less.
6. Colossians 2:18 says that some were pretending to have visions and inflating their ego because of it.
7. Paul states that Jesus (Chapter 1, verse 15) is "the image of the invisible God, the pre-eminent one in creation." Chapter 1, verse 27-28: "Christ is the hope of glory, and in Christ, every man can be perfect."...it means, man needs nothing else.
THEN GO TO THE NEXT SITE BY CLICKING HERE: COLLEGE COFFEE MUG BIBLE STUDY ON COLOSSIANS
****************************************************************************************************
1 PETER - AN OPEN BOOK QUIZ
PART 1 ON THE FRONT OF YOUR PAPER (from chapter 1)...
1. We have an inheritance with Jesus Christ - where exactly is this inheritance kept?
2. When is salvation going to be revealed?
3. What kind of trials will we be suffering?
4. Verse 7 tells us why we get trials. What is the reason?
5. What is the end result of our faith?
PART 2 ON THE BACK OF YOUR PAPER...
Write a Bible challenge (sermon, if you want to call it that)... a call to action to teens at a Bible camp. The message you write must be based on chapter 2. It must include at least two verses, with a very good explanation of them.
GO!
*****************************************
SO WHAT ELSE CAN WE GET FROM THE BOOK OF HEBREWS?
The mystery author tells us that any part of a man-religion cannot get anywhere near the power of Christ and what He can do for the Believer.
Hebrews 11 hits home. It is well-known as the HERO HALL OF FAITH (Not Hall of Fame, but Faith). Look at the passage and you will see that the people listed who are given salvation and are now in Heaven are all from the First Testament section of the Bible...
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
By faith Sarah...
By faith Noah...
By faith Abel...
They all had faith, not some man-made religion of behavior, rules and works.
...they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
***************************************************************************************************
AND NOW WE VENTURE INTO AN OVERVIEW OF
1 TIMOTHY
The mystery author tells us that any part of a man-religion cannot get anywhere near the power of Christ and what He can do for the Believer.
Hebrews 11 hits home. It is well-known as the HERO HALL OF FAITH (Not Hall of Fame, but Faith). Look at the passage and you will see that the people listed who are given salvation and are now in Heaven are all from the First Testament section of the Bible...
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
By faith Sarah...
By faith Noah...
By faith Abel...
They all had faith, not some man-made religion of behavior, rules and works.
...they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
***************************************************************************************************
AND NOW WE VENTURE INTO AN OVERVIEW OF
1 TIMOTHY
|
TODAY YOU ARE THE TEACHER! The book is 1 Timothy.
|
HERE ARE SOME SEED THOUGHTS... SOME QUESTIONS WHICH YOU CAN ANSWER IN YOUR SPEECH
1. What are the qualifications of a pastor/leader of an assembly? (3:1-13)
2. What is the danger of apostasy? What is apostasy anyway? (4:1-6)
3. What does 2:9-10 mean concerning what women wear?
4. And what about that issue of women not speaking in the church in 2:12? Helpful link here: http://juniaproject.com/1-timothy-212-ten-talking-points/
5. Paul gets specifically with Timothy, the leader (4:7-16). What is Timothy supposed to "exercise"?
1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 3
"OUR COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY HAS GROWN TO OVER TWO HUNDRED PEOPLE FROM ON CAMPUS AND OFF CAMPUS, SO WE WANT TO FORM A CHURCH. WHAT GUIDELINES DO WE USE FOR CHOOSING LEADERS AND OVERSEERS?"
3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
YOU CAN LOOK AT 1 CORINTHIANS AS HAVING FOUR SECTIONS:
A. Chapters 1-4, Paul received reports of problems in the church, addresses their problems and disorders.
B. In chapters 5-11, Paul exposes immorality that was occurring in the church.
C. In chapters 12-14, he clears up some of the confusion about practices of worship: women in worship, the use of spiritual gifts, and observing the Lord’s Supper.
D. Chapters 15-16 Paul deals with the topic of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS LAST SECTION OF 1 CORINTHIANS IS NUCLEAR... IT IS INCREDIBLY POWERFUL, AND HANDLES EVERYTHING THAT WAS A PROBLEM, BY PUTTING IT ALL INTO PERSPECTIVE BY THIS TRUTH; JESUS CHRIST ACTUALLY OUTWITTED AND OVERCAME DEATH!
Chapters 15-16 consist of Paul dealing with the topic of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is the topic that is, “of first importance” to Paul. It is here we find the most important information on planet Earth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in verses 1-4.
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (15:1-4).
- Source: BibleHub.com
A. Chapters 1-4, Paul received reports of problems in the church, addresses their problems and disorders.
B. In chapters 5-11, Paul exposes immorality that was occurring in the church.
C. In chapters 12-14, he clears up some of the confusion about practices of worship: women in worship, the use of spiritual gifts, and observing the Lord’s Supper.
D. Chapters 15-16 Paul deals with the topic of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS LAST SECTION OF 1 CORINTHIANS IS NUCLEAR... IT IS INCREDIBLY POWERFUL, AND HANDLES EVERYTHING THAT WAS A PROBLEM, BY PUTTING IT ALL INTO PERSPECTIVE BY THIS TRUTH; JESUS CHRIST ACTUALLY OUTWITTED AND OVERCAME DEATH!
Chapters 15-16 consist of Paul dealing with the topic of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is the topic that is, “of first importance” to Paul. It is here we find the most important information on planet Earth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in verses 1-4.
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (15:1-4).
- Source: BibleHub.com
1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 11
So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat,
for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk.
Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.
Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home.
So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat,
for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk.
Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.
Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home.
THE BOOK OF ROMANS
ROMANS: THE ABC's OF CHRISTIANITY
Using a Question-and-Answer format
"What is the significance of Christ's sacrifice to me? What is this all about?"
"Coming to Jesus" is more than about facts to be memorized; it's about a new life.
The theme of Romans is found in 1:16,17:
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Paul writes this and gets serious about the basic truths... kind of like preparing for the Super Bowl by going over the fundamentals of tackling and pass plays. You need to make sure you got 'em covered.
The book goes from 'what is wrong' to 'what is right'... and what will continue to get better!
"Rome will be a good base of operations, friends, so we need to get organized."
One of the key words is δικαιοσύνη (dee-kay-aw-SOON-ay) "righteousness, being right before God" It is used over 60 times in the book of Romans.
KEY PASSAGE: CHAPTERS 6-8 You find out how to beat sin, how living in grace actually works out, and how to win if you let Jesus take control of your life.
FILL IN THE BLANKS:
Let's get the proper view of how Paul introduces Jesus. Theopedia.com says "God’s Gospel is about _______ (Rom 1:9) and his great act of ____________________ is through Jesus (Rom 5:10) whom he sent AS _______________________ (Rom 8:3) and did not _______________ Jesus (Rom 8:32). "
By the way, Paul makes a big deal about reconciliation. What is reconciliation? If you don't know, go to an online dictionary and look it up: ___________________________________
HERE ARE SOME FAST FACTS ABOUT ROMANS
1. Chapters 1-8: "What is the Christian faith all about?"
2. Chapters 9-11: Paul explains God’s sovereignty over salvation.
3. In chapters 12-16, Paul gives instructions for all Christians about how to live a holy lifestyle.
Using a Question-and-Answer format
"What is the significance of Christ's sacrifice to me? What is this all about?"
"Coming to Jesus" is more than about facts to be memorized; it's about a new life.
The theme of Romans is found in 1:16,17:
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Paul writes this and gets serious about the basic truths... kind of like preparing for the Super Bowl by going over the fundamentals of tackling and pass plays. You need to make sure you got 'em covered.
The book goes from 'what is wrong' to 'what is right'... and what will continue to get better!
"Rome will be a good base of operations, friends, so we need to get organized."
One of the key words is δικαιοσύνη (dee-kay-aw-SOON-ay) "righteousness, being right before God" It is used over 60 times in the book of Romans.
KEY PASSAGE: CHAPTERS 6-8 You find out how to beat sin, how living in grace actually works out, and how to win if you let Jesus take control of your life.
FILL IN THE BLANKS:
Let's get the proper view of how Paul introduces Jesus. Theopedia.com says "God’s Gospel is about _______ (Rom 1:9) and his great act of ____________________ is through Jesus (Rom 5:10) whom he sent AS _______________________ (Rom 8:3) and did not _______________ Jesus (Rom 8:32). "
By the way, Paul makes a big deal about reconciliation. What is reconciliation? If you don't know, go to an online dictionary and look it up: ___________________________________
HERE ARE SOME FAST FACTS ABOUT ROMANS
1. Chapters 1-8: "What is the Christian faith all about?"
2. Chapters 9-11: Paul explains God’s sovereignty over salvation.
3. In chapters 12-16, Paul gives instructions for all Christians about how to live a holy lifestyle.
School of New Testament
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK OF ACTS
WHOSE "ACTS"? WHOSE "ACTIONS"?
Some people say the acts of the apostles, others say the acts of the Holy Spirit... but Bible scholar John MacArthur points out that these acts are really the acts of God.
Really, what you see now in this book is the disciples, who would become apostles ("sent ones") have realized what the Old Testament was talking about when it was explaining the coming Messiah. Luke's first book showed them to be confused and grasping, but here in Acts they are bold, courageous and world-changers.
Acts 7 and Acts 13 both have sermons that show how God worked out His plan on salvation to men that came right up to that moment. Acts continues the working of God in His plan of opening the door to make it possible to bring man to Heaven.
WHOSE "ACTS"? WHOSE "ACTIONS"?
Some people say the acts of the apostles, others say the acts of the Holy Spirit... but Bible scholar John MacArthur points out that these acts are really the acts of God.
Really, what you see now in this book is the disciples, who would become apostles ("sent ones") have realized what the Old Testament was talking about when it was explaining the coming Messiah. Luke's first book showed them to be confused and grasping, but here in Acts they are bold, courageous and world-changers.
Acts 7 and Acts 13 both have sermons that show how God worked out His plan on salvation to men that came right up to that moment. Acts continues the working of God in His plan of opening the door to make it possible to bring man to Heaven.
1 PETER IS A GREAT BOOK WHEN YOU FACE TRIALS AND UNEXPLAINED SUFFERING...
Bible scholar Daniel Wallace says: "The persecutions of Nero against the Roman Christians gave content to the letter. The letter emphasizes hope in the midst of suffering, perseverance in spite of pain. Peter did not want the thorns of this world to choke out the seed which Paul had planted. He perceived the danger of defection to be especially susceptible to outside attack."
"The theme of 1 Peter is: Experiencing God’s grace in the midst of suffering."
Here is Wallace's outline:
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. The Identity of the People of God (1:3–2:10)
A. A Precious Salvation (1:3-12)
1. Salvation as Hope (1:3-5)
2. Salvation as Joy (1:6-9)
3. Salvation as Privilege: Witnessed by Prophets and Angels (1:10-12)
B. A New Way of Life (1:13-25)
1. A Life of Holiness (1:13-16)
2. A Life of Reverence (1:17-21)
3. A Life of Love (1:22-25)
C. A Chosen Priesthood (2:1-10)
1. Craving the Word (2:1-3)
2. Coming to Christ in Worship (2:4-5)
3. Biblical Argument (2:6-8)
4. An Identity Affirmed (2:9-10)
III. The Responsibilities of the People of God (2:11–4:11)
A. Summary: The Mission of God’s People in the World (2:11-12)
1. Negatively Stated (2:11)
2. Positively Stated (2:12)
B. Respect: The Key to Living in the World (2:13–3:12)
1. Respect for Everyone (2:13-17)
a. Respect for Authorities (2:13-14)
b. Result: Silencing Fools (2:15)
c. Posture: As Free Men (2:16)
d. Summary (2:17)
2. Servants: Submit to your Masters (2:18-25)
a. The Admonition to the Servants (2:18-20)
b. The Example of Christ (2:21-25)
3. Wives and Husbands (3:1-7)
a. Wives: Submit to your Husbands (3:1-6)
1) The Admonition to the Wives (3:1-4)
2) The Example of Sarah (3:5-6)
b. Husbands: Honor your Wives (3:7)
4. Respect for Everyone (Theme Repeated) (3:8-12)
C. Doing Good: The Promise of Vindication (3:13–4:6)
1. Suffering for Doing Good (3:13-17)
2. The Vindication of Christ (3:18-22)
3. Living for the Promise (4:1-6)
a. The Example of Christ (4:1-2)
b. The Former Lifestyle (4:3)
c. The Future Judgment (4:4-6)
D. Mutual Love: The Key to Christian Community in the End Times (4:7-11)
IV. The Responsibilities of a Church and its Elders in the Midst of Trials (4:12–5:11)
A. The Fiery Trial (4:12-19)
1. Suffering and Glory (4:12-14)
2. Suffering as a Christian (4:15-19)
B. The Responsibilities of a Church in the Midst of Trials (5:1-11)
1. The Elders (5:1-4)
2. The Rest of the Church (5:5)
3. Humility and Trust in God (5:6-7)
4. Warfare against the Devil (5:8-11)
a. Admonition: Facing the Devil (5:8-9)
b. Benediction: Trusting God (5:10-11)
V. Concluding Remarks (5:12-14)
A. Purpose of Epistle (5:12)
B. Final Greetings (5:13-14)
Now, concentrate on chapter 5... what are we supposed to do? Read the first ten verses of chapter 5 and let's discuss this...
ἐγκομβόομαι
key word: "clothe yourself with humility..."
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Here is a highly intense book with an eternal message...
Let's get an overview...
Most Bible scholars date the book to around 95 AD.
The writer was John, who was being held on the island of Patmos, arrested for preaching the Gospel. (1:9). The Roman persecution was getting so bad that some in the church were pushing for a policy of compromise (2:14-15,20)
Outline
Introduction (1:1-8)
Jesus - now being shown as a Judge and a Priest - is among the Seven Churches (1:9-20)
The Letters to the Seven Churches (chs. 2 - 3)
• Ephesus (2:1-7)
• Smyrna (2:8-11)
• Pergamum (2:12-17)
• Thyatira (2:18-29)
• Sardis (3:1-6)
• Philadelphia (3:7-13)
• Laodicea (3:14-22)
Meta Tauta: The Hereafter (chs. 4-5)
•The Throne in Heaven (ch. 4)
•The Seven-Sealed Scroll (5:1-5)
•The Lamb Slain reclaims the Scroll(5:6-14)
The Seven Seals are opened... (6:1;8:1)
•First Seal: The White Horse (6:1-2)
•Second Seal: The Red Horse (6:3-4)
•Third Seal: The Black Horse (6:5-6)
•Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse (6:7-8)
•Fifth Seal: The Souls under the Altar (6:9-11)
•Sixth Seal: The Great Earthquake (6:12-17)
•The Sealing of the 144,000 (7:1-8)
•The Great Multitude (7:9-17)
•Seventh Seal: Silence in Heaven (8:1)
The Seven Trumpets (8:2;11:19)
•Introduction (8:2-5)
•First Trumpet: Hail and Fire Mixed with Blood (8:6-7)
•Second Trumpet: A Mountain Thrown into the Sea (8:8-9)
•Third Trumpet: The Star Wormwood (8:10-11)
•Fourth Trumpet: A Third of the Sun, Moon and Stars Struck (8:12-13)
•Fifth Trumpet: The Plague of Locusts (9:1-12)
• Sixth Trumpet: Release of the Four Angels (9:13-21)
• The Angel and the Little Scroll (ch. 10)
•The Two Witnesses (11:1-14)
•Seventh Trumpet: Judgments and Rewards (11:15-19)
Events (chs. 12-14)
• The Woman and the Dragon (ch. 12)
• The Two Beasts (ch. 13)
• The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1-5)
• The Harvest of the Earth (14:6-20)
The Seven Bowls (chs. 15-16)
• Introduction: The Song of Moses and the Seven Angels with the Seven Plagues (ch. 15)
• First Bowl: Man's Physical Pain in Form of Sores (16:1-2)
• Second Bowl: Sea to Blood (16:3)
• Third Bowl: Rivers and Water Become Blood (16:4-7)
• Fourth Bowl: Sun's Torture (16:8-9)
• Fifth Bowl: Darkness (16:10-11)
• Sixth Bowl: Euphrates River Dries Up (16:12-16)
• Seventh Bowl: Tremendous Earthquake (16:17-21)
Babylon: "Selling Out" Itself ... and Paying the Price (17:1;19:5)
• Babylon Described (ch. 17)
• The Fall of Babylon (ch. 18)
• Praise for Babylon's Fall (19:1-5)
The Wedding of the Lamb (19:6-10)
The Return of Christ (19:11-21)
The Thousand Year Reign (20:1-6)
Satan is Finally Defeated (20:7-10)
Great White Throne Judgment: Heaven or Hell? (20:11-15)
New Heaven, New Earth, and the New Jerusalem (21:1;22:5)
Conclusion and the "Amen" (So Let it Happen) (22:6-21)
*******
Here is a highly intense book with an eternal message...
Let's get an overview...
Most Bible scholars date the book to around 95 AD.
The writer was John, who was being held on the island of Patmos, arrested for preaching the Gospel. (1:9). The Roman persecution was getting so bad that some in the church were pushing for a policy of compromise (2:14-15,20)
Outline
Introduction (1:1-8)
Jesus - now being shown as a Judge and a Priest - is among the Seven Churches (1:9-20)
The Letters to the Seven Churches (chs. 2 - 3)
• Ephesus (2:1-7)
• Smyrna (2:8-11)
• Pergamum (2:12-17)
• Thyatira (2:18-29)
• Sardis (3:1-6)
• Philadelphia (3:7-13)
• Laodicea (3:14-22)
Meta Tauta: The Hereafter (chs. 4-5)
•The Throne in Heaven (ch. 4)
•The Seven-Sealed Scroll (5:1-5)
•The Lamb Slain reclaims the Scroll(5:6-14)
The Seven Seals are opened... (6:1;8:1)
•First Seal: The White Horse (6:1-2)
•Second Seal: The Red Horse (6:3-4)
•Third Seal: The Black Horse (6:5-6)
•Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse (6:7-8)
•Fifth Seal: The Souls under the Altar (6:9-11)
•Sixth Seal: The Great Earthquake (6:12-17)
•The Sealing of the 144,000 (7:1-8)
•The Great Multitude (7:9-17)
•Seventh Seal: Silence in Heaven (8:1)
The Seven Trumpets (8:2;11:19)
•Introduction (8:2-5)
•First Trumpet: Hail and Fire Mixed with Blood (8:6-7)
•Second Trumpet: A Mountain Thrown into the Sea (8:8-9)
•Third Trumpet: The Star Wormwood (8:10-11)
•Fourth Trumpet: A Third of the Sun, Moon and Stars Struck (8:12-13)
•Fifth Trumpet: The Plague of Locusts (9:1-12)
• Sixth Trumpet: Release of the Four Angels (9:13-21)
• The Angel and the Little Scroll (ch. 10)
•The Two Witnesses (11:1-14)
•Seventh Trumpet: Judgments and Rewards (11:15-19)
Events (chs. 12-14)
• The Woman and the Dragon (ch. 12)
• The Two Beasts (ch. 13)
• The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1-5)
• The Harvest of the Earth (14:6-20)
The Seven Bowls (chs. 15-16)
• Introduction: The Song of Moses and the Seven Angels with the Seven Plagues (ch. 15)
• First Bowl: Man's Physical Pain in Form of Sores (16:1-2)
• Second Bowl: Sea to Blood (16:3)
• Third Bowl: Rivers and Water Become Blood (16:4-7)
• Fourth Bowl: Sun's Torture (16:8-9)
• Fifth Bowl: Darkness (16:10-11)
• Sixth Bowl: Euphrates River Dries Up (16:12-16)
• Seventh Bowl: Tremendous Earthquake (16:17-21)
Babylon: "Selling Out" Itself ... and Paying the Price (17:1;19:5)
• Babylon Described (ch. 17)
• The Fall of Babylon (ch. 18)
• Praise for Babylon's Fall (19:1-5)
The Wedding of the Lamb (19:6-10)
The Return of Christ (19:11-21)
The Thousand Year Reign (20:1-6)
Satan is Finally Defeated (20:7-10)
Great White Throne Judgment: Heaven or Hell? (20:11-15)
New Heaven, New Earth, and the New Jerusalem (21:1;22:5)
Conclusion and the "Amen" (So Let it Happen) (22:6-21)
*******
A SUPER SUMMARY OF 1 JOHN: FAITH AND LOVE
Let's look at a short but powerful book, written between 85-95 A.D. John is advanced in years, but highly respected, so when he writes, people take notice. Here is what they needed to know: watch out for this growing threat of false teachings. Be at peace, knowing that Christians' faith and love in Jesus Christ is the best thing in their lives.
What was the false teaching? There was a Gnostic denial that Jesus had a genuine human body (1:1). Gnostic thought and taught that matter was evil and led to either asceticism or licentiousness. John goes right after this teaching, very clearly attacking the Gnostic licentious approach to Christianity. He gives several ways to see the reality of a Christian’s conversion experience.
• Chapters 1-2, John clears up some confusion among believers: “God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1:5). If sins were confessed (1:9) He would cleanse them, because Jesus is the payment for “the whole world” (2:2). John, aware of the repeated waves of false teachings, he charged Christians to withdraw from the world system because it was not of the Father."Use discernment!"
• In chapters 3-4, He teaches about the love of God that sent Jesus to act, as in “To destroy the works of the devil” (3:8). This should be repeated by believers - love each other not only with words but also, “in deed and truth” (3:18).
• In chapter 5, John tells Christians to live by faith in what Jesus can do, such as overcoming the intoxication of the world system. Then John writes a dynamic statement: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (vs. 13). The guarantee has been stated!
What was the false teaching? There was a Gnostic denial that Jesus had a genuine human body (1:1). Gnostic thought and taught that matter was evil and led to either asceticism or licentiousness. John goes right after this teaching, very clearly attacking the Gnostic licentious approach to Christianity. He gives several ways to see the reality of a Christian’s conversion experience.
• Chapters 1-2, John clears up some confusion among believers: “God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1:5). If sins were confessed (1:9) He would cleanse them, because Jesus is the payment for “the whole world” (2:2). John, aware of the repeated waves of false teachings, he charged Christians to withdraw from the world system because it was not of the Father."Use discernment!"
• In chapters 3-4, He teaches about the love of God that sent Jesus to act, as in “To destroy the works of the devil” (3:8). This should be repeated by believers - love each other not only with words but also, “in deed and truth” (3:18).
• In chapter 5, John tells Christians to live by faith in what Jesus can do, such as overcoming the intoxication of the world system. Then John writes a dynamic statement: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (vs. 13). The guarantee has been stated!
GALATIANS: LET'S GET AN OVERVIEW
GALATIANS:
I AM JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, AND MY NEXT STEPS ARE TO LEARN MATURITY
It's not legalism - that only ties us to following rules and guidelines for salvation - but neither is it living as if "anything goes". The Christian’s thankfulness to Christ is based on the free gift of grace through faith, and this means a mature step towards walking by the Spirit.
“Declaration of Independence of Christian liberty.”
CHAPTERS 1-2: There is only one gospel of Christ.
The gospel didn't come from men but from Christ himself. Galatians 1:11-12
CHAPTERS 3-4: Justification and salvation comes by grace and faith alone, not rules and regulations.
Faith takes us to a new step up. Galatians 3:24-25
CHAPTERS 5-6: Christians have this amazing freedom to love one another and do what pleases God. 5:13
It's a simple outline, really. This incredible freedom we have in Christ leads us to do good to all people, especially to our fellow believers. Galatians 6:10
HERE IS A KEY VERSE AND A VERY GOOD COMMENTARY ABOUT GALATIANS. HERE IS CHAPTER 5 VERSE 6:
"For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love." (NLT)
Bible scholar David Guzik brings up an important point about the Christian walk in 5:6:
"This verse also tells us what does matter in this place: faith working through love. You have faith? Wonderful; but it must be faith working through love. If your faith doesn’t work, it isn’t real faith. If it doesn’t work through love, it isn’t real faith. But your love alone isn’t enough; your love must also have faith; an abiding trust in who Jesus is and what He did for us. iv. Faith must work through love. Herod had faith that John the Baptist was a true prophet, but there was no faith working through love, and he had John the Baptist murdered. Real faith, saving faith, will work through love."
Source: Guzik, David. "Study Guide for Galatians 5." Enduring Word. Blue Letter Bible. 7 Jul 2006. 2013. 1 Apr 2013.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
5. SPECIAL AND AWESOME GALATIANS NOTES:
1. Martin Luther really began the Reformation with the writing of a commentary on Galatians.
2. "Christianity might have been just one more Jewish sect, and the thought of the Western world might have been entirely pagan had Galatians never been written." - Merril Tenny
3. In Galatians "Paul is going to say two things. He's going to say to you who aren't free, let me show you how to be free, and to you who are free, let me show you how to enjoy your freedom. That's a twofold view of freedom. " - John MacArthur
4. This is the only Paul epistle where he doesn't give any nice opening greetings or commendation. He just starts from the beginning in a full-force charging of what needs to be said about ending bondage.
5. Paul's first missionary effort took him to a largenarea called Galatia, from 100 to 175 miles east to west, and about 250 miles from north to south. Paul - with Barnabas - evangelized four main cities: Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia and within them he established churches. He traveled the cities establishing churches, finished, turned back around and returned to those churches to empower the saints.
6. On his second journey he came back - with Silas this time - and went back to Derbe, Iconium, Lystra and Antioch of Pisidia. Acts 13 and 14 tells us he was even stoned and left for dead at one point while reaching these cities' folks with the Gospel of Jesus.
7. The opening problem was with parasitical teachers who wanted to make salvation by law. "In other words, you're saved if you have a physical operation and become a Jew physically." And he'd go to found a church, and the Judaizers would come in behind him and get all the Christians upset by telling them they had to be circumcised, and they couldn't be saved until they were Jews first, because all the covenants were only for Israel, and so you'd have to become a Jewish proselyte to ever get any benefit from the salvation offered in Christ. And so they wanted to make salvation by ceremony. - John Macarthur
1. Martin Luther really began the Reformation with the writing of a commentary on Galatians.
2. "Christianity might have been just one more Jewish sect, and the thought of the Western world might have been entirely pagan had Galatians never been written." - Merril Tenny
3. In Galatians "Paul is going to say two things. He's going to say to you who aren't free, let me show you how to be free, and to you who are free, let me show you how to enjoy your freedom. That's a twofold view of freedom. " - John MacArthur
4. This is the only Paul epistle where he doesn't give any nice opening greetings or commendation. He just starts from the beginning in a full-force charging of what needs to be said about ending bondage.
5. Paul's first missionary effort took him to a largenarea called Galatia, from 100 to 175 miles east to west, and about 250 miles from north to south. Paul - with Barnabas - evangelized four main cities: Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia and within them he established churches. He traveled the cities establishing churches, finished, turned back around and returned to those churches to empower the saints.
6. On his second journey he came back - with Silas this time - and went back to Derbe, Iconium, Lystra and Antioch of Pisidia. Acts 13 and 14 tells us he was even stoned and left for dead at one point while reaching these cities' folks with the Gospel of Jesus.
7. The opening problem was with parasitical teachers who wanted to make salvation by law. "In other words, you're saved if you have a physical operation and become a Jew physically." And he'd go to found a church, and the Judaizers would come in behind him and get all the Christians upset by telling them they had to be circumcised, and they couldn't be saved until they were Jews first, because all the covenants were only for Israel, and so you'd have to become a Jewish proselyte to ever get any benefit from the salvation offered in Christ. And so they wanted to make salvation by ceremony. - John Macarthur
OUR NEXT STEP IN LEARNING THE NT BOOKS IS TO TAKE JOHN, ACTS AND ROMANS ALL AT ONCE AND DIVIDE THE CLASS TIME INTO STUDYING THEM
Here is the book of the Gospel of John, chapter by chapter :
1 Jesus was in the beginning; He was and is the Word, the creator and the Light of men. John bore witness to the Light. The world was made through him, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John cites Isaiah, saying Jesus is the voice of one crying in the wilderness, the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world. A spirit like a dove descends on Jesus when he is baptised. Jesus calls His first disciples – Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathaniel.
2 Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding at Cana, and later drives the money-changers out of the temple. Jesus says, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,’ speaking of his own body.
3 Jesus with the Pharisee Nicodemus: "You must be born again.",whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish, but have eternal life. Light has come into the world, but men love the darkness more than the Light.
4 Jesus and the Samaritan woman, "whoever drinks water from this well will thirst again, who whoever drinks living water shall never thirst." Jesus tells the woman that he is the Messiah. Jesus heals a nobleman’s son at Capernaum.
5 The pool of Bethesda: Jesus heals a man who has been sick for 38 years, having the man take up his bed and walk – and some get angry that this has been done on a Sabbath!
6 Jesus feeds 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fishes. The crowd want him to be their king, but he is of the Heavenly kingdom. The disciples sail on the sea of Galilee, and a storm is whipped up. Jesus walks on water.
7 Jesus' brothers mock Him try to argue Him to perform his ministry at Jerusalem, at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus says his time has not yet come, then Jesus goes secretly to Jerusalem, teaches in the temple, preaching ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.’ The crowds are divided as to what to think of Jesus.
8 The scribes and Pharisees are about to stone a woman accused of adultery. Jesus: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. ‘Before Abraham was, I am.’
9 Jesus heals a blind man, then the Pharisees cast him out. The newly healed man worships Jesus. Jesus refers to the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness.
10 Jesus is the true shepherd: ‘I am the door of the sheep’ – others are thieves and robbers. Jesus has come "that men might have life, and that abundantly. I am the good shepherd, who gives his life for his flock."Jesus is accused of being demon-possessed, but asks whether a demon-possessed man can open the eyes of the blind. "I am my Father are one."
11 Lazarus is dead. Jesus arrives in Bethany; Lazarus has been buried for four days. Jesus says he is the resurrection and the life. Jesus comes to the tomb, weeps, but then commands Lazarus to come forth. The Jewish rulers plot Jesus’ death.
12 In Bethany, Martha serves Jesus, and Mary anoints his feet with expensive oil; Judas Iscariot is upset by this. Jesus replies, ‘the poor you have with you always’. The Jews plot to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, cheered by crowds with palm leaves. Jesus says that the hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Jesus prays: ‘Father glorify your name.’
13 Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, Peter objects. Jesus says that if he doesn’t wash his feet, he will have no part with him. Jesus instructs that as He has washed his disciples’ feet, so they should wash each others’. The betrayal: Jesus gives bread to Judas to show that Judas is the one who will betray. Satan enters Judas.
14 Jesus is the Way: ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions.’ ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ To know Jesus is to know the Father. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. The Father will send another Helper (Paraclete – the Holy Spirit).
15 ‘I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away.’ The branch cannot bear fruit in itself, but only as it abides in the vine. Jesus talks about the greatest love: ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’
16 The disciples are told to prepare for certain persecution, but that the Helper will come to explain sin, righteousness and judgment. Jesus explains that He will now return to the Father.
17 Jesus prays: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You’. ‘Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me.’ Jesus prays that his followers may have joy, cleasning, and be unified in belief.
18 Jesus is arrested, but also rebukes Simon Peter for cutting off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus is sent to Caiaphas the high priest, then to Pilate. Jesus explains to Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. Pilate can find no fault with Jesus, wants to persuade the crowd to allow him to release Jesus, but the crowd want the release of Barabbas instead.
19 To appease the mob, Pilate has Jesus scourged, but the crowd still demands Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus is crucified. Pilate places a sign: ‘The King of the Jews’ on the cross. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ seamless garment. Jesus says ‘It is finished’, and dies. Soldiers pierce the dead Jesus’ side, and water and blood come out. Jesus is buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
20 Mary Magdalene at Jesus’ tomb, finds it empty and tells the disciples about it. Peter and John investigate the empty tomb. Mary, stricken with grief, sees two angels dressed in white in the empty tomb mistakes Jesus for a gardener. Jesus appears to the disciples, breathes on his disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus confronts Thomas.
21 Peter and six other disciples go back to fishing (disheartened?). Jesus appears, shows His power as they catch a huge amount of fish. Jesus has breakfast with them, asks Peter to feed his lambs, tend his sheep. John concludes by say if he had written everything that Jesus had done, the whole world could not contain the books that they would need to be written in.
1 Jesus was in the beginning; He was and is the Word, the creator and the Light of men. John bore witness to the Light. The world was made through him, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John cites Isaiah, saying Jesus is the voice of one crying in the wilderness, the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world. A spirit like a dove descends on Jesus when he is baptised. Jesus calls His first disciples – Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathaniel.
2 Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding at Cana, and later drives the money-changers out of the temple. Jesus says, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,’ speaking of his own body.
3 Jesus with the Pharisee Nicodemus: "You must be born again.",whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish, but have eternal life. Light has come into the world, but men love the darkness more than the Light.
4 Jesus and the Samaritan woman, "whoever drinks water from this well will thirst again, who whoever drinks living water shall never thirst." Jesus tells the woman that he is the Messiah. Jesus heals a nobleman’s son at Capernaum.
5 The pool of Bethesda: Jesus heals a man who has been sick for 38 years, having the man take up his bed and walk – and some get angry that this has been done on a Sabbath!
6 Jesus feeds 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fishes. The crowd want him to be their king, but he is of the Heavenly kingdom. The disciples sail on the sea of Galilee, and a storm is whipped up. Jesus walks on water.
7 Jesus' brothers mock Him try to argue Him to perform his ministry at Jerusalem, at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus says his time has not yet come, then Jesus goes secretly to Jerusalem, teaches in the temple, preaching ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.’ The crowds are divided as to what to think of Jesus.
8 The scribes and Pharisees are about to stone a woman accused of adultery. Jesus: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. ‘Before Abraham was, I am.’
9 Jesus heals a blind man, then the Pharisees cast him out. The newly healed man worships Jesus. Jesus refers to the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness.
10 Jesus is the true shepherd: ‘I am the door of the sheep’ – others are thieves and robbers. Jesus has come "that men might have life, and that abundantly. I am the good shepherd, who gives his life for his flock."Jesus is accused of being demon-possessed, but asks whether a demon-possessed man can open the eyes of the blind. "I am my Father are one."
11 Lazarus is dead. Jesus arrives in Bethany; Lazarus has been buried for four days. Jesus says he is the resurrection and the life. Jesus comes to the tomb, weeps, but then commands Lazarus to come forth. The Jewish rulers plot Jesus’ death.
12 In Bethany, Martha serves Jesus, and Mary anoints his feet with expensive oil; Judas Iscariot is upset by this. Jesus replies, ‘the poor you have with you always’. The Jews plot to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, cheered by crowds with palm leaves. Jesus says that the hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Jesus prays: ‘Father glorify your name.’
13 Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, Peter objects. Jesus says that if he doesn’t wash his feet, he will have no part with him. Jesus instructs that as He has washed his disciples’ feet, so they should wash each others’. The betrayal: Jesus gives bread to Judas to show that Judas is the one who will betray. Satan enters Judas.
14 Jesus is the Way: ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions.’ ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ To know Jesus is to know the Father. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. The Father will send another Helper (Paraclete – the Holy Spirit).
15 ‘I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away.’ The branch cannot bear fruit in itself, but only as it abides in the vine. Jesus talks about the greatest love: ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’
16 The disciples are told to prepare for certain persecution, but that the Helper will come to explain sin, righteousness and judgment. Jesus explains that He will now return to the Father.
17 Jesus prays: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You’. ‘Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me.’ Jesus prays that his followers may have joy, cleasning, and be unified in belief.
18 Jesus is arrested, but also rebukes Simon Peter for cutting off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus is sent to Caiaphas the high priest, then to Pilate. Jesus explains to Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. Pilate can find no fault with Jesus, wants to persuade the crowd to allow him to release Jesus, but the crowd want the release of Barabbas instead.
19 To appease the mob, Pilate has Jesus scourged, but the crowd still demands Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus is crucified. Pilate places a sign: ‘The King of the Jews’ on the cross. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ seamless garment. Jesus says ‘It is finished’, and dies. Soldiers pierce the dead Jesus’ side, and water and blood come out. Jesus is buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
20 Mary Magdalene at Jesus’ tomb, finds it empty and tells the disciples about it. Peter and John investigate the empty tomb. Mary, stricken with grief, sees two angels dressed in white in the empty tomb mistakes Jesus for a gardener. Jesus appears to the disciples, breathes on his disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus confronts Thomas.
21 Peter and six other disciples go back to fishing (disheartened?). Jesus appears, shows His power as they catch a huge amount of fish. Jesus has breakfast with them, asks Peter to feed his lambs, tend his sheep. John concludes by say if he had written everything that Jesus had done, the whole world could not contain the books that they would need to be written in.
THIS LUKE 19:10 PASSAGE TELLS US THE PURPOSE OF JESUS' MINISTRY...
ἦλθεν γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ζητῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι τὸ ἀπολωλός
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOME QUICK FACTS...
Luke 1:1 is written in Classical Greek before moving into Koine Greek. Luke is a highly educated physician and educator.
Luke was a companion of Paul, who called him the beloved physician.
Luke and Acts are a two-volume work addressed to Theophilus.
Luke was a man of science and research.
Luke's gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts.
Luke 13: what were the two well-known disasters that the people mentioned to Jesus? How did He respond?
Luke 22:38 - The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords."
"That is enough," he replied. What did Jesus mean by His response?
Pilate said, "Jesus is innocent. I will therefore chastise Him and release Him. What was so unfair about what Pilate said?
κρανίον
Calvary means, "place of a skull," …the Latin word for “skull.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOME QUICK FACTS...
Luke 1:1 is written in Classical Greek before moving into Koine Greek. Luke is a highly educated physician and educator.
Luke was a companion of Paul, who called him the beloved physician.
Luke and Acts are a two-volume work addressed to Theophilus.
Luke was a man of science and research.
Luke's gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts.
Luke 13: what were the two well-known disasters that the people mentioned to Jesus? How did He respond?
Luke 22:38 - The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords."
"That is enough," he replied. What did Jesus mean by His response?
Pilate said, "Jesus is innocent. I will therefore chastise Him and release Him. What was so unfair about what Pilate said?
κρανίον
Calvary means, "place of a skull," …the Latin word for “skull.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVELATION 13
John's view goes from HEAVEN to EARTH.
This is not the DRAGON, but the BEAST. (Revelation 12:3), this is someone different from Satan who was represented by the dragon (Revelation 12:9).
HE HAS SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS AS LOOKS LIKE THE DRAGON, BUT IS NOT. THIS IS THE ANTI-CHRIST. The word Antichrist only appears in the Bible five times in four verses (1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3, and 2 John 7).
The ten crowns of the beast express his rule over a group of ten nations.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. (Daniel 7:7) Daniel's ten horns represented ten kingdoms that this one has authority over (Daniel 7:24). John's vision of the ten crowns on the ten horns show this idea.
The seven heads of the beast ahow the beast's intent - each tell blasphemy against God.
Look at verse 6 - what three things are targeted?
John's view goes from HEAVEN to EARTH.
This is not the DRAGON, but the BEAST. (Revelation 12:3), this is someone different from Satan who was represented by the dragon (Revelation 12:9).
HE HAS SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS AS LOOKS LIKE THE DRAGON, BUT IS NOT. THIS IS THE ANTI-CHRIST. The word Antichrist only appears in the Bible five times in four verses (1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3, and 2 John 7).
The ten crowns of the beast express his rule over a group of ten nations.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. (Daniel 7:7) Daniel's ten horns represented ten kingdoms that this one has authority over (Daniel 7:24). John's vision of the ten crowns on the ten horns show this idea.
The seven heads of the beast ahow the beast's intent - each tell blasphemy against God.
Look at verse 6 - what three things are targeted?
Revelation is an amazing book... but how do we interpret it?
There are four groups of interpretations:
Preterists believe that most of the book's events have already taken place in the first century.
Historicists believe the book's events follow a timeline that started at John's writing and continue on to the end of history.
Futurists believe that the book's writing take place in the end times.
Idealists believe that this is a purely symbolic book, speaking of noble subjects like the victory of good over evil.
=========================
=========================
There are four groups of interpretations:
Preterists believe that most of the book's events have already taken place in the first century.
Historicists believe the book's events follow a timeline that started at John's writing and continue on to the end of history.
Futurists believe that the book's writing take place in the end times.
Idealists believe that this is a purely symbolic book, speaking of noble subjects like the victory of good over evil.
=========================
=========================
LOOK UP 2 THESSALONIANS 2
1. Verses 1 and 2: what confused the people... what did they think already had happened?
2. The "Day of Christ" (the Great Tribulation) won't come unless certain signs are present. Verse 3 names one of them. What is it?
3. Quickly go to Luke 4:8. The man of sin demands something for himself that belongs to God only. What is it?
4. Now go back to 2 Thessalonians 2: 9 and 10. The man of sin will do what? What will he demand?
5. Look at verse 9... how will the man of sin deceive people?
6. Verse 11 is especially scary. What will God allow?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Verses 1 and 2: what confused the people... what did they think already had happened?
2. The "Day of Christ" (the Great Tribulation) won't come unless certain signs are present. Verse 3 names one of them. What is it?
3. Quickly go to Luke 4:8. The man of sin demands something for himself that belongs to God only. What is it?
4. Now go back to 2 Thessalonians 2: 9 and 10. The man of sin will do what? What will he demand?
5. Look at verse 9... how will the man of sin deceive people?
6. Verse 11 is especially scary. What will God allow?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WE GO TO OTHER COLLEGES! On Wednesday nights we carry a collegiate Bible study near the University of Tennessee campus. You can see more about our study - including a weekly hour-long Q & A session - by clicking this link: Coffee Mug Bible Study
the warning found in the book of Hebrews found in 2:1-4
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
SIX IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF MARK
1. Scholars from the ages agree that this was written by John Mark, who took it from hearing the preaching of Peter.
2. Since it was from Peter's preaching, it is not in a "timeline" sequential order - rather, as according to the preaching of Peter as he felt the needs of the Christian assemblies.
3. Many hold that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a major source, and are so close scholars call the three the three Synoptic Gospels, meaning "together in one glance."
4. Among the many themes of this book,we will key on Discipleship especially from Jesus' predictions of his sufferings (8:34 -- 9:1; 9:35 -- 10:31; 10:42 -- 45). The Messianic Secret is also a theme, as Jesus tells his disciples and others to keep silent about who he is or what he has done (see 1:34,44 and notes; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:30; 9:9).
5. Mark is known as a book of action and quickness, with the word "immediately" being constantly used.
6. Jesus teaches in a form of instruction known as parables. His Parables of the Kingdom (4:1-34) give an intriguing insight into Heaven and the life beyond this one.
2. Since it was from Peter's preaching, it is not in a "timeline" sequential order - rather, as according to the preaching of Peter as he felt the needs of the Christian assemblies.
3. Many hold that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a major source, and are so close scholars call the three the three Synoptic Gospels, meaning "together in one glance."
4. Among the many themes of this book,we will key on Discipleship especially from Jesus' predictions of his sufferings (8:34 -- 9:1; 9:35 -- 10:31; 10:42 -- 45). The Messianic Secret is also a theme, as Jesus tells his disciples and others to keep silent about who he is or what he has done (see 1:34,44 and notes; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:30; 9:9).
5. Mark is known as a book of action and quickness, with the word "immediately" being constantly used.
6. Jesus teaches in a form of instruction known as parables. His Parables of the Kingdom (4:1-34) give an intriguing insight into Heaven and the life beyond this one.
PHILIPPIANS: FILLING UP WITH JOY IN CHRIST
IN TERMS OF THE WORLD DAY TO DAY LIVING, THINGS WERE GOING PRETTY BAD FOR PAUL, HOWEVER...
"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel..."
1. PAUL DIDN’T CARE IF HE WAS SUFFERING – JESUS’ GOOD NEWS WAS BEING SPREAD.
2. THE PALACE GUARDS HEARD ABOUT THE GOSPEL AND SOME BECAME CHRISTIANS.
3. OTHER CHRISTIANS GOT ENCOURAGED AND BECOME BOLD TO SPEAK ABOUT JESUS.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO US?
what is a christian supposed to do, anyway?
EPHESIANS TALKS OF THE CHRISTIAN'S WALK IN THE WORLD
Chapters 4-6 make it pretty plain
A. The worthy walk. 4:1-16.
############################################################################
Chapters 4-6 make it pretty plain
A. The worthy walk. 4:1-16.
- The unity of the Spirit. 4:1-6.
- The gift of Christ. 4:7-12.
- The unity of faith and knowledge. 4:13-16.
- Description of the Gentiles' walk. 4:17-19.
- Putting off the old and putting on the new. 4:20-24.
- Practical application. 4:25-32.
- Walking in love. 5:1-7.
- Walking in light. 5:8-14.
- Being circumspect. 5:15-17.
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit. 5:18-6:9.
- Rejoicing and thanksgiving. 5:19,20.
- Submission in practical relationships. 5:21-6:9.
- Wives and husbands. 5:21-33.
- Children and parents. 6:1-4.
- Servants and masters. 6:5-9.
- Being strong in the Lord-the whole armor of God. 6:10-17.
- Prayer for all saints and for Paul. 6:18-20.
############################################################################
1 Thessalonians
1 Thess.: The key chapter is 4
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Some of my students learning out of sheer joy or abject terror, I forget which.