Lesson 6: He Dies for Us
Why does Jesus use the illustration about the serpent on the Pole and relate it to himself?
Key Texts:
John 3:10-17
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Num 21:7-8
Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live."
John 6:56
He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
Act 5:31
Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Lesson 4: The Old Testament Hope
What evidence is there in the Old Testament of the resurrection? Should we even be concerned with this?
Key Texts:
Exodus 32:32
Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written."
Gen 50:25
Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here."
Isaiah 56:1-5 Thus says the LORD: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, And the son of man who lays hold on it; Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And keeps his hand from doing any evil." Do not let the son of the foreigner Who has joined himself to the LORD Speak, saying, "The LORD has utterly separated me from His people"; Nor let the eunuch say, "Here I am, a dry tree." For thus says the LORD: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off.
On Death, Dying and the Future Hope 4th Quarter of 2022
Lesson 3: Understanding Human Nature
What is the breath of life, where does it come from and is it also in the animals? Did God create us to sin and die or to not-sin and live?
Key Texts:
Gen 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being [<chay> <nefesh>].
Gen 1:20
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life [<nefesh> <chay>], and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Ecc 3:20
All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.
Ezekiel 18:20-21
The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
Romans 5:12-19
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
[Same message repeated four more times]:
Rom 5:16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
Psalm 115:17-18
The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!
Lesson 2: Death in a Sinful Word
What is death, how did it come to be and how can it be avoided?
Key Texts:
Genesis 3:17-19
And unto Adam he said, Because you hearkened unto the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying You shall not eat of it... In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to the ground; for out of it you were taken, for dust you are and unto dust you shall return.
Genesis 3:22-24
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God ... drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Dueteronomy 30:15-18
"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish...
On Death, Dying and the Future Hope 4th Quarter of 2022
Lesson 1: Rebellion in a Perfect Universe
Where did evil come? What is the difference between sin, guilt, evil and Satan?
Key Texts:
Ezekiel 28:15
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
What sustained Christ hope and how can that help us endure?
Key Texts:
Isaiah 51-57, especially Isaiah 52:7-53:12
also for Christ as a young person: Desire of Ages pages 68-70
What does it mean to die like a seed, disintegration or germination?
Does God want to subdue or sanctify?
Key Texts:
Joh 12:24-26 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Joh 17:11-18 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
What does the Hebrew word translated "wait" mean and how can this help us understand what it means to "wait on the LORD"? Does waiting on the LORD involve eager anticipation or discomfort?
Key Texts: Rom 15:4-5 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
Psa 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD [i.e. prepare for and look forward to His kingdom], They shall inherit the earth.
Gen 8:15-16 Then God spoke to Noah [finally], saying, "Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you.”
1Ki 19:11-12 ...but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
Marshmallow test video (I had to sift through many to find it!) – Notice the girl in the pink sweater and the boy with the swiped sweater near the end, showing the difference between waiting with discomfort and waiting with eager anticipation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPTCRgk0P9o
This is a good one too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo4WF3cSd9Q
Key Text: Psalm 37
Psa 37:1 A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
Psa 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Psa 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.
Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.
Psa 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
Psa 37:10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.
Psa 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace...
Is it possible to always praise God, even in the darkest moments? If so, how?
Key Texts:
Job 42:2 (Job praises through tragedy)
Act 7:55-7:56 (Stephen praised when about to be stoned)
Act 16:25 (Paul and Silas praised from prison and it was a great witness)
Psalm 48:12-14 (The Psalms are all about praise and keeping the Kingdom in view)
(How we prepare ahead of time)
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
How can we remain faithful to God and hold onto hope for things not easily seen? How can holding onto His promises which seem so distant, transform our lives now?
Key Texts: Heb 10:22-24 and Heb 11
Hebrews 10:22-24 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
How can we cope when evil seems to be triumphing over good and God seems to be silent or absent?
Key texts: Isaiah 40:22-26 and Habakkuk 3:17-19
Isa 40:22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
Isa 40:23 He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless.
Isa 40:24 Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
Isa 40:25 "To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One.
Isa 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.
Hab 3:17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—
Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Hab 3:19 The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.
Does the Holy Spirit help us through our struggles or add to our struggles?
Key texts: 1Pe 1:13-15 and Isa 1:18-19
What is the secret that allowed Abraham, Job, Hosea and Paul to endure their challenges and tests of faith?
Key text: Jer 9:10-14
4. SEEING THE GOLDSMITH'S FACE
What is the difference between a refinement process and a final test and how do we prepare for the final crucible?
Key text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Contents: Job’s strength as an example for us; how God’s law is like a mirror; the parable of the ten virgins; the parable of the sheep and the goats; what is the refinement process and when does it take place; special refinement at the end of time; dangers in waiting for the test crucible before we have been refined.
3. THE BIRDCAGE
Does God cover our birdcage sometimes so we can learn His songs, or does this happen outside of Him and He only uses our times of darkness to teach us His songs and to ensure us that He will someday remove the cover and let us fly?
Key Text: James 1:13
Contents: The bitter waters at Meribah; the rebellion at Rephidim; The temptation of Jesus;
2. THE CRUCIBLES THAT COME
Are there different origins for our troubles and it does it matter for how we should respond?
Key Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Contents: types of crucibles; origins of suffering; monkey pox and pride month as related to Romans 1:18-32; warnings about an enemy on the prowl
1. THE SHEPHERD'S CRUCIBLE
Why does the Bible use the Shepherd as an illustration of God and Jesus and sheep for us?
Key Text: Psalm 23
Contents: In defense of sheep; the beautiful picture of God as shepherd, husband, parent, maker
The Fall as described in Genesis 3 is not a sad story about man's plunge from paradise to perdition, but rather an encouraging story about God's desire to teach us the essentials of our existence and His intent to save us from evil and sin forever.
SABBATH Knowledge of Good and Evil.
1. God wanted us to know good, but did not want us to know (or endure) evil.
2. Evil doesn't work like that though; It can come in and defile us and separate us from God whether we know about it or not.
3. The offerings for sin were always sins committed in ignorance.
Eze 45:20, Num 15:27 and throughout Exodus and Leviticus
SUNDAY- THE SERPENT
1. The serpent is a fitting description of Satan and those who align with evil:
2. It is small and elusive (e.g. white says it was a dazzling creature, but WAS)
3. It comes in through deceit – a mix of error with truth Gen 3:4-5
4. Snakes are usually small but can be deadly. They kill usually without the human seeing it come.
5. The snake ends up falling from elevation in a tree to slitering on the ground with no arms, no legs, no wings; eating dust – ultimately dying which is the fate of those who don’t chose God.
6. Humans can usually easily catch and kill snakes - We can have victory over sin and evil. ‘ “...You shall bruise his heel.”
MONDAY - FORBIDDEN FRUIT
1. Satan attacks us at our most vulnerable, using the good, healthy things that God gave us: our desire for beautiful things, our desire for wisdom and knowledge, our desire for food, sustenance and life; our desire to be one with our spouse (physically and mentally); our desire to be like God (in a good sense, not to be gods, but to be closer to Him);
2. God most likely also wanted man to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, eventually
- He put it in the middle of the garden (along with the tree of life)
- He can communicate with us on a deeper level when we have this knowledge
- We can better avoid sin and seek redemption with such knowledge (Psa 19:13)
- It was not the knowledge of good and evil that caused death; but the removal from the garden and tree of life that causes death.
3. God most likely did not put the tree of knowledge in the garden to tempt but to teach. To tempt would be cruel and would not work anyway because someone soon in Adam and Eve’s offspring would eat of it.
4. Sin comes in through temptations of the things that are desirable as redemption comes from the opposite.
- humility “Desire for husband”: embracing our position in life and reverencing elevating God
- childbirth and child-rearing (learning to love and putting others first)
- hard work Gen 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread. (We can conquer evil as we can overcome weeks and serpents (You shall bruise his heel.)
TUESDAY-HIDING BEFORE GOD
1. Sin isolates us from God, even if it is unintentional.
2. God wants to reach out (Gen 3:9) and has a plan for the great controversy between good and evil.
3. His plan is what allows us to come to him and to call on him (Gen 4:26)
4. Blaming others doesn’t help us to make the decision to trust and obey God, a decision which is ours alone and for which we will have to accept the outcome.
We have ourselves to blame because ultimately it is our decision whether or not to listen, trust and obey God
FRIDAY -
"Moral and spirtual choices have an impact on biological life."
Our decision whether or not to obey God (shama, shama kole YHWH), yes even or especially with what we don't know or can't clearly see, is what will determine our fate
2022Q2L01-The Creation from the Quarterly titled Genesis
· Genesis very important book containing key information about our origin, our destiny, God’s character and plan for His creation, the origin and problem with iniquity.
· There are two different words used for God throughout the Bible and we see them starting in Genesis:
- el (god), plural is elohim (gods)
- YHWH: translated as "LORD"
· Elohim is used starting in Genesis 1 and throughout the description of creation. Contrary to popular belief that this is the BIG POWERFUL MIGHT GOD term, it is actually more of a generic little “g” god term. You can find it used as such elsewhere in the Bible as a generic term for god or gods that are not the creator (e.g Gen 35:2,4, Exo 20:3, Exo 23:24, Deu 12:3, etc.).
· The term YHWH (Yaweh) is first introduced starting in Gen 2:4
· Here, and many other places, YHWH is used along with “elohim” to denote that this is a specific god, in this case The God who created.
· It also corresponds with the time we see God acting as manager of the earth and of creation and of and relating to mankind.
· YHWH is not only the God that created (Gen 2:4) He is the one that man starts to call out to (Gen 4:26); He is the one that orders the flood (Gen 6:7); scatters the people at Babel (Gen 11:6); calls Abraham out from his land (Gen 15:18); makes a covenant with Moses; leads the Children of Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand; meets with Moses on Mt. Sinai and speaks directly to the people from that mountain.
· He is also the one who reveals His glory to Moses on the mountain (Exo 34:6), passing by him and proclaiming His own name: "The LORD (YHWH), the LORD (YHWH) God [El], merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,(Exo 34:7) ...
· MONDAY - It was good: God proclaims his work “good” and at the end of creation “good good” (or very good) indicating not only He is pleased with it, but that it ended up as He intended.
· TUESDAY - The Sabbath: The Sabbath caps off creation, ending the creation week on a very good note, on a time to enjoy the creation and relationships that were formed.
· WEDNESDAY - Creation of Humanity: We are physicially and spiritually made in the Image of God showing just how much God intended for us to be companions to Him, to be able to relate to Him and be close to Him
· THURSDAY - Duty of Humanity: All of the activities God created for Man (tending to the animals, tending the garden, joining in marriage, creating and raising children) are key to helping us understand our relationship with God, as our relationship with God seems to be the most important object that God had in mind for His creation.
· FRIDAY - Science and the Bible: The Bible withstands scientific scrutiny no matter how much knowledge man obtains. Who would know that the discovery of DNA and Chromosomes and DNA would support the fact that you can make a woman from a man, that the man has all the genetic information to do this, whereas you cannot go the other way to make a man from a woman (even as that would be the obvious assumption based on the fact that woman give birth to male babies all the time.)