An Intro idea for Glory Revealed 02.05.2012

Forgiveness Offered

Luke 5:17-26,29-32
To introduce the lesson theme that God wants all people to experience the forgiveness and grace Jesus offers, share a summary of the following article about an injured martial arts competitor who prayed for healing, but also asked for forgiveness in case he didn't make it. www.lvrj.com/sports/gunshots-knock-johnson-down-not-out-130408978.html

Ask:

• When Johnson realized he had been shot, he asked God to forgive him for his sins if he didn't make it. What other circumstances could cause a person to pray a prayer like this?
• Why do many people give no thought to their need for divine forgiveness until they face the prospect of death? What are the consequences of not dealing with our sins?
• What can we do to increase our awareness of our personal sin and our need for God's forgiveness so we address the problem on a timely basis?

Many people today are paying attention to their diet and exercise habits out of concern for their physical health. And that's a good thing. If we're sick, we go to the doctor because we want to get better. This lesson about Jesus' healing of the paralyzed man reminds us that in God's eyes, our spiritual health is more important than our physical health. In calling sinners to repentance, Jesus brings healing to the spiritually sick (Luke 5:31-32).

To highlight the truth that when we have been forgiven we should show grace to others, share a summary of the following article in which a typical interaction between young children encourages us to be gracious to others. www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/86/article/56011/

Ask:

• Do only young children find it hard to share what they have been freely given? Why is that?
• How did the man in Luke 5:17-26 respond to the grace Jesus showed him?
• If we have freely received grace and forgiveness from the Lord, how should we respond? Would it be right to keep this grace to ourselves? How do we share it?

Hope Discovered

Luke 7:1-17

To introduce the lesson theme that in Jesus, believers can find the hope they need to face the challenges of life, share a summary of the following article about a major city where many buildings are sinking and tilting due to the unstable ground they are built on. seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2016310507_mexicosinking...

Ask:

•  
• Would you knowingly buy a house with a sinking foundation and uneven floors? Why or why not?
• The article observes, "There's no hope that things will get better." Do you think this inevitable sinking is an apt metaphor for our physical bodies? How should Christians feel about that?
• Predictably, the posted comments to this article deny the problem or blame it on a conspiracy. What are some ways we try to deny the reality of our aging and inevitable physical death?

In the Scripture passages for this lesson, Jesus raised two people from death to life. We should not conclude from these accounts that it is His will and plan to keep believers from sickness and death today. His purpose was to reveal His divine power, including even His power over death (Luke 7:16). Reflecting on his own death, the apostle Paul encouraged his readers to focus not on our declining bodies but on the inner spiritual renewal and the hope of resurrection we have as believers (2 Cor. 4:16).

To highlight the truth that in Christ we have real hope no matter how grim our circumstances, share a summary of the following article about a young man, formerly in the grip of drug addiction, who is now free to serve Jesus Christ. www.times-herald.com/local/Former-addict---shares---story--1864990

Ask:
 

• Stewart's former hopelessness was connected to his drug addiction. What was (or is) the source of the hopelessness you felt in the past, or feel at times today?
• How has Jesus Christ brought you hope in the middle of your hopeless situation?
• Stewart is eager to give his testimony of hope. What are you doing to share your story of hope found in Christ with people around you?

Wholeness Restored

Mark 5:1-3,6-13a,15-20

To introduce the lesson theme that people need to realize that Jesus has power over evil and can restore a person to wholeness, share a summary of the following article by a swimmer who was rescued by a young surfer after he got caught in water over his head: Tiring swimmer saved by a young surfer
 

Ask:

• What are some similar situations in which we may find ourselves "in over our heads," unable to deliver ourselves out of our trouble?
• Why do you think we often attempt, like the man and his wife in this story, to get ourselves out of a bad situation without calling on others to help us?
• Why was it so important to the rescued swimmer to thank the surfer who helped him? How would it transform our worship if we had the same awareness of Jesus' rescuing us?

Like this article, the Scripture passage for this week's lesson describes a situation where a man was in a desperate situation. The people around him tried their best to help according to their own abilities, and failed. They thought the situation was hopeless. Without Jesus, they were right - it was hopeless. Our churches may offer great programs and resources to help people with their problems, but we should remember that some of our problems can be resolved only with divine help.

To highlight the truth that Jesus has the power to rescue and restore people to wholeness, share a summary of the following article about the journey of a young girl from hopelessness in a Russian orphanage to faith in Christ and adoption into a loving family: Russian orphan speaks about a simple gift

Ask:

• Oksana clearly believes God delivered her from a hopeless situation. How would you answer a skeptic who said her story isn't a miracle - it's just a series of coincidences?
• How is your life different because Jesus has intervened and given you hope? How might you share your story with your church? With an unbelieving friend?
• How could our class be part of letting people know about Jesus who gives hope to the hopeless?

Welcome to our Spring 2012 Study:
FINDING A HEART OF WORSHIP
(Psalms)

This week we'll be reading Psalm 42& 43...

Many things can cause us to long for God the way a thirsty creature longs for water. some believe that Psalm 42 was composed after the division of the Israelite Kingdom by a Judean in the North who was cut off from the Temple at Jerusalem.

Continuing the tone established in the previous Psalm, Psalm 43 implores God to allow the worshiper to return to Jerusalem and the Temple. While worship today does not require believers to travel to a particular location, these Psalms may be of special comfort for those who live where freedom of worship is prohibited.

What would your heart long for if you were prohibited from worshiping Jesus Christ?

Psalm 92 is a Psalm of joy by a person who believes in God's providence and justice and has experienced it. The righteous have been rewarded and the wicked have been punished. This constitutes a call to praise. Note how the Psalm begins and ends with God.

The theme of this psalm is gratitude to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness. Believers can count on God to keep His promises and to bless them. The psalmist praises God with musical instruments like the lute, harp, and lyre. He also sang for joy.

Those who trust in God will prosper. However God's purposes and works are so great that sinners cannot understand them. The wicked grow like weeds but they will be cut down. Their doom is sure. Using the metaphor of a tree, the psalmist declared that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. And they are as stately as the Cedars of Lebanon. Planted in the presence of the Lord, they flourish.

The psalmist open this hymn with praise and thanksgiving to God for His love and faithfulness. God's purposes confused the wicked. Their lives were characterized as weeds that are cut down.

In contrast, the psalmist was given strength like that of a wild ox. The psalmist's enemies had been defeated. He'd been anointed with perfumed oil used in festive occasions. And the psalmist declares that righteous people will be fruitful and will remain vigorous!

INTRO IDEA: To introduce the lesson theme that believers should recognize the importance of worship in our relationship with God, share a summary of the following article about an annual cowboy worship service for participants and spectators at a rodeo event: Worship part of rodeo circuit

Ask:

• Do you make a point to attend church services when you are away from home on vacation or traveling? If so, what has the experience been like for you?
• How does worshiping the Lord create a bond with other believers, even if they are not members of your church?
• Ross described the cowboy church service as emphasizing God's Word. Is God’s Word the central part of our worship? Should it be? Explain.

Hearing a message of challenge and encouragement from God's Word is important, but it's not the only reason we gather as believers on Sunday mornings. Sometimes we don't pay as much attention to the prayers, Scripture readings, and songs as we do to the preaching. Some members don't even participate in the congregational singing. Encourage your learners to ask themselves two questions: Why should we celebrate God, and how can we celebrate Him better?

CONCLUSION IDEA: To highlight the truth that we should gladly participate in praise and worship to our God, share a summary of the following article about church members who plan to keep on worshiping despite the ongoing legal battle over the rights of churches to rent space from New York City schools: Church Banned From School Building, Worships on NYC Street

Ask:

• What would your church have to give up if you lost the ability to use the building where you now meet for worship, and had to meet out on the streets? Would you still attend? Why or why not?
• What reaction do you think you would get in your community if your church held its Sunday services out on the streets?
• Council Member Cabrera asked whether it's better to have religious groups out on sidewalks and in parks, or having them pay the city to meet inside empty school buildings. Which do you think he thought was better? Do you agree with him? Explain.

Tell us: What would you like your learners to know or do as a result of this lesson? What other ideas or articles have you found to encourage learners to apply the truths of this lesson?

This Psalm is closely linked to the previous Psalm 106 and may be regarded as a continuation of the series. The Psalm points to the time of the return from the Babylonian captivity. The theme of the Psalm is God's dependable love.

The Psalm begins with a call to Thanksgiving. Let those who have experienced God's deliverance speak up. He formed the nation, bringing them to worship in the Temple. Note how the refrain is repeated: “let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.” (v. 8, 15,21, 31)

Man is a pilgrim in God is our guide. The psalmist cited troubles from which God delivers His people. Men were nomads and aimless wanderers with no city to call home. They were refugees who cried out to the Lord in their trouble. God led them to a city.

Man is a prisoner and God is our deliver. The prison may be literal or maybe a prison of sin. In both cases mankind is enslaved. He cried to the Lord and He brought them out, freed them, and pardoned them.

Man is a sufferer and God is our physician. Some were sick with sin and near the gates of death. They cried to the Lord and He healed them.

Man is a sailor and God is our pilot. Sailors in distress found that their courage melted and they were at their wit’s end. They cried to the Lord and He stilled the storm, just as Jesus did on the Sea of Galilee.

God is the Lord of both nature and the nations. He controls man's habitation. He provides for the needy and He punishes their oppressors. The Psalm describes God's dependable love which is unchanging, unlimited, undeserved, and always available.

We'll look at Matthew's account of the Lords' Supper and Jesus' Death this week:

The celebration of the Lord's Supper signaled two important points: one looks forward and the other looks backward. Looking backward, we remember Jesus’ redemptive death. Looking forward, we anticipate His return with all the redeemed.

After sundown on Thursday, Jesus and His disciples relaxed to enjoy the Passover meal. During the meal, Jesus took, blessed, and broke the bread. As He gave it to his disciples, He told them to eat the bread. It represented His body. Soon, that body would be given for them and death. After the disciple said a prayer of thanksgiving, He gave the cup to his disciples, telling them all to drink from it. The cup represented Jesus’ “blood of the covenant” which would soon be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus saw this meal as a foretaste of the meal He would someday share with his followers in the Kingdom of His Father. This last meal was a pledge of the certainty of the kingdom being established that they're sharing together. Next, Jesus went with His disciples to Gethsemane, probably a garden on the Mount of Olives. Jesus wanted to pray and instructed His disciples to stay outside, but he took His three closest disciples with Him: Peter, James, and John.

Many of the Gospel’s themes converge here in the garden. God is in control of all these events, however tragic they may seem.

 Jesus is the Son of God who is suffering and dying. His death is humiliating... the voluntary and active obedience fulfilling God's will. Jesus submits to arrest which emphasizes His voluntary submission to death. Jesus is then sentenced by the Jews after being betrayed by Judas. He is then sent to Pilate, who let the crowd make a choice: Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd chose to free a murderer rather than the One who came to save them from sin. Jesus then endures extreme pain and ridicule from the soldiers, the religious leaders, and the crowd. He willingly submitted this abuse as part of His mission.

At Jesus'  death, three unusual events took place: unnatural darkness, tearing of the temple veil, and resurrection of the Saints.  The darkness was probably symbolic of God's judgment upon those who rejected his son. It is not surprising that nature reacted with darkness during the hours when the Creator of dying on a cross. The veil at the entrance to the Holy of Holies was split from top to bottom, which can symbolize the opening of direct access to God because of Jesus's death. Also, an earthquake splits rocks and causes tombs to open;  and Matthew wrote that after Jesus had been raised from the dead, the bodies of many of God's people buried near Jerusalem were alive again.

Matthew lists followers who witnessed the events of the cross. These include Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and John,  as well as the Centurion and those who were guarding Jesus. These witnesses can testify that Jesus really did die. And the Centurion's testimony about all these events can help us conclude that this man really was the Son of God!

The news of Jesus’ resurrection spread around the region. Many of Jesus followers had a hard time believing this incredible news. Two followers of Christ and headed to Emmaus. As they walked and talked, they were joined by another man, who asked interesting questions and seemed very ignorant of the recent events in Jerusalem. The two travelers were amazed at how much the stranger knew about Jesus and about the Scriptures. His conversation was so warm that they couldn't resist inviting him to stay with them for the evening. And that is when their eyes were really opened.

These men spoke frankly would Jesus but they did not recognize Him. The conversation reveals how Jesus friends were feeling before they became aware of his resurrection. This is revealed by not only their words but how they looked: they stood still, their faces downcast (v. 17).

Jesus led the two in a discussion of the Old Testament Scriptures. Like today, many people are diligent students of the Scriptures, but they miss the central message. Many times we focus our attention on the passages that present the Messiah is a glorious king, but missed the passage the speaker suffering is God's way of dealing with evil. Jesus proceeded to show these men how the theme runs through the Old Testament. He showed them that the suffering of the cross is the way of triumph.

As the day concluded the two men recognize Jesus. He then miraculously disappeared from their site. They became certain in knowing who Jesus was and the sharing of Scripture and the breaking of bread. And they now realize why their hearts had burned with them as they walked along the way with Jesus.

The resurrection of Jesus is a central doctrine to the Christian faith. Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians that they already believed in Christ's resurrection. Otherwise they would not have been Christians. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, resurrection from death is obviously possible. What is impossible for mankind in general is possible for God. Furthermore, if there is no resurrection, the message of the gospel is meaningless and worthless.

The exact nature of Jesus resurrection body is still a mystery to us. He appeared to the disciples from time to time, usually suddenly. On one hand he had a body that could be seen and touched. On the other hand, he could appear suddenly even in a room with locked doors and walls. The resurrection of Jesus means more than Jesus spirit survive death. It points to two great truths of what we believe as Christians.

1. The tomb was empty.
2. Many people saw Jesus alive in bodily form.

Jesus Christ is not the average Messiah. His story is extraordinary. He called himself divine yet He allowed a human soldier drive a nail into His wrist. He demanded purity, yet He stood up for the rights of sinners. He taught about a Kingdom, yet refused men to allow them to make Him an earthly king. He sent his disciples into the entire world, but equipped them with only the bended knee of prayer, the discourses of a mere three years of training, and the memories of a resurrected carpenter. His claims are too outrageous to limit Him to just a “good teacher” or  a prophet sent to reveal truth. His own claims eliminate these possibilities. He is the Messiah. The Son of God. The Word. The Resurrected Lord. The King of Kings!

Sources: M. Lucado. J. MacArthur. Shepherd’s Notes: Luke.

Read Galatians 2:19 – 21

The death of Jesus Christ will put to death the self (which tries to please God by keeping the Law) and opens a new way. This new way is the Way of faith. Faith recognizes that a right relationship with God is not a human achievement, but a gift from God. Paul tells us, ”I have been crucified with Christ.” When Jewish believers saw the death of the sacrificial animal such as a lamb, they recognized that the animal was dying as a consequence of their sin. When followers of Christ see the death of Jesus, we see Christ receiving the consequences of our sin. We identify with Him in His death.

Martin Luther put it this way: For we are called Christians because we may look at the Christ and say: dear Lord, you took all my sins upon Yourself. You became Martin, Peter, and Paul, and thus You crushed and destroyed my sin. There on the cross I must and will seek my sin. You have directed me to find it there. On Good Friday I clearly see my sin, but on the day of Easter no sin is any longer to be seen.

Millard Erickson identified three theological dimensions to our union with Christ:

1. The believer's union is judicial. When God sees the believer, He sees him united with Christ. God sees the believer in Christ as righteous. In a right relationship with Him.

2. The believer's union is spiritual. This is a union of two spirits in which they maintain their separate identity but by which the believer’s spirit is enriched by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

3. The believer's union is vital. Jesus pictures believers as branches of divine, which is Himself. The life of Christ flows into and sustains the believer.

The death of Jesus Christ, which happened in space and time, is appropriated into the believer's life so is no longer an external event but one that transforms and gives life.

Read Romans 6:1 – 7

Paul describes a Christian's death to sin by a reference to baptism. Baptism proclaims with simplicity what has happened in a person's life.

1. Baptism is an identification with Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The believer says to the world, I am with Him and I belong to Him.

2. Baptism is a proclamation that we have died to sin. Our sin and the consequences of sin were taken on by Jesus, and our sins were what put Him to death. By realizing the hideous nature of tone’s sin, a believer should have an aversion to it.

3. Baptism tells the world that just as God raised Jesus from the dead, never to die again; so also we are being raised from the waters of baptism to walk in newness of life.

*A Note on Baptism: in many evangelical churches today, people are invited to confess publicly their faith in Christ by walking down an aisle and shaking hands with the pastor. But in Paul's day there were no buildings with Isles for people to walk down. Instead, they made their confession of faith public by submitting to baptism. It is highly unlikely that the early church ever faced a situation in which one professed a belief in Jesus Christ but refuse to be baptized. Baptism was both the time and the mode of confession that one made his public commitment and faith to Jesus Christ as Lord. Salvation is exemplified and modeled in baptism. This so changes an individual that one receives a new nature which delights in serving God.

In conversion, followers of Christ pass from an experience of slavery to sin into the service of God.

Read John 15:1 – 5

Jesus presented a parable of the Vine and branches. The lesson of this teaching is the need of the branches (the believers) to abide or remain in the Vine (Jesus Christ). Only by abiding in the True Vine can the branches bear fruit.

The word “remain” means to stay or abide. Remaining in the Vine is not static. In John 15:5, this word is in the present tense which indicates a continuous action. It is the branch that remains and continues to remain in the Vine that produces the fruit. Jesus does not indicate the nature of the fruit, but Galatians 5:22 tells us that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The main point of this parable is fellowship between the believer and Christ. In order to produce fruit, the believer must abide (or live for) Jesus Christ.

Sources: Martin Luther (Easter Sermon); Christian Theology:M. Erickson. Shepherd's Notes: for Galatians; Romans; John.

Read Matthew 16:13 – 19

Jesus posed a question to the disciples: who do people say the Son of Man is?

The disciples responded with several opinions. Peter acted as the spokesman for the group, saying you are the Christ, the son of the living God. This is the first time in Matthew that anyone in Jesus his audience had acknowledged him as the Christ.

Jesus pray Simon first confession of faith. He declared that the sense I had come from God, not from human sources. He gave Simon a new name, Petros or Peter which means rock. The rock on which the church is billed as the faith shown by Peter and making his confession.

The phrase actually denotes a ledge or a cliff or a rock like that referred to in Matthew 7:24 on which the wise man built his house. Petros, the Greek word for Peter, (you can call him “Rocky”in English) refers to a similar detachment of a massive ledge.  However, we should not make too much emphasis on this point, since Jesus probably spoke to Peter in Aramaic, which does not have the same distinction as Greek.

The recognition of Jesus'  Messiah-ship marked an important step in the disciples' understanding of Jesus. However, He was not to be the kind of Messiah that the Jews expected.

Read Matthew 28:18 – 20

This passage is known as the Great Commission. Jesus’ commission to his disciples is sandwiched between a Truth and a Promise. Taken together, these statements more than equipped the disciples for carrying out the task.

The Truth is that all authority in both heaven and earth had been given to Jesus. The Promise is the One who has all the authority is already with His disciples, not only now but until the end of the age. In other words, it is a “co– mission,” a mission completed with Jesus. The disciples would not be alone, He will be with us all the way.

The word “disciple” normally referred to a student of a particular teacher or religious, or philosophical school. It was the task of the disciple to learn, study, and then pass along the sayings and teachings of the master or Rabbi. The Great Commission defines evangelism as making disciples who were baptized and obey all the commands of Jesus. It is important for us to realize that evangelism cannot be done without the discipleship. And discipleship cannot be done without evangelism.

Jesus Is Coming Again

Read Matthew 24:9-14

Jesus and His followers went to the Temple in Jerusalem. Knowledge of Jerusalem's approaching destruction filled Jesus with the deepest sorrow. Jesus had hoped to take the children of Israel under His leadership (wings), however they were not willing and so they would face their judgment. God never imposes His love by overriding human will. The unbelief of the people of Israel resulted in them choosing their own destiny of destruction.

As Jesus and His disciples left the Temple, His followers were marveling at its grandeur. Jesus predicted what might have seemed inconceivable at the time: namely that the Temple would soon be destroyed.

Herod had built this Temple in Jesus' time, the third to be constructed in Jerusalem. The first one was Solomon’s; the second was built by Zerubbabel; Herod’s construction began around 20 BC. The main structure was completed within 10 years. The decoration and finishing continued until A.D. 64, more than 30 years after Jesus’ death. History teaches us that the Temple was destroyed in AD 70 by the Romans. During the siege and fall of Jerusalem, the commanding Roman general, Titus, tried to save the Temple he actually gave orders “to club down” anyone who disobeyed his orders, but the soldiers, driven by their hatred of the Jews and the hope of finding riches in the Temple, were not to be restrained. Only the foundational "Western Wall" remains today.

As Jesus and His disciples left the Temple, two questions surfaced during their conversation. They focused on Jesus’ coming at the end of the age: When they rested on a hillside the disciples  also naturally questioned when such a catastrophe would occur:

• the first question:. “When will this happen?” V. 3
• the second question: “What will the sign be of Your coming at the end of the age?” V 3

Jesus clarifies that the destruction of the Temple and the end of the age are two separate events. But because the disciples could not imagine that one could occur without the other, they considered both questions one and the same.

Jesus answered the disciples questions by first addressing the question about the sign of the end of the age. He warned His disciples not to allow themselves to be led astray by false messiahs that would come. The time between Jesus earthly life and the earth's end time would be marked by sufferings in the Church. Persecution and executions of Christians would occur. Partly because of these, many within the Church would lose faith and love and be misled by false prophets.

The period of time before Christ's return will be characterized by a growing polarization of good and evil. God's people will increase in power, witness, and impact in the world. At the same time persecution and hostility will intensify and global conditions will deteriorate. The end will come only after the gospel is preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. (V. 14).

The rest of Luke chapter 24 deals with Jerusalem's coming destruction, the tribulation of Christians, signs of Jesus' second coming and an illustration of the fig tree as a sign. Jesus also challenged His disciples to be prepared because we do not know when Christ will return.

Read Revelation 7:9 & 22:12-14

God's Word; through the Apostle John in the book of Revelation; is the promise of Jesus to come back soon and to complete His plan. Jesus promises to return and reward each believer. (v.12) He also reveals His absolute deity (v.13)  and a final blessing is offered to those who have “washed their robes.”

If one continues to read this final chapter of Revelation, outside the new city are the unwashed: those who had rejected Jesus and his sacrifice (v.15).

Jesus reveals Himself as the fulfillment of the Messianic Hope. He, in His incarnation came in the line of David (see Isa. 11:10 & 53:2) and fulfills the Balaam prophecy: “there shall come a star out of Jacob” (See Num. 24:17).

The Church (the bride of Christ), moved by the Holy Spirit, cries out, “Come.” As the book is read the reader or hearer joins in: “Come, Lord Jesus,” and to the world:  “Come to Him.” In spite of the sovereign plan of God (Who knows the end from the beginning), there is a universal offer of salvation to everyone. God takes no delight in the death of the wicked. He asks all to be earnest and repent (v. 17).

John, authoring the book of Revelation, knows that his authority was from God and so he warns against any change in the Word by addition or subtraction. Jesus for a third and final time promises His return. (V. 20)

Sources: Luke Shepard's Notes; C L Rogers; The Topical Josephus; Josephus' Writings. WH Stephens. Shepherds Notes; Revelation.

In this week's passage Deuteronomy 6:4 – 9 is frequently referred to as the shema. It is the primary confession of faith of the one true God and a commitment to follow and obey his commands. It is the basic creed for Judaism. Devout Jews recited these words every morning and evening. They express in a nutshell the meaning of biblical faith. Jesus repeats these words in Mark 12:29 – 30 as a response proclaiming which command is the most important. The recitation of these verses was incorporated by Jews and their formal worship. The exclusiveness of God is to be passed down to children and grandchildren and to always be visible in her speech and actions every single day.

The land that Israel inherited from God had numerous large and beautiful cities (v. 10), which were said to be great and fortified up to heaven. In other words, they had  high and strong walls. Canaanite society was a patchwork of city-states with highly developed cities, not just land. So the Promised Land which was taken by the Israelites were urban areas, not just rural areas. God gave it to His people complete with walled cities, houses, cisterns, water systems, trees, and vineyards. All of these assets were gifts from God to His people.

However these gifts were given under certain conditions which Moses spells out in Deuteronomy 6:12 – 19. The main condition was faithfulness to God. If Israel continued to follow God when they came into possession of the cities, then it would be “righteousness for them “(see V. 6:25).

Believers who live in urban areas today can take encouragement from Israel's experience. God placed His people an early urban societies to live out His ways. God has also placed many of us, if not most, in urban settings to live out His ways. Following God among many neighbors is not only possible, it is vital!

Sources: ETB Winter 2012 QuickSource;  Word in Life Study Bible.

Read I Samuel 1:10 – 20; 1:27 – 2:1; & 12:23 – 24 (A Mother's Day Lesson)

In today's passage we meet Hannah, a woman who was distressed because she did not have a child. Her husband, Elkanah, was also married to Peninnah, who had borne him many children. Elkanah loved Hannah, but his other  wife ridiculed her because she was childless. Elkanah tried to console Hannah, but she was still heartbroken. So, on a trip to the Shiloh sanctuary, Hannah prayed to God about her situation. The priest Eli watched her from his chair. He presumed Hannah was drunk and scolded her. When she explained that she was praying about her distress, Eli blessed her and encouraged her about her situation.

Sometime later Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she named Samuel. Hannah Ray Samuel until he was weaned and then took him to live at the sanctuary at Shiloh. There he would be raised to serve the Lord in fulfillment of a vow she had made to God. Hannah prayed to God again rejoicing that God had answered her prayer. She affirmed God's incomparable holiness and rocklike stability.

Eli was the priest at Shiloh but he had turned over many of the duties to his sons. He watched Hannah praying and crying. As he watched, he failed to realize that Hannah was pouring out her heart to God and wrongly assumed she was drunk. After scolding her he added to her distress.

This should remind us to avoid making unwarranted assumptions about other people. Instead of adding to their pain we can prayerfully seek ways to encourage them. Often we don't know what kind of day someone has had or what they're experiencing personally. Unfortunately we many times jump to conclusions and instead of helping, merely add to the pain.

What we can also learn is that we can be honest to God when we pray... just as Hannah was. He welcomes our candid expressions of praise and petition. When Eli understood Hannah’s situation, he encouraged her with the blessing of peace. She was deeply troubled by her inability to have a child. God was capable of giving him the child. Eli added a prayerful encouragement concerning Hannah's request by saying may the God of Israel grant your petition

Hannah found that her prayer time with God plus Eli's encouragement were what she needed. She became confident that God would help her and was no longer downcast.

We can learn several lessons from the story: acknowledge that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and of our lives; and we can approach him through prayer and worship. God will offer His peace when we struggle with problems. And we can encourage others about God's gracious response to our prayers.

 Sources: Shepherd’s Notes. ETB Fall 2008: I Samuel

Here is a question about this passage I was recently asked:

God said he would never ask for a human sacrifice from us, yet he tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son? I don’t understand this story, could you explain and reconcile God’s request of the human sacrifice.

Here’s what the Bible says: in Genesis  22:2

     Take your son,” He said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

Abraham’s faith in God was put to the ultimate test. God instructed him to sacrifice his child?...the son he had waited so long for?   Imagine being in Abraham’s “shoes.” What would go through your mind? Would you question God or think He was being unreasonable? Would you be willing to sacrifice your child or would you flat-out disobey?

I admit, I don’t understand that verse by itself…although I have been tempted to take one or both of my sons up a hill somewhere!( I’m kidding.)This however, seems ot be a test for Abraham.  Tests are to build us in discipline and faith, and strengthen our obedience. But we must look at the whole of Scripture to discover a deeper understanding of God’s lessons for us. In this case, without Hebrews 11:19, this particular subject would be much more difficult for me to understand.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. (Hebrews 11:17–19)

Now, child sacrifice is strictly forbidden in Scripture  (Deuteronomy 12:31-32)

You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every  abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for ^fthey burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.  “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

Murder is also forbidden.  (Exodus 20:13).  You Shall not Murder.

So: what was it about Abraham’s faith that allowed him to be willing to obey? Heb.11:19 reveals that Abraham concluded God was able to bring Isaac back to life. In fact, God would have to raise Isaac back to life because He had already promised to bless the world through Isaac’s offspring.

Abraham had a well-reasoned faith based on the character and nature of God. He had experienced God’s faithfulness and goodness. He knew God cannot lie and he knew of the blessings promised through Isaac. Consequently, Abraham passed the ultimate test of faith, and his well-reasoned faith stands as an example to us all.

God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, whose death could not pay for anyone’s sins. However, this entire account serves as a wonderful reminder of what God did when He sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross for our sins.

We are not instructed to have a blind faith. God expects us to trust in Him because we know that He alone is good and He will always keep His Word. Abraham’s supreme confidence in God and His Word provides a great example of true faith.